As always, thank you all so much!

Chapter 71

Fall 1971

The car pulled to a stop, leaving Mary to place her hand along the windowpane. She sat back slightly when she saw George on the other side of the door. He opened it, placing his hand out for her to take it. His touch was gentle as he helped her out and onto the uneven gravel.

"Be careful," George said, bringing Mary's arm around his for support. With her other hand, Mary grasped onto her cane. The sun shined in her eyes so she had to squint.

"Do you think she's alright?" Mary asked while they started their journey into the cemetery. Her head turned slightly, as though she could be able to see the house behind her.

"Yes, Pippa and the girls are with her," George said. He gave her hand a pat.

Mary knew George was right. Anna would be fine for the short while she and George visited with Matthew. She hadn't made it down to the cemetery in far too long. Her days were filled with spending time with Anna. It terrified her to leave her side. She didn't want Anna to wonder where she was.

When they reached Matthew's tombstone, George let go of Mary's arm before bending down to place her hand on the stone. He spoke quietly to the stone, so quietly that Mary couldn't make out what they were saying. Not that Mary needed to know. She waited patiently for her own turn to speak.

A moment later, George stood and kissed Mary's cheek.

"I'll leave you to speak with him. I'll be right over there."

Mary nodded.

Once George walked away, Mary let out a shuddering breath. A tear slipped down her cheek and she pressed her fingertips on it.

"Oh Matthew," she whispered. "I miss you every day, but you know that, don't you, darling? But I'm afraid, Matthew. I'm going to lose her; I am losing her. She's just here in body, but her mind is gone. I miss her. I miss her so much, just like I miss you. Even though she's here, I miss her. And I know I should let her go, but I can't. I need her, just as I needed you." Mary sucked in a breath, holding tighter onto her cane. She shook her head. "One day, we'll meet again, won't we, my love? I've waited a long time for you. I may not make it to you again, at least not anytime soon. Anna needs me at the Abbey. But I promise you're always here." Mary touched her chest. "Always, my darling."

1940s-Downton Abbey

The car door opened and Mary reached out her hand. It was Barrow who helped her out of the car and onto the uneven gravel. She gave him a thankful nod before stepping alone into the cemetery.

In her hands, she held a letter tight to her chest. Her fingers brushed over the paper, anxiously. She made it to Matthew's grave, bending down. Immediately, she moved her hand to the stone. It felt cool against her touch. Her eyes closed, thinking of Matthew.

"He's missing," Mary whispered, a tear sliding down her cheek. "Matthew, our son is missing in war. It's like when you were missing Matthew, but this time it's our son. And I don't know if I'll…." Her breath caught in her throat.

She went quiet, imagining Matthew beside her. It was almost as though he was beside her, his arms surrounding her protectively. Anytime she was here, she knew he was too.

"I can't lose him, Matthew. I can't lose him like I lost you," she said. "He's our son." Her eyes opened. A leaf fell against her hand. She lifted it, seeing it was almost shaped like a heart. Mary placed it against the letter.

"This," Mary began, "was the last letter I ever received from you, Matthew. I cherish it always."

She pressed a kiss to her fingers before pressing those fingers back to the stone.

"Please watch over him and send George back home to us."

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

Anna watched the car return from the bedroom window. She'd been waiting in this very spot since Mary had left earlier that morning. Anna knew there were things she should be doing and people she should be catering to, but her heart ached for her Mary and for George.

The house stood in mourning and worry for their George. It was quiet. Even the newer staff were quiet as they moved through the house. Everyone's thoughts were with George.

As the door to the room opened, Anna quickly turned. There stood Mary with her lips tight and the letter still held tightly against her chest. Mary closed the door behind her. Then Anna rushed to her, placing her hands lovingly on Mary's shoulders.

"Hey," she said, just above a whisper. "Why don't you let me undo your hair?"

Mary shook her head.

"I'm going to lose him," Mary said.

"No," Anna disagreed.

"I'm going to lose him like I lost Matthew."

Anna ran her hands down Mary's arms, down to her hands. She gently drew Mary to the end of the bed, where they both sat down. Her fingers ran along Mary's cheekbone.

"We don't know what the future will bring, my love," Anna said. "The world is not always kind. You and I both know that. However, the world can also bring us joy. We have George, we have Johnny, and we have Pippa. I don't believe the world would be cruel enough to take any of them away from us."

Mary took in a shaky breath.

"I do believe he'll come home to us," Anna said.

"And if she doesn't?" Mary asked.

"Then we'll mourn when it comes. But now, we must hope, Mary. We must." Anna slipped her hand to the back of Mary's neck, pulling her forehead against her. Their lips then met for a brief moment.

"Thank you," Mary breathed. Her head rested against Anna's neck. Anna held her close, kissing gentle kisses against the top of her head.

"I'm here, my love. We'll make it through this together."

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

"Mama," Pippa's voice came through the receiver. "Are you sure I shouldn't come home? How is Mother?"

"She is handling it as well as to be expected. But yes, your mother and I want you to go to Egypt, Pippa. You can't put your life on hold while George is missing in action, darling. We will keep you updated on everything."

"But…" Pippa's voice was strained.

"Oh darling," Anna said. "I know you wish you could be here. But go, go to Egypt. It's what George would want."

"Alright," Pippa said. "I do wish I was home."

"I know, darling. Write to us often. We will write to you."

