London
Chatter filled the drawing room at Grantham House, and Cora beamed again at how many people were at Sybil's At – Home. She wore a lovely satin dress with a deep rose color. Several young gentlemen already surrounded Sybil, while Rosamund spoke encouragingly to Edith. Mother and Mama argued in a corner, as they appeared to do every time they were in each other's company. And Mary and Mathew appeared happy, speaking to each other as they sipped wine.
"Sybil is already doing so well, just as I knew she would," Cora said to Robert, unable to keep the wide smile off her face. "It was such a blessing to have Mary assist in choosing some of her fabric and trimmings, what with my injury. And Edith was also a wonderful help selecting which jewelry Sybil should wear." She glanced at her two older daughters, dressed in blue and green dresses, in appreciation before returning her eyes to her beautiful Sybil.
Robert didn't answer for several moments. Then he sighed. "I'm so glad your leg is healed, darling." He stared at her leg for a moment, and Cora wished once again he wouldn't stress about it. It was true it had taken her a while to become used to walking again after her cast had been removed, but she'd been fine since they'd arrived in London.
"I am too, darling, but I wish you would stop worrying." She wiggled her leg a bit, to show how recovered she truly was, and grasped his arm. "Now could we focus on Sybil?" Her eyes returned to Sybil, who grinned widely as she spoke to another gentleman.
"She certainly is doing well tonight," Robert said with a slow nod. "I suppose she is finally maturing." He'd threatened to withdraw Sybil's presentation after her horrid head injury, calling Sybil far too reckless and immature for it. But Cora had gently allowed him to reconsider, and Sybil even apologized for worrying her parents, forcing Robert to realize she may not be as immature as he'd believed.
"She is doing wonderfully," Mother said suddenly, her louder voice causing Cora to jump a bit. "And I'm so glad she even wearing that lovely diamond bracelet I bought for her. It's so nice that she's not afraid of new things, be fashions from New York, machines, or ideas." Mother certainly had no problems embracing New York fashions in England, dressed in another reddish orange dress with large sequins.
"Yes, Mother," Cora said slowly. It was true that out of all her daughters, Sybil enjoyed hearing about New York and speaking with Mother the most, so she would naturally enjoy its fashions as well. But Cora wished her mother wouldn't be so…excited about Sybil's interest in new machines and ideas; they made Robert so uncomfortable, and he was already edgy tonight with his youngest daughter growing up and still foolishly worried about Cora's leg.
Cora stepped closer to Robert and squeezed his arm a bit more.
"We are proud of her," he said finally, and Cora beamed that he'd said that out loud.
"So you should be," Mother said with a nod. "I hear she's finally convinced you to buy an automobile for Downton. I don't suppose you'd be interested in buying another?"
Robert stared at Mother, as if he'd never heard a more foolish idea, and Cora had to agree, although she kept quiet. "No, I am afraid not."
"Have you noticed how happy Mary is with Mathew?" Cora said, before Mother could make another comment that would provoke her husband. She smiled as they stood off to the side, chatting to each other. Their eyes were aglow with love and happiness as they gazed.
Cora exchanged a similar glance with her husband, almost melting at the soft look in his blue eyes and the relaxed expression on his face. They were both so glad that Mary and Mathew were finally at the place she and Robert knew they could be last year.
Mother nodded. "They certainly do appear happy…for now." Cora sighed, wishing Mother didn't believe love was always so temporary.
"I believe they will be happy for a good long time," Robert said firmly. His warm hand stroked Cora's cheek as he spoke, showing how happy they still were together.
Mother sighed.
"How would you like a glass of wine, Mother?" Cora said, desperate to relieve the tense situation somehow. Robert and Mother didn't clash as much as she and Mama, but they found each other annoying. Mama thought her Robert was boring and pompous , while Robert found Mother brash, vulgar, and too much of a drama queen. And as they were both stubborn, they refused to admit they were ever wrong. "Or I think the footmen will be bringing out the food shortly."
Mother nodded. "I suppose. I hope the food worth it this time."
Cora sighed despite herself. Mother truly was a drama queen but Cora still loved that she was here to support Sybil.
