Chapter 9 – Versailles

Anna sighed in relief as she kicked off her shoes in her small room at Trianon Palace Hotel. Lady Mary had dismissed her before going down to dinner. As tired as Anna was, she had still been surprised by Mary's generous act.

"Get some rest, Anna," she had said in a gentle voice that almost had Anna in tears. Lady Mary could be very sweet at times.

Making quick work with her clothes, Anna slipped into her nightgown. She gazed out the little window for a moment while braiding her hair, noting how the moon seemed to bathe the gardens in an almost mythical light. Here and there, torches were lit to guide any guests that might be out for a moonlight stroll. Anna sighed, wondering if that was what Lady Mary had in mind when she had been so quick to dismiss her earlier. Too tired to really ponder the issue for long, Anna slipped into bed, and her head sank down onto the soft pillow. Within minutes she was asleep, dreaming about fairies and other mythical creatures playing under the moon, hidden from human eyes by eerie fog.

~ O ~

Mary had been disappointed to learn that the Duke was, in fact, not dining at the hotel that evening, having been invited to dine as the honored guest of the owner of a nearby French chateau. Matthew seemed to be delighted to have Mary all to himself and entertained her with all sorts of little tales and suggestions for excursions.

"Matthew," she said, smiling up at him as he escorted her out of the dining room, "how about a little walk in the garden before bed?"

"What an excellent idea!" He beamed at her and quickly steered her in the direction of the nearest exit.

Mary let out a tiny gasp at the eerie beauty of the moonlit formal garden. The two slowly strolled down the graveled pathway away from the hotel. Crickets were chirping in the nearby bushes, and somewhere in the distance a dog was barking. But otherwise, the warm night was quiet. Glancing over his shoulder, Matthew took in the sight of the lit-up hotel.

"It's almost as impressive as Downton at night."

Mary huffed, and her brows knitted together. "Hardly, but it is a nice hotel."

"Of course nothing can compare to your precious Downton," he teased her and nuzzled her ear.

"Matthew! What if someone sees us?"

He chuckled as she tried to push him away. "No one will, especially if you are quiet."

"Matthew Crawley! Did you just tell me to be quiet?" Mary stopped and glared at him.

Matthew just laughed and pulled her close, kissing her firmly. Unable to be angry with him when he kissed her like that, Mary wrapped her arms around his neck, returning the kiss. After a long moment of exchanging heated kisses that left them both quite out of breath, they finally parted, and Matthew again tucked her arm under his.

They continued their walk, turning in the direction of one of the other buildings. The scents and sounds soon confirmed Matthew's suspicion that it was the stables. Worried that they might step in something unpleasant in the dark, he pulled Mary to the side, continuing their walk in the grass instead.

As they turned the corner, Mary spotted and open box. She tugged at Matthew's arm.

"Be careful where you step," he cautioned.

They walked slowly, quietly, watching their steps. Once they reached the open box, the horse stuck his head out, nudging Mary's chest. She grinned and stroked his soft muzzle.

"I'm sorry, I don't have a treat for you," she whispered to the horse, and, instead, placed a kiss where her hand had just rested.

Matthew tugged at her hand, and she reluctantly said goodbye to her new friend. He rolled his eyes when Mary whispered her wish to have a closer look at the other horses. Unable to argue her request now that they were there, he just nodded, and they continued down the stalls.

A strange noise made them both freeze, and they looked at each other. Everything was silent for a long moment, and then the noise sounded again. It sounded like a loud moan. Matthew's eyebrows shot up, and he peeked around the corner. As he did, his eyes widened at the discovery of two people engaged in a very intimate act. A soft gasp alerted him that Mary had seen as well.

"Oui!"

Matthew bit his lip at the sight and sound of the young woman who was gripping the bar in front of her so tightly. The man behind her moved faster; pushing her skirt further out of the way before his hand disappeared out of sight entirely.

"Oh, mon dieu!"

"Silence, ma chère."

"How can he expect her to be quiet when he's touching her like that?" Mary whispered next to Matthew's ear.

