Rating: *** MATURE (in parts) *** (for kissing, and Edwardian teenagers tentatively exploring what happens between husband and wife)
Spoilers: none since the story takes place in 1907

Summary: The day of the Downton Games is finally here. Guests from Haxby Park and other nearby estates arrive at Downton for the festivities. The competition is fierce, and new heroes emerge within the ranks. A crush blossoms, only to be shattered when the affection is not returned. When Mary and Matthew manage to have a moment alone, she has a daring proposition for him that questions Matthew's honor and beliefs.

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A/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 find 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 :) Keep in mind that Matthew is a gentleman (hormone crazed or not) and there are lines he won't cross, no matter how much he wants to.

There are also some gay themes in this chapter. Nothing graphic or even really acknowledged, only the awakening of new feelings.

Special thank you to the lovely Tambear for catching missing commas, odd grammar and offering excellent suggestions & advice!

THE RATING FOR THE LAST PART OF THIS CHAPTER IS

MATURE/EXPLICIT

PART XI – Let the Games Begin

On the day of the first Downton Games Mary woke up to birdsong and a gentle breeze coming through the open window. She jumped out of bed in eager anticipation and impatiently rang for Rosie.

Meanwhile Patrick and Matthew were cheerfully shouting to each other through their open bedroom doors while impatiently making quick work with their white suits. As much as Matthew and Patrick wished to don their new outfits, they knew how improper it would be to show up for breakfast dressed in barely more than underwear. Two small bedrooms on the ground floor had been assigned as dressing rooms for the eight athletes. It was here they would return later, to get changed.

"Hurry up," Matthew said and rolled his eyes. "I know that you like to primp yourself for hours, Patrick, but today we simply don't have the time for you to be a dandy."

"Your sense of humor is very odd, cousin," Patrick said and bumped his shoulder against Matthew as he walked past him out the door. "Are you coming, or are you going to dawdle up here all morning?"

Matthew laughed and ran after Patrick as the two rushed downstairs.


The two boys slowed their speed as they entered the dining room, pulling their jackets down a little to look proper. Mary looked up at them and smiled.

"Good morning. You two look very dapper this morning."

"Good morning," Lord Grantham said and looked up from his newspaper.

The two boys said a cheerful good morning and then made a beeline for the buffet. Matthew glanced at Mary over his shoulder and winked at her when their eyes met. She blushed and looked away. Matthew grinned before turning his focus to the food.

"The Russell's should be here around ten, Carson," Lord Grantham said and turned the page.

"Everything is all set outside, your Lordship," the butler was quick to respond. "The young men will be escorted to the room set aside for them to change, while everyone else will enjoy tea and some pastries under the tent. Lady Grantham and Mrs. Hughes informed me about it yesterday."

"Splendid!" Lord Grantham folded his paper and got up. "I will see you shortly. Please alert me by nine thirty should I not be down by then."

"Very good, my lord."

Mary was inquiring to the boys' readiness and smiled when they showed off their eagerness to compete.

"I haven't seen Daniel and Thomas this morning," she said and frowned.

"They are finishing setting up outside, Lady Mary," Carson explained to her. "I will send them to the blue room once they are done."

"Thank you Carson," she said and smiled at him.


"Oh Cora, what a marvelous job you have done organizing this," Lady Flohra said and touched Cora's arm. "And so soon after last night's gaiety."

"Our staff is quite used to us hosting elaborate events, Flohra," Cora said pleased.

"And such a lovely display it is," Lady Flohra cooed as she helped herself to a small cream-filled puff pastry offered to her by a polite footman.

"I'm so glad," Cora said and smiled. It was no secret that Lady Flohra Russell had a sweet tooth. "Our cook not only makes fantastic jams, she is also a very accomplished baker."

"I don't suppose I could steal her away from you?" Lady Flohra teased.

"Robert would be most upset if you tried," Cora said with a chuckle. "He quite enjoys his desserts."

The two laughed together as the object of their conversation strolled over. Lord Grantham smiled at them and took a seat next to his wife.

"I am pleased to see that you are enjoying yourselves," he said cheerfully.

"Partly on your behalf, Robert dear," Cora teased.

"Oh dear, what have I done now?" he said in mock horror.

"Oh Robert," Cora said with a smile. "You know you are the perfect gentleman. We were merely discussing your appreciation for Cook's desserts."

Robert chuckled and nodded. "Yes, we are indeed lucky to have her."

"I was just saying to Cora that perhaps your cook has grown tired of Downton and would appreciate a change of venue? Say Haxby Park for example?"

The panicked look on Lord Grantham's face made the two ladies burst out laughing. He rolled his eyes when he realized that they were only joking.

"Lady Flohra, if you keep it up you will drive me to drink before luncheon."

