A/N: I had some problems writing Mary this chapter so for the M/M fans I hope this seems in character.
Frustrated Rose called from the door, "It's my turn remember?"
Sighing Mary followed along with a hesitant Edith and an excited Sybil. A night at a seedy jazz club was most definitely not her idea of fun but alas fair was fair and who knows, maybe she will be surprised.
They stepped in the club just as the band began a new song. With the music playing so loudly Mary wondered how the people dancing didn't need to shout to hear each other. Watching as some of the couples danced closer than appropriate her question was answered. The club was in full swing.
Checking her coat in with the footman Mary turned around only then seeing her sisters' ensembles. "Sybil! Edith!"
It had been years since she had seen Sybil wear her harem trousers; before the War and even than it had only ever been around the family. As her sister stood tall and smiled confidently she knew she shouldn't be quite so surprised that Sybil would pick this daring frock but Mary hadn't thought Edith would join her in her endeavor!
Edith's gown while seemingly appropriate had its own shock factor. The green skirt left a gap leading up her knee that allowed Edith's legs to be seen.
Sybil smiled broadly and tried and failed to look innocent. "What?"
Mary only rolled her eyes but they was a slight smile to her face.
"Oh hush. There's nothing wrong with being a little daring!" Rose declared.
Edith chuckled. "Of course you would say that after all, you were the one who insisted we wear them tonight!"
"As if Sybil needed persuading," Mary teased.
Sybil grinned but said nothing her face showing only joy.
Rose smiled but as her eyes glanced past the dancing couples she caught sight of the reason why she had chosen this place. "I'll be right back why don't you three go find us a table?" Without waiting for a reply Rose began walking through the crowd.
Standing tall Edith tilted her head as she looked for a table. "I think I see one over there."
Following behind her two sisters Mary was passing the small staircase leading to a platform when someone coming down the stairs tripped and bumped into her.
"I'm terrible so-" the man started when Mary turned around and found herself staring into a pair of very familiar blue eyes.
"Matthew." Mary whispered, surprised to see him here of all places.
"Matthew!" Sybil proclaimed, "What are you doing here?"
Matthew swallowed his eyes staring right into Mary's. "Mary it's… it's so good to see you!" Pulling his eyes from hers and he looked over her head and smiled at her sisters. "Edith, Sybil it's good to see you too."
"Matthew!" Mary looked up to find a dark haired man a bit younger than Matthew calling out to him.
He turned and called, "Hold your horses Christopher!" Shaking his head Matthew turned back to Mary. He smiled back before asking out, "Where are you seating?"
"Oh," Mary glanced around. "We haven't found one quite yet."
"Then please join mine." He said it so easily that it surprised her, and unknowingly to her to him as well.
Still Mary hesitated, "We wouldn't want to intrude."
Matthew smiled in that carefree matter that had always made her heart flutter. "I highly doubt my friends will mind when they see me bring three beautiful ladies to our table." He looked into her eyes as he spoke only looking away after.
Noticing the slight tension between Sybil smiled and asked Matthew to lead the way.
Sure enough Matthew's two friends, a Mr. Christopher Smith and a Mr. Daniel Winslow were only happy to oblige. It was then as the three sisters were being introduced to Matthew's colleagues when Rose found them.
"There you all are! Mary, Edith, Sybil I would like you to meet the owner of this establishment." Grinning ear to ear Rose stepped away to reveal Sir Anthony Strallan.