Thank you so much for your lovely reviews and comments. With all the ups and down, sadness and changes of S3, perhaps it will be nice to escape to this AU with its younger and more carefree Mary & Matthew.

R. Grace has yet again offered her masterful editing skills while my regular beta is recuperating. Her suggestions made this chapter better and more interesting. I have run some future ideas by her that she wholeheartedly approved of. I hope you will enjoy them too.

Please keep commenting and let me know what you like and what you would like to see happen. There will be ups and downs, but I promise you a happy ending. Canon is giving you enough heartache and grief at the moment so in at least this story there will be no major drama.

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Chapter 3 – Returning to Downton

The days leading up to the annual Downton garden party were a blur for Mary. She had been to London twice with her mother and Anna to visit the dressmaker. Lord Grantham had rolled his eyes at his wife when Cora had put her foot down about Mary's dress.

"Robert, Mary is your eldest daughter. This is the first wedding at Downton since your sister's wedding. It is a huge deal."

"Don't tell me what I already know," he huffed. "Mama has been pestering me to no end with it."

"Then listen and try to understand," she said, perhaps a bit sharper than intended. "Mary's wedding is already rumored to be the biggest event of the summer. She simply must have the most beautiful dress possible. You don't want her to be ridiculed and for people to laugh at her behind her back, do you?"

"Cora! That was uncalled for. You know I only want what's best for Mary."

"Fine. I'm taking her to London, and that's the end of it."

Mary was secretly glad that her dress was being made in London and not in Ripon. Ever since she was a little girl, all Mary's dresses had been made by the same woman in Ripon. The woman, a Mrs. Winters, knew Mary's measurements and body better than Mary herself did. What had Mary concerned about her was the woman's propensity to gossip. Every time Mary had visited with her mother, Mrs. Winters had been telling Lady Grantham about all the latest scandals in the area. Mrs. Winters knew which women had put on weight, who might be rushing to get married because her midsection was starting to fill out, and who was struggling financially, forcing the lady to opt for fewer garments and lower quality fabric.

As a girl, Mary had been pleased when Mrs. Winters had told her about other dresses she was making. It had, on more than one occasion, prevented Mary from ending up with a dress similar to one of her friends. As she grew older, Mary began to realize that most likely Mrs. Winters was sharing stories about her and her dresses with her other clients. With this in mind, Mary understood her mother's concern that any knowledge of Lady Mary Crawley's wedding dress would be too tempting for the seamstress to be able to keep a secret.

~ O ~

Fourteen-year-old Lady Sybil was lounging on her sister's bed, watching Mary brush her hair. She smiled when Mary met her eyes in the mirror.

"I'm so glad that you're back, Mary."

"Of course, darling. I have missed you too."

"It is so incredibly boring here," Sybil lamented with a sigh.

Mary rolled her eyes at her little sister's dramatic exaggeration.

"Well, it's good for you then that I'm back and that the garden party is only a week away."

"Don't I know it!"

Sybil sat up and looked at Mary. She picked up her braid and absentmindedly chewed on the end.

"Sybil! Stop it!"

Sybil made a face and let go of her hair. "Did you see Matthew in London?"

"No." Mary frowned. "Why should I? He's back home in Manchester. He and Isobel left as soon as the Season was over."

"I just thought that… well, you know…"

Mary chuckled. "I miss him of course."

Sybil giggled. "Do tell me about him, Mary. What is it like to be in love?"

Mary got up and sat down next to her sister, putting her arm around Sybil's shoulders.

"It's the most wonderful thing in the world!" She smiled at Sybil before continuing. "I have butterflies in my stomach all the time, yet I never want it to end."

"It sounds simply wonderful," Sybil gasped. She chewed on her lip and eyed Mary. "Has he kissed you?" she whispered.

Mary nodded. "Yes, he has."

"Mary!" Sybil squealed. "Tell me! What was it like?"

"Wonderful! Simply wonderful."

