They lay entwined, spent. Breathing hard, exhausted. Their clothes in a heap on the floor.
Mary felt the reverberations of the music from below. She could scarcely believe she had been so bold. It was the Rive Gauche all over again. Their need the same. Their bodies' one.
"Take me." Her voice raspy, harsh. Insistent. "Now."
It seemed to have put Matthew in a trance. When she asked about it later, he said he had never felt so close to her. That although the drums called to mind artillery fire going off in his head he found that if moved with the syncopated nature of the beats rather than fight it, it allowed him feel every motion of her body.
As odd as that sounded.
"Like waves," he tried to explain. "Crests of desire that had to be followed. Met." He blushed. "I hardly know what I'm talking about."
"I think you know very well." Mary replied, feeling along his chest. "I want you to feel that way all the time."
They had found the night just to their liking. Seduced by the secrecy and the knowledge they dared to make love even as a hundred gathered below.
Yet Mary was restless afterward. She got up quickly and with a vengeance Matthew had thought.
She begun to try to slip back into the empire-waist gown. The short stays on the back, however, required his help.
Matthew had enjoyed untying them earlier. They had stood just inside the room, hardly believing no one saw them skulk up the stairs.
No one had called out.
No one knew they were there.
Matthew was breathing hard. Mary felt it on her skin. It made her shiver. She made her demand.
His breaths became shorter, concentrated.
"Are you afraid?" She tormented him by touching the arousal in his breeches. "I rather like 19th century breeches." Feeling him. Stroking. "Leaves very little to one's imagination." And she tugged on the buttons. "And rather easy to remove…."
He groaned and shuddered at her touch.
He threw her on the bed. Mary's cry of delight his reward. He thrust out his arms and followed her down, laying them on either side of her. Matthew's kiss was hard, his teeth nibbling her lower lip.
Mary usually wore no trussed up corset or layered undergarments. The new dresses of her wardrobe were much simpler. So as part of their role playing back to regency England, Matthew had taken his time. Unwrapping each layer of clothing, untying the stays. Tantalizing Mary with sweet kisses to her neck. He turned her around so he could more easily open the stays. As her back was revealed, he could see gooseflesh rise as his fingers tickled. His hands moved inside her gown and he felt her chest rise and fall.
They threw themselves into the moment. Mary's hands fumbled with his buttons while Matthew undid the jacket and pulled it off.
"I'll need your help with the boots, my darling." Matthew panted.
He moved towards the headboard and she took up a position at the foot of the bed. Mary's fingers tugged and pulled until the boots came away.
Matthew made a move to take off the white shirt.
"Leave it." Mary demanded. "I like it on you."
Matthew's hooded eyes met hers. Mary's fingers made their way up his thighs and underneath the loose fitting shirt. She felt his chest hairs bristle. He reached behind her and pulled her down on top of him.
They were both ready. His thrusting up inside her went deep. She rocked and swayed in rhythm with his driving lunges. They murmured each other's name as he squeezed each cheek of her derriere.
Mary's teeth bit his lip as she attempted to thrust her tongue down deep into the cavernous depths of his throat.
He hardly noticed. His own lips enclosed around her tongue mimicking the action of their bodies, plunging and lifting.
Matthew's release came as his hands grabbed her one last time and pushed her down forcefully upon him. Their legs were intertwined and clutched each other in order to shove deeper and harder. She met him thrust for thrust and she groaned in enormous satisfaction, luxurious and languid.
Mary fell down onto his chest. He lightly continued to touch and tickle.
The party went on below, no one the wiser for their actions on the second floor. The noise level, if anything, got even louder.
Then came Mary's sudden groan of frustration.
"What is wrong, my darling?" Matthew was concerned. "Should we have waited until we retired back to your Aunt Rosamund's?" He had not even given their assignation a thought, given their rather impulsive actions back in Paris.
Mary assuaged him, "No that's not it at all. I loved every moment of it. I think I just ruined everything though." She shook her head ruefully.
Matthew was now completely clueless. "Ruined?" He challenged. "If that's ruining our love making, I'll have you do it over and over again." He tried to make her laugh.
She moved to collect her dress from the carpeted floor. She said, "I… "
She paused, then berated herself to just get it out… "I went to see a fertility doctor, Matthew. Before you left for Paris. That's why I was in London."
"I see." He let her finish her thought. He had not divulged his own visit to the same type of doctor while in Paris. So they had much to confess to each other.
