He, too, had been surprised by the man's declaration regarding his heritage and even more so by his willingness to share such personal details about his life with virtual strangers, albeit not to the woman sitting next to him.
Matthew took notice that she was transfixed by the man's voice and her hand rested on his arm in what he assumed was a gesture of consolation.
He turned to Mary then and found her following his line of vision and biting her lip, which she did routinely when contemplating something of importance.
As if she could sense her cousin glaring at her, Rose shook herself out of her self-induced trance and changed the subject.
"Are you sure the breeze isn't too much for you, Mary? We will be picking up speed soon," she said.
"No, I'm sure I will be fine, Rose. My hair might not be, but I will," she quipped. Then she added in the same tone, "But should I be concerned that Mr. Haversmith has a lead foot? I'm afraid the only time I relish speed is when I'm atop a horse."
Rose's golden curls swung back and forth. "Oh, no, Mary. Smitty is an excellent driver, she said and flashed him a brilliant smile. "I assure you that you are in safe hands."
"But are you?" popped into Matthew's head from out of nowhere.
He had learned to pay attention to his inner voice a long time ago, having found it rarely steered him in the wrong direction.
Haversmith took his eyes off the road for a brief moment to return Rose's smile and the look on his face told Matthew that it hadn't this time either.
Good God, he's in love with her.
XX
AN: This has kept me going through this horrible ordeal we are all suffering. I hope you are all safe and enjoy reading this chapter.
Chapter XI
"This road was originally Fourth Avenue and there were railroad tracks running down the center of it, but as the population grew, so did the number of train accidents. In 1870 it wasn't just livestock that had wandered onto the tracks being mowed down, but a good number of people, too. That led to a public outcry for Cornelius Vanderbilt to move his railroad line", Mr. Haversmith said, and then paused to adjust the rear-view mirror.
He certainly has taken a keen interest in Manhattan, Matthew thought, amazed by the Aldridge employee's extensive knowledge of New York, past and present.
Now, where was I?" Haversmith muttered.
"I think you were about to tell us how Mr. Vanderbilt solved his problem," George called out, his eyes fixed on the driver in rapt attention.
Though Matthew knew, as his son no doubt did, that the man's question was not directed to anyone but himself, he was not surprised to hear George respond to it, knowing that his thirst for knowledge was never fully quenched.
"Ahh, yes...Thank you, George," Haversmith said in a tone that made it clear he was pleased by the boy's attentiveness.
Then he picked up where he had left off.
"After a great deal of negotiation, a plan was put in place whereby the tracks would be removed and buried in trenches, then covered by greenery. Those are the medians you see now separating the north and south bound traffic. They used to be wider and had walking paths and seats carved out for pedestrians, like those you would find in a park. Hence, the new road name. Unfortunately for those who utilized them, they were shaved down about seven years ago to add another traffic lane."
"Sorry?" Matthew blurted, catching only the last few words as he had become lost in thought while contemplating the nature of the man's relationship with Rose.
The driver hesitated to respond for a couple of seconds as he made the required hand signal to change lanes. Then he replied, "I was explaining how this street came to be known as Park Avenue, Mr. Crawley. It refers to the landscaped medians that beautify the road for the next few miles."
Putting his worrisome thoughts aside, Matthew gazed at the London Planes that lined the avenue, each tree nestled in dark earth and surrounded by a scalloped metal border. Then his eyes veered to the middle of the road, where he found the black asphalt replaced by lush green grass that was spotted with trees, shrubs and a variety of Spring flowers in bloom.
A long row of cherry trees came into view next, each one shedding the last of its blossoms. Nudged by nature and a gentle breeze, they detached from their branches and floated down onto the blanket of pink petals that lay on the ground.
He found the scene mesmerizing and didn't veer his eyes until his daughter drew his attention elsewhere.
"Aren't they beautiful, Father? Victoria said, pointing to a batch of pansies. The yellow and purple are my favorites."
They were his, too, and he shared that with her before a garden filled with pink, white and bright red peonies nearly changed his mind.
The street name fits well, Mr. Haversmith," he called out, getting a whiff of lilac that hung in the air.
It filled the cab of the car with its sweet scent and reminded him of Mary.
Turning his head her way, he found that she, too, was enjoying the fragrant aroma that had replaced the smell of road tar and car exhaust.
"It smells just like Mother's perfume, " Victoria exclaimed.
That brought Mary's head around and she smiled before returning her gaze to the window.
"It is too bad the paths and seating had to be removed. The gardens are quite lovely." she said, her comment making it apparent to Matthew that unlike him, his wife had been paying attention to the driver's commentary.
