"I love you more than word can wield the matter, dearer than eye-sight, space and liberty." - William Shakespeare


As they walked through the fields, out of sight of the house; Mary noticed the paths had not been mowed recently and the fences looked rotten. The trees had not been pruned and the ornamental fish ponds were a disgusting murky color. She didn't understand and yet she stayed silent. It had been unseasonably cold and rainy, and she had heard whispers that flooding was a very real and dangerous fear. Perhaps the groundskeeper or the estate manager Jarvis had simply been delayed by the late start to spring this year; nobody could control the weather after all. When she and Matthew passed a barn that was freshly painted with a well-managed stable; Mary felt relief.

"Is this your work?" she asked with a smile as she clung to her husband's arm.

"No," Matthew said with a smile. "This is the Campbell's farm."

"Since when?" Mary asked curiously. "I don't recall their name in the ledger book I was reading."

"Well, I'm not sure," Matthew said. "Your father told me that the Campbell's have the dairy farm and the Johnson's manage the grainary."

"Do they lease the land?" Mary inquired.

"Again, you are asking the wrong person," Matthew said with a somewhat sheepish chuckle, "I've only been working on the cottages."

Mary smiled at his apologetic tone.

"Yes, Papa said your conscience is more energetic than his own."

"Well, I'm not sure about that, he has the passion for this land not me. When I arrived here, on my first tour of the grounds he gave me a rousing speech. He said all I saw were the structural faults, a million crumbling bricks that could collapse and cost a fortune to repair."

"And is that true?" Mary said as she tugged his arm playfully. "Is that what you first saw about Downton?"

"Do you really want to know," Matthew asked. "What I first saw? What captured my attention and fired my imagination?"

"Yes," Mary said simply. "As my husband, it is your duty to tell me."

"You," Matthew said playfully. "Buildings are for other men, not for me. I'm not an architect or a historian, nor am I used to the concept of landed gentry. So, as your father rattled on about the estate, all I could think about was you; I wanted to cultivate your good opinion."

Mary stopped walking all of a sudden as she was stunned. Hearing his candid and yet amorous sentiments spiked feelings in her which made her bask at the moment. Perhaps once she would have foolishly resisted it, but now she had changed; and she was glad for that simple fact.

As their arms were linked together, Matthew also couldn't take another step forward.

"Cultivate," she said quietly. "That you did."

She smiled rather brazenly at her husband and tugged on his arm affectionately.

"Shall we continue?" Matthew asked with a whisper and she nodded.

Mary looked around at the view and was perplexed. In one direction the land appeared prosperous; however, in the other it appeared in disarray.

"So, some of this land is being farmed, some is leased. But, not all of it is maintained," Mary said still puzzled by their surroundings, surely even the poor weather didn't explain everything.

"Look at the path we took, it's been left in disarray. Why! I can't escape the feeling that this means something."

"Well, simply fixing the cottages was quite a struggle. It was a simple matter of investment. If the homes were renovated, tenants would occupy them and thus income would recoup the money spent to improve them."

"Are you saying my father is a penny pincher?" Mary inquired. "He has worked to preserve this legacy. Whatever our disagreements, I do share his passion for Downton."

"Of course," Matthew said with compliance. "And I admire you both for it. I think we should focus on the estate ledger and what it includes. Does it list expenses or taxes for the estate? Or does it simply list income in those columns that were frustrating you?" Matthew asked sincerely.

"I believe my grandfather's ledger, which papa has continued only lists the expected income," Mary said as she pondered this notion.

"The other figures must be in another book then," Matthew said, "The missing pieces that will help you understand. After all seeing is believing."

The sun had started to set and the sky was a colorful shade of colors.

"After we see the cottages, we should hurry back," Matthew said.

"We should return," Mary said with a smile. "Although I don't agree about hurrying."

"What do you have in mind?" Matthew asked as they stopped and stood under a large willow tree.

"Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me!" Mary said innocently.

Matthew unhooked their arms and pulled her towards him. Mary put her arms across his shoulders.

