Downton Abbey, Yorkshire, England, September 1913
"Mary."
The Earl of Grantham's voice was tight, his eyes narrow as he stared at his eldest daughter. "Are we expecting you?"
"You should be," Mary said easily, smiling at her father. "I'm sure that Mama would have mentioned my recent letter?"
"Of course I did," Cora said, a false smile plastered across her face as she came down the stairs. She quickly stepped past Edith and Sybil and stood next to Robert. "Your Papa is very busy, Mary. I must not have been clear enough when I told him."
"Mary?" Matthew said, frowning at her in confusion. "Ah, you must be Lady Mary Crawley, the eldest daughter," he said, stepping forward.
Robert opened his mouth to speak, but Mary quickly cut him off.
"Please, it's Cousin Mary," Mary replied formally, looking at Matthew. "And you must be my father's heir, the one everyone seems to be talking about."
"Matthew," Matthew said, stepping forward and extending his hand. "I'm pleased to meet you, Cousin Mary."
Mary placed her hand in his, struggling to keep her face neutral. His body blocked everyone else's view of her and he quickly ran his thumb across her fingers. She felt a delightful shiver as she shook hands with her own husband in front of her estranged family.
"Welcome to Downton Abbey, Cousin Matthew," she said.
"Now that the entire family seems to be here, perhaps we should make all the introductions?" Matthew asked, turning towards Robert.
"We can take care of that after we change for dinner," Robert replied, keeping his voice calm, his eyes not moving from Mary. "Carson, the gong, please."
"Yes, my Lord," Carson bowed, before dashing off.
"Mama," Mary spoke up. "I told Barrow to bring my trunk to my old bedroom, unless there is another room where I should stay?"
Robert again opened his mouth to speak, but Cora interjected quickly.
"It's remained the same since you were…last here," Cora smiled. "Barrow, please take Lady Mary's belongings up to her room. Anna,"
"Yes, your Ladyship," Anna answered, stepping forward and curtseying.
"Lady Mary's had a long trip from Manchester, I suspect. Please attend to her first. We wouldn't want her sudden arrival to delay dinner," Cora ordered.
"Yes, your Ladyship," Anna bowed. She followed Barrow upstairs.
Carson rang the gong. Robert gave Cora a knowing look, then turned and went upstairs without another word. Bates followed behind him without prompting. Cora motioned for Sybil and Edith to go up as well, and they reluctantly obeyed, their eyes glancing at Mary as they went back to up to their rooms.
"You can go up to your room in the Bachelor's Wing, Matthew," Cora smiled. "Barrow will be in to attend to you once he's dropped off Mary's luggage."
"Thank you, Cousin Cora," Matthew bowed his head. He struggled not to look at Mary, and he quickly turned for the stairs before his eyes and mouth betrayed them.
"Well, let's get on with our walk," Violet said to Isobel cheerfully. "You can renew your acquaintance with Mary when we gather before dinner."
Isobel nodded and glanced over at Mary briefly before following the Dowager Countess down a hallway in the direction of the back of the house and the rose garden.
The Great Hall emptied, leaving Mary and Cora appraising each other. Mary held her chin high, her eyes fierce. Her mother's perfect hostess tone of voice and countenance did not fool her. Mary stepped past and headed for the stairs.
Cora glared at her eldest daughter and easily fell in stride next to her, taking the stairs briskly.
"Of all the times to return, Mary!" Cora hissed. "Matthew's just come with his mother. This is a very important dinner for Papa, for all of us, and you've thrown him off before it's even started."
"I told you that I was coming," Mary said plainly, not bothering to stop at the first landing to carry on their conversation. "He should not be so surprised to see me when my return was imminent."
"I never wrote back to you to give you your father's permission to return here, Mary," Cora noted.
"And I never asked," Mary retorted.
"You're inviting a spectacle! If you'd arrived at any other time, he would have seen you barred from coming in," Cora frowned. "Don't think he won't suggest that you leave at the first opportunity."
"Ah, but he won't do that now, will he, Mama?" Mary arched her eyebrow in challenge. "He won't do anything to lose face in front of his precious new heir. He wouldn't want Matthew to get the wrong impression of our family, would he?"
"What are you playing at, Mary?" Cora sighed as they walked down the hall and entered the Family Wing. "Why come back? Why now?"
"I would think it rather obvious," Mary replied. "With James and Patrick dead, there's no reason for me to stay away any longer. We both know it was their command that threw me into exile in the first place. Now that they're gone, I can come home to everyone's open arms."
"Your Papa agreed with their decision to banish you, Mary," Cora shook her head. "You don't honestly think you're welcome here, do you?"
"Aren't you even the slightest bit pleased to see me, Mama?" Mary asked, looking at her intently.
"Yes," Cora nodded. "You're still my daughter. I'm pleased to see you looking so well, but I thought it clear that this life is closed to you, Mary, for reasons that you are well aware of. To ignore all of that and deliberately come back when you know your presence here is not appreciated, it's senseless."
