Mary's physical recovery was slow but steady. Matthew continued to stay with her as she got stronger, helping with her care. He provided emotional support to her as well, for as stoic as she tried to act in front of visitors, when left alone with Matthew, she tended to become morose. She needed his strength and reassurance to help her overcome the horror she experienced. When she repeatedly questioned what she could have done to drive Richard's obsession, Matthew assured her she had done nothing, that Richard's lunacy was the product of his diseased mind. After many hours of talking with Matthew and being held in his arms, she finally accepted that she was blameless and vowed to put the experience behind her. After two weeks in the Downton hospital, she was moved to the Abbey to the great relief of all involved in her care. The familiar surroundings were comforting although, instead of settling in her own bedroom, she continued her recovery downstairs in the room once occupied by Matthew during his convalescence during the war.

Matthew insisted on carrying her from the motor to the room, the rest of the family following close behind. "This is nice," noted Matthew as he gingerly deposited her on the bed, arranging the pillows behind her back and pulling the bedclothes up to her waist. With a wink he added, "You should feel right at home."

"Really, Matthew, you shouldn't joke about such things," she replied with a smile. "You know very well I came into this room only to check on your well-being, nothing more."

"And I shall return the favor, my darling." After planting a kiss on her forehead, he looked around the room. "Yes. I think this will do nicely. There is plenty of room for my cot."

"Whatever do you mean?" questioned Cora, her eyebrows nearly shooting off the top of her brow.

Mary arched an eyebrow, Edith giggled, and Robert cleared his throat. Violet didn't react at all.

"Cora, I absolutely insist on staying with Mary as she continues her recovery. I understand your objections; however, you must understand that her health is my priority. You may be sure nothing untoward will occur. I was with her nightly in the hospital; I will continue to be with her nightly here until she has fully recovered." He set his jaw, brooking no argument. She had been suffering from horrific nightmares since her ordeal, and he had been there to comfort her through every one of them. They left her shaken and sometimes unable to go back to sleep until she felt Matthew's strong arms around her and heard his words of comfort. She had had a particularly disturbing dream the previous night, and it took him almost an hour to calm her.

Cora looked questioningly at Robert who responded, "Cora, my dear, I think we will lose this argument. You know how diligent Matthew has been regarding Mary's care. I think in this case we must accede to his wishes."

"Really, Robert, but …."

"Do I have a say in this?" Mary's voice reflected a trace of irritation. Everyone turned to look at her as she settled the covers around herself. "It seems to me I should be the one making demands."

"Actually, my darling, you have no choice regarding this decision," Matthew said sternly. "I promise not to hover too much, but I will share this space with you for the foreseeable future." He gazed at her with such love and determination that she looked at him demurely and nodded.

Violet, who hadn't said a word, finally spoke authoritatively, "Matthew is right. Who better to look after Mary's needs than her future husband? I agree it's the look of the thing that often matters; however, in this case, no one but the family will know of this arrangement, so what harm will it do?"

"Very well. Now that that's settled, let's leave Mary to get some rest," said Edith. "I'll be back with some books for you in a bit. Is there anything else you need?" Edith's solicitous gesture came as no surprise to anyone in the room, for she was a changed person after Mary's ordeal. Losing her sister had been a real possibility—one that shocked her into the realization she and Mary needed to repair their relationship. She took the first steps while Mary was in hospital, and Mary reciprocated as soon as she was able.

"No, thank you, darling." But she added laughingly, "Just concentrate on bringing me romance novels this time, please. Those historical tomes are too dreary for words."

Matthew and Robert visited Haxby a week and a half after Mary came home from hospital. Still shaken from what they had discovered, when they returned to the Abbey in the late afternoon, they headed for the small library and the bottle of brandy Robert kept there. With their drinks in hand, they stood before the fireplace and watched the folder's contents go up in flames. They moved to chairs and sat in silence, still staring into the blaze.

"At least that pile of garbage is gone," said Robert softly.

"Do you think anyone else has been in Richard's study?" Matthew muttered, sitting with his head down and his elbows on his knees.

"I don't think so. The door was closed when I got there, and from what I understand, he hadn't hired any staff."

"Still, someone painted…that…that…ghastly portrait, and I seriously doubt if Richard hung it himself," replied Matthew resignedly.

"That's true. We'll just have to destroy it and pray no one connects it to Mary."

"When I think of what he had in store for her, I can hardly bear it, Robert."

"It's over, Matthew. She's safe and on the mend. You have a wonderful future ahead of you. Don't let's dwell on the negative."

"You're right," Matthew sighed. "Thank you. I'd best go check on Mary."

"Will you be eating dinner with her in her room?" This was a nightly occurrence since Mary was still unable to dress properly for dinner or to sit up for long periods of time. Matthew nodded. "Remind her that Cora, Edith, and I will be dining with Sir Anthony Strallen and won't be home until late this evening. Actually, I suppose I need to go upstairs and start getting ready now."

Matthew finished his drink, walked out of the study, and went directly to Mary's room. He stepped inside and found Anna fluffing the pillows behind Mary's back. The two women were giggling and stopped immediately when he made his presence known.

"What's this?" He smiled broadly at them, noting their red faces.

"Never you mind. It's women's talk, right Anna?"

"Right, Milady. Now, is there anything else you need?"

"No, thank you, Anna. I'll see you this evening."

Suppressing a smile, Anna left the room, closing the door behind her.

Now alone with Mary, Matthew smiled and moved closer to the bed. To him, she was, as always, a vision—freshly-bathed and glowing, her dark hair was plaited, her skin was luminous and healthy, her eyes were bright, and her smile lit up her face. Seeing her looking so well now compared to how she looked when he found her at Haxby filled Matthew with gratitude and joy. He sat on the edge of the bed and asked, "How are you feeling, my darling? Is your cast still bothering you?" He leaned over and kissed the fingers peeking out of the plaster. Her left arm from her shoulder to her wrist was immobilized, making her quite uncomfortable.

"It's fine, but it smells so horrible! I simply must convince Dr. Clarkson to cut it off." She made a disgusted face that Matthew found adorable. "I have to admit the pain is much better. I'm not nearly as sore as I was, either. I must say my bath felt marvelous." She blushed slightly as Matthew raised his eyebrows and grinned, his blue eyes twinkling. "So…how was your visit to Haxby?"

Matthew was speechless for a moment. "How did you know that's where I was going?"

"Edith let it slip accidently. She was so upset with herself. I tried to tell her I was fine, but I don't think she believed me. I really am all right, Matthew. I promise. Truly, I want to hear about it."

Before Matthew could begin to tell her what he could about Haxby, Cora came to the door.

"We're leaving for dinner with Sir Anthony in a few minutes, Mary. I just wanted to say 'good night' before we go. I'll see you both in the morning." She shot a warning glance at Matthew that left no doubt how she still felt about his sleeping arrangements. He gave her his brightest smile.

"Very well, Mama. Have a happy time. Good night."

After Cora left, Mary noted wryly, "Well, that's one good thing about being bedridden."

"What's that, my darling?"

"I don't have to sit and listen to Sir Anthony talk about farming and foxes by the hour." She took his hand. "Now, tell me about Haxby."