A/N: I'm back with more Cobert - this time with something more light-hearted. This is a little idea that popped into my head after reading a list of prompts from bitletsanddrabbles on Tumblr and I wanted to try my hand at a more comedic Downton Abbey fic. The prompt was: 'I'd bet a year's wages it was Lady Mary'.

This is probably going to be split into three or four chapters, just to make it easier to read, however, the entire story has been written, so all of the chapters will be posted close together (either all in the same day or over a couple of days)

This is set in the middle of S3E4, so after Edith is jilted but before Sybil and Tom return to Downton.

As always, reviews are treasured and greatly appreciated - Enjoy!

When the white wine flows - Chapter one

"Cousin Robert, this wine really is delicious" Matthew enthused as Carson topped up his glass for what seemed like the thirtieth time that night.

"I'm glad you think so" came Robert's reply, as he too was soon having his drink replenished, "I have a contact who imports some of the finest wines from France who insisted that I get some"

"Well, I'm glad you listened"

"As am I" Cora added with a woozy smile, "I've always preferred red wine over white, but this is just exquisite"

"You seem a bit lightheaded, mama"

"Oh, I'm fine, Mary" assured Cora with a flippant wave of her hand.

"Your mother can't always handle wine" teased Robert as he smirked at his wife.

"Well, at least I can handle sherry" she retorted, leaving her husband in stunned silence and earning a laugh from Mary and Matthew.

"You've got me there" surrendered Robert.

"I can also handle my port better than you too"

"When do you ever drink port?" asked Mary.

"I don't so much these days, but I used to share a glass or two when your father and I still hunted. Needless to say, out of the two of us, I was the only one capable of completing the hunt without falling off my horse as a result of my intoxication"

"Is that why I hardly ever see you out riding, Cousin Robert?" teased Matthew.

"Oh, of course" he replied, playing along with the joke, "the bruises were starting to become unbearable"

The whole group laughed joyously, and their chuckles were accompanied by the crackling of the fireplace and the occasional clink of a wine glass being refilled by the ever-faithful Carson. Time and conversation flowed easily, and in tandem with that, so did the wine. Mary and Matthew happily finished another glass each, but it seemed as though the heads of the household couldn't get enough of it.

"I never knew you used to go out hunting, Cousin Cora"

"I did every now and then, but I never enjoyed it much. It's far too fast for my liking, and there was always some dreadful hedge or fencing to jump over and it would just make my stomach drop"

"It's not all bad, Mama. After all, I still hunt"

"Yes, but you're young, dear. If I were to fall off, I'm not quite sure I'd be able to get back up again!"

"You and me both" agreed Robert in jest, earning another flurry of laughter from the group.

"Perhaps we should take the horses out sometime soon?" Cora suggested to her husband, "it's been such a long time since we've ridden together"

"That sounds like a wonderful idea. I'll inquire tomorrow and make sure they've all got shoes"

"Thank you, darling" Cora said to him softly, her eyes glazed over with delight.

For the few seconds that they were lost in their reverie, Matthew seized the opportunity to admire his mother and father-in-law. Ever since he had first arrived at Downton, he had been in awe of how happy they were in their marriage. It wasn't something that a casual observer would be able to spot, but after knowing them for so many years, he had come to admire the ease that they always seemed to find with each other. He knew it was a comfort that had been earned through all of their years together, from the tragedies and troubles they had faced, and from simply taking the time to learn to love each other. Whether they were a part of their relationship or not, he knew that they would never need poetry or grand displays of public affection, because their love was simple and strong. It came from the everyday moments, the kind where they could sit side by side, perhaps occupied and in utter silence and still know that those feelings were ever-present. He has always thought that there was something so poignant about the things that didn't need to be said. And when he cast a glance at his own bride, he truly hoped that they were on their way to exactly the same.

And speaking of his bride…

"You can always use Diamond if you'd like. He's a lot calmer than he used to be" she offered, fully aware of the fact that her husband was practically ogling her.

