So sorry for the delay. It has been a mix of either not having the time or energy as well as writer's block. I hope to be able to update this story more frequently, but who knows these days. Thank you to everyone who has followed/favourited this story. It means so much and I appreciate all the comments! As always I love to hear reviews and what you guys are thinking of the story. So drop a line!
p.s. Sorry for the grammar...
Mary was sitting alone in her room when she heard a knock and her mother walked into her room. Lady Grantham smiled at her daughter as she approached. "Mary, I was wondering if I could talk to you for a bit?" Mary replied, "Yes of course mother, come and sit down with me." Lady Grantham sat beside Mary on her bed and prepared herself for a difficult discussion.
"Now Mary all of this news has obviously come as quite a shock for the whole family. I think you were obviously not very responsible and smart while you have been at Cambridge. This is something that could really damage our whole family's reputation. I really need you to make some considerations before it is too late. Do you honestly think that Mr. Crawley is the one and is prepared for fatherhood at such a young age?" Mary was not quite sure how to respond to her mother. She did love Matthew, but was this relationship one that would last? For gods sake she had to think for another human being and not just herself.
"Mother, I don't know what to say. I mean I do love Matthew, but who ever knows if someone is ever 'the one'." "That is exactly my point Mary, and although I think the way your father tried to discuss this with Matthew was wrong, but I do believe that you two are rushing into things."
"Well, what else am I supposed to do mother? Run away and leave Matthew? He already knows about the baby and it is his choice if he wants to be a part of the child's life." Mary was not really sure what else her mother could be suggesting. Matthew had been responsible so far, not shirking any of his responsibility. Was that not something to consider. The sad thing was, was that Mary did love Matthew and did not want any of this for him. She didn't want to make his life anymore difficult than it needed to be.
"Mary, I think I may have an idea that would be best for you, Matthew and the baby. It is still very early on in the pregnancy and you have not begun to show. There are many eligible bachelor that would be willing to accept this child as their own if they were to secure you as their wife." Mary was shocked as to what was coming out of her mother's mouth. Was she serious? "If you were to marry well, it would not be a scandal to be having a child to young and out of wedlock. This way Matthew can go back to Cambridge and get a proper education just as he always planned."
"Let's just say I do agree to doing this, I do not expect Matthew will take it well if I just go and run off with some aristocrat. There is also the issue of parental rights. He is the father and will legally have access to our child."
"Mary, what I am trying to get you to do, is to lead Matthew to believe that there is no longer a child. It is not uncommon for women for have miscarriages early on in their pregnancy. If there is no longer a child, Matthew will not feel obligated to stay and we can still try to save our family's reputation. I know this is a difficult decision, but I need you to think of your whole family."
"Mama, I don't know if I can deceive Matthew like that. I still love him."
"I am not going to lie Mary, it will be difficult at first, but I think that in the long run you and your child will be much better off. So if you could just think about it before we get together this afternoon. I will not say anything to anyone else if you decide not to go through with it and it will be our secret. If you do decide to go this route we will begin plans as soon as possible."
"Okay Mama, I think I need to be alone for a little while."
"Of course, I shall see you at dinner." Cora grabbed Mary's hand and squeezed it to reassure her that she was there for Mary. This conversation with her mother only confused Mary more than ever. She was so sure of herself just a few hours ago, thinking that everything had been worked out. Now everything had just been mixed up again. Mary did not know how to start thinking about this and how she would reach a decision. Mary decided she would take a nap before dinner, hoping to wake up with some clarity.
Thanks again for reading:)