Rating: Mature (this chapter has some very explicit sections)

Mature Language Note: This is a love story, and it makes use of real sexual words, not crude porn language or childish words. You will see words such as penis and clitoris in this story, though also older references such as manhood. If this type of language upsets you, then I assume that you're either not mature enough to engage in activities involving them, or that you have some hang-ups that makes me question if you should read Mature rated stories. These words are as beautiful as the actual body parts and should be treated with the same respect and awe. That's my opinion, and that is my feeling behind using them in the story.

Spoilers: all seasons. AU where Kemal Pamuk did not enter the picture. Set during Season One, before the war. In this story Matthew proposed much earlier and Richard Carlisle entered the picture earlier too.

Summary: Mary and Matthew visit the Robinsons together and Matthew gets to experience a new side to Mary that he has never seen before. She in turn learns something about him as she watches him interact with the Robinsons. The two continue to grow as a couple, becoming more relaxed, but also more playful together.

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 your reviews and encouragement to continue this. I do realize that not everyone is on board with the journey I've taken Mary on (keeping in mind that this is mid-season one Mary) but it warms my heart that so many of you understand where I'm going with her, and the two of them.

The posting/revising happens faster with feedback (it's a fact!), so please feel free to continue to drop me a line.

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Chapter 10

Matthew glanced through the gap in the curtains. It was sunny and clear. He could her birds chirping in the trees outside and the natural beauty of it brought a smile to his lips. It was still early. Mary was asleep next to him. He looked down at her and gently caressed a lock of hair away from her cheek. She stirred and sighed but did not wake up. He pulled the sheet up a bit higher over her naked shoulders. She burrowed deeper into the pillow and the sight of her made him chuckle softly. Knowing her habits by now, Matthew was certain that she would not wake up for at least another hour unless he made her. It was Saturday and they had no obligations so he was more than willing to let her sleep. He reached for his book and got comfortable leaning against the headboard, now and then stroking her hair.

Mary stirred and stretched about an hour later. She blinked and smiled when she noticed that he was awake.

"Good morning, darling," she said, her voice still a little hoarse with sleep.

Matthew put his book away and eased down so he could take her in his arms. She snuggled closer burrowing her face against his neck as she slowly woke up.

"Have I ever told you that I love waking up next to you?" he said softly and kissed the top of her head.

"Only every morning or so, but by all means, don't let that stop you," she said, her words muffled a bit against his neck.

Matthew laughed and pulled her closer. He tilted her face up and kissed her. She caressed his cheek and moved closer to him. As always he felt passion stir inside him.

"Nothing new under the sun," she murmured teasingly against his lips. "The beast is awake."

Matthew pulled away and wriggled his eyebrows at her. It made her laugh and he ran his hand over her body, making sure to touch all the little spots that made her toes curl with pleasure. She moaned and stretched, her eyes narrowing. He grinned at her.

"You were saying, darling?" he teased and let go of her.

"Oh do be quiet, Crawley," she muttered and placed a hot open mouth kiss on his neck, sucking gently.

Matthew laughed again. It was a clear sign of her playfulness when she called him by his last name. He tossed the sheet away. Pretending that he did not see his own response to her touch he moved as if getting up.

"Perhaps we should…"

A firm hand on his chest pushed him back down. Matthew chuckled and covered her hand. Mary sat up and made a face at him.

"You are not going anywhere," she said huskily. "Not for at least an hour."

Matthew raised an amused eyebrow and then pulled her down on top of him. She laughed and he kissed her as his fingers stroked over secret places again. Pulling her up further he moved until their bodies could join. She sat up and tossed her head back as she gasped with pleasure. Her chest was a little flushed and he found it beautiful. Matthew ran his hands over her breasts, teasing her nipples knowing how much she enjoyed it. She was moving fast above him and he gasped at the tingles that rippled through his body. He moved his hands to her hips pulling her down firmer and faster. When his thumb found her little spot she cried out softly and her thighs squeezed around his hips.

"Mary!" he exclaimed as he pushed inside her as he went over the edge.

"Oh God, oh God," she whimpered as she trembled, so close to cresting.

He pulled at her nipple and circled her spot watching as she let go. Her eyes were shut tightly and she shook above him, squeezing him hard as she rode out her orgasm. Feeling the change in her as she started to come down he took her hands and eased her down against his chest, holding her tightly as they basked in the aftermath.

"Matthew," she whispered after a long moment.

"Um, hmm?"

"Have I ever told you that I love waking up next to you?"

