Rating: Mature (in parts)
Spoilers: Season 1 & 2 trough the Christmas Special
Disclaimer: Any names off characters you recognize from Downton Abbey are not mine. All original characters do however belong to me. Fanfiction is in my opinion the ultimate form of flattery to a screenwriter :)
…
As I keep working on the next chapter of The Rightful Heir, I decided to post the next chapter of the continuation to my Downton Saga. RL has continued to be crazy busy lately. My lovely Irish beta, Tambear, is still recuperating. She has had a rough couple of months, so please send her your best wishes for a speedy recovery, and keep her in your prayers (if that's your thing).
WhileTambearis recovering, the talented and wonderful R. Gracehas so graciously agreed to help me out. Between the two of them, they have steered me in the right direction with this story. So, a huge thank you to R. Gracefor their help with this chapter, catching missing commas, odd grammar and offering excellent suggestions & advice! I hope that you will enjoy it!
…
A/N: As a guest was so nice to point out, Annabelle Napier is 'Miss' Annabelle, not 'Lady' Annabelle. I mixed up my characters, I'm afraid. Writing Lord Merton made me mix him up with Viscount Branksome, thereby giving Miss Annabelle the wrong title. Thank you for catching this mistake before I repeated it :)
I've been so busy, I'm terribly behind on answering comments and reviews. Please know that I treasure all of them, and I love when you share your thoughts. I have my favorite parts and scenes, but it's so lovely to hear which ones stood out to you, what really touched you, angered you, frustrated you or just made you go awww. LOL So, thank you, all of you for reviewing and favoriting this story.
…
…
Chapter 4 – Lovers' Secrets
Mrs. Patmore was in a rotten mood. She was barking orders, commandeering everyone around worse than usual. Daisy rushed through one task after the other, wishing that she had been gifted with four arms and hands so she could stir two pots while finishing the pie crust at the same time. As it was, the creator had not deemed it fit to grant her this, so instead her eardrums vibrated from Mrs. Patmore's orders and complaints.
"Daisy!"
"Yes, Mrs. Patmore?"
"Where did you put the caster sugar?"
"Over there, Mrs. Patmore, next to the raisins."
Mrs. Patmore muttered something under her breath and grabbed the bowl, almost dropping it as she barely managed avoiding colliding with Thomas.
"Watch where you're going!"
"Is the soup ready to go up?" Thomas glared at the cook.
"Just a minute!" Daisy reached for the terrine she had been warming for the soup.
"Hurry up, will ya," Thomas muttered. "They're rushing through up there."
"There." Daisy put the terrine on the table.
Thomas grabbed it and turned to leave. Daisy gasped as she spotted the bowl with parsley.
"Thomas! Wait!"
"What is it now?" he muttered.
She quickly lifted the lid and tossed a handful of chopped parsley on top of the soup. Replacing the lid, she smiled at the handsome footman.
"Thank you."
"Sure. Done?"
"Daisy!"
Daisy bobbed her head to Thomas and hurried back to her half-finished pie.
~ O ~
The dinner party that was originally supposed to have been just the family and Matthew and Isobel, now included Miss Annabelle Napier and her brother Evelyn, Sir Anthony Strallan, and Mr. Travis, the Downton vicar.
Matthew kept glancing over at Patrick who glared back at him each time. Finally, everyone around the table knew that something was up. Lord Grantham, as usual, was the last to pick up on the glances between the two.
"Patrick, what is going on with you? You are looking at Matthew as if you want to punch him in the nose, something that I would advise against after having seen his swing this afternoon."
Patrick rolled his eyes as laughter broke out around the table. He turned to Lord Grantham and sighed.
"I am glaring at Matthew because he's enjoying this little game far too much, Robert."
"What game?" Robert frowned as he looked between the two young men.
Matthew leaned back in his chair, looking immensely pleased with himself.
"You know you cannot keep it a secret, Patrick," he teased.
