I would not want to push in

The first thing Mary thought as she heard the new heir speaking before, she was introduced was what a middle-class prig, this man is so full of himself, he thinks papa will push one of us daughters at him. Yes, he is full of himself, but he must also be smart because he has already assessed the situation. Yes, papa surely would be pushing one of us at him, most likely Mary. Well she was going to make sure he was put in his place.

Then Moseley announced her, and Mary thought to herself that she had never seen someone so caught off guard. There he was Matthew Crawley, the heir, the middle-class relation, with his mouth wide open as if he had never seen a woman before. Mary of course kept her cool, acting as a lady should, telling Cousin Isobel to call her cousin instead of lady and extending mama's invitation to dinner that evening. Isobel had acted perfectly appropriate and had even invited her for tea. He on the other hand had just stood there the entire time with his mouth open.

He had a lovely mouth, really a lovely face, wonderful blonde hair and the dreamiest blue eyes Mary had ever seen. Oh, why did all the handsome ones have so many faults. He was middle class, a prig, full of himself but he was handsome and apparently clever.

Well Mary had been unable to control herself, she had to make sure there was no doubt that she had heard what Matthew had said.

"Your far too busy and I really would not want to push in". At the last two words she had looked the heir directly in those stunning blue eyes and yet he was still standing there with his mouth open. Mary had turned and left immediately for full effect. She was certain he got her message. No one would be pushing anyone at him, she certainly would not allow herself to be pushed at him. Even if he was terribly handsome.

Well maybe she would toy with him for a bit, he certainly was eye candy. And judging by his inability to do anything but have his mouth open with no words coming out in her presence, she was pretty sure she had him at first sight if she wanted him.

Mary was already settled on her horse when she saw him coming out of the house after her. Hmm, so he did have a little back bone. What was he going to do? And finally, his mouth was closed.

He had called her lady Mary and had said he was only joking. Mary thought Mr. Crawley that is a rather weak excuse. We both know you were not joking. But clearly you now see that having one of the daughters pushed on you would not be as bad as you thought. So at least his brains are working. Mary would not let him off the hook, so she responded, "I agree it's a complete joke "and left him in the dust.

Oh, how Mary wished she could turn around and see the expression on his face. Surely the mouth must be gaping open again. Well she thought to herself. Round one to lady Mary. Tonight, at dinner would bring round two, she would have to be at the top of her game. Wear her most alluring dress, though not too alluring. She could not have him thinking she was trying to attract him. No just enough to keep him interested while she continued to toy with him.

By the end of the evening he would know very clearly where they stand but she would make sure he was still interested. She would never marry him of course. That would be ludicrous, but he was extremely good looking, and she would have a fun time playing with his affections until something better came along. Oh, it was too perfect.

A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A

Mama had just left the room. Mary had given the report, Isobel was nice enough, Matthew was full of himself. Of course, she did not tell mama how handsome he was and how he had the most beguiling eyes. And yes, he was clever, and now he was going to learn how clever she was. He was clearly taken with her. Good! That is the way it should be. She was ready for round two. Just then Mary heard a knock at the door. It was Sybil. She had heard that Mary had already met the new heir and his mother, and she wanted to know what Mary thought. So, Mary told her what she had told her mama. Sybil had just looked at her and then said, "May I can tell you are holding something back. Do tell me more."

"Alright, he has the bluest eyes I have ever seen. Incredible blonde hair. In fact, he really is very handsome."

Sybil smiled, "Mary are you taken with him?"

"Of course not, I told you, he is middle class, a prig, and full of himself. But he is also good looking, and I suspect very clever."

"Well he is a solicitor; I expect he is very clever."

"Well I suppose. But I think he has a keen sense of what papa expects."

"How so?"

"It was the first words I heard him say, before he knew I was in the house."

Sybil looked at her quizzically. And then Mary told her exactly what Matthew had said and how she had put him in his place leaving him mouth opened and unable to speak.

"So, Mary, why do I feel that you are not completely against him?"

