A/N: Thank you for the lovely reviews last chapter! I'm so glad you're enjoying this story!


New Normal

Chapter Three

April 17, 2014

She sipped her cocktail, studying the library with a modicum of interest. Mama and Papa were hosting a small party at the Abbey, full of old friends and acquaintances. Edith was cozied up by her boyfriend Michael on the couch, a handsome man with dark hair that she only vaguely recognized was standing by the window, and Tom was sitting by Granny in the armchairs.

Mary couldn't help but smile. He had come a long way; they both had. This was the first night they had been off baby duty since their drunken New Year's celebration... not that it had really felt like a celebration. Since then, Mary had warmed up to motherhood considerably. When she had given George a bath last week in the kitchen sink, in awe of how small he still was. He had enjoyed it, splashing around and making a mess. Tom had taken a video of it and Mary could hardly believe the smiling, laughing woman was her.

"Pardon me, but... do I know you from somewhere?"

It was the handsome man, the one who had previously been by the window, approaching her with a glass of whiskey in his hands. "I'm not sure," said Mary, sipping her cocktail again.

The man smiled. "I'm Tony Foyle."

"Oh, I remember you," Mary interrupted, needing no further introductions. "Or rather, I remember a very superior young man who was rather annoyed by three bothersome little girls."

His eyes widened. "Do you mean to tell me you're little Mary Crawley?"

"Not so little anymore," she told him, arching an eyebrow.

He let out a laugh. "No... I dare say you aren't. Your parents told me you'd be here but I'm afraid it's been ages since I last set eyes on you. How old were you, nine?"

"Ten," Mary corrected. "And you were in secondary school, if my memory is right."

"I wish you wouldn't. Nobody wants to relive those days," he said with a theatrical shudder. Her own memories from that time resurfaced before being promptly squelched. "So how has life treated you since we last met?"

Mary shrugged. "It's been good, for the most part... but the last few months have been difficult at best and plain bad at the worst." She didn't elaborate, figuring Mama and Papa would educate any guest of Matthew's accident... but when his brows furrowed in consternation, she realized she would need to do the hard part on her own. Oh, joy. "My husband passed away several months ago... the same day our son was born."

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Tony murmured. "How terrible for you. I'm sorry to have brought it up."

Mary shook her head. "My parents really should have told you... anyway, it doesn't matter. I need to get used to telling people eventually." Tony still looked horribly uncomfortable, so Mary asked, "What about you? Is your life proving more satisfactory than mine?"

"Well... I'm about to be engaged soon. I think. That is, if she says yes."

"To whom? Anyone I know?"

"Mabel Lane Fox."

Mary did a double take. "The Mabel Lane Fox?" Mary had heard her name more than a few times— more like a few hundred times. She was the heiress to a multimillion dollar shoe company and reality television star. Her name was in the headlines constantly, usually because of wild stunts she pulled.

"The one and only," said Tony with a smirk before taking a sip of his whiskey.

"Why is it just now that I'm hearing of this?" asked Mary, unknowingly clutching the stem of her glass tighter. "I hear about her all the time and yet I've never heard your name mentioned."

Tony shrugged. "Mabel's not as wild as she would like people to think she is. She values her privacy... and so do I. So we've kept things quiet, for now."

"How very interesting," said Mary, turning slightly. Tom was no longer by Granny, over by some blonde woman Mary didn't recognize. "So what is the real Miss Lane Fox like? I promise not to tell."

Tony laughed. "She's funny... and smart. Her whole public persona is an act... though she is rather charming in person." He wore a dreamy expression as he described her. "All her scandals are the result of a very convincing, calculated actress."

Mary's eyebrows shot up. "Why hasn't she taken it up, then? Real acting?"

"Because reality TV is far more lucrative. At least for now. I'm sure someone'll offer her a film role someday... then she can dazzle the world. Besides, it adds more publicity for the business."