Annabelle giggled and gently touched Patrick's arm. "It's all right, Patrick."
"But I promised you," he said, slight panic in his eyes.
"I know you did, and I am delighted, but I think you should tell them."
"Tell us what?" Robert exclaimed, completely bewildered now.
Cora had picked up on what was going on and her eyes widened a little. She held up her hand to her husband.
"Robert, please let Patrick speak. It sounds as if he has something very important to share with us."
Lord Grantham opened his mouth to ask what, but noticing the look on his wife's face, he closed it again and nodded at Patrick.
Patrick pushed his chair back and got up. He held out his hand to Annabelle who gently placed hers in his. She smiled up at him, and the two lost themselves in each other's eyes for a moment.
"Patrick?
"Hush, Robert," Cora hissed, giving her husband a stern look.
"Lord and Lady Grantham..." Patrick looked around the table, only to return his gaze, again, to Annabelle. "This afternoon I asked Miss Annabelle Napier to marry me…" More than one gasp was heard in the otherwise quiet room, while the rest held their breath. "And she said 'yes'!"
Laughter and cheers broke out around the table. Lord Grantham immediately sent Carson for some celebratory champagne. The previous easygoing conversation around the table instantly became livelier. Once the women left the men to their drinks and talk, Robert pulled out his best cigars and congratulated Patrick again.
"So when will the wedding take place?"
"We haven't actually set a date." Patrick felt slightly uncomfortable discussing the topic. "We haven't told her parents yet. Of course I asked her father for his permission, but even though he gave it, he is not aware of her response - or that I even asked her, for that matter."
"Of course," Robert said quickly, patting Patrick's shoulder.
"Since Papa and I are going to America next spring, I would say that late spring or early summer would be most likely."
"June is a lovely month," Sir Anthony said with a wide grin, chuckling a little nervously. "Maude and I married in June."
Robert nodded, looking a little uncomfortable. "I remember. I'm so sorry, old fellow."
"Thank you, it is very kind of you, Lord Grantham. She's been gone for so many years now," Strallan said quickly. "I miss her, of course, but it's not as heartbreakingly painful as it was back then."
"Perhaps we should rejoin the ladies?" Robert said, sounding a little too cheerful. "I am sure that they are bombarding Miss Napier with questions about the proposal and sharing wedding advice."
Patrick blanched at the last part. He knocked back his scotch and nodded. He smiled weakly at Matthew who made a face at him as they followed the two older gentlemen out of the dining room, crossing the grand hallway into the drawing room.
~ O ~
Matthew watched Mary as she laughed at something Annabelle said. He had tried to catch her attention for the last twenty minutes, without much success. Then, all of a sudden, she looked up, and their eyes met. She smiled fondly at him and excused herself. A moment later, she was by his side. With a gentle hand on her elbow, he steered her over to the open French doors. They stepped outside, and she took his arm.
"Look at all the stars," she whispered.
"They are all inferior to you, my darling."
"Oh, Matthew."
She turned and placed her hand on his chest, meeting his eyes.
"I've missed you." He stroked her cheek, rubbing her lower lip. "Are they watching?" She glanced over his shoulder, catching her mother looking away. Mary let out an annoyed sigh. "They are, aren't they?" He leaned his head back and chuckled.
"Mama is like a hawk."
"Come." He took her hand and stepped away from the window.
"Matthew, we can't," she hissed.
"Yes we can."
Before she could protest, he pulled her close and kissed her softly. Mary tangled her fingers in his soft locks as the kiss deepened. They were both out of breath when they pulled apart. Mary's heart was beating wildly as she met his eyes.
"Matthew," she whispered, reaching up to cup his face.
"Let me come to you tonight, please."
"We can't, darling. Mama will be watching us. I suspect that she has arranged for a hallboy to guard my room all night."
"Then come to me."
She chuckled and shook her head. "That's equally impossible, and you know it."
