Greetings! If you're reading this, it means that you're still following this story. I'm so happy that you are. Both my life and my beta's (R. Grace) RL have been insanely busy.

I would like to apologize for not responding to reviews and comments. Always know that I absolutely adore you for taking the time to share your thoughts. The reason/excuse, I hope, is a valid one. I got married on July 21st (who says you can't plan a wedding in six weeks?!) As you can imagine, I've had a lot of "stuff" on my mind because of that. LOL. And no... it was not a shotgun wedding (or a rocket wedding for that matter!) Because of the wedding I had family visiting from overseas. It was a very busy, but lovely time. Unfortunately the timing was not on my side when it came to writing. When I was busy, my beta, R. Grace, was not, and when I finally got around to sending her this chapter, then she was busy. Crazy, I know! LOL

I don't know if you remember, but this story was nominated for Highclere Awards. Whoever nominated me, thank you ever so much! It did win one category, so I'm very pleased.

Anyway, chapter 13 is waiting for you below. Hopefully it was worth waiting for.

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Chapter 13 – Farewell to France

Thomas blinked as he woke up, smiling as he felt the arm around his waist tighten. As sleep eased its grasp on him, he became increasingly aware of the hot kisses pressed to his shoulders.

"Good morning," he mumbled and turned to face the man next to him.

Edwyn, the Duke of Crowborough, grinned at his cheeky lover. It was the third morning in a row that he had woken up with Thomas next to him. The first morning, when Edwyn realized that Thomas was still there, he had almost cried. Usually the men he invited into his bed would be long gone before dawn. He had not expected Thomas to be any different.

A sharp knock on the bedroom door startled the two men, and Thomas looked at Edwyn with almost fear in his eyes. Edwyn stroked his cheek and kissed him.

"Yes?"

"Your Grace, something has happened. I think you should get up."

Thomas was already out of bed and half dressed by the time Edwyn tossed back the covers and stretched before getting up. He grinned at Thomas who was holding his silk dressing gown for him.

"Thank you, my handsome darling."

Thomas rolled his eyes and turned to the mirror, focusing on his collar and tie. He sighed and squirmed when Edwyn stepped up behind him, running his hands over his body.

"Edwyn," he hissed. "Please. You're making this very difficult."

Edwyn chuckled and stepped away, leaving the room. A few minutes later Thomas heard him calling his name. He slipped out of the bedroom, looking around for Edwyn's valet. The suite was empty except for the two of them.

"There's been a death."

Thomas' eyes widened. "Who?"

Edwyn smirked. "That's not even remotely as interesting as where he died."

~ O ~

Mary groaned when someone knocked on their bedroom door. She nudged Matthew who was still snoring softly next to her.

"That must be Thomas. Anna would never be so rude as to wake us at this hour."

Matthew grunted and got out of bed, grabbing his robe. He opened the door to the parlor and stepped out, closing it behind him. Mary could hear voices filter through the closed door. She frowned when she realized that it was more than Matthew and Thomas. A moment later, the door opened and Anna stepped through.

"Anna? What's going on?"

"It's terrible, my lady." Anna made a face as she looked straight at Mary.

"What is it?"

"Mr. Napier's friend, the Turkish gentleman..."

"Mr. Pamuk?" Mary said the name with clear distaste.

"Yes, my lady."

"What about him?"

"He's dead."

"Dead?" Mary gaped at Anna. "What happened? Please just come out with it. The suspense is killing me, Anna."

~ O ~

The hotel had been in a state of uproar since the death of the young diplomat was discovered. Prominent guests were quick to check out, not wanting to be associated with the incident. Others were loitering in the lobby, trying to learn more about what had transpired. The French gendarmes were interrogating staff while, at the same time, trying to keep the place in some kind of order.

Upstairs, Mary sipped her tea, deep in thought. Only a few days prior, Kemal Pamuk had cornered her in the garden, kissing her, inviting her to share his bed. Now he was dead. The passionate young man who had taken such liberties with her had died in the arms of a woman. Mary shivered as she thought about it, and how close she had come to it being her finding herself in bed with a dead man.