She sat down beside him, frustrated at being unable to finish dressing. "Will you do me back up?"
"Gladly." Matthew had pulled on his breeches in the meantime. He waited for her to explain.
"Dr. Ryder said a full physical examination might uncover some reason for our inability to conceive a child." She swallowed hard, "But I had read in the waiting room in a well-regarded journal that if a woman does not get too excited in love making, the womb will be more open to conception."
"Really?" Matthew turned a quizzical eye.
"Don't look at me like that." Mary presaged. "What do you know about a woman's body?"
He suppressed his doubt. "Of course, I'm so sorry my dear." Matthew put a hand on her shoulder. "It makes my heart ache to know you've had to go through that alone. I should have been there with you."
"I wanted to go alone. I'm not comfortable discussing these things with you."
He looked concerned. "Because you think I don't understand?"
"No." She admitted. "It's no good. I'm just too much my father's daughter with regards to public and private discourse."
Matthew remained silent.
"The article said if I relaxed …."
He eyed her again… but said nothing. Anything he said would be far too cheeky for this conversation. And he tried not to chuckle as that would be extraordinarily rude. But he did blink rather hard as he tried to take her point.
She stared hard at him, but saw his lips beginning to twitch.
Mary finally caved in to the humour of the moment. "It's all your fault, really!" And she began to laugh herself.
They held onto each other, their mirth hiding their very real, raw feelings.
Matthew began to retie her corset.
"My fault?" Matthew's hands pulled the strings of the stays. "How do you imagine?"
She tried to explain again, "I was supposed to keep myself in a relaxed state."
"And…" His lips strayed to kiss her back.
"I could not…" She leaned into him.
"Why is that?" His voice pitched low.
"Because you're impossible."
"Impossible…?" He pulled another stay tighter.
"To resist." She shrugged as he finished pulling. "And you damn well know it."
He kissed her shoulder lightly. "And you love it."
Mary turned to face him. "I do." They kissed. "I love you madly."
"Not as much as I love you." Matthew said. But then he grew serious. "I have something to confess Mary."
"Oh." She sat back against the foot board. "What?"
"I went to see a doctor as well. In Paris." Matthew did not know any other way to break the news. So he just said it, "to find out about myself. It turns out I'm fine…erm… in that respect."
Mary took in that information. "So it's me…."
"My darling I was so sure. And what we did in Paris, our time before our marriage. I feel quite shameful now." The confession spilled out of Matthew. "I could have… put you in … I should have known better."
"I was there too," she reminded him. "I did not resist."
His slow smile returned as they embraced. "What do we do now, though? I really don't think the ummm…relaxing thing works."
Mary said with emphasis. "Dr. Ryder looked at me with just the same skepticism. Said I should ignore that as codswallop. But it seemed easier than some kind of invasive examination."
Matthew nodded in empathy. "And so you don't want to get the exam?" Matthew asked gently.
"I… " Mary was seldom at a loss for words. "I'm not sure."
"Is it so very important for you?" He asked. "To find out?"
"It is." She said it with confidence. "I want to know."
"Is it just for your family? For your father?" Matthew inquired. "Because I'm perfectly happy with just ourselves. I don't need …."
Mary interrupted. "I do, Matthew. I do. I want a family with you. I saw the way you looked at little Sybbie. I want that for our own child. To share our love."
Matthew smiled. "Then you do whatever you think best."
"If I do, will you come with me? At least wait out in the room." Mary took his hand.
"I will do whatever you want me to do." Matthew gathered her up in his arms. "We're in this together."
He finished the last stay. "There." He kissed her shoulder. "All done."
Mary got up and looked in the mirror. "You managed to barely put a hair out of place. I'm not even sure Anna would know it was in disarray."
"It took all my willpower." Matthew conceded.
She held out her arm. "Ready?"
"Let me check the hall." He went first and peeked out the door. The landing was empty. "I think everyone is downstairs." They slipped out and down to the main saloon.
"Let's find Rose and get out of here." Matthew said. He sensed the party had reached the point of no return. The only thing left was the descent into oblivion, the vacant space between remembrance and forget.
Mary glanced around. "She's over there. With your friend."
Matthew turned to see Burleigh with his hand touching Rose's shoulder and whispering in her ear. He blanched and his mouth tensed in concern.
"What's the matter?" Mary asked. "Isn't he your friend?"
"Yes." Matthew began to maneuver around the crowd. Mary followed. He took her aside. "I like Curly well enough, but…"
Before he could explain they made their way to Rose. "It's time to go, Rose." Matthew reached for her.