"Well we cannot have that," she said chipper. "Perhaps I will look elsewhere for a cook?"

"I think that would be best," Cora said gently.


Mary swept into the room as if she owned it. The four boys stopped talking and turned in her direction.

"Well don't you look fine," she teased. "Let me see you. Line up like you will outside."

They shuffled around a bit until they were standing next to each other. Mary walked by them much like a general inspecting the troops. She touched the Grantham crest on Matthew's chest and made Daniel turn around so she could see his name on the back of his shirt. Finally she grinned at them.

"It's perfect!"

The boys burst out laughing and soon the slight tension in the room was gone. Last minute strategies and changes were made. Mary smiled at them one last time before leaving to join the party outside.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Lord Grantham said and clapped his hands. "If I may have your attention for a moment." The sea of voices quieted and he smiled. "Thank you. On each table you will find a schedule for today's athletic event. We will break for luncheon in order to give the young men some time to rest. After luncheon we will regroup down by the lake for the swimming event."

Mary glanced over towards the library where she knew the boys were waiting for their cue to exit. She smiled when she spotted Matthew. A tingle went through her as she was reminded of the night before and how he had held her in bed.

"This morning we will start off with the 100m run, followed by archery and the tug-o-war competition. After that, there will be a short break before we continue with long jump and the last event before luncheon will be the relay race, in which the runners will each make one loop around the main house."

"Bring in the athletes, Robert," Lord Russell shouted and then laughed. "I much rather watch them than your portly figure. Unless of course you are going to demonstrate the long jump? That would be a sight to see!"

The comment was received by a round of laughter. Robert made a face as if offended but knowing that the comment was meant as a friendly jab, he smiled and rolled his eyes at Lord Russell.

"I was not aware that you were this eager to watch the Downton lads beat your son and his friends."

"As if they ever could."

Robert chuckled and then gestured to the house. "Let's bring out our young athletes!"

Patrick and Billy jogged out side-by-side with their teams behind them and lined up on each side of Lord Grantham. He walked down the line, speaking to each of them and shaking their hands.

"Let's rise and honor the King," Carson said loudly as Lord Grantham shook the last boy's hand.

Carson led them through 'God Save the King'. After a moment of silence the boys walked over to the starting line. The finish line was right in front of the tent in order for the spectators to get the full experience of the race, a red, white and blue crepe ribbon strung between the two poles clearly marked the end.

Lynch, Lord Grantham's stable manager, had been tasked with shooting the starting gun. He spoke to the boys before raising his arm in the air, aiming the gun towards the sky. Everyone under the tent held their breaths as Lynch started the countdown. When the shot rang through the quiet morning, the eight boys set off across the lawn. A second later the shouting and cheering began.

Lord Grantham leaped up from his chair, eagerly watching the boys and cheering when Patrick broke loose. A moment later Patrick crossed the finish line, taking the ribbon with him in Downton's first victory of the day.

The three boys patted Patrick's back, cheering at their first win. Over on the side, Billy gathered the Haxby team. Mary glanced over at them as the four boys stood close together with their arms around each other's shoulders, whispering strategies.

"Wonderful job, Patrick," she said and smiled at him.

"Thank you, Mary."

Patrick smiled fondly at his cousin and touched her shoulder. Lord Grantham nodded his approval as he walked over to them.

"Excellent start my boy."

"I am very pleased," Patrick said with a wide grin.

Matthew still had his arm around Thomas' shoulders and he grinned at him. "Victory would have been ours even if you had stumbled last minute. Thomas was only a step behind you."

Thomas grinned at Matthew. "Thank you, Master Matthew."

Matthew patted his shoulder and turned to Lord Grantham. Thomas watched him as Matthew walked next to the Earl. In the shadows under the tent another set of eyes watched closely, worrying about the development.


By the time the relay race was about to begin, Haxby Park led by four points. Mary and the boys were discussing their strategies in the privacy of the changing room.

"I think Patrick should start out," Mary said firmly.

Matthew looked at Patrick, watching his reaction. Patrick sighed and ran his hand through his hair.

"I don't know, Mary. I think we should stay with the plan and have me finish."

Mary shook her head. "You're the fastest. If you can get a good lead for us already from the start, it will be hard for Haxby to catch up." She looked at Thomas. "Matthew and Daniel will do their best to keep the lead and then it's up to Thomas to take it home at the end."

"I can do it, milady," Thomas said quickly.

"I know you can, Thomas," she said and met his eyes.

"All right, fine," Patrick said and held his hands up. "But don't blame me if we come in second."

"You won't," Mary said chipper. "As long as you give everything you've got in the first leg."

Matthew chuckled at the smug look on Mary's face. He patted Patrick's shoulder. "We will win."


