Chapter 6 – Downton, September 1911
As August came to its end, Downton Abbey buzzed with activity with wedding guests starting to arrive, Lady Rosamund Painswick the first of this steady stream of people. Matthew was not sure if he enjoyed it, or resented it, simply due to the sheer number of friends of the family, and distant relatives who wanted to pay their respects to him and Mary. He had to admit that the few and far between little moments that he managed to steal away with his beautiful fiancée were delightful.
They had figured out that their best chance for some time alone was early in the morning, right after breakfast. After a silent conversation at the breakfast table they would finish at the same time, then make their excuses to go for a walk. Matthew would be quick to whisk Mary off, before anyone would ask to join them, or God forbid, strike up another tiresome conversation.
Of course, Matthew had known that it was too good to be true, that this precious time alone would not last. On the third morning, he and Mary were yet again strolling along the lawn, careful to stay within respectable distance to the house. Feeling eyes on his back, Matthew pulled Mary behind a large oak tree and kissed her soundly. She laughed and enthusiastically returned his kiss, running her fingers through his soft locks, blonder now from the summer sun. Caressing her side, he curled his fingers around her breast, squeezing gently and smiling against her lips when he felt the nipple harden, immensely glad that she was wearing her lighter summer corset which allowed for such discovery. Mary let out a tiny whimper and pressed closer to him. Time passed quickly as they lost themselves in the moment. Neither of them heard the soft footfalls on the grass until the visitor cleared her throat before speaking up.
"Lady Mary?"
Mary tore her lips away from his, and they stared at each other. Matthew's face started to look like a thunder cloud at the interruption. Mary stroked his cheek and stepped away from him, out into plain view.
"Yes, Anna?"
"I'm sorry to disturb you, milady, but Lady Grantham asked for you. She's in her room."
"Thank you, Anna. I will go at once."
Matthew sighed and leaned his head against the tree. Two more days.
~ O ~
Mary knocked on her mother's door, trying to collect herself. A cheerful 'enter' sounded through the door, and Mary turned the doorknob, stepping inside.
"Mary, there you are."
"Good morning, Mama."
Lady Grantham smiled at her daughter before turning back to O'Brien who had just finished tending to her hair.
"Thank you, O'Brien."
"Yes, milady."
Mary took a seat on the settee by the window, waiting for her mother to speak. Once the door closed behind her lady's maid, Cora turned to her daughter.
"What were you thinking?"
"I don't understand." Mary's eyes widened at her mother's change of tone.
"I saw you, Mary. You and Matthew."
"Doing what? We were just taking a walk!"
"He pulled you behind a tree. You were out of sight for a long time, Mary."
"Honestly, Mama! Nothing happened. And even so, we're getting married in two days."
"For once, will you please just listen to me?"
Mary started at her mother's sharp words and angry eyes. She nodded silently, watching Cora pace back and forth for a moment.
"People will talk, Mary. And they will not be nice about it." She knelt by Mary's feet and took her hands. "It's only two days, my darling. Please try to refrain from doing something that will damage your reputation."
Mary rolled her eyes, but nodded. "As I said before, Mama, nothing happened. We only kissed."
"I know, but one passionate kiss out of sight can easily lead to rumors starting and stories being embellished."
"Well, today is the Ladies' Picnic, so that should keep me out of trouble at least," Mary said with a cheeky grin.
Cora laughed and nodded. "I suppose. It will be fun, I promise you."
"And Matthew is still being banished to Crawley House as of tomorrow?"
"You know why." Cora smiled and cupped her daughter's blushing face. "It's for the best."
~ O ~
Dinner the night before the wedding was an earlier event than usual. Only immediate family was gathered in the dining room, the remaining wedding guests being wined and dined in another part of the house.