Matthew laughed and hugged her tighter. She looked up at him and grinned. He kissed her and made an unhappy sound when she started to slide off him.

"We really should get up, you know," she said and rolled her eyes at the look on his face.

"It's Saturday," he muttered. "I should be allowed to spend the entire day in bed with my alluring wife, if I so desire."

"Alluring?" she drawled and her eyebrow hiked up in amusement.

"Most definitely alluring," he mumbled and kissed her breast.

"Perhaps you would consider going for a ride with your alluring wife?" she said with a teasing smirk.

"I could do that," he said and nodded enthusiastically. "Will said wife be wearing something scandalous and very revealing?"

"Matthew!" she said and glared at him, her face slightly flushed. "Of course not."

"Ah, too bad," he said and sighed.

"You're terrible. Perhaps I should talk to your mother about it…" she said as if thinking out loud.

"Definitely not!" he exclaimed, horrified at the thought.

Mary laughed and rested her chin on his chest. "You know I would never do that."

"I think I do," he said and his eyes narrowed playfully as he tapped her on the nose.

"But you're not sure?" she asked. He shook his head. "Good!' she said and laughed at the look on his face.

"So where did you plan on taking me today?"

"Nowhere in particular," she said and smiled. "I just wanted to spend some time with my two favorite men."

"Diamond and… me?" he teased.

"Yes," she said and rolled her eyes at him again. "You're impossible, Matthew."

"Do you think we could pay the Robinsons a visit?"

"I suppose we could," she said and nodded. "Any particular reason why?"

"I just want to thank them for Rosie. I've only met Jim Robinson once, and it was very brief. From what you've told me, they appear to be very kind and honorable people. That's exactly the kind of tenants we should have on the estate."

"They are," she confirmed.

"All right then, Mrs. Crawley, up with ye," he said and playfully smacked her bottom.

She yelped and laughed. "That's Lady Mary Crawley to you, Sir," she said smugly and slipped out of bed.

She sauntered over to her vanity, holding his gaze in the mirror. She smirked as he swallowed hard at the sight of her. Putting on a little show she stretched and leaned her head back, humming happily when her hair brushed over her buttocks. A squeak behind her told her that he was out of bed. She smiled at him over her shoulder and her eyebrows shot up at the sight of his arousal.

"Again? Honestly Mr. Crawley, you would think that… oh!"

Matthew pulled her hard against him and crushed their lips together. She clutched his shoulders and brushed against him. Turning her around, he ran his hands over her, playing with her breasts, teasing between her legs until she was trembling. He placed her hands flat against the vanity and stroked her back all the way down to her buttocks. She whimpered softly as he nudged her legs apart and then pushed against her. He groaned with pleasure as he entered her fully in one stroke. With a firm grip on her hips he picked up the pace. Looking up he watched her face in the mirror and it made his arousal intensify. He cupped her breast and spoke her name.

"Open your eyes, darling," he whispered. "Watch us."

She did and their eyes met in the mirror. Her eyes were almost black, filled with passion. She whimpered and bit her lip as he stroked between her legs. She was so close. A few more strokes and they were there. He fought to keep his eyes open, and from the looks of it she was doing the same. Her legs shook and he struggled to keep them both upright. Feeling for the chair behind him he sat down heavily, pulling her down on his lap, still connected in passion. She leaned her head back, resting it on his shoulder. He kissed her neck, stroking her stomach in soft circles.

"God, Matthew," she groaned. "Can we go back to bed? I'm exhausted."

Matthew chuckled and nodded. "Perhaps a bath would make you feel refreshed?"

"Mmm," she sighed and squirmed in his lap. "I can still feel you."

"Stop squirming," he hissed. "I can't go another round right now."

"Is that a challenge?" she teased.

"It's a fact," he admitted with a soft huff.

Mary giggled and moved her hips again before sliding off his lap. She walked over to where he had dropped his robe the night before and tossed it to him.

"I'm going to ring for Anna so you better cover yourself," she said with a teasing smile. "I don't want her to run screaming from seeing you like that."

"It would be most inappropriate," he agreed.

He struggled to his feet and slipped into the robe. "I think I need a bath too, come to think of it."

Mary, now dressed in her nightgown wrapped her arms around him and kissed him softly.

"I will see you downstairs for breakfast."

He smiled and nodded as he left the room.

.

Mary laughed as Bonnie barked and wagged her tail when she and Matthew entered the Robinsons' yard. Jim Robinson came towards them smiling in welcome.

"Lady Mary, Mr. Crawley, welcome."

