Valentine's Day
A/N: Happy Valentine's Day! Here's a fluffy little something to mark the occasion. Very short, but I hope you enjoy. Also posted on Tumblr :)
February 14, 1922
"You realise I still haven't got the least idea where we're going," Mary remarked to her husband as their eyes met in the mirror of her vanity.
Matthew smirked at her, blue eyes glinting merrily. "Well, I … thought it would be rather a lovely surprise, my darling," he murmured, gently teasing the flowing dark hair over one pale shoulder and placing a kiss on her neck. "I've been wanting to go out with you for quite a while."
"The feeling is mutual, I assure you ..."
It was the simple truth. Nearly six months had passed since the birth of their beautiful baby boy – six months during which they had both devoted themselves to his care, suffered endless nights of interrupted sleep, and adjusted to the demands of parenthood. Not that they complained, of course: their darling George was nothing short of the light of their lives. Now, however … they simply wanted a night alone together, just the two of them.
"Right. Well, I'm about to get dressed – and you can't see me until I'm all ready," Mary said, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. "Off with you, darling …"
He sighed in mock exasperation and left the room, just as Anna entered to dress her mistress for the young couples' first night out in months.
His patience had been well worth it.
Mary glided down the stairs, stunningly attired in a deep, rich burgundy gown, delicately beaded and embroidered all over, with rather a – deep neckline …
The pearl and diamond necklace he'd always loved so much on her glittered at her neck. Matthew's eyes widened, and he swallowed hard. "My darling … God, you look splendid."
"As do you," she said, quirking a flirtatious eyebrow at him, as they strode out, hand in hand, into the cool night air. Matthew helped her into the car before getting in himself. The car purred to life, and they were off.
Cold wind rushed past Mary's ears, instantly chilling her shoulders and arms as they sped off beneath the starry Yorkshire sky. She had desperately missed this time alone with her darling, darling husband – a little slice of their honeymoon days nearly two years ago … and how absurdly far off it seemed, now!
She turned her head to look at Matthew. The moonlight was shining across his handsome face, lighting the pale glow of his skin and the pink of his lips and – his thick, beautiful gold hair. His face was adorably screwed up in concentration.
"Don't look at me like that," he muttered.
"Like what, darling?" Mary said, with her most innocent air.
"You know very well. It's – distracting."
She felt a frisson of warmth at that, a thrill over the intoxicating power she wielded, the effect she had on him and always had done. She trailed a light hand over his thigh, taking great pleasure in watching him gulp.
"Darling, please … not now – "
"Alright," she whispered, and withdrew her hand; long white fingers locking together in her lap.
It was a restaurant at York they alighted at, one that her parents usually favoured if they were going out for a night. A large golden glass chandelier threw dancing spots of light around the room, and there was a general air of delicacy, and … elegance, that suited them both so well. On impulse, she kissed him again. He was such a darling to her, and … she loved him so very, very much.
"Thank you for this," she murmured to Matthew, over their glasses of champagne, as busy waiters bustled past them with bright silver cutlery. "It's marvellous of you, Matthew…"
"It's my pleasure, my darling," Matthew said, reaching across for her hand, his thumb tenderly stroking over the two sparkling rings. "God knows you deserve it …"
"How long had you been planning this?" she asked curiously.
Matthew smiled bashfully. "About … ten days ago, I think. I thought it was time I had you all to myself – properly, I mean – and so I simply made plans, you see."
Mary smirked at him, one fine eyebrow arching upwards elegantly. "I see … Well, I've got plans of my own, you know, darling – only they'll be put into action a little later, I'm afraid …"
Matthew blushed. He loved it when she really was herself like this, laughing with him, flirting with him … and a quiet sort of pride blossomed in his chest, at the fact that this was his treat to his darling Mary, for Valentine's Day. He couldn't take his eyes off her – the shimmering diamonds at her throat, her rich brown waves of hair, the subtle, seductive scent of her perfume … She was without doubt the most beautiful, beautiful woman he'd ever laid eyes upon. And he loved her.
"Are you having a nice time?" he asked softly, his voice caressing her, infused with deep, gentle affection and adoration.
"Hm – very much so," Mary hummed. Her bright brown eyes glistened with happiness, at his darling expression, at being … simply with him like this.
They kissed – lightly, gently – and she could taste the tangy flavour of champagne on her husband's lips that made her tremble with desire.
"I'm very glad," Matthew murmured, and kissed her hand again. And suddenly he rolled his eyes, and laughed a little, shaking his head slightly.
"What is it?" Mary said, smiling delicately at him.
"It's only … I'm missing George, rather," he said quietly. "It's been only a few hours since we saw him last, and we'll see him again in only a little while, but even so – I can't help feeling rather as if I've … abandoned him, somehow."
"Darling, please, don't – say that!" Mary cried. Her heart burst with affection for him then, for the devoted father he was to their little chap. "Of course you haven't abandoned him, my darling – you never would," she said, her eyes full of adoring faith in him. "You've been wonderful to him – truly you have. I miss him too."
"I suppose you're right," he whispered. "Then perhaps I should relish my time with my wife, instead of … worrying."
"Perhaps you should."
Not caring who might be watching, their lips met in a searing kiss, far more intoxicating than the champagne, each longing for the other's unencumbered embrace, and … more.
"Happy Valentine's Day," Matthew whispered against his wife's lips. She repeated the words back to him, not wanting to break away ... Suddenly, the delicious meal and the champagne and the dessert all seemed to stretch indeterminably ahead, appealing as they were.
Suddenly, they couldn't quite wait to get home.
A/N: Thank you for reading! Reviews would be lovely, as usual! :):)