A/N – So it is done, he is free, for now. And home to Downton.

Matthew was distraught over Lavinia's heartbreak and he was determined to dwell on it for the rest of the evening. He needed to mourn Lavinia and the part of his life he had just ended. He had left a heartbroken Lavinia and walked to Grantham House turning over in his mind their relationship both out of respect and to organize and file away his conflicting emotions. He did love her, he hadn't been dishonest, he meant to marry her and would have happily until he found he couldn't. Mary loved him, and he wouldn't turn his back on that.

The next morning he awoke with such joyous anticipation he feared his heart might pop right out of his chest. He was going home for an extended period of time, he was free, and Mary loved him. His future was bright and he could almost feel Mary in his arms.

As the train pulled into the station at Downton, he could hardly control his emotions. He fantasized that Mary would meet him on the platform, he would get down on his knee and propose, she would accept and they would bounce happily off to the vicar who would immediately bless their union.

Seriously Matthew, get a hold of yourself, he chastised himself.

Since he had stopped over in London, his arrival was slightly delayed, and as he expected no one greeted him at the station. He grabbed his bag and made quick work of the walk to Crawley House. When he arrived a slightly surprised Moseley greeted him. "Mr. Crawley, we didn't quite know when to expect you, since you missed your train yesterday."

"Quite. Thank you Moseley, how are you. It is good to see you. Is my mother at home?"

"Your mother is at the Abbey sir. She is working with the wounded. She does everyday, you know. She has quite a way. I dare say, I don't know how they would get on without her."

"Indeed" Matthew smiled, knowing how effective, efficient and determined his mother was.

"Would you like some tea?"

"Yes, thank you." But first, I'd like to go upstairs to my room for a moment and I shall be right back.

Matthew entered his room and was instantly soothed with the familiar and comfortable surroundings. It is so very good to be home he thought. He took a few minutes to freshen up and prepare to greet his family… and Mary.

Matthew arrived at the Abbey appreciating the walk from Crawley House. The fresh air and familiar surrounding allowing him the time to sort and gain control of his soaring emotions. He willed himself to calm.

As he opened the door and walked through the great entrance, Edith was approaching the door apparently on her way out.

"Cousin Matthew, how good to see you. We didn't know quite when to expect you since you weren't on the train yesterday. How are you?"

"Cousin Edith, you look well. I am very happy to be home. I apologize for my late arrival, I found it necessary to stop in London before I made my way to Downton. I hope my delay wasn't too much of an inconvenience."

"Of course not, I suppose we should have assumed you would want to see Lavinia first." Edith said with a bit too much satisfaction in her voice.

"Indeed, are you on your way out? "

"Yes, I was just on my way out to enjoy this fine weather with a walk around the grounds."

"Don't let me stop you, I'll just wander around and make my greetings."

"Alright then. Will I see you at dinner?."

" I hope so."

Edith added, "Will Lavinia be joining us soon?"

"Well, not tonight anyway." Matthew said avoiding further clarification.

Matthew walked down the great hall, his ears picking up much more activity than was his previous experience at the Abbey. He found himself wandering into the library, where he was surprised to see it much changed with a ping pong table holding center court. He scanned the room for familiar faces as he registered the many convalescing soldiers mucking about. Finding no one, he retreated and continued on to find another room much changed, with the Abbey furnishing pushed to the walls to make room for neat rows of beds filled with soldiers in various states of recuperation.

And then he spotted his mother. He made his way to her and as he approached she turned as if she knew he was there, she smiled brightly and she breathed, "Matthew, by dear boy!"

"Hello mother"

"We expected you yesterday, you must have been delayed. Let me look at you." She inspected her son closely, finally exclaiming, " You don't look worse for the wear, how are you my darling boy?" and she moved forward to embrace him in her arms.

"I am as well as I can be, and so very happy to be home" he stepped back as she released him.

"Well, I couldn't ask for more."

Matthew continued on with his unguided tour of the much changed Abbey, awestruck at how changed it was and what sacrifices his family had made for the war effort. He was immensely proud.

Upon entering yet another transformed room, he spied Mary collecting soiled linens from empty beds. His heart began to beat rapidly as he watched her unobserved. And then all of a sudden, she turned her head and looked directly at Matthew. He met her eyes. He was overcome with joy. There she was, as he imagined over countless sleepless nights, so incredibly beautiful, he struggled to breath.

Her gaze spoke volumes and he was paralyzed by his overwhelming emotions. And as he felt he'd never be able to move, a familiar voice found his ear and a warm touch turned his head, "Sybil." He exclaimed as he turned toward the voice.

"Cousin Matthew!" Sybil said as she turned to face him properly. "How wonderful. We weren't sure when you'd arrive since you missed the train yesterday. How are you? You look very well indeed. I am so pleased that you have arrived safely and look so well. Have you seen Mary yet, I know how anxious she has been for your safe return."

Matthew's heart raced. Yes, he had seen her, no he hadn't talked to her. "I believe she is collecting soiled linens. But, I haven't had the chance to greet her."

Mary had made her way over to Matthew having discarded the linens she had collected in the laundry bin. She came into view of Matthew, within inches of him and smiled brilliantly. "Matthew, you are really here."

Matthew struggled to compose himself. "I have arrived safely, I am here. How glad I am to see you looking so well."

"And I you. We wondered at your arrival, since you missed the train yesterday." She managed smoothly, taking a composed, yet deep breath.

"Yes, I gather, it was quite the disappointment that I didn't make the train yesterday."

"Well we were a little unsettled, but all should be well now that you are here."

"I do apologize, I found it necessary to delay my final journeys end to stop in London."

Mary was disappointed, but not surprised, "I guess we should have realized you'd want to see Lavinia."

"Yes, I did see Lavinia."

"Well" Mary composed herself. "I hope we shall see you for dinner?"

"I wouldn't miss it."

"And will Lavinia be joining us as well?"

"No."

"Until tonight then." Mary moved away into the rows of beds and collecting the remaining soiled linens.