Apologies for the delay, but I've been writing the ending to this, and I wanted to get that done before I got distracted by something shiny. I'm also aiming to get it finished before the big day itself!
Also, this became much longer than I intended it to be but I really didn't want to cut anything out! It also kind of gets a bit darker towards the end. And, as always, thank you so much for reviews/alerts etc. I really do appreciate it! Enjoy!
Chapter 9
Mary heard the car approach. She had been listening for it all afternoon. At the sound of the front door being opened, she hurried out of the drawing room to find Carson taking the hats and coats of her father and Matthew. "How did you get on?" All Matthew had done for the past two days was talk and think about Mary, but he was momentarily surprised to see her stood in front of him, anxiously twisting her hands. Robert nodded at him and made his way into the room Mary had just left. Matthew looked at her, as if seeing her for the first time in a very long time. She was in a simple but elegant blouse and skirt. She was so beautiful it made him ache. He was dreading the task of telling her what he had learnt from Sir Edward.
"Is there somewhere we can go where we won't be disturbed...or overheard?" He spoke quietly. She frowned, she knew it would be bad, but this...well, so far, it was looking a lot worse than she expected.
"Of course," she nodded and indicated for him to follow her upstairs. They stopped outside a room. A bedroom. Her bedroom. He swallowed nervously as he realised. She opened the door, and he was surprised at the cosiness of the room. The red of the walls, which in many rooms would create a more sinister atmosphere, made it seem warm and inviting, especially with the fire crackling across the room. She gestured for him to go in, and shut the door behind them. He stood nervously, not knowing whether, or even where to sit, and not wanting to look around too much. This was her private space. She leaned with her back against the door. She suddenly realised what she had done. She had brought a man into her bedroom while she was a married woman. Sometimes she really did wonder at herself, but it was too late now. "Please, sit. We won't be disturbed in here," she nodded to the armchair behind him but he remained where he was, both of them looking around the room, the awkward silence enveloping them. Matthew was thinking about how to start when Mary spoke.
"I received a telegram earlier today. It said that Richard has been arrested." Her face was neutral, her voice level.
"Yes, yes he has. For blackmail and fraud," he paused wondering how much he could get away with not telling her.
"Blackmail and fraud?" Her mouth was open in shock.
"Yes. Bates is innocent. There are witness statements that prove he was not there at the time of the murder and Carlisle..." he sighed and stared at the floor. He was going to have to tell her more than he wanted to. "Carlisle paid for these accounts to be kept quiet. They were only released when the witnesses were told that they were essential to a murder investigation. It would appear that Carlisle is very keen at drawing up contracts when he makes arrangements. This works against him now though," he said softly, remembering Sir Edward's words. "As for the fraud," he caught her expression, and spoke before she could. "Throughout the war, he was doctoring his accounts so that it looked like there was less money, so that his taxes would not go towards the war effort." He looked up and she had her eyes closed and was gripping the door handle tightly.
"Did you know about any of this? It may go to a trial, and if it does, you may be questioned." She shook her head.
"No. No, I didn't know any of it." He stepped forward to her and reached for her hand, prising it from the doorknob. Her skin was cool even though he could feel heat radiating from her. Or maybe it was from him. He had felt warm since realising she was taking him into her bedroom.
"Mary. There's something else. Two things really," their eyes met and he gently pulled her towards the bed. "I think you should sit down."
"Matthew what is it?" She was worried now. "Am I able to get a divorce?" Please say yes, please say yes...please, she repeated in her head.
"Yes," her face lit up. He briefly wondered how long she would wear that expression when she knew. He licked his lips and took a deep breath. "But...Carlisle...Lady Winters... Sir Edward has proof that Carlisle has fathered other children. He gave them a sum of money in return for their silence, but he has acknowledged paternity of them." Her hands flew to her mouth in horror and a strangled cry escaped from her lips. Her shoulders started shaking and loud sobs came from behind her fingers. Matthew pulled her close and she buried her head against his chest. He rubbed her back, knowing there was nothing else he could do, the sound of her crying breaking his heart. It was like being stabbed with a burning knife. It ripped through her and made her feel like she was actually bleeding. There was not just one woman who could give her husband what he wanted. There were several. The words kept repeating and twisting around her head, both confusing and disgusting her. She was a failure as a woman, as a human being. Why was Matthew even anywhere near her? He should be running for the door and escaping. He would be better off without her. She was not a proper wife to her current husband. There was no way she could be one to the man she actually loved.