Mr. Haversmith nodded his head in agreement. Then Rose piped in, "I agree, Mary, but as you can see, the extra lane was necessary. The traffic would crawl before it was added…Besides, we have many beautiful parks and arboretums to enjoy."
"As well as your own horticultural masterpiece," the driver added. "The roof garden you created is extraordinary, Rose."
"Thank you, Smitty, but I refuse to take all the credit when you played such an important role in its design. I dare say the roof appears a magical place once the sun sets thanks to the strung fairy lights you suggested…and I incorporated many of your other ideas, as well," she declared and flashed him a smile.
Matthew wondered how much time Rose and "Smitty" spent together in that magical place and the uneasy feeling that plagued him since he became aware that the man was in love with her heightened.
"I've never had much interest in flowers but I think the idea of creating a garden on one's roof is quite ingenious. Cousin Rose," George said.
At that, JR nodded his head in agreement and Victoria launched into a campaign to see the "horticultural masterpiece".
"I love flowers and fairy lights," Cousin Rose. May I see the garden tonight? Please…Oh, please say yes."
"Now, Victoria, you must not badger Rose," Mary demanded. "It has been quite a busy day and she might prefer to show us the roof some other time...and please stop pouting."
Matthew pulled his daughter close and said, "Have patience, sweetheart…and mind your mother."
Victoria's puckered lips relaxed and she nodded her head. Then a few moments later she said, "I'm sorry if I'm being a bother, Cousin Rose. Whenever you have time to show me your garden is fine with me…but, just so you know, I won't forget about it."
Not exactly what Mary had in mind, but she isn't pouting any longer and that is a plus.
Hearing nothing further from his wife, Matthew assumed that the matter was dropped.
Rose, however, picked it up and replied to Victoria's plea.
"You are not being a bother, sweet girl, and as long as your parents have no objection, I would love to share my garden with you after dinner…as well as dessert, if you like. Your cousins often enjoy theirs under the fairy lights...and I know that our cook has prepared something special for you."
"For me?" Victoria cried out, bristling with excitement.
Rose chuckled and replied, "Well, not just you, darling. Mrs. Heughan has prepared a tasty treat for all the children…Those with teeth, that is. I'm afraid Baby Hope isn't ready for solid food yet."
Mary smiled. "No matter what her present diet, it is clear by the photograph you sent to us last month that she is thriving. If I didn't know it, I would never guess she had been born prematurely."
Hence the name, Hope, Matthew thought, recalling how worried they all had been at Downton when the telegram arrived announcing her birth a full month earlier than had been expected.
Atticus had not provided details regarding the baby's health except to say there had been some complications that required the infant remain in the hospital until they could be resolved. The only other information he had shared in the wire was that Rose was doing well, although she was disheartened that she would have to return home without her newborn daughter.
That had given the family some comfort as they knew first-hand how complications in pregnancy could lead to tragedy.
Rose replied, "Everyone who knows the circumstances of her birth says the same thing, Mary...and she is doing quite well, thank God. Atticus and I couldn't be happier."
Matthew was happy, too. as he was aware that the couple had faced an uphill climb of their own after they fell in love due to family issues that likely would never be fully resolved. Rose and her mother, Susan MaClare, were still estranged, and though it appeared Lord Sinderby had mellowed a bit since his grandson was born, he was not pleased that Atticus's children had been baptized in the Christian faith.
As if she were reading his mind, Rose cried out, "Please slow down, Smitty. St. Bart's is coming up and I want Mary and Matthew to see where the children were christened."
Haversmith moved into the right traffic lane and reduced the automobile's speed as they reached a domed, salmon and cream-colored brick church that stood in sharp contrast to the cliff-like facades of the commercial buildings that surrounded it.
The sight of the church brought Matthew back to his early days at Downton when Edith took on the role of tour guide in order to familiarize him with the houses of worship nearby. Of course, he was aware at the time that she did so because she had hoped to gain his favor, but though his interest lay elsewhere, he accepted her invitation, knowing he would have appeared ill-mannered if he had not. Still, he had called it a day as soon as possible to discourage any further interest on her part.
He smiled then as he thought of how much his sister-in-law had changed since he first met her. Certainly, there was no-one who would call her "poor Edith" now.
Her marriage to Evelyn Napier was solid, she was blessed with three wonderful children, and her business was thriving. Quite an accomplishment for a woman whose own parents believed would wind up an old maid, destined to take care of them in their elder years.
Quite an accomplishment, indeed, his inner voice reiterated as his eyes narrowed in an effort to see more of the details of the church that was being presented to him now.