"Does it feel like you can't breathe and might faint?"

"No, darling. It feels like those butterflies have been drinking champagne and are dancing around with joy, making my heart flutter with happiness."

"Oh…" Sybil frowned, not quite able to comprehend her sister's cryptic description.

"You'll understand some day," Mary explained, reaching down to tuck a stray lock of Sybil's hair behind her ear.

"I can't wait!" Sybil jumped up and threw her arms out wide as she slowly twirled around. "To feel his arms around me as he holds me tight and kisses me."

Mary laughed and shook her head. "Goodness, Sybil, what have you been reading?"

"I found this book in Freuline's room a while back," Sybil said in a hushed voice and grinned mischievously. "It was a romance novel, but not like anything I've ever read before."

"Sybil!" Mary gasped. "You shouldn't be reading books like that. What would Papa say if he found out?"

"Well, he won't!" Sybil said stubbornly. "Not unless you tell him."

"Won't she miss it?"

"She already has, but it's not as if she can go and ask Mama or Papa about it now, is it?"

"Of course not." Mary rolled her eyes. "Just promise to be careful, darling. And do get rid of it when you're done with it."

"Do you think I will find someone who loves me as much as Matthew loves you?" Sybil asked, serious now as she sat down next to Mary.

"Of course you will. You're the youngest, Sybil. You can marry almost anyone you like."

"Do you really think so?"

Mary shrugged. "I don't see why not. As long as he's an appropriate match."

Sybil made a face. "For Papa. Which is so unfair. I mean, it's not Papa who's marrying him and has to live with him, so why should it matter more what he thinks?"

Mary had no good answer to Sybil's question. As much as Mary agreed with Sybil, the sad truth was that Sybil would not be able to marry without her father's consent until she was twenty-one, just like everyone else.

~ O ~

Unlike in years to come, the 1911 Downton Abbey Garden Party marked the beginning of summer, not the height of it. The rose garden was at its prime at this time of year, and the entire estate glimmered like an emerald gem. The house buzzed with activity as Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson commanded the troops around. Under the large tent on the lawn outside, tables and chairs waited for noble guests. Another smaller tent nearby would serve as a holding station for food from the kitchen. Mr. Carson had supervised the setup of various wines and cordials earlier that morning. Glasses for each beverage were lined up in preparation for service.

"Thomas!"

"Yes, Mr. Carson?"

"Where are the sherry glasses that I asked you to bring out?"

"They were all covered in dust, Mr. Carson, so I brought them downstairs to the kitchen. I'll go and get them right now."

Mr. Carson huffed and nodded curtly at the cheerful footman. He watched Thomas leave, headed for the kitchen. Thomas was an instigator, and as Mrs. Hughes had commented on more than once, 'quite full of cheek'. Carson checked the time again. Mr. Crawley was expected in less than half an hour. The carriage had been sent down to the train station a little while ago.

"Good morning, Carson."

He smiled at the sound of her cheerful voice. "Good morning, Lady Mary."

"Isn't it a gorgeous day?"

"It certainly is, my lady."

Mary glanced around, watching the flurry of activity. "You have, as always, done a wonderful job, Carson."

"Certainly, my lady."

"Mama will be most pleased."

He nodded his thanks for the praise, hands clasped behind his back as the two stood side by side watching the transformation taking place on the lawn. Finally, Mary turned and smiled at him.

"I'd better go back inside. My fiancé is arriving shortly. I would be remiss in my duties if I am not there to greet him."

"Of course. I am sure that he is very much looking forward to seeing you again, my lady."

Mary smiled and gently squeezed Carson's arm. "Thank you."

~ O ~

As their carriage came to a complete stop by the front entrance to Downton Abbey, Matthew could hardly hold back his excitement when he spotted Mary standing next to Lady Grantham, waiting to welcome them. If it had not been a terrible breech of etiquette, Matthew would have pushed past his mother and exited first. Instead he sat back, watching Thomas help Isobel out of the carriage. He heard her thank the footman and took that as his cue to get out. As he straightened up, his head held up high, he caught the little smile on Mary's lips and the twinkle in her eyes. It was only there for a brief moment before she again put on the face of the regal Lady Mary, daughter of Downton.

