A/N – Matthew is healed.

Mary woke with much anticipation for the day; rather for the future. Matthew had recovered, he would walk again. He would have a full life, a complete life. He had kissed her; he had said "I am so happy for us." She was beyond ecstatic. She bounded out of bed, ringing the bell for Anna. Looking at the bedside clock, she noted it was 7:10 am, plenty of time to prepare herself and gather Matthew for breakfast.

She paused, their routine might be different now, and Matthew might want some independence. She regarded, yes eventually. But not today, his muscles weren't able to support him fully yet… he would need time and physical therapy to help him to get around on his own.

XXX

Matthew woke happier than he had been in such a long, long time. He recalled the previous day's events. He would recover. He would walk again. He would have a full life. He thought of Mary. God, Mary! He ached with arousal. He could, no he would be her lover. He fantasized, recalling one and all of his dreams of holding her, making love to her. It was too much, it would happen! He was overcome with emotion and tears pooled in his eyes. He felt his arousal, a physical arousal; he reached below his waist confirming for himself what his mind was communicating, that he was physically aroused. He felt the proof and his mind soared with happiness. It was one thing to hear a doctor declare he was recovered; it was another to feel the recovery.

Feeling empowered, Matthew focused his mind on moving his right leg and his leg responded, encouraged he focused on the left and it responded as well. Of what fun, who knew making one's own legs move at will could be such a source of joy. He playfully bent one knee and then the other repeating the rhythm over and over again until he satisfied himself that it wasn't an illusion.

Once satisfied that all would be well. Matthew reached behind to the wall and rang for Bates.

XXX

Mary arrived at Matthew's room just as Bates had finished assisting Matthew's morning routine. She had knocked on the door as Bates was leaving. Entering the room with an enormous smile, she viewed Matthew standing with the aid of a cane.

"Good morning" she greeted warmly, her smile broad and her eyes gleaming.

Matthew stood aided by his stick smiling brilliantly at Mary, "Indeed, it is a good morning!"

"I see your recovery is making great strides."

"Indeed." Matthew beamed. I don't think I can stand too much longer, but I wanted to challenge myself. You see my chair is close at hand." And with that, Matthew made to sit in his chair.

"Bravo! In no time you will be right as rain. You'll see." Mary smiled brightly.

As Matthew sat down and made himself comfortable in his chair, he regarded Mary. How beautiful she looked, how loyal she had been, God, he loved her. He smiled brilliantly. "Mary, you are so far away, please come and sit by me." He said as he indicated a chair close to his for her to sit.

"This is better." She said beaming as she sat in the chair next to Matthew. "I am so happy. It is a dream… better than a dream, it is to be! I hardly dared wish. And now you are healed, I am so happy for you… for us", She said hesitantly, not wanting to be too forward, but daring to echo his words from the previous evening.

"Yes for us." Matthew reassured, looking at Mary open mouthed and with gleaming eyes, "for us." He repeated.

With Matthew's reassurance, Mary instinctively leaned in closer to Matthew's face. Matthew responded inching closer to Mary. The atmosphere was thick and anticipatory, Mary swallowed as she gazed intently at Matthew, noting his darkened eyes that were focusing on her mouth. In an instant, his hands reached forward, resting softly on her cheeks pulling her lips to his. His lips covered hers and he kissed her deeply, passionately. She moaned softly in response, engaging her lips fully to Matthew's lead. They kissed for a full minute, before breaking for breath. Matthew still held Mary's face in his hands, sighing softly; he breathed "I love you Mary."

Mary was overjoyed, responding instantaneously, "I love you Matthew, I can hardly remember a time when I didn't."

Matthew responded by engaging her lips again, this time he opened his mouth reaching his tongue in between her lips, encouraging her to respond, and when she did, his tongue found hers and together they danced in joy and wonder.

They continued kissing for some time, relishing their new found joy and embracing their declared love. Neither could believe the complete reversal of fortune; the future that now lay before them. Their shared love was not a surprise, although, it was wonderful to have it declared; now their love could now be experienced without compromise of body, without limitation.

Finally, they pulled apart satiated for the moment. As they gazed at each other, both trying to recover their rapid heartbeats, Mary said, "Perhaps, we should go to breakfast."

XXX

Matthew's physical rehabilitation had been prescribed by Dr. Clarkson and with the aid of some well practiced nurses had been going quite well. In the span of two weeks' time, Matthew was walking albeit with the aid of a cane, which he affectionately called "a stick."

Mary as was to be expected given her previous commitment to Matthew's healing was nearly constantly at his side, providing encouragement and opportunity for him to stretch his legs. They took walks in the park at Downton, Matthew walking with his stick and Mary at his side, ready to lend her arm, if need be.

Their conversations were lively as ever, teasing and challenging each other in shared interests. Their banter continued to encourage their mutual understanding and love. They became inseparable, each despising when they had to withdraw from each other at the end of the evening.

Robert and Cora and Isobel delightedly became increasingly aware of their mutual devotion and began to wonder at what point Matthew and Mary might come to an official understanding. All worried that the threat of Carlisle might be keeping an official understanding off limits.

At the end of two weeks of rehabilitation Matthew was doing so well, it was determined that he should be moved to Crawley House.

XXX

Matthew came down for breakfast joining his mother at Crawley House. It was still a fresh pleasure for Isobel to have Matthew at home as it had only been a few days.

"Good Morning Matthew!" Isobel beamed as Matthew took a seat at the table.

"Good Morning, indeed!" Matthew responded matching his mother's enthusiasm.

"And how are you?" Isobel inquired.

"Better than ever, looking forward to today's exercises." Matthew responded enthusiastically.

"Good! I am so pleased with your progress." Isobel smiled intently.

"Mother, I do want to talk with you about something rather important." Matthew said earnestly.

"Of course, what is on your mind?"

Matthew swallowed, "Mother, you must know how much I care for Mary. Indeed, I love her. I can't imagine my life without her…"

"Matthew, yes, I can see that, anyone can see that, you adore her absolutely." Isobel said sweetly, but a little impatiently.

"Of course." Matthew blushed with embarrassment. "I suppose it is rather obvious. But you see, the thing I want to discuss with you is that I intend to ask Mary to be my wife." Matthew said resolutely.

"I am not surprised, and am very, very pleased. She loves you very much and I know how much you love her. You will be very happy and that makes me very happy." Isobel beamed.

Matthew acknowledged, still embarrassed "I dare say, we have been very transparent with our feelings. That is good I suppose. No one should be shocked. The thing I wanted to discuss though, is that I would like to give Mary the ring that my father gave you."

Isobel was overcome with emotion. Of course, that was as it should be, choking back her emotion, Isobel said, "Of course Matthew that is how it should be. I am so honored that you would ask." Isobel's joyful tears streamed down her face.

Matthew concerned, handed his mother his handkerchief, "It is only that you loved each other so much, much in the same way I love Mary… I thought it would be a guarantee." Matthew studied his mother's face for a response.

"Of course, it is right, it is as it should be, my darling boy, I am so glad you have found a love such as I did." Isobel tearfully exclaimed.

A/N – Reviews greatly appreciated. They really do help. Thanks for reading. Thanks to all who have favorited, alerted, but please also give it a review and let me know what you liked or not.