Anna came in early the following morning and was preparing to go upstairs to wake Mary when Mrs. Hughes pulled her aside.

"How is Lady Mary?" Mrs. Hughes asked.

"She is doing quite well considering what happened yesterday," Anna replied. "But I think she won't be at ease until Mr. Crawley is home or at least hear from him."

Mrs. Hughes hesitated a moment trying to decide whether she should tell Anna about Matthew's call to put Mary's mind at ease.

"What's the matter?" Anna asked, sensing she wanted to say more.

"You see, Mr. Crawley rang last night," Mrs. Hughes whispered. "He asked about Lady Mary and his son then told me he is coming home."

"When?" Anna asked excitedly. She was glad to hear that bit of news.

"I'm not sure but I would guess by Valentine's. But he also wanted to surprise Lady Mary so I hope you won't tell her. I just mentioned it because I also wanted her to stop worrying about Mr. Crawley."

"Leave it to me to give her a hint," Anna said with a smile, glad that Mrs. Hughes confided in her. "She's only worried about Mr. Crawley crossing paths with you know who."

"I mentioned what happened yesterday and hopefully Mr. Crawley will be careful."

Anna was pleased to learn that Matthew was aware of the potential danger and hoped he had a safe journey home.

...

Mary woke up slowly and although she felt something warm beside her, she knew it paled in comparison to having Matthew next to her. She heard shuffling outside her door and quickly tried to return the teddy bear in its place before jumping back to bed. Anna entered just as she settled in.

"Good morning," Anna greeted happily before opening the curtains. "Are you feeling better?"

"Much better," Mary replied with a forced smile. "I hope the day will be as well."

"I think it will be," Anna said with a wide smile. "And you really don't have to get up to put it back in place you know." She looked at the teddy bear that was obviously moved since the night before.

"Surprisingly it does help me sleep," Mary explained.

"I wished Bates had given me something to hold on to while he was in prison," Anna said as she adjusted the teddy bear precariously nestled in its place. "But I think you won't be needing it soon enough."

"What makes you say that?"

"Well, Valentine's is coming up and no husband can possibly miss that if they want to stay married."

"You think he'll be home on Valentine's?" Mary asked, obviously cheered by that idea.

"I have a good feeling," Anna said without giving more away. "And you know what they say about a woman's intuition."

Mary silently hoped that Anna was right and found she was ready to face the days until Valentine's. She now couldn't wait for the day to arrive.

...

Matthew watched Geneva fade into the distance as their train chugged away. He carefully watched the beautiful scenery as it passed and planned to return for a holiday with his family.

"What do you think Mr. Crawley?" Dr. Duke-Elder asked him.

"I'm sorry what were you saying?" Matthew drew his attention back to his companion.

"I was wondering if you would mind coming to Moorfields when I present the procedure to my colleagues. I would like to present you as an example, a living success story as it were."

"I wouldn't mind," Matthew agreed. "I'd be happy to help the medical field in any way but not too soon I hope."

"Don't worry," the doctor assured him. "I won't rush you into it. I'm quite sure you would like to spend time with your family first. What will you be doing first?"

"I think I need to get reacquainted with my wife first," Matthew confessed, feeling himself blush.

"Of course, I wouldn't blame you since she is quite lovely."

Matthew tried to look indignant at the doctor's overt admiration of Mary though he was somewhat flattered.

"I mean no offense," the doctor apologized. "I hope you understand. After all, I am still a man who can appreciate beauty when I see it."

"I'll try not to take offense since I can't prevent anyone from that." Matthew knew he couldn't begrudge anyone of that. "Just remember she is my wife though." He couldn't help but remind the doctor of that fact.

"I won't forget," Dr. Duke-Elder assured him with a soft chuckle. "She must have had quite a few eligible men vying for her hand before you were married."

"Yes she did," Matthew confirmed. "I think I must tell you that I punched the last man who tried to take her from me." He deliberately did that to dissuade the doctor from further interest in his wife.

"I didn't mean … I'll try to remember that as well," the doctor said before changing the subject.

