Wrote this drabble just for fun after thinking about the Second season Christmas Episode. I love Matthew/Mary and was beyond sad at the end of their story. This is my way of making sure it continues in Matthew's mind.
"I told you to be happy with my love you fool, not go get yourself passed into this life." Matthew was blinking furiously and couldn't believe who was in front of him. Lavinia was as real as anything he had ever seen and speaking to him, in fact almost angry at him. She was healthy looking and happy and why was he seeing her?
Oh that's right. Suddenly Matthew remembered the car accident. He had been so happy, the wind flowing through his floppy hair and then black. The truck had swerved and between the spending and losing control Matthew lost it all. One minute his whole life was ahead of him with Mary and the new baby; oh god his new son who was perfect in every way and then he was dead.
"Matthew my dear, it will come easier." It was a new voice, a more chipper one and Matthew turned to see Sybil. He hadn't realized they were standing in the library of Downton together and oh how real it was. "Lavnia did you finally tell him of that silly message you sent them on that board? I told you they wouldn't get it. Mary would never believe such silliness."
Matthew couldn't speak. Just hours ago he was alive and counting the fingers and toes on his son, he was kissing his beautiful and tired wife. Now he was in the afterlife with Lavinia and Sybil and god knows who else.
It was then that Sybil took his hand in an understanding way and began to speak, trying to ease his new fears. "Matthew it's wonderful in this life. You never want for anything and you can still see the family and make sure they are okay. Just watch Lavinia."
As he looked up he saw Lavinia close her eyes and go so peaceful, Matthew quickly doing the same. The second he shut his eyes he could see Mary in the hospital feeding their son. Her voice was wavering as she spoke to him "My little Matthew," as her long black hair fell to cascade around her shoulders. It was enough to make his stomach flip and then pain hit him as he wouldn't get to be there.
"I see that look Matthew and I understand it. Every day I have to watch Tom with Sybie but isn't he so good with her." Sybil's face transformed to one of love as she spoke about the family she left. "I'm so proud of Tom and how far he has come. I always knew he had such greatness about him and now Sybie will as well. Don't you see Matthew? Mary will be fine as well; she always has been the stronger one of us."
Matthew knew it was true. Mary was far stronger than he would have been if it was he who was left. He would have to come to terms with this new after life and watching the woman he loved so dearly. He would keep his promise and love her even after his last breathe and pray that one day she would know.
"Oh good, I will go get William. I'm sure he is dying to see you Matthew. Get it, Dying?" Lavinia made a poor excuse of a joke and even in death it was corny. Sybil laughed as her red hair disappeared and Matthew whispered to himself. "Oh my Darling I will miss you so."
In the hospital Mary felt a cold chill run down her spine and knew.. A part of her was now missing.
