Our Song
Matthew catches Mary singing baby George to sleep.
June 1922
Matthew hated these kinds of days. He was swamped with work, which had forced him to stay at the office late every night this week. That meant he wouldn't get to see George before he was put to bed. Matthew always made it a priority to spend time with his son in the evenings. Although Matthew thought highly of his father, he had too many memories of not seeing him for days on end due to his work. Matthew vowed not to let that happen to his own children.
Matthew hurried home. As he approached the Abbey, Matthew was relieved to see a light in the nursery window. He quickly entered the house, practically running up the stairs. When he reached the nursery, he stopped outside the door.
Mary was singing softly. It was a rare occurrence to hear her doing this. Matthew listened as she carried the familiar tune, soaking in the sweet sound of her voice.
If you were the only girl in the world
And I were the only boy
Nothing else would matter in the world today
We could go on loving in the same old way
A Garden of Eden just made for two
With nothing to mar our joy
Matthew entered the room to find Mary holding George, rocking his small form back and forth. He joined in as she continued the song.
I would say such wonderful things to you
There would be such wonderful things to do
If you were the only girl in the world
And I were the only boy
Mary turned around to face him. "You've caught me," she said in a low voice. "This is the only way I can get him back to sleep."
"Well don't alter your methods just because I've found you out. You know how I love to hear you sing," he told her, smiling. "And I especially like that song."
"It is our song, so it doesn't surprise me that our son fancies it as well." Mary answered with a sly grin.
Matthew looked down at George, fast asleep in his mother's arms. "It definitely did the trick," he said, laughing. Mary gently put the baby back into the crib and turned out the light as they left the room.
Mary and Matthew peered back into the nursery through the slightly-open door, making sure George was settled. "Let's just hope it lasts," Mary whispered.
A/N: I always wished Mary would have sung more in the show (Michelle Dockery has a wonderful voice!). The concert in S2 is one of my favorite scenes, so that inspired my song choice. When I think of Mary and Matthew my mind always goes back to that song Mary sings, so I've decided to make it "their" song (I know, it's cheesy).
Also, thank you to those who posted reviews for the first chapter! Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Keep sending in any ideas or requests for future chapters, and be sure to follow for updates! Thanks for reading :)
-NMB
*Song: If You Were The Only Girl (In The World); originally written by Nat D. Ayer with lyrics by Clifford Grey for the musical The Bing Boys Are Here, which premiered in London in 1916.