OOOOOOOOO
"Oh, Sybil was so beautiful tonight," Cora said, as her mind drifted back to her daughter in her presentation gown again. She'd looked perfect in her white simple silk gown, lacey bow, and the diamond necklace and matching earrings.
Overwhelmed at the image, Cora's eyes filled with tears for the third time tonight, but this time she couldn't stop them from falling from her face. She hoped Robert wasn't bothered, even if they were alone in her room.
"Yes, she was," Robert said, his voice full of love. "And she curtsied before the king exactly as she should have. But Cora, you were even more beautiful in your silver dress, and you performed your role perfectly, guiding through everything tonight."
Her heart swelling, more tears fell from Cora's face. "Oh, darling," she said, and Robert wrapped his strong arms around her. Far too quickly, she pulled away, as even in this thin nightdress, Cora was still very warm. But she still smiled brightly. "And I adore you in that red uniform, with all your metals showing on your chest."
An image of him dressed as he'd been earlier this evening flashed in Cora's mind and she grew even warmer, but she stroked his cheek anyway. In return, Robert's hand reached up and grasped hers, and before she knew it, their lips touched.
"Mmm, Robert," Cora said, humming in contentment and wiggling at how warm her body was. She needed to remove clothing. Her hand managed to reach under her nightdress even though their lips were still connected.
She struggled for several moments, bur with Robert's assistance, her nightdress lay on the floor. He stared at her, smiling and his eyes soft in the candlelight.
Slowly, he removed his own night clothing, revealing his bare chest and legs. Some of his chest hair was turning grey, and it reminded Cora of all the years they had together. Their rocky first year. The birth of their three wonderful daughters. Her father's death. The Boer War where Cora worried constantly for his safety. Then there was his own father's death and both of them officially becoming earl and countess. Four years ago, Mary and Edith had been presented, and just last year Mary married a wonderful man.
"Can you believe it was only four years ago that we were here, presenting Mary and Edith?" Cora said as she reached over and played with his chest hair.
"No," Robert said, his eyes still glowing with softness in the candlelight. "Even then, I knew Sybil's presentation would come too quickly, but I cannot believe just how fast the time has flown." He caressed her soft skin as he spoke, and she had to kiss him again.
But as he pulled her closer, Cora grew uncomfortably warm again. Carefully, she withdrew and poured water on a handkerchief from the pitcher sitting on the vanity.
Robert's eyes seemed to grow as she patted her body with cool water, and he beckoned her to the bed. With a smile she climbed onto it, keeping the wet handkerchief nearby.
It was already late when they'd returned from the Palace, and it would be later still now, especially with how much longer it took to get things started. But Cora knew it would be worth it. It always was.
And why would it matter if Cora and Robert slept later than normal? They were the lord and lady of the house.
OOOOOOOOO
Cora and Robert did sleep late the next morning, but still made time to attend Lady Catherine's At – Home the next day. The also eagerly planned for Sybil's Ball the next week. Her daughter chose a lovely deep green gown that glistened in the light, while Mary and Edith helped her chose the appropriate jewelry.
Cora sent invitations to all the eligible young men with Mama's assistance, although Mother questioned every word, causing extra stress. She also hired the best musicians, although Mother encouraged her to hire more modern performers.
"Why are you hiring Mr. Johnson as the cello player, Cora?" Mother said one afternoon as they attempted to enjoy tea. "Didn't he play for Mary and Edith's ball as well? And he was at least fifty years old then." She shook her head. "Sybil must have a younger man, who won't fall asleep a half hour after the ball begins."
Mama's eyes narrowed into her scariest expression. "Johnson is the best cello player in London, and Sybil certainly deserves the best." She sipped her tea, and it amazed Cora how regal her mother-in-law could look while staring down an opponent.
Mother sighed, as if she had no patience. "But does it occur to you that the best may not be an old goat, but a young man who can play until dawn?"
Cora sighed, staring from one woman to the other. Normally, she liked to think she had a lot of patience, especially handling Mary and Edith's petty feuds. But these arguments, her constant hot spells, and the stress of planning were giving her a headache. "Mother we are all in agreement that Sybil deserves the best. And everyone in London has always been happy with Mr. Johnson's cello, and so he will be here for Sybil's ball. Now if you excuse me, I need to go upstairs."
