Are you prepared? Take a deep mental breath before reading – and enjoy!

Chapter 5:

Isobel was in the sitting room when she heard her son, she immediately moved to the landing at the top of the stairs to find Matthew hanging out of the bedroom door, looking very much like a rabbit in headlights.

"What's –. " Her question was interrupted as a deep moan floated into the hallway, nurse instincts instantly kicking in. "Move out of the way." She said assertively "And call Clarkson"; waving Matthew aside so she could get through the door. When she entered the room Mary was on her feet again, trying earnestly to stand up and walk around to ease the pain. "Mary, you must stay sat down until Dr. Clarkson gets here." Taking her elbow authoritatively she steered Mary to the bed.

The younger woman was shaking her head in denial "I'm not ready Isobel…" Her face contorted, with a sharp intake of breath when she finally sat down.

"Now dear, try to lie down" Isobel encouraged gently pushing down on Mary's shoulders as she fought to stay sitting. "When did the pain start?" She asked, still attempting to get her patient horizontal with little success.

"It started on the walk home, but it's been getting…" Another winding pain causing her to wince… "Worse."

"Right" Isobel bustled around shifting pillows so Mary could sit up, she started to smooth down the bed covers "And has your…" pausing, she frowned, inspecting the sodden sheets "- Well…I suppose that answers that question." She pulled the soiled bedding off and discarded it.

Matthew reappeared with Anna in toe "Clarkson's on his way." He said insecurely, feeling very conscious of the fact that the women in the room seemed to be handling the situation a lot better than he was.

"Good – Anna, could you fetch some towels and warm water please." Taking the maid by the arm Isobel leaned in and said into her ear "And could you get Molesly to send for Lord Grantham to sit with Matthew – he can't stay up here." Anna nodded in agreement and set about her duties immediately.

The pain was getting stronger rapidly and it was obvious that Mary was becoming increasingly distressed. Matthew moved to her side and she reached for his hand, which she gripped tightly.

"Everything's going to be fine Mary…" He bent over to press a kiss to her temple and he lovingly brushed back the hairs that were plastered to her face. "My brave girl."

He knew he was poorly concealing his concern, but the truth was that Matthew had absolutely no idea what was going to happen. He had been reassured by both Clarkson and his mother that there shouldn't be a problem with the child because it was early, as long as the birth was without complication.

"What if I can't do it Matthew?" Mary whimpered, looking at him desperately, he could see her body contort with pain and it tore at his heart to know that he couldn't take it away. He could see the tears falling unchecked down her cheeks. He stroked her hair and whispered words of encouragement as she continued to writhe, her voice straining through her clenched teeth.

Isobel approached "Mary, you need to stay calm." She urged, turning to Matthew she put a hand on his shoulder leading him to the side of the room. "Robert's on his way to keep you company, but I'm afraid you must go now…" As much as it pained her to send her son away Mary needed all the breathing space she could get and Matthew would panic and ask questions which would be extremely distracting. Not that he would go without a fight of course.

"Mother, I know it's not the done thing, but I need to stay. I can't leave her!" Isobel was shaking her head, one look at her face told Matthew that she wouldn't back down, that much he knew from previous experience. "But - what if…What if something happens?"

The poorly concealed tremor in his voice caused her heart to brake for her son. She took him firmly by the shoulders and looked him straight in the eye. "Not on my watch Matthew." A silent understanding passed between mother and son, he knew if he could trust anyone with Mary and their child's safety, it was his mother. "You can stay until Clarkson gets here." Isobel compromised, and Matthew nodded, it was enough for now.

"Matthew!" Mary's cry flooded his ears and he immediately resumed his post at her bed side, trying to calm her anyway he could as she moaned inarticulately.

Mary's body was aching all over; she was finding it hard to concentrate as she clung to her husband's hand "Isn't it too early?" She cried.

Isobel's reply was honest, if evasive. "Only by a few weeks, these things do happen…But don't worry about that now." She said softly and went back to fluttering around in preparation.

Anna ducked back into the room "Dr. Clarkson's arrived."

Clarkson entered the room a few minuets later, glancing briefly in Mary's direction before he was cornered by Isobel, who hurriedly filled him in on what had happened so far.

"Well Lady Mary, I didn't think I'd be seeing you again so soon!" He smiled approaching the bed, he had delivered a fair few children in his time. But when the formidable and infallible Lady Mary was screaming at you in pain it was enough to make any Doctor nervous. "I need to examine you quickly to determine how far along in labour you are." Mary nodded her permission and Clarkson started rummaging in his bag.

Isobel glanced at Matthew who unwillingly tried to withdraw his hand from his wife's. "I've got to wait outside whilst Dr. Clarkson takes a look at you darling." He kissed her cheek as she relinquished his hand, and as much as it hurt, he ignored her pleas for him to stay. When he shut the bedroom door, he leaned against it for support, thinking that it may be a blessing in disguise. Being entirely honest with himself he wasn't sure if he had the nerves to watch Mary give birth to their child, as much as the thought shamed him. After hearing another pained moan ripple through the door he remembered that Robert would be waiting for him, maybe he had some fatherly advice to offer to ease his mind.

