August 1925
"Are you sure you can manage, darling?" Matthew asked, his voice filled with concern.
Mary rolled her eyes as she placed a hand over her bloated stomach, allowing a slight smile as she felt the baby kick beneath her hand.
"I'm sure that I can manage a whole day showing the villagers round the house, Matthew." She snapped.
"It's not that I doubt your ability, darling. It's more the concern that you'll be on your feet a lot of the day and now you can barely see your feet." Matthew said quietly.
Mary glared at him. She didn't like his little reminders that she was heavily pregnant with their third child. Not when she had the constant reminders of her body telling her just how far along into the pregnancy she was now.
"Darling, you need to relax. The baby is due in six weeks, and I can always take a few rest breaks if I need to. Mama, you, Edith and Tom can manage if I'm struggling." She reminded him.
"I know but you're not exactly the type of woman who would complain about pregnancy. I just worry because since Robert has been recovering from his operation, the management of the estate has been a lot of pressure on you as the agent." Matthew stated.
"What would you have me do then, Matthew? Would you transport me back to the 1500s when women were expected to be confined to a dark room and wait until the child was born?" Mary asked sarcastically.
"Of course not!" Matthew insisted.
"Then stop acting like I'm some fragile thing that will break. I'm pregnant and I've been pregnant twice before now!" Mary snapped.
"I know. But George was a month early and that was after a lot of movement and bouncing about at Duneagle. We were lucky with Charlie, and I don't want to risk this child being born early either." Matthew said softly.
"I can handle a little stress, darling. I've been taking regular rest breaks during the day, and I've not been overexerting myself in my duties as the agent. If anything, you and Tom have been doing my job for me most of the time."
"Isn't that what a good husband is supposed to do?" Matthew smiled.
Mary rolled her eyes again but smiled as he wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his hands on her bump.
"A good husband would know not to vex his pregnant wife." Mary grumbled.
"A good husband would know how to alleviate his wife's mood." Matthew teased.
She felt his hands move to her hips, holding her tightly as he kissed her neck teasingly. She closed her eyes and moaned softly as she gave into his teasing, just as the baby kicked her hard and she gasped in pain.
"What is it?" Matthew asked, his voice filled with worry.
"Nothing…the baby kicked me quite hard…that's all…" Mary grunted.
Matthew moved his hands back to her swollen belly, she felt him smile as he rested his head on her shoulder and looked down to where his hands rested on her.
"You're giving your Mama a lot of grief, little one." Matthew cooed.
"Do you really think that the baby can hear you?" Mary asked curiously.
"Possibly. But I enjoy talking to the baby regardless, I like to think that he or she can hear me and will know my voice when they make their appearance into the world." Matthew replied with a smile.
The baby kicked under his hands, and he chuckled.
"Proving my point already." Matthew added.
"Would you mind if we travelled to London for a few days? Bates is worried about Anna and wants her to see Dr. Ryder." Mary asked.
"Do you feel up to it?" Matthew queried.
"A few days in London might be just what I need. I wouldn't mind having a night out." Mary mused.
"Alright. I'll have Molesley and Anna pack our things and ask Rosamund if we can stay with her." Matthew agreed.
Mary nodded, giving him a light kiss as he left the bedroom and Mary pulled on her earrings and shoes before heading downstairs. She headed down the hall to her parents' bedroom and knocked on the door.
"Come in." came her father's voice.
She opened the door and entered the room, smiling at her father as he placed his newspaper into his lap.
"I thought I'd let you know that Matthew and I are off to London for a few days, but we'll back by the weekend for the house opening." Mary informed him.
"Are you taking the children or are they staying here?" Robert asked.
"Staying here."
Robert nodded.
"Papa…I hope you know that we're not trying to take over with the intention of usurping your authority…" Mary said uncertainly.
"I know. But it doesn't mean I like it any less." Robert sighed.
"Rest. I'll see you in a few days." Mary smiled.