Matthew glanced at Mary, and their eyes met again. He smiled at her, and she blushed beautifully. Seeking her hand under the table, he stroked her fingers in a tender caress. Reluctantly letting go, he looked around the table at their family. Tomorrow night it would be just the two of them, and after that, they would be on their honeymoon, far away from family. It would be weeks, months even, before they would gather around this table again. Vowing to make an effort at conversation and pleasantry, Matthew smiled at the earl and countess. He knew Cora had planned this dinner with care, and he did not want to disappoint his mother-in-law-to-be on the eve before marrying her daughter.
"Shall we go through?"
The countess' gentle voice effectively broke up the party. Mary shot Matthew a quick glance as they got up. He leaned in to kiss her cheek.
"Wish me luck," he whispered.
"Oh Matthew," she sighed. "Papa is thrilled, and you know it."
"Perhaps. He might still have a go at it… to try and make me reconsider."
Mary rolled her eyes at him. "Will you please stop it? I might start to worry that you've changed your mind."
"Never, darling!"
His hand shot out, grasping hers. Mary stopped mid-step and looked up at him. Nodding once, she smiled and squeezed his hand.
"A silly joke, Matthew. It should teach you never to listen to what I say."
He chuckled and shook his head at her in amusement. Her hand slipped out of his as she joined her mother and sisters as they followed the other ladies to the drawing room.
~ O ~
Once the ladies had gone through, Matthew approached Carson. The butler raised an eyebrow in curiosity at the young man's apparent nervousness.
"Can I help you, Mr. Crawley?"
"I hope so, Mr. Carson." Matthew looked over his shoulder to where Lord Grantham and Patrick were talking while enjoying their drinks. "I wish to speak to Lady Mary's maid."
"Anna?" Carson's eyes widened a little in surprise.
"I have something for Lady Mary," Matthew explained. "I know that she will not see me tonight, claiming it bad luck to do so."
Carson chuckled and nodded. "She was fairly determined in that regard, Mr. Crawley."
"Exactly! So will you let Anna know? It is a gift, but it is a bit personal so I would prefer if the family did not know of it."
Carson nodded. "Leave it to me, Mr. Crawley."
"Thank you, Carson. Lady Mary speaks very highly of you, and ever since that night when you made hot chocolate for us, I have felt the same."
"Thank you, Mr. Crawley." Carson bowed his head ever so slightly. "Now, if you will please excuse me, I will go and find Anna."
"Of course!" Matthew chuckled. "Pardon my blubbering. I'm keeping you from the very task I asked you to assist me with."
"I think we can overlook it this time, Mr. Crawley. A man should be allowed to blubber and not make complete sense on the night before his wedding."
Matthew laughed at the butler's cheeky comment, delighting by the twinkle in Carson's eyes. Carson just bowed his head again before leaving the room.
"Matthew, what's keeping you?" Lord Grantham frowned at his soon to be son-in-law.
"Nothing, Robert. Just having a word with Mr. Carson."
"I see. Well, now that you're here, let's toast to you and my daughter."
Matthew took the offered drink and drank with Lord Grantham to the sound of the others' cheering.
~ O ~
"Mr. Crawley?" Anna said a little hesitant. "Mr. Carson said that you wished to speak with me."
"Anna. Wonderful." Matthew grinned at her. "I have a gift for Lady Mary that I wonder if you could put in her room tonight."
"Certainly, Mr. Crawley."
"Splendid! You're a life saver, Anna."
Anna giggled. "I wouldn't say that, Mr. Crawley, but a gift from you would certainly make Lady Mary happy, so how could I not help you with that?"
"I would of course give it to her myself, if she would let me," Matthew muttered.
"Oh no, Mr. Crawley." Anna's eyes widened in worry. "You can't see her again tonight. It's bad luck."
Matthew rolled his eyes and made a face at the maid. "Not you too."
Anna giggled and covered her mouth. "Mr. Crawley."
"Very well." Matthew pulled out the wrapped gift that he had kept hidden against his heart all evening. "If you would give this to her tonight, and make sure that she opens it, I would be forever grateful to you, Anna."
"Consider it done, Mr. Crawley."
"Thank you."