"Mary, there's something else you need to know," at that her head snapped up and she looked into his eyes, their vivid blue filling her vision. "Sir Edward thinks that Carlisle killed Mrs Bates, and he's trying to get hold of some evidence that will prove it." What little colour was left drained from her face. She stopped crying instantly.
"Murder?" Matthew nodded. It felt like all of the breath had left her body. Matthew felt stifled. There was no air in the room. He stood and headed to the window, opening it slightly and briefly enjoying the cold rush of air that hit him. "Murder?" She repeated, but softer. "Can Sir Edward prove it do you think?"
"Yes. I won't go into detail, but the information that he has managed to collect so far, and what he hopes to discover... If found guilty, there is a good chance that Sir Richard would hang." He turned back to face her. She had not moved.
"Do you think he did it?" Her voice was low, and her face was set in a frown.
"Yes. After meeting with Sir Edward. Yes. I believe Sir Richard to be entirely capable of murder. I'm so sorry Mary." She stood and stepped closer to him, attempting a smile but failing.
"You shouldn't be. You weren't to know. I didn't even know. I didn't even suspect..." she took another step closer, wanting to be near him, and yet wanting him to be far away at the same time. Magnetism. "What will happen to the houses? And the servants?"
"You need to send them back to London, and retrieve any possessions you have at the houses, because you will not allowed back in to them once the proceedings start." He couldn't help himself, he reached for her hand. One soft, cool hand. She didn't resist. "I am sure you will be able to stay here, or even at Crawley House while everything is being sorted." A look passed across her face but he could not read it. Unconsciously, they moved closer to each other, their eyes fixed on each other's.
"Thank you Matthew. I know that it cannot have been easy for you to find out all of this, or for Papa either," he reached out and rested a hand on her cheek. She tilted her head towards his hand. He shouldn't want to be near her. She told herself that once her divorce came through, he would not want to be near her, he was there as her lawyer. And yet... And yet, the feel of his hand on her cheek was just so right, the closeness she felt to him again... She pushed away the thoughts that were causing her so much confusion and just enjoyed the sensation of his skin against hers. Matthew knew that he should be remaining detached, at least until things were finalised. He hoped she wasn't having second thoughts. He just wanted to protect her. To be her knight on a white horse, not that she was likely to give fancy to such fairy tale notions. He would have to try and stay away from her unless it was absolutely necessary. He was trying, and failing, to control the line his thoughts were taking. He was a professional. But for now, it was just the two of them in their own world. No Richard. No children. No nothing. Just each other.
A knock on the door brought them back to reality and they sprang apart. "Come in," Mary's voice was strained. Anna appeared and pretended not to be surprised that Matthew was in Mary's bedroom, stood by the window and trying to look natural, as if he was in there all the time.
"Excuse me my lady, but it's about Mr Barker and Miss Thompson."
"What is it Anna?"
"Well, they received a telephone call not too long ago," she looked between the two people who were watching her with interest. "They've left my lady."
"Who was the telephone call from?" Matthew stepped forward. Anna straightened up, reluctant to tell them.
"Sir Richard's solicitor."
"Do you know what was said Anna?"
"I don't. I'm sorry Mr Crawley. Mrs Hughes is at present checking their rooms, in case they left a note. I just thought you should know," she bobbed her head and left the room.
"How soon are you able to travel to London?" Matthew's face was serious, his brow creased in concentration.
"As soon as you need me to, why?"
"If Sir Richard has already had your servants dismissed then it is likely that he is now aware of your intention to divorce him. I rather hoped we'd have a few more days. What do you have at your house in London?" He had almost said home, but it wasn't a home to her, not really.
