Rating: PG-13 (for kissing, and Edwardian teenagers whispering about what happens between husband and wife while 'groping and touching' a bit)
Spoilers: none since the story takes place in 1907
Summary: The Crawleys are getting ready to host the Russell family for the Opening of the Downton Games. Matthew experiences a severe case of jealousy as he watches Mary dance. A conversation with Lord Grantham does not make the situation any better. Matthew is now more determined than ever to win at the games.
.
Note: If the thought of a fifteen year old girl kissing a sixteen year old boy bothers you, I suggest that you either close your eyes when you see that coming, or that you find something else to read. Oh and heavens, if you think it shocking that Edwardian teenagers were interested in sex and were filled with hormones just like modern day teenagers, perhaps you should skip the last part of this chapter which is set in Lady Mary's bedroom :)
…
I want to thank everyone who shared input on where I should take this story. I have considered your thoughts, and mine, and I am pleased to say that we are 'moving forward' ;) Please know that your thoughts and comments were seriously considered and very valuable in my creative writing process. Please continue to share your thoughts and ideas. The Muse highly appreciates it!
…
Special thank you to the lovely Tambear for catching missing commas, odd grammar and offering excellent suggestions & advice!
…
…
SUMMER AT DOWNTON, 1907
.
PART X – The Opening Ceremony
Matthew was giddy with excitement as he strolled through the open doors from the library. A large tent had been erected on the main lawn and underneath it footmen and maids were running around setting up for the dinner party that same evening. He could hear Carson's deep voice as the butler gave orders to his staff.
Ducking under the tent he walked up to Daniel. "Hello."
"Hello, Master Matthew," the young footman said and smiled at him.
"Are you ready for tomorrow?"
"We will be victorious, Master Matthew," Daniel said with a wide grin.
"Daniel!"
Daniel made an apologetic face. "I've got to go."
Matthew nodded and watched as Daniel hurried over to Carson, picking up a basket of silverware and a jug of steaming water. Continuing his walk, Matthew inspected the banners which marked the finish line for the 100m and relay race. He touched the flapping flag with the Grantham crest. They looked much fancier than the sticks they had used during their practice runs.
"Matthew, there you are."
Matthew turned and smiled at Lord Grantham. "Cousin Robert."
"Are you excited, my boy?" Robert asked with a grin.
"I am!" Matthew said and laughed.
Robert put his arm around Matthew's shoulders and together they walked the different parts of the event course.
"Mary is very fond of you," Robert said as the two stood watching the long jump pit.
"I can assure you that I've been nothing but honorable towards Cousin Mary," Matthew said quickly.
Robert nodded. "Of course. I'm not accusing you of anything improper, Matthew." He sighed and looked up at the house. "One day Patrick will continue my legacy here. When that day comes I hope that he will have as strong and devoted wife by his side, as I've had in Cora."
Matthew nodded. "I'm sure he will."
"When she was a little girl, Mary thought that Downton would be hers. She even fought Patrick for it once."
"She did?" Matthew couldn't help but chuckle at the visual Robert's comment had invoked.
"She did. I had to break them apart."
"You wish for Patrick to marry Mary."
"I do. They are well suited for each other. She will be a wonderful countess some day. And Patrick, well, he needs someone who can stand up to him and keep him focused."
"What about love?"
Robert sighed. He rested his hand on Matthew's shoulder, meeting his eyes. "Love might come with time. It did for Cora and me. I know that Mary and Patrick are fond of each other, and that gives me confidence that they will have a successful marriage."
Matthew swallowed, unsure of what to say. "I hope that you're right," he finally managed to say, his voice slightly strained.
"Downton is in my blood, Matthew. It is my fourth child. I am as concerned about its future as that of my daughters'."
Matthew wanted to shout at him, and shake some sense into the Earl. How could Lord Grantham be so dense? Downton was a beautiful estate, but that was all. It was not a living being. It pained Matthew how Robert was willing to use his eldest daughter as a pawn in a game to keep the estate intact.
"Please forgive me, Cousin Robert, but I need to go inside to prepare for the ceremony."