They said their 'I love yous' and goodbyes before the line went dead. Anna felt a strange sense of loss when she could no longer hear Pippa's voice. She would be leaving for Egypt in the morning. Anna didn't know when she'd hear Pippa's voice again. They also didn't know when they would hear George's again. She fell back against the chair, her chest heavy.

Around Mary, Anna needed to remain calm. She needed to be the person Mary could lean on during this hard time. Anna kept her tears for when she was alone.

"Mrs. Bates." The door to her parlor opened to reveal Thomas. Upon seeing Anna's tears, his cheeks turned red. "I'm sorry, Anna." He quietly said, closing the door behind him. He stepped forward.

"I'm alright, Mr. Barrow," Anna said. She wiped under her eye with the back of her hand. "I only needed a moment."

"I shouldn't have walked in without knocking."

"No," Anna agreed. "You shouldn't." She stood from her chair and gave Thomas a kind smile. Over the years of being Head Housekeeper and Butler, their relationship had become a step closer to friendship. They understood one another, and Thomas loved the children. He kept their biggest secret.

"Might I get you something?"

"No, I'll be alright," Anna said. "Thank you."

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

There were whispers all around the Abbey as Mary made her way downstairs in search of Anna. Everyone seemed to be on high alert, but when they saw Mary, they quieted, stepping out of her way. Mary wanted to demand they tell her what they were all whispering about. However, she decided she didn't want to know. They were likely discussing George's disappearance. It had been several days now.

"Oh, Lady Mary!" Anna greeted. Mary met Anna's eyes before stepping into the parlor and shutting the door.

"Why do you seem cheerful?" Mary asked.

"Cheerful?" Anna shook her head. "Well, have you not heard?"

"What?" Mary briefly wondered if George was now home. Her heart skipped a beat.

"The war in Europe. It's over."

"What?" Mary stuttered. "But George…."

"I know." Anna reached out, drawing Mary toward her. "I'm sure we'll hear from him soon."

"But will we?" Mary's voice was tight. Anna rubbed the back of her fingers against Mary's cheek.

"We must, soon."

Mary swallowed hard.

"I hope so."

"We will."

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

But more time passed, and they had yet to hear from George. Anna folded up a letter to send to Pippa, sad that she had no news for Pippa about her brother. As each day passed, she became less sure they would see George again. It became harder for Anna to remain positive for Mary.

"Is that a letter for Pippa?" Mary asked.

"Yes, I am about to take it to the post. Do you have a letter for me to take?"

"No," Mary said. "But I probably should write to her. Her letter was very nice, although a little confusing."

At that, Anna chuckled. Pippa's letter to her had been full of explanations of what all she'd been up to, even if the words meant very little to her or Mary.

"Well, I can take another letter tomorrow. No rush."

"You know what? I'll walk with you. It's a lovely day and it might do me some good."

Anna smiled.

"Alright, I'd like that."

The moment they stepped outside, Anna heard Mary take a deep breath of the fresh air. It was then that Anna realized Mary had only gone outside once since they'd been told of George missing in action. Yes, this would do her good.

They didn't speak as they walked, but it was still wonderful nonetheless to have this time together. It reminded Anna of their picnics they used to do daily together. Anna wondered if they shouldn't try to pick that up again, though it made less sense now that they didn't have children to take with them.

Anna dropped off the letter, and Mary stayed outside. When Anna was back with Mary, she felt tempted to place her hand in Mary's. But there were too many people around them.

"He's not coming home," Mary whispered.

"What?" Anna breathed.

"It's been too long. He won't be coming home." Mary's lower lip trembled.

"Mary…"

"I've lost him like I lost Matthew."

"Don't say that. There's still time," Anna said.

Mary's head shook. She walked around the corner of a building and rested her back against it before allowing the sobs to overtake her. In this small alley, Anna and Mary were alone. Anna brought her arms around Mary, kissing her cheek.

"Let it out, my love. I'm here. I'm here."

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

Mary finally was able to control her emotions and remind herself that they could be seen, even if they were hidden away in an alleyway. She stood up, wiped her cheeks, and told Anna she was ready to go home.

As they reached the long, empty path to Downton Abbey, Mary took Anna's hand. She gave it a squeeze. She knew she would not survive without her. Their hands remained clasped until they could see the front doors and someone standing there.

At first, Mary believed she saw one of the footmen outside. But as they drew closer, the figure became clearer. Mary quickened her steps. Could her eyes be betraying her? The closer she got, the clearer he became.

"George! Oh George!" She began to run, and George moved toward her.

When they reached one another, his arms came around her, holding her tightly.

"Granny said you had gone into town," George whispered into Mary's ears. Mary glanced up, taking in every inch of her son.

"When….how?"

"I'll explain it all when we get inside." She hugged him back again. Happy tears spilled from her eyes.

"Aunt Anna," George said, keeping his arms around Mary.

"Oh, join us!" Mary reached out her arm toward Anna, who was giving them space. Anna shook her head, looking back at the house. "Oh, who cares about what's proper? George is home!"

That gave Anna all she needed to join their hug.

Mary couldn't believe it. He was here. Her boy was really here.

"Oh! I need to write, Pippa! And we need to ring Johnny! They both will be so relieved to hear it."

"In a moment, Mother," George said. "I'd like to enjoy this moment a bit longer."

"Yes, of course, darling. Me too."

To be continued...