"I think you'll find that not everyone is sorry to see me, Mama," Mary smiled. "Besides, I wanted to meet Matthew, to get to know him. He will be the head of our family one day."
"Get to know him?" Cora asked incredulously. "You heard your Papa. He doesn't want you anywhere near Matthew."
"Well, we'll be near enough at dinner, won't we?" Mary smiled, reaching her old bedroom. "I'll just have to see what this Matthew is all about. Oh, don't worry, Mama. I won't embarrass Papa in front of the son he always wanted. I have bigger fish to fry."
Mary turned and went into her old bedroom, leaving Cora to shake her head and continue on to her own room.
Mary took a deep breath as she looked at her reflection in the full length mirror. Anna had been quick and efficient as always. Mary knew the maid was needed by both Edith and Sybil, so she didn't want to keep her by making small talk. She was also unsure as to what Anna thought of her return. While the old Mary would not have cared one bit for the opinions of a servant, the new Mary – Matthew's Mary – had truly missed her.
"I'm very glad to see you back, Milady," Anna said quietly on her way out the door.
"Thank you, Anna," Mary said genuinely. It was a small comment, but it made Mary feel immensely pleased. She was right, after all. Not everyone would be as aghast at her return as her parents were. She could count on Granny, and now Anna, and of course there was always…
"Oh God, Mary!" Sybil squealed as she came running into the room. Mary barely had time to turn before her sister hugged her tightly.
"Sybil," Mary grinned, squeezing the girl close. "Darling, you need to get ready for dinner."
"Anna's busy with Edith," Sybil replied, stepping back slightly. "I'm always an afterthought. You know that."
"Not to me, you're not," Mary said firmly. "There were days when your letters were all that kept me sane."
"Oh, Mary," Sybil shook her head. "What was it like? Manchester? You gave so few details. Were you all right? Were you able to make a life for yourself like you said?"
"I was," Mary nodded. "I did. As hard as it is to believe, I was quite happy in Manchester, actually."
Sybil laughed in disbelief. "I can't imagine you there, living such a different life than the one we're accustomed to. Why did you come back, Mary? You know that Papa doesn't want you here."
"That's as good a reason as any," Mary smiled wryly. "This is my home, Sybil. I belong here. I was sent away through James' and Patrick's scheming years ago, and now they're gone and I'm here, and I intend to stay."
"Truly?" Sybil asked hopefully. "But what about the gossip? No one's forgotten, you know."
"Sadly, yes I do know," Mary said, turning away and looking at her reflection once again. "I don't want to think about how horribly I'll be treated, but still, I had to come back, Sybil, especially with Cousin Matthew being here now."
"What do you think of him?" Sybil asked. "He's rather handsome, isn't he?"
Mary's eyes widened and she turned to look at her sister. "Handsome?" she repeated.
"Well…yes," Sybil shrugged. "Tall, blond hair, blue eyes; he's straight out of a romance novel, isn't he?"
"All the men in the novels I've read had dark hair and brown eyes," Mary smirked. "But his looks aside, I'm more interested in who he is and what he believes. I want to know just who it is we'll be handing all of this over to and obeying for the rest of our lives."
"But he'll just follow Papa's example, won't he?" Sybil asked. "If Papa tells him that you shouldn't be here, he'll surely agree."
"I intend to find out," Mary stated. "We'll soon see if Cousin Matthew is merely a puppet for Papa or whether he's his own man."
"I've missed you, Mary," Sybil grinned, approaching her. "You can't know how much."
"I think I can, actually," Mary smiled at her sister. "No matter what happens, thank you for being so sweet. Don't ever lose that, Sybil. You've got the warmest heart of any of us, and that's why you're sure to do better."
Mary approached the stairs with Edith and Sybil. She chastised herself for feeling almost giddy as she walked. She was back. Back at Downton Abbey, dressed and primped for dinner as though nothing had ever changed. She'd missed this, even if she did not want to admit it.
"So you…worked…with Cousin Isobel?" Edith asked.
"She was my supervisor," Mary replied. "Though there were a number of us. I never got to know her beyond the hospital."
"And you never came across Cousin Matthew the entire time you were there?" Edith continued.
"Why would I?" Mary said. "I knew his parents as they both worked in the hospital, but I never met him. It was bad enough that I had to work at all. I surely wasn't going to waste my time getting to know the people there and their families."
"How strange that you came so close to meeting Cousin Matthew before any of us did," Sybil said.
"You can call it strange, but I'd say I was lucky. At least this way, I can judge him after he's already been made Papa's heir. Who knows how much he's changed from whoever he was in Manchester?"
"Does he strike you as a fortune hunter?" Sybil asked.
"I don't know," Mary replied. "I suppose we'll find out, won't we?"
They all turned to the final flight of stairs and each of them looked up in surprise. Matthew was waiting for them in the Great Hall, dressed immaculately in black tie.