"Of course," Robert said and patted Matthew's shoulder. "Thank you for listening to my rambling about the future."
"Any time," Matthew lied.
"Sybil, don't touch your hair! And stop twirling."
Mary gave her little sister a stern look. Sybil was dressed in a flowing cream colored dress and soft ballet shoes. Her hair had been arranged with a small tiara of pink rosebuds and silver ribbons. She was spinning around watching the gauzy fabric fan out around her.
"But Mary, look how lovely it is," she said cheerfully and grinned at her sister.
"You're very pretty, and I want you to stay that way."
Sybil sighed and sat down on a chair by the window watching Rosie pin up Mary's hair. Mary was to play the role of Athena. Edith and Sybil, dressed alike as young dryads, the mythological wood nymphs, would be leading the procession.
A knock on the door was followed by Matthew's smiling face. Mary waved for him to come in. Matthew was for the occasion dressed in a white suit with the Grantham crest tied around his arm, stating which team he represented.
"You look very smart, Matthew," Mary said and smiled at him as their eyes met in the mirror.
"Thank you. Patrick is fussing over his hair, but he should be here shortly."
Mary chuckled at the thought. "Don't let him hear you say that."
Matthew shrugged. He took a seat next to Sybil, smiling fondly at her. "You look very pretty, Sybil."
"Thank you!"
During the planning of the opening ceremony they had come to the conclusion that it would be best for Patrick and Matthew to wear their team suits while greeting the guests. That way they would only need to remove their jackets and shirts before slipping into their togas. No one wanted to give away the surprise, and having Matthew and Patrick in togas would most definitely do that. Mary and her sisters were not to join the festivities until later.
Patrick had been so excited when he had managed to find the sheet music that was referenced in his Olympic booklet. The tune had been played at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, and tonight, the small orchestra hired to play after dinner, were to play the Olympic theme while the teams marched in.
Earlier in the week Lord Grantham had asked to join their last planning meeting. Mary's eyebrows had arched in amusement at the excitement on her father's face.
"What is it?"
"I have a gift for Patrick and Matthew," he said and placed the quite large parcel in the middle of the table. "Go ahead, open it."
Patrick pulled the string and tore the brown paper open. Inside was a stack of white clothes.
"Boys' undergarments? Honestly, Papa," Mary said and wrinkled her nose.
Lord Grantham laughed and shook his head. "No my dear, athletic uniforms."
Matthew grabbed one of the white sleeveless jerseys and held it up. They all gasped at the sight of the Grantham crest on the front left. Matthew turned it over only to reveal the name Barrow written in black letters on the back.
"This is brilliant!" he exclaimed cheerfully.
Patrick and Matthew rifled through the outfits sorting out the different sets of jerseys and matching white shorts. It turned out that Lord Grantham had given them four outfits each. He watched in delight as the two boys shared their excitement with their cousins. When Patrick removed his jacket and started to unbutton his shirt Robert's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Patrick laughed and his hands stilled for a moment.
"Mary and Edith, please turn around."
Mary sighed and rolled her eyes. "I've seen you without a shirt before, Patrick."
"Still, I don't feel comfortable undressing in front of you in the presence of your father."
"Fine," Mary huffed and turned around.
Patrick tossed his shirt on the sofa and pulled the team jersey over his head. "You may look now."
They all gazed at him as he slowly turned to give them a complete view of the front and back of the Downton team's new uniform.
"It's perfect! Thank you ever so much, Papa," Mary said and kissed Robert's cheek.
"I'm glad that you like them. I have another surprise for you, but it will have to wait until the day of the games."
Mary huffed, but he just smiled at her. Matthew was too excited about the new uniforms to really care one way or another. Edith was chatting excitedly with Patrick as she touched his new outfit pretending to straighten it over his shoulders.
As darkness fell over Downton on the night of the Opening Ceremony, torches were lit to line the entrance. After greetings and introductions had been made, Billy Russell and his friends bid Lord and Lady Grantham farewell as they went inside to join the younger Crawleys.
