Hello everyone! Now we reach the end of Part 2. Thank you all so much for the support and kindness you have given me.

Warning for this chapter...it is definitely T+ edging on M...but this will be the only chapter in the story to do so, so I am keeping the story rated T. If any other scenes happen to happen like this, I will up the rating. If you are uncomfortable with those types of scenes, skip the second section of this story.

Thank you!


Chapter 32

London 1920s

Mary made a low sound and then adjusted the large bag over her shoulder. The path to the beach was longer than she had expected it to be. Ruislip Lido was a small artificial beach in the north of London. When Mary was a small child, she remembered visiting here once with her family. It had been a day trip she and her sisters had taken with Nanny. It was so hot and so Nanny had decided to bring them to this little lake with its beach.

So when Mary chose to bring her family to London, she wanted to stay near that beach. She thought it would be a fun location for the children. However, she hadn't realized just how long of a journey the path from the home they were in that went to the beach.

"I thought you said the children looked at the water for hours," Mary grumbled. Anna had insisted they bring so many items for the children to play with and a picnic.

"They did. I brought them down yesterday after we settled into the house. Why, is this too much for you, Mary?" Anna teased. Her eyes were bright and full of happiness. Mary sucked in a breath, knowing she was rendered helpless at the sight of her. She wasn't sure she would ever be able to tell her no.

"I can manage it, thank you very much," Mary then replied.

"There! There!" Johnny jumped and began to run faster. Finally, Mary was able to see the sand and water.

It was early in the morning and so they had the little beach to themselves. Mary couldn't help but smile. It felt like their little secret. While she knew it wouldn't always be just for them, she hoped they could manage many mornings like this.

As they found a spot to sit, Anna handed Pippa over to Mary. She then took charge of setting up the blankets for them to sit on. The children happily played in the sand, digging up with the small shovel Anna had also brought.

"Oh darling," Mary murmured to the baby in her hands. Pippa's eyes were settled on her nose. The little girl darted out her hand and Mary playfully caught it with her lips. The baby giggled in delight.

Once more Mary found her thoughts going to what it might be like if she, Anna, and the children could always live like this. That if there was a safe corner of the world they could go to how their life could be very different. She only allowed herself to think that way for a moment. It was best to enjoy these moments when they came. She knew that she and Anna could find a way to make it all work.

Mary sunk down on the blanket next to Anna and placed Pippa between them. She was able to sit up pretty well now, but sometimes needed a hand to keep her steady. The little girl chewed on a block and happily watched George and Johnny play.

"What if we did this every year," Mary suggested.

"Huh?" Anna questioned, her eyes on the boys.

"Went away, just the five of us. We could go to a beach by the ocean, rent a house for a month, and just have time for us."

Anna turned to face her.

"I don't know. Wouldn't that look suspicious?" Anna was still the more cautious of the two of them. And Mary knew why. She would have the most to lose if they were found out.

"Not if I say I'm taking the children on a holiday. It would only make sense for you to come with me." Mary slid her hand over the blanket to touch her fingertips to Anna's.

"It does sound lovely," Anna agreed. Pippa began to fuss, so Anna lifted her up. The baby immediately settled against Anna's chest.

"Mummy!" George cried. He had fallen back onto his bottom. Mary quickly got up and lifted him into her arms. She kissed his cheek.

"Should we build a castle?" Johnny then asked them. Mary nodded.

"I think a castle sounds like a wonderful idea."

She got down with the children and helped them dig in the sand. Both boys helped her load the sand into a big heap between them.

"I never thought I would see the day where Mary Crawley got down and dirty," Anna smiled. Mary just chuckled.

"Darling, you will see plenty more of this. We have so much still to explore."

-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

Mary was exhausted. It had been a long evening entertaining with everyone after Rose's coming out. Her parents tried to insist she stay for the night and not make the long ride back to the house, but she told them she needed to see the children. And that wasn't a lie. She did miss them during the day. However, they would likely be asleep by the time she arrived. Who she really wanted to see was Anna.

Being at parties like today made her miss Anna even more. She wished she could have her on her arm and dance with her on the dance floor.

Opening the door, she found Anna dressed up and waiting for her on the small settee. The moment Anna realized she was there, she stood. Mary just smiled.

"What's this?"

"I have a surprise," Anna whispered.

"For me?"

"Yes, silly, who else would it be for?"

Anna walked up to Mary and took her hand. She then kissed her gently.

"Let's go outside."

Mary allowed Anna to take her to the backyard. It was a private backyard surrounded by trees. This really was the ideal location for the both of them. Here, they had no prying eyes upon them.

When they stepped outside, Mary saw a small meal set at the table. There were flowers placed around the gazebo. And candles lit up the area. It was beautiful.

"Why….?" Mary was in awe. Anna grasped at her hand and pulled her to the gazebo.

"Are you hungry?"

"Not really," Mary answered. "But you…"

Anna placed her hand over Mary's lips. "Shh, we don't have to eat. It's nothing special."

"This is all very special," Mary disagreed.

"Let's dance," Anna just murmured. Her hands came to rest on Mary's back and she pulled her close, until their cheeks touched. Slowly, the two of them swayed and turned on the small gazebo. Though there was no music, Mary felt like there was.

