Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: none since the story takes place in 1907
Summary: Mary and Matthew go riding, then off for some swimming in the pond with Edith, Patrick and Sybil. In preparation for the big event, Mary enlists Mrs. Hughes' help to organize the Opening of the Games. As the two boys ask Lord Grantham for his assistance with the event, he starts to get as excited as the younger Crawleys and happily accepts his assigned duties.
Note: If the thought of a fifteen year old girl being kissing by a boy bothers you, I suggest that you either close your eyes when you see that coming, or perhaps find something else to read.
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Special thank you to the lovely Tambear for catching missing commas, odd grammar and offering excellent suggestions & advice!
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Thank you so much for reviews with insightful comments, favoriting and story alerts. It's very inspiring to know that you are interested in this story. I've tried to respond to all of you, and I'm sad that I cannot respond personally to all the guests who were kind enough to leave a comment. Still, always know that I love to hear from you. As a writer, I especially enjoy hearing about the parts which spoke to you the most. It helps me in the development of future scenes and dialogue.
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SUMMER AT DOWNTON, 1907
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PART VII – the Earl of Grantham, Lord and Master
When she woke the morning after her birthday, Lady Mary Crawley had to pinch herself to really believe that the day before had not been one fantastic dream. But it was not. It was all real, and Diamond was finally hers. Now sitting on his back, watching Matthew swing himself up in the saddle, she stroked the horse's neck in a sudden burst of affection. Smiling at Matthew she waited for him to get ready. The nervously dancing Diamond was clearly just as eager to leave as his young mistress.
"Righty-ho," Matthew said cheerfully as he came up next to Mary.
"Everything in order? You know Percival is Papa's old horse. He can be quite spirited at times. Do you feel comfortable with him?"
"Absolutely."
"We should leave," she said and looked over her shoulder. She leaned a little closer to him. "I don't want anyone else to join us this morning, and possibly spoil all our fun."
Matthew chuckled and nodded, meeting her twinkling eyes. Mary was beautiful on top of Diamond, sitting sideways in the new saddle, looking every bit a lady. Her light colored riding skirt was draped perfectly over her legs and the horse. She sat straight as an arrow, hands held right above Diamond's neck, her fingers elegantly grasping the reins.
"Come on then, Lady Mary," he teased and nudged Percival forward into an easy trot.
Mary laughed and followed.
They had set out early, before it became too hot. Matthew could not believe his luck when Lord Grantham had given his approval for Matthew and Mary to ride out alone. Robert had just patted his shoulder and asked Matthew to keep an eye on Mary and try to discourage her from any crazy attempts, such as jumping. Matthew had eagerly accepted. Lord Grantham's laughter was still ringing in his ears.
"Matthew?"
"Yes?" He turned in his saddle and smiled at her.
"I called your name twice," Mary said and came up beside him. "Is everything all right? You seemed very far away."
"Of course. I was just thinking about your father. You know I promised him no jumping."
She rolled her eyes. "I can't fathom why you would ever agree to such a silly request."
"Because he's your father, and my guardian," Matthew teased and nudged her leg. Mary made a face and swatted at him. "I did however not make any promises not to kiss you."
Mary's eyes widened and she held in Diamond. Matthew nudged his horse over so they were right next to each other.
"Matthew," she whispered.
"I fell asleep thinking about your kisses last night," he confessed with an impish grin. "I believe I could almost taste your lips when I woke this morning."
"Now you're just silly," she said and rolled her eyes.
"Not at all," he said quickly. "However, another taste would most certainly confirm it."
He held her gaze as he leaned closer. To his delight Mary moved towards him until their lips met in a soft kiss. Matthew stroked her cheek and held her face as their lips brushed over each other in a series of soft kisses. When they eventually pulled apart, Mary's cheeks were pink and she was gasping a little. Matthew took a deep breath and smiled at her.
"Just as I remembered it."
"Oh Matthew."
"How about we cross this field and stop for a while by the creek? I'm sure the horses could use a drink."
Mary nodded and grabbed the reins a bit tighter. Without a word she nudged Diamond forward. She awarded Matthew a devilish grin over her shoulder.
"Race you!"
"Oh you!"
