Rating: Mature (death of character)
Spoilers: Season 1 & 2 trough the Christmas Special
Disclaimer: Any names off characters you recognize from Downton Abbey are not mine. All original characters do however belong to me. Fanfiction is in my opinion the ultimate form of flattery to a screenwriter :)
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Special thank you to the lovely Tambear for catching missing commas, odd grammar and offering excellent suggestions & advice!
Also, thank you so much for the lovely reviews and for favoriting/following this story.
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The Rightful Heir
Chapter 26 – Dead of Winter
Mary was actually surprised when she noticed the all too familiar stains on her knickers one morning. In the weeks following their wedding, she and Matthew had not exactly been chaste. In fact, they had taken every opportunity to be intimate.
After washing up and gathering her feminine supplies that her maid kept in a secure place where Matthew would not stumble upon them, Mary returned to their sitting room. She pulled the blanket closer and covered her legs as she lost herself in thought. It seemed almost an impossibility that she was not already pregnant. With William it had only taken one encounter. She let out a heavy sigh and placed her palm against her stomach, feeling the first dull pains there. Before it would get the better of her she got up and rang for the maid.
~ O ~
"Hello Robert," Matthew said cheerfully as he entered the library. "Have you by any chance seen Mary?"
"Oh hello, Matthew." Lord Grantham looked up from his ledger and smiled at his son-in-law who had just returned from Crawley House. "Cora said that she was feeling a little under the weather. I believe she decided to retire to her room for a little rest."
"Nothing serious, I hope," Matthew said, worried now.
"Not at all." Robert smiled reassuringly at Matthew. "How is Crawley House coming along?"
"Quite splendid. They are finishing everything as we speak. We should be able to head over there on schedule."
"I know how excited you and Mary are about this, but I can't help being a little selfish and feel sorry about you leaving us. I will miss having the three of you around."
"I know, but we will come up and visit several times per week."
"I will hold you to that," Robert said with a chuckle.
Matthew laughed and the two left the room together.
"Isis, Zeus," Lord Grantham called.
Zeus came instantly at the sound of his master's voice. Isis just looked up from her spot by the fireplace.
"Come here old girl," Robert tried again.
Isis struggled to get up and just stood there looking at him. Robert walked over to her and stroked her head.
"What's wrong, Isis?"
The dog whined a little and then lay down again, resting her head on her paws. Robert petted her head and then got up.
"Is she all right?" Matthew asked, looking worried.
"She's old, Matthew. I think I'll just let her stay here by the fire. She seems to like it. I'm sure it makes her old bones hurt less."
"I suppose," Matthew said with a sigh, glancing at the yellow Labrador over his shoulder. Isis eyes were closed and she appeared to be asleep again.
~ O ~
Mary had been asleep when Matthew returned to their room. He stood silently next to the bed just watching her for a moment. She did not look feverish. In fact she looked just as beautiful as always. He gently smoothed a stay wisp of her hair away from her cheek and pulled the blanket up a little higher over her. Mary stirred and mumbled something that he could not quite hear. It still made him feel warm inside. After a last caress to her alabaster cheek he left her alone to rest.
~ O ~
"Master William," Sophie said sternly. "You must wear your boots if you want to go downstairs."
"I don't want to!"
Matthew's eyebrows shot up at the sound of his son yelling at his Nanny. He gently knocked on the door and pushed it open.
"Good morning," he said and smiled at the two.
"Papa!"
William grinned and ran to Matthew. Having just overheard the argument between the two, Matthew did not pick him up, but instead looked the boy in the eyes.
"William, would you care to explain why you are not wearing any boots and why you were yelling at Sophie?"
The boy looked down and huffed. "Boots are stupid."
Matthew bit his lip and shot Sophie a quick glance. The two shared a moment of amusement over the boy's antics.
"Too bad," Matthew said with a heavy sigh. "I guess you'll have to wait until spring to go outside again then. Well, I hope that you have a good day, son." Matthew quickly checked the time. "Gosh, I need to hurry. Your grandfather is waiting downstairs to inspect the cottages."
William's eyes widened in surprise and worry. "But…"
"Yes?"
"I want to come with you!"
"Out of the question," Matthew said sternly.
William's lower lip started to tremble. Matthew looked away as he knew it would be his undoing if he kept watching his son's distress.
"Why?" William whispered.
"Your behavior towards Sophie was beyond disappointing, William," Matthew said seriously.
Big, fat tears were now rolling down William's cheeks. "I'm sorry."
