Rating: Mature (explicit! Um, it's their wedding night… do I really have to explain this?)
Spoilers: none since this is an AU starting before the Titanic incident

Disclaimer: Any names off characters you recognize from Downton Abbey are not mine. All original characters do however belong to me. Fanfiction is in my opinion the ultimate form of flattery to a screenwriter :)

…

A huge thank you to the talented and wonderful R. Grace who has managed to assist with this chapter (fixing my mistakes, and adding numerous commas!) while being in the middle of a very busy RL.

I'm still terribly behind on answering comments and reviews. Please know that I treasure all of them, and I love when you share your thoughts. I have my favorite parts and scenes, but it's so lovely to hear which ones stood out to you, what really touched you, angered you, frustrated you or just made you go awww. LOL So, thank you, all of you, for reviewing and favoriting this story. The last chapter reviews especially had me grinning from ear to ear.

A/N: Regarding Branson's early entry on the stage… I know he didn't show up until later in the show, but I couldn't help wanting him there earlier in this story, if only to tease Mr. Carson. The scene with them in the car rushing back from the church wouldn't have been the same with the old driver. Please forgive this little artistic license on my part :D

They are married! Wedding night. Sexytimes. Honeymoon. I hope that you will enjoy it!

Let the honeymoon begin…

.

Chapter 7 – Wedding Night in London

Upon arrival in London, the newlyweds looked a little hesitantly at each other as they stood in the foyer of Aunt Rosamund's house in Eaton Square. It was Anna who brought them out of their daze by suggesting that Lady Mary come upstairs to freshen up after the trip. Mary smiled appreciatively at her maid and promised to be up right away.

"I suppose that we should at least make an effort to have dinner," Mary whispered against Matthew's lips once they were alone.

"I say we should." He kissed her, and pulled her close.

"I'll see you shortly then." Mary reluctantly stepped away from his embrace, instantly missing the warm feeling of him.

"Hurry, my darling, before I change my mind and toss you over my shoulder to carry you upstairs."

Mary laughed and stopped for a moment on the stairs. She raised her skirt a little, showing off her slender leg. Matthew's eyes widened, and she giggled. Letting go of her dress, Mary hurried upstairs, leaving a slightly flustered Matthew standing frozen in place at the foot of the stairs.

~ O ~

It turned out that they were hungrier than they thought and had managed to enjoy their dinner together quite a lot. Sitting close together at the corner of the large dinner table, they spoke softly while sipping their drinks between bites of quail and pommes à la dauphinoise.

Mary, usually not one for elaborate desserts, was pleasantly surprised by a generous slice of her favorite cake as a finish to their delightful dinner. Matthew found great pleasure in feeding Mary his cake, seeming to get clumsier and clumsier with each bite, forcing him to lean in to kiss the frosting away from her lips, her cheek, or the corner of her mouth. She was laughing so much by the fourth bite that Matthew gave up on the cake entirely and just pulled her to him, kissing her long and slow.

"Perhaps we should retire for the night?"

Mary licked her lips a little nervously and nodded. "Sounds good."

He stood and offered her his hand. "Lady Mary Crawley, please allow me to escort you upstairs."

Mary giggled and took his hand. "Why Mr. Crawley, you are quite the gentleman."

"So my wife says." His eyes twinkled with mirth as he leaned in and stole a kiss before tucking her arm securely under his. "And she's never wrong, at least that's what I've been told."

Mary just shook her head at his silliness. As he led her upstairs, she felt butterflies in her stomach. Neither of them spoke during the short trek, both too lost in thought over the important step they were about to take. He smiled and kissed her once, then opened the door to their bedroom where he spotted Anna waiting for her.

"Don't make me wait," she whispered. Her cheeks flushed pink as the words slipped from her lips.

Matthew chuckled and nodded, watching her close the door. Feeling giddy with excitement, he entered his dressing room.

~ O ~

Mary smiled at Anna in the mirror as her maid ran the brush through her hair one last time. When Anna offered to braid it, Mary just softly declined, her cheeks turning a little pink. Anna smiled knowingly and, instead, gave Mary's hair a few extra strokes with the brush.