"Thank you, we'll think about it. Although, I suspect some of the older and slower horses may be better suited for your father and I"

"You'll hear no complaints from me" Robert smirked as he finished another glass of wine.

"Hadn't you better slow down?" his daughter queried, and she studied her own glass that had remained half full while her mother and father had finished another two glasses each.

"Oh, I'll be fine" Robert replied with elongated syllables.

Mary raised an eyebrow at him.

"I deserve to treat myself every now and then" he excused with a wobble of his head that was most inappropriate for an earl.

"I'm not sure you'll consider it a treat when you wake up tomorrow" Matthew jested.

"That's the price we pay, I suppose"

"Please just remember which of us has to share a bedroom with you" Cora chided with a playful roll of her eyes, although her voice travelled more into her wine glass than it did to her conversation partners.

"You've drank just as much as I have"

"I may have, but it's my bedroom"

"Sounds like you're being kicked out, papa"

"He certainly will be kicked out if he continues at this pace"

"You're all ganging up on me" he whined playfully.

"I'm staying out of it" surrendered Matthew.

"Good man!" Robert praised, much to the light-hearted chagrin of both of their wives.

Matthew chuckled to himself and took a moment to admire the ease of their lives in times like this. There was that word again, ease. He never thought he could be so lucky, to be welcomed into a family that could provide him with such a blissful life. He had earned that bliss, of course, and he hoped he was worthy of it. But he thought it a true testament to his family that he could enjoy such exquisite merriment simply for drinking and talking with one another. It was the sort of relationship that couldn't be bought or bargained for, and her truly treasured that.

But the thing he treasured most was currently sitting next to him on the sofa studying her now empty glass of wine. As improper as it was, he had been longing for her all evening. He had found himself so busy lately, and he felt as though he was losing some of his precious time with her, particularly their time that was spent alone and in the privacy of their bedroom. He knew that Mary was pretending not to notice his searing gaze as she conversed with her parents, but only Matthew knew that when she blushed it would appear first on the tips of her ears; and low and behold, they were currently a bright rouge. Without wasting another moment, he knocked back what was left in his wine glass before clearing his throat.

"Right, well it's getting late and I'm rather tired, so I think I may call it a night" he announced as he rose from his seat, "Mary, are you going to come up as well? Only I know you said earlier that you wanted an early night?"

There was a brief pause, and Mary felt like clipping him over his ear for being so blatantly obvious. But despite her annoyance, she simply couldn't refuse him.

"You're right, I've been up far longer than I intended" she replied – ignoring the knowing looks her parents were exchanging.

She rose to her feet too before pecking both of her parents on the cheek.

"Goodnight" she said, "and be careful with that wine, I shan't give you any sympathy if you both have sore heads in the morning" she teased.

"Go to bed, Mary" her father teased, his alcohol-induced jovial spirit no clearer than ever.

And with that, the younger couple left the drawing room and Carson began to clear their glasses. Robert took a moment to study his pocket watch, it had was past midnight; but despite the late hour, he could still feel the buzz from the wine thrumming through his veins, and he was loath to give up such invigoration, and by the contented smile on his wife's face as she took another sip of her drink, she felt the same.

"It's getting rather late, Carson. You can dismiss O'Brian and Thomas for the night – and yourself, of course"

"Are you sure, my lord?"

"Quite sure, quite sure. I think we'll stay in here for a little while longer and I wouldn't want you all to wear yourselves out waiting for us"

"Very good, my lord"

"And you-you can do your final checks and lock up whenever is convenient for you" he stuttered.

"That's very kind of you, my lord. If it's acceptable with you, I will take these empty glasses down to be cleaned and I'll begin my checks right away"

"That's fine with me, Carson. Goodnight"

"Goodnight, my lord, my lady"

"Goodnight, Carson" Cora answered with a smile.

And then they were alone.