A/N – So, I just figured out how to do this.
Thanks to everyone who has reviewed and added to their story alert. It very encouraging! It is my first fanfic and I was nervous to post. But so glad I did. It has been a great experience so far – it's amazing to me how the words just flow from my fingertips, but I imagine most of that has to JF and his amazingly well developed and engaging characters.
So, a few of you feel Matthew is a bit OC, in light of his apparent giddiness about Mary's love for him and his inviting Lavinia to Christmas when it appears he is going to throw her over. I do respectfully disagree, but I am mindful of your concerns, I certainly want my Matthew to be IC.
So on the next chapter, Matthew is coming home …. But first, we need to catch up with Mary and Downton… this is a filler chapter to move the story forward.
Robert was sorting through the morning's post while seated at the breakfast table. As he was inspecting the name on the letter he regarded, he registered that Mary had entered the room and as she passed behind him, he handed the letter over his shoulder to Mary.
"Thank you Papa", Mary smiled as she noted Matthew's familiar scrawl. She took her seat at the table and opened the letter. Within moments of opening, a joyous smile spread across her face as she exclaimed to no one in particular and to everyone in the room, "Matthew is coming home, he'll be here for in time for Christmas."
"Fantastic!" said Sybil. "Wonderful!" said Robert. "Will Lavinia be joining him?" inquired Edith sourly. Mary rolled her eyes.
"When will he arrive?" Sybil asked. "Does he say?"
"The letter is dated about 10 days ago and he says he shall be here in a fortnight, so I expect in a few days. Cousin Isobel may know of his plans particularly." Mary answered, "I think I may visit Crawley House later this morning to inquire."
"Is she not here?" inquired Robert.
"I think she isn't in till later this afternoon, assigned to the evening shift" replied Mary.
"I'd like to go with you, if that's okay. It's a particularly beautiful day for this time of year, it would be good to get out and enjoy it a bit." said Sybil.
"Wonderful." Mary answered .
"Please do ask Cousin Isobel and Cousin Matthew for dinner as soon as Matthew arrives." requested Robert.
"I'll be delighted to pass on the invitation Papa" Mary replied.
Mary was thrilled. Matthew was coming home, it was so unexpected, and she could hardly believe it to be true. She imagined Lavinia would be joining them for Christmas as well. Of course she would.
She reflected again that his letters had been constant. He had answered her every letter, although they often came out of order or in spurts of many or weeks of nothing. Sometimes, he wrote not in answer, but in beginning. He was never forward or overtly affectionate, but Mary felt his affection in his words and phrasing all the same. She treasured his letters. And she had stolen many moments reading and absorbing them over and over again.
After breakfast, Mary made quick to convene with Sybil and prepare for the walk to Crawley House. As they gathered their coats and gloves, Carson appeared to oversee their departure. "Shall we expect you back for luncheon" he inquired.
"Yes, Carson, thank you, we intend to walk to Crawley House for a short visit with Cousin Isobel." answered Mary. "We shan't be gone too long."
"Well, it's a beautiful day for a walk; I trust you will indeed enjoy it." Carson commented as Mary and Sybil left the Abbey.
Arriving at Crawley House, Moseley showed them into the drawing room where Cousin Isobel had been reading. Presumably, a non-fiction on current medical theory.
"Mary, Sybil, how wonderful to see you. Won't you sit down." greeted Isobel. A smile crossed her face and she knew they were aware of Matthew's imminent arrival.
"Cousin Isobel, we hate to trouble you on your morning off, but I've recently a letter from Matthew saying that he shall be returning home shortly with new orders to stay in the county."
"Indeed." Isobel responded. "I've only just received the same news when I returned home from the Abbey last evening. I expect a telegram soon from the war office of his official arrival, but I gather from his letter that it will be a matter of days now. I can't believe our great luck. To have him home for Christmas and for an extended tour of duty here, it is much to be thankful for."
"Indeed" cried Sybil, "we couldn't be more pleased, don't you agree Mary?"
"So very pleased." replied Mary. "We are surely blessed with such a turn of events. To have Cousin Matthew home for the holidays and to know he will be away from the front for an indefinite time is a great joy indeed." Mary beamed.
Isobel noted Mary's enthusiasm with great interest. Mary was usually a bit unreadable even to her observant mind. She wondered at Mary's unguarded emotions. Perhaps, she had made peace with Matthew and could embrace him as her family and the future heir of Downton, despite all that had passed between her son and her.
"I think it's time we began our journey back" said Mary. "Papa wished to extend an invitation to you for dinner once Matthew has returned. Of course, we would be more than delighted to have your company every evening, but Papa wanted to make sure that you were particularly invited to join us for dinner upon Matthew's return. Please do let us know of his arrival as soon as you know. We are very eager to see Cousin Matthew again.
"Of course. I will notify you immediately of Matthew's intended arrival. I know we would all like to welcome him specially. And if we can prepare ahead of time, it will be all the more special." replied Isobel.
As Mary and Sybil departed and thanked Cousin Isobel for their visit, Mary wondered that a mention of Lavinia had not entered into the conversation.
A/N and so a filler chapter to move the story forward, next up Matthew is home. Reviews greatly appreciated.