Peace washed over Tom as he read the day's paper. He was enjoying a relaxing afternoon in the library by a small fire, watching the rain come down over Downton's lawns. All of a sudden, a soft sound caught his ear. Turning to see what it was, he spotted Mary quietly entering the room. She took a few steps in before noticing Tom on the sofa.
"Tom, I didn't realize you were in here. What are you doing today?" She asked, grabbing a book from the shelf and heading towards the sofa across from him.
"It's nice to see you up and about!" Tom let the newspaper rest on his lap. "Your father and I were supposed to go out on the estate today, but the weather didn't agree with us." He gestured at the window. "I would have invited you, but I thought you were still sick and didn't want you to feel that you were missing out."
"Oh no, I'm doing a bit better than before," she coughed a bit, but continued. "This storm isn't helping matters though. What were you planning on talking to Papa about?" She leaned back into the sofa, rubbing her forehead slightly with her eyes closed.
"Nothing in particular, just checking up on things and making sure everything is running smoothly." Tom paused and got up, heading towards the bell. "You need a cup of tea." he pulled the cord down firmly and returned to sit beside her.
Mary smiled, cracking her eyes open. "You're sweet, thank you." She said with uncharacteristic softness. "Could you do me a favor and feel my forehead? I thought my fever was over, but I'm rather hot…" she sighed.
"Of course." Tom leaned in closer, pressing his fingertips to her head. She shivered at his touch.
"Your head is a little warm," he murmured and then reached down to squeeze her hand. "But the rest of you is cold. Shall I put on another log?"
"Yes, please. But I can wait for the servant."
"It's no trouble." he went to the fire and hmm'd. "Actually," he said, voice sounding slightly strained, "There might be a problem." He jumped up and yanked on the bell again.
"What is it, Tom?" Mary sat up, hearing the tension in his movements.
"There's something wrong with the chimney. There's too much smoke." And indeed, smoke was starting to seep out from the fireplace into the room. "I'm going to get Carson. Why don't you head to the parlor,"
"No!" Mary interrupted with a sneeze. "I'm coming with you."
"Fine, but hurry."
They rushed out of the room only to run into Daisy.
"I heard the bell ring…" She trailed off awkwardly.
"Yes, come on!" Tom exclaimed, herding Daisy along before him. "We need Mr. Carson immediately!"
"Why, what's wrong?" She questioned as they hurtled along.
"The chimney!" Mary said, sneezing again.
"Oh dear." Daisy stammered. "That might be my fault."
"What!" Tom skidded to a stop. "Do you know what's wrong?"
"I was in a rush this morning- and I might have not opened the flue the entire way…"
"Nevermind that now, let's go get Carson to reopen it and air the place out before you fill the whole house with smoke!" Mary wheezed.
At last, they ran into Carson, who promptly threw open the flue and opened a window despite the rain, which had not stopped. The library had become considerably smoky, but no harm was done.
"I apologize for Daisy, my lady," Carson said to Mary as Tom fetched her a cup of tea. "I don't what she was thinking."
"It's alright, we managed to survive." Mary patted him on the hand. "I'm going to retire to my room now. Send Tom upstairs when you see him." She headed for the door.
"Lady Mary, don't you find that a bit… improper?" Carson asked stiffly.
"After nearly being fumigated, I don't care much for propriety at this point." With that, she headed upstairs.
Tom returned shortly after. "Where's Mary?" he asked, concerned.
"You'll find her upstairs, sir. She wants the tea in her room." Carson frowned.
"Thank you." Tom nodded at Carson and headed upstairs, amused by his stern visage but slightly worried about Mary's condition.
He creaked open the door. "Mary?"
"Oh!" Mary clutched her dressing gown to her chest.
Color rose in Tom's face, but he still came forward, closing the door with his heel and laying the tea tray on her bed. "I'm sorry, I should have knocked."
"No, it's quite alright. I thought I'd just dress for bed, since I'll be stuck here all afternoon anyway." she sighed and let her robe flutter open, laying back into her pillows. Tom's gaze slipped lower nearly involuntarily, but he yanked his gaze back up to her face as soon as he realized what he was doing. "You just startled me, that's all. You'll stay for tea, won't you?" the corners of her lips turned up slightly in hope.
"Of course I will, if you want me to. Where shall I sit?" He glances about the room.
"With me, you goose." She scooted over, patting the edge of the bed.
"Carson would have a heart attack." Tom sat down anyway.
Mary rolled her eyes. "He would have the grace to knock, for one thing." She raised an eyebrow at Tom with a smirk. "Besides, I don't suspect you'll try anything and risk getting sick too."
"So you're suggesting I would try something, if you were well?" Tom half-smiled back at her with a roguish expression.
"Perhaps." Mary grinned at him over a sip of tea.
"Well then, perhaps I would." He said with a wink.
Mary blushed and coughed again, cup shaking in her hands. Tom's amused expression dropped from his face as he set the cup gently on the tray and patted Mary's back until the fit was over.
"Perhaps we should save these conversations for when you're better." He said seriously.
"I suppose you're right." Mary sighed and changed the subject. "Now, what were you telling me about this conversation with Papa?"
They talked about Downton the rest of the day, and Tom returned after dinner to continue their conversation. If Anna found him splayed across the foot of Mary's bed the next morning, she would never say.
AN:
A few things: 1 I edited the last chapter for some grammar issues, so you can go reread that if you want. 2 I bumped the rating for this chapter just to be on the safe side. 3 Also, I now have a poll on my profile about how I update this story- please vote! And finally- Thank you for all the reviews, they encourage me to keep writing. *heart*