"This is a very dramatic change to our usual family gatherings," Lady Flohra Russell said and fanned herself.
"My daughters and their cousins have planned tonight's event in secrecy," Lady Grantham said with a smile.
"And you allowed this?" Lady Flohra said surprised. "What if it is not at all appropriate?"
"My husband has been involved to some degree," Cora assured her. "I do trust my daughters not to do something outrageously distasteful."
"Cora dear," Robert said fondly and touched her shoulder. "I believe that they are ready."
She watched him walk over to the musicians, quietly conferring with the leader for a moment before returning to her side again.
"Is everything all right, dear?"
"Perfectly so," he assured her.
A drum roll brought silence under the tent. A steady drum beat followed, adding some drama to the quiet evening. Suddenly a faint shadow emerged from the darkness and as she came closer to the torches, Lady Grantham recognized her youngest daughter.
"Oh, Sybil," she whispered and her hand went to her chest at the sight of Sybil in her dress.
Sybil ran across the lawn; spreading handfuls of rose petals from a small bowl. She twirled and leaped as she danced to the music which had now changed to flute and soft violins. A moment later Edith joined her, dressed in an identical outfit. The two girls smiled as they kept dancing. When the rose petals were gone they put their bowls down and took each other's hands, twirling around, their dresses and hair fanning behind them.
The two girls finally came to a stop, sinking to the ground like two little swans. The music stopped immediately. Before anyone could react, Mary stepped out of the darkness, flanked by Patrick and Matthew, holding her hands; all three dressed as ancient Greeks.
"I welcome you to the first Downton Games," Mary said loud and clear.
"As the Goddess Athena once protected the city of Athens, we give you the Maiden of Downton," Patrick said, his voice deep in the darkness.
"The Athenians dedicated the olive branch as a sign of peace and victory," Matthew's voice rang in the dark. "During the ancient games, peace was declared between warring nations. Today we come together as friends and family, honoring that tradition by extending a hand of friendship."
Sybil and Edith rose from the ground and took Mary's hands, leading her closer. Music started again and Mary's clear voice filled the air. Edith and Sybil danced and twirled around her. When Lord Grantham looked up to see if Patrick and Matthew would join the girls, it was only to find them gone, as if vanished into thin air. He drew in a sharp breath of air at the eeriness of their disappearance.
Once the song ended, Mary sank to her knees, arms extended above her head, framing the moon between her hands. A loud gasp went through the audience at this masterful choreography. As they sat stunned, Carson stepped up behind Mary.
"In the tradition of the ancient games, the athletes vow to compete in fairness and with honor. Victory will be awarded based on effort, not allegiance. The golden laurels will be placed on each winning competitor's head in recognition of his achievement," Carson's voice boomed. "We will all honor our winners with befitting praise, acknowledging their skill, and refrain from ridiculing remarks, not befitting of true sportsmanship."
While Carson spoke, the three girls ran off into the darkness. The butler paused and gazed at the crowd.
"Before we officially declare the games open, please allow me to introduce to you this year's competitors."
Carson stepped over to the side and everyone's eyes again went to the alley of torches. The orchestra started to play the official Olympic tune as Sybil and Edith walked in, straight as little arrows, carrying the Olympic flag and the Greek flag. Mary followed them, holding the torch up high in front of her. Behind her Billy Russell led his team, carrying the flag with the Russell's family crest. The Haxby team was dressed in dark suits and white trousers, the Russell crest sewn onto the left breast pocket.
Mary stopped in the middle of the lawn, Edith and Sybil on either side of her. The flags moved slowly in the gentle evening breeze, and the torch crackled as a few sparks escaped.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, the competitors from Haxby Park, led by Master William Russell, who is carrying his family's crest."
Billy led his team over to the left of Sybil, the four of them lining up next to each other. Last to enter was the Downton team, led by Patrick, carrying the Grantham crest. Their white suits looked very smart and offset the Haxby Park team very nicely.
"Representing Downton Abbey, Master Patrick Crawley carries the crest of Grantham."
