I know it's been a while since I updated this story! I do appreciate your patience! But here's the wedding!
XX
Mary knew the press hovered outside the gates of Downton. One of the reasons she wanted it on the estate rather than in the small church in the Village. She could control events within the iron and stone walls of the centuries old estate.
She could keep out unwanted nosy parkers, curiosity seekers, and the paparazzi out to concoct a story of a happy ending out of their previous scandal. They had managed to ferret out that Matthew was George's father and so the articles that followed their Cannes expose had been of the opposite variety. Since Mary withdrew all rights to publish those photos, they changed their tune to one of lost loves find each other again. Mary rolled her eyes at the "playing at 'happy families'" articles she now passed at the news agents stands.
Mary consistently refused any interview on the subject. She was nearing the end of her contract with Gosford Park, and in all honesty she did not know what she wanted to do next.
It was both frightening and exhilarating. Her ex-husband Tony still wanted her participation on selling the movie idea of the musical to Hollywood. She had other stage offers to peruse as well as a BBC mystery series offer. Matthew had looked them over and essentially threw up his hands. Telling her about a week before the wedding as they lounged on a Sunday morning in her bedroom in London, "I honestly don't know what to say darling. All of them have their merits."
"The mini-series will be of short duration. Long hours of course but over a matter of weeks. Unlike a long stage commitment again. I don't think I want to do that right away. Limit us as far as travel and being with George."
"What about the Hollywood thing?"
"Do you really want me spending time with Tony?" She queried.
"More to the point," Matthew responded in kind, "Can you?" He snuggled closer. "I trust you won't try any bodily harm to your ex?"
"Sounds simple enough..." Mary joked "but I make no guarantees."
"You don't sound interested really."
"I'm not. My agent is beside himself with the idea I'm going to turn down an American film. And he's right to be. I should do it."
"But…." Matthew allowed her the space to explain.
"It's just churning the same waters. Playing the same role. I don't see where the challenge is in that. I need to get out and do something different if I have any hope of having a long, diverse career."
"I'm sure you'll make the right decision ultimately." Matthew turned to another list she had given him. "Now tell me about all these relatives coming for the wedding. Who is great aunt Rose again?"
"She's one of the Scottish branch of the family. She's eighty and a dear." Mary smiled.
"Not to be confused with Rosamund who is not…" Matthew muttered.
Mary took a deep breath. "She is arriving in a few days for our big pre-wedding dinner at home. How will you be with her?"
Matthew's eye brow shot up. "The woman who essentially told me to my face to bugger off as I wasn't worth her spit?"
"She's a terrible snob. But you've shown her all right?" Mary reminded him.
"I wondered how she took the news of my becoming heir. Despite being born on the wrong side of the blanket…" And he put on his best imitation of Rosamund's sniffy repugnance. He smirked. "To the victors…"
"She did earn my trust by never revealing George's parentage when I asked her to." Mary told him.
Matthew had to agree with that. "True. But really if she hadn't been so bloody-minded about it all, we'd have gotten along fine. I promise to be on my best behaviour."
And he was. The dinner at Downton had gone off without a hitch. Matthew had greeted Rosamund with a tentative smile. "Hello Rosamund."
"Come over here and talk. I'm not going to chew you up and spit you out." She quipped. "I hope you don't hold what I said against me. I have to say what I think. But I also know when to take it back."
Matthew hesitated, but walked over. "I will choose to believe that you had Mary's best interests at heart." He conceded in an attempt at a thawing of their cold war. "Welcome back to England. I know Mary is very glad you could come for the wedding."
Rosamund in turn had realized the truth of the matter. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. You're not such a bad penny after all are you?" She said, taking a glass of wine from the proffered tray. "As a matter of fact you've turned out to be Downton's saving grace. How's George? I"ve never actually met the child yet. Although Mary has sent me all sorts of emails and Instagram movies."
