Richard Carlisle dove into his work, losing himself in the daily responsibilities of his media empire. Wheeling and dealing with an eye on profit and satisfying the public's insatiable hunger for the latest scandal sheet was far more palatable than allowing his thoughts to return to...her. For several weeks now, Richard had focused on little that didn't involve his business exploits. His heart still stung from losing Mary to Matthew Crawley, though he could scarcely admit it to himself, much less to any confidant. "Such a show of emotion could be bad for business," he said to himself, chuckling softly. No, it would be better to plow ahead and forget her and her family.
"They never truly accepted me," he thought to himself while taking a brief respite from the day's affairs. Looking out his window over the bustling streets of London, he knew it to be true. The Crawleys had rarely shown any sign that they viewed him as anything more than "new money", and his modern views and direct manner clashed with their ancient, aristocratic ways. Lord Grantham, in particular, had failed to completely hide his disdain for Richard. He shook his head, expressing his displeasure with a slight frown. "What does it matter? That day is done," he said to the otherwise empty office. Hearing no response, Richard felt a need to get some fresh air and headed outdoors.
Grabbing his coat and hat, Richard stepped onto the sidewalk, deciding to purchase a copy of his chief competitor, the Times. He tossed a coin in the general direction of the newsstand and proceeded to flip through the pages of the daily. Richard prided himself in the fact that his publications had sewn up the marketplace, but always promised to keep an eye fixed on the doings of his rivals. He had nearly made up his mind to return to the office when his gaze caught a familiar name amongst the print. "Lady Mary Crawley to Wed Grantham's Heir" read a headline in the society page. He paused momentarily before folding the paper and briskly returning to his lair. This decision had been put off for far too long. Now it was time to put his plan into action.