If only he could reach his spectacles, he would be able to get a better view of the tall stained-glass windows that loomed in the distance. But, no. Victoria would have to be moved in order for him to reach them and it would not be fair to hold up traffic that long.
"How I wish you all could have been at the ceremony. It was quite beautiful, Rose said. Then, she turned her head to the driver and asked, "Wasn't it, Smitty?"
Depressing the gas pedal to pick up speed, he replied, "I don't think I have ever attended a baptism that moved me as much as Hope's did, but then again, my being her Godfather might have something to do with that."
"You're Hope's Godfather?" Mary exclaimed, sounding as surprised as he felt upon hearing the announcement.
Matthew remained silent, however, giving his wife the opportunity to correct her lapse in decorum.
"How wonderful for you, Mr. Haversmith, Mary said, in a tone that remedied any impropriety on her part. "I am Godmother to my late sister Sybil's daughter and feel honored that I was chosen to fill such an important role."
"As am I, Lady Mary, he replied solemnly. "Baby Hope means the world to me and I will do everything in my power to ensure her well-being."
Matthew didn't doubt it and by the expression on Rose's face, she didn't either, her appreciation and admiration on fully display.
But is that all she feels? he asked himself as Victoria struck up a conversation with JR regarding the length of time one could hold onto a biscuit before it would go stale.
That made his mouth twitch and he turned to Mary to see her reaction, but it was clear she hadn't heard a thing. She appeared in a daze with her eyes riveted on Rose.
Anna had been paying attention, though, and her head snapped around to the back seat.
"John Robert Bates, are you storing biscuits in your pockets, again?"
Matthew could not help but notice the look that passed between JR and Victoria and filed it away as he caught sight of Mary shifting her attention to the startled boy sitting beside to her.
Looking around the cab of the car, he saw Haversmith and Rose doing their best to appear as though they had gone deaf, with the latter pointing out a maid walking a French Poodle and murmuring something under her breath.
Still, JR's cheeks grew redder by the second until he met his mother's narrowed eyes.
"I did take a few biscuits that were left on the tray in the dining hall …," his voice faltered and he cleared his throat. "The waiter told me that any food that hadn't been eaten would be tossed into the rubbish and that seemed an awful waste, so I wrapped a handful of them in my napkin and stuffed that in my pocket. It is still there."
Anna let out a sigh of frustration and then let the flood gates open.
"I explained why storing food in your clothes was a problem a few days ago, JR, and you assured me it would not happen again. I am very disappointed in you, young man, and rest assured your disobedience will be dealt with later," she said with finality.
Matthew recalled how he felt when he was called on the cuff in front of other people and empathized with the boy's predicament. Yet, he knew Anna would not be harsh in meting out whatever punishment she had in store for her son. She was one of the kindest people he had ever known."
At that moment, Victoria began squirming in his lap and he was reminded of the conspiratorial look that had passed between the two children before JR made his confession. That along with the question she had asked the boy regarding the viability of biscuits made it clear she was involved in this peccadillo.
As he pondered exactly how, his daughter nearly jumped off his lap and cried out, ""Please don't be upset with JR, Anna. He was only saving the biscuits because I asked him to."
Aha.
JR looked at Victoria with wide eyes while shaking his head vehemently back and forth.
Now all that is left is to determine which of them is covering for the other.
He set his sights on George, then, to determine if he knew the answer, but the boy's expression mirrored the driver and Rose's.
When did he learn how to do that?
Still, Mary decided to draw their son into the mix.
"Do you know anything about this? I know you do not like tattling on others but if you can clear the air, it would be most helpful, George."
Victoria did not give her brother a chance to reply as she exclaimed, "If you don't believe me, just look in JR's pocket, Mother… You will only find chocolate hobnobs and shortbread fingers, which you know I like best."'
Mystery solved.
Now, all that was left was whether he or his wife would admonish their daughter.
Mary looked at him with raised brows and he cocked his head in her direction.
Have at it, darling.
"Victoria, you need to apologize to JR for putting him in this position. He disregarded his mother's directive in order to please you and now will suffer the consequences," she said in a .
That is going to sting.
Matthew saw that it did, too, as his youngest slowly nodded her head, then fixed her eyes on her cohort and said, "I'm sorry, JR. I should never have asked you do something that would get you into trouble. It will never happen again."
Her apology complete, she slumped back against his chest.
Looking down at her, he acknowledged that it wasn't a good idea for JR to store biscuits in his pockets. It was completely unsanitary and an open invitation to vermin of all kinds. It was true, too, that it was wrong for Victoria to ask him to do her bidding.
Still, the desolate look on Victoria's face tugged at his heartstrings.
Then, Mary fine-tuned them.