…

"Well Lady Mary, you'll be glad to know that it won't be a long labour." Clarkson mumbled some instruction to Isobel who in turn asked Anna for something or other.

Mary just hoped that it would be over soon, she was missing the comfort that Matthew had previously provided, and with nothing to keep her anchored she had taken to clinging to the bedpost, the only solid thing within reach.

"Now…" Clarkson started, coming as close as he dared to make sure Mary understood him. "Very soon you're going to want to push – and it's very important that you don't, until I say you can. Do you understand?"

"Yes…" Mary nodded as her breathless reply was lost as another rolling pain barrelled through her. She let out a very unladylike groan, deciding that she couldn't restrain the urge to vocalise her pain anymore.

…

Downstairs Matthew was received with a firm clap on the back as Lord Grantham pushed a glass of brandy into his hand for good measure. However, Robert was far from feeling calm; his eldest, darling daughter was giving birth to her first child upstairs.

"How are you bearing up Matthew?" Lord Grantham ventured, the man before looked utterly terrified and didn't know what to do with himself. Knowing the feeling well, he was going to try and buoy Matthew up.

"Please tell me this gets easier? I've never felt so helpless." Chewing his lip, Matthew swirled the liquid in his glass absent-mindedly.

"I'm afraid not…" Robert trailed off, brightening his tone he added; "But it will be worth it, just you wait!"

There was a knock and Anna popped her head around the door "Mr Crawley, Mrs Crawley has asked me to inform you that Lady Mary's doing well."

Matthew blew out a long breath and ran his hand through his hair. "Is there any other news?"

"Dr. Clarkson doesn't think it will be a long labour, she appears to already be in the late stages." She bobbed and swiftly left to return to her lady.

"Well, at least that's something." Matthew gulped, although the information had done nothing to calm him, he turned back to Robert.

"Sit down Matthew, and drink up. It will help settle the nerves…I remember after Cora had Mary I practically drank the whole cabinet full!" He chuckled in fond memory.

…

"Just a little longer and then you can push Lady Mary…" Came Clarkson's voice from in-between her knees. She had previously imagined how demeaning it would be to be in this situation. But at that moment she wouldn't have cared who was there to see, as long as the experience came to a close very soon, so she could meet her child.

Another few agonising minuets passed and Mary was becoming exhausted, Isobel was assisting Clarkson, and Anna was by her side wiping her head with a damp cloth and encouraging her mistress.

"Right Lady Mary, when your next contraction comes I need you to push as hard as you can."

Mary felt the throbbing pain returning, bearing down heavy upon her.

"You can push now Lady Mary…"

All of Mary's muscles tensed with the strain as she screamed.

…

A loud and unrestrained cry came from above; interrupting the quiet and both men looked up at the ceiling, keeping their thoughts to themselves. Matthew was relentlessly fidgeting, on the brink of running up to her, the thought of not knowing what was happening was making him feel nauseous. With one final torturous wail, everything went silent.

Matthew shot up "I need to know what's happening…" He said to himself more than anyone else. Not sure if the silence was more deafening than the screaming that came before, he paced the room urgently, deciding that he if there was no news soon he would go and find out for himself what was going on. Feeling a more than a little fear at this idea he poured another drink.

…

Mary was vaguely aware of what was happening, her body sagged in relief, although she felt as if she'd been torn in two. She could hear the busy scuttling going on around her and figures floated in and out of her blurry vision. She was exhausted, in pain and covered in sweat, and where was the baby? She came crashing back into her senses - What had happened…What if? She started to panic, but then…

The piercing cry of baby Crawley echoed around the room, along with a collective sigh of relief from its inhabitants. After being deftly scrubbed and swathed, the infant was laid on Mary's chest by a teary Isobel.

"Congratulations Mary, you have healthy son!" Her mother in law beamed, she bent down and kissed Mary on the head "Well done dear, you did so well!" The younger woman was transfixed on the small wriggling bundle in her arms, the tiny nose, long dark lashes and the perfect, puckered rosy lips. "Do you want me to fetch Matthew from downstairs?"

"Yes please…" Mary whispered, eyes glued to baby Crawley – her son! A boy! Her heart burst with pride at the thought that she healed a miniature of Matthew in her arms.

…

After the prolonged silence, Matthew decided to go and investigate himself, despite Robert's assurances that all would be well, Matthew had to see for himself. But before he could go anywhere there was a flurry of activity from the stairs, and in came his mother. She looked directly at him and broke out into a wide grin.

"Would you like to come with me, and meet the newest member of the Crawley family?" She held a hand out to her son, whose eyes were wide and lips were parted. Looking almost as pure and innocent as his own son upstairs. He took his mothers hand and she led him out of the room, not before smiling and nodding to the Earl, seated by the fire.

