December 12, 1920
Yesterday morning, joined by their family and friends, Captain Matthew Crawley and Lady Mary Crawley were married in a beautiful ceremony at York Minster, close to their new home, Crawley House, and the home Capt. Crawley and his new wife will one day inherit, Downton Abbey. They will move there when Capt. Crawley succeeds and becomes the next Earl of Grantham. Both have traveled a rocky path to matrimony, so please join everyone here at The Times in wishing them a long marriage full of happiness and love.
Matthew read the announcement to Mary as they lay in bed the morning after their wedding, enjoying the peaceful quiet of Crawley House. The previous night's attire was still scattered about the room, and Mary felt an irrepressible warmth course through her as she remembered the first time they could truly love each other. Mary looked up at her husband, blond hair rumpled with a content, languid smile spread across his beautiful features, and a single tear slipped out the corner of her eye.
"Darling?" Matthew asked softly.
"I'm so happy; I fear I shall wake up any moment. I had so long given up hope of this happening," she told him quietly.
"My beautiful girl, if this were a dream, I should never let you wake. However, this is no dream and I shall make sure you know it." He smiled and rolled so he was holding himself atop her. He kissed her passionately, re-igniting the fire that had consumed them the night before. He pulled back and grinned mischievously, eyes shining.
"This," he breathed between hot kisses down her neck, "is real."
Their lips found each other as they joined together once more, becoming what they had always been destined to be; two halves of the same soul.
January 4, 1985
Yesterday morning, the Earl and Countess were discovered in their bed at their home Downton Abbey, having both passed away during the night. Lord and Lady Crawley played a remarkable role in British society throughout their lifetime, including the fact that Lord Matthew Crawley was a highly regarded and decorated war hero, playing major roles in both The Great War and World War II. They have left behind a thriving estate and a new Earl, the couple's oldest son James Crawley. Lady Mary Crawley was the proud mother of four successful children: James, Robert, Violet, and Victoria; all of whom now have children of their own. Mr. Crawley was aged 95, his wife 93. The couple married in December of 1920 and enjoyed an amazing 65 year marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Crawley died in each other's arms. God Rest Their Souls.
So there we have it. I can't say it enough, thank you so much to everyone who reviewed and added the story to their alert/ favorite lists. Any last thoughts and comments on the piece would be heaven sent. Keep a look out for my other story and a new M/M piece I am working on based on the preview for the Christmas special trailer. So excited I can hardly wait ;DDD!
Xxx A Tudor Rose