Matthew got down and shook Jim's hand in greeting before helping Mary down.

"Lady Mary!"

Mary turned and a second later a grinning Billy slammed into her, wrapping his arms around her waist. She laughed and hugged him close.

"Billy!" his father said sternly. "That is no way to greet a lady."

"Sorry da," Billy muttered and took a step back glancing up at Mary.

Mary smiled at him and caressed his hair. He laughed and took her hand. Matthew chuckled at the sight of the little boy with Mary and suddenly he could not wait for them to have a child of their own.

"Billy, this is my husband, Mr. Crawley," Mary said and turned them both to face Matthew.

"Hello Mr. Crawley," Billy said and eyed Matthew cautiously.

"Hello Billy," Matthew said and smiled at the boy.

"Good Lord in heaven! Lady Mary, welcome."

Mary and Matthew turned at the sound of Anne Robinson's voice behind them. The flustered woman came rushing out of the cottage and grabbed her son sending him inside with a gentle smack on his bum. He just grinned.

"Anne, this is my husband, Mr. Crawley."

Matthew smiled and took Anne's hand. She blushed and laughed nervously.

"Mr. Crawley, 'tis an honor."

"The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Robinson."

"Oh, please call me Anne." She gestured towards the cottage. "Please come in. I'm sorry but I'm in the middle of baking and I need to make sure I don't burn 'em loaves."

Mary smiled and nodded. With Matthew in tow, Mary followed Anne inside the cottage.

.

Mary laughed at Matthew sitting across from her at the rustic kitchen table in the Robinsons' cottage. He was playing the harmonica, much to Billy's delight. She had no idea that Matthew even could play. It turned out that he apparently had learned while at university. She reached for her mug and took another sip of the cider. Billy clapped and cheered as Matthew finished.

"Here you go," Matthew said and gave him the instrument back. "With some practice I'm sure you'll figure it out."

"Thanks, Mr. Crawley," Billy said in a faint voice.

Mary smiled and stroked his hair. If Billy had been fascinated with her the first time he met her, it was nothing compared to his infatuation with Matthew. He had fingered Matthew's jacket and his hat, while studying him for long quiet moments as they sat by the table in the kitchen.

Billy stepped closer to Mary and looked up at her. He chewed on his lip and she arched her eyebrow in question. He giggled and she did it again.

"What is it?" she whispered.

He reached up, standing on his tippy toes, to whisper in her ear. Mary made a face and tried not to laugh.

"Why don't you ask Matthew yourself?" she said and smiled at Billy.

Billy eyed Matthew very carefully. Matthew grinned and waved Billy over. Billy cautiously walked over and stood in front of Matthew looking very serious. Matthew put his hand on Billy's shoulder and leaned down.

"Now let us have a man-to-man, Billy," Matthew said and winked at him. Billy grinned and nodded. "What did you want to ask me?"

"Are ye really going to be the next lord of 'e big house?"

"I'm afraid so," Matthew said with a heavy sigh. Billy giggled. "Luckily for me I have Lady Mary to help me out. I'm still learning how to be an earl. It's not as easy as it looks, I can assure you."

Billy covered his mouth and stared at Matthew, trying not to laugh. "Ye look like a gentleman," he pointed out to Matthew.

"Course he does," Anne exclaimed and shot her son a stern look. "Mr. Crawley is a gentleman."

"Perhaps," Mary mused. Matthew looked at her and she laughed. She gestured to him. "Matthew, darling you're in your shirtsleeves, drinking ale from a tankard, no necktie, not even cufflinks."

"I still think he looks mighty fine, Lady Mary," Billy said, taking Matthew's side.

"Good man, Billy," Matthew said and patted the boy's shoulder.

Billy grinned at Matthew.

"Here we are," Anne said and put down a plate with thick slices of bread, warm from the oven and slathered in rich butter. Another plate with cheese and ham joined the first one a moment later. Anne beckoned Billy over and handed him a plate to take outside to his father. The boy ran off, only slightly upset at having to leave his new idol.

Mary put a large piece of bread and some cheese on her plate. Matthew watched in fascination as his wife, the regal Lady Mary took a bite of the warm bread, butter landing on her chin. She smiled and wiped it off, but her lips and chin were still shining from the warm butter. Matthew just stared at her.

"Just go ahead and kiss the girl," Anne said and rolled her eyes.

Matthew turned beet red and he looked away. "I… eh."

"I know she's a lady, 'n all o' that," Anne said and folded her arms giving Matthew a look. "But she's also a girl who right now looks like she'd very much like a kiss from 'er husband."