Mary smiled. Somehow she doubted Mabel Lane Fox needed any more money, but she was impressed by what she was learning nonetheless... unless he was having her on and this was some huge prank. Still, she sensed he was telling the truth. "A savvy businesswoman," said Mary, draining her cocktail. She could respect that. "Well, good for her... though I suspect if my brother-in-law were here he'd have quite a few objections." It was simpler than calling him her deceased sister's fiancé at any rate... and Tom was family.

"Oh? Is he not one of Mabel's biggest fans?" asked Tony.

Mary shook her head. "I don't know. We don't exactly sit around and talk about Foxy Mabel," she told him, referring to Mabel's show. She had caught a few episodes of it but had personally found the name so cringeworthy that she refused to become a regular viewer on principle. "No, I only say that because he's a socialist. Don't even get his started on the evils of capitalism— he'll talk about it all night." Granted, Tom's lectures weren't all that bad— it was actually quite nice, seeing him passionate about something, but it was hardly her idea of a fun chat.

Tony snorted. "A socialist brother-in-law? If I had one of those, I think I'd stay away as far as I could."

Mary shook her head. "No... he's dear, really." It surprised her, to speak of him so fondly. In many ways, he was person she was closest to, but nevertheless it was odd to think that the man who had once fixed her car was now such a huge part of her life. "We live together actually."

Tony's eyebrows shot up. "Well, now I have to hear this story. My raving on and on about Mabel seems rather boring in comparison."

Mary shook her head. "I sincerely doubt it," she said.

They chatted a long time after that after Mary gave him a shortened version of the story— they even exchanged numbers. "Maybe you could join us for dinner sometimes," Tony said after entering his number into her phone.

Mary beamed. "I'll hold you to that." She watched him as he sauntered away over to Mama and Papa. It was a shame he was taken... he was rather handsome.

Mary started. What was wrong with her? It was as if for a moment she had forgotten everything. Mary sat her glass down, intent upon finding Tom. She was ready to go home.

Tom was over by the window, practically gulping down a glass of whiskey as if it were water. Mary grimaced at the sight, supposing she would have to be the one to drive home. She crossed the room, meeting him. "Having a good time?"

"Not really, no."

"Me either." He smiled weakly, looking relieved. "Let's go home."


April 25, 2014

Tony: hey

Mary stared down at the text. She hadn't honestly expected to hear from him again... and she wasn't sure if she was glad he had reached out or not. Deciding not to reply now, Mary slipped her phone back into her pocket.

"Edna's been in a bad mood of late."

Mary turned her head away from the computer to face Thomas... or, rather, his back. He was angled away from her, typing away on his own laptop. "Who?"

"Edna?" He swiveled his chair around now. When Mary made no sign that she recognized the name, he let out a sigh. "Your mother's new assistant?" He said slowly, as if it were perfect obvious who he was talking about.

Mary turned back to her computer, annoyed. "Why should I care?" Her mother's business wasn't really one of her biggest priorities. She was always organizing fundraisers and charities for the hospital or for people in the community... all of it was very well and good, but Mary had her own things to see to.

"Because she's making life hell up at the house."

"You mean she's making life difficult for Jimmy?" She asked, arching an eyebrow. Thomas flushed, looking away. That's what she thought. Jimmy was one of the tour guides at the house and Thomas's best friend— a best friend who he was madly in love with. He had told him so, in not so many words, and been rejected, but their friendship had remained salvageable. Nonetheless, Thomas was always trying to do special favors for him, to make life easier for him.

"Do you have any idea why she's upset?"

"How should I? I've never met the woman."

"She's upset because she's been rejected by Branson."

That made Mary snap her head around. "You mean Tom?"

Thomas nodded, grinning almost menacingly. He had a plan, she realized, and he had dragged her into it. "She met him at that party... well, I guess they met sometime before that." Mary couldn't think when or how recently that could have been. Until a few months ago, neither of them had anything resembling a social life. "The point is, she got his number somehow and she wouldn't stop asking him out until he blocked her. And now she's furious."