"The police have released la Comtesse d'Avaray."

Mary looked up at Matthew's soft voice. He was standing in the doorway looking sad and upset. Behind him, Evelyn Napier paced, his hands in his pockets.

"So she didn't kill him?"

Matthew shook his head. "Mr. Napier, please come have a seat."

Evelyn sighed and silently sat down across from Mary. She poured him a cup, which he took, more out of polite habit than any actual desire for the beverage.

"Mr. Napier, I'm sure that no one will hold you responsible."

Evelyn looked up at Mary's softly spoken words. "Right. Of course, you're right. It's just that…" He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "I actually liked him."

Mary nodded. She had liked Kemal Pamuk up until the point when the Turk had expressed his interest in her.

"I can't say that I did," Matthew muttered. "But I surely didn't want to see him dead."

"What happened to him?"

"The doctor says it was his heart." Evelyn got up and started pacing again. "I can't believe it! He was our age, for God's sake! How could a young man just perish like that?"

Matthew sighed and nodded. As the son of a doctor he knew a little more about these things than his wife and their upset friend.

"I would assume that it was something he was born with. It's a shame that they didn't discover it sooner."

"I want to go home."

Mary's sharply delivered request made the two men stare at her. She looked defiantly at Matthew. Finally, he nodded.

"Of course, my darling. I will tell Thomas and Anna to start packing right away."

"Will you come with us, Mr. Napier?"

"I think I should stay and see to it that his remains are returned safely to his home country, Lady Mary. It's the least I could do."

Matthew nodded. Unsure of what to say, he left the room to speak with Anna. A moment later, the two appeared, and Anna left the Crawleys' suite in search of Thomas.

~ O ~

Their return trip to England had been somewhat somber. Thomas was sullen at having been pulled away from his new lover, snapping at Anna for no reason. Lady Mary was not much better. She was short with Matthew and changed her mind so often Anna's head was spinning. When they finally boarded the train for London in Dover, everyone drew a breath of relief.

"Do you wish to stay in London for a few days?"

Mary looked up from her book. "I don't think so. Aunt Rosamund is worse than the Spanish Inquisition. She will pester us for details, not only about our honeymoon, but most definitely about the Turkish incident."

Matthew winced. "I hadn't thought of that." He chuckled and met her questioning eyes. "My mother is prone to the same habit."

"But she's not as bold as Aunt Rosamund. She's always been convinced that anyone who's family is duty bound to share their secrets with her."

"Well, then she'll be disappointed in me, for sure."

Mary laughed and squeezed his hand. "And that's why I love you."

"Oh? And here I thought it was my charm and handsome looks."

Mary rolled her eyes. "Those are just bonuses, darling."

Matthew let out a barking laugh and then leaned closer. "What about my skills as a lover?"

"Matthew!" Mary stared at her husband, her mouth open in shock. "We're on the train."

"We're alone in here, Mary. No one can hear us talk."

"But still. Honestly, Matthew."

Matthew chuckled and put his arm around her, holding her close.

"I love you so much, darling. As sad as I am that our honeymoon is over, I'm very excited about showing you Manchester and starting our life together."

Mary smiled and kissed his cheek. "As am I."

~ O ~

Thomas glared at the landscape swishing by outside the window. He had barely had a minute to say goodbye to Edwyn, but he had managed to slip Lord Grantham's calling card into the duke's pocket. Unable to resist one last touch, he had stroked his fingers over Edwyn's hand. Their eyes had met and Edwyn had given him a quick nod.

"This is not over, Thomas."

Thomas closed his eyes as he remembered the whispered words. They had been standing in a corner of the lobby of the hotel. The public location made it impossible for a more intimate farewell. Thomas had seen so many feelings in Edwyn's eyes in that moment. The Duke was honest. He meant it. Thomas was just not sure how it would be possible. In his pocket the slip of paper with the address for the Crowborough estate tempted him to take action. Knowing that he was completely in the Duke's hands at this point, Thomas knew that he would not write first. It was impossible.