"Crying won't help you, young man," Matthew pushed on. "If anyone is allowed to cry, it's Sophie." William sniffled and wiped his nose on his sleeve. "Is there anything you have to say to that?"
"I'm sorry, Sophie."
Matthew grabbed his son by the shoulders and turned him around. Gently cupping his chin he made William look at Sophie.
"Let's try that again, shall we?"
"I'm sorry that I yelled at you, Sophie."
"I'm sorry too," she said and smiled at him. "Will you give me a hug and then we'll forget about it?"
William ran over to her and she opened her arms to him. Matthew smiled at the sight of his son hugging his Nanny. Sophie pulled William onto her lap and reached for one of his boots.
"Shall we show Mr. Crawley what you've learned?"
William perked up and nodded. Matthew stepped closer, curious to what was going on. He smiled when William grabbed the laces, tugging and pulling as he adjusted them. Matthew had to bite the inside of his cheek not to laugh at the look of concentration on the boy's face.
"I can't do it," William muttered.
"Of course you can," Sophie encouraged. "I saw you do it just yesterday. Remember how to do the loops?"
William sighed and glanced at his father. Noticing Matthew smiling, the boy tried again, determined to impress his father. A moment later the boot was laced and tied, perhaps not exactly elegantly, but definitely secure.
"I did it! Look Papa, I did it!"
"You did. Well done, my boy."
Sophie quickly tied the other one and let go of William. Gathering the boy's coat, hat and mittens, she corralled him in again before he could run out of the nursery. She smiled at him as she tied his scarf tightly around his neck.
"All done. Have fun." She kissed his cheek and pushed him in Matthew's direction.
"Thank you."
"Thank you, Sophie." Matthew smiled warmly at her.
"My pleasure, Mr. Crawley. Enjoy your walk."
~ O ~
Lord Grantham laughed as he watched Matthew run, pulling William on the sled behind him as the boy kept yelling for him to go faster, and Zeus barked happily next to them. Matthew eventually stopped and placed his hands on his thighs as he tried to catch his breath. He smiled impishly at Robert when the earl caught up with them.
"I guess I'm not in as good a shape as I'd like."
"You're in fine shape, Matthew. It's hard work to pull this young man around. He's growing every time I see him."
"Poppy," William rolled his eyes at his grandfather.
Robert just laughed. He pulled out the ball he had in his pocket and threw it for Zeus. The dog darted after it, barking with excitement. A moment later he returned, dropping the ball by Robert's feet.
"How far away are we?" Matthew asked as he scanned the winter landscape.
"Not far at all. It's just around that hill over there."
The three set off again, this time at a slower pace. William jumped off the sled, chasing Zeus, laughing and shrieking when the dog made him tumble down in the snow.
~ O ~
A few hours later, Matthew handed over a tired and slightly damp boy to Sophie who immediately whisked William away to take a bath. Matthew thought that the idea sounded quite nice and rang for Moseley as soon as he reached his dressing room. While waiting for his valet to arrive, he slipped into the bedroom. Mary was sitting up in bed, reading.
"Hello darling," she greeted him with a smile.
"Are you feeling better?"
"Much, thank you. Mama gave me one of her tonics."
"I'm so pleased to hear it."
"Matthew! You're soaked," she cried out in alarm.
"I was playing with William in the snow," he said and grinned sheepishly. "Don't worry; I'm off to take a bath as soon as it's been drawn. I suspect that our son is presently submerged to his chin in warm water and bubbles getting scrubbed down by Sophie."
Mary chuckled and nodded. "Good. I would hate for either of you to get sick."
"I know, but it's bound to happen sooner or later."
"I know that," she said sharply. He raised an eyebrow and she sighed. "I'm sorry. I just worry."
"And I love you for it," he assured her. Hearing Moseley in the other room Matthew gave her a quick kiss. "I will only be a little while. Do you think you feel up to coming down to dinner?"
"Of course," she said and smiled. She squeezed his hand. "Thank you for caring."
"Always."
~ O ~
William was curled up next to Isis by the fireplace in the drawing room, playing with his soldiers. Behind him his parents and grandparents were talking about Crawley House. He sighed and looked at Isis, petting her head.
"I'll miss you, Isis, but I'll come and visit. Promise."
The dog whined and thumped her tail a little before closing her eyes again. William put his head on her chest, continuing moving his little soldiers between the dog's paws.
Lord Grantham watched his grandson and Isis. As much as the boy preferred to play with Zeus, he seemed to have a stronger bond with Isis. Isis had always been Robert's dog, but now it seemed as if she had made William her priority. Robert smiled at the thought. Isis had a new charge.