"Have a good time, darling." Robert said.
Mary left her father alone and walked down the stairs. She was finding it increasingly difficult to walk down the stairs now that she was almost as big as a house. She had to waddle almost just to be comfortable and when she reached the bottom of the stairs, she had to catch her breath. Matthew entered the great hall and rushed to her side.
"Are you alright?" Matthew asked.
"I'm fine. I've told Papa that we're going away for a few days." Mary replied.
"Good. I've asked Nanny to bring the boys down. Molesley is just getting the car packed." Matthew stated.
Mary nodded and smiled as Anna helped her into her coat before the three of them piled into the car and began driving to the train station.
oOo
When they had arrived in London, Mary and Matthew went for a walk around Belgravia and ran into a familiar face that they hadn't seen for a while.
"Evelyn, how wonderful to see you!" Mary smiled.
"Mary, Matthew. Goodness, you look well!" Evelyn complimented.
"Thank you." Matthew said politely.
"When is the baby due?" Evelyn asked.
"In six weeks." Mary replied.
"And you're braving London so close to the expected arrival date?" Evelyn asked.
"I fancied a break and London was calling." Mary replied with a smile.
"Are the two of you available for dinner tonight?"
Mary looked at Matthew and he nodded.
"We have no plans." Matthew confirmed.
"Would you like to join me and my intended for dinner tonight? We're dining at The Savoy." Evelyn offered.
"I suppose so. Will it be just the four of us?" Mary asked.
"No, just a few others. Anne and myself, Tony Gillingham and his wife Mabel." Evelyn replied.
"Heavens, we'd make quite the party." Mary smiled.
"I'll telephone and confirm the time. Lovely to see you both." Evelyn said.
"Goodbye Evelyn." Matthew smiled.
They watched as Evelyn climbed into his awaiting car and drove away, and Mary carried on walking with her husband.
"Well I certainly hadn't anticipated a dinner with Tony Gillingham." Matthew sighed.
"It's a few hours darling and it will be good to have a change of faces." Mary said encouragingly.
"Maybe so. But I know that when we last saw Lord Gillingham, he was flirting with you." Matthew grumbled.
"And I seem to recall that we fought about it, you rushed into a burning house to put out a fire and then we made up about it. A night I recall quite vividly." Mary smiled.
Matthew grinned down at her.
"It was quite memorable." Matthew agreed quietly.
"More than memorable, darling. I can assure you of that." Mary teased.
Matthew kissed her cheek as Mary felt a sharp kick in her abdomen. She winced at the tightening of her stomach and braced herself against the brick walls of the buildings they were walking past. She noted the worried look on her husband's face and smiled at him reassuringly.
"Let's go home," Matthew suggested, "You need to rest before our dinner plans."
Mary nodded her agreement and followed her husband's lead back to Painswick House.
oOo
Standing in front of the long mirror, Mary huffed as she shuffled to her side view and back to a front view of her reflection several times and still felt unsatisfied. The dress she wore was exquisite, coloured in turquoise and gold with a matching gold headband, it accommodated her bloated belly well and it didn't make her feel uncomfortable or snug as most of her pregnancy wardrobe did. There was nothing wrong with the dress itself, or her stockings and shoes that she wore with it…it was the sight of her wearing it, making her feel unattractive wearing such a beautiful dress. She felt swollen and bloated and not radiant or well as others had complimented her appearance during her pregnancy.
She pulled on her long gloves just as Matthew entered the bedroom. Her eyes met his in the mirror and she turned her attention back to putting on her gloves.
"You look glowing." Matthew said softly.
"I really don't." Mary grumbled.
"Where's all this come from?" Matthew asked, walking over to her.
Mary huffed as she finished pulling on her gloves. She looked down at her bloated stomach and sighed heavily.
"I…I don't feel…like I can…get away with wearing something like this…" She mumbled.
"Why not? I think you look beautiful." Matthew stated.
"You have to say that!"
"Why do I?"