"Are you going to guess?" Mary said daringly, "Or are you certain, that you already know?"

Matthew stared at his wives quixotic expression. Mary's smile spread across her face, as the boundless as the colors that draped across the sky.

"I should hate to be predictable," she continued amorously.

"I know that quote is Tennyson," Matthew challenged, his hands squeezing her further towards him possessively.

"Impressive," Mary returned mischievously. "However, I know a great number of things," she continued, "Including the fact, husband, that you are not kissing me, when you should be."

"A word of caution," Matthew said brazenly, "I may not be content with only one kiss."

He walked them several steps backwards, almost as though they were dancing together so that Mary was pinned in place, her back against a large oak tree. Matthew put his arms on either side of the tree trunk and proceeded to kiss his wife, for she was a most-willing captive.


Later that evening, dinner had been rather a stunted mess. Robert was out of sorts, the annual flower show had been cancelled without any explanation, there would be no Spring Fair this year and Sybil's horse had gone lame as she ventured out in the wagonette. These circumstances put Mary in mind of the disorder she had seen on her walk earlier with Matthew.

There had been no time to discuss anything regarding the estate with her father. And so as Mary sat at her vanity, having already dismissed Anna, her mind went back to a conversation with her grandmother. Although she had pledged her support towards her involvement in reading the estate books, she did not wish to discuss it any further. For granny what had invigorated her resolve was a different compliant and it was hard to keep her on task.

"The vulgar Lloyd George has introduced the people's budget. His real name is David and he believes the aristocrats are his goliath. He enjoys throwing money around in crude ways that rival an American. So, what if three percent of the English people own eighty percent of the land? He is missing the point entirely! What is really significant is when we consider that of those three percent, not even one percent is worth dining with."

"Surely he can't be all bad," Mary had said to her granny. "After all Lloyd George is a solicitor from Manchester, two facts that make me inclined to like him."

"And would you like our Matthew if he had created the welfare state or been caught in the Marconi scandal? It is all corruption Mary, beware of false idols."

Mary looked into her reflection in the mirror. Honestly she didn't know what to think, but she was sick of being told what she should think. The connecting door opened and it was her barefoot husband, in only his pajamas. He was such a casual creature, having foregone the formality of his robe. Although he made her smile, she spoke of a completely different matter than his relaxed attire.

"What do you know about taxes?" Mary said as Matthew entered their bedroom.

"Ah," Matthew said warmly, "That is precisely how a man likes his wife to greet him. Words that stir passion! No, hello, how are you," he joked.

Mary ignored him and continued her train of thought.

"I checked the ledger books, all of them that Papa gave you. Each one only lists income. There is never any mention of expenses or taxes," Mary paused drawing in a deep breath before she continued; "Something has to be amiss. Granny after all gave me a sharp reminder of liberalism in the government, crucifying our way of life with the burden of higher taxes."

Mary fidgeted with the items on her vanity. The implications were daunting.

"The ledger credits in the columns have always been there. They repeat consistently since my grandfather was the Earl, and that doesn't make sense."

Matthew sat down on the corner of their bed. His brow was furled and scratched his head.

"Mary," he said proudly, "I think you've got something there! You would make a fine lawyer with your attention to detail." He smiled as he gestured for her to join him in bed, extending his first finger with a beckoning motion. When his wife didn't move, he chuckled and continued.

"Several significant taxes on land have been added in recent years since 1909; with the people's budget going through Parliament in 1911. So, the assumption of income that would have existed in your grandfather's life should have altered as the times we live in are changing."

Matthew watched the way Mary digested this information. Since she continued to sit at her vanity, he thought now was as good a time as any to tell her something that had been on his mind.

"Speaking of the government," he said tentatively. "I have a legitimate reason to resign from Harvel and Carter, which I know your father has wanted for some time now."

For some strange reason, this change in the conversation was what drew Mary to him. She walked over to the bed and drew back the covers. Mary turned on her side to face him.

"If you tell me you are going to join this liberal government, the shock may kill granny."