"Hello," Mary managed, swallowing as she reached him. She always knew her husband was gorgeous, but seeing him in her home, dressed so formally made her swoon slightly. He looked like royalty, like an Earl.
"Cousin Mary, Cousin Edith, Cousin Sybil," Matthew nodded politely. "I don't mean to impose, but I was hoping to spend time with the three of you before we went through to dinner. I expect I'll be interrogated and prodded all through the meal so I'd like a bit more friendly conversation beforehand."
"And what makes you think we'll be friendly?" Mary asked, arching her eyebrow.
Matthew blinked in surprise, then smiled at all of them.
"I suppose we'll all find out, won't we? We will be living under the same roof. Eventually we'll know all there is to know about each other," he said, glancing intently at Mary before looking at her sisters.
"Right this way, Cousin Matthew," Edith smiled, guiding him to the parlour. "We'd be delighted to entertain you until dinner is served."
"Edith seems to have been cleaned and shined while I was away," Mary noted, following behind Matthew and her sister.
"You know how Mama is," Sybil rolled her eyes. "She's always worried about our prospects."
"If I wanted to attract a man, I'd stay away from that dress," Mary snarled.
"Don't be so unkind," Sybil whispered. "Let's just get to know Cousin Matthew, like you said."
"Yes," Mary nodded as they entered the parlour. "Let's find out all there is to know about him."
When Matthew came into the dining room, his breath caught in his throat. He'd been to many formal dinners in Manchester and London, both entertaining clients and attending various events, but the dining room at Downton Abbey was different, not so much for its opulence, but for all it represented. He could not help but watch as Mary walked elegantly down one side and took the seat at the end of the long table – a table that would one day be theirs. In that moment, he pictured her presiding over their family dinner, laughing and bantering with their guests, giving him teasing looks, her tiara and wedding rings glinting in the lights of the chandelier.
"You can sit over there, Matthew," Cora whispered to him, nodding her head to one side of the table.
"Yes, of course," Matthew acknowledged, blushing slightly as he walked briskly down the table. He took advantage of Cora's lack of precision and took the seat two over from Mary. She did not acknowledge his presence, glancing in the other direction. Before he could say anything to her, Edith took the seat between them.
"A fine meal should be just the thing after your long journey here," Edith smiled.
"Yes, quite," Matthew nodded politely.
As the courses were served, Matthew gave small token responses, allowing Robert and Violet and even his mother to lead most of the conversation. He stole a few glances towards Mary, but she spent all of her time speaking to Sybil or not looking in his direction.
"Most of the invitations for your welcome party have been accepted, Matthew," Cora boasted. "We expect many people are eager to meet you."
"It's a mere formality, of course," Robert added. "But it may give you a chance to get used to this sort of thing – the attention and interest – before we go to London for Winter Season and there's more events to attend."
"I'm eager to grow accustomed to such things," Matthew nodded, reaching for what he hoped was the correct soup spoon. "I'll spend my days learning everything about the Estate and my nights learning about Society."
"How eager you are," Mary noted, not offering anything further as she tasted her soup.
"Yes, and I'm glad to see such enthusiasm," Robert said quickly, seizing the conversation back from his daughter. "I was under the impression from Lord Merton that you intended to take a job in Ripon with a law firm there."
"A job? Why would he require one of those regrettable things?" Violet frowned.
"I don't," Matthew smiled. "I'm sorry to say that Lord Merton is misinformed. While I will always have an affection for the law, I believe it more prudent to focus on this Estate, rather than anyone else's."
"Do you have much experience with Estates and the law, Cousin Matthew?" Sybil asked.
"Sybil," Cora quietly reprimanded her daughter.
"Some, yes," Matthew said with a small laugh. "I practised in industrial law in Manchester – wills, estates, conveyancing – that sort of thing. I do expect that the Grantham Estate is far more complicated than those I am used to, however."
"What he means is that he isn't particularly familiar with our sort of people, Sybil, dear," Mary smiled.
Matthew glanced over at her curiously. Why was such a comment necessary?
"I haven't encountered an Estate as large as this one, that's true," Matthew said carefully. "But I've been doing a lot of reading on entails and the law of succession. I'm confident I'll pick it up quickly, with all of you to help me."
"The man reads," Mary smirked, reaching for her wine glass. "Papa, you've found a true jewel."
"It won't all be study for you, Matthew," Robert smiled, ignoring Mary's remark. "If you ever want to ride, just let Lynch know and he'll sort it out for you."
"Oh, Papa, Cousin Matthew doesn't ride," Mary chuckled.
"I do ride, actually," Matthew said tightly, frowning for just a moment at his wife.
"Ah, and do you hunt?" Mary replied, looking directly at him this time.
"No, I don't hunt," Matthew answered.
"I daresay there must not be much opportunity in Manchester," Edith smiled at him.
Cora and Violet both smiled at the remark, their pride in Edith's tact obvious.
"Are you a hunting family?" Matthew asked, turning to Robert.