"Thank you, Victoria. That was nicely done," she said, offering her an olive branch and a smile.
Thank you, my love.
He, along with everyone else in the car except the driver, then turned their attention to Anna.
"Just stop the practice now, JR, and we'll put this behind us," she said soothingly. Half way turned in her seat, she spun back around and added, "And be sure to shake out any crumbs in your pockets once you are out of the car."
"No doubt the birds in the area will be singing a happy tune," Mary said in a cheerful tone.
That led to both JR and Victoria breaking into wide grins.
It pleased him, too, and he winked at his wife before planting a kiss on the top of his daughter's head. Then, he wrapped his arms around Victoria's waist and wished that all the problems that existed in the world could be solved with such equanimity.
XX
As the Bentley continued heading north, they passed rows of luxurious apartments and high-end hotels, their addresses emblazoned in bold white print on deep green canvas awnings that not only served as identification, but also provided shelter from the sun and whatever form of moisture fell down from the sky.
Men donned in dark trousers and jackets with shiny brass buttons opened wide doors with their white gloved hands, then hailed taxis for the affluent residents and visitors who were coming and going.
Matthew knew that this was but a small slice of the apple, that there was rot beneath the glossy exterior that he would never see. Yet, he found New York, so far, had a great deal to recommend it.
'We're almost there, Rose called out. "Central Park is right up ahead."
That was music to his ears as his right leg had gone numb somewhere between 53rd Street and now and he had an irritating itch on his left ankle that was out of reach.
Though, truth be told, barring what he considered to be some minor physical discomfort and a bit of self-imposed angst, he had found that the drive thus far had been pleasant.
He especially enjoyed the witty recollections of days gone by as he, Mary, Anna and Rose took a walk down Memory Lane.
He had forgotten the day that Horus, as a last resort, had relieved himself in a potted plant a few feet away from Violet, who had been prevented from returning to her own home by the raging storm outside.
Mary roared while she described the look on the matriarch's face as the dog lifted his leg and went about his business.
"Oh, Rose, I wish you could have been there to see it. Granny's eyes looked like they would pop out of her head and she remained frozen in place, staring at Horus with her saucer and cup lifted half way to her mouth."
Then Anna had added to the hilarity by sharing that having heard a commotion in the drawing room, she had gone to investigate and found the Earl hopping in place with an empty teacup in his hand, screaming 'No Horus. Stop that, boy' while Lady Grantham tugged at the front his trousers to pull the steaming fabric away from his skin.
At that, they all had gone into hysterics, the vivid recounting even prompting Mr. Haversmith to chuckle along,
Rose grew serious, then, and touching upon her early days at Downton, she apologized to him, Mary and Anna, for the disruption she had caused in their lives during what she referred to as her rebellious period.
That brought him back to the night he had been tapped by Robert's sister, Rosamund, and Edith to reign Rose in after she had escaped their watchful eye and got into mischief at one of London's most notorious haunts, the Blue Lagoon.
"When I saw you staring at me from across the room, I was flabbergasted, Matthew. I couldn't imagine how you had found me." Rose said, tactfully omitting that she had been found in the embrace of one of her father's married business partners. "You gave me very wise advice that night. I didn't know how wise until I was a good bit older," she added with flushed cheeks.
Mary had told him about Rose's romantic involvement with a jazz singer named Jack Ross as well as the action she took to put an end to the affair. Thankfully, the man had agreed to give her cousin up, not wanting her to suffer the scandal that would ensue once their relationship was made public.
There had been other mésalliances, too, and he wondered if could have prevented them if had been at Downton at the time instead of living in London with no memory of his past.
Next, Rose turned her attention to Anna, lamenting the number of times the erstwhile maid had been called into service to chaperone her.
Matthew knew that the former lady's maid had been placed in an awkward position on more than one occasion by Rose, just as he and Mary had been. They either had to conceal her indiscretions from her guardians or see her suffer the consequences for her actions. The latter was difficult for them to do since those upstairs and down were aware of how much pain the young woman had already suffered due to her mother's relentless criticism.
Therefore, it came as no surprise to him that Anna downplayed the turmoil Rose had brought into to her life and then insisted that her teaching her the reel made up for any minor inconvenience.
He thought of Duneagle, then, and a vision of Mary kissing him goodbye before heading back to Downton with Anna came to mind. He hadn't wanted her to go without him. In fact, they got into a huge row about it, but she had dug in her heels, insisting that he stay behind and spend some time with Michael Gregson in order to learn the nature of his relationship with Edith. Mary would never admit it, but she was worried about her sister as there was something about the man that didn't sit right with her.