Matthew laughed as he tried to catch up with his laughing cousin, though the sight of her on Diamond was far too lovely for him to really want to put much effort into winning.
Mary glanced at the two horses that were nipping at the lush grass down by the creek. She was stretched out in the shade under a large oak tree with her head in Matthew's lap. He was playing with a lock of her hair and her eyes turned back to his handsome face.
"I wish that you could stay here at Downton," she said softly.
"So do I, but I can't."
Mary turned her head away. He tickled her neck and she laughed.
"Stop it!"
"Only if you promise no brooding. It's only July, Mary. September is still very far away."
"Fine," she muttered. She folded her arms over her chest, pretending to be annoyed with him.
"You're still pretty, even when you sulk," he pointed out.
"I do not sulk!"
"Oh yes you do!"
Mary sat up and gave him a playful shove in the chest. Matthew grabbed her hand and pulled her closer, pressing his lips against hers. Mary's arms curled around his neck and she sighed against his lips.
Matthew held her close, cherishing the feel of Mary's head tucked under his chin. She was so soft and smelled like flowers. His hand moved over her arm and side without him really noticing.
"Matthew, I think we need to get back."
"I know. I wish we could stay, right here. Just like this."
"Perhaps a little bit longer," she whispered and turned her face up for a kiss.
Matthew stroked her cheek and kissed her again, first her lips, then her nose, cheeks, eyes and finally her lips again. Mary whimpered as the kisses became a bit more heated. She finally pulled away and they just looked at each other. She could tell that he was just as flushed as she was.
"Mary…"
"Don't say anything, please. Don't ruin this moment by saying things, or promise me things that might never happen. I couldn't bear it."
He nodded silently and took her hand, stroking her fingers. "I love you, Mary."
"I know," she whispered. "As do I you."
"There you are," Patrick snapped and rolled his eyes at Mary and Matthew. "I thought you would be gone all day. How can anyone in their right mind go riding in this heat? You two must be absolutely insane."
Matthew chuckled and glanced at Mary. She looked down, but he could see that she was smiling.
"Please excuse me, I need to go and change."
The two boys watched her disappear up the stairs. Once out of sight Patrick turned to Matthew and grabbed his arm.
"Come, Robert is waiting for us."
"Mary!"
Mary turned at the sound of her sister's voice. Sybil came running towards her, a big smile on her face.
"Hello, darling," Mary said and caressed Sybil's hair. She opened the door to her room, entering with Sybil in tow. "I need to get changed, Sybil, so whatever it is, please be quick."
"It's so dreadfully hot, Mary. Nanny can't stand to go outside, and I so want to go swimming. Please say that you do too."
Mary smiled and thought about it for a moment. "It sounds like a lovely idea. Perhaps Matthew and Patrick will come too?"
"I suppose Edith might too."
"Why don't you go ask her while I change? I'll go downstairs and tell Papa once I'm done."
"Oh thank you, thank you."
Sybil twirled around and darted out of the room. Mary's voice telling her not to forget letting Nanny know following her.
"Patrick, Matthew, what a pleasure," Lord Grantham said and smiled at the two young men. "How was your ride this morning, Matthew?"
"Wonderful," he said and smiled. "Mary did very well, and she did not take any unnecessary risks."
"Good, good."
"Robert," Patrick started. "We would like to ask for your assistance with the Downton Games."
"Oh?" Lord Grantham gestured for the two to take a seat. "What can I do to help?"
"Mary came up with this marvelous idea of having an opening ceremony the night before the main event."
"Mary did, hmm?" Robert mused.
Matthew chuckled and nodded. "Yes she did, and I think it's quite brilliant actually. You see she found these old costumes of yours…"
"Costumes?" Robert frowned in confusion.
Matthew continued to explain with Patrick excitedly adding some details now and then.
"So do I have this right, you wish to invite the Russells here the night before, for dinner and to watch some sort of official opening ceremony?"
"Correct," Patrick confirmed.
"And you want me to be the ceremonial host."
"Since Downton is your home it really falls to you to open the games and welcome everyone, would you not say?" Matthew explained.