"Families like ours are always hunting families," Mary volunteered.
"Not always," Robert said pointedly. "Billy Skelton won't have them on his land."
"But all the Skeltons are mad," Mary laughed. "I trust you aren't using them as a model for us now, Papa?"
Robert sipped his wine and cast an angry glance at Cora.
"Do you hunt, Cousin Mary?" Matthew asked,
"I used to, yes," Mary answered. "I suppose you're more interested in books than country sport."
"I probably am. You'll tell me that's rather unhealthy," Matthew said.
"Not at all," Mary smiled. "Just unusual…for our kind of people."
The footmen were called upon to refill the family's wine glasses far more often than they'd ever had in the past two years.
"And what specifically have you been reading?" Mary asked, not caring that no one else was taking up the conversation.
"Hopefully not novels," Violet said with disdain. "I can't stand those with a vice for fiction. It's worse than Greek drama where everything happens off stage."
"I'm afraid that I have been reading Greek drama; mythology in particular" he said. "I find them quite enlightening."
"Then you would know the story of Persephone and Hades," Mary said lightly.
"That's hardly a story for the dinner table," Robert said, finishing his wine shortly after it had just been refilled. "It is enlightening though. Persephone must spend months in Tartarus because she did something forbidden, and so she is rightly punished for it. I always enjoy stories that teach us that there are consequences for our impulsive actions."
"As do I," Mary nodded, looking over at Matthew again. "There are always numerous lessons within the layers of these stories. In the case of Persephone, she met her unfortunate fate because her all-powerful father, Zeus, did nothing to protect her from being violated."
Robert grit his teeth. Cora looked down at her plate.
"I fear that I'm always entranced by a redemption story," Matthew said, filling the silence. "Though Persephone was punished severely, she also is the harbinger of Spring, a reminder of the growth and hope that the change in seasons represent, as well as the personification of a lost daughter returning to her loving mother. There's some purpose then to what has befallen her, and a reason to believe that her life is not defined by her time in the underworld."
"Bravo," Isobel chimed in. "Well said."
Cora and Robert took command of the conversation through the entrée and pudding courses. Cora took the ladies through at the first opportunity, leaving Matthew alone with Robert. The Earl downed his port as if he were thirsty for water, and Matthew regarded him carefully, politely declining cigars from Carson as he watched the Earl try and compose himself.
"I seem to always be apologizing for the rudeness of my eldest daughter," Robert said, staring at his glass. "I hope she did not offend you too much. Mary does not speak for the rest of us, you know."
"I rather enjoyed the debate," Matthew smiled. "I admire Mary's passion…that is, she clearly enjoys an argument, a trait that I can appreciate, being a lawyer and all," Matthew stammered.
"You're too kind," Robert nodded. "I'll give Cora instructions to move Mary somewhere else when the opportunity arises. She won't be a bother for much longer."
"May I ask why?" Matthew frowned. "It seems to me you would want your entire family together as we begin this new era. I'm not very experienced with Society, but I am quite familiar with the need to present the proper image to the outside world."
"Mary is…complicated," Robert offered. "I would rather she not remain here to stir up trouble. She has a talent for that, I assure you."
"I must be missing something, as I cannot imagine that a few barbs over dinner being too threatening," Matthew laughed. "If she makes her mind to hate me, she wouldn't be the first woman to do so. And her challenges and insults can only help prepare me for what I may face in London. As for having her live under the same roof, if you're afraid of what she may do to the family name, keeping her close is far better than sending her away beyond our control. As for living with her each day, well, we can manage that, can't we?"
Robert looked at him curiously. "Yes, I suppose we can," he said finally.
"Good," Matthew nodded, raising his glass to the Earl. "Then it's settled. Mary stays, and we'll forge our path forward, even if it means dragging her along with us."
Robert laughed and sipped his port. Matthew's heart did cartwheels in his chest.
"Well, you've survived your first dinner at Downton Abbey," Robert smiled. "And your future seems even brighter to me than it did mere hours ago, Matthew."
Matthew glanced across the vast fields below, the moonlight giving the lands a ghostly hue. The wide open spaces seemed to carry on for miles, and it would all be his one day. He had an idea of just how large the Estate was – both in distance and wealth – but seeing it for himself was startling. His parents' entire neighbourhood in Manchester could fit in a mere corner of this place.
He had dismissed Barrow hours ago, the valet had been rather patronising in his attentions, his constant assurances that he would get Matthew up to speed in no time and how Barrow was the perfect man for Matthew grated on his nerves. There was something malicious about the man, hidden just below the surface of his tight smile that made Matthew suspicious. It did not help that he knew he was one of the witnesses who had contributed to Mary's banishment. Matthew was too tired to strike up conversation with Barrow. He changed quickly and said good night. After spending most of the night putting on airs and pretending to be a shadow of himself, he was in no mood for further banter.