"I will go mad if I have to wait until we're married to be alone with you."
"Please," she whispered. "You're making this so hard."
"Mary?"
They froze at the sound of Lady Grantham's voice. Mary stepped away from Matthew, but he held on to her hand.
"Meet me in the small library once everyone has gone to bed," she whispered before hurrying past him to join the others.
Matthew grinned and straightened his waistcoat. He would be there.
~ O ~
Mary smiled at Anna in the mirror as the maid ran the brush through her hair. Anna returned the smile and started to braid Mary's long waves.
"Your hair is so lovely, milady," she said cheerfully. "I wish mine was more like yours."
"Your hair is beautiful, Anna." Mary smiled at the maid. "I'm sure it's softer than mine."
"Perhaps, but I just wish that I had some of your pretty curls."
"Thank you, Anna."
"Well, nuthin' I can do about it, so why cry over it?" Anna said with a chuckle.
Mary giggled and turned to face her maid. "Are you done for the night, or do you have Edith and Sybil still?"
"No, milady. They retired to bed before you. I'm sure they are both asleep by now."
"Probably. I hope Edith did not give you a hard time."
"Of course not, milady." Anna just smiled, knowing better than to complain about Lady Edith, even if she knew that Mary and Edith were far from best friends.
"I'm glad. Then please, retire for the night."
"Thank you, milady. Sleep well."
"Good night, Anna."
~ O ~
Matthew slowly opened the door to his room, inching it open a little. Listening for any sign of activity in the hallway, he finally poked his head out. It was empty and completely quiet. Glancing in the direction of Patrick's room, he saw no light from under the door. Evelyn was sleeping a few doors down, but Matthew did not worry too much about him, since he was headed in the opposite direction. Quietly closing the door behind him, he slipped out and hurried downstairs. He felt like a thief, hiding in the darkness behind columns and furniture. Eventually he made it to the library without having to explain to anyone why he was up and about.
While Matthew was trying to calm his beating heart in the small library, Mary was pacing in her room. A gentle knock on her door sent her flying back to bed. Opening her book, she called out for her visitor to enter. Her mother smiled as she entered Mary's bedroom.
"I just wanted to see how you were doing, darling." Lady Grantham eased down on Mary's bed, reaching for her hand. "I know that you are upset with me, Mary, but some day you will understand."
"Perhaps," Mary said with a sigh. "I just wish that you trusted me."
"I do, but I also know that love makes people impulsive, and they sometimes do things they regret later."
Mary rolled her eyes. "Mama, honestly."
Lady Grantham chuckled and squeezed Mary's hand. "Matthew is a very handsome man. I understand the attraction, believe me." She leaned closer and grinned mischievously. "He has Crawley blue eyes. They are easy to get lost in."
Mary groaned and closed her eyes. "Please, Mama."
Cora laughed and got up. She caressed Mary's cheek before leaning down to kiss her goodnight.
"Sweet dreams, my darling. Your wedding day will be here sooner than you know it."
"Good night, Mama."
~ O ~
Mary turned off the bedside lamp once her mother left, just in case someone would pass her room and notice the light under the door. Finally certain that everyone was in bed, she left her room, tugging her dressing gown a bit tighter around her as she hurried towards the stairs. She gasped when her father came around the corner, obviously headed in the same direction. They both stopped and stared at each other.
"Mary? What on earth are you doing up?"
"I can't sleep. I was going to see if Carson could make me some warm milk with cinnamon."
Mary smiled sweetly at her father. He eyed her suspiciously, far from convinced by her explanation.
"I was going down to the library for the same reason. I think a cognac might work better than milk."
"Sounds good."
Mary walked slowly behind her father, thinking frantically of what to say, or do, to alert Matthew to the unfortunate truth she was not coming alone. If her father found Matthew hiding in the small library, he would see through her lie in a heartbeat.
"You must be relieved by Patrick's engagement, Papa."