Matthew's face was burning, and his trousers were starting to feel uncomfortable. Mary's presence so close by did nothing to ease his situation.

"Come, we should leave," he hissed.

She nodded, and the two hurried back the same way they had come. Once safely out of earshot, they burst out laughing.

"Perhaps we should retire?" Mary suggested.

Matthew nodded, grinning excitedly. Taking her hand, he almost dragged her back inside and upstairs to their room.

~ O ~

Once he had closed and locked the door behind them, Matthew grabbed Mary, pulling her close, kissing her. He walked her backwards towards the window until her backside touched the high window sill. Quickly turning Mary around, Matthew placed her hands on the sill. She gasped when he, without further ado, pulled her skirt up over her back.

"Matthew!"

"Don't tell me that you did not find watching them at least a little exciting," he whispered, all while stroking her legs and thighs.

"But, like this..?" Mary's cheeks were burning.

"It feels forbidden, doesn't it?" he drawled.

Mary gasped as he cupped her, pressing the soft silk of her undergarments against her. She could tell that they were already quite sodden, proving Matthew's claim that she had found watching the French couple stimulating.

She whimpered as he stroked her, only faintly recognizing the sound of him unbuckling his belt. When he quickly eased her undergarments down her legs, she stepped out of them without a sound.

"Matthew!" Mary tossed her head back, and her fingers tightened around the window sill once his hand returned to stroke her intimately.

"I want you, Mary. I want you so very, very desperately."

"Then have me," she gasped.

Matthew held her hips as he entered her. His eyes closed hard at the incredible feeling of loving her like this. Mary was trembling and, now and then, squeezing him, causing them both to moan with pleasure. Conjuring a mental image of the couple in the stable, Matthew moved fast behind her. With one hand on her hip, he stroked her, circling and teasing her little spot. Mary sobbed and whimpered, so close to spending. He gritted his teeth and plunged even deeper inside her in his quest for release. Mary cried out, and he felt her shatter as her body squeezed and pulsed around him. His face contorted, almost as in pain, as he pushed on, desperate to join her. He grunted loudly as he spilled inside her, eventually leaning over her, gasping for air. She was still pulsing around him, and to his surprise he started to climb again.

"Mary," he gasped. "I think that I…"

"Yes, darling, yes," she gasped and pushed back against him. "Oh, please, yes."

He took her hand, pressing her fingers against her center, not letting go until he felt her fingers move.

"That's it."

Grabbing her by the hips, he pounded into her. She yelled and trembled violently. Knowing that she was as desperate as he was, Matthew moved like a mad man. Now and then his eyes ventured down to admire her beautiful backside and where their bodies came together. His manhood shimmered in the faint light, and the knowledge of why, only intensified the fire burning inside him.

Mary let out a series of little screams as she found her release. Matthew felt himself swell at the feeling and followed her. As they both came down from their high, Mary swayed a little. Reluctantly separating himself from her, Matthew led her, almost dragged her, over to the bed where they both sank down, completely spent.

"I should undress," she whispered against his chest.

"In a moment, darling. In a moment."

~ O ~

Somehow, they managed to get into bed properly. Both exhausted and sated, they settled in together, legs entangled, Mary's cheek resting on Matthew's chest. Now and then, she tilted her head up for a soft kiss until she heard Matthew's breathing change. Looking up at his handsome face one last time, she again marveled at how this had happened, how she had found complete happiness with the boy she met at Downton one Christmas.

Mary's dreams were filled with memories, tangled with blurred faces, in a web so intricate she woke up with a start. She had seen children, but they were not any children she knew. A little girl with clear blue eyes and brown hair, running towards a man. She laughed and held out her little arms for him to catch her, which he did, swinging her up in the air above his head. A cheerful 'Da!' tumbling from the little girl's grinning lips.