Matthew broke into a broad smile. "He's around here somewhere. Let's go find him shall we?" Another mountain ascended Matthew thought. If he could get along with Rosamund, the rest of the relatives should be a breeze.
XX
Matthew leaned forward, turned his head to the left and adjusted the bow tie to the right. He had managed to pull and push the ends through by himself. His efforts were rewarded as it sat perfectly against the stiff collar.
He reached for the red jacket and took it off the hangar. It had sat for years in the trunk of clothes and personal items sent to his mother upon the secondment to Afghanistan. Matthew retrieved it from Isobel and on Robert's suggestion sent it along with the mess kit uniform trousers and boots to his Lordship's tailors for adjustment and cleaning.
The result, even to Matthew's critical eye, was complimentary. Mary would say flattering.
He placed the stiff cap with Army Legal Services badge and stood back. The white shirt was new. The brass shiny.
Maybe she was right, he laughed to himself.
He was barred from seeing Mary before the wedding. The family followed the superstition that a groom must be kept in the dark before the walk down the aisle.
She must look lovely. She always did.
He could hardly wait. Felt a tingle against his spine in anticipation of the moment she would walk with her father and he would glimpse his bride.
They had waited so long. Time had never been a friend to them.
Yet Matthew had loved her. Almost from the moment she rushed past him in that pub. She had given him barely a glance. He remembered a blur of dark hair and red fingernails.
She had been so cheeky. Telling him to invite her to lunch, knowing she had done him in.
And he did. And he never wanted to leave her side.
And now he never would.
If he searched the deepest part of himself he also knew how grateful he was that Mary had been so understanding with regards to his abandonment of her during her pregnancy. For no matter how many time she said it was nonsense, he would always feel as if he should have known. Or at least supposed that they might have conceived a child.
George. Light of his life. He could hear his laughter even now, coming from the room next door where Sybil and Edith struggled to get him in his little frock coat and tie. In between his giggling fits, he wanted to hold onto his train car. Sybil explained he had to hold the cushion with mummy and daddy's rings on it. That his job was the most important of the day.
They compromised with putting his favorite Percy model in his pocket.
What a lucky man he was.
He could hear commotion outside. His rooms on the second floor of Downton overlooked the garden where the wedding arrangements were in full preparation. The florist's lorry arrived. John had gone down to get the boutonnieres for himself, Tom, Bertie, and Robert. The rest would be in full dress military uniform.
He had a moment to himself to take it all in. Stefan and Colin were helping out where they could until a few hours later when they would be seating the guests in the garden.
Mary's fretting about English weather turned out to be for nothing.
The day was glorious. The sun bright, just a few cumulous clouds. The temperature perfect. The winds light.
There was going to be a wedding today!
XX
Mary knelt slightly in front of the mirror. Cora lifted the tiara onto Mary's head. The family heirloom had been worn by all Crawley brides for centuries. Choosing not to wear a veil with the tiara had been Mary's decision. "It's quite heavy, isn't it?" Mary said, slightly adjusting the piece on her head and pulling some wisps of hair behind her ears. She stood up to her full height. The wedding gown, champagne colored, strapped A-line of silk and organza, was simply but beautifully created by the costumier and seamstresses of her production company.
"You look beautiful, my darling." Cora said. She gave Mary a wistful smile. "It's going to be such a happy day."
Mary embraced her mother. "Mama, I want you to know I realize how wonderful you have been about all this. You never made me feel ashamed I came back from America jobless and pregnant. Never once took out any frustration against me on George. Never asked about his father even when I'm sure you had every right to. You let me find my own feet, make my own mistakes."
"I had hopes you would see sense eventually. About your first marriage anyway. Tony was never going to make you happy during the long course of a marriage."
"And Matthew?" Mary asked quietly. "Am I being foolish believing we can make a go of things? We only knew each other a short while. Then he left. And now it's been such a rush of emotions. Are we making a mistake?" Her words detached, her body shivered. "Am I living in a dream?"