"Isobel. Matthew. Welcome back to Downton."

"Thank you, Cousin Cora." Matthew smiled at her as he met her eyes.

"How lovely it looks," Isobel said cheerfully as she glanced around. "Much different from the gloominess of winter."

"Early summer has Downton at its best," Mary said, smiling at her future mother-in-law. "I am so glad that you're here, Cousin Isobel."

"Mary, my sweet girl, it is wonderful to see you again. Matthew has done nothing but talk about you since returning from London."

Mary blushed and shot Matthew a quick glance. "I am pleased that he hasn't forgotten about me," she teased.

"On the contrary, my dear," Isobel responded, stepping closer. "I think the heart truly has grown fonder with the distance." She opened her arms to Mary. "Mary, you are to be my daughter-in-law, and I am so very pleased."

"Thank you," Mary whispered as she embraced Isobel.

"Please, come inside. There are refreshments in the drawing room," Cora said, gesturing for them to enter. "Your rooms are ready for you whenever you want to change."

The four entered with Thomas in tow. The footman's eyes narrowed at the sight of Matthew gently touching Mary, placing his hand on the small of her back.

"Master Matthew, I will see to it that your things are brought to your room right away."

"Thank you Thomas. It is nice to see you again. You look well."

"I am, thank you."

Matthew nodded and then quickly hurried across the grand hallway to catch up with the ladies.

~ O ~

As the small party dissolved to get changed, Isobel took Mary's arm, happily chatting with her as the two left the room together. Mary glanced at Matthew over her shoulder. He gave her a smoldering look and she willed herself not to gasp as she felt the effect of the fire in his eyes.

"Matthew?"

"Yes, Cousin Cora?"

"A word, please."

Matthew nodded and approached Lady Grantham. They were now the only two people left in the drawing room.

"Well, I'm just going to come out and say it, Matthew," Cora said rather sharply. "I know what happened the last time. Between you and Mary."

His eyes widened. Just how much had Mary told her mother? "I see."

"Please know that your being engaged to my daughter changes nothing," Cora went on. "Mary is the daughter of an earl. Over my dead body will she walk down the aisle carrying your child."

"Cousin Cora!" Matthew gasped, his eyes wide in shock. "I would never!"

"Oh? Last time you were at Downton you spent time in Mary's room at night. I guess I should be grateful that the two of you at least had some sense of good judgment." Cora closed her eyes and slowly shook her head, shivering at the horrible thought of a rushed marriage.

"I give you my word," he said gently. "I will not violate your trust, or Mary's virtue."

"I hope you mean that, Matthew," she said sternly and met his eyes. "I will be watching you."

He nodded and ran his hand over his face. "I hope you don't intend for me to completely stay away from Mary."

"Of course not! But late night rendez vous are out of the question. Mary will be closely chaperoned."

Matthew nodded. "Of course."

Cora noticed the miserable look on his face and could not help but smile a little. "But I guess it wouldn't hurt for me to turn my back on you for a few minutes now and then?"

Matthew's eyebrows shot up and he blushed furiously at the teasing smile aimed at him. "I… I suppose not," he choked out.

"Now do hurry upstairs, my dear. Mary would be very upset if you're late to escort her to the party."

He held her gaze for a moment and finally nodded. "Thank you, Cousin Cora. Please know that I love Mary very much, and I have every intention of making her happy."

~ O ~

Matthew looked around for Mary, finally spotting her in conversation with Lord Merton. He had been introduced to Mary's godfather earlier and instantly liked the man. The same could not be said for the man's son, Larry. For some unknown reason, Matthew did not like the young man. Larry Grey appeared to be younger than Mary; Matthew assessed him to be of an age with Edith.

