February 1923
Edith had returned to Downton from Geneva a week before Valentine's Day. Mary had greeted her sister with a little more warmth than she would usually give to Edith, but her sister hadn't been very receptive on her arrival back home. If anything, her sister looked more despondent than she had all those months ago when she had departed from Downton Abbey. At her husband's urging, Mary tapped her knuckles lightly on Edith's bedroom door and pushed the door open when she heard her sister's voice welcoming her into the room.
When she entered, she closed the door and saw her sister lying on her bed staring up at the ceiling. Mary's eyes briefly met her sister's who looked away after a few seconds to stare back up at the ceiling.
"What do you want, Mary?" Edith sighed with exhaustion.
"I wanted to ask how you were. You seem a little down." Mary stated.
"I'm fine. I'm just tired from all that travelling." Edith said dismissively.
"Well…would you like to accompany me to the day nursery? I'm sure the boys and Sybbie would love to see their Aunt Edith."
"Of course. I've missed them." Edith said, rising from her bed.
But there was no tone of enthusiasm in her sister's voice. No tone of genuine happiness to see her nephews and niece after spending so long out of the country. But Mary chose not to comment on it, not when her sister looked like she would cry over the slightest wrong comment. So instead, Mary led her sister down the hall to the day nursery where Nanny sat bouncing baby Charlie on her knee as Sybbie and George played on the floor having a pretend tea party with their stuffed bear and rabbit.
"Hello children, look who's back." Mary greeted.
"Aunt Edith!" Sybbie greeted happily.
George and Sybbie rose to their feet and ran at Edith's legs, hugging each one tightly as Mary watched her sister's face light up just a little. Sybbie, now aged two and a half, and George, now aged almost a year and a half, looked up at their aunt with their eyes sparkling. Mary lifted George off her sister's leg and placed him on her hip, kissing his smooth cheek as his blue eyes closed and he giggled. She watched as Edith knelt to the floor, talking quietly to Sybbie as Mary placed George back on the ground and took Charlie from Nanny.
"Well he's certainly grown." Edith commented, looking at the baby.
Mary nodded, holding Charlie on her hip as she kissed his forehead before smoothing his blonde hair with her free hand. She had guessed that Charlie would favour his father and brother, the boy was practically identical to George and Matthew.
"Yes, he has. He started crawling last week, didn't you Charlie?" Mary cooed.
The look on Edith's face changed to hurt which only made Mary frown. Why would her sister be hurt at hearing Charlie's accomplishments?
"Edith…are you alright?" Mary asked.
"Fine," Edith said dismissively, "But I feel tired. I should lie down."
"Edith-"
But her sister left the nursery, leaving Mary feeling confused. As much as she wanted to confront Edith over her reaction, she decided against it for now. Her sister had spent months in Switzerland and had travelled a way to return home. She wanted to believe that Edith truly was tired from all that travelling but something felt odd. Especially her sister's reaction to Charles. Kissing her baby on the forehead and giving another to George, Mary left the nursery and headed downstairs and found Matthew in the library writing a letter.
"You know you're spending less and less time at the office, darling." Mary stated.
"I know. I'm writing up some changes that I wish to make to my will. I'll take it into the office tomorrow and draw it up properly with witnesses and then telephone Murray and arrange to amend the will." Matthew explained, his eyes still on the paper in front of him.
"What changes?" Mary asked curiously.
"Now that we have Charlie, it seems only fair that he be added to it." Matthew replied, looking up at her.
"Quite right."
"I'm unsure about the percentages of inheritance the boys should have. After all, I will only change the will again should we have more children and when I inherit the title and the estate. The only thing I am still decided on is you inheriting a large portion."
"Darling, whatever you decide is best, you have my full support. But I believe that George and Charlie should inherit something upon your death." Mary stated.
"Of course. I would always ensure that you and the children are provided for. But should I give Charlie a bigger inheritance than George? That doesn't seem fair but then George is the direct heir to the title." Matthew sighed.
"Darling, please don't fret over it too much. You're healthy and the boys are still young." Mary said reassuringly.