Mary couldn't believe Tom hadn't told her. Then again, Thomas had been known to make up stories to get his way... but so had she. They were far too much alike. She supposed she could always ask Tom to corroborate the story... "What do you suggest?"

"A restraining order ought to do it," said Thomas, with a devious smile. "And considering it would create a hassle for your mother, she'll be out."

Mary mulled it over. "I'll think about it." She hesitated. "And what if Tom doesn't wish to take legal action? What then?"

"Oh don't worry. I've got a plan. But I'd better not tell you about it."

Mary wasn't confident she was sure what he meant, but nevertheless she wanted no part of it. "Very well. Say nothing more." She hated the idea of Tom being harassed by this horrid woman, but the extent of her involvement in this scheme would only be to suggest the restraining order.

"Once we do get rid of her, your mother'll need a new assistant."

"I suppose you've a candidate in mind already?" asked Mary, turning back to her computer.

"Of course. Her name's Phyllis Baxter." Before she could ask anything more, Thomas said, "She's a hard worker and a dear friend."

Mary's eyebrows shot up. She had never heard him describe anyone as a dear friend. Not even Jimmy had that particular honor. "Really?"

"Is that such a shock?"

"I'm shocked you would admit that someone means that much to you."

Thomas looked uncomfortable. "She was the one who took me in. When my parents threw me out." Mary almost regretted saying anything. She didn't do well with this sort of thing... and by this sort of thing, she meant emotions. "She was our next door neighbor... or she used to be. A friend of my sister... but she was always nicer to me than my sister ever was."

"Well, I'll put in a good word for her," said Mary hurriedly. She doubted Thomas would invent a sob story, and especially not to help another person. Like her, he hated being pitied.

"Thank you." She was surprised the sincerity in his voice. It was only because she knew him so well that she carried back on with work in silence.


"So," Mary said as she offered George a spoonful of yellow baby food— according to the jar, it was squash, "why didn't you tell me about Edna?"

Tom stilled, his fork connecting with the plate with a clatter. Mary turned with concern. Tom looked pale, almost shaken. She wondered if she maybe shouldn't have mentioned it. "How did you find out about that?"

"Thomas." Tom nodded his head before cutting up Sybbie lasagna again. "She's upset, apparently."

Mary was prepared for him to ignore her original question. Truthfully, she was fine not knowing— she had obviously crossed some line and as curious as she was, she didn't want to pry. So when he cleared his throat and started speaking, she was surprised. "I didn't think you'd want to know."

"Why, particularly?"

"Because you're Sybil's sister." He shrugged before setting Sybbie's plate aside, out of her grasp. "We have to let it cool down," he told his daughter who was staring at him with wide eyes. He then turned back to Mary. "I didn't want you to— well, I didn't want to be disrespectful."

Mary frowned. "You know that you're my friend, don't you?" Tom turned and looked at her. "I don't want to see you sad and alone forever. You don't have to worry about me... oh, I don't know, despising you or something like that."

Tom smiled at her, one of the most genuine ones she had seen in their dark hours together. "Thank you," he told her sincerely. "That means a lot."

Mary merely returned the smile, turning back to George, whose mouth was smeared with his food. She was using the spoon to try and clean it off when Tom said, "I don't know how it is for you... but I think it will be a while before I am ready to get back into dating again. Sybil was my whole world... we were supposed to spend the rest of our lives together. It's hard to imagine finding that with anyone else."

Mary nodded. "I feel the same." Tom might be her friend, he might be one of the only people who had seen her at her lowest, but she couldn't even dream of expressing her thoughts on her despair. "But... you don't have to be looking for someone to marry. You are allowed to go out and have fun. We're still young yet," said Mary.

Tom shook his head, smiling slightly. "I know. But I think this whole mess with Edna has shown me that I'm not even ready for that... and honestly, I don't think I want that." Then, he added, with a touch of disgust, "At least not with her."

