All Is Not As It Seems

So, I had a brainwave for a new fiction… Not entirely sure where it is going, and the updates will be very irregular. Hope you enjoy!

"Mary darling, please eat something."

"Mother, I've already told you several times I am not hungry." Mary sighed, fed up of being molly coddled by her family. She looked down at the bundle in her arms, the spitting image of his Father, she thought. She had been reluctant to name him at first, but after encouragement from her sister she understood her little boy could not remain unnamed forever. So finally she decided on Reginald Matthew Crawley, Reggie for short.

A week had passed since the happiest, yet most destructive day of her life, and today was the day she was to bury her beloved. Today was the day she would say goodbye for the final time. Somehow little Reggie had picked up on the saddened vibe in the house, and did not cry, only stared at his Mother with a small frown on his face. A look that reminded Mary so much of Matthew she couldn't look at him for too long, in fear of breaking down.

"Mary, if not for me eat for Reggie." Cora pestered, worried about her wellbeing. All this comment received was a look from Mary that indicated she was not going to give in to the constant rumblings in her stomach. For Mary feared drastically if she ate anything, chances were that food would not stay in her system for long. In the week since her husband's death, Mary had eaten very little. Much to her family's dismay this meant she was losing weight.

It was just gone midday, and Mary, Cora, Edith and Violet were all taking luncheon outside. Well, Cora, Edith and Violet were. Mary was simply staring at her food, lost in thought of her Husband. The weather had granted a warm day, with the sun shining across the surrounding land, a day Mary knew Matthew would have liked. It was like the weather was mimicking his personality, warm and bright. The funeral was to be held at half past three that afternoon, in the local village so that the villagers could pay their respects to a war hero who died in a tragic accident.

"If you'll excuse me, I feel like a walk." Mary announced, rising from her chair and gracefully placing Reggie in his pram. "Could you watch Reggie for me?" She asked, gratefully nodding when they three women agreed.

Dressed in black, Mary juxtaposed the weather massively. Despite it being socially correct, Mary felt unable to dress in any other colour, as she feared it would suggest to people she was coming to terms with her Husband passing away. Something of course she was not doing. In a short time, Mary found herself on the other side of the house. Under a tree, and sat on a bench that held so many memories for her. The most recent, present in her head, the day before they headed to Scotland. Mary closed her eyes and allowed the memory to replay in her mind.

"Mary I really don't think it is wise for you to travel to Scotland so late in your pregnancy." Matthew said, his arm curled around her shoulder, and his other wrapped protectively over her stomach.

"Oh for heavens sake Matthew. Women do a lot more this late in their pregnancies! Mama travelled to New York and back when she was carrying Sybil! I'm sure an hours train journey will do no harm." She reassured him, touched by his concern. Matthew sighed, accepting the fact that his wife would not budge on this matter.

"I suppose, I just don't want our child to be born away from here. This is our home, and this is where baby should first arrive." Mary smiled. She turned to face her husband, and planted a sweet kiss on his lips.

"Thank you."

"For what my dear?"

"For being so patient with me. I know I haven't been particularly nice over the past few weeks, and you have accepted all my insults without retorting."

"Mary, that is because I know deep down you don't mean a word. You say those things in the heat of the moment because you are stressed and in pain, and it makes me feel better, knowing somehow that is your way of sharing the burden with me. Promise me something."

"What?" She asked, a small frown glancing across her face.

"Promise me, no matter how ratty you feel, or how upset you are, you will never ever forget how much I love you."

"And just how much is that?"

"Look at Downton." He said, turning her head to face the house. "Count how many bricks there are."

"But Matthew that's impossible." She questioned, extremely confused.

"Exactly. When you asked me to describe how much I love you, that is your answer. It is impossible." Matthew brought his hand to her chin, and turned Mary's face to him. There were many times when he was astounded by her beauty, and now was one of those times. Mary smiled, and leaned in so their foreheads were touching.

"I love you." She said. Perhaps it wasn't as artistic as Matthews declaration, but it had the same effect. Matthew smiled broadly, and captured her lips with his. They were a perfect fit, something they had worked out years ago. They were each other's missing piece. Together, they made a puzzle complete, and what a beautiful puzzle it was.

That was one of the happiest times of her life. It was less than two weeks ago, but at that moment it felt like years. She kept her eyes closed, trying to not release the image of her soul mate from her mind. She was scared. Scared that as the days passed, so would the image of her husband. Each image would become less detailed, until she couldn't remember every detail of his face. Every line on his skin, and every scar. Despite her grief, Mary hadn't cried much. But at that moment, she felt like she needed to. Her hands covered her eyes, as the tears streamed down her face. She sobbed, gut wrenching cries, that sounded lonely and empty. Mary felt emotionally exhausted. Fed up of hiding behind the mask of the cold and careful Lady Mary. At that moment she felt like Miss Mary Crawley, the young one in need of nothing more than a hug.

Suddenly she felt arms wrap around her, holding her to their body. Whoever it was, they felt familiar. They smelt familiar, and the comforting sounds escaping their mouth were recognisable too. But Mary refused to believe. In that moment, she felt like she had gone mad. This was impossible. She refused to open her eyes. If this was a dream, she intended to savour it for as long as she could. Her strength was slowly returning, and she gripped her saviour tightly, not allowing them to release her.

"Shh. It's okay." The person was saying, calming her down. There was only one voice able to calm her down like this, and she forbid herself to believe he was here. It was inconceivable.

"Tell me I'm not dreaming." She prayed, her face in the crook of his neck.

"You're not." He replied, stroking her hair, releasing his grip slightly. She finally felt the courage to look up, and to open her eyes.

She wasn't dreaming. He really was there. It was real. Her soul mate. Her husband. Her Matthew. Her tears kept on falling, but they were no longer grief filled. It was happiness instead. She shook her head, smiling at the man in front of her, unable to speak quite yet.

"But… How-"

"Shh. I will explain my dearest. But not yet. I know you deserve an explanation, and that you will have, but for now I need your help." Matthew pleaded, and Mary noticed the fear in his voice. She could do nothing but nod.

"I need somewhere to stay. But no one must know. No one can know I am alive." It was at this point Mary finally noticed his appearance. Dishevelled, he looked as if he hadn't washed in a week. He was wearing the same clothes he was found in. He looked tired, and weary, a look she could only compare to when he returned from war. She started to think, of a place he could go, he could stay without being disturbed.

"I can only think of one place, but it would mean revealing you to two people. But these are two people I would trust with my life, and I know you can trust with yours."

Matthew thought for a moment, it was as if Mary could almost see his brain working.

"Okay. But it must be quick." He replied, stroking her cheek with his hand. Mary nodded, and slowly rose from the bench.

"Darling, today…" She started, trying to find the right words. "Today is, well yes, I suppose it still is your funeral. It is at half past three."

"Then we need to move quickly." He got up too. "You go and fetch them, and I shall stay here. I love you." He gathered her in his arms, and kissed her passionately. He had missed her horrendously and the past week had been the hardest of his life. But he knew it was necessary. Reluctantly, he pulled away, and watched her walk slowly towards the house.

Once Mary had reached the house, she headed straight to her room and rang the chord that was linked to downstairs. She had to wait only a few short minutes before there was a knock at her door. Mary rushed towards it and ushered the servant in.

"Anna, I need your help."

Okay, I really hope you enjoyed reading this! I have absolutely no idea when I will update, but you shouldn't have to wait too long. Please review if you find the time, it will make my day!

Thanks

Erin : )