"I suppose. Do you wish for me to wear a costume too?" The two boys laughed and shook their heads. "Well, that's a relief. I never looked very good in a toga, to tell you the truth." Matthew chewed on his lip as he watched the look of distaste on Robert's face. "Luckily Cora looked like a goddess next to me so no one really paid much attention to me."
"Unless you would like to host the games dressed as Zeus of course," Patrick teased.
Robert huffed and glared at him. "I think not."
Though hesitant in the beginning, the boys' excitement quickly rubbed off on Robert and he started to look forward to the event. He even gave a few suggestions that were met with eager approval. When the boys finally left, Lord Grantham was actually looking forward to the event, and his role. He was deep in thought when his daughter entered, looking more beautiful than ever, almost glowing.
"Papa! Matthew and I had such a wonderful morning," she said and kissed his cheek. "Diamond was lovely. You should see him run."
"Matthew told me," he said and caressed her cheek. "Thank you for not doing anything reckless."
Mary rolled her eyes. "Papa, it's so very hot, please say that we can go swimming?"
"We?" His eyebrow inched up at the request.
"Sybil and I, and Matthew and Patrick, perhaps Edith too," she said quickly. Having cornered the two boys in the grand hallway only moments prior she had already asked them and they had eagerly agreed to her idea.
"Will you promise to look after your sister? Sybil is not always aware of her limits."
"Of course, Papa. I suppose Matthew will watch her too. You know he acts like Mama Bear with her."
Robert chuckled and nodded. "He certainly does." He looked Mary in the eyes for a moment. "Matthew is a fine young man. I'm very glad that I decided to invite him for the summer. Not even if he were your brother would he be acting more honorable."
"Brother?" Mary said and made a face. "Perhaps to Sybil. I certainly don't need an older brother to tell me what to do. Matthew and I are not like that."
"All I'm saying, Mary, is that even though he's not Patrick, who you've known since you were little, he is still someone very close to us. Someday he will make some lucky woman very proud to call him her husband."
"Perhaps I will?"
He turned and stared at her. "Mary," he said gently and cupped her face. "Matthew is a nice boy. I just told you how highly I think of him. The fact remains; he is the son of a doctor. He will not be able to provide for you, at least not to the standard that you're used to." Robert sighed and then laughed, shaking his head. "What am I talking about? You're just a girl, Mary. You should enjoy your childhood as long as you can. The responsibilities of adulthood will be upon you sooner than you know it."
"So if Matthew would ask me to marry him, you would not approve?"
"Let me answer that, should it happen," he said with a gentle smile. "He's not the only boy who's fond of you. Remember that."
Mary made a face. "Are you talking about Patrick? He doesn't think of me like that."
"As I said, you're still young. Give it some time, and keep an open mind towards Patrick."
Mary sighed and looked away. "I don't love Patrick like that, Papa."
"Love will come with time, my dear. Now you better hurry up if you want to go swimming before tea."
"Yes, Papa." She kissed his cheek.
Robert sighed as he saw the furrowed brows and the serious look on her face. He knew that she was becoming very fond of Matthew, and he was not against that, but fondness was all it could ever be.
Mary dragged her feet upstairs. Her father's words had hurt, and made her worry about the future. He was clearly set on her one day marrying Patrick. She shivered at the thought. Trying for a moment to envision kissing Patrick, to be in his arms the way she had been with Matthew the night before, she felt nothing.
"Mary, there you are. Can we go? Did Papa say yes?" Sybil was leaning over the banister.
"Yes, darling. We can go."
"Marvelous!"
Mary chuckled at her sister's excitement. Oh, to be that young again, she mused. Deciding to push all thoughts about marriage and the future away for the moment Mary rang for Rosie to get her bathing suit and a towel.
Mary walked next to Matthew, both of them holding their towels over their arms. Sybil was leading the way down to the pond, Patrick and Edith walking up ahead of them.
"Robert agreed to our proposal. We will have an opening ceremony the night before."
"Oh, good," Mary said absentmindedly.
"Are you not pleased?" Matthew frowned and looked at her. "I thought you were excited about the possibility."
"Oh I am, I am," she said quickly.
"Then what's troubling you?"
"Nothing," she whispered. "Absolutely nothing." She looked up at him and smiled. "Let's go swimming and have a marvelous time, shall we?"