She placed her teacup down and left the room, not pausing to look at Mama's expression, who no doubt wished to lecture her for being a terrible hostess. It didn't matter. Cora had to lie down now.
OOOOOOOOOOO
Several days later, Cora smiled as Mr. Johnson's cello music filled Grantham House, along with Mr. Graham, the base player, and Mr. Jacobs, the violin player. Dozens of eligible young gentlemen waited to dance with Sybil. Tonight, Cora was an appropriate hostess, and this was the day that mattered.
Even more importantly, Robert, dressed in his best tails and Sybil in her sparkly green gown, opened the ball together. Cora adored seeing them happy together, especially as it was unfortunately a rare occasion. Sybil twirled and moved her feet perfectly, her dance lessons proving fruitful as they glided across the floor, and Robert was a marvelous dancer.
But the best part was the look in their eyes. Robert's face was aglow with love and fatherly pride, and Sybil's shone with love for her Papa. In fact, Cora's eyes filled with tears as she watched them. Discretely, she dabbed a handkerchief, wondering why she was so emotional these days. She hadn't struggled this much when Mary and Edith had come out.
Perhaps it was because Sybil was Cora's baby.
When their dance ended, both Lord Mar's son and James Yates approached Sybil politely, so Robert stepped aside. "She is doing very well, I suppose," Robert said with a sigh. But he still stared as their girl began dancing with Lord Mar's son.
"I'm proud of you," Cora said softly into Robert's ear, forcing the lingering tears out of her voice. "You let Sybil be presented despite her mistake a couple of months ago, and as you said, she's doing marvelously. And now you're even allowing her to dance with other men."
Robert nodded slowly, but his eyes were still on Sybil and Lord Mar's son.
Placing her hands on both of her shoulders, Cora gently refocused his attention to her. "I know it's difficult, darling. It is for me, too." Sometimes she desperately wished their Sybil was still a little girl, pleading with Cora to play with her in the nursery. But she wasn't. She was a young woman who deserved to dance with eligible gentlemen. Cora blinked away more tears.
Robert didn't say anything for another moment, but he looked deeply into her eyes as if searching for wisdom. Cora hoped he found it. She knew he had when a small smile appeared on his face and he said, "Would you like to dance, darling?"
Smiling herself, she said, "Of course." It was wonderful that he'd found a way to feel better, and they both loved dancing together. Robert placed his right hand in hers and his left on her waist, while she placed her left hand on his shoulder, enjoying the feel of his easy touch. Sometimes they could get a bit too physically affectionate than was strictly acceptable, but no one minded when they danced.
Mary and Mathew twirled around, appearing just as happy, and the warm feeling in her chest grew in response, causing Cora to smile wider at Robert and caress his shoulder even more. Even Edith appeared to be speaking with a gentleman. Mother and Mama stood in the corner, probably still arguing about Mr. Johnson's cello, but that didn't even bother Cora tonight. "This is a wonderful evening, Robert," she said, unable to keep her joy quiet as she gazed into his blue eyes.
"Absolutely," he said, returning her gaze.
OOOOOOOOOO
An hour later, Cora was desperate to leave the ballroom, as much as she loved Robert's gaze. It was simply too warm in here, full of people in their evening gowns and tails, dancing and socializing with everyone. And the champagne only made the situation worse.
Swallowing another drop of champagne, Cora sighed and placed her glass aside. It felt like she was consuming fire. And not in a good way. "I think might step out for a bit," she said, nodding to Lord and Lady Wooster. They both nodded, as if they understood Cora's discomfort. Or they might be a bit too interested in their champagne, although she hated to think ill of her guest
Robert immediately followed Cora to the atrium in Grantham House. "Are you all right?" he asked quietly as soon as they were alone. "Did someone say something? Cora, you know you're a marvelous countess and you've done a perfect job hosting our Sybil's ball."