...

"Mary, will you be going out today?" Tom inquired, hoping that his sister-in-law would have better sense after what happened the previous afternoon.

"Am I even allowed?" Mary asked jokingly. She heard Carson clear his throat and knew what it meant. "You would rather have me locked up in my room don't you?"

"No," Carson replied. "But within sight of me or someone trustworthy."

"If it will put your minds at ease, I have no plans of going to the village today," she assured the two men. "I was planning to take William out for a walk this afternoon so I'll take Edith with me."

"Where are we going?" Edith asked when she joined them for breakfast.

"We're taking William out for a walk around the gardens unless you're too busy," Mary replied.

"Why would you think that?"

"Don't you have to write your article?" Mary knew Edith's deadline was coming up and didn't want to be the excuse she missed it.

"I finished it last night," Edith replied proudly. "So you'll have to take me along."

"So it's settled then," Tom said. "I'll feel better if you two are together." He stood up and said goodbye to his sisters-in-law.

"Will we be expecting you for lunch?" Carson asked as Tom walked past him.

"No, I'll figure something out," Tom replied. "If you don't mind, please keep an eye on her." He waited for Carson to nod his agreement before heading out.

...

True to her word, Mary spent most of the day indoors but Carson still made it a point to check on her often enough that she noticed.

"You can stop checking up on me now," Mary said when he passed by the sitting room where she had just finished reading and writing her letters.

"I wasn't checking up on you," Carson replied. "I just happened to pass by."

"Like you just happened to be out in the gardens when Edith and I were taking William for a walk?"

"I was making sure the gardener took extra care of the rose bushes."

"And what about when I was in the library?"

"I was looking for a book myself," he reasoned.

Mary knew that Carson probably had a reason for all the times she saw him checking up on her that day but she wasn't about to just let him win.

"There you are," Edith said from the door. "I've been looking all over for you."

"Edith, I doubt you actually looked all over for me," Mary replied, distracted enough that Carson took his leave before she could challenge him again.

"Well, enough places you weren't at," Edith pointed out.

"Why were you looking for me then?"

"Isobel called to tell me that they are coming home day before Valentine's."

"What do you mean they?"

"Apparently Isobel met up with mama and papa at the train station when they were heading to London to look for Matthew. They decided to work together but they've turned up nothing new. Papa decided they're calling off the search because he wants to be here for Valentine's."

Mary thought about her father's need to be home for Valentine's and wondered if Matthew felt the same way as Anna had suggested earlier.

"Did you hear me?" Edith asked when she noticed Mary deep in thought.

"Yes, I heard you," Mary confirmed, turning to look at her. "I suppose they can't stay in London indefinitely and I know they've done all they can to find Matthew."

"You're not upset?" Edith wasn't looking forward to it but was surprised by her sister's calm demeanor.

"You were expecting me to be?" Mary was indignant and didn't hide it from Edith.

Edith thought it was better not to go down that road so she bit her tongue.

"I suppose we should tell Mrs. Hughes to get the rooms ready. I wonder what papa has planned for mama."

"I really think we shouldn't pry," Edith said. "How would you feel if …" She trailed off knowing how what she wanted to say would remind Mary that Matthew wasn't home yet.

"If what? You can stop walking on eggshells and just say what is on your mind."

"Why aren't you upset that they're giving up the search for Matthew?"

"I believe Matthew will come home when he is ready. And I have to believe that will be soon."

"Gregson thinks he's not even in London," Edith revealed. "It's why we can't find him anywhere."

Mary considered that possibility before and hoped it wasn't so until now. "Wherever he went, I just want him to come safely home. Speaking of Gregson, how are you two doing?"

"I know you disapprove of him," Edith said. "Especially after what Matthew must have told you."

"I don't disapprove," Mary corrected her.

"But you said I shouldn't settle for being second best," Edith quoted her.

"Yes, I just think that he isn't worth waiting for if he puts his work ahead of you. Matthew said that he thought Gregson was ready to propose when we were at Duneagle. Since that hasn't happened, I figured he values his paper more than you which is why I said you shouldn't settle being second."