Gently entangling herself from Matthew, Mary slipped out of bed, grabbing her dressing gown on her way to the ensuite. After finishing, she stood by the window for a moment, watching the mist hover over the lawn outside. It did remind her a little of Downton. She rested her forehead against the cool pane of the window, trying to sort out the images from her dream. The man was familiar somehow, but she had the hardest time placing him. What she did know was that it was not her husband. Mary frowned when she realized that the girl was not hers either, no matter the strong bond she felt between them. She let out a heavy sigh, her brow furrowed in concentration.

Unable to go back to sleep quite yet, she grabbed the blanket from where it had been kicked to the floor hours earlier and curled up in the chair by the window. Closing her eyes, she tried to bring forth the images from the dream. She gasped when one of the other children took shape, his eyes as clear a blue as his father's. Matthew's son. Her son.

"Mary?"

His mumbling voice startled her, and her head snapped around. Matthew was sitting up in bed, blinking in the faint light, his hair delightfully tousled. Mary smiled at the sight and got up. Shedding the blanket, she slipped back into bed again.

"Mmm, you're warm," she purred.

"Mary! Dear God, your feet are little ice blocks." Matthew instinctively pulled his legs away from her cold feet when she tried to warm her toes against his body.

"And you're so good at warming them."

He rolled his eyes and rubbed his foot over hers. She hummed in delight and snuggled closer. In a matter of minutes, she was asleep, a contented smile on her lips. Matthew was now wide awake, astonished at how his wife had managed this little scheme.

~ O ~

When Mary woke up for real a few hours later, the first thing she noticed was that Matthew was very close and that a very specific part of his body was pushing against her backside. She grinned and wiggled a little against him. He moaned and tightened his grip on her. She wiggled again, and it caused a louder groan from her still very much asleep husband. Thinking back to their conversation at the café in Paris, Mary's cheeks flushed at the naughty thoughts that came to mind. Slowly and carefully, she turned in his arms, putting a little space between them. Pushing the sheet down a bit more, she took in the sight of him. How deliciously tempting he looked. She took a ragged breath, trying to calm down. The truth was that she wanted him; she desired him.

Remembering the excitement of the first time she had touched him intimately, she gently took him in her hand and closed her fingers around his morning arousal. He moved and sighed. Mary bit her lip, trying not to giggle. She watched his face intently as she stroked him a few times. His breathing increased, and he mumbled something in his sleep. Tossing her hair over her shoulder Mary bent down and kissed the head, swirling her tongue around the tip, then flicked it over it a few times. Matthew was now moaning quite loudly. Noticing with amusement and pride how he was much firmer now, she moved and closed her lips around him, stroking her tongue over the soft skin as she continued to love him.

"Oh God…"

His fingers tangled in her hair as he started to wake up. She cupped his sack, fondling him there as well. His hips jerked and she moved faster.

"Mary!" Matthew's head shot up from the pillow as he finally was fully awake. "Stop, stop, or I'll…"

Mary reluctantly let go of him and raised her blushing face to look at him.

"Good morning." She grinned cheekily at him, her eyelashes fluttering a little.

"Good morning, indeed," he gasped.

"Are you angry?"

He met her dark eyes and smiled at her, gently tugging at her arm until she stretched out on top of him.

"Never, my darling. It was delightful."

"But you didn't want me to finish?"

"I prefer to finish with you." He chuckled and pressed a kiss to her smiling lips. "Besides, I don't know exactly how comfortable it would be for you if I were to spend in your mouth."

Her eyes widened. She had not thought of that at all. He kissed her again, holding her tight.

"May I love you another way?"

Mary looked so eager gazing down at him that all Matthew could do was nod. He stroked her hip and pulled her up a little so he could touch her. His eyebrows shot up at the discovery of just how ready she was. She bit her lip, and the pink hue on her cheeks darkened a little. Knowing what she liked, Matthew stroked and teased between her legs until her eyes fluttered shut, only then did he push two fingers inside her, curling them slightly when he withdrew.

"God Mary."

His voice returned her focus. Mary eased away from him, gently touching his lips when he started to protest, while looking slightly bewildered at her actions.

"I want to love you, darling."

"But Mary, allowing me to do this, to touch you, is loving me," he protested.