He nodded and watched her as she walked away from him, trying to catch up with Sybil. Something was different. He just wished that she would tell him.
"Stand still!" Mary hissed at her sister.
"Are you not done? You take even longer than Nanny."
"Your hair is a mess, Sybil, and your bathing suit is twisted. Turn around."
Sybil huffed, but turned her back at Mary. Splashing and laughter from the other side of the bushes alerted them to that the boys were already in the water.
"Mary," Sybil whined.
"All done. Off you go."
Sybil smiled and ran towards the water. Mary followed at a slower pace. Edith fell into step next to her.
"I can't believe that Papa would allow us to go swimming without a chaperone."
"Edith, really," Mary drawled. "Do you think that Matthew and Patrick will ravage you and steal your virtue?"
"Mary! Do not speak of such things," Edith gasped.
"You brought it up," Mary said with a shrug. She looked at her sister and smiled. "Edith, Papa said yes because he knows just how honorable and trustworthy Matthew and Patrick are. You could not be safer."
"I suppose," Edith agreed.
"Now, come on. Last person in is a rotten egg!"
Edith laughed and chased Mary down to the water.
Matthew looked over his shoulder when he heard Edith laugh. It was so rare to see the two sisters being friendly towards each other that the sight made him smile.
Mary swam closer to Matthew who was standing in the water, talking to Sybil. She grabbed his shoulders and pushed her feet against the back of his knees, effectively pulling him backwards and under the water as she quickly swam away. He surfaced coughing and wiping his face. Sybil laughed and quickly scrambled to get out of the way when he moved to grab her. He was faster and a moment later he tossed the girl in the air. She plunged under the water with a big splash. He watched carefully as she went under, just in case he would need to pull her out. A moment later she surfaced, laughing.
"Again!"
Matthew laughed and tossed her in the air again. Mary was still hovering nearby. He crooked his finger, indicating for her to come closer.
"You're going to dunk me under, I just know it," she said smugly, staying out of reach.
"Of course not. You're a lady. A gentleman would never do such a horrid thing to a lady."
Mary snorted. "You did the other day. I'm still a lady, so I guess that means that you're not a gentleman."
Matthew laughed and shook his head. "Just come over here. Please?"
She swam closer and stood up a few feet away, water cascading down her slender body.
"Yes?"
"Do you want me to throw you like I did the other day? When you put your foot in my hands."
Mary smiled and nodded. "I do."
Matthew put his hands together and bent down a little. She grabbed his shoulders before placing her foot in his hands.
"Ready?"
"Yes."
She shrieked as she went flying and then landing with a splash. The others stopped to look at what she and Matthew were doing. Sybil cheered when Mary surfaced.
"Me too!"
Matthew laughed and took her hand. "I know something even better."
With Mary's help, Sybil climbed on top of Matthew's shoulders. She stood there, holding on to his hands, grinning.
"Look at me!"
Mary laughed and nodded. "Now dive in, darling."
Sybil had only learned how to dive this summer, and she was still not very good, but she was determined to do her best. Letting go of Matthew's hands she raised her arms and pushed off from his shoulders, breaking the water perfectly.
"Beautifully done!" Mary cheered and clapped her hands when Sybil surfaced.
Eventually the cool water put an end to the swimming. Sybil's lips were almost blue when Mary pulled her out of the water to lie down in the sun to dry off. Mary stretched out on her own towel next to Matthew. They lay facing each other, their hands mere inches apart. He moved his hand closer and stroked his fingers over hers.
"You look very nice in that," he whispered.
"Thank you. It's new. Mama got it from Paris."
Matthew's eyes wandered over her slender body, admiring her female curves. He had never really seen a girl like this. The few times he had been swimming with Mary in the past they had always hurried to get dressed afterwards so there was never really an opportunity to look at her. For the first time he realized that she was actually becoming a woman, and her body was that of a woman's. Matthew tore his eyes away from Mary's breasts, his cheeks a little pink. Mary chuckled and squeezed his fingers.
"I'm sorry, Mary."
"Don't be," she whispered. "I find you pleasing to look at too."