Finally putting the brush away, Anna rested her hand on Mary's shoulder. Mary gently touched her and looked up at her.

"You look very beautiful, my lady."

"Thank you Anna," Mary said, smiling softly. "I keep wondering if this is all a dream - wonderful dream - and worrying that I will wake up any moment now to realize that it never happened."

"But it did happen, my lady," Anna whispered and bit her lip. "I better go. I can hear Mr. Matthew pacing in there. He'll have me head if I don't let 'im in soon."

"Oh Anna," Mary laughed as she rolled her eyes at her friend and confidant. "Thank you for making me laugh, and you're right. We better let him in."

Anna giggled and nodded. "I'll say goodnight then, my lady."

"Goodnight, Anna, and thank you so much. For everything. You truly helped make this day magical."

Anna blushed and nodded. "That's very kind of you to say, my lady."

"It's true."

Anna smiled one last time and quietly slipped out of the room. Once alone, Mary took a deep breath and got up. She straightened her nightgown, making it flow in soft waves to the floor. It was daringly sheer and made her blush every time she thought about it. She picked up her dressing gown and pondered putting it on. Finally making a decision, she eased into the beautiful garment, another purchase made especially for this occasion. With a last glance at her reflection in the mirror, Mary determined that she was as appealing as she possibly could be to her husband, while still dressed.

Mary rested her hand on the door knob for a moment. Perhaps Matthew was not alone? She shivered at the thought of Thomas seeing her like this. Instead of opening the door, she gently knocked on it.

"Matthew?"

The door opened instantly and there he was, standing grinning at her.

"Darling," he said huskily and stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "Are we alone?"

She nodded. With a joyous laugh, he wrapped his arms around her and swung her around. She put her arms around his neck and laughed at his silliness. He was warm and strong against her and she felt passion stir again. Mary held his gaze as she pressed her lips against his in a firm kiss.

Matthew gently put her down, but kept holding her firmly against him as the kiss deepened. She let out a little whimper, and it made him moan softly as he felt it against his lips. Stroking her back, he ran his fingers through her silky hair.

"Oh God, Mary," he sighed when they finally broke apart.

"I love you," she whispered.

In a swift move he gathered her up in his arms. "And I love you, so very, very much."

Mary laughed as he walked over to the bed that had already been turned down, and gently put her down. Looking down at her, he kicked off his slippers and removed his robe. Dressed only in his pale blue pajamas he joined her in bed. He gently rested his hand on her hip stroking her side with his thumb.

"Why is it that I'm more nervous now than I was back then?" Mary whispered and put her hand on top of his. "Last time we were risking so much by sharing a bed, and now we're expected to." She frowned a little as she struggled to explain her feelings. "Never mind, don't pay any attention to what I say."

"It's all right, darling. I'm nervous too," he breathed, smiling down at her. "I'm afraid of hurting you, or disappointing you, or possibly both."

Mary smiled and touched his cheek. "The first, I suspect, is unavoidable," she whispered. "And the second will never happen."

He nodded and tugged her a little closer. "At least I know a few things that you like," he teased.

"Matthew!" Mary's face felt warm, and she knew she was blushing.

"And I vividly remember what you did that made me feel good."

"As do I," she whispered.

Mary rested her hand on his chest, tracing the top button with her index finger.

"Open it," he whispered and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

Mary gently eased the button open and stroked her fingers against his warm chest. He inhaled deeply, and she heard him swallow.

"And the next one."

Mary grinned and did as he asked. This time she pressed her lips against his chest.

"God Mary," he groaned and tightened his grip on her hip.

Mary kept peppering his neck with soft kisses as she opened the rest of the buttons until his shirt fell open. To her surprise, he had some pale blonde chest hair.

"You've changed," she said as she looked at his upper body. "The boy has become a man."

"And the girl I fell in love with has become a stunningly beautiful woman, with all sorts of lovely womanly charms."

Mary giggled as he nuzzled her neck. "And you approve of this?"

