George Matthew Crawely was now two weeks old... Two weeks she had been without Matthew... Two weeks, and she was still in shock. Mary woke up every morning still expecting to see her husband Matthew by her side, but it would only happen in a dream. When Mary heard the tragic news of her husband's passing she did not want to be with anyone but her baby, George. He was already reminding her of Matthew, his hair and eyes. She stayed with George as much as she could because he was Matthew's gift to her; she was so grateful to him. But now back at home she has to accept that except for George she is alone.
That day Tom had come by to see how Mary was doing. She found this very helpful because he was the only one who truly knew how she felt and what she was experiencing. Sybie loved to visit little George. She would run over to him as soon as she saw the baby. Mary would keep a watchful eye on both Sybie and George as she got up to talk to Tom.
"How are you doing today, Mary?"
"I'm just glad I have George..." As she trialled off Tom realized how depressing the house looked all in black...again.
"We have gone through a tough year but you will pull through stronger than ever."
"You think so? I don't know how much more I can take."
"Your sister always admired you for being so brave and strong. She told me so many stories from when you were all little. I know how strong you can be."
Just then Carson called everyone in for dinner. As everyone started to eat, Mary noticed how empty the table was. Her parents, Granny, Edith, Tom, and herself. No Matthew, no Sybil. Mary wanted to talk about a happy subject, something to take her mind off Matthew.
"Edith, how is Mr. Gregson?" Mary inquired.
"Oh, he is very well thank you for asking." Edith sounded delighted to talk about him and of course Violet disapproved.
"And how is his wife?"
"Granny!" Mary was furious about the rude remark. "Why can't you let her be happy, she has found someone who she cares about! That's all that matters!"
Everyone was silent for the rest of dinner. No one wanted to upset Mary. But the silence upset her even more, so she excused herself from the table, picked up George, and went up stairs.
"I didn't mean to upset the poor girl." Said Violet, realizing how upset Mary was.
"We know Mama, you didn't mean any harm. Cora should I go check on her?" Robert said sympathetically.
"No dear I think I should."
When Cora reached Mary's room she could hear her soft sobs before she opened the door. She knocked but Mary did not reply. She opened the door and saw Mary holding the baby tight to her chest sitting on the foot of her bed, trying to compose herself but not having much success.
"Mary..." She was interrupted.
"Mama! Why did this happen? I don't understand! I need help, I need Matthew!"
Cora utterly heartbroken, attempted to calm her daughter "Oh Mary..." She was interrupted again.
"Matthew! Matthew! Matthew!"
After this Mary broke down completely. Cora could see all the pain and suffering in Mary's eyes. All she could do was hug her grieving daughter and grandchild.