Matthew swallowed a little nervously. He knew that his body was responding to her closeness and state of undress. He just hoped that she would not notice, or even know what it meant. Before he would say, or do something he might regret, he jumped to his feet.
"I'm getting hot," he muttered and quickly ran into the water.
Mary sighed and rolled onto her back, watching the clouds pass by on the clear blue sky above. Her body was tingling very pleasantly, and she wished that he would come back.
Mary knocked lightly on the open door to Mrs. Hughes' office. The housekeeper looked up from her ledger.
"Lady Mary," she said, somewhat surprised to see the young girl standing in her doorway. "What brings you down here?"
"Oh Mrs. Hughes," Mary said excitedly and entered, closing the door behind her. "I need your help."
The housekeeper nodded and gestured for Mary to have a seat. She sat silently watching Lady Mary as she explained her plan. It took every effort she had not to laugh at the girl's clear excitement. When finally done, Mary looked expectantly at her.
"It sounds like a wonderful idea, Lady Mary," she admitted.
Mary smiled. "Thank you."
Mrs. Hughes got up and opened the door, gesturing for Mary to precede her. "No time like the present, my lady."
"Certainly. Thank you, Mrs. Hughes."
Mr. Carson frowned as he watched Mrs. Hughes and Lady Mary disappear up the stairs. Mrs. Hughes had only been at Downton for a little more than a year and she had made it clear to him on several occasions that she was not very enamored of Lady Mary.
Elsie Hughes walked slowly down the narrow path in the attic. She had tried to persuade Mary to wait downstairs, but the young girl was too eager to find the trunk holding the treasure, to wait at the bottom of the stairs. Patience was not exactly her forte. Mrs. Hughes had sighed, eyeing Mary's dress, thinking of the stains and dust it would be covered in once they were done. Knowing how stubborn the girl was, she had just nodded and led Mary across the attic to where the old chest resided. Mary knelt and with Mrs. Hughes' help opened it.
"Oh! Look at that."
Mary gently lifted the golden laurels that rested on top of the carefully folded clothes inside. Mrs. Hughes smiled at the look of awe on the girl's face. Mary looked up at her.
"This will be the winner's prize," she proclaimed and then gently put the item aside.
Piece after piece was pulled out of the trunk and Mary became more and more excited. Mrs. Hughes chuckled, getting caught up in Mary's excitement.
"I will see that they are washed, my lady," she promised.
"You simply must make sure that it is kept secret," Mary said quickly.
"You have my word, Lady Mary."
Mary smiled and nodded. "Thank you."
In the end they had selected several outfits and some accessories. Mrs. Hughes had found a clean sheet to wrap their treasure in to prevent anyone from seeing it as she walked through the house. Mary nodded her approval. She thanked Mrs. Hughes again before they walked their separate ways. Mary checked the time and realized that she was running late. She hurried back to her room, ringing for Rosie to get changed.
Mary excitedly waved Matthew and Patrick into her room where Rosie and Thomas were already waiting.
"Hurry," she hissed and closed the door firmly behind them.
The two boys looked at her, somewhat confused at being summoned to her bedroom of all places. Mary grinned and gestured to the costumes hanging on her wardrobe and lay draped over her bed.
"What in the world…"
"Mama and Papa had a costume ball when I was little. I just remembered it the other day. I asked Mrs. Hughes to help me locate the costumes. Aren't they just marvelous?"
Matthew nodded. He stepped over and grabbed one of the togas. He held it up in front of him. Patrick snickered and nodded.
"You will most certainly look like a Greek god in that."
Matthew rolled his eyes at him. Mary smiled and nodded. She reached for a dress hanging on the wardrobe. She held it up in front of her. It was a little too long, but otherwise very beautiful.
"Miss O'Brien will help me alter it. She never lets anyone else touch Mama's clothes, so I had to ask her."
Patrick picked up the golden laurels from Mary's vanity. His eyes widened a little when he realized the same thing Mary had.
"This should be placed on the winner's head!"
"That's brilliant!" Matthew said and laughed.
Mary grinned, pleased that the boys had agreed to her plan so easily.
"Rosie will help me dress in the bathroom. Thomas will assist you. Knock on the door when you're ready."
Matthew and Patrick watched her leave with Rosie in tow. Once alone with Thomas the two stripped, and with a lot of laughter and teasing they donned their togas.