"Even so, I don't want to be a man who's irresponsible enough not to include all his family in the will." Matthew affirmed.
"And you're anything but that man."
Matthew smiled at her, holding out his hand. Mary took it, walking over to him as he twisted in his chair and perched her on his knee. She wrapped her arms around his neck and looked down into his face, linking her hands together as she held him close to her.
"I was thinking…" Matthew said in a soft whisper.
"Yes?"
"That trip that we spoke about, but we never actually arranged anything…I wondered if you'd like to go to Manchester next week for Valentine's Day?"
"Some time alone just the two of us on the most romantic day of the year?" Mary questioned.
Matthew nodded, a hint of mischief in his eyes.
"I thought we could spend some time together but also celebrate my birthday early." Matthew answered.
"Matthew, your birthday isn't until the first of March." Mary pointed out.
"I'm aware. But I have to travel to London that week so we may not be able to celebrate my birthday." Matthew said.
"Thirty-eight. My, my," Mary smiled, "We can always celebrate when you return."
"We could. But it will be your thirty-second birthday at the end of March so we could always celebrate in the middle of our birthdays." Matthew suggested.
"You know it's considered rude when you mention a lady's age?" Mary chided affectionately.
"And the same doesn't apply when you mention your husband's age?" Matthew retorted with a laugh.
Mary rolled her eyes.
"Did you have something in mind for a joint birthday celebration?"
"Just a few nights in London, maybe we could go for dinner or the theatre? We also have our wedding anniversary in April." Matthew replied.
"Goodness, we have lots to celebrate in the months ahead." Mary sighed happily.
"We do. But for our anniversary, I suspect it will be an early night and a private dinner." Matthew whispered huskily.
"Three years of marriage. I wonder how you've put up with me." Mary joked.
Matthew placed a finger under her chin, gently turning her gaze back to him so their eyes locked.
"I love you, Mary Crawley. If we have three years of marriage or thirty years of marriage, I fall more in love with you every day that passes." He whispered.
Leaning forward, Mary pressed her lips to his and kissed him. Their mouths moved together in perfect unison, their tongues touching and teasing with more of unspoken desire than what was appropriate for the middle of the day in the library where anyone could walk in. Mary smiled against her husband's lips as she felt his hand move to her leg whilst the other held her tightly around her waist. She broke the kiss to catch her breath, gasping quietly as she felt his lips kiss that sensitive spot on her neck.
"We shouldn't…not here…" Mary whispered warningly.
"Why? Are you worried Carson will keel over if he catches us?" Matthew chuckled.
Mary rolled her eyes again.
"I'm more concerned that Granny will be here for afternoon tea soon and I don't want to give her a show. Besides, where Carson is concerned, he would have the sense to quietly close the door and forget he ever saw anything between us." She reasoned.
"Good old Carson. Besides, I would hardly call the joint master kissing his wife in the library inappropriate behaviour." Matthew said, an eyebrow raised.
"Well, we'll agree to disagree on that, my darling. But keep those inappropriate thoughts in mind for later…you can do all sorts of things to me once we're in the privacy of our bedroom…" Mary whispered boldly.
Matthew grinned from ear to ear and pressed his lips back to hers. Mary welcomed him willingly, running her left hand through his hair as the other cupped his face. Their tongues met once more but they were interrupted by a cough in the doorway of the room. Breaking away from her husband's lips, Mary turned to see her mother looking at them, eyebrows raised.
"I'm sorry to interrupt…but everyone will be here for tea soon…" Cora announced awkwardly.
Mary nodded, pulling herself out of Matthew's embrace and smoothed her skirt as she sat on the sofa next to her mother. Matthew began gathering up his paperwork and tucked it all away in the desk drawer before sitting opposite Mary next to the fireplace. Robert soon joined them, as did Rose and Tom who were followed by Isobel and Violet as Carson brought in the tea tray. They all poured themselves a cup of tea as Mary asked her mother to watch over the children for a few days next week.
"Of course, we'd be delighted to watch over the children. But where are you going?" Cora asked.
"Matthew and I are going to Manchester for a few days." Mary replied.
"That sounds lovely." Cora smiled.