Mary couldn't help but smile at that. She knew Edna must have earned his distaste, and for that she was sorry, but she couldn't help but be amused by his uncharacteristic rudeness. It sounded more like something she'd say... in a way, she was proud. Maybe she was influencing him more than she thought. "And you don't have to," she said simply, giving George more food before turning to her lasagna. "Have you thought about a restraining order?"

"Restraining order?" Tom seemed shocked.

"You had to block her, didn't you?" When Tom nodded, still seeming alarmed by how informed she was about the situation. "I'm sure she's aware where we live, being Mama's assistant."

"I don't think that'll be necessary," said Tom hastily, now obviously uncomfortable. He gave Sybbie her lasagna and she immediately began picking up the pieces with her hands. Tom very gently tried helping her with her fork as he said, "I doubt she'd do anything that drastic."

Mary wasn't reassured by that answer. "Just how well do you really know her, Tom?"

He hesitated, turning back towards Mary when Sybbie finally took the fork from him. "Not very well at all." Seeming to realize it insinuated something, he hurriedly added, "It's never gone past kissing."

Mary flushed. She hadn't even thought of... well, that. She wasn't certain why. Maybe it was because it was Tom... "Of course," she said, nodding. "But the point is that you don't know what she's capable of."

Tom shook his head. "I don't think she'd do that."

However, Mary wasn't so certain. When dinner was over, she texted Thomas.

MARY: No restraining order. Time for Plan B.

A week or so later, Edna was fired. Mama never said why, but listened when Mary suggested Ms. Baxter as a replacement.


May 2, 2014

It had been ages since Mary had last been in a nightclub. The Lotus was packed full of people, most of them younger than herself. Still, Mary was fairly confident that she still looked good— Rose, who was the one who had insisted they go clubbing, had squealed when she saw Mary in the short black dress.

"Mary, let's find Tom and Jon!" Rose yelled over the music, grabbing her cousin's hand.

Tom was sitting by the bar, alone, a plastic cup halfway empty. "Where's Jon?" asked Rose.

"Bathroom," said Tom, lips quirking up. "He'll be back in a moment." Rose huffed, eyeing the bathroom.

"You should have joined us," Mary said, just loud enough to be heard over the music. "You deserve time have some fun."

"I'm not good at dancing."

"It doesn't matter. No one will notice." She gave him a smile. "Please?"

Jon returned just then, practically staggering towards Rose. He was an old friend from her days in London, an old crush from secondary school who she hadn't seen since starting university... and Mary wondered if Rose was realizing that perhaps she should have let that infatuation fizzle out. "Let's dance," he said, words practically slurring together before taking her hand and leading her back to the dance floor.

Mary turned to Tom. "Don't you think we should keep an eye on her?" Rose was an adult, of course, but a young one.

With a groan, Tom rose to his feet, draining his cup and followed her. Mary beamed.

It was practically impossible to make conversation on the dance floor, so Mary didn't even try to bother. She allowed herself to get swept away and have a good time, hoping Tom was able to let go for one night as well. He had worked hard; he had returned to work now as well, mostly doing freelance things, but he poured himself into his work. Between that and parenting two babies, he deserved a night off.

But under the multicolored lights, Mary spied a familiar face. "Oh my God!" She gripped Tom's arm, causing him to stop dancing. "I think I just saw Tony!"

"Who?"

"Tony!" She yelled. "From the party?" He has texted her twice since then and she had yet to respond, not quite certain what to say.

Tom nodded. "Why don't you say hello to him?"

"I don't know where he—" She was interrupted by someone tapping on her shoulder. Mary turned around, face to face with the man himself. "Tony! It is you!"

"Hi, Mary. Care to dance?" He was grinning ear to ear.

"Certainly," Mary replied easily, hardly without thinking. She then paused, glancing over at Tom. "You don't mind, do you?"

"Not at all." He seemed unbothered, actually smiling. He departed, presumably to head back to the bar. Mary turned back to Tony.

"Sorry," he said, "I should have realized you were dancing with someone."

"Don't be. I'm glad to see you."