Anna smiled and nodded. "I will miss Lady Mary," she said softly. "She's ever so nice to me."
"I'm sure she will miss you too, Anna." Matthew sighed, again worrying about the adjustments Mary would have to learn to live with as his wife. "I'm afraid that I cannot afford a lady's maid at present time. We already have a maid in Manchester, and she will be assisting Lady Mary as well as my mother from now on."
"I understand, Mr. Crawley. I just wanted you to know that I'm very fond of her. It's an honor really, to be her ladyship's lady's maid on your honeymoon."
Matthew smiled at Anna. "Thank you. It means a lot to me to know that."
"Now, I'd better hurry upstairs with this before Lady Mary retires." She looked over Matthew's shoulder, then gave him a stern look. "I'd say you better go back in or return to Crawley House. She would not be happy to see you here tonight."
"Right. Of course." Matthew pulled a little at his waistcoat. "Thank you again, Anna. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Mr. Crawley.
~ O ~
Mary smiled at Anna, who was waiting for her in her room.
"Oh Anna," she exclaimed, holding out her hands to the maid. "I am so excited, I don't think I'll be able to get a wink of sleep."
Anna giggled and led Mary over to the mirror, starting to unbutton her dress.
"I think you should try, milady. Mr. Matthew would not want you to fall asleep in the church."
Mary laughed and nodded. "That would be a sight, would it not? I can see the headline in the Sketch now: 'Earl's daughter falls asleep at her own wedding'."
"You want to look your absolute most beautiful tomorrow, milady. Do try to get some sleep."
Mary nodded and raised her arms for Anna to slip the nightgown over her head. Once in her sleepwear, she stepped over to the vanity, taking a seat. She frowned at the wrapped gift sitting in the middle of the small surface.
"What's this?" She looked up, meeting Anna's eyes in the mirror.
"It's from Mr. Matthew, milady. He insisted that I give it to you tonight."
"I see." Mary smiled and ran her fingers over the beautifully wrapped gift.
Anna brushed Mary's hair before rolling it up onto little pieces of cloth. Once done, she inspected her work, making sure that Lady Mary's hair would be beautifully curled come morning.
"Is there anything else, milady?"
Mary shook her head. "Go to bed, Anna. We have a long day tomorrow."
Anna smiled and bobbed once. "Thank you, milady. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Anna."
~ O ~
The door closed behind Anna, leaving Mary alone with her thoughts and Matthew's gift. She gently pulled the ribbon and removed it before unwrapping the gift. Inside was a beautiful journal, her name engraved in gold on the lower right corner. She opened it, and her eyes widened. Matthew had written something in it! With the journal in hand, Mary curled up on the bed, reading Matthew's words to her.
My Darling Mary,
Years ago, I gave you a journal for your fifteenth birthday. Most likely you have long since filled it with your dreams and secrets. Since you are about to embark on a new adventure in life, one that I am lucky enough to be a part of, I thought that perhaps you would enjoy documenting this journey as well. What better opportunity to start than on the eve of our wedding?
I hope this book will be filled with your thoughts on our life together; your joys and probably the occasional annoyance with my silliness. Perhaps this book won't last long enough to include your marvel over our first child, of his or her first word, first step, and all the other magical moments we have ahead of us, but nevertheless it will hold part of your soul and heart.
I cannot wait to start our life together, Mary. It's my deepest wish to make you happy, today and every day for the rest of our lives.
With all my love,
Matthew
"Oh, Matthew." Mary wiped a tear away.
Leaning back against the headboard, she reread Matthew's words. Once done, she gently put the gift down on the bed before getting up. It only took her a brief moment to locate the pen he had given her. She had cherished it over the years, and it was still her favorite. Curling up on the bed, she uncapped the fountain pen and started to fill the first page.
~ O ~
Lady Grantham smiled at her eldest daughter when their eyes met in the mirror. Mary was every bit the blushing bride Cora had always hoped she would be. She tenderly adjusted the veil over Mary's shoulders and stroked her cheek.