When Mary returned a while later, dressed in the sheer white dress the two boys just stared at her.
"You look like a young Athena," Patrick said, slightly embarrassed.
Mary chuckled at the look on his face. "I was thinking that we would have an official opening of the games, perhaps with a torch relay and lighting of the eternal flame. We could have Papa light the actual flame and perhaps make a short little speech to make it official. What do you think?"
Matthew nodded. "That is a splendid idea, Mary."
She smiled sweetly at him. "Thank you. Will you talk to him?"
"We will," Patrick promised.
After some inspections to determine any necessary alterations the three changed back into their regular clothes before hurrying down to tea.
Matthew was sitting up in bed, reading. It was late, and as tired as he was, he was unable to sleep. He wiped his brow on his arm and sighed. All the windows were open, but the tiny little breeze coming through barely made the curtains move. Matthew had long since shed his pajama shirt and kicked off the covers. His glass of water on the nightstand was empty and he contemplated walking down to the bathroom to refill it. He jumped when there was a knock on the door followed by it opening. He reached for the sheet but dropped it when he recognized the intruder.
"I can't stand this infernal heat!" Patrick said and flopped down on the little sofa by the window.
"I know," Matthew muttered.
Patrick turned his head so he could look at him. "You wouldn't happen to have some cold water?"
"Sorry," Matthew said and made a face.
"I thought as much."
Patrick sat up and removed his robe, bunching it up as a pillow under his head. Matthew's eyebrows arched up at the sight of Patrick only wearing his undershorts.
"It somehow doesn't seep proper for the heir to Downton to traipse around the house in his underwear," he teased.
"Oh do shut it," Patrick muttered and tossed a throw pillow at Matthew.
Matthew laughed and caught it. An idea started to take shape and he excitedly jumped out of bed. Patrick made a face and held up his arm as a shield, expecting the pillow to hit him any second. His eyebrows arched when Matthew just dropped the pillow by his feet.
"Let's go down to the kitchen. I'm sure there's some cold lemonade down there. In any case the kitchen should be cooler at this hour."
"You are absolutely brilliant, Matthew!"
The two boys donned their robes and ran barefoot down the hall towards the servants' stairs. They came to a screeching halt as the door to the bathroom at the end of the hallway opened.
"God, Mary," Matthew gasped at the sight of her. "You frightened me half to death."
"Don't be silly, Matthew. Why would I frighten you? Unless of course you and Patrick are up to no good."
Matthew looked away and made a face. Patrick rolled his eyes and pushed past Mary.
"Go to bed Mary."
"Where are you two going?" she demanded to know.
"Kitchen," Matthew muttered.
"Matthew!"
Matthew shrugged as his name was hissed at him from a quite annoyed Patrick.
"And what exactly are you going to do in the kitchen?"
"Get something to drink, I guess," Matthew said with an impish smile. "Anything really, that will make this heat seem more bearable."
"What a marvelous idea! You really are quite brilliant, Matthew." Mary grinned and turned around, now headed for the servants' stairs. She looked at the two boys over her shoulder. "Are you coming?"
Matthew and Patrick looked at each other and shrugged. A moment later the three silently made their way towards the kitchen.
"Be quiet!" Mary hissed at Patrick as he bumped into a pan making a rattling noise.
"Hold the candle higher then. I can't see where I'm going," he whispered.
Mary rolled her eyes, but moved closer to him. She lit the candle on the work table and it gave them enough light to move around. Matthew opened a cupboard and grinned when he spotted a cake. Mary shook her head.
"She'll know that it's missing. I'm sure it's for tomorrow night. We will be in real trouble if we take it."
Matthew sighed and closed the doors on the cake before he would fall for temptation to break off a corner. He continued his search while Mary moved towards the storage room. A loud noise made her jump and twirl around. Patrick had dropped a pot lid.
"What in heaven's name is going on here?"
Mary gasped and froze as the gaslights lit up the room. She stared at the butler standing at the entrance to the kitchen dressed in his robe, his hair on end. As alarming as the situation was, she could not help but bursting out laughing at Carson's appearance.