Mary stood with her father as the relay race was about to start. She crossed her fingers behind her back, wishing for victory. The shot rang out and the two boys set off. Eric took the lead and Mary huffed. A moment later they disappeared around the corner. Servants were standing on each corner of the house to ensure that no shenanigans or misconduct occurred while out of sight from the family.

Mary glanced at Matthew. He smiled at her and jogged in place. Her head snapped around when cheering broke loose. She screamed in excitement when she spotted Patrick heading towards them, the Haxby boy not yet within sight. Patrick slapped the relay baton into Matthew's hand and Matthew was off like a shot, cheered on by the Downton supporters.

Matthew kept the lead, but not by much by the time he passed the baton to Daniel. Daniel tried hard to keep up, but was still a few steps behind Colin when he appeared around the corner. Thomas stood ready to grab the baton from him and it was clear that it was up to Thomas to take home another victory for Downton. Mary was not pleased to see that he was up against Billy.

Screaming and cheering followed the two as they headed for the corner of the building, Thomas gaining a little on Billy as they disappeared out of sight. Silence fell over the crowd as they turned to face the opposite corner where the boys would appear again in a few minutes. When Tomas appeared, screaming started. Billy was right behind him and Thomas had to fight to keep the lead. Then Billy came up next to Thomas, passing him. Mary gasped, clapping her hand over her mouth. Thomas apparently still had a little left in him and managed to pull forward, crossing the finish line only a step before Billy.

The Downton boys cheered and hugged each other. Matthew grinned at Thomas and swung him around. Thomas basked in the glory of being one of them.

Mary and Lord Grantham walked over to congratulate them. The earl put his arm around Thomas' shoulders and spoke to the young footman, praising his win. Thomas grinned from ear to ear.

"Thank you, my lord."

"Well done, Thomas. Good lad," Lord Grantham said and squeezed his shoulders.

The boys excused themselves to go for a swim before luncheon. Mary watched Matthew walk off with his arms around Patrick's and Thomas' shoulders. She knew she had no reason to, but she still felt a twinge of jealousy at the sight.


Haxby Park ended up winning by two points. Patrick looked like a thundercloud. There had been more than one questionable action that had put the other team in the lead. Trying to act as true sportsmen, the Downton team congratulated Billy and his teammates on their victory, keeping their comments to themselves.

"To commemorate the first Downton Games I would like to award the winning champions with the medals they have earned in today's competition," Lord Grantham said loudly.

Carson stepped forward with a small table upon which eight identical boxes were placed. Lord Grantham picked up one and opened it. Pleased with its contents he pulled out the gold medal.

"These are copies of the medals awarded at the 1896 Olympics in Athens. I couldn't quite afford to have them made in solid gold I'm afraid," he said and smiled.

Each boy stepped forward to allow Lord Grantham to place the medal around his neck. The Haxby boys stood silently watching as Lord Grantham placed the silver medals around the Downton boys' necks.

"Let us join in the national anthem to honor our athletes and the King."

Once again, Carson led them through 'God Save the King'. When the song died down, the four boys from Haxby let out a whooping cheer and jumped up and down. As the games were over, everyone started to mingle. Mary walked over to Matthew and Patrick. She reached out and touched the medal around Matthew's neck.

"It's very nice," she said softly.

"Not as nice as a gold one," he muttered.

"Still, a silver one is very grand."

He smiled at her and nodded. "You're correct of course. We fought well. I am pleased, truly Mary, I am."

She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. "Congratulations."

Patrick laughed at the embarrassed look on Matthew's face. Mary smirked at him and then hugged him too.

"Congratulations, Patrick. You did well too."


"Thomas."

He stopped at the sound of Sarah O'Brien's voice. "Oi."

"Where are you off to?"

He shrugged. "I just thought I should check on Master Matthew."

"Thomas," she said gently and touched his shoulder. "He's not like us."

"What do you mean?" Thomas snapped. He did not care for her speaking ill of his Matthew.

"Matthew Crawley is a gentleman, and he likes girls."

Thomas made a face. "We're friends, aren't we? He said so."

"They say a lot of things," she muttered. "But no matter how much ye want it to be true, you and 'im will never be true friends, or something else for that matter."

Thomas turned and stomped off, annoyed with her for not letting him bask in his moment of glory. O'Brien watched the young footman stalk off. She sighed and lit another cigarette.

When Thomas Barrow had first arrived at Downton Sarah O'Brien had sensed a kindred spirit in him. Of course Thomas was young and he had yet to experience the disappointments of life that she had. Her thoughts went to her mistress for a moment. Cora Crawley was lovely, and there had been a time when O'Brien had thought that perhaps her ladyship desired more from her than what a lady's maid usually did. It had turned out that she was wrong.

O'Brien huffed and tossed the cigarette on the ground. She still saw that spark in Lady Grantham's eyes now and then, and she knew that her ladyship's touches sometime lingered a bit longer than what was appropriate, still it appeared that Cora Crawley was not able, or ready, to act on these feelings, whatever they might be.