"But the party's still on…" Rose had a drink in her hand. Her eyes were wide but empty.
"We're going." Matthew's command voice came out.
"You're not my father." She snarled as she shrugged off his arm. "Or my master…."
Matthew rolled his eyes.
Curly intervened, "Let her alone, Galahad. The night's a virgin, and we're just getting started…."
Matthew threw him a disgusted look. "Stay out of this…" And he grabbed Rose's hand and led her outside.
Rose threw herself into the back seat of the car. Matthew had driven his motor down from Downton in order to more easily get around town. He opened the front side door for Mary. It still stuck, but she gently pressed his tense arm as he grunted in disgust.
The short trip back to Rosamund's was made in silence.
Rose exited the car, and refused even to acknowledge Matthew. She walked up the steps with Mary. When Parsons opened the door, she said to Mary, "Thank you for allowing me to accompany you. I had a marvelous time." And when she did finally turn to Matthew, she shot him a look of loathing and walked away and up the stairs.
Matthew helped Mary out of her coat and he took off his top hat and cloak. Parsons informed Mary that Anna awaited her upstairs. Mary nodded. On the way upstairs Matthew said he'd go to his dressing chamber and come in later. He was there alone as his work did not really require a valet on a regular basis. He saw to his own needs and had already sought out temporary lodgings near Whitehall until such time as he and Mary made final arrangements for their living situation.
When they finally retired for the night, Matthew's head sunk gratefully into the pillow.
"Do you want to tell me what that was all about?" Mary enquired. "Rose is of an age to allow her some freedom."
Matthew turned his head. "I know. It's not that. I'm not acting as loco parentis or guardian of her."
"Is there something about Burleigh Cuthbert then? Is he bad news?" Mary was confused.
"Not really. I've not seen a lot of him admittedly since the war, but he had a bit of breakdown after Amiens and had to go into hospital for neurasthenia." He tried to explain without judgement. All of them were shell shocked one way or the other. "I'm not saying he's unreliable or anything, but impetuous. Unthinking like so many are today. He drinks too much."
"Diana said you did much the same." Mary said, trying to draw him out.
Matthew knew the truth of that. "I did. For a while, in Paris. Before … before you came into my life."
Mary put her hand to his cheek. "Then maybe Rose might be good for him."
Matthew shook his head. "Destructive more like."
Mary was perplexed. "Are you not telling me something?"
Matthew was silent. His conversation with Rose was private. It was not his place to divulge secrets. This was one of the reasons he had spent so much of his time recently as a loner. Getting back into the world of the living, meant getting involved. Caring. He was barely sure he could continue himself, much less take on the burdens of another survivor.
"Let me handle this." He reached over to Mary and they settled down amongst the sheets and covers. "You already have more than enough on your plate."
Mary nestled her head against his shoulder. His tension eased as she felt his arms slip around her.
They slept.
XX
Matthew was at work when the telephone call came in. Rose had left for the week end. "Cuckooing with Lady Ursula." She had informed Rosamund and Mary who could not object as she was the daughter of Lord Wycombe of Dorset. "The Wycombe's are old friends of Daddy's. It'll be perfectly fine" And she was off.
She and Matthew had barely exchanged a word.
Mary was too soon involved in an issue at home to worry about Rose for the moment. Sybil was on the telephone, frantic. "Mary. You and Matthew must come home now. Tom is set to return to Dublin. He must be stopped."
"I thought he was settling down?" Mary tried to calm her sister.
"So was I. But now he's concerned about his family. His brother."
"Which one?" Mary knew Tom had an extensive family. She ruefully admitted to herself she had not committed them all to memory.
"Kiernan, the eldest." Sybil said. "He's a car mechanic and owns his own garage. But he's gotten involved in some politics. He tried to drag Tom into it when we were there. A real rabble rouser."
Mary was about to ask what was happening, when Sybil interrupted. "Just come home. Mama wants me to rest. She's at me about little Sybbie's feeding. I need you here on my side. And Matthew can talk sense to Tom. Tell him it's too dangerous to go to Ireland right now."
"I'll be on the afternoon train, darling." Mary reassured her. "I'm not sure about Matthew. He's working at Whitehall today."
Mary rang off and tried to get Matthew on the line. He said he'd be back for afternoon tea.
They sat in the solar to have their tea. "I was planning on returning by Friday," Mary poured. "So it's not that I'm not already packed."