"No," Matthew said playfully. "She may howl at the moon but that will be the extent of it."

Mary's eyes grew wide she swatted her hand on her husband's shoulder.

"Tell me!" She cried with excitement.

"In the stack of mail that my mother held for me was a letter from my favorite law teacher I knew at university," Matthew began. He took Mary's hand from where it lay on the bedspread.

And as he did so she surprised him with a Shakespeare quote,

"Now join your hands, and with your hands your hearts."

Matthew exhaled with assurance at Mary's already offered symbolic support.

"Well," he continued, "He is now in parliament. In his letter, he told me of a new agency called the Secret Service Bureau, it is a joint initiative of the Admiralty and the War office. This new organization is responsible for the protection of the country and he submitted my name when asked for recommendations."

Matthew's excitement was obvious as he shared this news.

"I've now been officially offered a position, an opportunity to join this Bureau because of my law skills and interest in cryptology."

Mary looked smugly at her husband. She couldn't help but feel impressed by this news, and proud that he had been singled out. But, most of all what thrilled her was the open and honest communication between them, after everything they had been through recently Mary knew it was a victory in its own right.

"You have an interest in cryptology?" She teased him affectionately.

"I married you, didn't I?" Matthew returned flirtatiously, he brought her hand he was holding to his lips and kissed it gently.

"I'm feeling quite vindicated," Mary said gracefully, "Just before our wedding I told Aunt Rosamund, you'd wind up as Lord Chancellor someday."

"You did?" Matthew asked as the smile grew on his face. He had been a little concerned about her reaction. But, now he was seeing the big picture, seeing how long Mary had loved him despite her outer appearances towards him.

"So you don't mind then? I want to accept, but I had to discuss it with you first. You are not only my wife, but my partner in everything."

"I have some reservations, but it is exciting," Mary said simply. "And it's practical, better than that silly little law office in Ripon."

"I'll have to spend a lot of time in London," Matthew said cautiously. "I'll miss you horribly."

"Everything here is under control while Papa has the reigns. Besides the season will allow me to spend a lot of time in London, and I'm anxious to show you off properly," Mary countered. "There is nothing you can say to spoil the mood," she said defiantly. "Yes, I think you should definitely accept."

"Then I'm afraid I must kiss you," Matthew said as he stared into the determination of his wife's expression. "Before, during and after I make love to you."

"It's about time," Mary said triumphantly.


The next day Matthew coached himself on how to break his news to Robert. He knew he had to choose his words carefully. And so as he sat with Robert after dinner with the family, he knew this moment was as good it would get. Matthew set his drink on the table and took a deep breath.

"I'm resigning from Harvell and Carter," he said confidently.

Robert smiled and snuffed out his cigar in the ashtray.

"I knew you would come to your senses," he said as pride clouded his voice. "When you asked to see the estate books, I knew it was a sign."

"I'm resigning," Matthew continued, "Because I've accepted a position in London."

Robert's euphoria retracted and he frowned. It was a subtle contrast on the Earl's face, but it was similar in graceful execution to Mary. And Matthew considered himself a bonified expert when it came to cataloging his wife's expressions.

"I've accepted the call to arms so to speak. It is my fervent hope that war will be avoided however; I can't deny that it seems inevitable; as though one wrong step will upset the delicate balance in Europe. While on my honeymoon in France and Italy I read countless stories not published in our English newspapers."

"War?" Robert said with exasperation. "Never trust foreign newspapers. That is a very naive mistake for an otherwise smart young man."

Matthew opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by his father-in-law.

"You speak of apples and oranges and assume they are all the same. And so I must ask, do you plan on abandoning your wife or just Downton?" Robert said with almost a snarl. "For you are mistaken if you think Mary would ever leave her home willing," his stare was menacing as his tirade continued, "After all I've done for you, accepting you, this is how I am to be repaid?"

Matthew knew this revelation would not sit well with his mentor and he was prepared for the insults about his low birth. However, he didn't enjoy his predictions coming true, he had hoped for a more civil discussion with his mentor.

