So here is chapter three! I'm kind of just going with the flow with this so let me know if it's worth continuing :)

The weather had gotten worse and lightening lit up the estate. Cora Crawley was watching the news in bed while Robert was getting dressed in their wardrobe.

''How long do you think this storm is meant to last?'' She asked nervously, seeing the weather forecast was for more rain and wind in the next week.

''I'm not too sure love. We are prepared for any amount of time really and the village is pretty safe. ''

''I feel terrible for Isobel. Poor thing not being able to come home and worrying about Matthew.''

''He's safe here and she knows that. We will help her with the rebuild if she chooses to stay in Downton.'' Robert replied pulling back the covers to his bed and getting in. Cora shuffled over to him and leant against his shoulder.

''I think the girls like Matthew. He's charming and rather easy on the eye.'' Cora smiled, eyes still glued to the screen in front of the bed.

''Should I be worried?''

''Of course not.''

''Well let's set Edith up with him. The other two are accounted for.'' Robert laughed.

''I still don't see what's going on with Mary and Richard. They just don't suit.''

''Don't let her hear you say anything like that, she knows how you feel on that front.'' He grabbed the remote and turned the television screen off.

The two were still sitting in the exact same spots on the couch as when the movie began and were currently sharing a bag of M&M's. Mary was pleased that she decided to ask him to join her and was beginning to learn how funny Matthew was. He would make comments about the characters in the film or about how he would do it better. As every minute passed, Mary wanted to know more and more about the once young boy who grew up in the village. Their paths had never crossed with Matthew leaving so early to go to boarding school and Mary spending her first years being homeschooled with Edith, Sybil being a little too young.

A certain iPhone ringtone started, signaling she was getting a call from Richard as she quickly got up off the couch and walked over to her wardrobe. Matthew felt rude continuing so paused the film while Mary answered.

''Hello.''

''Hi Mary. What are you up to? You weren't replying to my texts.''

''I'm sorry dear I've just been watching a movie.'' She answered as she stepped into get her slippers from her shoe rack.

''Oh that's nice. Which one?''

''Red.''

''Didn't think you'd be interested in an action film.''

''Well I am. Look Richard can I call you back tomorrow?''

''Umm sure whatever suits. You know I hate sleeping in this bed without you next to me. I miss you Mary.''

''I miss you too and I promise to be back in London as soon as the road opens.''

''Good night dear.'' And with that the conversation ended.

''Sorry about that Matthew. Thanks for pausing it.'' Mary smiled and sat back down where she was a moment ago. He chucked her the bag of M&M's and she grabbed a hand full.

''Isn't this weather just terrible. I hope Mum's house isn't getting worse.'' Matthew looked out towards Mary's window.

''Is everything safe?''

''I've managed to put all the valuables in a safe place.''

''It's such a shame.''

''Yeah I guess my Mum will have to stay with me in London while the repairs are done.'' Mary smiled. How thoughtful.

It was a few minutes later that the power went out.

''Shoot. Hang on I'll get some candles out of my bathroom.'' Mary got off the couch and used her phone to light a path through her pitch black room. Matthew laughed at her creativity.

''Do you need help?''

''No I'm fine.'' Mary answered bringing out three round candles and a lighter. ''I was prepared.'' She laughed.

''Should we check on the others?''

''I'm sure the others will be asleep. It's nearly 1am.''

''Well I should leave you to it then.''

''Oh Matthew you don't need to do that. Stay for a bit longer, the power might come back.'' Mary's demeanor changed and Matthew noticed she was a little frightened, yet seemed too stubborn to admit it.

A loud roar of thunder interrupted his thoughts.

''Please Matthew.''

''Fine. But you don't mind if I go to bed soon though? I've had a long day and I'm pretty drained.''

''Oh of course.'' Mary grabbed her duvet off her bed and brought it to the couch where Matthew was. ''Here let's keep warm, the heaters will have switched off.''

''Thanks.'' Matthew pulled half the duvet over him and immediately felt warmer.

A loud bang of thunder awoke Mary.

Her eyes slowly adjusted to the dark room as she began to remember how she had fallen asleep that night. Matthew was sitting awkwardly on the other end of the couch, her duvet covering him from head to toe and he was gently snoring.

Mary was glad she wasn't alone in the storm, having been frightened of thunder since she was young. She remembered when she was five years old and Downton had suffered from big snow storm. She had snuck downstairs to Carson the butler's room where he calmed her down and gave her a cookie.

''Nothing to worry about dear. It's only a bit of bad weather. Just think of the rainbow we will see tomorrow. And all the snow angels you can make tomorrow.'' He use to say which automatically cheered the young girl up.

Mary missed her childhood when things were simpler. But now her she was trapped in Downton, missing work and leaving her boyfriend alone in London. She quickly checked the time on her phone revealing it was 3:30am and attempted to fall back to sleep. She was out within seconds.

Mary's eyes were shut and all she could feel was her lips pressed against another. They were so soft and gentle yet still sent chills down her spine. They immediately ran their hands down her back while pulling her closer. She could feel a smile against her lips causing her heart to flutter. Mary felt a connection with this man, yet she couldn't make out his face. She stepped back, breaking the contact, opened her eyelids and looked into the piercing blue eyes of Matthew.

Well I hope you like this update! Let me know your thoughts and all that.

Thanks for reading!

Xxx