"I know, but you're so good at it, that it is frankly quite distracting." Her eyes twinkled and she shot him a cheeky grin.

"Glad to hear it."

"Now do be quiet, Matthew."

His mouth opened and closed twice before he mock glared at her.

"You have some nerve, woman," he muttered. She ran her nails over the side of his stomach, over a very ticklish spot and he sputtered in reaction. "Fine, fine!"

"Much better, darling." Mary purred next to his ear.

"You're a vixen, a temptress."

She moved her fingers to his nipples, and he gasped. Mary giggled and moved on the bed. Stroking and nibbling, she discovered his body. When she took him in her mouth again, Matthew did not argue, quite the opposite, as his hips jerked at the delicious touch. Mary had straddled his legs, so he could not move much. He contemplated rolling her over, the need to be inside her so desperate now.

Mary let go of him and moved up. Hovering above him, she rested her palms on his chest.

"Matthew…"

He opened his eyes and smiled at her. She leaned down for a kiss and his hands came up to caress her hips. He steadied her when she pulled back until she was kneeling.

"Mary, God Mary." Matthew groaned with pleasure as she again took him in her hand, slowly lowering herself. The sight was so erotic to him, he almost expired right that very moment.

"Not yet…" she purred.

Matthew's eyes bored into hers, then flicked down to watch as she moved a little. With his hands still on her hips, he helped her set a steady rhythm. Watching her, and feeling her in this new way, he could not fathom why they had never done this before.

"Mary, dear God…"

His eyes rolled back in his head when she moved a little faster. He could feel her start to tighten around him. Realizing that if he moved his hand just a little he could actually stroke her little spot with his thumb, he was quick to do it. Mary cried out and closed so deliciously around him in response.

"Mmm… oh God… oh God…"

Watching her move against him through her release was nothing but incredible. Unable to hold back any longer, Matthew pushed up, meeting her as he let go. With a tight grip on her hips he pushed up against her, prolonging her experience through his own. She fell down on him, and he held her close as they both tried to catch their breath. He smiled when he felt her tighten around him now and then as little aftershocks crept up on her. Finally she slid off and curled up next to him. He chuckled at the smug little smile on her lips.

"Pleased with yourself, darling?"

"Tremendously. I simply am extraordinary clever sometimes," Mary quipped.

"That you are, my darling."

He held her close, stroking her back, delighting in the wonderful aftermath of their morning tryst. She snuggled closer, and he pressed a kiss to her brow. A thought came to mind, and laughter bubbled up inside him until he was shaking next to her.

"Whatever is the matter?"

"Did you realize that in less than twelve hours, we've made love in two completely new ways? Delightful ways, if I may say so."

Mary blushed and nodded. "I'm glad."

"Mary, don't ever worry about showing that you desire this." He tilted her chin up, meeting her eyes. "Promise?"

"I promise."

Sealing it with a kiss, he pulled her back into his arms. Speaking softly, and just enjoying being close, they watched the sun come up over Versailles.

~ O ~

Anna inspected Mary's hands as she helped her mistress out of the bath. Noticing that they were getting quite long, she made a mental note to discuss the matter with her once they were back in the bedroom. She slipped a robe over Mary's' shoulders, then turned to gather the towels before following Mary from the room.

"Anna, Mr. Crawley and I have no obligations tonight. I was going to suggest that we have dinner up here."

"That sounds lovely, milady." Anna smiled, and her eyes held a little twinkle.

"What is it?" Mary raised an eyebrow, curious to know what had made Anna smile like that.

"Oh, I can't tell." Anna's eyes widened. "It's a surprise. Please, milady."

"I see. Are you in cahoots with my husband, Anna?"

Anna blushed and busied herself with Mary's hair. "If Mr. Crawley were to request my help in a matter that was sure to make you happy, milady, how could I possibly say no?"

"I suppose." She took a deep breath and frowned a little. "Though I cannot say that I like the thought of you conspiring with my husband. You're supposed to be on my side."