"O'Brien."

"Yes, Mr. Carson?" O'Brien rolled her eyes before turning to face the butler.

"Her ladyship rang."

"I suppose she wants her tea," O'Brien muttered and stepped around him, heading for the kitchen.


Patrick and Matthew were exhausted at the end of the day. When Lord Grantham released them from dinner by offering them to have a tray sent up to their rooms they both eagerly accepted. Mary watched the two drag their feet upstairs, groaning a bit as their sore muscles protested even the effort of taking them upstairs.

Mary had hoped that Matthew would come to her than night, but she understood that he was tired. She slipped into bed, letting her thoughts drift to the night before, and how he had held her. She touched her breast and gasped as it tingled a little. Closing her eyes she thought about Matthew as she fell asleep with a smile on her lips.


As tired as he was, Matthew was not able to sleep. He felt as if he was sleeping on top of a pile of rocks. Finally tossing the sheet aside he slipped into his dressing gown and headed down to the kitchen.

He walked silently along the abandoned hallway, rolling his shoulders a little. A light was on in the servants' dining hall. He decided to head over there, just in case someone was still up. He grinned when he spotted Thomas.

"Hello."

Thomas' head shot up and he quickly wiped his face on his sleeve. "Master Matthew, what are you doing down here? Can I do something for you?"

"Are you all right?" Matthew asked concerned and touched Thomas' shoulder.

"Of course," Thomas snapped.

Realizing that Thomas did not want Matthew to see that he had been crying, he just squeezed his shoulder before letting go.

"I was going to make some warm milk with cinnamon. Would you care for some?"

"I can wake up Beryl and she can make you some," Thomas said quickly.

"Don't bother. It will be done by the time she gets down here."

"Do you know how to make it, Master Matthew?" Thomas said, slightly in awe of Matthew.

"I do. So?"

Thomas frowned. "I don't understand."

"Would you like some, silly?" Matthew said and grinned at him.

Thomas laughed and nodded. "Thank you, Master Matthew."

Thomas followed Matthew out in the kitchen and watched him add milk and cinnamon to a pot. As Matthew slowly stirred the pot, Thomas gathered them two mugs. They grinned at each other as they silently waited for the milk to warm up.

Steaming mugs in hand, the two walked back to the dining hall. Matthew took a seat across from Thomas, blowing carefully on his milk.

"You did really well today, Thomas," Matthew said suddenly. "Lord Grantham was talking about it all afternoon. It was Patrick's fault that we lost. You know that, right?"

"Master Patrick is the heir," Thomas muttered. "He cannot take the blame."

"Of course he can!"

Thomas shrugged and took a sip. "This is very good, Master Matthew. Almost as good as Beryl's."

"Almost?" Matthew exclaimed and shoved Thomas' leg under the table. "Take it back!"

Thomas laughed and kicked Matthew back. "No I won't, and you can't make me. Not down 'ere."

Matthew laughed and shook his head. He put down his mug and stretched, groaning as his sore muscles protested.

"I wonder if I'll be able to walk tomorrow," he muttered.

"Told ya, ye should'a stretched," Thomas mumbled.

"Oh, shut it," Mathew said and made a face at him, but then laughed.

Thomas watched Matthew roll his shoulders. He put his mug down and got up. Without a word he grabbed Matthew's shoulders and started to knead his sore muscles. Matthew groaned and his head lolled to the side. Thomas swallowed at the sight of Matthew's blonde curls falling down in his face.

"If ye take off yer robe I'll give ye a proper back rub," Thomas said quickly.

Matthew eagerly slipped out of the robe and Thomas' hands returned to his shoulders. The two fell silent as Thomas worked knot after knot loose. Matthew started to feel sleepy and he put his head down on his arms on the table. Thomas moved his hands down Matthew's back and then up, stoking firmly over Matthew's sore muscles. Eventually Matthew sat up and stretched. He yawned and chuckled.

"I think you are making me fall asleep," he joked.

Thomas laughed and ran his fingers through Matthew's soft hair. Matthew looked up at him and Thomas took a step back.

"I'm sorry."

"Thomas?" Matthew said and frowned.

"It's just that you have such nice hair," Thomas said a bit flustered. "I wish I had fine golden hair like yours, Master Matthew. You look so handsome."

Matthew laughed and shook his head. "Thanks, I guess. I think your hair is fine the way it is. My hair is all floopy and never stays in place."

Thomas laughed and playfully leaned forward to brush Matthew's hair out of his eyes. Matthew rolled his eyes at him.

"I still think that it looks very smart, if you don't mind me saying so, Master Matthew."

"Of course not. Well, good night then, Thomas."

"Good night, Master Matthew."