"Are you sure that's wise? George will throw a fit." Robert mused.
"Pity. A child who has to learn to bear his parent's absence. All the time that Matthew and Mary spend with George and Charles, I'm not surprised they are clingy." Violet muttered.
"Times are changing, Granny." Mary said flatly.
"I think it'll do everyone some good if you and Matthew go away for a few days," Isobel interjected with a smile, "George will be fine. Charlie will be fine."
"Or George might try and put a blanket over Charlie's head." Mary said grimly.
"My dear, in a few years' time your boys will be the best of friends and be so close they won't remember George's jealousy of his baby brother." Isobel assured her encouragingly.
"What do you have planned to do in Manchester?" Rose asked curiously.
"Let's not ruin all the surprises." Matthew smiled.
Mary met her husband's gaze, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm not sure what we plan to do, perhaps Matthew could show me a few of his favourite places?" Mary suggested.
"Perhaps, darling." Matthew agreed.
"I think that's a splendid idea." Isobel said brightly.
"Could I come along?" Rose asked eagerly, "I've never been to Manchester before, I'd love to see a different city."
Mary looked at her husband and grimaced. Their few days away was supposed to be their alone time and whilst she loved Rose, she didn't want to chaperone her cousin and be in charge of her welfare when she wanted to spend all day and night locked in a hotel room while her husband pleasured her without interruptions.
"Not this time, sorry Rose." Matthew said firmly.
They all finished their tea which was cleared away as Nanny brought in the children.
oOo
A week later, Mary watched as her husband paid the bellboy for bringing their cases up to their hotel room before Matthew placed the 'Do Not Disturb' sign on other side of the door handle and closed the door behind him. The two of them were alone, both feeling a little strange at the concept. There were no servants around and no family members who could walk in on them.
"So darling…now that we're alone, what did you have planned for us?" Mary grinned.
Matthew grinned back at her, clicking the lock on the door, and casually strolled over to her, loosening his tie as he did so and chucked it carelessly on the floor. Once he reached her, he grabbed her fiercely and pressed her against him.
"We're not leaving this room until I'm satisfied that you have been satisfied." Matthew whispered huskily.
"Well then…considering how well you know my body…I would have to say it won't take me long to be satisfied by you…husband." Mary teased.
"Let me amend my words. I intend for you to be thoroughly satisfied before we leave this room." Matthew growled.
Mary whimpered as she felt his lips on her neck, kissing her teasingly as his hands began to unbutton her dress. Her eyes fluttered when the dress pooled down her waist and the rest of her body before it landed to a pile on the floor. She didn't register being scooped up into his arms and placed firmly on the bed with a tiny bounce against the mattress, his hands desperately ridding the rest of her clothing from her body until she lay naked beneath him. Her hands rid him of the rest of his clothes until she felt his fingers touch her in a way that made her moan lustfully.
It was safe to say that the day before Valentine's Day, Lady Mary Crawley was certainly thoroughly satisfied.
oOo
The morning of Valentine's Day 1923 was a surprise for Mary as she woke up in the hotel bed to find Matthew's side empty and cold. She frowned as she scanned the room until her brown eyes fixed on a small envelope that lay on her bedside table. Sitting up and resting her back against the pillow, she reached out for it and tore it open, unfolding the paper inside to read her husband's note.
Darling Mary,
If you're reading this before I return to you, I have some things that I need to take care of before I return. Ring for some breakfast, I shan't be long.
Matthew.
Reaching over to the telephone, Mary placed a breakfast order for her and Matthew. She stared up at the ceiling absentmindedly playing with the end of her braided hair. Her thoughts drifted to how wonderful last night had been, even if she still felt tired out from their prolonged lovemaking. Being able to spend this time with Matthew, knowing they didn't have to talk about estate matters, plan events, spend time at the office or worry about their sons or extended family, was completely thrilling and wonderful. There were no interruptions, they could be as free and as loud as they chose to be. They didn't have to be mindful that a kiss in the library could be interrupted by her mother or father or that their time was limited to make love before Carson rung the dressing gong.