"Lord and Lady Grantham, honored guests, friends and family, as the heir to Haxby Park I am proud to present the Haxby team to you," Billy said loudly. "On my left we have Master Colin Wright, next to him Master Eric Wellington and the last member of our team is young Master Andrew Wright."
Each boy stepped forward as Billy introduced them, arm across the chest.
"As invited guests and athletes, we promise to honor the Olympic code of ethics and behave in an honorable manner, as true sportsmen."
"This we promise!" the three boys echoed.
As Billy stepped back, Patrick stepped forward. "Lord and Lady Grantham, honored guests, friends and family, as the heir to Downton Abbey, I am proud to present the Downton team to you. On my right, my cousin, Master Matthew Crawley, next to him, Thomas Barrow, and last but not least, Daniel Jones."
Like the Haxby team, the Downton boys stepped forward to be recognized.
"As hosts and athletes, we promise to honor the Olympic code of ethics and behave in an honorable manner, as true sportsmen."
"This we promise!" the three boys echoed.
Amused laughter broke out under the tent when it became clear that the honor statement was in fact rehearsed, and the words chosen with care. Silence fell again as Mary stepped forward.
"As our athletes have stated their allegiance and promised to uphold the honor of the games, we want to pay homage to the ancient Greeks for inventing them. We present to you, not only the flags and crests of the competing teams, but the flag of Greece in memory and recognition of the Ancient Games, and the Olympic flag in recognition of the modern day games."
Daniel and Colin stepped forward and took the flags from Sybil and Edith. Together with Patrick and Billy they walked over to the side where holders had been set up for the purpose of securing the flags. The Union Jack was already placed high above them and it flapped in the wind as the four flags were arranged around it.
The boys return to the others, hands clasped behind their backs. Mary raised her torch a little higher and Carson's voice filled the darkness again.
"Please stand while we honor the King."
Everyone scrambled to their feet to join him in singing 'God Save the King'. After a moment of silence, everyone sat down again. Mary looked at her father and smiled.
"We call upon Lord Grantham to officially open the Downton Summer Games of 1907."
Robert got up and walked over to her, taking the torch. The two walked side by side over to the large oil lamp which would serve as the eternal flame. Robert lowered the torch and lit the wick. Flames licked the darkness as they shot up towards the sky. A loud gasp was followed by loud clapping. Mary and Lord Grantham stepped back and faced the tent.
"I hereby declare the Downton Summer Games of 1907 open!"
Cheering and clapping erupted and Mary laughed as she met her father's eyes.
"That was excellent, Papa," she whispered.
He put his arm around her shoulders as they walked towards the tent together.
"Mary." Cora pulled her daughter aside as she came downstairs after changing. "I want you to spend some time with Billy Russell and Patrick tonight."
"Yes, Mama," Mary said and rolled her eyes.
"Mary!" Cora grabbed her arm. "Both of them are very fond of you. In a few years I would not be surprised if either, or perhaps both of them set out to court you. You could do much worse than ending up as the next Countess of Grantham, or the mistress of Haxby Park."
"I don't care about…" Her mother's tight grip on her arm stopped Mary mid sentence and she met her mother's serious gaze. With a sigh she nodded. "Yes, Mama."
"Don't look so glum, Mary," Cora said with a smile. "I'm sure you will have a wonderful evening. To have three young men fawning over you is only the beginning, my dear. Once you are presented in London you will have more suitors than you ever imagined." Cora affectionately stroked Mary's cheek. "You are growing up to be a beautiful young woman, Mary. Boys and young men will notice you. You need to learn how to deal with them, firmly, but charmingly. To spend time with your cousins and Billy Russell will be good for you. Consider it a preparation if you like for your Season."
"Yes, Mama."
Cora smiled at her and then left to join her husband outside. Mary stood alone in the grand hallway pondering her mother's words, never noticing the silent spectator where he stood in the shadows. The old butler had watched her grow up and he would watch over Lady Mary until the day he died. The sadness on the girl's face tugged at his heart and he wanted to go to her, but propriety prevented him from doing so. Instead he silently turned and disappeared downstairs.