Thomas watched Matthew disappear up the stairs before he sank down in the chair Matthew had been sitting in. He picked up Matthew's mug, noticing that there was a little left in it. Bringing it to his lips he finished the now cooled milk, imagining that he could taste Matthew on it.


Mary rolled her eyes at Patrick who was moaning and complaining about how sore he was. Edith was doing everything she could to make him feel better. Matthew appeared to be fine and was doing his part to make Patrick feel even more rotten.

"Since none of you apparently have an ounce of compassion in you," Patrick muttered and then smiled at Edith. "except for you, Edith, I'm going back to my room to suffer alone."

"Poor baby," Matthew cooed. "Ouch!"

Patrick aimed a strategic fist at Matthew's arm as he passed him. Matthew rubbed his arm and grinned as Patrick limped out of the room.

"Would you care to go swimming?" Mary asked Matthew.

"Oh, Mary, can we?" Sybil squealed.

Mary smiled at her sister. "Perhaps."

"I honestly don't think that I'm up for it today," Matthew said and made an apologetic face. "Are you very disappointed?"

She shook her head. "Of course not. You must be tired too."

"I guess I am," Matthew said and ran his hand through his hair.

"Perhaps we could bring some lemonade and biscuits and have a treat under the oak tree?" Mary suggested.

"That's a fabulous idea," Matthew said and smiled at her.

Sybil put her arm around Matthew's neck and touched his cheek. "Can I come too?"

"Of course you can," he said and put her on his lap, kissing her cheek.

Sybil giggled and he held her closer. Mary got up and pulled the rope. A moment later Thomas showed up.

"My lady?"

"Thomas, would you please ask Cook to make us a basket with some lemonade and sweet treats? We're going to have a picnic down by the oak tree."

Thomas smiled and nodded. "Right away, my lady. Is there anything else, my lady?"

"No thank you, Thomas."

Thomas glanced at Matthew before leaving the room. To his disappointment Matthew was not looking at him, but smiling at Sybil who was telling him a story.


Carson sternly supervised the packing of the picnic basket, sharing little comments now and then. Once he overheard Thomas requesting it on behalf of Lady Mary he felt it his duty to ensure that his favorite Crawley would be more than pleased when opening the basket.

"Make sure to add a couple of your strawberry tarts," he said to the elderly woman in charge of the kitchen.

"Yes, Mr. Carson," she muttered and rolled her eyes. "I think I know Lady Mary's taste by now."

Carson smiled and secured the lemonade bottle in its chilled marble holder. Since Master Matthew was going with Lady Mary, Carson thought that the added weight would not be a problem. Finally giving his stamp of approval, he nodded for Thomas to bring it upstairs.


"Thank you, Thomas," Matthew said and smiled at the young footman.

Their fingers touched as the basket shifted hands and they chuckled as Thomas index finger got stuck.

"Do you need me to come with you and carry it?" he said with a teasing smile. "It is rather heavy, Master Matthew."

"I think I can handle it," Matthew huffed and made a face at the cheeky footman.

"Matthew?" Mary called impatiently from the door.

He smiled at her and nodded at Thomas. "Thanks again, Thomas."

"Always, Master Matthew. You know I'll do anything for you."

Matthew smiled and nodded. Grabbing the blanket, he followed Mary and Sybil.


Mary was on her back on the blanket with her head in Matthew's lap. Sybil was chasing butterflies nearby, giggling and having a great time. Mary turned her head and looked up at Matthew when she felt his fingers in her hair.

"I missed you last night," she whispered.

"I was knackered," he said with a chuckle.

"Matthew Crawley, you sound like a street urchin," she exclaimed.

"My sincere apology, my lady," he said and grinned at her. "I was feeling quite fatigued after the exertion of partaking in the Downton Games."

Mary rolled her eyes at him. "Better, I suppose."

"Perhaps I will try and come to you tonight?" he teased and tapped her on the nose. "Would you like that?"

She nodded. "I would."

"Last time… was memorable," he whispered.

Mary blushed and nodded. "It sure was. Do you regret it?"

"I know I should, but no, I don't. It was incredible."

"I know," she gasped and took a deep breath. "Just thinking of it makes me tingle all over."

"Mary!" Sybil landed on her knees next to Mary, gasping to catch her breath. "May I have a drink?"

"Of course, darling," Matthew said and smiled at her as he pulled the basket closer.

Sybil eagerly watched as he poured her a glass of cold lemonade. She sipped it while eyeing the contents of the basket.

"Oh!" Sybil's eyes widened when she spotted the strawberry tarts. "May I have one?"

Mary sat up and pulled out napkins and plates, giving her sister her treat. The three talked and laughed as they enjoyed their little picnic. Matthew managed to spill some of the custard from his tart when trying to impress Sybil with a trick. Sybil giggled and covered her mouth. Mary rolled her eyes and grabbed her napkin. Matthew sat still, winking at Sybil as Mary cleaned his shirt while lecturing him on proper gentleman behavior.