Robert was anxious of course, but contented to sit and wait for the happy news, his mind was settled knowing that his daughter and his grandchild were both safe and healthy.

…

When Matthew was led into the room by his mother, she gently nudged him towards the bed. Leaving with Clarkson and Anna to give them a few minuets of privacy, he stood observing the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. His darling Mary cradling their child, they looked so perfectly happy together, he almost didn't want to intrude.

Mary looked up from her captivating son to her husband. "Matthew, come here…" She beckoned softly shifting to sit up. He perched on the edge of their bed, getting the first glimpse of the soft cheek and worrying brows creased against the world. Matthew's heart thudded in his chest, he reached out his hand and ran one finger over the tiny, defiant chin, he was so in awe that he didn't think to ask the obvious question.

After watching Matthew adoringly look upon his first child she couldn't wait any longer. "This is your son Matthew." She breathed softly, watching his face, she saw the moment that he registered what she'd said.

"Son?" He whispered, not quite believing it. The expression he wore was blank, he turned to Mary. "We have a son?" He broke out into an enormous grin that was so typically Matthew.

"Well…Arthur Reginald Crawley to be precise…" Mary teased.

"You mean it?" They had agreed previously that Reginald would be the middle name for a boy, but Arthur was Matthew's championed name, and he had spend many a lazy morning convincing a doubtful Mary that it was a good choice.

"I wasn't sure until I saw him…But I think it suits him beautifully, don't' you think…" She trailed off, both pairs of eyes resting on the now sleeping bundle. "Do you want to hold him?" Seeing Matthew's expression Mary had to stifle a giggle, although she felt more tired than ever before she was too contented to sleep. This is exactly where she wanted to be, with her husband and their first child, their son. "You won't hurt him, I promise…"

…

Robert stood as Isobel entered the sitting room and came towards him, holding her hand out and laying a hand on his arm.

"Mary did so well, you should be proud of her." She smiled honestly "Thank you for waiting with Matthew."

"It's not a problem, I was glad to be of help! How are they?"

"They're both happy and healthy; you can come up and see them if you like?"

"Oh, I wouldn't want to intrude, Mary must be exhausted!" He shifted awkwardly, he would jump to get up there, but he wasn't really sure of his place within this small tight nit corner of the family, he was still getting used to not being needed by his children.

"It would mean so much to Mary and Matthew, aren't you dying to know if you've got a grandson or granddaughter?"

"Yes I am I suppose, although as long as he or she is healthy…" Isobel opened to door and beckoned him upstairs. He breathed deeply and followed her through.

…

Matthew was walking around the bedroom rocking his son in his arms whilst Mary was resting. Whispering promises and secrets meant only for the tiny ears and wide eyes staring up at him.

There was a knock on the door, which promptly opened; Isobel stepped inside, followed by a sheepish looking Lord Grantham.

"Cousin Robert!" Matthew quietly, albeit excitedly greeted the older man. Walking towards the Earl, now more confident with his precious cargo shifted his son up in his arms. "May I present to you, your grandson; Arthur Reginald Crawley…" Robert looked down at the child in awe.

"Well done Matthew, my boy!" Robert praised under his breath as he stroked his grandson's cheek. He then looked towards the bed where Mary was, he wanted to go to his daughter. He'd not felt this paternal since Cora's miscarriage, and he was finding this whole experience surprisingly emotional.

Matthew saw all this cross Robert's face and he nodded towards the bed "I'm sure she'd like to see you…" He smiled as his father-in-law looked up a little confused. Before following his line of sight to Mary.

Robert walked over to where Mary lay on the bed; she was still sitting up but looked as if she was asleep. He crouched down by the bed and laid a hand on her cheek, as he had his grandson just previous. "I'm so proud of you Mary." He whispered and bent down to kiss her head.

"Papa" Mary replied sleepily as she forced her eyes open to see the second, well third now she supposed important man in her life. She brought her hand up to caress his, and smiled lazily as her eyes closed again and sleep washed over her.

As Matthew shut the door behind him, Robert chuckled, happier than he'd been in a long time.

…

Back upstairs, Matthew kicked his shoes off and came behind Mary who was sitting on the edge of the bed head inclined and singing softly into the bassinet that had been brought through from the nursery. Luckily they had been prepared. He sat next to her on the bed, wrapping his arms around her still swollen form, and told her how much he loved her and how perfect their son was. It wasn't long until Mary's head was familiarly lulling onto his shoulder, both parents were weary, but Matthew assured his wife that he would watch over little Arthur while she slept.

"Goodnight my darling boy." She hummed, already feeling bereft at not being able to see or touch him. She was gently tucked in by her husband, and drifted off into a deep sleep.

Matthew stayed up relishing the small hours spent filling his son in on all that had come before him, and all that might follow.

BOOM. – Well if I thought the last chapter was a struggle – holy mother of apple pie, this was difficult! So many decisions to make and then attempting to write them down coherently! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it! As always it would be lovely to get your feedback on this :) There shall be a prologue, so watch this space! Thank you for reading!