Cora shook her head, although her heart fluttered that he understood how sensitive she still was to those comments and how quick he was to reassure her. "No, nothing like that, darling. I just felt a bit too warm in there, with all the people so close together in one room. You know I've been having warm spells for the past few months." Before she could change her mind, she removed her gloves, freeing her hands from the silky constraints.
Shaking his head, Robert sighed. "Are you certain you don't need to see a doctor? I could arrange something tomorrow?" He sounded as panicked as he was when she'd broken her leg last month.
She reached up and stroked his cheek briefly, to calm him and to enjoy the naked touch. "No, Robert, don't worry. It will go away soon enough; they always do. Sybil is what is important today."
Glancing inside the drawing room, Cora's heartbeat faster as she saw her youngest daughter dancing with yet another young gentleman.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
OOOOOOO
Although Sybil's coming out and her youngest sister attending as many balls as possible was the focus in this year's London Season, Mary and Mathew also celebrated their first anniversary.
Relatives, from Isobel to Aunt Rosamund gathered in the drawing room. Mathew's closest friend from law school, James Baker also arrived, and he and Mathew chatted away along with Papa. Dear Lord Merton, Mary's godfather, came with his wife and two sons, the oldest who was still keen on Sybil.
All the female guests swarmed around Mary, congratulating her on her first year of marriage and quick birth. "You and Mr. Mathew are a good match to conceive so early," Lady Merton said, her bird-like eyes, bearing into Mary's. "I only hope next time it will be a proper heir."
Mary bristled. She knew these comments would come in their society, especially with her early pregnancy, but they still bothered her. "Mathew and I are very happy with Grace," she said firmly, with her head high. "And we are certain the heir will come eventually." Especially with how often they tried these days, Mary thought to herself with a hidden smirk.
"Robert and I adore Grace," Mama said sweetly, but also staring right into Lady Merton's bird eyes. Straight and tall, with her head held high, Mama seemed to tower over the other woman, who was obviously four or five inches shorter than Mama. "She our first grandchild and a delight. She was even sitting up with assistance when we left for London last month. We all look forward to seeing her when we return." Mary stared at Mama, briefly fascinated by her strength and support, as Mary had always associated Mama with weakness.
But if it was anyone who understood the pain of being told your child was not good enough because she was a girl, Mary supposed it was Mama.
"We all adore Grace," Granny said, staring Lady Merton until the woman resembled a sparrow instead of a hawk.
"Yes, of course," Lady Merton said finally, as if she were afraid to say otherwise. Thank you, Granny Mary thought, grateful that she had her grandmother's unending support again.
OOOOOOOOOOO
Still strengthened by her family's support, Mary marched into the dining room, knowing she had Carson's support as well when dinner was announced.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Mathew said, standing as soon as Carson poured the wine. "This time last year, Lady Mary and I married, and I had no idea what a journey the year would be. Yet, I wouldn't change anything because Mary and Grace are the best parts of my life. So here is to Lady Mary, my wife."
Mary raised her glass with everyone else, but her eyes were on Mathew's clear blue ones. Did he truly mean what he said, that he wouldn't change a thing about their relationship, with their rocky beginning and Mary's nasty treatment? His eyes appeared to shine with sincerity as they gazed at her. Of course, as a lawyer, Mathew knew how to bend the truth when necessary.
But his words still floated through her mind through out dinner, as the guests chatted about the wonderful ham glazed with blueberry sauce and drank the sweet wine. Mary, meanwhile, chatted about Sybil's season and her little Grace. Much safer topics.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Mathew entered her room that night, as they were both eager to conceive a child and celebrate their anniversary. Mary had Anna find her best silk nightgown, which was the color of the burgundy wine they drank tonight and accented her breasts perfectly.
"Hello, Mary," he said eagerly, studying her womanly form as soon as he entered, his eyes landing on her breasts, just as she knew he would.
"Hello, Mathew," she said, her smile widening as she saw his chest hair peaking out his brown dressing gown. His hand seemed to reach out to touch her nightgown, as if in a trance, and Mary glowed, loving that she affected him this much.