"Yes, my lady," he teased. "Will a kiss make you forgive me?"

"In front of my younger sister?" Mary gasped, playing along. "I think not, Mr. Crawley."

Sybil giggled and nudged her. "He's awfully sorry. Aren't you, Matthew?"

Matthew nodded, trying to look sad and contrite. Mary rolled her eyes and then shrieked when he grabbed her, kissing her cheek. Sybil laughed and clapped her hands.


Thomas took the long route back to his room that evening. The house was quiet, the family having retired a long time ago. With a smile he headed down the hallway towards Matthew and Patrick's rooms. Perhaps Matthew was still awake and would like to talk? Lost in his little fantasy of spending time alone with Matthew Crawley, Thomas jumped at the sound of a door opening. He quickly stepped behind a column, hiding in the shadows. His eyebrows shot up at the sight of Matthew leaving his room. Thomas watched as the young man from his dreams headed in the opposite direction. Once he was out of sight, Thomas quickly followed.

Trained to act invisible, as a servant, Thomas easily followed Matthew without being discovered. When Matthew reached his destination Thomas could hardly believe what he saw. Matthew was entering Lady Mary's room! When the door closed with a faint click, Thomas took a deep breath and leaned against the wall.

He stood frozen in place for a long moment, expecting Matthew to return any second. As the minutes dragged on, Thomas became increasingly more annoyed. What business did Matthew have in Lady Mary's room? His hands closed into tight fists as his imagination plagued him with images of what the two cousins might be doing in the privacy of Lady Mary's room. He sank to the floor leaning against the wall. Pulling his knees up, he rested his arms and head on them, fighting the tears of disappointment.


When Matthew came to her that night Mary put her head in his lap and let him play with her hair. She smiled when she felt him untie her braid and run his fingers through her hair.

"Matthew," she whispered. "I want to ask you something, and you must promise me not to be angry with me, or think me a horrid person."

He just stared at her. "Never."

"Do you remember what you told me last Christmas? About what happens between husband and wife on their wedding night?" He nodded, swallowing a little nervously. "I do not expect to marry for love, Matthew," she said in a small voice. She looked up at him. "Perhaps this time with you is all I will ever have."

"Oh Mary, don't say that," he said and caressed her cheek. "I'm sure that your husband will love you very much."

"Perhaps," she said and sighed. "The thing is Matthew, I don't want Patrick, Billy or some older man that I do not love, to be the one to do that to me. It is frightening enough as it is. To have someone who doesn't even love me do it…" her voice broke and she fought the tears.

Matthew pulled her closer and held her trembling body. He kissed the top of her head.

"But you would not be a virgin anymore," he whispered. "Your husband would surely notice."

"It would be too late once he found out," she said, her voice suddenly sounding hard and cold.

"Oh Mary," he whispered and stroked her stomach. "I love you far too much to do that without being married. What if you would regret it? I would never be able to forgive myself. Please understand, anything but that, darling."

Matthew looked so sad and his blue eyes looked almost as dark as hers in the faint light. Mary sat up and they just looked at each other for a long moment. When she eventually nodded, he pulled her close and they came together in a soft kiss. She held him close for a moment before sitting down next to him, her head on his shoulder.

Matthew kept stroking Mary's side and playing with her fingers. She looked down at their hands, and her eyebrows shot up at the sight of his tenting pajama bottoms.

"What's wrong with your pajamas Matthew?"

He looked down in alarm and his face turned red. He grabbed a pillow and put it in his lap, looking away, unable to meet her eyes.

"Matthew?"

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

"What's wrong? You sound like you're in pain."

"No, I'm fine."

She tugged at his sleeve. "Then why do you sound so strange and have a pillow in your lap?"

Matthew leaned back against the headboard and closed his eyes. "A man changes… down there," he hissed.

"When? Why?" she asked, still not comprehending.

"When he gets aroused," he said so softly she had to lean closer to hear him.

"You're aroused?" she gasped.

He looked away. "Talking about these things does that to a man."

"Oh," she said softly.

"I don't know what happens to a girl when she gets aroused, but when a boy does, his manhood gets firm."

Mary's eyes widened a little at that. She gently placed her hand over his on the pillow.

"Can I see?"

"What?" he choked out.

"I've never seen a boy's private parts."

"We really shouldn't Mary," he said almost in panic. "What if someone comes in?"

"Who would think of coming into my room at this hour?" she said and rolled her eyes. "What if I pull the bed curtains?"

He chewed on his lip and finally nodded. "Promise not to laugh?"