"Because you're my husband. Aren't husbands supposed to lie to their wives about their appearance?" Mary questioned.
Matthew chuckled, wrapping his arms around her.
"I'm not most husbands, darling. If I truly didn't find you attractive, would I still be sharing your bed each night? Would I insist on pleasuring you thoroughly on a regular basis?" he countered.
Mary gave him a slight smile and shook her head.
"Mary, you are absolutely gorgeous and I'm not just saying that because I have the pleasure of seeing you naked each night." Matthew whispered.
"I doubt soon you'll want to see me naked. Baby has stretched my skin so much I have slight marks." Mary grumbled.
"How about we make a little bet?" Matthew suggested.
She raised an eyebrow at him.
"You want to gamble with your own wife?"
"Not a gamble as such. I want to bet that we attend this dinner with Evelyn, Gillingham, Mabel and Anne and both the men will not be able to resist staring at you."
"You don't like it when other men stare at me. Can you prevent any jealousy you might feel and not have it cause an argument later?" Mary asked.
"I can channel my jealousy for any staring or attentions that Tony Gillingham or Evelyn Napier show you." Matthew assured her.
"And what happens if you win this little arrangement?" Mary questioned curiously.
"Then I get to show you just how attractive I find you with no arguments from you." Matthew answered huskily.
Mary shivered as she felt his hot breath hit her neck.
"And if you lose this arrangement?"
"Then you get to decide what I lose."
Mary nodded her agreement and looped her arm through her husbands as he escorted her out of the bedroom and down the staircase to the entrance hall of Painswick House. Anna was waiting for her, wearing a relieved smile as she helped Mary into her coat. Mary asked Anna quickly how her appointment with Dr. Ryder had gone and the maid confirmed that all was well with her and the baby. Mary smiled, giving Anna a quick squeeze of the hand, and told her to get an early night. Anna nodded her head, giving her a slight smirk and Mary headed out into the warm night with her husband.
When they had arrived at The Savoy's restaurant, Mary was pleasantly relieved to find that she was not the only pregnant woman in attendance to the dinner Evelyn had arranged. Greeting the others as they reached their table, Mary sat down in her seat next to Mabel.
"You look quite radiant, Mary, when is your baby due?" Mabel asked happily.
"Thank you, Mabel. The baby is due in six weeks." Mary replied pleasantly.
"I still have months ahead of me. I hope to look as radiant as you nearer my time." Mabel gushed.
"I'm sure you will." Mary smiled.
"And how are your sons?" Tony asked politely.
"They're well, thank you." Matthew said tightly.
Mary resisted rolling her eyes at her husband. Ever since Lord Gillingham's stay with them last year, Matthew had disliked the man. They ordered a round of drinks as they all pondered over the menu and Mary silently couldn't choose what dish to have. She looked over the top of her menu, her brown eyes meeting the hazel ones of Tony who promptly turned his attention back to his menu as Matthew smirked at her. She looked briefly at Evelyn who's attention was on discussing what dish he would order with Anne.
It was rather lovely to see her friend looking so happy. Years ago, she had once considered Evelyn as a potential suitor but the two of them had settled into a nice friendship and now, his match with Anne Acland seemed to be a rather happy union.
After contemplating what dish to order for her meal, she and Matthew gave the waiter their order along with the rest of the party and conversation turned to Evelyn's upcoming wedding to Anne and the impending arrival of Tony and Mabel's first child.
"So tell us, Mary, do you have any advice on marriage and children?" Mabel asked brightly.
"Well…all marriages are different…but I've found it's best to know your husband and be equals in all things…as for children…I have no complaints really…" Mary replied.
"No complaints with your children? My aren't you lucky." Tony chuckled.
"I am lucky," Mary acknowledged, "George and Charlie are a delight. The only struggle Matthew and I have really had with our sons is that they are quite close in age. It took George a long time to accept that Charlie was here to stay."
"And now the two of them are as thick as thieves." Matthew added.