"But you wanted to wait for me to leave again." Matthew knew. He had informed her that his stint in London was temporary. Sir Eyre Crowe and Lord Curzon were off again to Paris within the week and this time a trip to Berlin was also in the offing. That had unsettled Matthew. Not because he hated the Germans or wanted to feel smug about the Allied victory. He admired the Germans in many ways. Not their leaders, necessarily, but the men and officers. He had met some during the war. They all were in the trenches together.
He was unsettled because of the unreality of it all. The English and the French civilian population did hold lingering hate. The French in particular because half their nation was blown up and destroyed. So many dead.
Matthew was now part of the larger post war diplomatic mission to bury the hatchet so to speak. To begin again. They were starting with trade. Always a good thing, Matthew had though cynically. Always room to make money between former enemies. Even as they squeezed the reparations, business was business. So a small diplomatic mission was to accompany a trade delegation.
And he had been chosen. Both for his language skills, and his clear head. Despite his run in with the French over Alsace-Lorraine, Sir Eyre trusted his sensible nature.
Matthew squeezed his forehead with pinched fingers. "I can accompany you back to Downton, but I must return by Friday." It was now Wednesday afternoon. "I'm not sure what I can do. Tom struck me as a capable man. I don't think he'd run into a hail of bullets."
"He is in support of Irish independence." Mary reminded him.
"Yes, many are. It's not clear whether the Dáil and Sinn Féin intend only to use military means to achieve it." Matthew tempered. "It's another complicated situation. The empire's falling apart. The movement for self-determination cannot be stopped. But our government is divided on the issue of what to do. So the result is continued use of the Black and Tans to put down any violence. Which only causes more to occur."
"That's why you need to talk to Tom." Mary reasoned. "You understand it better than any one of us. Certainly more than Papa."
"I'll see what I can do." Matthew said. "Do you want them to stay in England for good?"
"I do." Mary replied. "Mama will forever be fretting for Sybil's safety if they return. It's not the place for a young English woman and her daughter at the moment."
"Even if Sybil wants to return?" He asked.
"Sybil's ever the rebel, I know. Her nature is one not to be put down by anything. But the baby has moderated her somewhat. She knows she's a mother now. And that must be put first." Mary got up. "So you can leave work?"
"Yes. I told them I'd be back on Friday. We leave for Paris on Monday but we have meetings all week end with this trade delegation to prepare." Matthew followed her out of the room.
"I had Parsons pack your bag. It's already for the train." Mary said. "I really want to leave soon."
XX
They arrived by train later that evening. The new chauffeur Higgins took them back to Downton.
Cora greeted them at the door. "Sybil is ready to go with him." She said, agitated. "You must make her see reason."
Mary took her mother's hand. "We talked about this on the trip. I will tackle Sybil and Matthew will talk with Tom. Where are they?"
"Scattered after dinner." Cora explained. "Sybil is helping nurse put Sybbie to bed. Tom has sequestered himself in the billiards room."
Matthew needed no other urging. "I'll see him." And he walked towards the back of the house. He and Tom had spent some time playing when they first met. Both had enjoyed discussing family and politics while shooting a match.
He found Tom lining up the red ball at the top head rail. He turned as the door creaked. Matthew walked in.
"Ah." Tom laughed. "Come to talk some sense have you?" He handed Matthew a stick. "I knew Sybil had telephoned Mary."
"Not at all." Matthew replied. "Needed some fresh country air after London." He took a cue stick and waited for Tom to break.
Tom hit his cue ball and it struck the red and into the corner pocket.
Matthew waited patiently for Tom to speak.
After they had several rounds, Tom said, "It's just that I can't raise my brother on the line. It's frustrating. I don't know where he is and what's he got up to."
"What do you think has happened?"
Tom paused, rubbing the cue stick. He leaned against the table. "You know what happened in January, then?"
Matthew did. "The Soloheadbeg Ambush." As it was being labeled by the press. The IRA had attacked and shot two Royal Irish Constabularies. The British government responded by declaring the area a Special Military Area and sent more troops.
"My brother's got involved with them." Tom said. "Small stuff. Attacking property. Raiding for arms. But my mother wants me to go get him. Tell him to think about the family. Bring him back."
Matthew chortled. "That's what I'm supposed to do with you."
"I've got to go Matthew. Ireland's coming of age and we all want to be a part of it."
That concerned Matthew. "Sounds like you might stay to participate?"