"Clothes, books..."
"Are any of the furnishings from here, from Downton?" She shook her head. "Nothing that belongs to the family?" Another shake. "So anything there could be replaced?"
"Well I suppose-"
"What about at Hacksby?"
"The same...Matthew, what-" He was pacing now. They would have to act quickly. He had not expected it to be so quickly though.
"I must find your father, and telephone Sir Edward. We need to be in London as soon as possible. Do you think Anna could be spared from her duties tomorrow?"
"I imagine so-"
"Good. She can go to Hacksby. Send Thomas with her." She was frowning at him, but he was oblivious.
"Matthew, will you kindly tell me what is going on and why you are asking me all of these questions?" She spoke loudly and sharply. He turned and looked at her in surprise, as if he had forgotten that she was actually there.
"We need to retrieve your property before you are locked out. We will go to London tomorrow, and see Sir Edward. I will ask your father if we can take Carson and he can oversee things at the house in London, and Anna and Thomas should go to Hacksby. My dear, we need to act quickly. I did not expect that he would...he is going to make this as difficult as possible." His face softened and he stepped towards her, seeking her gaze. "I promise you that we will sort this out." He lightly pressed his lips to her forehead and left the room, leaving Mary staring after him feeling a strange mix of disbelief, desperation and hope.
The past 24 hours had been a blur of activity and telephone calls back and forth to London and rearranging plans and staff at the house, until it had eventually been decided that Cora, Anna and Thomas would go to Hacksby to collect Mary's things from there, while Violet, Carson and Tom would go to the Carlisle residence in London to retrieve her belongings. Robert, Matthew and Mary were to meet with Sir Edward. Mary was sat between her father and grandmother on the train. Matthew was opposite between the other two men. He tried to smile at her but she was too distracted to notice.
She was deep in thought, recalling how her mother and grandmother had reacted to the news. She was surprised at the compassion they had shown, especially because it wasn't the 'done' thing to get a divorce. Sybil and Edith had sat on either side of their sister, already knowing most of the story. Tom had threatened to hunt down Carlisle himself, but Robert had soon put a stop to those sorts of notions, for now anyway. James had merely sat and nodded and agreed that yes, Carlisle really was a despicable man, not really knowing what else he could say. The servants all knew now as well, but Mary could hardly object when the whole country was about to find out much worse. She knew they were all watching her out of the corner of their eyes, trying to work out if at any moment she might burst into tears. She half-wished that she wasn't going to London and that she could have gone to Hacksby instead. She let out a loud frustrated sigh and five heads turned in her direction.
"Mary dear-"
"I'm fine Granny. Really." The heads all turned and were glancing at each other. She would have preferred to walk to London. At least then she would have gotten some peace. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude." She smiled at Violet, who just nodded and smiled back.
The train pulled into the station and Mary felt a heavy weight settle on her chest. It had only been a few days since she had left, but it already felt like a lifetime ago. She clutched her bag tightly, protecting its contents. Her father was giving instructions to the rest of the party. Mary stood away from the group, squeezing her eyes shut and trying to repress all of the things she was feeling. Today was not the day for crying, for feeling. Today was...well, it was going to be a nightmare. A hand on her arm jolted her and she saw that Matthew was at her side.
"The car is waiting for us. It's going to be alright Mary," she nodded, avoiding his gaze, and followed him, looking back to see Tom and Carson following her grandmother into their waiting vehicle.
"Lady Mary, it is a pleasure to see you again, despite the circumstances," she smiled at Sir Edward's friendliness and took his waiting hand. A pang of jealousy coursed through Matthew at their established relationship. A sudden horrible thought sprang to the front of his mind...what if Mary and Sir Edward were somehow united by the grief of their betraying spouses? They would understand what the other was going through. What if she preferred Sir Edward and decided to marry him after the divorces were finalised? As these thoughts swam around his head, Matthew became a bit sharper towards Sir Edward, shaking his hand more roughly than he had before. Sir Edward frowned, and then saw the way that Matthew kept glancing at Mary, and smiled.