"That's a relief. I thought I did something to upset you. You haven't responded to my texts."

"Will you think I'm silly if I say that I don't know what to say?"

Tony grinned, a warmth in his eyes. "Not at all." He took her hand, leading her further out onto the dance floor. His touch was steady and lingering, every brush of his skin against hers an experience she wouldn't soon forget. "Will he be jealous, do you think? That man you were dancing with?"

Mary laughed. "That's the famous brother-in-law... so no, not in the slightest."

"Oh!" Tony began laughing as well. "Well, good, then. I'd feel terrible if I stole you away from a boyfriend."

"Don't worry. I don't have any of those yet." It was then that Mary realized the flirtatious tone the conversation had taken. "How are things with you and Mabel? Good, I hope?"

"Yeah... yeah, things are good with us." Tony nodded, not looking convinced. "I haven't proposed quite yet but I'm working on it."

"Something elaborate?"

"Trying to work up the courage, more like," he said with a smile. "But yes... something fairly elaborate. Not too flashy, though... she's a woman of class."

Mary would beg to differ but then she didn't know Mabel. Not the real her... Mary wondered if they were anything alike. "Well, I hope it goes well," she told him, moving closer.

Tony smiled but it didn't quite meet his eyes. "Mary... there's something I—"

A man connected with Tony suddenly, shoving him towards Mary. She let out a gasp as nearly every inch of their bodies were pressed together, the contact startling and jerking her into reality. Her heels wobbled but Tony managed to pull her to her feet, just in time for Mary to spot Jon, Rose's date, running off towards a bathroom. "Oh, no," Mary said aloud, unable to be heard over the loud music. She glanced over to where Rose had been, spying Tom now weaving through the crowd to rescue her. "I'm sorry, but I— I think I need to leave."

"Why? Is something wrong?"

"My cousin," she answered. "That man was her—"

Tony seemed to understand. "Of course. It was nice seeing you, anyway."

Mary shot him a smile before running away.


May 3, 2014

The night hadn't been a total disaster. Rose had met another man, one who had taken pity on her and danced with her for a while. His name was Jack and had given her his number. Mary was pleased for her younger cousin, thinking he was a better fit for Rose... by the sounds of it, any way. She gushed about him the whole ride home and Tom and Mary exchanged amused looks. They remembered what it was like, being young and meeting that one person. Rose was about the same age Mary had been when she met Matthew.

"I'm going to take a shower," said Tom after they arrived home. They had dropped Rose back off at Downton, where she would stay the rest of the summer, and were now back home with Sybbie and George. "D'you mind watching the kids?"

"Of course not," said Mary, balancing George in one arm. Sybbie, who could now toddle around, was at her feet.

Tom shot her a grin before walking into the bathroom. She heard the shower start up a few minutes later, watching the babies as they crawled around the floor, playing with their toys.

Her phone vibrated in her pocket. Mary slipped it out, dimly wondering who it might be.

TONY: I have a strange question for you.

She frowned. What did he mean by that?

MARY: Okay. What is it?

Several minutes passed. Mary kept checking her phone, only setting it down when George tried to put one of one of the socks that she had just removed from her feet directly into his mouth. He immediately began crying, enraged she had stopped him, which lead to her holding him as Sybbie stared at them with confusion. "I'm sorry," Mary told him wearily, "but you cannot put those in your mouth."

She managed to glance at her phone, finding a message from Tony. Actually, there were several messages from Tony. What she read took her breath away.

TONY: I know this sounds crazy but... if I weren't in a relationship with Mabel, would you consider ever consider us becoming more than friends?

TONY: I know it's a weird thing to ask but I can't stop thinking about you. I haven't been able to since I met you at your parents party.

TONY: Things with Mabel haven't been great lately. Meeting you really showed me how messed up things have been. I guess I'm just looking for a sign to go through with all this or not... and I think you're my sign.

TONY: I'm sorry. I know this is a lot

Mary was stunned. She hadn't expected this... granted, there had always been an undercurrent of flirtation when she had been with Tony, something she hadn't wanted to acknowledge, but it had been there. She wouldn't deny that she found him handsome... and he was an interesting man.