"I suppose it shan't be long before they're off to school." Anne commented.
"Oh they won't be going to school just yet. We're conducting interviews soon for tutors to teach George and Charlie at Downton." Matthew stated.
"I suppose it won't be long before you'll be sending your boys off to Eton." Tony mused.
"We won't be sending them to Eton. They'll be going to Radley College." Matthew said sharply.
"Surely Lord Grantham would want his grandsons to be educated at Eton before going on to Cambridge?" Tony questioned in surprise.
"Robert is well aware that our sons' education is our decision." Matthew answered.
"Radley College is where Matthew attended school before moving on to Oxford." Mary stated with a smile.
"That's all well and good but how does Radley compare to Eton? Or even Harrow? Surely you would want your sons to receive the best education money can buy." Tony argued.
"Radley College is a fine institution." Evelyn said diplomatically.
"It is," Matthew agreed, "It certainly gave me a thirst for knowledge of the law."
"But traditionally, the Grantham heirs were educated at Eton." Tony argued.
"And traditions can be broken." Matthew said through gritted teeth.
"My, My, I wasn't expecting a debate at dinner." Anne said amusingly.
Mary rolled her eyes and took a sip of her wine. The whole topic about what school was better than the other was vexing her.
"George is nearly four and Charlie's just turned three. We have a long time before we have to address the subject of boarding school with my father. But I'll pass along your agreement regarding Eton, Tony." Mary smiled.
Tony gave her a thin smile and took a sip of his drink before placing it down in front of him.
"We've already agreed on Eton and Oxford for our child once he's born." Tony said quietly.
"Well that's all well and good. But you never know, my dear, the baby might be a girl." Mabel said amusingly.
"Even if the baby is a girl, she will be well educated." Tony stated proudly.
"How progressive!" Anne smiled.
Mary resisted rolling her eyes. Of course, she knew Anne from years ago but knew very little about the woman. What she did know was that she was a war widow, childless and Evelyn couldn't take his eyes off his fiancée.
"Regardless of what institute of education George and Charles Crawley end up at, my eldest son, the heir to the Earldom of Grantham…has aspirations to be a pig farmer." Mary added warmly with a wide smile.
The other adults chuckled, and the waiter brought over their food.
"Well that could always change." Tony chuckled.
Mary met Tony's gaze, her smile fading. In truth, she didn't care if George wanted to be a pig farmer or not when he grew up, she just wanted her son to be truly happy with his life.
"I imagine it will change as he grows up. But even if George finishes university and still wants to be a pig farmer, Matthew and I will support his decisions and dreams."
oOo
Later that evening, once they had finished their meals, Mary stepped out to the restaurant lobby and stepped outside to get some fresh air. The restaurant was rather warm, hotter even given the heat of the late summer evening. She waited for Matthew, who was just finishing a conversation with Evelyn and Anne in the doorway when Tony stepped outside and stood next to her.
"It was lovely to see you again, Mary." Tony said quietly.
"I'm very pleased for you and Mabel, I hope you find the same joy in raising a child that Matthew and I have." Mary smiled.
Tony nodded silently, his facial expression changing to dismay.
"Tony? What is it?" Mary asked quietly.
"Mabel and I…we're happy…but it's not what I what I wanted for myself…" Tony muttered.
"Oh I'm sorry…" Mary mumbled, unsure of what else to say.
Tony looked at her and she was taken aback by what she saw there in his eyes. His eyes were filled with desperation, a sad desperation as if he was pleading with her.
"Mary…I have not stopped thinking of you since last year. When we were reacquainted and the time that we spent together at Downton…"
"Tony. You musn't speak of such things."
"I love Mabel. But it's not the same as I love you." Tony confessed in a whisper.
Mary raised an eyebrow and resisted a harsh laugh. Tony hardly knew her.
"You have a nerve!" She sneered, "My husband is merely feet away and you choose to confess your feelings to me when you know that I would never betray my husband!"
