So sorry again for the delay. I should probably stop saying I'm going to update at a certain rate if I cannot follow through. I am not on summer vacation so hopefully this will allow for more updates, but it all depends on my work schedule. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy and let me know what you think:)

Matthew found Mary in the garden sitting on a bench and as she saw him approach she smiled up at him. Matthew once again was taken aback by her beauty. He did not understand how Mary had such a reaction on him, but all he could feel was the flutter of butterflies in his stomach when she looked at him. In their entire relationship Matthew had never lied to Mary and did not want to start now, not when they had so many other issues in front of them.

Matthew took a seat next to Mary and grabbed her hand so he could hold it in his own. Mary could tell that something was wrong with Matthew by the way he refused to look her properly in the eyes. He sat with his head down and back slumped. Mary began to wonder if Matthew was having doubts and did not want stay with her anymore. She could not understand what else would make Matthew look this way, like he was hiding something.

"Matthew what is it?" asked Mary. He continued to look down into his lap, not acknowledging her question. She turned to fully face him and shook his shoulder so she could grab his whole attention. "I'm sorry I'm just really distracted I guess." Mary wanted to be able to help him as much as possible so she continued to question him, "is there anything I can do to help?" "No I don't think so. Mary there is something I want to tell you, but I don't know how to say it."

As if Mary was not already worried about what Matthew could be thinking, she really began to think that this was the conversation where Matthew was going to tell her he was leaving. Mary truly did love Matthew, but she also understood that they were still very young and she would not blame him for wanting to leave. Children are a huge responsibility and being only nineteen years old did not make it any easier. She believed that bringing him with her this weekend was a mistake. It was probably bringing him to meet her whole family that finally pushed Matthew over the edge.

"It's okay Matthew. I think I know what it is that you're going to say and I understand. I think we were living in a dream thinking we could do this. It is probably best we return to reality. I don't blame you for wanting to reconsider things."

Matthew had to cut Mary short, so that he could dispel what she thought he was thinking with the truth. "Mary I am not thinking about leaving!" Mary was surprised by this, thinking she was so sure that was what Matthew had come to tell her. "Well then what is it that is bothering you?"

"The thing is I had a conversation with your father this morning. First off, he told me not to tell you any of this so please listen to everything I have to say and you cannot let him know I told you."

"Okay please tell me the suspense is killing me."

"Well you see your father offered me a proposition. He wants me to leave you and the baby in exchange for a large sum of money. Now of course I was deeply offended by this and refused him. I just did not want to keep something like this from you. I just really need you to know that I would never have accepted his money. I will always be here for you and the baby."

Mary began to tear up a little for a combination of reasons. Partially because her father had done something so hurtful in attempting to pay Matthew off. Secondly, even when Matthew could have easily walked away and offered a ton of money he still decided to stay! Mary could not contain all the emotions she was feeling. Matthew had proved to Mary once again just how trustworthy he was and that he could not just be persuaded to leave her. She turned to him and gave him a hug. They stayed there like that for a least a couple minutes. Mary did not have to say a word to Matthew for him to understand that she was happy about his decision, but of course hurt by her father.

Both Mary and Matthew returned inside after a while and parted their separate ways again for a brief period of time. Once again they had to prepare to have a conversation with her parents to make their final decisions on what they were going to do. Matthew did not have to prove anything else to show he was in it for the long haul and Lord Grantham would not be able to offer him any sum of money to make it otherwise.