Chapter Two – Such Good News
When Mary awoke for the second time, it was in the fullness of morning. She opened her eyes lazily, and stretched her limbs to the ends of her bed. She was totally wrought up in feelings of blissful expectation. She sighed happily and reached out to ring the bell for Anna.
"Matthew, Matthew, Matthew," she sang softly to herself. She was enchanted. She rose and sat down at her vanity. A light rap on her door broke her reverie. Anna entered quietly and set at once to pulling the drapes open. "Good morning, m'lady. Sleep well then?" asked Anna. Mary noticed Anna's gray complexion in an instant as daylight spilled into the room. Anna was haggard. Clearly, they had each of them slept fitfully but for very different reasons. She was unsure of how to relate her happy news to her ill-starred maid and decided against it for now. She would keep her emotions in check.
Mary smiled at her. "Well enough, I suppose, in the circumstances, Anna. Did you enjoy the Ball last evening? It can't have been easy, I know."
Anna poured hot water into the cream-coloured basin across the room. "I enjoyed it as best I could, m'lady. There were distractions," Anna returned the smile but grimly.
"Still, you bore your concerns well", Mary responded. "I can't thank you enough for your observations on behalf of my aunt, despite everything." The two women exchanged a knowing glance that belied the disparity in their respective ranks. Anna brought Mary a damp warm cloth which she put instantly to use. Anna set to brushing Mary's long brown hair.
"Anna…I do so want you to know how very much I'm hoping and praying for Bates. You must know as well that my father will do all in his power to see him back at Downton."
"I do know that. Both John and I are so very grateful, m'lady."
A comfortable silence settled in for a minute or two. In lower tones, Mary said quietly, "What was it like, your wedding night? Was it all you expected it to be?"
The question was certainly unexpected but Anna's face warmed, her eyes softened. "It was lovely. And no, it was not what I expected. It was much more." She continued to brush her mistress's hair.
Mary ventured again. "Did it hurt?" She could not look at Anna, embarrassed as she was by her own boldness.
"M'lady!" Anna exclaimed in a whisper, feigning shock. As she brushed, she looked to be choosing her words carefully. "Let me just say this. John had far more experience than I. He knew what I was about, how things worked. If there was pain, I have no memory of it." Anna blushed slightly.
Mary pursed her lips in a small smile, lowered her head and quickly changed the subject. She looked to her wardrobe and said, "I rely on your choice today, Anna. Make it a happy one. I'm quite beyond making any decisions today."
Anna laid out Mary's blue skirt, an ivory blouse and walking over to the dresser, fetched her mistress's corset and drawers. She stopped her work momentarily and peered at Mary, quizzical and amused at the same time. "You're different today, m'lady. I might even say that you're glowing. Anything you care to share?"
Mary turned from the glass to address her. "Anna, whatever do you mean? Is it not a day unlike any other? Your husband was facing the gallows and is now reprieved. You can't deny me the relief that I feel for Bates." Mary gave Anna the whole of the joy that she felt in a wide smile.
"All right then, m'lady." Anna smiled back. "You're absolutely right." She proceeded to help Mary dress. The two enjoyed each other's quiet company.
"Lady Edith is with your mother in the dining room. What shall I tell Mrs. Patmore?"
"Nothing for the moment, Anna. Thank you. I'll be down shortly".
Anna left the room, closing the door soundlessly behind her.
After several minutes and her preparations completed, Mary studied her reflection. She wanted so much that her appearance should please him. Her hand rose to her throat where memories of his kisses lingered. She followed the length of her neck with her index finger until her palm rested on her chest. She could feel her heart beating. She belonged to Matthew now. She would dwell on this notion until his arrival. Otherwise, every moment would seem an eternity. She reached for her favorite scent, dabbed it on both wrists and on either side of her neck. She rose and left her room.
As Mary approached the dining room, she struggled for reserve and stood briefly outside of the entrance. Deep breath. Go with bold strides. "Good morning, Ma-ma, Edith."
"Good morning, Mary," Lady Cora responded lovingly. "You were up late."
"Was I?" She was all coyness. She wondered what her mother knew. She sat down at the table.