Mary had been seated next to Billy Russell. Matthew was sitting between Lady Flohra, Billy's mother, and Lady Rosamund. He had a perfect view of Mary, but was not close enough to be able to talk to her. Further down the table he spotted Cora, wondering for a brief moment if she had placed him where he was in order to watch him. Thinking it silly, he shrugged it off. He wished that his younger cousins had been allowed to dine with them. He would gladly have exchanged Lady Flohra for Sybil, even Edith for that matter, but the Dowager Countess had firmly stated that Sybil and Edith should not be present. Cora and Robert had reluctantly agreed.
"How do you find Downton, Matthew?"
"I'm having a lovely time here, Lady Flohra," he said and smiled at her.
"It is such a beautiful estate, and your cousins are lovely girls. Mary is becoming more and more beautiful every time I see her."
Matthew glanced at Mary and nodded. "She's very pretty."
"I'm sure that you and Patrick will be fiercely watching over her once she's presented in London. She's bound to have a string of suitors out the door," Lady Flohra said which a chuckle.
Matthew frowned. He did not like the sound of that at all. "I suppose."
"I'm glad that my daughters are still young."
"I think that I had the pleasure of meeting your daughter Jane at Mary's birthday."
"Of course. My youngest was unwell and had to stay home."
"How disappointing for her," he mumbled and sipped his drink. "Will they both be here tomorrow?"
"Of course! They will be cheering on the Haxby team. Lily has made little flags and everything."
Matthew chuckled at the thought. It reminded him of Sybil. Taking a bite of his dinner, Matthew looked up when he heard Mary laugh. She was smiling at Billy who was grinning as they shared something funny. Noticing Mary's hand resting gently on Billy's arm, Matthew quickly looked away and took a sip of his drink. For the remainder of the dinner he avoided looking at Mary. Her voice and laughter seemed to make its way to him no matter how much he tried to tune her out and focus on the two ladies sitting next to him.
After dinner the gentlemen withdrew for a while to smoke inside. Robert cheerfully invited Patrick, Billy and Matthew to join them. Matthew sighed as he trekked along with Patrick. He had no desire to spend time with any of them. He wanted to speak to Mary, and if he could not do that, well, then he would very much like to just retire to bed.
"What is eating you, old chap?" Billy said and thumped Matthew's back. "Nervous about tomorrow?"
"Not overly so, no," Matthew muttered.
"Your cousin is charming," Billy prattled on. "Do you know if she and Patrick have any sort of arrangement yet?"
Matthew's head snapped around to stare at Billy. He shook his head. "I would assume that they are both too young for that. She just turned fifteen."
"She will be presented in London in a year or two. I would say that a beautiful young lady like Mary will have more than one suitor pursuing her with sincere interest."
"I'm certain that you're correct."
"Please excuse me. I see my father waving at me."
Matthew opened his mouth but Billy was already gone to join his father and Lord Grantham. As Matthew passed by the small group a moment later she heard Mary's name mention and the older gentlemen chuckled amused. Matthew gritted his teeth and walked over to Patrick.
"I can't understand what Mary sees in him," he muttered.
"Billy?" Patrick chuckled and sipped his drink. "They have known each other since they were little. I think Billy proposed to Mary when he was eight. She turned him down."
Matthew laughed at the thought. "They seemed very cozy at dinner."
"Matthew, as a host it is Mary's duty to be friendly towards guests."
"I guess. I just wished that she was not quite so friendly."
"Don't get too attached," Patrick said in a gentle tone. "Mary's future has been planned ever since it was clear that Cora would not give Robert a son and heir."
Music started playing outside and the men began to filter out the door. Patrick followed and Matthew took a deep breath, shaking the depressing prospects of Mary's future.
"Lady Mary, may I have this dance?"
Mary looked up at the smiling Billy standing next to her offering her his hand. She nodded and placed hers in his.
"Of course."
Matthew watched Billy pull Mary close as he led her through the dance. They made a striking couple. Billy whispered something in Mary's ear and she laughed and nodded. Matthew turned his back at them.
"Matthew, are you enjoying yourself?"