Especially as he affected her. More than she would have expected. Her own hand reached to feel his firm chest, fingering the small hairs and even his beating heart beneath his dressing gown. "Did you like my toast?" Mathew asked, with a smirk she loved, but his voice betrayed a seriousness Mary was seldom prepared.
"I did," Mary said, trying to keep her voice causal, but find it impossible with his hands caressing her skin and that look in his eyes. "It was exactly what the audience expected to hear out of a newlywed man. I can see another reason why your office respects your soliciting talents." Her eyes studied the bedpost as Mary said that last comment, unable to say them otherwise.
Mathew sighed, as if Mary had disappointed him a bit, and Mary's heart sank. "I appreciate that you respect my way with words," he said carefully, as if choosing them deliberately. "But…darling, look at me." Mary's heart leaped at the endearment and did so, despite how nervous she was. "It wasn't just for the audience. It was for you, too."
Mathew's lips grew closer and closer as he spoke, his warm breath tickling her face in a way that caused her insides to jump. The kiss was inevitable. It was intense the way his tongue caressed hers, especially as his hands were still stroking Mary's nightgown and even occasionally her bare skin. Her hands were still feeling his firm chest.
"Truly?" Mary couldn't help but ask when they finally withdrew, referring to what he'd said in his toast. She didn't understand how he could possibly say 'I wouldn't change anything' and mean it. There were a lot of things she wished she could change. "Those first few months were tough on both of us."
"They were," Mathew agreed, his clear blue eyes staring into hers in a way that no one else had and Mary knew no one ever would again. "We had a lot of misunderstandings because we didn't know each other very well. But Mary I love a challenge, and you are the best and most beautiful challenge I've ever met."
"Oh, Mathew," she said, unable to say anything else as her heart filled her entire chest. For the first time in her life, she felt truly accepted and valued, just for being Mary, rather than being an earl's daughter.
She kissed him again and her heart exploded, as they tumbled onto the bed, determined to finally remove each other's clothes and conceive.
OOOOOOOOOO
Mary and Mathew spent the rest of the London Season attempting to conceive, while assisting Sybil to meet eligible gentlemen. It was the most enjoyable season Mary had ever had, although now she looked forward to seeing Grace again.
"Did you find the London Season pleasing?" Mary asked, as they rode the train back to Downton two months later. She kept her voice and expression neutral, but she needed to know if Mathew had enjoyed it as much as she had.
To Mary's relief, Mathew smiled, and his blue eyes sparkled. He looked so handsome when he did that. "Quite. I enjoyed it much more than I expected. I suppose I've become used to these social events but seeing Sybil blossom in the last couple of months was nice, and I rather enjoyed all the extra time I was able to spend with you."
Mary felt her grin widen, as much as she tried to keep her expression neutral that Mathew had enjoyed the London Season for the same reason she had. Out loud, she said, "I am glad you've finally managed to dance properly and understand a formal dinner."
Mathew smirked in the way he always did when he thought he could win a debate with Mary. "I would say I've done it more than properly considering how often you've danced with me over the last three months."
Mary opened her mouth to respond to his challenge, but she noticed her mother request for another cup of ginger tea in the background. Ginger tea? How many cups of that had Mama drank since they've boarded this train? Two? Three maybe, even?
And why would Mama drink ginger tea? Wasn't that the blend that Mama had suggested for Mary when she had struggled with sickness on the train after she'd discovered Mary's pregnancy? But Mama couldn't be pregnant. She certainly knew better than that.
Mama had defended Grace from those gossipy women who were disappointed she wasn't a boy. She loved Grace and wasn't looking for a "real heir." She knew Mary and Mathew would provide one eventually.
But Mama's ginger tea filled Mary's nostrils, prickling her.
Mama was too old to become pregnant anyway. Her parents didn't…they couldn't…Mary's stomach revolted at the thought, and she wondered if she could use some ginger tea herself.
Swallowing her sickness, Mary focused back on what was important. Mathew and Grace. His clear blue eyes and assertive smile were as handsome as ever. Grace would smile and coo for Mary and Mathew when they returned home today. "If you've danced more than properly, it was because of what I taught you, and you know that, Mathew," Mary said, in a voice confident she'd won their latest debate.