She paled remembering she was echoing words spoken in haste to him in Middleburg. His last words to her, on that message on her phone, letting her go. Over three years ago.
Cora stood back and gripped Mary's shoulders. "No my dear. No." She looked her daughter direct in the eyes. "I see the love that shines between you two. It's the kind of love others envy."
Mary's eyes widened. "I'm not used to it. Matthew doesn't know what he's taking on with me. I don't know how to open up."
"He is willing to give it a go right? That speaks well for him. He knows you. He's meant to be with you. And George deserves it as well." Cora so wanted her willful daughter to understand. "Happiness is something you can't throw away. You two have been given a second chance. Don't let it go."
"Oh Mama. I am so happy." Mary broke into a bright smile. "So amazed everything has worked out. And very, very grateful."
The two women shared another loving embrace. Then Cora said, "Let's go see how Sybil and Edith are getting on with George. Your little one will surely rule the day."
Mary laughed knowingly and followed her mother out into the hallway. "Make sure Matthew's nowhere in sight."
"You don't really believe in that, surely?" Cora inquired.
Mary shrugged. "Why tempt providence? Besides, I want him to be surprised."
Sybil met the two women in the door. "Matthew's gone down with John. He handed me this package to give you Mary. Said you were to open it right now."
Inside the wrapping was a red leather box. Mary opened it to see a double strand natural pearl necklace spaced by seed pearls and a diamond clasp. She gasped at its exquisiteness.
The note read, 'My darling Mary, A wedding keepsake that is something old that is also something new. You have made my life so rich. I'm so ready to start our new life together with our dearest little boy. My love forever, Matthew.
Mary promised herself she would not get overly emotional. This day was for clear thinking. Moving into their future with eyes wide open.
But his words moved her to open tears. Cora handed her a lace handkerchief.
Sybil placed the gifted pearl string around Mary's neck. "I can only wish to find the same kind of love you have." Sybil whispered to her sister. "Let's go get you married."
XX
"Daddy!"
Matthew, at the bowered archway where he and Mary were to take their vows, rotated his head to see his son at the end of the floral decorated rows of chairs, jumping up and down and waving madly. "Mummy's coming! Mummy's coming!"
A hum of laughter moved like a wave through the gathered guests as they turned back and forth between father and son.
Matthew, turning red faced with mirth, gave George a thumbs up. George clapped and gave a great shout of irrepressible glee. "Great Grandmama Violet says I must behave." And he got suddenly solemn. But his mischievous eyes and cheeky smile gave away the falsity of his attempt.
Edith bent down and straightened his tie. "George. Remember what we said, now? You hold this small pillow in both hands. Keep it straight so that everyone can see the wedding bands tied to these ribbons."
He pursed his mouth in concentration. "Just like yesterday?"
The rehearsal had seen George half walk half run down the aisle. "Let's keep it to a slow walk, shall we?" Edith reminded him. "Like a train slowing down as it goes into the station."
"Whoo whoo." George tried to imitate a locomotive whistle.
Edith affixed his boutonniere. The frock coat, trousers, and brogues completed his outfit.
"What does it mean Auntie Edith?" George squirmed as she tried to pin.
"What darling?" Edith asked.
"To get married?" He looked wide eyed and curious. "Daddy and Mummy said we would be a family after today. But we are already. Will they love me more after today?"
Edith smiled and squeezed George in a big hug. "You are a family of course you are. And your mummy and daddy will always love you. Today means they make promises to each other and to everyone here that they will love each other forever."
George liked that.
He was getting more and more excited. "What's happening now?" The string quartet started to play.
"We're about to get ready." Edith stood up and smoothed out her gown. The decision to go with instrumentalists rather than an organist was a good one. The tones of the organ had scared George when they toured the church, so Mary had hired a local quartet to play various classical pieces as the guests gathered and took their seats, and the Purcell Trumpet Tune and adapted for violins, for her and Robert's entrance.
The musicians reached for their instruments….