"Girls, Anna, I'd like a moment alone with Mary, please."
Edith rolled her eyes, but kept quiet at her mother's warning stare. Sybil stepped closer and took Mary's hands, smiling at her.
"You're so beautiful, Mary. Matthew won't be able to take his eyes off you." She beamed at her older sister as she leaned up to kiss her cheek. "I will miss you something terrible, but I'm so very, very happy for you, Mary."
"Thank you, darling. I will come and visit, and you can come and visit us too."
Sybil smiled and nodded. They both knew it would not be the same, but at least it was something. With a last glance over her shoulder at Mary, Sybil left the room, gently closing the door behind her.
"Oh Mary, my beautiful, beautiful daughter," Cora whispered. "I wish you all the luck in the world, my darling."
"Thank you, Mama. Watch out that you don't cry. We wouldn't want people to notice your red eyes."
"My eldest daughter is getting married. I think I'm allowed to cry a little." Cora chuckled and wiped her eyes.
She took Mary's hand and held her gaze for a moment. Her daughter's dark eyes held a spark of excitement but also the insecurity of the little girl she had once been. Cora cupped her cheek, smiling at her.
"Mary, from today on your life will be entirely different than what it is now. You will be Matthew's wife, his partner in life, his support, and his strength when he needs it, as well as his joy and desire as you go forward together."
"Mama!" Mary's eyes widened.
"I know that I'm not supposed to speak to you about desire, and I'm sure it makes you uncomfortable." Cora's face suddenly took on a somber look. "The thing is, Mary, I wish someone had on my wedding day." Mary frowned, but did not interrupt. "Your wedding day will be magical, a day you will always remember, and so will the wedding night." Cora held up her hand when Mary opened her mouth. "Please, darling, hear me out." Mary nodded. "When I married your father, we were both young and inexperienced. No one bothered to help by explaining things or shedding some light on the mysteries of marital intimacy, beyond the very basics. Because of it, our wedding night was one of worry and clumsiness."
"Mama," Mary whispered and looked away. "Please don't tell me about being intimate with Papa."
"Of course not. What I'm trying to tell you is don't be shy, Mary. If you wish for him to touch you, ask him to. The first time you're intimate with your husband can be uncomfortable, my dear. If he touches you intimately first, it will be less painful for you. That's all."
Mary was blushing at her mother's frank words. "I never thought I would hear you speak like this, Mama."
"I'm an American, Mary. I can be as frank as I want." She tugged at Mary's hand. "And know this, my darling: once you get to know each other and are past that initial hurdle – it will be such great fun!"
Cora laughed at Mary's wide-eyed stare. A teasing grin followed on the countess' lips. Mary giggled at the look of her mother, so different from her usual self.
"Thank you, Mama, for speaking to me as a woman."
Cora nodded. Mary leaned against her mother, who gently held her, careful not to mess up her dress, or hair.
"I will miss you so much." Cora cupped Mary's chin and smiled a little sadly. "When you arrived, you were the most wanted baby in all of England. It had taken us four years, and your Papa and I had almost given up on having children. And then you came along, the most precious and beautiful little girl."
"Oh, Mama."
"We were so happy, the three of us. You don't remember it, but we kept you with us all the time. Of course you had a nanny, but until Edith came along, I admit she had very little to do. Your granny was very upset with me for breaking with tradition, but I just couldn't bear to be apart from you. Thanks to my stubbornness, I was the first to hear you speak, the first to see you stand up and take your very first steps. And it was me you cried for when you were hurt or sad, not Nanny."
"I know I look more like you than Papa," Mary said very softly. "As a woman I appreciate that, but as a future mother, I do hope that my child will look like Matthew."
"I say you're a perfect blend of the two of us, with a healthy dose of your granny on top."
Mary laughed and covered her mouth. Meeting her mother's twinkling eyes, she nodded. It was, after all, true. In many ways, she resembled Violet Crawley more than either of her parents.