Matthew pulled away a little and grinned cheekily as he nodded. He moved his hand to cup her breast, stroking his thumb over the pointy nipple which was already straining against the fabric of her nightgown.

"I do indeed, my darling."

Mary's eyes fluttered shut and she sighed happily as he kept stroking her breast. "I like that."

Matthew kissed her, gently teasing her lips until they opened. She hummed and pressed against his leg. Matthew moaned at the feel of her warm female curves rubbing against him. He pulled back a little and they looked at each other. Without a word Mary ran her hands up his chest and over his shoulders, pushing his shirt off him.

"You're so handsome," she murmured as she ran her hands over his shoulders and down his arms.

"Thank you, darling."

Mary's hand settled on his waist and she ran a finger inside his pajama bottoms. Matthew groaned as her teasing finger traced the shape of his hip bone and the soft area next to it. The finger moved tortuously slowly and then suddenly stopped. He looked at her. Mary's eyes were a bit wider and then he felt her teasing finger move again, as if searching.

"You have a lot more hair," she whispered, her cheeks turning pink.

"I do," he said with an amused chuckle.

Mary withdrew and traced the blonde hairs below his navel down to where they disappeared under his bottoms. His erection was very noticeable as his manhood strained against the thin fabric of his pajamas. She very gently cupped him, rubbing him slowly up and down.

"Let me see you."

Matthew smiled and nodded. Raising his hips, he made quick work with the rest of his pajamas, finally kicking them off, sending them flying across the room. Not that either of them bothered to look.

Mary rested her hand on his thigh, and he gently placed his on top of hers. She was staring at his manhood, and it was starting to make him nervous.

"Darling?"

"You're… well, larger." She blushed as the words tumbled from her lips.

"I suppose that I am," he said and stroked her fingers. "Last time you saw me, I was sixteen."

"Of course." She smiled at him, trying to push any worry aside. "It was silly of me to be surprised that you had changed."

"Mary…" he murmured and leaned in to kiss her on the neck. "Please."

Mary squeezed his thigh, and he removed his hand, freeing her to trail her fingertips higher. Moving agonizingly slowly, she was rapidly driving Matthew insane. When her fingers eventually curled around him, he groaned with pleasure.

"Just as smooth as I remember. At least that hasn't changed."

"Dear God!"

Matthew gently removed Mary's hand after only a moment. Meeting her eyes, he crushed their lips together. Overcome by an urgent need to feel her skin, Matthew pulled at the tie holding Mary's dressing gown together, brushing it aside to run his hand down over her hip. He tugged gently at her nightgown, and Mary was quick to raise her hips to help him. A few seconds later, Matthew sent her nightclothes flying in the same direction as his pajamas. The two sheer garments were still floating in the air when their naked bodies touched.

"Oh, Matthew," Mary whimpered.

Matthew hummed against her neck, sucking and kissing that spot below her ear that made her toes curl. He could not get enough of her, moving his hands over her soft curves, familiarizing himself with her womanly charms. It had been his intention to take things slow, but his body was burning with need and, judging from Mary's sounds and squirming, she was in the same predicament. He inched down, placing kisses along her collar bone and then took her right nipple in his mouth. She gasped and let out a whimper, her fingers tangling in his hair.

Matthew sucked and pulled at the little peak. Her sounds became louder.

"Matthew," she gasped.

"Yes darling?"

"Would you..?" She cleared her throat. "With your mouth?"

Matthew grinned, noticing the increased blush on her face and chest. He slid his hand down her stomach and gently cupped her.

"Here? Is that what you want? For me to kiss you here?" He knew that he was teasing her, but he could not help it. He simply had to hear her.

"Yes!" she whimpered. "Please, Matthew. I need you."

With a last searing kiss to her full lips, he moved so he was kneeling between her legs. As he ran his hands up over her knees and inner thighs, Mary pulled her legs up in anticipation.

"You're stunning," he gasped at the sight of her pink folds, surrounded by a perfect dark triangle of hair. Unable to resist any longer, he leaned down and kissed her softly.

"Oh yes!"