XX
Matthew glanced over at his mother. She sat alongside Violet in the family area.
They captured each other's eye. Matthew blew her a private kiss with his good hand.
Isobel mouthed a "How handsome you look" response.
Just then the processional music began. Matthew turned back towards the archway. The horticulturists of the Downton estate had outdid themselves. The archway, aisles, and edges were festooned with Calla lilies, delphinium, freesia, irises, orchids, and roses cultivated in the gardens, greenhouses, and conservatory of Downton.
The rector of St. Michael's and All Angel's nodded towards Matthew. The groom was not to turn around until the bride approached the altar. He'd signal Matthew when it was time.
The violinists struck the first chord.
Matthew felt a frisson, a wave of euphoria through his body.
They were going to get married! He grinned madly to himself as he gripped his hands tight. He knew the order of procession was for George to go first. Matthew couldn't help but take a gander at his little boy. He tilted his cap so that the rector wouldn't notice and side-eyed down the aisle.
He saw George so seriously gripping the pillow in both hands as Edith had shown him. Edith nodded and he started to walk. Everyone turned to see the happy boy. He made everyone smile as he ever so carefully made his way towards Matthew.
George, feeling the love, changed to a beaming smile as he approached the archway.
When he got to the front, he gave the pillow to John Bates who was to untie the rings and place them in his pocket. Tom, a groomsman along with Bertie, guided George over to Isobel and Violet and moved back to stand next to Matthew.
The Purcell piece reaching its crescendo, the rector nodded. Matthew turned to see Mary. A vision of loveliness indeed Matthew thought. She ever so briefly touched the pearls, mouthed a silent thank you. He bowed his head in response.
Then he heard… "I can't see…." A muttering at first from George. Then a bit louder. "I want to see Mummy." He started to wriggle out of Isobel's hands.
Matthew turned around to his right. He tilted his uniform cap back. Quickly, instinctively he knelt down and reached out his hands to his son. George ran into them. He whispered "There she is… there's Mummy. Isn't she very, very pretty?"
George nodded his head vigorously. He didn't think he was ever happier in his life.
Mary, on her father's arm and making her way down the aisle, saw her two men awaiting her together at the altar.
The two of them stood watching her. Eyes never leaving her face.
She suddenly realized she wanted it no other way. Their life together, tied and knitted with love, and so it should be at their wedding.
Matthew said to George, "Listen little chap, I need to give you back to Nana Isobel. I have to take Mummy's hand right now."
George's big blue eyes turned to meet his. "Is this when you promise to love Mummy for ever and ever?"
Matthew's lip started to quiver. He bit it back. But the tears flowed slowly down his cheek. He said shakily to his son, "Yes George. This is where I promise to love Mummy for ever and ever." He let him down and he ran back to Isobel and Violet.
Mary released her father's hand. She kissed his cheek.
Robert and Matthew's eyes met. Robert stepped aside.
The service began….
The vows you are about to take are to be made in the presence
of God,
who is judge of all and knows all the secrets of our hearts;
therefore if either of you knows a reason why you may not
lawfully marry,
you must declare it now.
Neither did of course so he moved on to Matthew…
Will you take Mary to be your wife?
Will you love her, comfort her, honour and protect her,
and, forsaking all others,
be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?
Matthew's voice strong and clear, "I will."
Mary's response, more whispered but just as assured, "I will."
Father Philip then moved on…
Will you, the families and friends of Mary and Matthew
support and uphold them in their marriage
now and in the years to come?
The voices of "We will" followed. Mary could hear her father's strong baritone answer stand out. She was so glad he had come completely around to Matthew.
The vows exchanged.
Matthew then carefully placed the ring on her left hand. He had been so afraid he'd drop the ring given his limited mobility.
Then the strength of his conviction in his words…
I give you this ring
as a sign of our marriage.
With my body I honour you,
all that I am I give to you,
and all that I have I share with you,
Mary did the same. Her hand shook as she placed the ring. Her voice convincing.