"There you are, darling."

Mary beamed at him as he took her outstretched hands. She stepped closer to him, and he took pride in her clear enjoyment of being by his side. Lord Merton chuckled and Matthew met the man's amused eyes.

"Young love," he mused, raising his glass to them. "The sight makes us all feel young again. From what I can tell, Mary has found a good man in you, Mr. Crawley."

"Thank you, Lord Merton. I must say that I find myself the luckiest man in the world to have Mary's love."

"Well said." Lord Merton patted Matthew's shoulder, chuckling amusedly at the two. "Well, I will leave you alone. I'm sure that you would not miss me much."

"Of course I would," Mary said and reached up to place a kiss on his cheek. "I am so glad that you approve of Matthew. He will make me happy. I know it."

Lord Merton nodded and met Matthew's eyes for a long moment before making a polite excuse to head over to Lord Grantham.

~ O ~

Larry Grey sipped his champagne as he scanned the crowd. He had not exactly looked forward to the annual Downton Garden Party. In his opinion, it was just a gathering of old, stuffy friends of his parents. The only appeal, he mused, lay with the Crawley sisters. His eyes landed on Mary who was laughing at something Matthew said. Larry had always been a little in awe of Mary, almost to the point of feeling intimidated, not that he would admit to it. Edith passed by, crossing his line of sight, and he frowned. Well, perhaps Edith was not exactly his ideal woman, most definitely the blandest of the three Crawley girls. He sipped his drink again and sought out the Crawley he liked best - Lady Sybil. She was laughing, and her dark locks danced as she moved her head. With a determined smirk, Larry set out across the lawn to pursue Lady Sybil Crawley.

~ O ~

"Larry!" Sybil smiled at the tall, dark-haired young man standing in front of her, offering her a glass of champagne. "I looked for you, but I couldn't see you anywhere. I thought perhaps that you had decided not to come."

"Of course not, Sybil," he drawled. "Why would I want to miss the opportunity to see my favorite Crawley and bask in her beauty and charm?"

Sybil blushed and quickly sipped her champagne. Larry offered her his arm and she linked hers through his. They walked together, speaking softly. Larry put on all his charm and had Sybil laughing and leaning closer. Pulling her behind a tent, he leaned in and kissed her. She instantly pulled back, staring at him.

"Larry! That's not appropriate."

"Oh, come now Sybil," he teased. "Surely you're old enough to be kissed."

He took her glass from her and tossed it into some nearby bushes.

"Larry, that was one of Papa's crystal glasses." Sybil stared at him in shock.

"So what? He can afford to buy a new one."

Sybil opened her mouth to protest, but he pulled her close and pressed his lips against hers again. At first, she pushed against his chest, but as the kiss continued, she started to respond. Feeling bolder, Larry pulled at her dress until he could touch her leg. Sybil whimpered softly and her eyes widened as his hand moved over her thigh.

~ O ~

"Where's Sybil?"

Mary looked around for her younger sister. Matthew suddenly felt same uneasy feeling he had earlier. He scanned the crowd, hoping in vain to find Sybil. Mary felt his distress and started to worry. He took Mary's hand, and together they hurried past friends and family in search for Mary's little sister.

While looking for Sybil, Matthew also tried to locate Larry Grey. Realizing that the young man was also missing, Matthew tugged at Mary's hand, increasing their speed. She tried to slow him down, but Matthew now knew that something was not right.

~ O ~

"Larry," Sybil gasped. "Please, don't."

"You're so beautiful," he gasped against her neck. "How I desire you."

"Get your hands off her!"

Larry cried out as he was pulled away from Sybil. Recognizing his assailant as Matthew Crawley, he laughed.

"One Crawley girl not enough for you?"

Matthew's anger surged, and his arm drew back so fast that neither Mary nor Larry realized what was about to happen until Matthew's fist connected with Larry's nose.

