Hey reader.

Sorry about the delay in this! I've been so busy with assignments that I haven't had time to write. Anyway this is more a short filler chapter. The next one will be longer I promise. Thanks for the reviews/followers/favorites! I'm truly amazed at how many people like reading my story!

Also apologies for errors & I don't own the rights to Downton characters.

Anyway on with the story…

Mary was too stunned to reply. The man who treated her to a lovely night but never called her was the father of Matthew's past Fiancé's child. Mary also noticed how Matthew managed to say it, without flinching or looking disappointed.

''So he was the guy who wants nothing to do with the child?'' Mary gained composure and looked into Matthew's eyes.

''Yes. He doesn't want anything to do with Summer.''

''What a horrible person, ignoring his own baby daughter.''

Awkward silence filled the air as neither Matthew nor Mary knew what to say next. Sybil still hadn't returned from the bathroom and Matthew wasn't sure if he should leave Mary. He decided to break the silence.

''I like your new haircut. It's gorgeous.''

''Thanks.'' Mary blushed and Matthew smiled as he noticed.

''You look happy.''

''I guess I am.'' Mary looked down at her now empty coffee cup.

''Look, Mary, I knew I was a jerk to you. I involved you in something that should've been my own private issue and I take full responsibility for what happened. But if you ever wanted to come to Tom's for another BBQ, I'd really like to spend some time with you.'' Matthew was shaking with nerves as he locked eyes with Mary.

''It wasn't just your fault Matthew. I began to feel something else. And you were engaged, I should've backed off.''

''I felt a connection too.''

There was a pause. Mary's head was spinning. She'd spent so many countless nights trying to forget about him and now he was telling her he felt something for her. She glanced over to where the corridor was for the bathrooms and saw Sybil leaning against the wall watching her. Mary knew Sybil wanted to give them space to talk. She smiled at her sister, sending her a thank you message and Sybil nodded back. Matthew broke the silence between them.

''I've got to go. But please Mary you have my number. Call me if you'd like to get your rugby jersey on again and have a beer or two. I'll leave you to it. Please say my goodbyes to Sybil.'' He stood, adjusted his jersey and walked out the door. Sybil returned to her seat, smirking.

''Friends again with Mr Matthew are we?''

It was a week later when Mary made the first move. She'd spent the morning bonding with Anna shopping. After an awkward conversation when they first met about Anna apologizing for 'taking' Lavinia's side, the two got on like they use to. Conversation flowed easily with Anna explaining about her new boy toy John Bates. Mary was so pleased that the two were an item.

Mary had decided that she would send Matthew a simple text on her way to her job.

Matthew, how are you? How is work going?

-Mary

Three minutes later she had received a reply.

Mary! I'm splendid. It's going ok. The usual. How are you? What have you been up to since I last saw you?

M :-)

The two had been texting now for an hour catching up and discussing Mary's new job. Mary was sitting with Daisy, the three year old girl who she looked after, on the white sofa in the family room. Disney channel was on the big plasma screen mounted on the wall but Daisy was too preoccupied playing with a small doll. She had just learnt to take the dress off and swap it so Mary had brought Daisy a new dress from her doll. She had three more hours to go until Daisy's Parents got home so she decided to bake some cupcakes with her.

''Daisy, would you like to make some cupcakes?'' Mary asked, turning the screen off in front of them.

''Ok.'' Daisy smiled and hurried out of the room and straight into the kitchen. Mary grabbed her phone and headed off in the same direction.

After Daisy had licked the bowl and Mary had put the cupcakes in the oven, the two began to draw on the kitchen wall. It had been painted with chalkboard paint allowing the family to draw with chalk all over it. Mary had thought it was such a creative idea. Daisy loved drawing scribbles all over it and was very proud of her creations. Mary's mind was wandering as she began to draw a house.

''Is that your house Mary?'' Daisy asked attempting to draw a pony next to where Mary was drawing her path.

''No Daisy. I live in a flat. But I'd love to live in a house like this one day.''

''Do you have a boyfriend?'' The little three year old looked up into Mary's face. The question came as a surprise to Mary.

''No I don't. Do you have a boyfriend?''

''No.''

''Well I've got an idea.'' Mary grabbed her iPhone of the kitchen counter and began to search on her playlists for a track. She clicked Beyoncé's Single Ladies and immediately Daisy's face lit up, knowing Mary was going to dance. Mary began to move as the beat started up, attempting to do the dance from the music video. Daisy loved it, dropping the chalk she had in her hand and rushing to where Mary was. She began spinning and shaking her arms around attempting to copy Mary, her own little mini me. The two looked truly adorable and Mary began to wonder what it would be like to have her own daughter one day. She really loved working for the family and looking after Daisy. She was a delightful child and the pay was good.

Once the two had stopped dancing and the song had changed Mary decided it was time to take out the cupcakes. She pulled the tray out with oven mittens when suddenly she heard Daisy talking.

''Hello. She's busy… Ok… Yes. ….. Mary someone wants to talk to you.'' Daisy pushed a phone at a very startled Mary. She composed herself enough to let a simple hello escape her lips, having no idea who it was.

''Hi Mary, it's me. Want to grab a drink tonight?''

What's going to happen now?

-Marthewshipper xxx