Mary nodded vigorously. Jumping out of bed, she pulled the curtains closed all around them, only leaving a small gap by the lamp on the nightstand, before jumping back in and under the covers. She gazed at him expectantly. Matthew removed the pillow and looked down at his tenting pants.

"Well?" she asked.

"Can I see your girl parts?" he asked before he lost his nerve.

Mary gasped and clapped her hand over her mouth. Their eyes met and she thought long and hard about it before finally nodding.

"I guess that's only fair," she whispered a little nervously.

Matthew eased down a little and raised his hips, tugging his pants down. His manhood sprang to life as it was freed from the constraints of his pants. He held his breath as he glanced at Mary out of the corner of his eye. She was staring at him.

"Is…" she cleared her throat. "Is that how big it is, or is yours bigger than normal?" she whispered.

He shrugged. "I don't really know actually. I've only ever seen the boys at school; and they all look different. I'm still growing so perhaps it is too. I honestly don't know."

Her eyes widened again at this new information. "It looks rather big."

"It is supposed to fit inside a woman," he said and swallowed nervously. He turned and looked at her. "Can I..?"

Mary was still staring at his manhood. "You have hair," she said in surprise and leaned closer to get a better look. "I didn't know men had hair on their private parts."

"Do you?" he asked curious.

"I do," she whispered, still looking at his manhood.

"Can I see?"

Mary looked nervously at him. "It won't hurt, right?"

He shook his head. "I will only look. I promise."

She pushed the covers down and then kicked them all the way off. Her nightdress was caught mid calf. She pulled it up, lifting her hips to get it over her buttocks until it was bunched up on her stomach. Matthew stared at her little mound. Her legs were closed so all he could see was the little tuft of dark hair that covered her private area.

"Beautiful," he whispered. He touched her thigh and she jumped. "I can't really see much. Would you move your legs?"

Mary blushed furiously as she pulled her knees up and opened them wide. Matthew moved to kneel beside her, kicking his pants off in the process. He touched her knee and sighed.

"It looks like a flower," he said in awe. He leaned closer. "I can't see an opening though."

"Perhaps you were wrong?" she whispered.

"Can you pull the petals apart a little?" he asked, not sure what to call her private parts.

"Petals?" she said and giggled.

"Well," he said a little flustered. "You have little folds, they sort of look like petals on a flower."

Mary tentatively touched down there. She had never done that before, except for when washing. It tingled a little when she moved her fingers over the area. She gasped when she felt that she was a little sticky there.

"I can see it," he whispered excitedly. "It's very small," he said and his brows furrowed in confusion. "Perhaps it will get bigger when you get older?"

Mary blushed and nodded. "It is a little tingly. Do you think that's the same as what happened to you? Do you think that's what happens to a girl?"

"I don't know," he said and made a face as he thought about it. "Where does it tingle?"

"All over, but mostly here," she said and pointed to a spot at the top.

"May I?" he asked and held out his hand.

"Please don't hurt me," she whispered.

"Of course not," he said and smiled at her. "I never ever want to hurt you, Mary."

She smiled at him and watched as he moved closer. His head was between her thighs now. She swallowed hard as he touched her.

"Oh!" she gasped as he ran his finger over the spot she had pointed out.

"Did I hurt you?" he asked and removed his hand.

She shook her head. "No, but it tingles more." Mary giggled a little nervously at admitting it.

He grinned and touched her again. She sighed and smiled a little. He moved his finger over her, feeling the different textures. She gasped when he touched her opening.

"It feels different here," he said and smiled at her. "Slippery and warmer."

She blushed furiously and then let out a tiny whimper when he moved his finger back to the top.

"Matthew," she gasped. "It tingles a lot now. I can feel it in my toes."

He grinned and leaned forward. His hair tickled Mary's thighs and she stared at him as she grabbed his shoulder, stopping him.

"What are you doing?"

"It's so pretty, I just wanted to kiss it. May I?"

He watched her face as he waited for her to answer. Finally she nodded and let go of his shoulder. Matthew smiled and leaned closer to press his lips against the spot in a soft kiss. Mary sighed softly.

Did you like it?" he whispered and grinned widely at her.

Mary nodded. "It was very nice."

Matthew kissed her there again and she giggled. He did it a couple of times more and she sighed and moaned a little. Wondering what it would taste like, he stuck his tongue out and touched the tip to her little spot. She squealed and grabbed a pillow, pressing it against her face. Watching her, he licked a little there again and she started to tremble. She did not stop him so he assumed that it felt good.

Matthew licked all over her soft folds. To his surprise she was even more slippery now. He dipped his tongue inside her little opening and she tightened her legs around him. Afraid that he might hurt here there, he returned to touch his tongue to the little spot at the top. She trembled and bucked under him which made Matthew very happy since she seemed to like what he was doing.