Matthew's eyes fluttered shut as he devoured her. Fond memories of Mary surfaceed as he swirled his tongue over her most intimate place. He remembered the first time he had done this and how incredible it had been to discover it with her. Gentle fingers stroked over his hair to tangle in his blonde locks. It made him smile and he flicked his tongue over that spot that she loved to have touched.

"Matthew," she gasped.

He looked up. "Yes?"

"Perhaps… you know… shouldn't you… you know…"

He chuckled and nodded. "I do know. Trust me, darling."

She nodded and swallowed hard in anticipation. Matthew pushed her legs a bit further apart and swirled his tongue over her folds. She whimpered, and her fingers tightened in his hair. Returning to stroke over her little spot, he circled her entrance with his index finger, dipping it inside a little, teasing, delighting in the feel of her.

By the time he kissed his way up over her stomach and chest, Mary was trembling with need. She wrapped her arms around him, and their lips came together in a heated kiss. She moaned when she tasted herself on his lips.

Matthew ran his hand over her inner thigh, pushing a little for her to open her legs more. She broke the kiss when she felt him rub against her. Her brow furrowed and she whimpered when he pressed more firmly against her. He kissed her again and moved his hips, entering her. Mary cried out, and her legs tightened around him. Worried that he had really hurt her, he stopped.

"Ouch," she winced.

"I'm so sorry, my darling," he whispered and kissed her softly.

Mary finally opened her eyes, and he held her gaze as he slowly lowered himself. He could tell that she was uncomfortable. He kissed her lips and her neck, stroking her side and her breast, trying to make her feel good. Her whimpers got louder the deeper he went. He held still for a moment and took one of her nipples in his mouth, stroking and sucking it. She sighed, and he felt her relax a little. Deciding to try something else, he withdrew a little before pushing back in. Her breath caught and for a moment he thought that he had hurt her again, but the look on her face was one of wonder and pleasure.

"Oh God!"

Mary shivered and squeezed around him. Matthew groaned and did it again, causing Mary to let out a high-pitched whimper. He kept moving in short, shallow thrusts, easing further inside with each one until he was finally buried inside her, surrounded by her soft heat.

"Mary," he moaned.

She wrapped her arms around him, bringing him closer, pressing her knees against his sides. He stroked the back of her left thigh and gently pressed his palm against it, pushing her leg up further as he moved in longer strokes. Mary cried out and shook under him.

"Matthew! Please… oh God…"

Matthew moved faster against her, gritting his teeth as he tried to hold off his release. He could feel the tightening and he knew it was close. Easing up a little, he moved faster still. Mary cried out and started to pulse around him.

"Matthew," she gasped. "It's happening."

Matthew was beyond speech. He leaned down and kissed her. The angle changed, and she tightened around him sending him over. He moved frantically to prolong her release. Afterwards, he rested his head on her shoulder, careful not to weigh down fully on her. She held him against her, and he could feel her heart beat loudly under his ear. Now and then, she tightened around him. When he finally had enough strength to push up, he looked at her.

"I love you, Mary." He kissed her softly, then eased up, gently withdrawing. Noticing a few stains on the sheet and her thigh, he stroked her hip to comfort her. "How do you feel? Did I hurt you an awful lot?"

"Of course not," she said with a smile. "It was wonderful. You are wonderful, darling."

He laughed with joy and pulled her to him. Cupping her bottom, he held her close as their lips found each other again. She moaned when he stroked over her soft folds and rubbed that special spot. Her little sounds had him in quite a state in no time and he gently eased inside her, cradling her thigh over his hip. She gasped and pushed against him.

"Thank God we did not do this before," he gasped. "I would never have wanted to stop."

Mary laughed and nodded, then gasped and whimpered as his hand found her breast.

"Matthew… Oh, heavens…"

~ O ~

Mary gasped for air, still gripping Matthew tightly. Her eyes opened when she felt him withdraw. He stretched out next to her, his hand resting lightly on her stomach.

"My darling," he whispered softly, his fingers stroking gently over her still flushed skin.