"Well I am against him as far as everyone else is concerned, but I'll let you in on my secret. I'm extremely attracted to him and I think toying with his affections will prove very entertaining to me."

"Mary that does not seem very nice or fair"

"I never claimed to be either. Besides he deserves it after what he said about us."

Sybil saw there was no point in arguing further with Mary. She seemed so excited about it. She had a feeling that Mary was more taken than she was letting on. She would have to meet the new relations herself. They would be here soon.

A-A-A-a-A-A-A-A-A

Mary was standing in the reception line. Thomas and William had let them in, and Papa was starting to make introductions. Well he cleaned up nicely. If it was possible, he looked even more handsome in his tails, even if his waist coat was gold and not white. His hair looked absolutely golden; his eyes cerulean. What did he just say, what a reception committee? By lord, he really was middle class. Toying with him was going to be easy.

Was he trying to escort her into the drawing room? Is that why he was walking beside her as they left the great hall. Did he really think after his behavior this afternoon she was going to welcome this "advance"? Mary made sure he got her cool shoulder.

Dinner was even more interesting than Mary thought it would be. She thought Papa was going to have a heart attack when Matthew said he had a job. Ha! Where did he think he was? Sybil had walked him right into that, Sybil was so sweet she probably did not even realize what she was asking. The best part was when granny had sincerely said, "what is a weekend?"

Matthew looked like his eyes were going to leave his head. And when Thomas had tried to explain to him how to serve himself, Mary could not help but smirk and comment. Her new relation looked like he was going to strangle Thomas. Devious Thomas could be useful when he wanted to be.

In the drawing room after dinner, Matthew had tried to get her attention. Mary had to give him points for effort. He had been talking to Sybil and Edith who looked like they were actually interested in what he was saying. Mary had hung back and just watched the interaction. She knew it would draw him to her. He was a man, certainly he would like the chase. And she loved when they chased after her. He kept looking up at her from across the room, those magnetic blue eyes, Mary had to look away to keep her own eyes from locking with his. She of course was well schooled in controlling her reactions and emotions. He was not.

She hid her smile behind her glass while she took a sip. And then she realized Matthew had left her sisters and was heading directly toward her on the settee. Mary rose as if to leave but Matthew stopped her in her tracks as he had quickly moved to her side and it would be rude to leave when he was right in front of her.

"Oh, Cousin Matthew have you enjoyed your evening? I suspect it's been eye opening"

Matthew chuckled, "You could say that. But despite what seems to be very different backgrounds, I have enjoyed getting to know your family. I was hoping perhaps we could start again. I realize I made rather a fool of myself when we met earlier today."

"Oh, Cousin Matthew, did you? I thought you were merely expressing your opinion of which we are all entitled to."

"Cousin Mary I know I already tried to apologize, but I spoke out of turn, and I could not have been more wrong. I only ask that like your sisters and parents, you give me a chance to make a better second impression."

"And how do you expect I might do that?"

Now Matthew really struck up his nerve and Mary could not help but be impressed.

"Give me the pleasure of your company this weekend, walk me around the estate, give me the benefit of your knowledge of the land and its people."

Mary was bowled over; he was more direct than she thought he would be. And he was so handsome and endearing when he spoke so nicely. She should really say no and make him sweat it, but she found her body involuntarily nodding and accepting his invitation.

"It's a date then." She heard him saying. How had that happened? She would have to endure his company now unless she came up with an excuse which she could always do. Perhaps just send a note down to Crawley house feigning a headache. Maybe she did not want to make an excuse. He was wonderful to look at and when he spoke in that tone of voice it was melodic, mesmerizing and quite enjoyable. No for him to really be interested, she would have to let him think he was winning her over.

He may have won round two, but it was only so she could eventually do with him what she wanted. She found herself looking forward to "the weekend."

A/N - this started out as just an analysis of Mary's thoughts when she first met Matthew. But it has quite gotten away from me and I feel it is possible that this could have happened. Let me know what you think and if you would like more of an expansion of S1:2