I give you this ring
as a sign of our marriage.
With my body I honour you,
all that I am I give to you,
and all that I have I share with you,
The rings exchanged.
Mary and Matthew have given their consent
and made their marriage vows to each other.
They have declared their marriage by the joining of hands
and by the giving and receiving of rings.
I therefore proclaim that they are husband and wife.
The words "…let no man put asunder…" were drowned on Matthew's ears as he placed a gentle kiss on Mary's lips. They began to titter and giggle in happiness. Matthew kissed her cheek and let her go.
They turned to greet friends and family as the newly minted married couple. Then off to do the official registration.
Matthew whispering to Mary as they walked into the tent where the rector had the certificate for them to sign, "I wasn't entirely sure that would go off as well as it did. George had ideas of his own."
"Our life will be unpredictable I imagine. I wouldn't want it any other way." She gripped his right hand.
Matthew's lips grazed the knuckles of her hand. "Me either."
They proceeded to complete the legalities while everyone else gathered on the veranda for a spread of food and drink.
XX
The photographer was a friend of Mary's. A member of her production company, Kate Norton was known for her discretion and beautiful portraiture. She placed Matthew and Mary in various poses around the estate. On a bench under a spreading Lebanon cedar tree. Standing under the bowered archway. Kissing and holding hands. Holding George and having him run around them in a series of candid shots which ended with Matthew tossing him over his shoulders and Mary hugging both of them.
Matthew then went off with the photographer with his groomsmen to get more pictures of all of them. Kate told Mary her turn would come soon enough.
Mary went in search of George and the rest of her family.
Mrs. Patmore had outdid herself with the four tier layer wedding cake. Mary came around the side of the veranda to the tables set up for cheese and crackers. Out of the corner of her eye though, she espied George's index finger reaching out to scoop some icing.
"Geeoorge…." She warned. "You must be careful. Mrs. Patmore would be most upset if it topples over."
"I won't." George shook his head vigorously. "I promise. May I have a piece of cake?"
"Very soon. We have to wait for your father to finish with the photographer." She knelt down to give him a kiss. "You were such a good boy today. I was so very proud of you."
George was happy, but he started to yawn very widely. The day had been long. The evening upon them.
"We need to get you ready for bed don't you think?" Mary said, noticing his droopy eyes. "After some cake it's bedtimes."
George leaned his head on Mary's shoulder as she picked him up. She went in search of Matthew and found him just finishing up with Kate. She had all the uniformed veterans in a group photos with Lavinia in the middle in her Australian Army white coat just managing to stand on her crutches with the ALS red mess kitted out Matthew next to her and Colin and Stefan on either side.
Mary caught Matthew's attention and he whispered into Lavinia's ear. She waved over to Mary and leaned instead on Colin who helped her back into the wheelchair.
"Is he out?" Matthew grinned as he reached out and took their sleepy son into his arms.
"Just about." Mary led the way back into Downton. "We'll put him down and go back for the cake cutting. I promised to save him a piece…or two!" She laughed. "He's not going to make it any longer." She pushed some loose strands of hair back of her head. She had taken off the tiara and her hair was loose around her shoulders.
"I'll check on him later." Matthew walked up the stairs to the second landing. "You wait here. We won't be long."
He paused. And turned back to Mary. "Happy day?" Matthew asked. "Just as you wanted it?"
Mary's eyes shined with love. "The very best of days. You've swept me off my feet Mr. Crawley."
Matthew started up the steps again.
Mary couldn't help but add, "But don't be too long. Come back to me and we'll dance the night away."
Matthew's eyes hooded and his mouth curled into a sly, seductive grin. "Oh I'm looking forward to all sorts of things this evening."
XX
I hope you liked it. Reviews are the making of my day! Thanks to all who review, like, follow, or favorite!
We'll pick it up there as they dance well into the night and then make plans for a secluded honeymoon….