"I might have..." Tom considered. "Not any more."
Tom shot the ball. "My brother's a hothead, but he's strong on family. We're worried about him."
"Think of your family here. Sybil, the baby." Matthew reminded him.
I want him to bring him here to be Sybbie's godfather at her christening."
"It's going to be a Catholic affair?" Matthew was surprised Lord Grantham agreed.
"Yes. Sybil and I agreed on this. And the family is going along." Tom said. "It's good of Robert. Of course he's doing it for Sybil."
"And family." Matthew said. "We're both interlopers into the Crawley clan. But I've seen how they stick together. And now we're doing our share to be a part of them."
Tom nodded. "I know Sybil worries. And I don't intend to do anything foolish. But my country's at war. It's odd not to be a part of it."
Matthew sighed. "I don't have a good answer. It's a bloody shame. The English aren't going to leave Ireland without a fight. It's going to be long." He closed his eyes. Another senseless mess. "I thought you were going to be a journalist now."
"I am. I've managed to write several articles already picked up by national papers." Tom's ball dropped into the pocket.
The match was over.
"I will be there and back again before a fortnight's over." Tom finished. "I've got to find out for myself."
"See you are then." Matthew shook his hand as a good loser in the match. "Mary will be the very devil about it if you aren't. I would like that you try to keep in touch as much as possible."
"I'll do my best." Tom set up the cue balls. "Go again?"
XX
"What do you mean you didn't talk him out of it?" Mary asked. Sybil was also in the music room when Matthew arrived. Tom was not far behind him.
Robert grumbled, "I could have told you that. He's determined to go."
Matthew defended himself, "I did try, but…"
Sybil knew better. "He talked you into supporting him. He does that. That's why I want to go as well, I warn you."
Matthew said, "That's far too dangerous."
"Thank God someone agrees with me on that." Robert said. "I will not let you go. You are acting like a child, so I must treat you like one."
"My husband is in danger. I want to be there for him." Sybil was shaking.
Cora chided her, "Think of the baby."
Sybil knew her mother was right. "I know. But I'm so worried."
Matthew tried again. "He can take care of himself."
"Why is it not dangerous for him, then?" Sybil posed.
Tom walked in at that moment. Sybil moved to stand next to her husband.
"You know the answer to that, I think." Matthew said. "It is dangerous for anyone. But for one thing having more than one person will slow Tom down. If you want him back fast, let him go alone. Bring his brother back here."
Mary added. "Then you can make longer term plans. One day at a time."
Tom was grateful for the support. "I am against any form of personal violence. I will keep my head and not get involved in any meetings or riots." He took Sybil's hand. "I promise."
Sybil pursed her lips. "I will keep you to those promises Tom Branson." And she put her hand over his. "Be careful, my darling."
Mary and Matthew exchanged relieved glances.
Later that night, in their bedroom Matthew said he'd be returning to London the next afternoon.
"I know." Mary put down her lotion. Matthew was seated next to her. "Thank you for coming with me."
"Will you wait until I return from the continent before arranging an appointment again with Dr. Ryder?" Matthew leaned forward in his chair.
Mary nodded. "I'll fix it while you're gone."
They moved towards their bed. Matthew sat on his side as Mary pulled the cover up. "Will you meet me in Paris? I can either telegram or telephone you the date. I'd very much like to see you when it's all over."
Mary's loving smile was all the answer he needed. "Maybe by then we'll have settled where we are to live as well." She added. "All this running around has me suddenly exhausted."
"A good night's sleep will you do wonders." And Matthew turned out the light. Mary tucked next to him and was soon fast asleep.
XX
Matthew was more than a little irritated to learn that the Friday morning meeting had been delayed and that they were to meet with the trade delegation on Saturday. He could have spent the day in York. Upon arriving at his office in Whitehall, he learned that instead he and his colleagues were to have a working dinner at 8pm that night in preparation.
Given the option of a return to Downton was impossible, he spent Friday morning looking for private lodgings. He found a small set of furnished rooms near the foreign office headquarters. Talking to the landlord and agreeing on a short term lease, he accepted.
He took his bags out of the car and brought them inside. His cases included not only clothing and personal essentials, but his work materials.
Matthew telephone Mary to give her the exchange for his new lodgings. "I don't know that you'd approve, but they'll do for me."
He was beginning to hate calling anyone as lately it seemed every time he answered the telephone, some crisis or other was upon him.