"Maybe not now. But what about in two years? Or three? You know our type aren't made to divorce." Tony tried to reason.
"The Flintshires are proof that our sort of people get a divorce." Mary argued.
"I won't divorce Mabel and you won't divorce Matthew if things turned sour. I'm not asking you to be my mistress now. But perhaps if things changed in the future…you might be open to such an arrangement…" Tony muttered.
Mary shook her head.
"I would cease all thought on such a notion, Lord Gillingham," Mary stated sharply, "I love my husband and I'm about to have our third child. Not to mention that your wife, your lovely wife is expecting yours. Shame on you, Tony!"
Without having anything further to say, she turned her attention back to Matthew who had finished his conversation with the rest of the party and offered her his arm. Mary took it willingly, looping her arm through her husband's and turned her attention back to Tony for a brief second.
"It was lovely to see you again, Lord Gillingham." Mary said dismissively.
"I wish you well, Lady Mary." Tony replied curtly.
Without looking back, Mary and Matthew fell into step with each other and began to walk back to Belgrave Square.
"What were you discussing with Tony?" Matthew asked curiously.
"Nothing of consequence." Mary replied quickly.
"Mary?"
They stopped for a moment and their eyes met.
"Tony…confessed his love for me…and requested that I be open to an arrangement…if things ever went sour with us…"
She saw Matthew's eyes widen, his jaw tighten and she could swear that he might burst a blood vessel.
"HE WHAT?!" Matthew growled.
"Darling-"
"I'm going back to that restaurant and showing Lord Gillingham what happens when you try and proposition my wife!" Matthew threatened.
Mary tugged on his arm with difficulty, pulling him round to face her and placed a firm hand against his chest.
"He's not worth it, Matthew! Please, just take me home." Mary pleaded.
"The man needs to be called out Mary!"
"And how do you propose you do that? Arrange to meet him in Hyde Park at dawn with your pistols and seconds?"
"If that's what it takes!" Matthew growled.
"And you'd be a fool if you even tried it. Duelling has been illegal for centuries. Besides, I firmly put Lord Gillingham in his place and now I'm asking you to take me home." Mary stated.
Matthew huffed and nodded his agreement, the two of them walking side-by-side in awkward silence until the rain started to pour down heavily over them. Mary took hold of Matthew's hand, letting him guide her to an underpass that sheltered them from the rain. They stopped for a moment until Matthew scooped her into his arms and planted a kiss on her lips. Mary moaned in surprise, wrapping an arm around his shoulder as her lips moved with his until he pulled back and smiled at her.
"Mmm Mr. Crawley, that was rather nice." Mary smiled.
Matthew returned her smile but said nothing.
"I seem to recall that we had a little bet about tonight." Mary whispered.
"Yes, we did." Matthew confirmed amusingly.
"Well, Evelyn was completely besotted with Anne, and I think the two of them suit well. Therefore, you only partially win the bet." Mary said quietly.
"However, Tony Gillingham couldn't keep his eyes off you and had the audacity to propose you become his mistress the second he had a moment alone with you." Matthew added bitterly.
"Hmm there is that. But when I told you of his proposal, you couldn't keep your jealousy under control, could you darling?"
Matthew shook his head.
"I think we need to go home, and I have a strong urge to show you just how beautiful I find you and put my jealousy to good use."
"Good use?" Mary smirked.
Matthew leaned down and pressed his lips to her ear.
"I think hearing you scream my name in pleasure over and over again is a good way to overcome my jealousy of Lord Gillingham, don't you agree?"
Chuckling, Mary nodded her head and the two of them raced out into the rain and headed back to Painswick House.
oOo
The next morning, Matthew headed out early and left his wife sleeping in their bed. He had telephoned Lord Gillingham and asked for the man to meet him on a morning walk. Why Tony had agreed, Matthew was unsure. But when he reached Hyde Park, he saw Tony waiting for him on a bench and the two men nodded to each other and started the walk around the park.