"I suppose." Robert turned and looked at Mary over his shoulder, frowning a little at the look on her face. "You know your mother and I had hopes that perhaps you and Patrick would marry."
"I know." Not wanting to upset him, she remained silent.
"Matthew is a good man," Robert continued. "I know he has a bright future ahead of him. What worries me is that you are both so young."
Mary hurried past her father towards the library. "Matthew has worked so hard to get to where he is," she said, a little louder than necessary.
Robert raised his eyebrows in surprise. "I'm sure he has. Don't get me wrong, Mary, I am impressed by him. It's just that I know how hard it is to raise a family, and if you're not situated by the time you have a child... well, it can be quite a challenge."
"One that we will face together," Mary said assertively. Her eyes darted towards the opening to the small library. There was no sound from in there. Perhaps he was not there. She felt fear surge inside again. What if he had not come down yet? What if he walked in on them?
"I know, my dear." Robert poured two glasses and handed one to Mary. "I will do what I can to help you, you know that."
"Thank you, Papa. We are very grateful, of course."
"I was discussing what to give you and Matthew for a wedding gift with your mother tonight."
"Oh?" Mary's eyebrows shot up.
"I have already promised you some money, but that is a separate issue." He sipped his drink and smiled at her. "Your Mama seems to think that you might like a nice honeymoon."
"Oh, Papa." Mary gasped and her eyes widened. "That would be wonderful. Where?"
He shrugged. "We never got that far discussing it. Anyplace you fancy visiting with Matthew?"
"France." The answer came so naturally to her, she did not even have to think twice. "Paris, and perhaps someplace else as well."
"We'll see. I will talk to your mama about it." He stifled a yawn. "Well, my dear, it seems the cognac did the trick. I'm off to bed again."
"I think I will stay a little," she said, smiling at him while getting comfortable on the sofa. "You've given me something lovely to think about. I am much too excited to sleep now."
He chuckled at her cheeky comment. "Goodnight, my dear."
"Goodnight, Papa."
~ O ~
Matthew froze in place when he heard Mary's voice, realizing that she was not alone. He pressed himself against the wall next to the door, hoping and praying that they would not come this far into the library.
He almost laughed, overhearing Mary enthusiastically exclaim 'Paris'. So, his wife to be had a fondness for the romance capital of Europe?Matthew's grin widened at the prospect of discovering Paris with Mary by his side.
Shifting his weight from foot to foot, Matthew gritted his teeth, hoping that Lord Grantham would hurry up and go back to bed. Why was the earl down here anyway, when his beautiful wife was most likely curled up, warm and inviting, in their bed upstairs? Matthew made a face as Robert spoke again. His ears perked up as Robert's words reached him. The earl was indeed going back to bed. Thank God, Matthew thought, rolling his eyes.
Everything was quiet for a long moment after Lord Grantham's supposed exit. Afraid that the earl was still in the room, Matthew remained frozen in place. The rustling of clothing alerted him to someone approaching. He held his breath in anticipation.
"Matthew?"
Her soft voice whispering his name was the sweetest sound he had ever heard. Turning, he wrapped his arms around her as she stepped into the small library. She gasped, but he quieted it with his lips, pressed firmly against hers.
"I thought he would never leave," he mumbled against her neck.
"I wasn't sure that you were actually here."
"Of course I would not make you wait in vain, darling."
"You might have fallen asleep." Her teasing smile turned into a giggle as he held her closer.
"Come."
He pulled her over to a small sofa, and they sat down together. The soft light from the moon made her skin glow like the finest alabaster. Matthew caressed her cheek and kissed her again. She was playing with his hair, now and then tugging a little. He pulled her onto his lap, holding her close.
"Oh, Matthew."
Her soft, breathy exclamation made a shiver go through him, and he shifted her on his lap. Mary gasped at the feel of his arousal, so evident where it pressed against her thigh. He grinned at her and ran his hand over her leg.