"Mama."

Mary dropped her phone, the shock from Tony's text forgotten. George's tears had stopped only a few minutes ago. "What did you say?" she asked quietly, almost in a whisper.

"Mama," repeated George, looking at her.

Mary didn't even feel embarrassed as her eyes filled with tears. "That's right. I'm your Mama." He looked up at her with those blue eyes, those same blue eyes Matthew had. He looked so much like her husband... When he had been born, his hair was brown, just like hers, a fact which had saddened her. She wanted him to resemble Matthew in every way possible... She was so glad his hair was starting to lighten, that he looked even more like Matthew...

"Mary lift me up."

Sybbie was gripping the edge of the couch, standing on her two feet. Sybbie had been speaking for quite a while now, but Mary beamed nonetheless, using one hand to help her up next to her. "Here we go, darling," Mary said, eyes still teary. She realized poor Tony was likely sweating bullets, but she couldn't bring herself to care too much, not with these two demanding so much of her attention.

"Are you okay?" Tom asked when he left the bathroom with wet hair, a towel, and change of clothes.

"Yes," said Mary, meeting his eye with a smile. "It's just... George said his first word." When Tom's face lit up, she added, "It was Mama."

"Is that right? Did you say Mama, George?" Tom asked, walking over to the couch with a wide smile and crouching down so he could be eye level with her son.

"Mama," George said yet again, eliciting a delighted laugh from Mary.

"This is cause for celebration," Tom said, rising to his feet and scooping Sybbie up. "I think this means he gets pear for dinner tonight."

Mary smiled, pleased Tom had remembered that it was George's favorite. "Does his Mama get something special as well?" asked Mary.

"What do you want, then?"

"A glass of the good wine," answered Mary, still admiring George. She turned around. "Not that kind you've been buying from the store."

"It's not that bad."

Mary narrowed her eyes. "Tom. I know my wine. It's not up to standard."

Tom rolled his eyes good naturedly. "Fine. We'll have the 'good' wine," he said, doing air quotes to the best of his ability while still holding Sybbie in his arms.

Mary turned back to George, still amazed he had finally learned to speak. It was a moment Matthew should have been here for... She wondered if his first word might have been Dada had he still been with them. Mary tried not to be too sad as she shifted him on her lap, kissing the top of his head. She had to believe Matthew was still with them, in some small part. In a way, he was; he lived in her mind. Sometimes she dreamed of him simply existing— gathering up the laundry, reading his books in the armchair, wrapping his arms around her as they slept. Mundane things that Mary hadn't treasured nearly enough when he had been alive.

She knew what her answer to Tony was. Still, she waited a while before sending it, even though she typed it up while balancing George on her lap, eyes flitting to him every couple of seconds while she typed with one thumb.

MARY: I am so sorry it's taken me so long to answer. I got sidetracked with the kids.

I am incredibly flattered to know you think of me in a romantic light. It's good to be reminded I'm still a youngish woman. If I am being honest, I am attracted to you. You're a very handsome man and you have been so kind to me, but the awful truth is that I'm not over Matthew yet. He was my soulmate and losing him was losing a part of myself. You said that you couldn't stop thinking about me but I can't stop thinking about him. I would feel terrible if I played any part in ruining your relationship with Mabel, so I encourage you to take your time and really think things through before making your decision. Marriage doesn't fix all your problems, so either sort them out or break with her before things go too far but please know I wish you luck.

It was practically a novel length message, but it contained everything that needed to be said. She meant what she said; she wanted Tony to be happy... even though it never would be with her.


May 10, 2014

The headlines on nearly every tabloid in country announced the engagement between Mabel Lane Fox and her mysterious secret boyfriend, Tony Gillingham. Mary pretended to be glad, wondering why it bothered her so much now to know he would never be hers. She would have to content herself with the reality Tony would always simply be a Maybe.