"Please, all of you take a seat. I shall call for some tea." The tea arrived, and Sir Edward's cheery nature did something to dissipate the tension that was coming from Mary, Matthew and Robert, but not enough to relax them completely. "I understand that the reclamation of your possessions is being undertaken as we speak?"
"Yes. My mother is overseeing things at Hacksby, and my grandmother here. I feel I ought to apologise Sir Edward," he looked at her curiously. She was a very beautiful and intelligent woman. He could see why Carlisle had pursued her, why Matthew's gaze kept flicking to her. It was a shame that she was spoken for, or he would have tried to court her when their divorces came through.
"Apologise? What on earth for?"
"Well Richard...he is my husband, and..." she wasn't quite sure what she wanted to say.
"No. You must not apologise for him. You were as unaware as I was. He is a villain and a scoundrel, and truthfully, I am glad that I am able to help you get away from him. So please, do not say sorry. He made his decisions himself, as did Madeline," his voice cracked on her name, and his eyes met Mary's, and he noticed the look in hers that he also wore. The tired, betrayed spouse. At least she didn't love Carlisle though. "Anyway, to business. You are going to have to visit him in prison, preferably today. I know that you probably do not wish to see him ever again... I shall accompany you, as will your father and Mr Crawley," he looked at them both and got a nod in reply. "A prison is no place for a lady." He frowned, distracted.
"What will I need to say or do?" Mary was glad of the cup and saucer that she was holding, because she knew that her hands would be unable to keep still otherwise. Of course she would have to see Richard. It was silly to think otherwise. She was grateful then for the presence of her father and Matthew.
"You will need to formally ask for a divorce. I have had some papers drawn up that he will need to sign, just confirming that he will agree to a divorce and the settlement that I have suggested. Would you like to have a look?" He handed her the papers, knowing that it wasn't about the money for her. She read them quickly and then handed them to Matthew to read.
"Do you think he will agree? To sign I mean?" Robert spoke for the first time, a hint of hope creeping into his voice.
"I hope so. If he refuses then we can get a judge to grant an order to make him sign. He is facing serious criminal charges so it would be very foolish of him not to sign. And no judge would refuse to grant the divorce with all of the evidence we have against him. Is it an acceptable contract Mr Crawley?" Sir Edward turned his attention to Matthew.
"Yes, very much so. The settlement is very generous, but would they actually allow that much of his money to go to Mary?"
"I believe so. And again, if he should refuse, a judge can intervene," he checked the time. "I think that perhaps we should succumb to the inevitable now. I shall call for the car." Mary's heart sank. She felt sick. She had only seen Richard the day before she had returned to Downton, and now everything had changed and she was to see him in prison. The men let her leave the room first, and Robert followed.
Sir Edward turned to Matthew before they left, "you don't have to worry about me Mr Crawley. I am perfectly able to comprehend that some things are just meant to be," he said in a soft voice. "And if I'm not mistaken, I'd say your affections are most definitely returned," he nodded at Mary's retreating back.
"Thank you. And I hope you're right. It is sometimes difficult to tell with Mary..." she had barely spoken to him since yesterday in her bedroom and he was at a complete loss as to why that would be. He could tell that this trip to London had set her on edge, and she was more like how she'd been when she first got back to Downton. He hoped that her thoughts weren't going in a direction that would separate them after her divorce came through, but part of him suspected that they just might be.
