Mary got up from her seat, looking at the floor in consideration and ushered her husband out of the room with her. She wouldn't let Matthew who was simmering away silently speak until they were both behind the door of the small library.

"Matthew - I hope you know it's polite to accuse your wife of things in private. Now, what is it?" Mary hissed.

"Mary, please! Don't act as if you have no idea what I'm talking about! Anthony didn't write this!"

"What?" Mary shook her head with eyes that were fraudulently addled, her heart beating quickly.

"This," Matthew passed her the letter which was half crumpled now, looking at her with disappointment. Mary took it and read, half triumphant - half liable.

"So you think Sir Anthony couldn't come up with something like this. And it's in his writing," she was attempting indifference.

"And in your words! Mary, I know what you can be like. Don't pretend you were never tempted to aid him... I know you! THESE - are not Anthony's words. I'm the one who read the other letters he sent to Edith."

"Fine. They're my words! But Matthew... can't you see what Edith deserves, she's the one who-"

"MY GOD YOU'LL NEVER GROW UP WILL YOU? Do you have any idea what it's like watching you two constantly at war -"

"Don't blame me! You're the one who was going to help Anthony yourself! You can't-"

"...I can't listen to this!" Matthew shook his head. "I - I have to go away."

"Matthew-"

"No listen. I'm - I'm leaving. I'll go to Carlisle, I've a cousin there who's been asking me to visit, I'm sorry Mary. Maybe you need to think about yourself, and so will I."

"Matthew don't be ridiculous, there're no trains! I don't know why you-"

He strode over to Mary and put his hands firmly on her shoulders. "Look at me my darling. Just think about what you've done. Your sister is upstairs - wailing her eyes out and it was bad enough without your help. Don't you see? Anthony's somehow gone and found someone else and that must be all she can take... you didn't need to do this!" He breathed. "That's it. That's all, don't ask me when I'll be back because... I don't know."

Matthew flew out the room without another word.