"I have, of course, discussed this with Mary. We don't have any secrets between us," Matthew drummed his fingers on the table before reaching for his drink. He wanted her father to think about the implications of his words if he wanted to take cheap shots at him.

"My boy," Robert spoke casually, trying to appear calm. "You don't have the luxury of such gullibility, so I'm glad you have brought this to my attention. You, of all people, simply can't join the government as though it was a cricket team. Or do you plan to give speeches on street corners? Perhaps you will draw crowds in Hyde Park? You need to stop and think about who you are."

Matthew heard the arrogance and snobbery, but it didn't engage his temper.

"I know who I am and I have no defined political loyalties," Matthew said. He made eye contact with his father-in-law, "After all I don't vote in Parliament."

Robert puffed up his chest at this remark, but he was silent. Matthew finished his drink and let the quiet fill the room. He was in no hurry. And although he didn't wish to antagonize Robert, he did feel released by this turn of events.

"My former law teacher put my name towards this new government post. I was, therefore, recommended by my talents, by my merit first an foremost," Matthew said matter-of-factly.

"However," he continued his tone changing to a lighter more sardonic attitude, "My being the future Earl of Grantham then did advance my being offered such a position after the original introduction. And I look forward to serving my King and country, using whatever is at my disposal."

Robert eyed him suspiciously before he spoke again.

"A Politician is always in the limelight, he can have nothing to hide for fear of scandal. Have you considered this?"

Matthew knew it was inevitable that he would make some reference towards blackmail. In fact, he had counted on it.

"I have," he said confidently. "There are plenty of scallywags in politics that is true enough. But, I have the support of my wife in this endeavor," Matthew smiled. He looked over Robert's shoulder and saw Carson's neutral gaze react to this knowledge. The butler's affection for Mary was always hard for him to conceal after all.

"Mary knows everything," Matthew said coyly, implying the hidden truth. "And yet she supports me. When a man has his wife behind him, he feels rather invincible."

His father-in-law was silent once again. Robert sipped his drink scowling as he swallowed as though the liquor was suddenly bitter.

"I hope I can count on your support as well. The Crawley name is a legacy we both feel keenly in preserving," Matthew knew from the expression on Robert's face he had cornered the Earl.

"I'm sorry I will be gone from the estate. However, Mary has many fine ideas. If you gave her a chance I'm sure you could find the partner you seek, after all if it weren't for the entail, it would belong to her already."

Matthew saw Robert's concern increase. The Earl's brow showed perspiration as he succumbed to fidgeting with his cigar.

"Well," Robert said tensely. "I won't hear anymore of this nonsense. And I won't be lectured too. We shouldn't keep the ladies waiting. Shall we go through?"

"I'm sorry for springing this on you," Matthew said apologetically as they both stood from the table. "But I couldn't keep it a secret; it wasn't the right thing to do."

"I think you've spoken enough tonight," Robert said briskly and he walked away just as abruptly.

Matthew spent a few minutes chatting with Mary and her sisters before he excused himself for bed. As he wished Robert goodnight the Earl wouldn't even make eye contact.

"Goodnight Matthew," Cora said covering for her silent husband. She smiled as she observed Mary, her daughter's eyes constantly having been directed towards him since he entered the room. Despite the short time they had been married, everything seemed settled between them; which had happened a lot quicker than her own marriage. Cora turned towards Robert nostalgically only to see him scowl as his heir departed.


In truth, it wasn't the tension of the drawing room that had made Matthew retire early. He had a specific mission that he wanted to accomplish. Matthew walked downstairs to the servant's quarters and attempted to find Mr. Carson. The man was easy enough to locate. The butler sprang to his feet when he entered.

"At ease Mr. Carson," Matthew said gently. "I'm sorry for this covert entrance."

"Indeed sir. Is there something I can help you with?"