Time passed by quickly as they shared the moments they had spent together and those they had not, and when silence set in, he would return his attention to what travel brochures touted as "points of interest". There were so many of them, that he wished he shared his son's eidetic memory. Even without it, though, he knew there were some places he would never forget.
A vision of the Hotel Marguery came to mind because of its unique design in that it did not consist of one building, but six in a U-shaped design. Each one stood 12-stories high with flat roofs, arched doorways and wide windows with striped awnings overhead. The complex bordered a magnificent Italian garden with a private entrance to the courtyard that allowed cars access through a high stone carriage arch.
The Park Avenue Armory stood out, too, not only for its architecture but history. According to Mr. Haversmith, it had once housed the Seventh Regiment of the National Guard, often referred to as the "Silk Stocking Regiment" because its ranks were filled with Vanderbilts, Van Rensselaers, Roosevelts and the like, all prominent members of New York's Gilded Age families. Five stories high, the red brick and white stone fortress boasted lancet windows, lofty turrets and a wrought iron double stairway.
Both structures however, paled in comparison to the New York Central Building, headquarters for the railroad that bore its name. It was not only visually stunning, but ingeniously designed to convey traffic through the building via two massive portals on each side of the entrance lobby.
Thirty-four stories high, its central tower was flanked by wings half its height that curved inward as if in an embrace. The central tower rose to a pilastered top that was illuminated at night and a pyramidal roof crowned with an ornate copper-clad cupola.
A massive clock cut in limestone had been erected on the cornice above the entrance to the building, nestled between two statues that appeared to be at least four times his size. One depicted a man holding a staff while his arm rested on a winged wheel, and the other, a woman sitting on a beehive.
George had asked the driver if he could provide him with any information about the sculptures, and he happily obliged him.
The male sculpture was "Transportation" and symbolized the spirit of speed. His arm rested on the "Wheel of Progress" and staff he held belonged to Mercury, the Roman god of shopkeepers, travelers and transporters of goods. The female, sitting on the beehive, represented industry.
The driver went on to say that the smaller sculptures that graced the façade of the building were also emblematic of the transportation industry, but he could not define them at that moment due to their distance.
At that moment, the sound of a honking horn had put an end to the impromptu history lesson and Haversmith slipped back into his chauffer's role, picking up speed to oblige the driver in the car behind him.
Matthew saw the massive building retreat quickly into the background, but the man who commissioned it remained in is thoughts long after it was out of sight.
As the car it pulled onto the road that cut through Central Park to the Aldridge's home ,an image of his father-in-law popped into his head and he shook his head in dismay.
Oh, Robert, why couldn't you have invested in an American railroad instead of a Canadian? We'd all be sitting pretty right now.
XX
"We could have settled into an apartment building…There were tons to choose from…" Rose began as the townhouse she shared with her husband and children came into view. "…but after my having resided at Duneagle, then Downton, and Atticus, Canningford, Grange, it was hard for us to imagine such a drastic change. We did discuss the possibility, though, and after weighing the pros and cons, we concluded that no matter how spacious or luxurious our apartment might be, we still would be living under the same roof as people we bore no relation to. So, we decided against it… I hope that doesn't sound snobbish."
"It might if someone else had said it, Rose, but knowing you and Atticus as I do, it does not," Mary opined.
Matthew concurred with his wife, then pulled Victoria back from the window and rolled it up as he felt as though he had been in a wind tunnel the last few minutes.
"I don't think a snob would befriend a lady's maid, as you did me," Anna said.
At that, he saw Mary nod her head in agreement and smile at her. Then she set her gaze on heir daughter and her eyes went wide.
"My goodness, Victoria, I don't think I've ever seen your hair so…so…,"
George followed his mother's line of vision and blinked before he offered her a choice of adjectives to choose from.
"Wild? Unruly? Messy?"
Pushing the veil of hair from her face, Victoria glared at him. Then she huffed and said, "Well, your hair would be messy, too, George if you had the wind blowing in your face for as long as I did…and no matter my hair is a fright, I wouldn't have traded seats with you no matter what because I had a much better view of the…of the…". She paused, searching for the right words and then spouted, "tourist attractions. So there."
Matthew thought she was about to stick her tongue out at her brother, but thankfully Victoria didn't push the envelope that far.
He pressed his lips together in order to stifle his smile. She reminded him so much of Mary when she was putting someone in their place.
He turned his head toward her, then, and saw that she was readying herself for what would come next, sitting perched at the edge of her seat with her eyes darting back and forth between their daughter and son as if she were the referee in a tennis match.
George, however, did not rise to the bait, and said quite diplomatically, "Point taken, Victoria.