He had tried to sleep, but had given up quite quickly. The evening had ended rather abruptly. When he and Robert had come through, Mary and Sybil had already retired. He saw his mother and Cousin Violet to their car shortly after, and before he knew it, the family had all retired. He suspected that they did not want to give Mary any more opportunity to do any more damage, and Matthew was sorry for it. Even having fake arguments with his wife was preferable to being without her at all.
The mattress of his bed was too soft, the blankets too warm, the pillows not firm enough. He'd finally gotten up after rolling around fitfully and taken a seat at the window. He looked back at the bed wistfully. The real problem was that it was too empty. His eyes shot up as the door quickly opened and closed and he blinked several times as his dreams became real.
"What are you doing here?" he whispered.
"My, that's quite the loving greeting," Mary smiled, coming over to him and sitting between his legs.
"How did you get here?" Matthew gasped, the closeness of her presence causing his skin to warm quickly.
"I walked," Mary said, wrapping her arms across his shoulders. When he did not reply, she reached for his hand and showed his wristwatch to him.
"The servants are all asleep by midnight at the latest. O'Brien finishes with Mama and has a smoke outside with Barrow before retiring. Usually waiting an hour or two in case there's any fire that needs tending or an emergency of some sort ensures that upstairs is entirely silent."
"So one can roam about the house at 2 o'clock virtually undetected," Matthew nodded.
"Exactly," Mary smiled, returning her hands to the back of his neck. "I used to keep track of such things when I wanted to sneak down to the kitchens for cookies."
"And now?" Matthew asked, leering at her.
"Now I'm craving something much sweeter," Mary smirked before leaning forward and kissing him.
"Mmm," she hummed, drawing back. "Now that is the greeting I was expecting."
"I'm sorry, but I'm not used to having a woman I just met this afternoon come to my bedroom so quickly," Matthew smiled.
"Even if that woman is your wife?" Mary teased.
"I don't have a wife," Matthew retorted. "But, perhaps I could call you my Persephone. Though I'm afraid that would make me Hades."
"Certainly not," Mary said, stroking his hair. "Spending time with Hades was a regrettable duty. Spending time with you is an immense pleasure."
Matthew kissed her again, his hands moving to the tie of her robe. He undid the sash and his hands moved to her hips, drawing a gasp from her as she felt his touch through her thin nightgown.
"You were quite rude to me at dinner," he murmured against her neck.
"I had to be," Mary whispered, her head falling back as he kissed her warm skin. "We aren't supposed to know each other, and if I carried on a normal conversation with you, I'd risk allowing my true feelings to show."
"And how do you feel about me, exactly?" Matthew asked, his voice low and full of meaning.
"Take me to bed and find out," Mary breathed, her hands clutching his shoulders.
"That's rather bold of you," he smiled. "What if someone comes to check on you, or on me?"
"Everyone's asleep," Mary said quickly as he reached up and touched her breast through the nightgown. "The servants won't be awake until 5 o'clock, and you're quite isolated in this part of the house. No one would hear us."
"Well that's good," Matthew said thickly. "Because seeing you tonight, here in your home, where you belong, looking absolutely beautiful, had me in quite a state all through dinner. I may not be able to be very…quiet."
"Is that so?" Mary smiled, her eyes closed. "It's a good thing that Edith sat between us then, as otherwise my hands may have been quite active underneath the table."
"And you said I would have trouble controlling myself once we arrived here?" Matthew laughed.
"I need to take these moments with you when I can. I won't be able to come to you every night, or perhaps even every week," Mary said. "Everyone's still in shock over my return, but eventually they'll devise a strategy to get rid of me, and I'll be monitored at all times."
"I doubt that," Matthew said confidently, his hand moving beneath her nightgown and caressing her thigh. "I actually made quite sure tonight that you're allowed to stay."
"What?" Mary asked, opening her eyes and looking at him. "How?"
"By taking advantage of your father's pride," Matthew smiled devilishly. "I told him that we have no reason to fear you being here and that you'd be easier to control if you were under the same roof. He agreed."
"Control me?" Mary asked, arching her eyebrow at him. "You think that you can, do you?"
"I'm happy for you to take the lead, if it suits you," Matthew replied, nodding his head towards the bed.
Mary laughed, then kissed him again. "And what is on the agenda for tomorrow?"
"Assuming I will have the strength to walk in the morning," Matthew arched his eyebrow playfully. "I need to see the entail, and Robert has promised to provide me with it for my review. I also intend to set up an appointment with Murray so I can review the Estate books. I'm sure it's not necessary, but I'd like to understand exactly what I will be inheriting, and what you will one day preside over."
Mary smiled at his last remark. "So what do you think of Downton, now that you're here?"
"It's very impressive," Matthew nodded. "And I must say that you look as though you're in your element. You belong here, Mary, just as my father believed."
"I must say it feels good to be here. I'm going to visit Granny tomorrow and renew acquaintances. I also want to see your mother at some point. I'm sure it's all rather a shock for her," Mary said.