"Yes there is," Matthew said. "You heard of my intentions tonight and when I leave for London, Mary will be staying here until the family comes for the season. Lord Grantham is right, this is her home," he paused feeling it important to praise the Earl so that Carson understood he wasn't being flippant with casting off his father-in-law or any presumed responsibilities.

"Carson," Matthew addressed him respectfully, "It would be a great comfort to me if you would me mindful of Mary at all times. I know how fond she is of you and I hope I'm not overstepping any boundaries with this request."

"It would be my honor," Carson said proudly. He eyed the young heir with satisfaction and approval, especially since he had seen a change in Lady Mary since their return.

"I thank you for trusting me with this request," Carson said formally.

He cleared his throat and then spoke again.

"May I speak frankly, sir?"

"Please do," Matthew said kindly.

"Lady Mary will have my support, in any way I can offer it. On behalf of the staff, I can assure you we have always been behind her. So, although I was shocked to hear she read the estate books, it also doesn't surprise me. She has always been a guinea a minute."

"Yes she is a marvel," Matthew said happily as he shared camaraderie with the butler on a mutually agreeable subject.

"Thank you," he said as he nodded with sincerity.

"Goodnight sir," Carson said formally although there was a trace of new-found respect in his tone.


As Matthew entered his bedroom, he saw the room was empty. Tonight must, therefore, mean that they were to sleep in Mary's room. He had to shake his head at this folly. When they had returned to Downton a married couple who slept apart, he wondered if that had seemed normal or a disappointment to the family. Since he would be leaving for London soon, it seemed silly to remodel the rooms now; eventually though it would be a necessity. Perhaps it would be another project for Mary.

Matthew could only imagine the possibilities of his first trip back from London and the welcome his wife could offer him. There was no point in doubting his decision. Matthew knew it was the correct choice for he had no important future in Ripon or with Robert's estate books. He couldn't be truly useful in either pursuit. And besides he had an anterior motive, a government job would secure him leave from typical duties should there be war. There was a desperate climate of isolation that haunted this issue like a specter across Europe. The mere fact that this new cabinet was being created was proof that action was mobilizing. As a lawyer Matthew believed in waiting for all the facts; however as a man he could not be polarized.

And for the first time in his life he seemed to feel the pull of destiny and he responded. As a new husband, madly in love with his wife; who had already run the gauntlet he wasn't going to take any further foolish chances. His mother had very strong opinions about the senseless violence and havoc that the Boer War wreaked. She had spoken bluntly about the tragedy she and his father had witnessed, not to mention the death of her brother; her only sibling. And so in London, therefore, working on this new commission it would give him time to see if this international crisis would blow over.

It only took a single knock on the door, before he heard Mary's delicate shout for him to enter. She was still seated at her vanity having her hair braided by Anna. He greeted them both silently with a nod, but his smile was only for his wife. She was up to something. Matthew retrieved his book and tried to focus. But it was a lost cause. Mary stared at him through the mirrors reflection, he could feel her gaze despite the fact he couldn't catch her in the act. For each time he lowered his head towards the words on the page, the loving feeling returned. It was rather a playful folly and it made him feel even more amorous for her tonight. Matthew crossed his legs as he sat in his pajamas. He wondered if Mary had purposefully instructed Anna to take her time with these night time rituals. However, he waited patiently for the maid to finish and say goodnight before a word was spoken between them.

"Why are there several different colored ribbons in your hair?" Matthew said as he set aside the book he had not been reading. He stood and walked towards his wife, and Mary this time made no objection to being observed using the mirror to monitor his movements.

"Doesn't Anna know that I am simply going to remove them all? That I actually abor the way, you have your hair coiffed each night? She is like a prison gatekeeper, locking up what I want to be free!"

Mary's dark eyes stared through the reflection of the mirror. She had yet to turn towards him and the game aroused him.

"I did it for you darling," she said with a rather devious grin, "For just that reason. Now, you must free me."

Matthew stood behind her. His fingers traced across her bare shoulders, her sleeveless nightgown revealing her skin. He resisted touching her hair, however, he could tease too.

And they had all night.


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