"What's eating you?"

"Nothing." He glared at Anna, sitting across from him.

"You've been as friendly as a viper since this morning."

"I'm not particularly looking forward to returning to Downton."

Anna nodded. "It was lovely in France, wasn't it?"

Thomas huffed. He did not want to discuss their time in France with her, or anyone for that matter. The days in Paris and Versailles were ones he would cherish forever. His eyes had been opened, and he had finally experienced love. Those memories were his, and he had no desire to share them with anyone.

~ O ~

Sitting next to Matthew on the train bound for her new home, Mary felt odd not having Anna with her. They had said their goodbye in London before Mary and Matthew boarded the train for Manchester. Anna and Thomas were to take a later train for Downton.

"I've written a letter to Lady Grantham explaining how wonderful you've been, Anna." Mary held out a sealed envelope to her maid. "I've asked her to keep you on as a lady's maid for my sisters, but it's really up to you."

"My lady!" Anna's eyes widened. "Thank you ever so much."

Mary smiled and took Anna's hand, squeezing it gently. "I'll miss you, Anna. You've truly become a friend. Please write to me. Tell me the gossip from Downton and what silly things my sisters have been up to."

Anna grinned and nodded eagerly. "I promise, my lady."

"And please look after Carson for me."

Anna squeezed Mary's hand as Mary's smile disappeared. "I will. Perhaps you might find time to write to him too? I know he would love to hear from you, my lady."

"Oh Anna." Mary pulled Anna to her, hugging her tightly. "I wish you could come with us."

Anna nodded. She could feel Mary tremble and knew that she was scared. Still, knowing Mary well, she did not say anything.

"You will settle in in no time, my lady."

"I suppose." Steam started to billow out from under the train, and she saw Matthew approach. "I guess this is it."

"Darling, are you ready?"

Mary nodded and let go of Anna's hands, stepping back into Matthew's embrace as he wrapped his arm around her waist.

"Say hello to everyone from us."

"I will, my lady."

"Thank you, Anna. You've been wonderful. The way you've looked after Lady Mary has been nothing but outstanding."

"Thank you, Mr. Crawley." Anna blushed at the praise. "Have a safe trip, and good luck."

"Thank you, to you as well."

"I'll see you at Downton this Christmas." Mary pressed her lips together to keep from crying.

"I'm looking forward to it, my lady."

Matthew gently tugged Mary closer to the train and helped her up. Anna stood on the platform watching them take their seats. She held up her hand in a wave when the train pulled out. Mary smiled through the window, returning it. The two looked at each other until the other was just a blur.

~ O ~

Manchester, October 1911

After some initial uneasiness, Mary settled in surprisingly well with Isobel and Matthew in Manchester. At first, she had felt a little strange about it, as if she were an intruder in someone else's house. Isobel appeared to be aware of Mary's feelings and did everything she could to make her young daughter-in-law feel at home. She could tell that Mary was struggling a little to settle in, and one morning after Matthew left for work, she approached her about it.

Mary was sitting by the desk in the parlor, writing to Sybil, when Isobel entered. She looked up and smiled warmly at her.

"Mary, I wonder if I could have a word. Is now a good time?"

"Of course. I was only writing to my sister, and it can surely wait."

"Good." Isobel took a seat on the sofa, hands folded in her lap as she smiled at Mary. "I've been thinking, Mary…" She took a deep breath and smiled again. "With my increased responsibilities at the hospital, it would be an immense help for me if you would consider running the house."

Mary's eyebrows shot up. "Running your house?"

"It's not really my house, as you know. It's Matthew's too. As his wife, you will need to know how to do it eventually. Perhaps it would be easier to learn now, before you have children?"

Mary blushed and nodded. "I suppose. Are you certain, Isobel? I don't want to meddle in what is rightfully yours."

"I know that, my dear, and rest assured, it would be a welcomed help."

"Well then, I would be happy to." Mary smiled and nodded. "I am certain that it's not as complicated as running Downton. I fear that listening to Mama and Mrs. Hughes talking, I was quite overwhelmed."