Mary blushed and licked her lip nervously. Anne was right. When Matthew had looked at her she could see the passion in his eyes and it made her heart flutter. She took another small bite and the same thing happened. Anne chuckled and turned her back at them. Matthew shot up from his seat and leaned across and kissed Mary, sucking her lower lip into his mouth, tasting the butter on her warm lips. He nibbled and sucked on her lips for a brief moment before letting go of her and taking his seat again.

Mary reached for her cider and took a large sip trying to cool down. It did not seem to work. She still felt flustered.

Matthew slowly ate a piece of cheese and took a bite of his bread all while watching the emotions on Mary's face.

"This is delicious," he said and smiled at Anne.

"It certainly is," Mary agreed. She smiled at Anne. "I admit I've never actually had bread like this, directly from the oven."

"It's the best!" Billy said and grinned, butter all over his chin and mouth. He had barely sat down before taking a big bite of the bread his mother had put on his plate.

Mary laughed and wiped his face. He laughed at her. Matthew watched them with a dreamy look on his face. Anne nodded to herself. Mr. Crawley and Lady Mary would make fine parents some day.

.

"'ave ye thought of havin' children, m'lady?" Anne said to Mary as the two sat talking by the table.

Mary glanced at Matthew who was playing with Billy on the floor, building something that vaguely resembled a railroad for Billy's train.

"Of course." She looked up at Anne and smiled a little, though her eyes were still serious. "Matthew is the heir. It is expected of me that I give him a son."

Anne gently touched Mary's arm. "Perhaps, but once you hold your baby for the first time, m'lady, you will not think 'bout it like that."

"I guess you're right," Mary said and sighed.

"I know what they say about your lot havin' children 'n such," Anne said and sighed. "Don't let 'em take yer children away to be raised by nannies, milady. Spend as much time with 'em as ye can. They will be gone sooner than ye know it."

Mary met Anne's blue eyes and thought about her words. "It is unusual, and it will be frowned upon, but I will consider your advice."

"I wouldn't want other people to raise my son for nuthin'," Anne said. "Just thinking of so many things I'd miss. His first steps, the first time he said mama. The knowledge that it's me that he runs to when he's hurt or sad. That I'm the one he'll allow to make things right."

Mary swallowed, feeling tears in her eyes. She grasped Anne's hand and nodded in understanding. Thinking back to her own childhood she realized that much of what Anne was saying did not apply to her and her sisters. There had always been Nanny, or Carson. Mary smiled at the thought of the old butler.

"And you've done a wonderful job. He is a sweet boy."

Anne nodded. "He is."

Matthew got up and returned to the table with Billy in tow. He sat down and took a sip of his ale.

"So Billy, do you know your ABCs?" Matthew asked and tried to sound stern, but his twinkling eyes betrayed him.

"I do, Mr. Matthew," Billy said quickly.

"Good boy," Matthew said and ruffled his hair. "Do you go to the village school?"

Billy shook his head and looked at his mother.

"I've been teaching 'im," Anne said softly. She smiled apologetically at Matthew. "The school is too far away. He's too young to walk on 'is own. I'm afraid we can't spare the time to walk him to and from school."

"I see," Matthew said and sighed. "I can't say that I approve. He is a bright boy and being in school with other children would be good for him."

Anne nodded. "I just can't see how it could happen."

Matthew looked thoughtful and then sighed and smiled at Anne. "Perhaps we'll find a way."

Billy moved closer to Mary. She put her arm around him and he smiled at her as he jumped up on her lap.

"You're very pretty," he said and grinned at her.

"Thank you, Billy," she said and kissed his cheek.

"Hold on there young man, that's my wife you're flirting with," Matthew said in a playful stern voice.

Billy giggled and glanced at Mary. "Don't you think she's pretty, Mr. Matthew?" he asked and bit his lip.

"She is very pretty," Matthew agreed.

"Oh do stop it you two," Mary muttered and made a face.

Billy laughed and reached for a biscuit.

.

Matthew was thoughtful on the way back. Mary let him be, knowing that he would talk to her once he had gathered his thoughts.

It was late in the day when they handed their tired horses over to two of the stable hands. Mary walked next to Matthew, picking up the pace a little as she was looking forward to getting home and more specifically to having a bath. She stopped when she realized that he was no longer by her side. She turned and looked for him. Matthew was standing by one of the smaller boxes. Mary smiled when she spotted the pony inside. She returned to Matthew's side and looked questioning at him.

"Matthew, is everything all right?"