"What did you think would happen, having you this close in nothing more than your lovely night clothes?"
She giggled and covered her mouth. Her eyes widened a little when he pushed her nightgown up to stroke her thigh.
"Matthew, we can't," she hissed. "Not here. What if someone comes in?"
"It's the middle of the night, Mary." He kissed her softly and squeezed her thigh. "I only want to touch you, to hear you. Please, Mary, say that you want me to."
"You know I do, darling."
He pressed his lips against hers in a heated kiss. She whimpered softly when he moved his hand higher, over her soft curls to touch her intimately. They both gasped as his fingers found her slick heat.
"God, Mary," he groaned.
"Please." She was trembling, yet he had barely touched her. She pressed against his hand, and finally he stroked over her. "Yes!"
Matthew watched Mary's face as he slowly moved his fingers over her soft folds, circling, flicking, teasing her sweet spot. After a moment, he eased her down on the sofa. Kneeling on the floor next to it, he pushed her nightgown up to bare her to him. She eagerly raised her leg when he caressed the back of her thigh. Resting it on his shoulder. Mary caressed his hair, tugging him to her until she felt his lips brush over her. She whimpered and bucked under him.
Matthew cupped her buttocks, holding her firmly against him as he loved her with his mouth. How he had missed this! Mary's sounds were soft and quiet, but even so, they were music to his ears. When he wrapped his lips around her little spot, flicking his tongue over her, she clapped her hand over her mouth as her body let go, pulling her into a blissful release. Watching her, Matthew kept stroking her with his tongue until she went limp, completely spent.
Gathering her in his arms, Matthew held her close, kissing her eyes and cheeks. She smiled and opened her eyes. When he kissed her, she could taste her essence on his lips, and it made her shiver again. He chuckled and squeezed her hip.
With a teasing smile, Mary slipped off the sofa. Making herself comfortable between his feet, she stroked his thighs up to where his manhood was straining against the fabric of his pajamas. He hissed when she placed her palm over him, rubbing very gently, pressing down a little. Removing her hand she kissed him there, her breath hot through the thin cotton. Matthew grabbed his trousers and started to pull them down.
"Mary?"
Her head shot up and her eyes widened in panic at the sound of her mother's voice. Matthew's hands froze, and he scrambled to his feet. Mary shook her head and jumped up, running towards the library while trying to neaten her appearance.
"Mama, what are you doing up?"
Lady Grantham eyed her daughter suspiciously. "I could ask you the same thing. Your Papa told me that he left you down here." Cora came closer. "Did I interrupt something?"
"Something like what?" Mary asked and rolled her eyes. "I just finished my drink and was about to head back up to bed."
"You look as you just came from a lovers' encounter," Lady Grantham said rather sharply.
"Well, I was thinking about Matthew," Mary said and smiled, her cheeks coloring a deeper pink. "The moon is so beautiful, and it was rather romantic to watch it from the small library."
Lady Grantham chuckled and shook her head. "Goodness me! If just thinking of him can do that to you, I think Matthew will be a happy man being married to you, Mary."
"Mama!" Mary gasped, and her eyebrows shot up in surprise at her mother's frank words.
"Even though I would like to think of you as my little girl forever, I do realize that you are a woman now. I wasn't much older than you when I married your Papa. Those first years were very happy ones for us as a couple."
Mary stepped away from her mother. "Please, I can't…"
"Oh, Mary." Cora chuckled, amused. "Does it surprise you that I still desire your Papa, and he me?"
"I'm glad, but honestly, Mama, I do not wish to hear about it."
"Very well. Come along now. It's very late, and you should be in bed."
"Yes, Mama."
As she followed her mother, Mary cast one last glance at the entrance to the small library. Matthew stepped out of the shadows, blowing her a kiss. She smiled at him and did the same before hurrying to catch up with her mother.
To be continued…