"I will leave you to have a moment alone to say goodbye to your old room and life. Please don't make your Papa wait too long. You know how anxious he gets." She kissed Mary's cheek and squeezed her hand. "Next time we speak, you will be a married woman. The best of luck and all the happiness in the world, my darling."
"Oh, Mama." Mary choked back a sob as she threw her arms around her mother. "I will miss you. What if I turn out not to be a good wife and mother? What if Matthew regrets marrying me?"
"Hush, silly girl." Cora smiled and took Mary's hands. "He adores you. I doubt there is anything you can do that would change that. Of course you're scared. I was too. You will learn, and you will learn together. And remember, I'm here if you have any questions at all."
"Thank you." Mary whispered her heartfelt thanks against her mother's cheek before pressing a kiss to it. "Thank you for everything."
~ O ~
No matter how much he had tried to behave as a calm and collected gentleman, Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, was pacing nervously at the bottom of the grand staircase, waiting for his daughter to appear. When he finally heard Mary's soft footsteps coming down the stairs, he turned and gazed up at her, his eyes wide and mouth slightly open. She stopped and smiled at him, tilting her head a little. It broke the spell and he chuckled, holding out his hand to her.
"My darling Mary, you are more beautiful than ever."
"Thank you, Papa."
"Are you ready?"
Mary nodded. The full impact of the meaning of this day finally hit her, and she trembled a little. Robert patted her hand where it rested on his arm. Understanding that this was an emotional event for her, he kept silent, his hands covering hers in warm comfort all the way out to the car.
~ O ~
Mrs. Hughes rolled her eyes at him. Mr. Carson was really too old to be rushing around like this. The new footman, William, and Mrs. Patmore's youngest kitchen maids had remained behind to make sure that things were in order and ready for the wedding party. Of course, Mr. Carson never really trusted any of them to do things right, hence his rushing out of the church at a speed that was almost inappropriate.
"Mr. Carson," she called after him as the two were alone outside the church, the rest of the wedding party still getting out of the pews inside.
He stopped and turned, frowning at her. "Yes, Mrs. Hughes?"
"We will still be back before everyone else. You know that." She smiled, amused at him, and gently rested her hand on his arm. "It's not good for you to get this worked up."
"I'm fine," he muttered and held the door for her, helping her inside the car.
"Of course you are." She raised an eyebrow as he just stood there, staring at her. "Close the door, Mr. Carson. We do need to get back to the house."
"Yes, of course." He slammed the door and took his seat next to the new Irish driver. "What are you waiting for? Drive."
"Yes, Mr. Carson." Branson shook his head as he put the car in gear and pulled out.
"Can't you go faster?"
"Not if you want us to make it back safely," Branson huffed, glaring briefly at the butler.
"If you say so."
"I do. Don't worry, Mr. Carson. The other cars will take care of the family until I get back to the church. As for Lady Mary, well, I think we're a bit faster than a horse drawn carriage." Branson chanced a glance at Carson, chuckling at the look on the man's face. "I happen to know that Mr. Crawley wanted to take the scenic route back. You can hardly blame the man for wanting a little privacy with his blushing bride."
"Mr. Branson!"
Branson just laughed and shifted gear again as he turned up towards the house. He squinted in the bright sunshine. It really was a beautiful day for a wedding.
~ O ~
To Carson's relief, the wedding reception started without any trouble. Mrs. Hughes had, of course, been right; the people they had left behind had been able to handle the last few things that needed to be done before the rest of the staff returned.
The old butler smiled when he heard Lady Mary laugh. His eyes instantly found her in the small crowd under the tent. She was smiling and talking, now and then gazing up at her husband. Carson could tell that she was happy, and it warmed his heart. As much as he would miss her, he was truly happy for her. Lost in thought, he started when her eyes met his. Recovering quickly he nodded, his lips curling up into a small smile. To his surprise and delight, she made her excuses to her husband and left the group of people, walking straight towards him.
"Carson." She smiled up at him, standing only a few feet away.