Matthew looked up as Sophie entered the room. She smiled at him and looked around for William.
"William, bed time," Matthew said cheerfully.
"Oh, must I?"
"You don't want to keep Sophie waiting."
William sighed and got up. He dutifully walked over and took Sophie's hand.
~ O ~
Once dressed in his pajamas and robe, William ran downstairs again. He kissed his grandparents goodnight before hugging and kissing his parents. Lastly he knelt by Isis, petting her head.
"Good night Isis." The dog sighed. William looked up at his grandfather. "Is she all right?"
"She's just tired, William. Isis is old, and she needs to sleep a lot."
William nodded. He stretched out next to the dog and put his arm around her. "I hope you have really nice dreams, Isis."
"Dinner is served, my lord."
"Thank you, Carson."
They all got up and Mary held out her hand to William. He gave Isis one last pet and then left the room with the adults.
~ O ~
Mary sighed in relief as she slipped into bed. The dull ache in her lower back had returned and she just wanted to bask in the warmth of the bed as sleep took her away. She opened her eyes at the sound of Matthew coming to join her.
"You're still awake," he said and inched closer to her in the bed.
"Of course," she said and nuzzled his neck.
Matthew pulled her closer and kissed her. As usual, the feeling of her warm slender body pressed against his sent fire through his veins. He ran his hand over her back, down to squeeze her bottom. To his surprise she pulled away.
"Mary? Is something that matter?"
Mary blushed, unsure how to tell him what was going on. She had never had a reason to talk about her monthly curse with a man.
"Nothing to worry about," she said quickly.
"Did I do something? Are you upset?" Matthew frowned.
"Of course not!"
"Then why don't you want me to touch you?"
Mary closed her eyes and sighed. "Matthew, do I really need to explain this to you?"
"Yes!"
"Fine!" She turned and glared at him, her cheeks flushed in embarrassment. "My monthly visitor arrived."
"What?" Matthew frowned at her.
"Honestly, Matthew," she exclaimed. "You're a bright man – figure it out."
"I can't!"
She pressed her lips together, irritated with him for being so daft. "The female curse?" she hissed.
Matthew blushed and nodded. "I see." He sank down in the bed again, relieved that there was nothing alarmingly wrong with his wife. "Are you in pain?"
"Matthew!" she cried out in despair. "I don't want to talk about it!"
"It's a normal thing," he persisted.
"It's a female thing," she countered. "I just don't want to talk about it with you."
"Mary," he said patiently. "We're going to spend the rest of our lives together. This is going to happen dozens, perhaps even hundreds of times. Surely it can't embarrass you that much?"
"Honestly, Matthew, that makes me feel so much better," she huffed and rolled over, facing away from him.
He stroked her side, but she shrugged him off. "Don't be cross with me. I just want to get to know you, and I want you to know that you can tell me anything."
"I know that, but not this."
"Fine."
Matthew rolled over on his side, facing the fireplace. He lay stiffly, completely awake now. She stirred next to him, and a moment later her arm snaked around his midsection.
"I'm sorry, darling," she whispered. "I'm just not used to speaking about it, especially not to a man."
"I'm sorry too," he said and turned. He caressed her cheek, relieved when she leaned into the touch. He brushed her mouth in a soft kiss. "Sleep well, my darling. Promise to let me know if there's anything that I can do to make you more comfortable."
"Thank you. Good night, darling."
~ O ~
William shivered and rubbed his eyes. The nursery was cold, the fire almost out at this late hour. His duvet was on the floor. He must have kicked it off in his sleep. The little boy yawned and eased out of bed. He tossed the duvet back on the bed, but then changed his mind. Grabbing it he wrapped it around himself like a cape and quietly tiptoed out of the room.
The hallway outside the nursery was quiet and dimly lit. William ran on silent feet towards the stairs. He made quick work downstairs and slipped through the open door to the library. The room was still fairly warm, the fire clearly having been replenished fairly recently. Isis lifted her head and whined at the sight of him. William petted her head and let the duvet fall in a heap next to the dog. He looked around and spotted a couple of throw pillows on the sofa. Tossing them on the floor by the dog, the boy curled up next to her on the soft rug. He pulled the duvet over the two of them as he huddled closer to the warm canine.
"I love you, Isis," he whispered, and yawned. A moment later he was asleep.
~ O ~
Carson hummed a little tune as he made his way down to the kitchen. He could feel that the ovens had already been turned on as the heat crept his way. Daisy poured him a cup of tea when she spotted him and he thanked her before continuing to his office.
