Lady Mary stood over the grave of her dead husband, Matthew. SHe had lain a bouquet of red roses, the flowers that he loved, in time for the anniversary of his death, which was tomorrow. She visited him on important occasions, his birthday, her birthday, their wedding anniversary. Mary loved him, probably still did love him, and wanted to show that her love for him continued by visiting when she could.

She put her hands on her stomach and smiled at the ground.

"I'm pregnant." Mary whispered. "I know, again!" She sniffed and checked behind her. The only person other than herself was a young boy but he was on the gate at the edge of the cemetery. "I would have visited to tell you, but I'm afraid I haven't had the time." Mary looked back at the tombstone. "Oh I do hope it's a boy, and his middle name will be Matthew, after you, of course." Mary inhaled suddenly. "I should be getting back, to check how the preparations are going for George's birthday. 7! He's going to be such a big boy." She looked away. "I love you, my darling. God bless."

Mary walked back to the car and was driven back to Downton. She watched the clouds and imagined Matthew watching down on her and this unborn child.

On the drive at Downton there was a large commotion. Mary looked out the windscreen.

"What's that?" She asked the chauffeur. Several cars, and a truck were all queued up out the front, and men and women were hanging around outside.

"I don't know m'lady." The chauffeur said as he approached slowly.

"You can drop me here." Mary instructed as she opened the door. "I don't think we'll get much further anyway."

Mary half walked half ran up the drive. Ahead she could see Charles, standing on the doorstep. She waved to him and he rushed over.

"What is all of this, my dear?" Mary said as he kissed her on the cheek.

"It's George, my dear. Dr Clarkson was doing some tests and he found abnormal blood samples on George. They want to take him into the hospital, but Lord Grantham won't let them without your consent. Somehow the police got involved." He shook his head. "But I'm not really sure how."

"George?!" Mary clutched Charles' hand

"He's fine, he hasn't had a turn, my love. Dr Clarkson just wants to check him over at the hospital. Okay?"

Mary pushed past the people on the front doorstep and ran up the stairs to the nursery, lifting up her skirt so she could sprint up the stairs. She burst into the nursery. A team of doctors and nurses were in an argument with Lord Grantham whilst George sat patiently in a wheelchair, which was being pushed by THomas. The other children were being shepherded into another room by Nanny. Mary rushed to George and gave him a kiss on the nose.

"Are you alright George?" She asked

"I'm fine Mama. Dr Clarkson took some of my blood but I was so grown up that I didn't even cry about it!" He said proudly

"Oh George!" Mary beamed at him "I'm so proud of you, I wish I had been there to see it!"

"Mary, dear." Lord Grantham took Mary's attention back to the crowd of doctors, who all held clipboards and wore white coats. "Dr Clarkson has found abnormal traces in George's blood and wants to take him to hospital."

"Hospital?" Mary asked as she stood up. "Is that really necessary?"

"I'm afraid so," Dr Clarkson replied. "He's fragile, and I believe his immune system has broken down, the safest place for a boy like this is the hospital."

"Are you sure? It's almost his birthday and to spend it there would be awfully dull." Mary replied

"Mary..." Lord Grantham sighed

"Lady Mary, it's the last place that I want to take him too, but the risk of infection is so high that until he is stronger, it is too much of a risk to leave him here." Dr Clarkson said

"Papa!" Mary whined

"Mary, it's the best choice, really." Lord Grantham said reluctantly. "It's the choice that makes the most sense if George is to survive."

Mary shook her head and watched as Thomas wheeled George out of the nursery. Charles put a hand around Mary's waist and walked her downstairs. They sat beside George in the ambulance as they were driven away from Downton, and Mary felt angry, all her plans for George's birthday had been spoilt.