"Whose horse is this?" he asked.

"Papa's. Well, the estate's really. Surely you must be aware that we have a few extra horses for guests and when one of the regular ones is unavailable. The ponies are for any visiting children," she explained and then sighed. "Unfortunately it's been a while since we had children visiting last. They must get awfully bored only getting to run around in a circle in the paddock."

"Do you think Robert would let the Robinsons care for one of the ponies for a while?"

Mary's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "I honestly don't know. Why don't you ask him? I would say it's in the estate's best interest that Billy goes to school. With an education he is better prepared to take over for his father some day."

Matthew laughed and nodded. Of course she would figure it out. He put his arm around her waist.

"I am so lucky to have a wife who is both beautiful and intelligent."

"And don't you forget it, Crawley," Mary muttered and then laughed as he kissed her cheek.

.

Matthew held Mary close and slowly ran his hand over her side and hip. She looked up at him and he kissed her softly, too tired for anything more passionate. A tiny tremble went through her and he smiled at her lingering response to their recent lovemaking. Kicking the sheet closer he pulled it up and over their cooling bodies.

"I know we have not talked much about it," he said a little hesitantly. He looked her in the eyes before he continued. "Seeing you with Billy made me realize that you would be a wonderful mother."

Mary smiled and sighed. "I do want to have a child with you, Matthew. After all, it is expected of us."

"I know that, and that's not what I was about to ask," he said and stroked her cheek. "I wanted to know about your preference."

Mary just looked at him for a long moment. She traced his eyebrow and his nose, feeling the slight stubble on his cheeks and chin before she met his eyes again.

"I am happy with you as it is. I don't feel the need to have a child to be complete. That doesn't mean that I don't want any. I do. I think your children would be beautiful, Matthew."

He chuckled and kissed her. "Our children," he corrected her softly. "And yes they would, because if I have any say in the matter, they will all look like their mother."

Mary laughed and wrapped her arms around him when he rolled her over.

"You're insatiable," she gasped as his lips closed around her nipple. "You'll have me pregnant in no time."

Matthew chuckled and looked up at her. "Perhaps you already are?"

She just stared at him. "I never thought about that," she whispered. "It is entirely possible I guess."

Matthew sat up and placed his palm on her stomach. "Do you feel any different?"

She shook her head. "I really don't. Not that I know what it feels like to be pregnant."

"I guess I have to try harder then," he teased and his hand stroked down her thigh.

Mary laughed and then gasped as his fingers touched her. Her eyes fluttered shut and her body quivered under his touch.

"I guess you should," she whispered.

Matthew did not answer; his lips were already busy doing just that.

.

"I was wondering," Matthew said and turned to Robert.

"Yes?" Robert looked up from the ledger he was updating.

"Mary and I went over to the Robinsons' farm yesterday. I wanted to thank them personally for the puppy and to see what they've done with the place. Mary has been speaking so highly of them so I was very eager to see it."

Robert smiled and nodded. "Jim Robinson is one of our best tenants."

"He has a son, did you know that?" Matthew said quickly.

"Yes, Mary told me."

"He's a bright lad," Matthew said and smiled at the memory. "I think he might be a little in love with Mary actually. Not that I blame him."

Robert laughed again and shook his head. "I guess not. Do I need to worry?"

"Not for many years at least. He's only six," Matthew said with a grin.

"Good, good."

"Anyway, they are unable to send Billy to school in the village because it is too far."

"Ah," Robert said and nodded. "They are on the northern outskirts so I can see that."

"They only have one horse and Jim needs it for the farm," Matthew explained. "I was wondering if you might consider letting them use one of the ponies. According to Mary no one hardly ever rides them."

Robert leaned back in his seat and looked at Matthew. "Interesting thought. You've taken an interest in this boy."

"I have," Matthew confirmed.

"Matthew," Robert said, weighing his words carefully. "I know that you have only been married for a short period of time, but trust me, you will have children of your own soon."

"I know," Matthew said and smiled. "I still want to help the Robinsons. I firmly believe that educating the children of our tenants is in our best interest."

"Perhaps." Robert was not completely in agreement but he could tell that the issue was important to Matthew. "If you think it would make a difference, I have no issue with you letting them keep one of our ponies. Let them know that we will provide the feed."

"Thank you," Matthew said and smiled.

*** L MJC ***

Do you think that the Robinsons have helped getting Lady Mary a bit more "grounded"? Is she and Matthew ready to become parents? How close to a little Crawley in the nursery are we? Hang in there and you'll find out :)