XX
"Is it a castle, Father? It looks like a castle but George told me there are no castles in America."
Following her line of vision, Matthew saw what resembled a castle looming in the distance, but knew his son had been correct and turned to Rose for an answer to Victoria's question.
"A hotel? Or is it home to one of America's business tycoons – A Vanderbilt or Rockefeller, perchance?"
Rose giggled and replied, "Neither, though it was commissioned to be built by someone of the same ilk, one Edward Cabot Clark, head of the Singer Manufacturing Company…. and it is an apartment building, Matthew. Let's see now…, she began, her brow creased in deep concentration. "From what I learned from the Historical Society when I enquired about the neighborhood, the Dakota…that is its name…was commissioned to be built in 1880 by the illustrious Mr. Clark, who died two years later and left it to his 12-year old grandson and namesake."
His eyes fixed on the hotel, Matthew whistled and said, "And I thought the Bentley a lavish gift for one's namesake."
That drew a laugh from the adults while Victoria, George and JR debated what actually constituted a castle.
Matthew assumed it would not take long for Mr. Haversmith to jump in, and the man did not disappoint.
"Purportedly, it was named the "Dakota" because at the time it was constructed, the area was sparsely inhabited, reminiscent of the Dakota territory out west. It has 65 apartments with four to 20 rooms... and no two apartments are alike. Atticus and I visited a client there whose health problems made it difficult for him to come to the bank and we found his place quite grand, very spacious with ceilings over 12 feet high and parquet flooring. Every room was elegantly designed and the gentleman had all he needed to live in complete comfort. He could take his meals in a large dining hall or have them sent up to his apartment... and there was a playroom and gymnasium at his disposal, as well, although he obviously had no use for them.
He paused for a moment, nodding his head as if he were going down a mental checklist and then asked if he had mentioned the servant's quarters.
He hadn't and Matthew told him as much. Still, the addition came as no surprise to him. Clearly the Dakota catered to the well-to-do.
"There is also a lovely garden on the property, private croquet lawns and a tennis court behind the building," Rose chimed in, completing the list of amenities.
"Quite impressive," Mary said. "It is hard to believe you and Atticus weren't the least bit tempted by it."
Rose insisted they were not, and as the car rolled up to the Aldridge townhouse, Matthew understood why.
"Last stop," the driver called out. Then he turned to Rose and said, "I'll be in as soon as I get this this beauty safely parked in the garage."
XX
Matthew was tempted to whistle again as his eyes travelled up the four-stories that led to the rooftop and Rose's magical garden. Granted, the townhouse wasn't as lavish as the couple's previous residences, but it was impressive. Limestone and brick with framed paned glass windows, it had a unique charm about it, reminiscent of the couple that called it home.
The wide smile on Mary's face told him she, too, found the house appealing and she let it be known.
"Oh, Rose, it is absolutely lovely," she gushed.
"Thank you, Mary. I felt sure you would like it," Rose replied, following her cousin's line of vision with a look of pride on her face.
His eyes went to Victoria then, who stood between her mother and cousin with her neck craned back and eyes fixed on the top of the building.
"Please don't forget your promise, Cousin Rose," she pleaded. "Mother has given me permission to go up to the roof after dinner…and George and JR can go, too."
Rose tugged on what remained of Victoria's braid and assured her that she had not forgotten. Then she took hold of her hand and led the way though a metal gate into a forecourt in front of the house.
He and Mary strolled arm in arm on the brick path that divided it, stopping now and then to pay their hostess a compliment on something that they found particularly appealing.
She admired the tall red maple on their right that was surrounded by buttercups.
He thought the pachysandras that formed a second border inside the wrought iron fence lovely groundcover.
And the two them couldn't help but comment that the blue and pink chrysanthemums appeared a giant bouquet bunched together as they were.
Anna cooed over a pair of ornamental plaster ducks that caught her eye, noting that they were so lifelike, she had looked down to avoid stepping into something that would ruin her shoes.
JR chuckled at that, claiming he had been careful, too, as he had several mishaps back home that resulted in his mother's freshly washed floors having to be washed again.
Then there was the rose garden.
Even George and JR had stopped there.
The heady scent that filled the air was familiar and rendered him a bit homesick. He loved strolling through the gardens at Downton with Mary and they would linger the longest, admiring the magnificent roses.
The white and red blooms that lay before him now were equally exquisite and he asked himself if there was anything more beautiful.
Then Mary's face came into view and he was reminded that there was.
"Mother, please hurry," Victoria called out. "I need to wash my hands."
That put a hop in his and Mary's step as they knew what she really meant. It was a code of sorts that they taught her to use at an early age when she needed to relieve herself.