"Matthew!"

Sybil screamed and clung to Mary. Matthew braced himself when Larry charged him and the two tumbled down in the grass. They rolled around, each trying to get the upper hand. The brawl only lasted for about a minute before Carson appeared with Lord Grantham hurrying behind him.

"Break this up, at once!"

"Larry!" Lord Merton exclaimed, shocked to discover that his son was part of the fight.

"He struck me, Father!" Larry yelled before wiping his bleeding nose on his sleeve.

"Matthew!" Lord Grantham gasped, turning to Matthew for an explanation.

"Matthew was defending Sybil's honor," Mary said in a voice so cold that the four men froze and turned, staring at her.

Mary was still holding Sybil who was hiding her face against her sister's shoulder. Matthew took a step towards them and gently touched Sybil's shoulder. She flinched, and his hand immediately dropped to his side.

"I'm sorry," he said in a soft whisper.

"Oh, Matthew." Sybil turned to him, throwing her arms around his neck. "Thank you."

Lord Merton grabbed his son's arm before he could leave.

"What did you do?"

"I only kissed her, father," he muttered. He defiantly met his father's eyes. "We're friends, and I thought that things were starting to progress into something more. Obviously, I was mistaken."

"It appears that you owe both Lord Grantham and Lady Sybil an apology, son."

"I'm sorry," Larry offered sullenly.

Matthew's hands balled into fists. Larry had done much more than simply kiss Sybil. He was just about to say so, when Mary gently touched his arm, shaking her head. Noticing Sybil's fearful eyes behind her sister, Matthew nodded and smiled at the two. Sybil let out a sigh of relief and moved closer to him.

As Lord Merton and his son left, and the crowd that had gathered went back to sipping champagne and nibbling on hors d'oeuvres, Lord Grantham turned to his two daughters and Matthew.

"Sybil, what really happened?"

"Please, Papa," she whispered.

"Did he...?" Lord Grantham's voice rose and his face took on a dangerous color.

"No, he didn't," Matthew interjected quickly.

"Thank God!"

"He touched her inappropriately, but from what I could tell," Matthew continued, "Sybil was not inviting him to do so. Quite the opposite."

"Papa, this has been very upsetting for Sybil. Let me take her inside to rest."

Lord Grantham nodded, and he and Matthew watched Sybil walk off with Mary's comforting arm securely draped around her waist.

"What did you see?" Lord Grantham looked straight at Matthew. "Please, tell me. I need to know. Lord Merton is Mary's godfather, and the family has been friends of the Crawleys' for generations. If I am to sever that bond…"

"Robert," Matthew said with a heavy sigh, "Larry Grey preyed on Sybil's innocence and sweet, trusting nature. She is a very beautiful girl."

"Are you saying that it was her fault?" Robert growled.

"Not at all. When Mary and I found them, he was kissing her, and…"

"And what?" Robert snapped.

"Larry's hand was under Sybil's skirt," Matthew said through gritted teeth.

"WHAT?" Robert roared.

"Robert, what in heaven's name is the matter?" Cora exclaimed as she came around the corner just in time to hear her husband yell at Matthew.

"Where is the little worm? I'll kill him!"

Robert was fuming, his face red. Cora grasped his arms, facing him. Matthew held his breath as he watched Lady Grantham plead with her husband through a silent communication.

"What in the world has you so upset, darling?"

"That little scoundrel, Larry Grey, had the nerve…" Robert's voice was rising again. Cora placed her palm on his cheek. He took a deep breath, trying to calm down, knowing that he was upsetting her. "He touched her, Cora. Inappropriately."

"Who?" Cora frowned. She glanced at Matthew. "Mary?"

"Sybil." Robert hissed.

"Dear God!" Cora's hand flew to her mouth. "Is she all right?"

Robert nodded and gently pulled Cora close. "Mary's with her. Matthew showed up just in time."