"I'd say that you're rather good at that," she drawled, casting a glance his way.

Matthew laughed and tugged her closer. "We are. I can hardly do this alone."

"True." She winced as she noticed how sticky she was. "Please excuse me for a moment."

He eased up on his elbow, watching her slip out of bed. His eyebrows shot up in surprise and appreciation when she bent down to pick up her dressing gown, in the process giving him a beautiful view of her bottom.

"Lovely," he murmured.

Mary's head snapped around, and she blushed. Hands on her hips, she mock glared at him. "Were you looking at my derriere, Matthew? Leering at me like a commoner without any manners?"

"I suppose I was." He made a face, but then laughed. "It was presented so very nicely. I am your husband, darling. Surely I'm allowed to admire all your charms?"

She huffed and tightened the robe around her before slipping out to visit the bathroom.

~ O ~

Matthew woke with a smile the next morning. Mary was on her side, facing him, her hand resting on the pillow, under her cheek. She was still asleep, her breasts moving steadily as she was breathing slowly. He moved his hand from her hip and stroked his thumb over the side of her breast, marveling over its softness. Looking up at her face again, he took in her undisguised beauty. Her long hair was a little wild from their activity the night before. Matthew tenderly stroked a stray lock away, noticing how her eyelashes fluttered a little. Returning his hand to her hip, he watched her sleep.

Somewhere in the neighborhood, a clock chimed eight. Mary stirred, but she did not quite wake up. Impatient to see her smile at him, Matthew brushed his lips against hers. She moaned a little and rolled onto her back. He kissed her cheek and stroked her stomach. Finally, her eyelashes fluttered and her eyes opened. Matthew grinned at her.

"Good morning, my darling."

Mary blinked a few times as she tried to shake the fuzziness of sleep. Matthew, her husband, was smiling at her. His blonde hair was a mess, with that impossible curl falling down. His eyes were so blue, without a hint of the haze of sleep that Mary still felt. So many emotions bubbled up inside her in that moment. She swallowed when she felt tears well up. Lady Mary Crawley did not cry, and she was damned if she was going to cry in front of Matthew. Instead she turned her face towards the window, trying to collect herself.

"Mary?"

"Yes?"

"Are you all right, darling?"

She turned back and smiled at him. "Of course."

He was taken aback at the sight. She was wearing that smile that he had come to recognize as her polite one. He hated it because he knew it was a façade, hiding her real feelings.

"What is it? Please tell me."

Mary sighed and closed her eyes. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "It's just that… I never thought that I would actually have this."

"Have what?" he asked very gently, touching his fingers lightly to her chin.

"Happiness."

"Oh, darling."

Mary burrowed her face against his neck, drawing comfort from his embrace. Their legs tangled in a natural way, and when he pulled her closer, she discovered that he was aroused. She pulled back and looked up at him.

"You…"

He made a face and nodded. "Yes. You should probably know that it is a common occurrence in the morning."

"Is it now? What a delightful discovery."

Matthew laughed at her cheekiness. Holding her gaze he stroked his fingers over her breast. She smiled and leaned in for a kiss, but pulled back before their lips touched.

"What's wrong?"

"I haven't brushed my teeth," she mumbled, her face turned away.

"As if I care." Matthew pulled her closer and kissed her firmly.

Mary laughed and ran her fingers through his hair. He returned to touching her breast, which earned him a soft sigh from Mary. After a moment, he pulled her leg over his hip and stroked her intimately.

"Matthew," Mary whimpered softly as he kept stroking her, circling her little spot.

Pulling Mary closer, he started to ease inside her. Her brow furrowed. Not sure how she would feel, he was certain to go slowly. Once he was fully inside, he held still for a moment, just enjoying the feel of her and giving her a chance to get used to his presence there again. Finally pressing his lips to hers, he held her hip as he moved steadily against her. Mary whimpered, and her leg curled around his hip, her foot stroking over his buttocks. Shifting a little, he managed to enter her deeper, and her leg was now around his waist. He stroked her soft cheeks, now and then squeezing them. Noticing the smile on her lips and how she held him tight, he moved faster. Mary gasped, and let out a soft cry. When he took her right nipple in his mouth, her foot squeezed against his backside, pulling him to her as she cried out again. He felt her start to pulse around him, and he sped up. A moment later, he cried out as he joined her.