Robert squeezed her hand as the guards let them in. Sir Edward had taken the lead, and introduced them to his own solicitor, a Mr Wilkinson, who had met them at the prison. Mr Wilkinson, a stout man with an impeccable beard and polite manner, had informed the guard that they needed to see Richard Carlisle. Matthew had tried not to smirk at them not using his title. They were shown into a room that was sparsely furnished with just a simple table and two chairs. Mary shivered and automatically stepped closer to Matthew. She focussed on taking deep breaths. The metal of the door was clanking and everyone in the room waited with bated breath. Two guards entered the room, and between them was Sir Richard. He looked so different than how they had last seen him. Gone were the expensive tailored clothes, to be replaced with the grey of the prison uniform. His hair was messy and he obviously hadn't had a shave for a day or two. He looked dishevelled. He sneered at them as he was brought in and sat down on the chair, the two men remaining at his side, maintaining a hold on his shoulders, even though he was shackled. Matthew and Robert both instinctively stepped in front of Mary. Sir Edward and Mr Wilkinson stepped forward and laid out the papers on the table in front them. Mary couldn't breathe. She had no idea what was being said, she just couldn't keep her eyes off her husband. His cruel gaze kept seeking her out, trying to intimidate her.
"So I see you've already got Crawley fighting for you. Poor little Lady Mary. Always in need of a saviour," his words were laced with venom but Mary did not flinch. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Matthew tense up.
"If I were you Carlisle, I'd keep my mouth shut. Speak when spoken to and all that," Mr Wilkinson spoke before anyone else could. He was not a man to be messed with, and after discovering what he had, he wanted nothing more than to see this vile, arrogant man before him, hanged. Carlisle was determined to have his say though, and ignored the warning of the lawyer.
"Has she told you Crawley? Told you about her dirty little secret?"
"Yes. As a matter of fact she has. And the rest of her family," Matthew was amazed at how calm he managed to keep his voice. Inside he felt like a volcano, ready to snap at any minute while white hot fury pulsed through him. He gripped his cane, and clenched his other hand into a fist, digging his fingernails into his palm.
"Anything else?" Mr Wilkinson glared at Sir Richard, who just sneered. "If you do not sign this contract agreeing to divorce Lady Mary Carlisle, formerly Crawley, then a judge will be summoned who will grant an order forcing you to sign. If such an order is granted, you will be removed from this prison and sent to the asylum." Sir Richard watched the faces of everyone in the room. Robert's was set into a deep frown. Matthew's was angry. Sir Edward and the lawyer looked bored. Mary. Mary had no expression. It was a mask he had seen often during their marriage.
"I'll sign. Because why would I want to stay married to a common whore? I CAN STILL DESTROY YOU!" He shouted and stood up, causing his guards to grip him fiercely as he tried to get closer to her, four men now blocking her from him. They dragged him out of the room. Sir Edward and Mr Wilkinson quickly followed to go and speak to the warden.
"Mary are you alright?" Matthew had turned to face her, one hand lightly resting on her arm. He reached up a hand and wiped away a tear from her cheek. She hadn't even realised she had been crying.
"I think so. Yes. I just need some air." Matthew and Robert nodded and escorted her through the prison, one on each side. This was no place for a lady. No place for any decent person. She kept her head high as she tried to ignore the whistles and lewd comments that were made as they walked back past the cells. They led her straight back outside to the car.
"Lady Mary!" Matthew, Robert and Mary all turned to find Sir Edward walking hurriedly after them. "He is back in his cell. The warden has called for Carlisle's solicitor. We have to return to tomorrow, but without Mr Crawley."
"Why?" Robert spoke, having been unusually quiet since arriving at the prison.
"Carlisle does not want him around. He is only willing to speak to Lady Mary, myself and Mr Wilkinson. I'm sorry, but if you are an excuse for him to delay or be difficult then he will abuse it," he said turning to Matthew.
"What about me? Can I accompany her?" After witnessing Carlisle's behaviour in the prison, Robert didn't want to leave Mary's side until they were safely back at Downton.
"I'm sorry Lord Grantham." Sir Edward shook his head sadly. If he could have his way, he would gladly have the Earl and Matthew at Mary's side, but he also knew they would have to at least give the appearance of complying with some of Carlisle's requests to get what they wanted.
"Papa, it will be alright. Sir Edward will look after me," she clutched her father's hand and smiled at him, wishing he could be there just as much as he wanted to be there. She couldn't look at Matthew. If this was what she had to do, then so be it. Mr Wilkinson appeared suddenly.