He looked up and met the countess's blue eyes. "Of course, Cousin Cora. It's a delightful event."
"I fear that there is a lack of suitable young women for you and Patrick."
Matthew had to smile at that. Putting his drink down, he offered her his hand. "Perhaps you would grant me a dance, Cousin Cora?"
"I would be delighted."
Matthew led Lady Grantham onto the small dance floor, holding her at an appropriate distance. He smiled at her as they moved to the music. They spoke about the upcoming event and she asked several questions about it. He was glad for the distraction from his dark thoughts about Mary and engaged in the conversation with interest.
"You are an accomplished dancer, Matthew," Lady Grantham said with a smile. "Did your mother teach you?"
"She did," he said with a smile, fondly remembering his parents dancing together when he was little. "My parents loved to dance."
"I quite agree," she said with a smile. "Robert and I take every opportunity to attend events involving dancing."
The music came to an end and he escorted her back to her seat, hoping to catch Mary to ask her for a dance. To his dismay Lord Grantham beat him to it, and Mary was soon sailing around the dance floor in the arms of her father.
As Mary was handed from Robert to Patrick to Billy's father, and then Sir Anthony, Matthew politely danced with Rosamund and the Dowager Countess. By the time he sat down to catch his breath for a moment he was in a rotten mood. He almost barked when someone gently touched his shoulder. Only the fact that the hand was decidedly female prevented the harsh words from rolling off his tongue.
"Matthew."
His face broke into a wide grin at the sound of her voice. "Mary."
"Are you enjoying yourself? I keep hearing the ladies talking about this dashing young man with golden hair who swept them off their feet."
"Oh, stop it," he muttered. He reached for his glass, just to have something to do.
"May I have some?"
Matthew offered her his glass and watched her take a few sips of the cold lemonade. She was clearly thirsty, but ever a lady she made an effort to take tiny sips. With a smile she handed the glass back to Matthew.
"Would you like me to get you a glass?" he offered.
"As long as you do not mind sharing, it does not seem necessary," she teased.
Spotting Patrick coming their way, Matthew quickly took Mary's hand. "Please dance with me," he whispered.
"I would love to."
Matthew almost dragged her onto the dance floor, so excited to finally have her all to himself, if only for a moment.
"My evening suddenly became much more enjoyable," he said softly close to her ear. "Forgive me, but I did not like how Billy was holding you while you danced."
Mary giggled and her eyes twinkled. "Are you jealous, Matthew?"
"Perhaps. Would you think less of me if I were?"
"Of course not. It is flattering in a way, though you really have no reason to be jealous of Billy. I have no interest in him beyond friendship."
Matthew sighed and held her a tiny bit tighter. She felt so right in his arms. Mary smiled at him and he gazed into her dark eyes, wishing that the music would never end.
One dance with Mary turned out to be Matthew's allotted share for the evening. Robert claimed his daughter again and Matthew sat down with Patrick, now and then watching Mary on the dance floor. Once the music ended Robert escorted Mary over to Cora and the three sat down, speaking softly. Billy soon joined them and the four talked and laughed together until the Russell's politely bid their hosts good night with the promise to promptly return for the athletic event the following day.
Goodbyes were said and the motor sent for. When the taillights disappeared down Downton's long driveway Cora took Mary's arm and wished the gentlemen a good night. Matthew watched Mary disappear upstairs with a heavy heart. She had only been able to share a glance with him before retiring to bed.
Patrick flung his arm around Matthew's shoulder and laughed as he steered him in the direction of the stairs. His cousin's cheerful mood rubbed off on Matthew and he laughed at Patrick's silliness as the two made their way down the hall towards their bedrooms.
Matthew quickly opened Mary's door and slipped inside, closing it securely behind him. He frowned when he heard a noise, only to realize that she was crying. Rushing to her side he sat down on the bed and gently touched her shoulder.
"Mary, what's wrong? Are you hurt?" he whispered.
"Oh Matthew," she whimpered and pressed her body closer to his.
"Please tell me what's wrong."
"Everything," she whispered softly.