Mary rolled onto her back, and he slipped out of her. His eyebrows shot up when she winced as she closed her legs. Gently touching her cheek he made her look at him.

"Did I hurt you?"

"I'm just a little sore, darling," she explained.

"You should've told me." He frowned and gently stroked her stomach. "I don't want you to…"

Her fingers against his lips silenced him instantly. Mary smiled and shook her head.

"Darling, it was lovely. In case you didn't realize, I wanted to. I wanted you. I'm sure my body will adjust." He still eyed her warily, and she kissed him softly. "Come to think of it, I might just need some more practice," she teased.

Matthew laughed at that, and she snuggled close to him again as they rested comfortably together, basking in the delight of being allowed to do so.

~ O ~

Anna glanced at the clock in the servants' hall. It was past ten and still no sound from the couple upstairs. She sighed and got up when she heard the cook calling her name.

"Commin'," she muttered.

Grabbing a potholder, Anna picked up the bucket with steaming water to bring it upstairs for Lady Mary's bath. It was the third trip she had made to keep the bathwater hot. As she passed through the servants' hall again, the bell finally rang. She put down the bucket with a sigh.

"I'll take it," Thomas said, gesturing for her to hand over the potholder. He just rolled his eyes at her confused look at his generous offer. "It's not as if you can carry the tea tray and bucket at the same time, now."

"Thank you." Anna smiled a little at Thomas, still trying to figure him out. "Just leave it outside the bathroom, and I'll deal with it once I've taken the tea up."

Thomas nodded and picked up the bucket, quickly disappearing up the stairs. Anna shook herself out of her musings and hurried back into the kitchen to gather the tea tray.

~ O ~

Matthew smiled to himself where he sat in first class with Mary by his side. Lord Grantham had been wise to suggest a late departure. It was also fortunate that the train station was fairly close since by the time they were finally ready to leave, they had precious little time to make their train. Tugging Mary a little closer, he kissed her cheek as the train pulled out, taking them to Dover and the ferry that would bring them to France.

"Are you excited?" Mary whispered as she placed her hand on top of Matthew's.

"If I was any more excited, I would burst!"

She laughed at his grinning face. Glancing around to make sure that no one was near, Mary leaned closer and pressed her lips against his in a soft kiss. The kiss went on for a while, until a gentle clearing of someone's throat forced them apart. Mary's cheeks burned with embarrassment at being caught.

The conductor just smiled and after inspecting their tickets handed them back to Matthew.

"Just married?" Matthew grinned and nodded in confirmation. Touching his cap in greeting, the conductor smiled before leaving. "Congratulations."

As he disappeared out of sight, they looked at each other and burst out laughing.

~ O ~

Thanks to Thomas' assertiveness combined with Anna's gentle pleading in passable French, all the luggage made its way safely onto the boat, but not before a few bills changed hands. Certain that Thomas had the situation under control, Anna made her way over to Mary.

"Is there anything you need, my lady?"

"Anna." Mary smiled fondly at the young woman. Noticing the wild look in Anna's eyes as the boat rocked, she reached out and grasped her arm. "Are you all right?"

"Oh yes, my lady." The boat rocked again and Anna started shaking. "I'm just not used to boats."

"Come, have a seat next to me."

Anna shook her head. "Oh, I couldn't, my lady."

"Of course you can."

Mary smiled encouragingly and tugged at Anna's arm. The boat made a noise as it pulled out, making Anna squeak. She almost tumbled down next to a now chuckling Mary.

"I'm so terribly sorry, my lady."

"Nonsense. Boats usually protest when having to leave their homeport. This one appears to be no exception. Now just settle back and talk to me." Mary picked up the extra blanket next to her. "Here, you can use Mr. Crawley's blanket."