Rose picked up her step, too, and reached the lacquered black entrance door in seconds. Then as she reached for the knob, the door swung open and she jumped back in surprise.
"Atticus! What on earth?" she cried out, finding her husband standing before her. "I never expected you would be home so soon." Then she flashed him a smile and added, "Not that I'm not thrilled that you are."
Atticus beamed at her and replied, "I found I needed my second set of eyes to look over the documents I spoke about, and since Smitty was to remain here at your disposal…"
Victoria whined, "Excuse me…I'm sorry to interrupt, but I really do need to wash my hands."
At that, he and Mary shot their hosts a pleading look that signaled the urgency of their daughter's request.
"Where are my manners?" Atticus said, stepping aside with alacrity. "Everyone, please come in. Welcome to our home."
XX
Entering the foyer, Matthew found the diamond-shaped blue and white tiles beneath his feet and the Victorian stained-glass pendant that hung overhead very tasteful.
The elegant décor, was an indication that the interior of the townhouse would far outshine the façade of the building, and he looked forward to the tour that he knew would be forthcoming.
First things first, though, he thought, longing to get out of his clothes and into a shower.
Rose motioned to a petite maid with strawberry blonde hair and whispered some instructions in her ear. Then she enlisted Atticus to show the boys where they could attend to their needs.
He nodded and led George and JR down a hallway toward the back of the house, the three of them chatting amiably on their way.
Rose then addressed Victoria and said, "Bridget will take you to…um…wash your hands… and then to the room you will be sharing with your cousin, Vickie, upstairs. She and your other cousins should be back from the park at any moment."
Victoria nodded and took hold of the hand the maid's hand. Then, they, too, were off with Bridget inquiring if Victoria would like her to attend to her hair.
Matthew heard the little girl giggling as she turned a corner and broke into a grin, grateful that his circumstances had changed for the better.
He was on land, out of the cramped automobile, and on his way to what would no doubt prove to be luxurious accommodations.
"Now …let's get you three settled in," Rose said. I'm sure you'd like to freshen up and take a breather."
She then led him, Mary and Anna toward a sweeping staircase, informing them on the way that the guestrooms were housed on the second floor and the family rooms, the third.
Matthew laid his hand on the newel post of the bannister and took in the climb that lay before him. Though it was substantial, the only trepidation he felt was that he might not be able to keep up with the ladies as his back and legs were stiff from being constricted so long.
That won't do. I refuse to be outpaced by three women.
He moved his hand to the bannister a few steps up and gripped it in order to pull himself forward should he need to.
A few moments later, his fear was realized when Mary, who had bounded up the first dozen steps with Rose and Anna, turned to him and said, "Is something wrong, darling?"
"No….no…nothing at all. I'm just giving you ladies some space in the event you want to share some gossip that I shouldn't be privy to," he said nonchalantly.
Though she appeared dubious, Mary nodded her head and said, "I see… That is very thoughtful of you, dear, but unnecessary." She smiled then and quipped, "We've decided to save the gossip for later," before gesturing for Rose and Anna to move on.
As soon as the women's backs were turned, he put his plan into place, pulling himself up three steps at time until stood two steps behind them. In the process, his back and legs had stretched and he found he could release the bannister and continue on his own steam.
Reaching the landing, Rose turned right and they followed her down a wide, wainscoted hallway to the first door they came to.
"I had this room made up for you and Matthew because it provides you with a lovely view of the park and has an ensuite bathroom," she said and smiled as she motioned for them to enter.
Rays of sun flowed through the open archway, creating a swath of golden light on the Turkish runner that lined the oak floor under their feet.
'After you, darling," Matthew said and filed behind Mary into the room.
She cried out, "Oh, Rose, it is perfect. We couldn't ask for more, could we, Matthew?" and then made her way to the window to the right of the bed.
He stood in place a few moments, taking in the substantial size of the room along with its fine furnishings. Then he turned to Rose and echoed his wife's sentiments.
"I doubt you would be able to find anyone who could ask for more, Rose," he declared and smiled.
His attention was drawn to the window then as Mary called out to him, "Come take a look, Matthew. The view is spectacular."
Joining her, his eyes feasted on the beautiful landscape that lay before him and he turned to Rose. "I think Andrew Wyeth would happily set up his easel here, Rose," he said, recalling the famed landscape artist.
She beamed at him and Mary before turning her attention to Anna, and looping her arm through hers, she moved toward the still open door. Then she stopped in the archway and called over her shoulder, "What do you say to our meeting in the drawing room in an hour or so? I'll have Bridget come up to show you the way….and don't worry about the children. She will get them settled in and keep them occupied until then."