The door opened and her husband stepped into the room, smiling at her as he crossed the room with one arm behind his back.
"Good morning husband." Mary greeted with a smile.
Matthew leaned down and placed a sweet kiss to her lips before pulling back.
"Good morning my darling wife." Matthew smiled back.
She felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach as he presented a bouquet of roses to her and placed them delicately in her lap.
"Thank you darling, they're beautiful." Mary gushed, carefully picking the flowers up to smell them.
"I've arranged a few things for today if you're not too tired."
"Of course. I would love to spend the day doing whatever it is you have planned."
"It will involve some walking. We'll head out after luncheon and take afternoon tea at some tea rooms that mother and I used to favour." Matthew explained.
"As long as you don't tire me out any further. I have big plans for you tonight." Mary teased.
Matthew raised an eyebrow.
"Is this something that's in a certain brown package in your suitcase that you wouldn't let me look in?" he asked quietly.
"You'll have to wait until tonight." Mary whispered huskily.
Matthew groaned, leaning down to her, and kissed her hotly. Mary placed the roses on his side of the bed and pulled him down on top of her, wrapping her arms around his neck. Mary teased his mouth with her tongue, causing him to groan as he opened his lips to her, and her tongue met his eagerly. Her fingers ran through the hair on the back of his head, holding him tightly as he tried to shrug off his jacket when there was a knock at the door.
"Who is it?" Matthew asked impatiently.
"Breakfast Mr. Crawley." The chambermaid called.
Matthew groaned in frustration as Mary laughed and pushed him off her. He sat on his side of the bed, facing the window as he told the chambermaid to enter the room. The maid placed their breakfast tray on the small table that sat in the corner of their room and left with a bow of the head, closing the door behind her. Mary laughed as Matthew turned his attention back to her, claiming her lips eagerly to which she was only too happy to respond.
"Matthew…what about breakfast…" she groaned as his lips broke from hers and kissed her hotly on the neck.
"After. I'm not entirely hungry for food at present." Matthew growled.
No more could be said as Mary found her husband's hands at the hem of her nightgown which only added to the pile of discarded clothes that they had worn the day before.
oOo
Matthew's arrangements turned out to be a walking tour of personal childhood memories that he wanted to share with Mary. After luncheon at the hotel, they had climbed into Matthew's car where he drove them to the house that he had sold prior to moving to Downton and pointed out his childhood home that he had shared with his parents. It was around the same size as Crawley house, maybe slightly smaller as it looked on the outside. Matthew had pointed to the different windows, telling her a bit about certain memories he had made in the rooms that lay behind them. Mary smiled and listened intently to his descriptions, loving the way his eyes lit up in fondness at the memories. She could just imagine Matthew as a child reading a book with his father, being tucked in at night by Isobel. The thought of Matthew as a child only made her heart fill with joy to see the happiness her husband felt when he spoke of his childhood memories. Matthew had had a wonderful childhood and she only hoped that George and Charlie would experience the same.
Next on the agenda was a park that they took a walk through, a park where Matthew had spent most of his youth when he hadn't been away at school. This was the park where Matthew had learned to throw and catch a ball with his father, where he and his mother would often picnic. It was also the park where he had had his first kiss as a boy, something which he had not intentionally meant to tell his wife.
"Tell me, Matthew. Was that first kiss so memorable that define it as something so dear to you?" Mary asked flatly.
They stopped by a large oak tree that shielded them from view.
"I can barely remember her name, I never meant to tell you about her at all." Matthew replied defensively.
"I have to say it's terribly romantic that you're sharing these personal memories with your wife on Valentine's Day when you mention kissing another girl." Mary said sarcastically.
Matthew pulled her to him, leaning close to her so their lips were mere inches apart.
"You're my Valentine, darling. Nobody else will ever compare to you." Matthew assured her.
"Is that right?" Mary questioned.
Matthew nodded, holding her hand with his and placed it on his coat, just over his heart.
"I never thought I would love anyone as much as I love you, Mary Crawley. I've loved before but that girl I had my first kiss with was a foolish boyish first love, a crush. I loved you the moment you stepped into Crawley House and took my breath away." He confessed in a whisper.