"Then we both have a busy day ahead of us," Matthew said, picking her up and carrying her to bed. He lay her down and followed after her, opening her robe fully and kissing her. Mary unbuttoned his shirt, pushing it off of him and working her hands down to his pants.
"Matthew," she smiled, squeezing his buttocks as he drew her nightgown up her legs. "Please."
"Wait for me," he hissed. He reached over to the nightstand, pulling the drawer open and fumbling around in the dark. He finally pulled the small packet out and returned to kissing his wife.
"In your nightstand, Matthew?" she gasped. "Honestly!"
Matthew opened the flimsy wrapper and moved the condom over himself. "Well, that's where I kept them back home!" he grunted.
Mary moved her hand down and assisted him, smiling at his struggles. "You don't have the same privacy here as in Manchester, Matthew. You have to assume that the servants will be poking around your things."
"Where would you suggest I keep them then? Should I carry one around in my pocket in case you feel the urge in the middle of the day?" Matthew said ruefully, before he parted her legs and kissed her.
Mary laughed, pulling him closer. "Very well. I suppose gossip about the womanizing heir isn't entirely inappropriate. It will give more credence to the story of you being single and unattached."
"I don't want to talk about my bachelor status anymore," Matthew growled, kissing her neck and moving his hips against hers. "I'm in bed with my wife and I want her…desperately."
Mary laughed again, a throaty seductive sound this time. She moved her hands down to Matthew's bottom and fondled him. "Well then, by all means, take me, husband. We don't have much time."
"Welcome home, Lady Mary," Matthew said huskily as he moved upon her.
"I believe that is the last of them," Robert said as Murray arranged the large leather bound books on the table.
Matthew eyed the volumes thoughtfully, eager to begin diving into them. Even Mary was not aware of the precise details contained within. She knew generally that the Estate earned money from rents and the odd sale of grain or other product, and she assumed that there were costs associated with employing the servants, maintaining the land and the properties and buildings, but that was the extent of it. Matthew needed to see the numbers. To understand how the operation worked on such a precise level was another weapon in their arsenal. He would then be able to speak to Robert on equal terms, and understand how the power structure with James and Patrick had worked.
"It certainly is a lot," Matthew said carefully.
Robert smiled as he watched his heir. This presentation often did the trick, intimidating those weak at heart. It did force the Earl to remember when he was sitting in Matthew's chair, the first time his father had brought him to Murray's office to see the depth of detail involved in running Downton, as well as one of the last times Robert had been with James and Patrick. Robert's knowledge of the Estate and how it operated was his way of controlling Matthew, just as he had endeavoured to do with James and Patrick. So long as he could maintain the knowledge gap between them, Matthew would have to accept his word on certain matters and fall in line. Though Matthew was a lawyer by training, Robert reviewed the books each month with great precision. There was nothing that Matthew could discover that Robert did not already know, and that gave him the upper hand that he needed.
"Murray acts as our go-between with the banks in London as well. When my father was alive, he made it a point to request regular statements and have them forwarded to his legal counsel, and the books would then be brought to Downton for review. It's a practice I've continued, and one that you should grow familiar with as well. Never rely upon anyone else's opinion or advice until you thoroughly understand what you're talking about first."
Matthew noticed the leather volumes did not have a speck of dust upon them. Robert's boasting of how meticulous he was seemed to ring true.
"You review these books each month, Robert?" Matthew asked.
"Every month, same day and time; like clockwork," Robert said proudly.
"His Lordship is very hands on, you'll find," Murray echoed.
"And the books remain with Murray in London?" Matthew asked.
"They do," Robert nodded. "We don't keep them here. Once a month all invoices, bills, cheques and receipts are sent to London for Murray and our accountants to reconcile the books. They are then brought to me. This ensures that no one person has full control over the information and allows for sufficient balances to keep everything accurate. Another practice that my father passed on."
Matthew nodded. He could see how this was important. Though Robert did not allude to it, Matthew knew from Mary that there were issues with bankruptcy in the past. To leave the books in the hands of the Earl alone would invite the possibility of corruption and falsifying records. Murray seemed a decent man, from the little that Matthew knew of him, and he had a code of conduct as a lawyer that he was bound to follow. Matthew also suspected that this system ensured that the Estate lawyer had to wait for information from the Earl just as the Earl had to wait on information from the bank. No one person had full disclosure of everything.
"Well," Robert said looking at his watch, "I have a lunch meeting. You can begin reviewing the records and Murray will come back this afternoon to collect the books. If you feel you need more time, we can make arrangements for one of his associates to bring the books back next week and stay longer to give you more time."
"Thank you," Matthew nodded. "I'll see what I can accomplish today."
"Very well, Mr. Crawley," Murray nodded, and he followed Robert out of the library.
Matthew opened the first volume and arranged his fresh notepad in front of him. He sighed as he began perusing the numbers. He didn't need to memorize everything. He just wanted to get an idea for the overall condition of the Estate, where the largest source of revenues was, and the largest expenses. He could then go to Mary with the information, and determine what else he needed.
