Once they were alone Matthew pulled Mary close to him, "Everything will be fine, darling. I promise."
She tightened her arms around him and inhaled deeply. Oh, Matthew. Mary felt him press his lips softly on the top of her head and she lifted her face to kiss her husband properly in response. Matthew sighed softly as he returned the kiss, gentle at first and then more firmly.
It felt good to get lost in Matthew. His taste and touch were welcome distractions. Lately, all Mary had felt was grief.
When Mary began absentmindedly loosening his tie, however, Matthew gasped and drew back, to see Mary looking up at him mischievously.
"Mary… Surely not…"
"Why not," Mary retorted, her voice low.
She continued lazily running her hands over his chest and shoulders finally, standing on her toes, to kiss him again.
"Mary. We couldn't possibly, it's – it's quite impossible!" His voice came out breathlessly, and entirely unconvincing. In truth he was already aching for her and had been from the moment her arms had draped around his neck.
Mary broke the kiss to catch her breath. After a moment she reached up to run her fingers through his hair, and decided to have a bit of fun with him.
"Yes, well, you're right darling. What was I thinking? With everyone just downstairs."
Feigning disinterest she began to pull away.
"We really should be getting back to the luncheon. I suppose Tom-"
Before Mary could finish her mock protest Matthew had pulled her into another long embrace. She grinned against his lips feeling quite triumphant.
Matthew continued to kiss Mary gently directing her to the settee in the corner. Mary was more than happy to follow his lead and let out a soft moan as Matthew lay her down and began kissing her neck eagerly.
Mary closed her eyes and relished the feel of his body on top of hers as his breath tickled her ear.
"I want you." He whispered.