"Did you really? You mean when you believed that papa and mama were going to push one of their daughters at you?" Mary said amusingly.
"And the moment I turned around I was stunned. You took my breath away with your beauty, your wit, and that sharp tongue. I realised that I would have to keep up with you because you were a unique creature who had entrapped me like a siren sings to their prey." Matthew stated affectionately.
"You always know how to say the right thing to make me forget I'm annoyed with you." Mary smiled.
Matthew smiled and leaned in to kiss her.
oOo
Their afternoon had continued to afternoon tea at the tearooms that he and his mother used to favour with their custom. Mary had found the tearoom 'charming' as she had called it. He hoped that she was sincere, it wasn't anything like she was used to back at Downton. But it had been a part of his life once and whilst he didn't regret the changes his life had brought him, he wanted her to know this part of him. He hadn't been back to Manchester since the war, and he had never taken her or talked much to her about his life here. But Matthew wanted to share this part of him with her, he couldn't find anything more fitting for their first Valentine's Day away from their life in Yorkshire.
Dinner was a quiet affair in the hotel restaurant. Mary looked tired and he was starting to worry that he had overdone it with all that walking and driving her around his favourite childhood spots. Once they had eaten, they retired to their room for the night, with Mary occupying the bedroom as he readied himself for bed in the bathroom that adjoined their room. With his pyjamas on and he fastened his robe, he opened the door and entered the room to find his wife lying in the bed with her robe on.
"Are you tired, darling?" Matthew asked, concerned.
"A little but I had a lovely day. Thank you, Matthew." Mary replied happily.
He climbed into bed beside her, kissing her on the forehead as he held his arm up. She smiled, snuggling into him as his arm wrapped around her shoulder.
"Did you truly enjoy today? I didn't bore you, did I?" Matthew asked quietly.
She looked up at him quickly, shaking her head.
"No, you didn't bore me!" Mary insisted, "I truly enjoyed myself today. Learning about that part of you made me so happy. I only wish that George and Charlie are as fortunate as you to have such a happy childhood."
"You don't think it was a dull idea? It's not so romantic-"
He was stunned when she kissed him eagerly before pulling away.
"I don't think you're a dull boy. I like that you had an original idea to share something so personal with me on Valentine's Day. Darling, thank you for sharing that part of yourself with me." She said adamantly.
Matthew smiled, his hand cupping her face as she pulled herself on top of him.
"It was my pleasure. But I do believe there was a point in time where you did find me a dull boy." He teased.
Mary rolled her eyes.
"Back then I was blind to you. I was angry with you and then I fell in love with you, as much as I was loathe to admit it. You showed me just how much you cared, how much my suffering troubled you, how much you wanted me to be happy. That night I told you how I felt, how you were so unsure if I was teasing you…I wish I had that I had been brave enough then to tell you everything…" Mary whispered.
"We were both so young then…if I hadn't retracted my proposal our lives would have been so different…" Matthew mused.
"Oh I still would have insisted you say it properly. I still wouldn't have answered unless you knelt down and everything." Mary grinned.
Matthew rolled his eyes this time.
"The one thin I enjoy about our life together is how right it all is. Everything that has happened in the past had to happen as it did for us to be here together in this moment. We are blessed, Mary. A love such as we share…the boys we made and are raising…the future we're building together at Downton…Happy Valentine's my darling Mary…I hope we get many more together…" he whispered.
Mary leaned down and kissed him eagerly, causing him to groan until she broke the kiss and straddled his waist, untying the sash of her robe to show him a rather revealing…rather lacy black set of lingerie. His eyes widened as he took in every curve of her body on display through the lace, each goosebump that appeared on her arms as she shivered at the heated look that filled his blue eyes.
"Do you like your present?" Mary asked boldly.
"L-like i-it?" Matthew asked in a stammer.
Mary nodded, pulling him up into a sitting position before wrapping her arms around his shoulders.
"Happy Valentine's Day, Matthew." She whispered.
He groaned as he threw her robe to the floor and pressed his lips to hers in a passionate kiss.