"I heard that there was a fight," Cora said a little hesitantly. She eyed Matthew for confirmation, and he nodded. "It was you."

"Yes. I'm so very sorry for losing my temper in front of your guests and family, Cousin Cora."

"Don't be ridiculous! Everyone knows that the Crawley men have terrible tempers."

The three gaped at the sound of Lady Violet's voice behind them. Matthew stared wide-eyed at Robert. Noticing the corner of the earl's mouth twitch, Matthew fought not to laugh. Then Cora burst out laughing and neither of them could hold it in any longer. The three laughed together, Cora holding on to her husband, and Matthew grabbing the side of the tent as he almost doubled over with laugher. Violet huffed, but a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth too.

~ O ~

Mary closed the door to Sybil's bedroom behind her. Crossing the floor to where her sister was standing, Mary gently grabbed Sybil's arms.

"What happened, darling?"

"Nothing." Sybil let out a frustrated sigh and pulled away. "I'm not a little girl, you know. Honestly, Mary."

"You're only fifteen, Sybil," Mary said gently. "Hardly a grownup woman."

"You kissed Matthew when you were fourteen," Sybil said defiantly.

Mary's eyes widened. "Where did you hear that?"

"It's true, isn't it? Don't lie to me, Mary."

Mary sighed and sat down on Sybil's bed. She looked up at her sister who was standing in the middle of the room, her hands on her hips as she glared at Mary.

"Yes, darling. I did kiss him."

"So why can't I kiss Larry?"

"Sybil," Mary warned.

"Tell me, Mary."

"Larry wanted more than just to kiss you," Mary explained patiently, her tone gentle.

"I know that!" Sybil tossed her hands in the air. "I trust him. He would've stopped when I asked him too."

"Would he?" Mary met her sister's eyes. "Sybil, darling, you must promise me to be careful with men. Not all are as honorable as Matthew and Papa."

"Perhaps I don't want that?" Sybil huffed. "Have you thought about that?"

"Very well, but you're still only fifteen."

Sybil rolled her eyes. Mary sat patiently waiting, watching her sister. Finally Sybil sat down next to her.

"I felt the butterflies," she whispered.

Mary chuckled and put her arm around Sybil's shoulders. "I'm glad. The problem, darling, is that you cannot trust the butterflies. Once they start to dance around you get all tingly and they will impair your judgment just as if you've had too much champagne."

"I liked when he kissed me," Sybil whispered. "But when he touched my leg… it just felt different. It scared me a little."

Mary stroked her sister's hair and Sybil leaned her head against Mary's shoulder. They both jumped when the door burst open and their father stormed in, followed by Lady Grantham and Granny.

"What did he do to you?"

Sybil flinched and tilted her chin up. "Nothing, Papa. We only kissed."

"Kissed," Lord Grantham sputtered. "You're a child, Sybil. You shouldn't be kissing men."

"I'm not a child!" She jumped to her feet, glaring at her father.

"Sybil, don't raise your voice at your father." Cora grabbed Sybil's arm and made her turn to face her. "Your Papa is worried, that's all."

"I'm old enough to understand these things," Sybil said stubbornly.

"Far from it," Lord Grantham muttered.

"Do you care for the young man?" Granny asked.

"What does that have to do with anything, Mama?" Lord Grantham exclaimed.

Violet raised her hand for him to be quiet. "Please, Robert, Sybil is right; she's old enough to start looking at young men in that way."

"Thank you, Granny."

Robert's face turned a deeper shade of red, and he started pacing. Cora gently stopped him and held his gaze for a moment.

"Please, darling."

Robert nodded and took her hands, squeezing them gently. Cora stepped aside and father and daughter faced each other, matching stubborn looks on their faces.

"Papa," Mary said gently. "I had a talk with Sybil, and she understands the seriousness of the situation."

"Do you really?"

"Yes, Papa." Sybil stepped closer to him. "I would never let Larry, or anyone for that matter, take advantage of me."