"I love you," Anna whispered into her ear.

"I love you too, darling," Mary answered.

Anna lifted her head and met Mary's eyes.

"Mary, I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Mary felt tears springing in her eyes. She nodded.

"I want that too."

"I know."

Anna lifted up a beautiful bracelet and took Mary's hand within her own.

"I know this isn't much, but it's for you. It is my way of showing you that I will be with you for the rest of my life." She slid the bracelet over Mary's wrist.

"It's beautiful. But Anna, you shouldn't have spent so much money. I…."

"None of that," Anna told her. "I wanted to."

Mary kissed her then.

"I know that we can never have a traditional marriage or even a wedding. But I thought tonight…."

Mary's lips curled up. "Yes," Mary agreed. "Tonight is our night. I will get you a bracelet as well. We will wear them always."

Anna happily chuckled. She pressed her cheek against Mary's and the two began to dance in the small gazebo together.

It had been a long while since Mary had felt so alive. She closed her eyes and breathed Anna in.

But then, Anna paused their movements. She took Mary's hand within her own and winked.

"Let's go upstairs."

Mary felt her breath escape and she could only nod. She quickly helped blow out the candles, before they kissed again. This time the kiss was long and languid. Hands began to roam and Mary could feel her heart racing in her chest. This was really going to happen.

As they made their way upstairs to the bedroom, they kept pausing to kiss again. They couldn't keep their hands off one another. Mary thought she might burst.

Finally, they made it into the bedroom. As the door shut behind them, Anna gently turned Mary around so that her back faced her. She kissed the crook of her neck, as her hands began to gingerly unbutton the buttons of her dress. It slipped down and to the floor. Anna's hands kept their movements, as they now skimmed up her sides and rested over her breasts. Mary's breath hitched in her throat.

She turned back to Anna and met her lips. Anna stepped backwards until her bottom fell to the bed. Mary dipped down to kiss her passionately, moaning as Anna's hands slipped over her slip to pull it down.

When she was exposed in the moonlight, Anna's hands darted and dared, before pulling her back to rest among the pillows.

"You're still dressed," Mary said. She felt Anna's hand on her thigh, rubbing circles with her thumb.

"I know," was all Anna said in return. Her lips crashed back against Mary's and she gently pushed her back, before her hand dared to breech her most sensitive area. Mary panted and moaned. Anna's lips dipped to her breast and Mary was made undone. Her breaths finally slowed and she met Anna's eyes.

"I love you," Anna whispered. Mary nodded, unable to speak. But she was able to kiss Anna again. Her fingers worked on the buttons of Anna's dress and she finally freed her of her clothing.

Anna laid back on the bed, her beautiful blonde locks spread out against the pillows. Mary straddled her, leaning down so that their bodies were one. Anna's hand lazily ran up and down Mary's back.

As Mary sat back up, she kissed down Anna's jaw to her neck, making a sound leave Anna's lips that only spurred Mary on further. She continued to kiss down Anna, until she reached her breasts. Anna gasped out and Mary just smiled.

Her hand gently touched her and Anna bucked. Mary met Anna's eyes, giving her the same satisfaction Anna had given her.

When she came down from her high, the two laid next to one another.

"That was…lovely," Anna sighed. "I love you, Mary."

"I love you." She bent forward to capture Anna's lips into her own. Then she gave her a wicked grin.

"Did you know one of the best things about women?"

"What's that?" Anna questioned.

"We can go all night if we please." Anna chuckled at that and her laugher grew as Mary playfully turned her back onto her back. "You know….I may have a bit more experience than you, but we'll make up for it."

"I'm sure we will," Anna was still happily laughing. Mary winked. Then she kissed down Anna once more, but this time she didn't stop at her breasts. When Anna cried out the moment her lips touched her, Mary knew she was a goner.

-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

Anna woke up earlier than she expected. The children were still asleep. She had even grabbed her robe to run and check on them. She guessed their days at the beach were wearing them out.

So now, she watched as Mary slept beside her. They were both still nude and so Anna's hand was able to run over her back, as she happily watched the woman she loved peacefully asleep.

Slowly Mary stirred. She opened her eyes and lazily looked up at Anna.

"Hi," Anna whispered.

"Hi," Mary whispered back.

"Did you sleep well?"

"I slept amazing," Mary answered her. Mary leaned forward and rested her head against Anna, so that Anna could kiss the top of her head.

"You are amazing," Anna murmured into her hair. Mary chuckled.

"Are the children still asleep?" She then asked.

"Yes, but I'd guess Pippa will be up in the next half hour or so hoping to be nursed." Anna looked over at the clock. Mary's hand caught hers and she kissed her knuckles.

"Then we'll have to be fast."

Midnight January 1st, 1971

"Happy New Year, darling," Mary murmured to Anna, as the clocks rung in the New Year. The two of them stood outside alone in the garden.

"Happy New Year, love," Anna responded. The two of them kissed. Anna closed her eyes and rested her cheek against Mary's. "Shall we dance?"
"Of course, my darling, we shall."

To be continued...

End of Part 2. Part Three will be up within the next week! Thank you for reading!