"I am, milady!" Anna looked Mary in the eyes, her brows furrowed in confusion. "Of course I am. But this was so nice, I just couldn't say no."

"All right." Mary rolled her eyes. "Just don't make a habit out of it. I don't like secrets. You know that."

Realizing that Mary was not serious, Anna giggled and nodded. "I suppose that's why Mr. Crawley enjoys it so much."

Mary huffed. Holding up her, arm she inspected her skin before applying her new favorite lotion, scented with lemon and lavender.

"You never told me what you learned the last day of your course."

"Perhaps I can show you, milady?"

"It depends. What is it?"

"How to do a proper lady's manicure."

"My, oh my, that does sound interesting."

"Your nails need cuttin' anyway, milady."

Mary watched in amusement as Anna gathered her supplies. Two little bowls were placed on the vanity in front of Mary, holding warm water and lemon slices. Anna instructed Mary to dip her fingertips into the water, holding them there for a while.

"What does this do?"

"It will make your nails whiter and remove any unwanted oils."

"Interesting. It is not unpleasant, I must admit."

"We received a gift at the end of the course," Anna explained and held up a small case for Mary to see.

"How lovely!"

Anna selected a small jar and a little ceramic bowl from the box. Mary watched with keen interest as Anna poured a little oil into the bowl, before picking up another jar and the tiniest little spoon Mary had ever seen.

"Tinting your nails with pink oils is the latest in Paris, milady."

"Pink?" Mary's eyes widened.

Anna nodded. "If you prefer, I can practice on your feet. Then if you like it, we can do the same on your hands."

"Sounds good to me."

After drying Mary's hands and inspecting her fingernails, Anna placed Mary's feet on a small footstool that she had covered with a towel. Before starting on the pedicure, she poured a little lavender scented oil into her hand and then gently picked up Mary's left foot, stroking her hands over it as she massaged in the oil.

"Oh Anna," Mary groaned. "You are spoiling me. That feels divine."

Anna giggled and pressed a bit firmer with her hands. Once done, she did the same to Mary's other foot. Mary watched eagerly as Anna mixed the oil and color powder together. Her eyebrows inched up when the concoction was applied to her toenails. Anna was very neat and seemed very sure of what she was doing, which put Mary at ease. She giggled when Anna started buffing her nails with a small cloth.

"It tickles."

"Sorry, milady." Anna grinned up at her. "Almost done."

Mary looked down at her feet, wiggling her toes a little. Her toenails glimmered as they reflected the light. She had to admit that Anna was right. It did look lovely.

"Well done, Anna."

"Do you want me to do your hands too, milady?"

"I certainly do, but perhaps not quite so dark. Unless that's not possible."

"That's fine, milady. I'll just add a bit more oil and it will make it lighter."

"Wonderful!"

Anna cut and filed Mary's nails, using tools Mary had never seen before. They all appeared to come from Anna's little case. When Anna finally folded her little cloth and put it away, Mary held up her hands, inspecting the result.

"This is lovely, Anna." Mary moved her fingers, grinning at how her nails were smooth and shiny, with a pink tint to them. "I say we buy a box like that for Mama. I'm sure you can teach O'Brien how to do it, or perhaps simply do it yourself."

"I'd be happy to get one for you, milady. It's a lovely gift, really."

"Still, I don't know if I could do it myself."

"I practiced on my feet first," Anna confessed.

Mary chuckled and she wiggled her eyebrows at Anna. "Dear me, who would've known that Anna Smith had such a delightful little secret hidden inside those plain shoes. How daring!"

Anna giggled and nodded. "Unfortunately they don't look as nice as yours, milady."

"Oh?"

"You see… I had to experiment a little with the color."

"So your toes have different shades?" Anna nodded, biting her lip. Mary burst out laughing. "I wish I could see it. I'm sure it is quite endearing."

"Silly's more like it," Anna huffed. "Now be nice, milady. You shouldn't really laugh at my unfortunate situation."

Mary laughed harder, which set Anna off, and the two laughed together at the silliness of it all.

To be continued…