That sat fine with him and seeing Mary's nod, he gave the plan a thumb's up.
Anna, too, found it agreeable and in the next moment, she and Rose left the room with matching smiles on their faces, the latter pulling the white paneled door closed behind them.
XX
Matthew was in heaven.
The hot, steamy shower felt so wonderful that he wished he didn't have to leave it, but as Chaucer aptly said, "All good things must come to an end."
This must, too, he told himself. If the hot water were allowed to run much longer, there would likely be none left for Mary when she returned from her mission.
He had hoped he and his wife could shower together, and she seemed amenable to the idea until a distraught Victoria came to their room and implored her to help her find Mickey, Walt Disney's famous mouse. After questioning their daughter as to where she had looked already, the two set off, with Mary calling over her shoulder that she would be back soon.
As they were set to join Rose downstairs in what he approximated to be 45 minutes, he hoped that was the case.
He chuckled then, thinking that although the Crawley cousin hadn't always adhered to social norms, she would expect her houseguests to arrive fully dressed.
Still, as the streaming water pelted his back, relieving any remaining tension that lingered there, he found it difficult to turn the shower handle to the "off" position.
Just do it, he told himself, then hesitated as the warm droplets of water trickled over his buttocks and down his legs.
In an effort to stop lingering, he made a bargain with himself to close the spicket in 60 seconds, and determined to make the most of that last minute, he stepped under the shower head.
"Ten…nine…eight…seven…Oh, God, that feels good," he sputtered as the water spilled over his lips. " …Six…five...four…three…," rang out in his head as he reached for the handle that would put an end to his Nirvana. "…Two…and….One," he said out loud and turned the knob until it stopped.
Honoring his agreement, he stepped out of the tub, pulled a fluffy monogramed towel from the recessed shelf near the sink and put it to good use.
Once his body was relatively dry, he draped the towel over his head and began rubbing his scalp with the intensity of someone attempting to remove an ink stain.
Then the sound of the bathroom door opening filtered through the damp towel, and he paused.
"Mary?"
"Mathew? It is you under there, isn't it? The derriere looks familiar, but I guess one can never be absolutely certain," she jested.
He whipped the towel from his head, leaving his hair standing on end like a porcupine and narrowed his eyes at her in mock indignation.
"Oh, does it now? I wasn't aware that my posterior was under such close scrutiny,"
Mary ran her hand over the curve of his buttocks and replied, "There are many parts of your body that have been under close scrutiny since the day I met you, darling. I've just been discreet about it."
That got a rise out of him.
She took notice, and her lips curled into a seductive smile as she moved her fingers through his unruly hair with her free hand.
"I expected to find you asleep. You did say you were dead tired."
"I was, Mary, but as you can see, I have been resurrected. That has happened before, you know." he said in a playful tone and winked at her.
She nodded and broke into a wide smile, and it remained in place as she moved her hand from Matthew's head to his heart and rested it there.
"Oh, Mary, I do love you so," he said, placing his hand over hers.
Then he bent his head and kissed her.
She tasted like peppermint, as she often did due to her penchant for Altloids, and as he deepened the kiss, his tongue began to tingle.
Mary threw herself into the kiss with a fervor that matched his own and he reveled in her passionate response, but the feel of satin pressed against his skin reminded him that that there were obstacles to his ultimate gratification that needed to be removed
Toward that end, he reluctantly broke the embrace, took a small step back from Mary, and deftly popped the top button of her blouse out of the slit.
Her face flushed and chest heaving, she looked down at her exposed décolletage, then back to him and flashed him a wicked smile as her hands moved to the next button in the row.
Matthew pushed them away and said, "Allow me," with dramatic flair.
She did.
Then under her watchful eye, he proceeded to strip away her clothes until she stood naked before him.
His eyes lingered on her full breasts until she cleared her throat and he snapped to attention.
"Matthew, the time," she said, her voice husky with desire.
That could work in your favor, his inner voice told him. Perhaps all good things don't have to come to an end so soon.
He eyed the shower curtains as if they were the gates of heaven, then took a firm grip on Mary's hand and tugged her forward.
"Don't worry, darling, we won't be late. I've found a way to kill two birds with one stone."
XX
AN: In this stressful time, I have found writing a means to escape the doldrums and ease my anxiety. My hope is that you will find comfort in reading my latest chapter, and whatever else pleases you.
Matthew and Mary will take New York by storm in my next chapter and Haversmith's relationship with Rose will become clear.
As always, I give credit to Julian Fellowes for the characters he created and history and my imagination for the others.
Stay safe….and PLEASE don't forget to leave a word or two. It would make my day.