The butler sat down, skimming through his list of to-dos. His lordship was going into Ripon later and needed the motor. Before then the earl had paperwork to finish with Mr. Crawley. Carson made a note to have tea sent up to the library around ten. He picked up his cup and sipped the warm beverage as he continued down the list of things and event.
Tea finished and his plan for the day flushed out, Carson got up and headed upstairs. Even though he had been the last person in the library the night before, he wished to make sure that it was ready for Lord Grantham and Mr. Crawley. Pondering the day ahead, he started at the sound of a screaming child. Realizing that the sound came from the library he hurried over.
William shook the yellow dog, calling her name over and over. When he heard someone enter he looked up. Relieved that it was a friendly face, he cried out to the butler.
"I can't wake her, Carson. Please help me."
Carson knelt next to the boy and the dog, instantly noticing what was wrong. He gently touched William's shoulder and the boy looked up at him.
"Isis won't wake up, Master William. She has left us."
"NO!"
William tried to shake the dog again, tears streaming down his face. Carson gently gathered the kicking and screaming child in his arms and carried him over to the sofa. As he sat down with William, Zeus ran inside, making a beeline for Isis. The young dog sniffed his companion and nudged her with his snout. When Isis did not move, he sat down and raised his muzzle towards the sky, letting out a long howl.
Carson started at the eerie sound of the howling dog. He felt tears in his eyes as he tried to console Lady Mary's son while watching Lord Grantham's dog grieve for its companion.
"What the devil is…?"
Lord Grantham stopped short at the sight of Carson and William. Zeus howled again and Robert covered his mouth at the sight of Isis. He walked over and knelt by his dog, stroking her soft fur.
"Oh, Isis," he whispered. "Silly old girl. I should have known. You did try to tell me last night."
William struggled to get down and Carson let him. The boy walked over to his grandfather and sat down next to him.
"I tried to wake her, Poppy, but she just wouldn't wake up. Can you do it?"
Lord Grantham pulled his grandson close and held him tightly in his arms as he fought the tears.
"No my boy. Isis is gone." Spotting the small duvet and the pillows he looked down at William. "Did you sleep down here?"
William nodded. "The nursery was cold and I didn't like to be alone. Isis didn't mind. I even shared my duvet with her."
Lord Grantham could no longer hold back his tears and allowed them to fall freely. "Thank you for that, my boy. Thank you so very much. She fell asleep next to someone she loved. I could not have asked for more. Neither could she."
William nodded and started to cry again. The Earl and his grandson held each other as they grieved for the old dog that had loved them unconditionally.
~ O ~
A gentle, but insistent, tap on their door woke Matthew and he was instantly out of bed. He opened the door a crack, surprised to see Carson standing there.
"Carson, this is a surprise," he said and smiled at the butler. "Is something wrong?"
"Mr. Crawley, I think that you and Lady Mary better come downstairs."
"What's happened?"
"It's Isis, Mr. Crawley. She's dead."
"Oh," Matthew let out a sigh of relief. "That saddens me, but I don't see why it would require me to wake my wife."
"It was Master William who found her, Sir. He's quite upset. He's with Lord Grantham, but I think the boy could use his mother in a moment like this."
"Of course," Matthew said quickly. "We will be right down. Thank you."
Matthew closed the door and grabbed his and Mary's robes. Shaking her, he gently called her name.
"What is it?" she mumbled in her sleep.
"You need to wake up, Mary."
She blinked a few times and then sat up. "What's the matter? You look like you've seen a ghost."
"I'm worried, that's all. Apparently Isis is dead."
"Oh no," Mary gasped. "Papa must be heartbroken."
"Mary," he said gently. "William found her."
"Dear God!"
Matthew had never seen her move so fast. Mary was out of bed in a heartbeat and at the door before he could blink. He rushed after her, draping her robe over her shoulders. Irritated she slipped it on, clearly annoyed at being slowed down. The two rushed downstairs to find their son.
"Mama!" William cried out at the sight of her.
Mary ran to him and took him out of her father's arms.
"Oh my darling," she whispered and kissed his face. "I'm so sorry."
William hugged her hard as he cried. Matthew walked up to them and gently rubbed the boy's back. He met Robert's sad eyes over Mary's head and the two men shared a silent moment.
~ O ~
Carson had arranged for tea and scones for the family, deciding that breakfast could wait. Lord and Lady Grantham sat close together on a sofa, speaking softly. Across from them Matthew had his arm around Mary who still cradled William on her lap. No one could bear to look at Isis who was now covered by William's duvet. The boy had screamed bloody murder when Matthew had tried to remove it. Dropping it as if he had burnt himself he watched silently as his son gently covered Isis with it.