Downton Abbey, Yorkshire, England, October 1913
Matthew sipped his drink and perused the ballroom, glancing about to his relatives involved in different conversations throughout the room. He'd already endured a rather long and boring receiving line, with Robert and Cora introducing him to neighbours, colleagues and old friends of the Crawley family. His duty completed, Matthew could now take a brief respite before he was undoubtedly pulled in another direction. He saw Edith and Sybil each entertaining a separate group of guests. He had seen in the weeks he'd been here that the Crawley sisters were well trained in social conventions. They were both comfortable speaking on a number of subjects, and though they did not have Mary's quick wit or bite, they were pleasant to be around. Sybil in particular, was kind and warm. Matthew sometimes imagined her glee if they were to reveal the truth about their marriage, but he would then refocus on the overall plan and goal of what he was doing. If he was successful, there would be plenty of time to fill Sybil in on all that she did not know.
"Mr. Crawley," a voice called. Matthew turned and smiled at the Morgan sisters – Celia and Celeste; friends of Lord Grantham's sister Rosamund. Matthew had already learned that these middle-aged women were gossip mongers of the highest order. He was already guarded as it was being in a strange environment with people he did not know. His defences were on even higher alert around these two.
"You don't look much like James or Patrick," Celia said as she moved up her glasses and appraised him.
"That isn't such a bad thing though," Celeste said with a grin. "After all James was not graceful, especially when he spoke as a boy, remember that awful stutter?"
"How true," Celia said mournfully, "I had forgotten about the stutter, rest his soul."
"What a relief you must be to Lord Grantham," Celeste said with a smile, "A young and handsome heir, and a bachelor too."
"James was a wonderful dancer though," Celia continued as though she hadn't heard her sister. "I miss dancing with him as Robert has two left feet."
Matthew stared at the two women as they lobbed comments back and forth; it was almost like watching a tennis match.
"When I remember James, I remember the way he used to wheeze because of his asthma. It was quite unbecoming. But, then bless his heart, I always think of that dance he had with Cora Levinson. He noticed her before Robert did," Celeste said in response.
"Now, don't fill this young man's head with such nonsense. You saw no such thing. That is just an old rumour. James was already engaged to Phyllis Astoria, Patrick's mother by the time Cora came over from America," Celia said.
"Maybe someday, you will love like that," Celeste said to Matthew. "James and Phyllis. Now that was a love match," she smiled wistfully.
"By the way, have you met my daughter Sophia?" Celia asked.
Matthew sipped his drink to hide the grimace on his face from being revealed.
"Yes," he said after the short delay. "I've had that privilege," he said politely. Their intentions were entirely transparent, and although Mary had warned him of these types of traps before, to watch the walls closing around him was startling.
"If you will excuse me ladies," he said courteously. "I believe that Cousin Violet requires me."
He stepped away from the crowd and headed briskly for the door. Fresh air was desperately needed. The only thing he had learned from this gathering was that everyone seemed eager to offer their opinions about James and Patrick to him, in the guise of pseudo condolences, and invariably these comments were negative. It gave him a modicum of pleasure to know that these villains from Mary's past were not held in particular high regard in Society.
Matthew wandered on to the terrace and glanced up at the night sky, the murmurs of the party buzzing in the background. Mary had been selective in her appearances tonight, moving in and out of the ballroom just long enough to be seen, but not staying in one place to allow anyone to question what she'd been doing for the past two years.
"Mr. Crawley?" A voice called from behind him.
Matthew turned to see the offered handshake of one of the first men who had greeted him earlier.
"Mr. Napier," he said as he accepted the handshake, nodding as the young Viscount smiled at him.
"Rather an ordeal isn't it?" Evelyn laughed.
"It's a necessary duty," Matthew replied, careful not to reveal too much. "Everything is new to me, so it's all at minimum a learning experience."
Evelyn nodded. "Speaking of new experiences, will you be leading the grouse hunt tomorrow? That was always Patrick's job to the best of my recollection."
"I'll be there, but as for leading it, I don't know how active I'll be in that. Did you know him well?" Matthew asked.
"No," Evelyn shook his head. "I did not. In all honestly, I expect that you are sick of hearing about the pair of them, James and Patrick; I know I am. It's been over a year since the Titanic. You would think that people would be able to move on to other subjects."
"Well, I suppose that's where I come in," Matthew said. "Though I don't know how fascinating some will find me."
"For your sake, hopefully not much," Evelyn smiled. "I'm sure that Lord Grantham is coaching you suitably. If I can be of any assistance, please feel free to ask. I won't guarantee that I'll be any use to you though."
"Actually, you can," Matthew said, an idea forming in his mind. "I don't wish to dredge up the past, but it seems to me there is a strange amount of interest in Lady Mary as well."
Evelyn's eyes widened. "Well, it is a surprise to see her back, that is true. I never expected that I would have the pleasure of her company again."