And this time it turned out the same. Mary said with some frustration, "I'm afraid we've another situation. Rosamund called to say that Rose has not returned as agreed. She wants to stay with this new friend, Lady Ursula while Susan wants her back in Scotland."
Matthew groaned. "And?"
"Well she wants you to talk some sense into her." Mary heard Matthew's exhalation over the line. "You are the only one she seems to listen to."
"I don't know about that. Not after how we left things." He reminded her.
"Give it a try." Mary did not know exactly why her husband and this young woman bonded so closely, nor the cause of their recent falling out. "You think she's likely to do something reckless?"
"I honestly don't know." Matthew's weary voice came back on the line.
"I will telephone this Lady Ursula. See what's what. Introduce your name." Mary eased the situation.
"Very well." Matthew replied. "I'll wait your answer." He put down the receiver and went to wash up.
When the telephone rang again, he was feeling refreshed. "Hello darling." He answered as Mary greeted him.
"It turns out they're all going to the races this afternoon. That man I met at your friends' the MacGuinnesses party...umm… Henry Talbot. He's invited them. I think you should go as well. I told Lady Ursula and she's delighted to have you. Said you could meet them there."
"I can't stay very long." Matthew told her. "I have a work dinner at 8pm."
"Try your best. Susan is at her wit's end." Mary rang off after saying she loved him and would miss him and she's counting the days until their reunion in Paris.
"You sound rather tired again." He noticed. "Are you feeling well?"
"Just all the traveling about. I'll buck up after a good rest here." She did not want to tell him that she was not feeling her best. He had enough to worry about. She had been sick that morning.
"Until Paris, then." Matthew put the receiver down on the hook. He prepared to go out once more. This time to drive to Surrey. He sighed. He knew he had acted out of line with Rose at the party. But he had known more than one who threw themselves into the whirlwind of post war merrymakings to hide grief and depression.
He wanted to help Rose. But he was not sure how.
XX
Matthew left the crowd of newly made friends at the race course. His meeting was at 8pm and he had to take into account travel time. In all honesty, they hardly seem to notice he'd gone. Rose had given him the cold shoulder most of the day. He had spent the majority of the event, oddly enough, with Henry.
The two struck up a long conversation about motors until the actual race began. Matthew admitted to some excitement as the cars zoomed past at speeds his old bone shaker could only dream.
After he had to depart. He tried to get Rose to go with him, but she was insistent upon staying with her friends until that night. A scavenger hunt party at Lady Ursula's was afoot, and she would not miss it.
"It's fun, Matthew. Don't' be a bore." She turned away from him.
"I will come and fetch you." He said, brooking no opposition. "And tomorrow you're on the train to Inverness."
Rose and he exchanged dark looks. "I know what you're doing," Matthew whispered to her. "It won't work. The pain does not go away just because you ignore it."
"What rubbish." She snorted. "I will do what I want. Why do you come only to disapprove? It's bad form you know."
"I'm only trying to help." Matthew said quietly.
"Then help by going away." And she pushed away from him.
Matthew returned to London. The meeting was long but informative. He was exhausted, but as it was midnight he was sure this party in Mayfair was still going strong. He said he would take Rose back to her aunt's and that was what he intended to do.
When he arrived, the same music and noise greeted him as at the last party. Rose was nowhere to be found. He inquired but either they didn't know who she was, or said she was about somewhere.
Lady Ursula was finally located. "We collected our treasures and brought them back here, but then Rose went with Adele to powder her nose. I've not seen her since."
Matthew was now quite concerned. He moved swiftly from room to room, even opening up the doors to private chambers if they were unlocked.
He found her dancing in a kind of trance like state. She was euphoric, yet with a glazed eye and agitation that was the culmination of his fears.
She said to Matthew, "Come along here, sir, and dance. I want to dance all night. Put on another record. I was on the winning scavenger hunt team. We found the chauffeur's cap and won!" She flung herself on his shoulder.
"I think we should leave instead." Matthew was gently insistent. He knew she had taken something, cocaine most probably. Although not illegal, the government was beginning to crack down on narcotics following their use among soldiers in the war. It was one of the ways to enter oblivion.
And Rose had found it. Matthew needed to help her.
"Lean on me. We're going." He pushed her up and they walked towards his car.
"My knight in shining armour." She murmured and pressed into his arms as he tried to hold her up.
He placed her in the passenger seat. Got in and made the left turn towards his own lodgings.
He did not know where else to take her.
XX
Oh Matthew... Aftermaths to follow….