Edith and Tom enjoyed the rest of the afternoon playing with the children while Mary observed them from afar. She was far too confused by what had happened to participate in their stories, but just smiled and watched as they continued to enjoy the afternoon.
As they returned from their picnic, Mary's head was still in a fog. She and Tom hadn't had any time to speak over what had happened and practically as soon as the three returned the gong was sounded and they all headed upstairs to change for dinner. Tom had barely met her eyes the entire walk back – he had been completely focused on the children, yet she couldn't stop thinking about his lips upon hers, and how strange and unexpected that moment had been. She thought of it over and over again.
Tom had kissed her. Why? What did it mean? Did he have feelings for her? They'd started calling each other brother and sister. He was her brother-in-law, her sister's widower. Oh Sybil, what would you think of this?
She stopped in her tracks at the thought. Sybil. Her favorite sister, so beloved by everyone... she had been the first person Mary had thought of, not Matthew. Odd. Every man she'd spent time with since Matthew's death, Matthew had always been there. She had always heard his question: is this man good enough for my Mary and George? She didn't hear that question about Tom. She knew Matthew approved of Tom.
She shook her head as she entered her room. What was she thinking? It was one kiss - done impulsively without plan. Hardly a proposal of marriage. She suddenly started to feel angry. Everything had been going so well and then Tom had to step in and confuse her.
"Did you enjoy the picnic, my lady?" Anna asked as she arranged the dress for the evening.
"Very much. Mrs. Patmore did herself proud with that chocolate cake." Mary tried to sound as nonchalant as ever, yet she was still thinking over the feeling of Tom's lips against hers. How soft and sweet the sensation had been.
"I'll be sure and tell her," Anna responded. She stopped and looked in the mirror. "My lady, is something wrong?"
"Wrong?" Mary repeated the word with almost a laugh. Yes – she thought – what had happened was most definitely wrong. He was her brother-in-law.
"You have a funny look on your face," Anna observed.
"Something happened this afternoon that I just don't understand," Mary said. Anna waited. "Tom kissed me."
"Mr. Branson?" Anna was surprised.
"Yes. Tom Branson. Estate manager, father of Sybbie, former chauffeur, and husband to my late sister. That Tom Branson."
"He kissed you?" Anna couldn't quite believe it. "How did it happen?"
"I don't know, really. Edith had gone for a walk, Tom and I were talking and then he kissed me."
"What? Just like that?"
"Just like that," Mary nodded. "Oddly enough, I think it surprised even him."
"Do you think it meant anything?" Anna asked.
"I honestly don't know. He and I have been such good friends… he's been the brother I never had… but I never thought…" she trailed off and looked out the window. Anna knew better than to respond. Suddenly Mary realized what she had said and shook her head out of the reverie. "I'm sorry, I know you will keep the secret, so I won't insult you by asking."
Anna smiled. "I shouldn't let it bother you, my lady," Anna said as she gathered up the discarded clothes. "Sometimes funny things just happen. And if, as you say, he was as surprised as you by it, then I wouldn't over-analyze the situation. It would just make things more awkward."
"Yes, that's sensible," Mary agreed. "Enough, we shall talk no more about it."
"Yes, my lady."