"Lady Mary," he said sternly. "What are you doing in the kitchen in the middle of the night?"
"I was thirsty," she said and bit her lip.
Matthew's blonde head popped up from where he had ducked down at the sound of company.
"Master Matthew? I see you and Lady Mary are thick as thieves (or partners in crime) again, though I cannot imagine that it is hot chocolate you seek this time."
"Lemonade actually," Patrick said, startling he butler.
"Master Patrick! How many more of you are there?"
"Just us three, Carson," Patrick said with a cheeky grin.
Mary took a step closer to the slightly disheveled looking butler and smiled at him. "Don't be cross with us, Carson. We were just looking for something cold to drink. It is so dreadfully hot."
Carson sighed and nodded. He rested his hand on Mary's shoulder. "I think that there is some lemonade left."
"Splendid!" Matthew exclaimed but closed his mouth as Carson shot him a stern look.
"Next time, perhaps you would consider asking me before you start demolishing the kitchen?"
"Yes, Carson," Mary said and smiled at him.
Mary led the way back upstairs, followed by Patrick who was carefully carrying a pitcher of lemonade. Carson had argued that he should come with them, but Patrick brushed his concern off, much to Carson's annoyance. Matthew held up the rear with a plate of Cook's famous ginger snaps.
"Where to?" Mary said cheerfully.
Matthew opened his mouth and then closed it. He was about to suggest his room, but it did not seem appropriate to have Mary in his bedroom after dark. Her room was out of the question too. He could only imagine how furious Lord Grantham would be if he found Matthew and Patrick in Mary's bedroom at night, especially dressed the way they were.
"Library?" he finally settled for.
"Sounds good to me," Mary said and flashed him a smile over her shoulder.
The three took their seats around the game table in the small library. Patrick had suggested a round of Dominos to pass the time. Mary poured them each a glass of ice cold lemonade while now and then glancing at Patrick who was shuffling the tiles. She handed Matthew a glass and he smiled at her.
"Thank you."
Patrick was a very good player, but unfortunately not very humble. Mary's competitive nature had her on the edge of her seat, huffing now and then when Patrick got rid of yet another tile. She glared at Matthew when he did not manage to block Patrick. Matthew just shrugged and grabbed another ginger snap.
"You're not helping at all, Matthew," Mary muttered.
"Are you planning on collecting all the tiles?" Patrick teased her. "You do know that the aim of the game it so get rid of them, right?"
"Oh do be quiet," she snapped and her brows furrowed in concentration. Finally she made her move, crossing her fingers under the table.
Mary gave up on the game after a while, opting to stretch out on one of the sofas by the open window. She fanned herself, trying to stay cool. She smiled weakly at Matthew when he came over to check on her.
"It's still so dreadfully hot," she said with a heavy sigh.
Mary made an effort to sit up to give Matthew room to join her. He gently grabbed her shoulder and pulled her down. She was too tired and hot to object, even though Patrick was in the room.
"Don't the two of you look like the perfect picture of marital bliss," Patrick drawled.
Matthew rolled his eyes at Patrick. "Well you look like a mischievous bachelor, or a husband who is up to no good, so I guess it's up to me to be a gentleman."
Patrick laughed and stretched out on the opposite sofa, his arms under his head and feet up on the opposite end. In his wrinkly robe, bare feet and tousled hair he did look quite disheveled.
Mary nuzzled in closer, curling up on the sofa next to Matthew. She sighed happily when Matthew placed his hand on her side, stroking gently.
"Mm, that's nice, Matthew."
"Be careful, Matthew," Patrick said and met Matthew's eyes. "Robert has quite a temper."
Matthew nodded, fully aware of what Patrick was implying. Still he could not make himself pull away from Mary who was now asleep with her head in his lap, her hand resting gently on his thigh. He stroked her hair, content at just watching her sleep.
To be Continued...
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*** TEASER ***
Lady Grantham arranges for all of them to have a family outing to the pond, with swimming, playing and luncheon en plein air. Cora is elegantly showing off her latest French swimsuit. Lord Grantham in a tight fitting swimsuit is another matter. Later, they gather around a bonfire under the stars, listening to Lord Grantham telling ghost stories while Mary introduces Matthew to an American tasty treat.