Isobel chuckled and nodded in agreement. "You will excel at it in no time, Mary. I know it. You're an intelligent young woman, and this task will soon feel completely natural to you."

"I assume that you've informed Mrs. Bird."

"Not yet, and that's beside the point." Isobel shot Mary a stern look. "Mrs. Bird answers to the both of us. If you are the one to discuss menus and kitchen purchases with, she will listen."

Mary wondered how on earth she would be able to discuss any kitchen purchases with the cook. Menus would be a joy to create, of that she was certain, but what needed to be ordered for those dishes to happen was an entirely different matter. She smiled at Isobel, trusting in her to teach her.

~ O ~

Matthew kissed Mary hello as he entered the parlor. She took his hand and led him over to the sofa, sitting down.

"How was your day?"

"Somewhat uneventful." He shrugged. "Perhaps November is a month when people don't really feel the need to revise their will, or dabble in purchase and sale of property."

He made a face, and they laughed together. Mary leaned her head against his shoulder.

"I'm sorry, darling, but I can't help but long for our days in France," she said softly. "I fear that I miss you when you're gone during the day."

"I know." He placed a gentle kiss on her brow. "I have to force myself not to think of you while at work."

Mary frowned and pulled away. "Why?"

"Because it only makes me miss you more. And thinking of you brings to mind how you looked in bed this morning, warm, naked, hair tousled and so delightfully tempting."

Mary blushed at his words. "I see. So it appears that my husband is lusting over me while at work."

"I very much try not to," he said with a wince.

"Perhaps you can try to resurrect that image at bedtime?"

Matthew let out a barking laugh and nodded. Pulling her close, he kissed her firmly. As the kiss progressed, he pulled her onto his lap, craving to be near her.

"Matthew, you're home."

Mary jumped up and smoothed out her dress, her face burning with shame at having been caught by Matthew's mother.

"Isobel, I'm so sorry."

"Nonsense." Isobel grinned and looked at the two of them. "I would be much more concerned if the two of you were not trying to steal kisses at every opportunity."

"Mother." Matthew rolled his eyes at his mother.

"It's perfectly normal for a young newlywed couple to want to be together, Matthew," she said cheerfully. "It makes me happy to see that you're both so happy."

"Thank you," Mary said softly.

"I just came from the kitchen. Mrs. Bird was singing your praises, my dear."

"I'm glad to hear it." Mary sat down next to Matthew again. "We went over the larder and pantry today, and she showed me the books, and delivery schedule."

"What's this?" Matthew's eyes darted from his wife to his mother in complete confusion.

"I've asked Mary to take over the running of the house, and she has most graciously accepted."

"Mary?" She smiled and nodded. "That's wonderful! Thank you, Mother."

"I took the opportunity to write to Mama this afternoon to ask her for a couple of Mrs. Patmore's recipes. I thought that might be an interesting change for all of us. I asked Mrs. Bird about it, and she's willing to at least have a look at them. I could tell that she was hesitant to just accept, without knowing the other cook. Still, the knowledge that the recipes will come from Downton Abbey seemed to please her."

"I'm sure she will find them most interesting and appealing," Isobel assured her.

To be continued…

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Author's Note: So the honeymoon is over and they are back in England. How will Mary fare as the wife of a solicitor's apprentice? In the next chapter Mary will really start to find her way, when an tempting opportunity emerges. Yes, Mary is getting a job! I know that a few people have expressed a wish for her to become a nurse. For some reason I cannot see Mary in that role. There will be no hospital rounds for Mary in this story, but many other interesting challenges.

I hope that you will stay with me on young M/M's journey. There are still a few ups and downs before we will come full circle. The next few chapters will cover the time from November 1911 until June 1912.

Beta Request: I wonder if anyone has watched Mr. Selfridge. I am working on an Agnes Towler/Henri Leclair story that I need someone to proof read for me (grammar, spelling, plot.) (My wonderful beta,R. Grace, hasn't seen the show yet.)