He took longer and firmer strokes alternating with kissing her there, then flicked his tongue again since that seemed to be what she liked best. It was a little hard to tell since her face was hidden behind the pillow. After a while she tensed and her back rose off the bed in a stiff arch before she fell down again. He kept licking until she touched his forehead to firmly push his face away. He instantly sat up, watching as she removed the pillow. She was gasping.

"What was that?" she whispered and swallowed hard. "It tingled very pleasantly and then it felt like something was about to burst inside, and then it did. I felt warm and tingly all over."

Matthew grinned and nodded. "I think I made you spend. I didn't know that girls could."

"What do you mean?" she asked and turned to face him as he stretched out next to her.

"When a boy spends, something comes out of his manhood," he whispered and blushed. "It feels very good. Supposedly it is very bad for a boy to do to himself. At school they told us we would go to hell if we did." He looked at her again. "I don't believe that. How can it be wrong when it feels good? If it's all right when you're married, why not when you're alone? I don't feel wicked for doing it."

"Show me," she said excitedly. He shot her an uncertain look. "It's only fair after you did it to me," she pointed out.

"I guess. It's just that I don't want to make a mess. It would be hard to explain."

Mary frowned. "Is it that messy?"

He shook his head. "I guess not. Let me think." He looked around and then remembered the handkerchief in his pocket. Grabbing his robe, he pulled it out and opened it with a flick of his wrist.

"This should work."

Mary watched, amazed, as Matthew wrapped his fingers around his manhood and started to stroke up and down. Her eyebrows shot up when it became larger and stiffer.

"Can I… can I do it?" she whispered.

Matthew blushed and their eyes met. He nodded. When he felt her slender fingers on him he groaned softly. She hushed him and he smiled.

"It's hard to be quiet," he whispered. "Your hand feels so good. Much better than mine."

She beamed at him, all nervousness gone now. "It is very soft to the touch, and warm. Am I doing it right?"

He nodded and she kept stroking him. She leaned down and kissed the tip and he gasped, his hips shooting off the bed.

"Mary!" he hissed.

She giggled. "I guess it's not just girls who like kisses on their private parts."

He nodded and watched as she did it again. She kept stroking him and pressing hot kisses to the tip. Matthew had never experienced anything like it. He felt his release come on with alarming speed and he grabbed her arm.

"Mary, I'm almost there."

She sat up and watched him move the handkerchief over his manhood. He groaned as he spent. Mary felt something wet and warm on her fingers. She kept stroking him until he stopped her. He removed the handkerchief and she could see something white on her fingers and his manhood. He gently wiped it off, and kissed her fingertips. She giggled and then kissed him on the lips.

"Did it feel good? Did I make you spend?"

He nodded. "You did and it felt wonderful."

She sat down next to him and leaned her head against his shoulder. "Are we lovers now?"

Matthew stiffened and turned his head. "I don't know. Do you want us to be?"

"I liked it," she whispered. "It is probably very bad to admit, but I did."

"So did I."

Mary lost herself in thought for a moment, thinking about what it might be like being married to Matthew. She glanced at his manhood. What would it feel like to have it inside her? She trembled a little at the thought and he held her tighter.

"Are you all right?" he whispered.

"Of course. I was just thinking."

"About what?"

"What it would feel like to have you inside me like you described. For some reason it makes me tingly again."

Matthew took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. It made him tingly too to think about that.

"I should go back to my room," he said and turned his back at her, sitting on the edge of the bed pulling on his pajama bottoms.

Mary scooted closer and knelt on the bed behind him. She touched his shoulder.

"Thank you."

He nodded and smiled at her over his shoulder. "Good night, Mary."


Thomas sat in the same spot until he heard the door open again. Scrambling to his feet he looked for a place to hide. Feeling the door knob behind him he turned it and slipped inside. He barely had time to shut it, before Matthew passed by on his way back to his room. Thomas sent a thanks to whatever god happened to be listening, that Matthew appeared to be too preoccupied, or perhaps tired, to noticed that the door he passed was not properly closed. Thomas waited a good ten minutes before peeking outside. The hallway was again quiet and he quickly made his way to the servants' stairs.

To be continued…

.


A/N: I wanted the scene in Mary's bedroom to be a sweet and wondrous discovery for Mary and Matthew. I felt that Matthew's initial statement (that he would not want to go all the way) set a boundary for them that they were comfortable exploring within. I hope I succeeded in this endeavor.

*** TEASER ***

In the next chapter Lady Rosamund and Marmaduke arrive at Downton for a visit. More festivities ensue. Meanwhile Thomas is watching and waiting for the moment to strike, as his resentment is steadily growing.

The summer is quickly coming to an end, as is Matthew's stay at Downton. As he and Mary enjoy their time together neither wants to dwell on the fact that he must leave. When his departure happens, the pain of parting takes them both with surprise.