"When I retired, you were still dancing," her mother said, "With Matthew." She looked toward her eldest daughter, her right eyebrow raised.
Edith rose. "Ma-ma, I'm taking a drive. Do you need anything?"
"Perfect, Edith. I have a letter for your sister, Sybil. I'll fetch it for you in a few minutes."
Edith looked out the window. "Speaking of Cousin Matthew, he's just outside. Are you expecting him?" She looked to Mary.
"Why on earth would I be expecting him?" Mary rose to join her sister at the window.
"Your father made no mention of him. Perhaps there are some accounts to be settled. He must be leaving for Manchester soon." Lady Cora looked to Mary for her reaction. Mary said nothing. She turned to smile at her mother. Mary was so excited, she feared giving herself away.
"I'll see to him, Ma-ma, if you'll excuse me" said Mary. "I'm not at all hungry."
Lady Cora did not want to excuse her. She was fond of Matthew but he had nothing to offer Mary in the way of a future. She wished her eldest daughter would for once recognize the futility of nurturing such a deep friendship with her cousin. He was a leaden anchor, weighing her down and away from potential suitors. Cora comforted herself with thoughts of Mary's plans for America.
As Mary came upon the entry way, Carson already had Matthew's coat in hand. "I will let his Lordship know you're here, Mr. Crawley."
"Thank you, Carson, but I can make my own way to the library, if you don't mind. I've got rather urgent business with him." Matthew watched Mary's approach and smiled. She was, he thought, sheer perfection.
"Cousin Mary…how are you?"
"Matthew, I'm so very happy to see you." Mary grabbed his hand. Carson was out of sight. She kissed him quickly on the cheek and drew back. Matthew looked past her, assuring himself of their privacy. He reached for her waist and pulled her to him. "Is that all I'm entitled to, even now when we're engaged to be married?" Matthew scolded her, "Have you no idea of how long I've been waiting?" He caressed her right cheek with the back of his left hand. He smiled, leaning down to kiss her. He kissed her soft lips fully, firmly.
Mary reciprocated, parting her lips to breathe him in. Fearing capture, she broke the kiss first, pulled away and composed herself in seconds. "Matthew Crawley, you do take liberties", she teased quietly. She gave him her classic smile. "To the library then?" she asked. They walked together. "Would you fancy a ride later this afternoon?" Mary asked him. "It would be nice to get some fresh air."
"We could make a day of it," Matthew suggested slyly. "We could be out there in an hour, if we play our cards right."
"Perfect." Another classic smile. All she wanted was to be alone with him and soon. She cared not a whit whether that involved horses.
Matthew stood back at the entrance to the library, allowing her to pass in front of him. He caught a whiff of her perfume as she walked past and he was instantly aroused. It was the same perfume that had filled the night air as he preyed upon her in the north library.
Robert Crawley stood at his desk, distracted. Hearing their chatter, he looked up. "Good morning! Matthew, I wasn't expecting to see you today. I thought perhaps we might have worn you out completely. From all appearances, your dance card was quite full last night."
"You know I really quite enjoyed myself," Matthew replied. "I wasn't expecting to. Things seemed to get better as the evening went on." He passed a knowing glance to Mary.
"Glad to hear it," his lordship said jovially.
Matthew cleared his throat. "Robert, I'm afraid I have some unfinished business with you."
"Do you? Something to do with the estate?" Robert's voice was worried.
"Not entirely. You see…" Matthew paused, looked at Mary and back to Robert. "Mary has finally accepted me. I've come to ask you for her hand."
Robert looked at Matthew incredulously, and then to Mary. "What are you saying?" He was in fact speechless. He walked over to his eldest daughter. "Is this true?" he asked her, knowing full well that it must be. She grabbed his hands. "It is, Pa-pa." They embraced warmly.
Lord Grantham turned to face Matthew, beaming. "My good man!" Robert grabbed Matthew's hand and shook it firmly. "You shall have it then. In truth, I can't imagine that it ever belonged to anyone else." Robert rang the bell for Thomas. "We must tell Cora. And you and Cousin Isobel must dine with us tonight!"
As he gazed warmly at them both, Robert's words of days past echoed in his memory. 'I want a good man for you, a brave man.'
Such good news, indeed.