Matthew kept his expression neutral, though his stomach rolled uncomfortably. He knew that Mary had flirted with Evelyn during her Season, and that Evelyn had asked about her following her exile, but surely the man did not have intentions towards her years later? Matthew suppressed the urge to order Evelyn to stay away from his wife and continued on.
"I must confess that no one has actually told me the precise nature of why she was away in the first place. I've heard small bits here and there, but I don't know if it's my place to ask. I don't expect it's important, but as this is now my family, and my House, I feel a responsibility to be aware of anything important, you see," Matthew explained.
"And asking a family friend isn't nearly as potentially rude as asking Lord Grantham or Lady Mary herself," Evelyn nodded. "You have more talent for this than you let on, Mr. Crawley."
"Please, it's Matthew," Matthew nodded.
"All I know is conjecture and innuendo," Evelyn said. "The common tale is that Lady Mary was found in a rather compromising position and was sent away as a result. I do feel terrible about it as it was one of my guests – a Turkish ambassador – who played a role in it. I only found this out after he went back to Istanbul, and I haven't spoken to him since. We weren't friends, of course. I was assigned to him by the department as his host. Since then, with relations between the Ottomans and Britain souring, I expect I'll never see him again."
"I see," Matthew said.
"There was a lot of gossip and speculation during the first Season after Mary left," Evelyn added. "But there's been another Season since then, and most have moved on. Mary's return though may unfortunately bring things to the fore once again, which is probably why it's been so hard to get a hold of her tonight."
"And what about you? Do you believe the rumours about her?" Matthew asked.
"I can't say," Evelyn shook his head. "A part of me doesn't want to, but to say that Lady Mary was not friendly, even flirtatious with that man on the night in question would be a lie. She was far from friendly to us the next morning, which would seem to indicate something happened during the evening to change her mood."
Matthew swallowed. He knew very well what horrors had transpired, and his heart ached for what his wife had suffered through in the months before she came into his life.
"Well, there's no need to discuss it further. Hopefully everyone will be so focused on exposing my middle class background that they'll allow Mary some peace," Matthew said.
"As you're the one who brought it up, I'll say that I hope so also," Evelyn nodded. "As for the hunt, well, do not bother yourself about your possible performance. At the last hunt I attended, Patrick was both high handled and incompetent. Whatever you bring to this event I'm sure you will shine by comparison."
"Thank you," Matthew said gracefully. "I'd better go back in before they send a search party for the new heir."
He left Evelyn on the terrace, still somewhat bothered by the man's continued interest in Mary, but grateful for the information he provided. Matthew's original plan was to study the entail and find a hole or flaw that he could exploit to restore Mary and reveal her as his wife. His preliminary review had given him very little to work with as of yet. His initial investigations into what Society believed about what happened to Mary and what they were still talking about was now more important. If he could find a way to refute Mary's scandal regarding the Turk, then Society would believe her to be pure once again, and without Patrick to speak out against it, Matthew could possibly fit her within the strict terms of the entail. The various scenarios were confusing and muddled, but Matthew knew he had to try every option and every possibility, and not gamble their future on one strategy alone.
"Cousin Matthew," a warm voice called and Matthew smiled as he turned around.
"Cousin Mary," he nodded as Mary stood before him.
"Your drink requires a refill," Mary noted. "Shall we?"
"Please," Matthew smiled. He escorted her over to a secluded corner of the room, then beckoned for Barrow to exchange his empty glass for a full one off the silver tray the footman turned valet carried. He and Mary continued to move, staying on the periphery of the room and away from inquisitive eyes and crowds of people.
"We can't talk for long," Mary whispered. "I'll be retiring soon. The less that people see of me, the better. How are you holding up?"
"I'm bored," Matthew sighed. "I'd much rather be upstairs with you."
"Stop it!" she scolded him. "We're practically in public."
"Then all of your parents' guests may unfortunately overhear how I want to take you upstairs and make love to you for the rest of the evening," Matthew growled.
"Matthew, please!" Mary hissed. "This isn't easy for me either. I'm not ashamed to admit that going without you for three weeks has been horrible. Have you learned anything?"
"Mostly that the only people here who thought highly of James and Patrick were your parents and Edith," Matthew answered quietly as they turned around and made another circuit of the room. "It's not enough to discredit their story about you, but it may allow me to learn more that would be of use to us."
"In what way?" Mary frowned, looking away from him.
"I can't go into it now, but I need to tell you about what I've seen in the Estate books. There are…complications…that we were not aware of. In fact, I doubt even your father knows about them."
"What does that have to do with the entail and your plan?" Mary asked.
"I'll explain later," he answered. "If we can ride off on our own tomorrow during the Hunt, we can discuss it."
"Papa will be watching both of us," Mary shook her head. "But I may be able to come up with something. I'll see you in the morning."
"I love you, Mary," Matthew said quietly, looking down at the floor.
Mary smiled as Matthew walked away from her and over to rejoin Lord Grantham who was laughing jovially with several old men.