Matthew moved away to light the candle on her nightstand. Turning back to Mary he sighed at the sight of her tear streaked face. He stroked her cheek, wiping the tears away.
"I don't understand."
Mary moved over to the middle of the bed and tugged at his hand. Matthew stretched out next to her, careful to stay on top of the covers.
"Mama told me to spend time with Patrick and Billy tonight. She is convinced that either, or both of them, will ask Papa for my hand in marriage."
He sighed and nodded, remembering Robert's words from earlier. "I sensed the same thing during my conversation with your father earlier this evening."
"Why can't they just leave things alone?" she whispered heatedly.
"They love you, Mary. In their eyes, Patrick and Billy are both very good and secure options for you."
"Unlike you." She said it so softly he had to struggle to hear.
"I know that they think highly of my character, but unfortunately I have no estate to give you, nor am I rich."
"I don't care," she hissed. Their eyes met again. "You love me. You still do, don't you?"
"Of course I do!" He sat up, staring down at her, shocked that she would even question his feelings for her.
Mary sat up next to him and they looked at each other. She leaned forward and pressed her lips against his in a soft kiss. She felt her body tingle most pleasantly and she pressed her legs together making the tingle continue.
Matthew licked his lips and swallowed. Mary was so pretty. He could not believe that a girl would be so relaxed around a boy when in bed. Well actually he had not really thought too much about how a girl would behave in bed. The whole concept was still a bit daunting to him. He ran his hand down her arm and took her hand. Mary giggled and bit her lip, then leaned in to kiss him again. Matthew sighed and wrapped his arm around her waist. They stretched out again next to each other. The blanket had moved as Mary sat up and now only covered her legs. She impatiently kicked it off and curled her leg around Matthew's.
"Oh Mary," he whispered against her lips.
"Please Matthew," she gasped as he moved his hand over her side.
Matthew kissed her again, this time a bit firmer. She moved and his hand came to rest on her breast. They pulled apart and just stared at each other. He started to remove his hand.
"No, don't," she whispered.
Matthew swallowed nervously as he stroked her soft breast, feeling the little nipple through her thin nightgown.
"Oh God," he sighed.
"Matthew," she whimpered and pressed against his hand.
He kissed her again. When his thumb stroked over her nipple she gasped. Feeling the heat from her mouth he could not resist tasting it and touched his tongue to hers. She pulled back and stared wild-eyed at him. He was just about to apologize when she clashed their mouths together, her little pointy tongue reaching out, searching for his. The kiss was messy and wet, but Matthew did not care. He could feel it in his entire body.
Squeezing her breast a little he coaxed another little whimper from Mary. He stroked his tongue against hers, and then sucked her lower lip into his mouth. She moved under him again and pressed against his thigh. His eyes widened at the increased heat that was noticeable even through the layers of clothing. Rubbing her nipple again she mewled softly and pushed against his leg again.
"Mary…" Matthew started to pull away.
"Please, Matthew," she whispered. "Show me that you love me."
"I do love you, Mary, but this is getting to be very improper."
She turned away from him, resting on her back, staring up at the canopy above.
"Fine. Perhaps you should return to your room then?"
"Mary, please, don't be upset."
Mathew touched a stray lock of her hair and she turned so she could meet his eyes.
"You're right I suppose. I was enjoying your touch far more than I should."
"As did I. You know that I would never take advantage of you, Mary."
"I know." Mary smiled and stroked his cheek. "I envy married couples."
He chuckled and nodded. "Some day."
She nodded. He eased off the bed and she caught his hand. "One last kiss," she whispered.
Matthew leaned down and kissed her long and slow. Her fingers closed a bit tighter around his. He stroked them before letting go of her hand.
"Sleep well, Mary."
"You too."
To be Continued...
Thank you in advance for reviews and comments. The posting/revising happens faster with feedback (it's a fact!). Love it, love it! Please feel free to drop me a line.
*** TEASER ***
In PART XI – Let the Games Begin, Mary gives the boys a pep talk before competing. Lord Grantham has a surprise that is very well received. When Mary and Matthew get together late that night she has a daring proposition for him.