"Excuse me Mr Crawley, you're wanted inside for a moment," he looked hard at Matthew, hoping he wouldn't have to spell it out. Sir Edward had told him that he was a bright and inquisitive man and would be a welcome addition to Sir Edward's empire. Matthew frowned, glanced at Mary and nodded once, before following the older man back inside. "Carlisle has expressed a wish to speak to you," Matthew nodded again. This was not going to be pleasant. This time, he was led to a cell door. The guard reached for his cane. "I'm sorry sir. We will just be outside though, and we'll leave the door open. His shackles are fixed." The guard opened the door and Matthew peered into the dimly lit cell. Carlisle was stood with his back to the door. Matthew took a deep breath and stepped inside.
"Mr Crawley. Thank you for dragging yourself away from my wife," he turned slowly, restricted by the heavy manacles. "You were wise to avoid our wedding, when she agreed to be mine."
"I am here as her legal counsel," Matthew replied, ignoring the latter remark.
"But nothing more?" He gave a hollow laugh but the evil glint in his eyes gave away his true feelings. "You see Crawley, I know everything about her...things that no-one else knows, except for maybe Kemal Pamuk, but we both know how that ended," his eyes never left Matthew's, who was doing his best to remain calm. He knew what Sir Richard was alluding to, and he was momentarily grateful that he didn't have his cane. "Let me guess, you have a notion that if I divorce her, you can swoop in and have her for yourself." He waited for Matthew to respond, to give something away, but he didn't. He just continued to stare at him, his face blank. Inside, Matthew was wondering how they had all missed the look on Carlisle's face that was somewhere between a smirk and a sneer, the patronising tone of his voice, the cruel look in his eyes. Stay calm. Just stay calm. For Mary. Sir Richard took a step closer to Matthew, the chains jangled faintly.
"Know this Crawley, you do not want to get on the wrong side of me. You do not want to cross me," he spoke quietly, making him seem even more dangerous.
"Sir Richard, you are the one who is currently in prison and facing financial ruin. Perhaps you should be more careful next time you want to threaten me." Matthew maintained an indifferent, polite tone, but it took a lot of effort.
"And he speaks. She'll never have you you know. You could never provide for her as I have done."
"Perhaps not. But at least I could make her happy," Matthew realised what he had said and clenched his jaw, desperately trying not to give Carlisle more ammunition against Mary.
"Aah, so you have asked her then? Poor Matthew. Whatever she has said is a lie. She didn't want you back then, and she won't want you now. She is only using you to get back at me. Why else would she flirt with the poor crippled country solicitor when she has now got Sir Edward looking out for her?" Somehow, Carlisle had hit on the thing that had been Matthew's sore spot all day, despite what Sir Edward had said, and he flinched. The other man smirked and continued to stare at him.
After what seemed like hours, Matthew finally managed to speak, "are you going to agree to the divorce?"
"Struck a nerve have I Crawley? She's no use to me anymore. She's nothing but a liar, and a whore. She is damaged goods. But if it disrupts your plans..." his voice was dripping with malice and he smiled; a cold, cruel smile.
"I would advise you to agree to it. You're only making things more difficult for yourself." Matthew's voice and stare were as icy as the roads outside. He turned to leave but a hand suddenly had an iron grip on his arm, pulling him closer to the other man.
"You be careful Mr Crawley. I will not warn you again. If you cross me, you will pay, make no mistake about that," he hissed sinisterly. Matthew pulled his arm free and left. He was aware of the guards handing him back his cane and leading him back to the front of the building. He was aware of the figure of Sir Edward waiting for him and him saying something about the car taking Mary and Robert back to his office but that it was coming back to collect them. He was aware of how fast his heart was pounding, how the blood was racing around his body, making him dizzy. He was also aware of the sick feeling in his stomach, of the bile rising up his throat. But mostly, he was aware of Sir Richard's words ringing in his ears and the horrible thoughts that accompanied them.
Ooooh Richard's just so evil...I love it! And mini applause for anyone that can spot the line I borrowed from 'Beauty and the Beast'! Also apologies if any historical details (i.e. prison etc) aren't right, but ho hum, never mind.