"I won't make any pleasantries, Tony, I think we both know why we're here." Matthew stated firmly.
"I can assure you…"
"Please don't insult me further. I want you to know that I dislike any man who propositions my wife the way you did last night."
Tony nodded, looking away sheepishly.
"Mary persuaded me not to call you out angrily last night when she told me of your conversation with her. But I felt that I couldn't leave London without clearing the air between us." Matthew said.
Tony said nothing in reply, as if unsure what to say.
"I can understand what it is to be in love with someone and not able to be with them, it's quite painful. I spent many years pining for Mary because of my own foolish mistake and there were other people involved who got hurt. I was engaged to another woman and whilst she was lovely and pure, she wasn't Mary. Mary touched my heart in a way that no other could, my heart will always belong to Mary Crawley. So, I can sympathise with you, when you told my wife that you're in love with her and that you don't love your wife in the way you should." Matthew began.
"Matthew, I sincerely-"
"No. I don't want any apologies from you. I want you to listen."
Tony nodded.
"Asking my wife to consider being your mistress in the future is downright insulting! You know nothing of our marriage, and you know nothing of us as people. You knew Mary from childhood and only met again once when you stayed at Downton last year. Our paths may have crossed here and there with nothing more than a polite 'hello' at some event or party. But you made your choice to marry Mabel and she's now having your child. Shame on you for not focussing on the gift that she is about to give you in a few months, because that is the greatest gift one's wife could ever give."
Again, Tony nodded silently.
"I want you to know that you will never possess Mary, nor will you have anything more to do with us from this point onwards. If our paths cross, you will look the other way and not acknowledge our presence. You will not be welcomed at Downton, and you will not be welcomed to telephone or write to my wife. Mary is my wife, and we are thoroughly committed to our marriage. If you ever step out of the lines of propriety again, I will act on my anger without a second's regret." Matthew warned.
"Matthew…I'm sorry…"
Matthew nodded and turned on his heel and headed back to Painswick House.
oOo
A few nights later, Mary had climbed into bed, feeling absolutely exhausted from showing paid visitors around the house all afternoon. The tours had mostly gone smoothly until Granny had turned up asking if Mama knew about her being ousted as the president of the hospital, with Cora taking her place.
As she sighed in pleasure when her back rested against the cool pillows, Matthew joined her on his side of the bed. She smiled as he rested on his right side, his head resting against her chest with his left hand placed gently on her stomach. The moment that his hand touched her nightgown, she felt sharp kicking against the spot where Matthew's hand rested.
"You're already teaching the baby bad habits." Mary grumbled.
"How is our baby responding to touch a bad habit?" Matthew chuckled.
"Baby should be settling down for a little while so I can sleep. She's been elbowing and kicking me all day." Mary yawned.
"She?"
"Oh…I just have an image sometimes…that this baby is a girl…"
Matthew smiled.
"What if she is he?" he asked.
"Well…I guess Papa will have a more secure line to the Earldom." Mary replied amusingly.
"Do you think he's truly cross with the idea of opening the house up more regularly?" Matthew asked.
Mary shrugged.
"Tom's suggestion was a good one and I know you aren't opposed to more ideas to make the estate pay for itself. I think it's a good idea and as the agent, the more money the estate makes we can put back into the management of it. Everything we've done so far has been a good decision, why should Tom's idea be any different?" she questioned.
"It's Robert, it'll take him some time to come around to any new idea." Matthew answered.
"I know. But if he wants to avoid another ulcer, he needs to just let us carry out our ideas as a team and accept it's for his own good in the long run." Mary stated.
"He's still the Earl, I imagine he hates having decisions made for him when it's his estate." Matthew sighed.
"And as he always says, he's not an owner, he's a custodian." Mary sighed.
The baby kicked hard which caused her to wince. Matthew rubbed his hand soothingly over her bump and kissed her cheek.
"Six weeks until baby is here."
Mary smiled.
Six more weeks.