"I don't want her to get cold," he whispered.
"I don't think…" Matthew started, but Mary shook her head.
"That's very sweet of you, darling," she said and knelt next to William. "Isis is going to heaven now."
"I know," he whispered. "Can she take the duvet? So she will remember me?"
"She will always remember you," Mary assured him. "Perhaps we can bury her in it?"
William nodded. He stroked the dog's head and then covered her completely. Mary was surprised at the gesture. She was not aware that William knew anything about death or any customs surrounding the dead.
"I told her that I loved her," he said and looked at Mary. "Do you really think she will remember?"
Mary sniffled and nodded. "Of course she will."
William hugged her hard. "I miss her."
"I know, darling. I know."
Letting go of his mother, William walked over to Lord Grantham. He gently touched his hand.
"Poppy? I'm sorry."
"As am I," Robert said with a weak smile.
William struggled to get up on the sofa. Cora helped him and he sat down between them, leaning against Robert. Cora looked at her husband, noticing the look of surprise and astonishment on his face. She touched his cheek and he smiled at her as he hugged his grandson close. Zeus put his head on Robert's thigh, showing his support for his master. William stroked his soft ear and the dog licked his hand.
Mary stepped up to Matthew and he wrapped his arms around her as they watched their son and his grandfather give each other strength in this moment of sadness.
~ O ~
The days following the loss of Isis were somber as the Crawleys all grieved in their own way. Isis had been part of the family for such a long time. Even in the village people were saddened by the news. Isis sweet nature had caused her to make many friends in the little village of Downton; from the butcher to the baker, many people would greatly miss Lord Grantham's trusted companion.
Mary had initially been reluctant to let William out of her sight, but she realized that he and her father needed each other in this moment. It was still painful to watch the two trek off in the direction of the stables, leaving her behind. She twisted her hands as she watched William's tiny form walking next to her father, holding his hand. It was hard to let go and allow someone else to help William through this.
~ O ~
Lord Grantham sat silently next to his grandson, watching the boy stroke the colt's dark fur. The little horse nibbled at William's sleeve making the boy giggle. It brought a smile to Robert's face.
"I think he's missed you."
"He's so big," William said seriously when the little horse scrambled to his feet. "He's not unsteady at all anymore."
"He's growing up. Come spring he'll be racing around outside."
William nodded. "Zeus will like that."
"I'm sure you're right."
"But Isis won't be here," the boy whispered.
"No," Lord Grantham sighed and pulled William closer. "It was her time, my boy. She had lived a long and happy life."
"Was she a cute puppy?"
"The cutest!" Robert said and laughed.
William looked up at him and smiled. "Tell me about her."
Robert smiled and leaned back against the wall. Tugging William closer her started to tell his grandson about the dog they both loved, from her antics as a puppy to when she got lost in the woods in the winter of 1919.
~ O ~
"Mama?"
"Yes darling?"
William was curled up with Mary on her bed. They had just finished reading his goodnight story.
"Can we get Poppy a puppy?"
Mary smiled at him and stroked his hair. "I'm sure that he would like that, eventually. Right now I think it's too soon."
"Zeus might be jealous," William said and nodded.
"I'm sure Zeus would like a new friend at some point too," Mary assured him. She fell silent for a moment as she gathered her thoughts. William looked up at her, frowning slightly at her sudden silence. She smiled and tugged him closer. "What about you? Would you like a new friend?"
"A dog?" William asked, his eyes wide.
Mary made a face. "No. How do you feel about a baby sister or brother?"
"Oh," he said and frowned. "I suppose."
"I'm sure you would be a wonderful big brother."
"I think I rather have a dog actually," he muttered.
Mary laughed and kissed the top of his head. "But I'd like to have another baby. I think you would like it too, once you get to know him or her."
"Are we getting a baby?"
Mary bit her lip in amusement at the boy's use of we. "Someday, probably someday soon, but not yet."
"All right. Promise you'll tell me?"
"Pinky promise," she whispered and held out her hand.
He giggled and hooked his little pinky with hers.
To be Continued...
~ O ~
[Question: As the grandson of an Earl, and the son of a Lady, would William be getting a title now? Or does the fact that Matthew doesn't have a title affect him? Usually the grandson of an Earl has a courtesy title. Only a direct heir would get one, which means that Matthew doesn't have a courtesy title. Since he and Mary are married, would this change anything?]
~ O ~