Anna smiled and whispered a "thank you" before tucking the blanket securely around her. The wind had picked up a little and the temperature was starting to fall as it was getting late in the day. Matthew returned a moment later, reclaiming his seat on the other side of Mary.

"I asked Thomas to bring us some tea." Glancing at Anna, he spoke to the two of them. "Anna, Thomas informed me that it is quite rowdy downstairs. I suggest that you stay here with Lady Mary, and that he bring your tea as well."

Mary's eyes widened and she looked at Anna. "Absolutely. Your safety is very important to me, Anna."

"Thank you, milady."

Thomas chose that moment to show up with a tray holding three cups of tea.

"I'm sorry, my lady, but the service onboard leaves much to be desired. I hope that this is drinkable. If nothing else, it's at least hot."

Matthew chuckled and nodded. "I'm sure it will be just fine, Thomas. Thank you."

In truth, though not the worst she had ever had, it was far from the best tea Mary had ever tasted. It was a tad too sweet, but it was hot and it warmed them all up. As the sun started to set, Mary smiled happily where she sat next to her husband, holding his hand in a gentle grasp. Now and then his thumb moved over the back of her hand in a tender caress.

~ O ~

By the time they arrived at their hotel in Paris, it was dark. Thomas' and Anna's efficiency again proved itself useful as Mary and Matthew found themselves in their suite within minutes of arrival. Thomas called for dinner to be sent up and Anna saw to unpacking Lady Mary's most essential items while Mary and Matthew relaxed in the parlor section of the suite.

Curious about the view from their hotel room, Matthew walked over to the window, peering outside. He gasped at the sight and turned to Mary.

"Darling, come here."

Mary rose, an eyebrow arched in curiosity over his clear excitement. As soon as she was within reach, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. Pointing at something outside the window, he encouraged her to look. Mary's eyes widened at the majestic sight of the Eifel Tower rising over the city.

"Oh my," she whispered.

The monument was lit up by soft electric lights. It was as if it shimmered in the darkness, an almost surreal looking beacon in the night. They stood silently by the window, admiring the sight until Thomas cleared his throat behind them.

"Dinner is served, my lady."

"Thank you, Thomas."

As soon as Mary and Matthew were situated, Anna and Thomas left to see to their own rooms and the remainder of the luggage. Anna's stomach rumbled, but she knew that there was no time for dinner until after she had helped Lady Mary undress for bed. Pushing any thought of dinner out of her head, she focused on the different cases and trunks to find the ones she needed.

~ O ~

By the time the day came to a close, encasing the city in darkness, four tired people slept in their soft Parisian beds. Matthew was spooned up behind his wife, who was again dressed in her silky nightgown. Too tired for anything but sleep, the two had cuddled and shared lazy, sleepy kisses before drifting off to sleep. On the other side of the hotel, facing the quietness of the back alley, Anna and Thomas had fallen, exhausted, into bed after a quick dinner. Their rooms were on the same floor, but at opposite ends of the hallway. Close enough for convenience, yet far enough apart for privacy; something which Thomas, in particular, would come to appreciate in the days to come.

To be continued…

…

Fun Facts: Eiffel Tower Facts - Initially, the Eiffel Tower was lighted by gas, having some 10,000 gas street lamps lighting the tower and platforms. This was upgraded to electrical lighting, using 3,200 lamps, for the Universal Exposition of 1900. Since then, the tower's lighting has been enhanced periodically. In 1925, André Citroën lighted up the tower, using 250,000 colored lights, with a boldly lighted advertisement for his company spelling out the word "Citroën". In 1937, for the International Exposition of Arts and Techniques, André Granet added colored lighting to the tower. 252 Yellow-orange sodium tinted lamps were installed in 1985.

A/N: We missed out on the entire honeymoon on the show. I can understand why (shooting budget, shooting on location etc.), but I would still have liked to have seen something (more than Matthew admitting to his father-in-law that he had sex! (: With that said, it is my intent to give Mary and Matthew a lovely honeymoon in France that will span a few chapters. Anna and Thomas will have their own Parisian adventures too!

Will you join me for the Downton French Adventure?