"I know." Robert stroked her cheek and smiled at her. "I trust you, Sybil. It's the young man's motives that I question. Please promise to be careful."

"Oh, Papa," she whispered and threw her arms around him.

Lord Grantham held his youngest daughter close, resting his cheek against her soft hair.

"You're my little girl, Sybil. You always will be. Please don't ask me not to look out for you, because I always will."

Sybil looked up at him with tears in her eyes; she smiled and nodded.

~ O ~

"Matthew?"

Matthew turned around at the familiar voice calling his name. He smiled at his cousin who approached with a young woman on his arm.

"Patrick." Matthew shook the offered hand.

"Please allow me to introduce Lady Annabelle Napier." Patrick smiled at Annabelle. "My cousin, Matthew Crawley."

Matthew took her slender hand, kissing it. "It's a great pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Annabelle. Patrick has told me such wonderful things about you."

She smiled and laughed softly. "I'm glad to hear. He speaks highly of you, too."

Matthew almost felt himself drowning in her deep green eyes. With her dark locks framing her heart-shaped face, Lady Annabelle was a stunning beauty.

"Where is Mary?"

"There was an incident," Matthew said vaguely.

"Oh, yes. We heard." Patrick met Matthew's eyes. "Is everything all right?"

Matthew nodded. He gestured to a passing footman. Grabbing two glasses of champagne from the tray, he handed one to Lady Annabelle and the other one to Patrick before grabbing one for himself.

"To a wonderful summer in the company of dear friends and family."

"I'll drink to that!"

The three spoke quietly as they enjoyed their drinks. Matthew was pleasantly surprised by Lady Annabelle's wit and sense of humor. She shared some very funny stories from her time in Baden Baden that had the two men in stitches. This was how Mary found them once she rejoined the party.

"Mary!"

Matthew turned at Patrick's cheerful greeting. Mary stepped up to him, taking his arm.

"How's Sybil?"

"Just fine. She and Papa had a minor shouting match, but it's all over now."

"Ah, the Crawley temper," Patrick teased.

"Should I worry?" Annabelle said softly.

"Annabelle!" Mary let go of Matthew to greet her friend. "I have not seen you in such a long time. How have you been? How's Evelyn?"

"With the exception of having suffered through an extremely dull winter in Baden Baden, I'm fine." She grinned at Mary. "Evelyn is very well. He's here somewhere." Annabelle took Mary's hands. "We're so terribly sorry for arriving so late. I'm afraid Mama was not feeling well."

"I'm so sorry to hear that. Mama will miss her."

Matthew and Patrick watched the two women as Mary steered Annabelle over to a small table to have a seat in the shade.

"How did you do it?"

"Do what?" Matthew frowned at the vague question.

"What did you say when asking Mary to marry you?"

"Ah!" Matthew chuckled. "I made sure that we were alone, and then I just asked her."

"I don't know what to say," Patrick muttered. "Should I kneel down? Take her hand?"

"Yes to both." Mathew grinned at his cousin's clear discomfort. "Just ask her. The words don't have to be perfect, as long as your intent is."

Patrick sighed and nodded. He started in the direction of Mary and Annabelle. Matthew gently stopped him.

"Allow me to whisk Mary away first. It's a very private moment. You should not have witnesses."

"Good thinking."

The two walked over to the women. Matthew offered Mary his hand and asked her to walk with him, shooting the other two a meaningful glace that Mary picked up on instantly. She smiled and took his arm.

"I guess any opportunity to be together without Mama and Papa hovering close by should not be wasted."

Mathew chuckled, and the two bid Patrick and Annabelle goodbye.

To Be Continued…

...

Please feel free to drop me a line to let me know what you think. What did you enjoy most? What would you like to see happening going forward? I will take all suggestions and thoughts into consideration as I move forward with this story.

There will be a little break in this story as I wrap Chapter 29 of The rightful Heir. Not to worry, I am talking a week or so - not months :D

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