"Is there something I can do for you, my lady?"
"You could wish me good luck." She took a tentative step forward and offered him her hand. He quickly reached out to steady her when she almost stumbled. Her dark eyes met his, and he saw tears forming. "Oh, Carson, I will miss you so very much."
"As will I you, my lady."
She took a deep breath, but it came out as a tiny sob. He very gently tugged at her hand, and she eagerly stepped closer, resting her other hand on his broad chest, allowing his comforting embrace.
"I'm scared, Carson," she whispered.
"I have never seen you fail at anything, my lady," Carson teased. "I'm sure that you and Mr. Crawley will be very happy."
"Thank you," she looked up at him, and, standing on her toes, she pressed her lips against his cheek. "Thank you so much. You've always been my rock, Carson. I worry about taking this step, knowing that you will not be there to help me. I want you to be proud of me."
He smiled fondly at her. "I am. Believe me, my lady. I am so very proud of you. I have watched you since you were a wee little thing, growing and blossoming, turning into a beautiful and intelligent young woman. I only wish that I could be there to witness the rest of your journey."
"I know, Carson."
"Now, do dry your tears, my lady, or I fear that Mr. Crawley will come over here and punch me in the nose for making his bride cry."
She laughed, and he smiled at her. When he held out his crisp, snowy white handkerchief, she gladly accepted it and dabbed at her eyes. He took it back from her and nodded at her.
"Will I do, Carson?"
"Very nicely, my lady."
"Take good care of Papa for me." Mary gently squeezed Carson's arm. "I know that Mama will fare better than him, not that he would ever admit it." She glanced around and finally spotted Mrs. Hughes, not surprised when their eyes met. "And Carson..?"
"Yes, my lady?"
"Do take Mrs. Hughes into Ripon for tea one of these days. I know she would greatly enjoy it."
He frowned, and it made her laugh. "I suppose it would not hurt. She has been working very hard lately."
"As have you. Allow yourselves a little treat. I know that she will enjoy having you all to herself for a little while."
"My lady!" His eyes grew wide. "I've always behaved properly towards Mrs. Hughes."
"Of course." She leaned closer, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "Perhaps it's time to live a little, Carson?"
He just gaped after her as she hurried back to Matthew's side. It was only the young man catching her, swinging her around, that finally made him recover from the shock of her words. Their eyes met again, and he made a face, but nodded. She grinned at him before turning back to Matthew.
~ O ~
Mary beamed at Matthew, and he squeezed her hand. The train jolted as it started to pull out of the station. She leaned out the window, waving goodbye to her parents and sisters. Once the train picked up speed, they sat down.
"Mrs. Crawley," Matthew teased.
"Mrs. Matthew Crawley," she corrected him.
Matthew chuckled and gave her a quick kiss. They were alone in the train compartment, but the door was open and people could walk by at any moment.
"As true as that is, you will always be Lady Mary Crawley, wife of Matthew Crawley."
She sighed and nodded, rolling her eyes. "If I must."
Matthew laughed and tugged her close to him as they settled in for the ride. They would be staying at Aunt Rosamund's this evening before embarking on their honeymoon in France the next day. Lady Rosamund was still at Downton, giving Mary and Matthew the privacy they so deserved on their wedding night.
Anna and Thomas were to accompanying them, and they were, at present time, tucked away in third class. Matthew had protested when Lord Grantham insisted that he needed a valet. Knowing very well that there was no valet in Manchester, Matthew felt no need for one now. Lord Grantham had insisted, and Matthew had finally given in. Mary's quiet comment about it being an adventure for Thomas as well made Matthew feel much better about it. He vowed to give Thomas as much free time as possible.
To Be Continued…
…
They are married! And off to London together.
The rating will go up for the upcoming chapter… well, wedding night – hello! :D
What do you think so far?
Are you as excited for the honeymoon as M&M are?
There will be plenty of intimate encounters in the upcoming chapters.
Consider yourself warned ;D