Edith realized that Matthew hadn't told Mary the real reason Gregson couldn't propose to her.

"Is there another reason?" Mary asked, watching Edith closely. "Oh my God, he's married!"

Since Mary guessed correctly, Edith decided to tell her the whole truth about her relationship with Gregson.

"Are you absolutely sure you're in love with him?" Mary asked when Edith finished.

"Yes, I believe I am," she admitted. "But even Matthew disapproves of it."

Mary thought about it a moment before stating her position on the matter. "I will support you and so will Matthew."

Edith was shocked but grateful. She stood up and quietly followed Mary out when they heard the dinner gong.

...

Days quickly flew by although for both Mary and Matthew they weren't moving fast enough. They longed to see and be with each other. Soon enough it was Valentine's Day and Mary woke up early in a cheerful mood.

"Good morning," Anna greeted her; surprised that Mary was already up but smiled when she remembered why.

"Good morning," Mary greeted back with a brilliant smile. She silently hoped and couldn't wait for the first train to arrive for the day.

"Enjoy your day," Anna said when Mary headed downstairs for breakfast.

...

"Good morning papa," Mary greeted him when she joined him and Tom for breakfast. She gave Tom and Carson a quick nod to acknowledge them as well.

"You're up early," Robert noted, waiting for her to join them at the table.

"Not as early as you though," she reminded him.

"What do you have planned today?" he asked her. "If you like, you can come with us on a tour around the estate. Tom has offered to show us everything that's new."

"I'd rather stay home today," Mary said. "Why don't you take Rose with you?"

"Rose is helping mama move back to her house today. Since Tom said all the construction is complete, mama insisted on going home today. By the way Tom, that was good work in getting all that done so quickly."

"I had a lot of help especially from Mary," Tom informed him.

"And what about you?" Robert asked Edith when she joined them for breakfast. "Would you like to join us for a tour?"

"I have to go to London today," Edith replied and sat next to Mary.

"Why is that?" he asked, thinking that she was working far too hard for his liking.

"Because Edith procrastinated too long and now her article is due so she has to personally deliver it," Mary answered for her. She gave Edith a look that dared her to contradict her good excuse.

"Yes, I shouldn't have waited too long," Edith confirmed. "I'll be back tomorrow morning on the first train."

Robert watched his daughters share a knowing look but didn't ask further.

...

"Thank you for that Mary," Edith said gratefully when they were alone. "And for your support even if Matthew won't."

"I told you I'll convince Matthew when he returns," Mary assured her.

"What if Matthew doesn't return?"

"And why wouldn't he?" Mary asked, trying hard not to get angry.

"He might not want to disappoint you in case he is permanently blind," Edith explained.

"Why would you even say that?" Mary asked, quite upset with her sister especially after the support she gave her.

"There you are," Cora said when she found them. "Where is your papa?"

"He went outside and should be returning soon," Mary said, still visibly upset.

"Are you two fighting?" Cora asked, sensing the tension between her daughters. "Well, I hope you resolve it soon because mama is coming tomorrow."

"Granny is coming at such short notice?" Edith asked.

"I just read the letter she sent weeks ago and I have to find your papa to tell him," Cora said, hoping Robert would return soon to hear the news.

"Well, I have to get going if I'll catch the train," Edith said. "Please tell papa goodbye for me." She gave Cora a quick kiss and a quick nod to Mary before leaving.

"What were you two arguing about?" Cora asked when they were alone.

"What we always do," Mary answered vaguely. "Why is granny coming to visit?" She wanted to change the subject to avoid further discussion about Edith.

"She wants to meet the children," she revealed. "And it's quite timely so we can show her what Matthew had done to the estate." She realized late that she just reminded Mary about her absent husband.

"Yes, that would be nice," Mary agreed. "I don't know if papa would agree though." She couldn't help but tease her mother.

"He enjoys having her here," Cora said.

"Having who here?" Robert asked when he entered the room.

"I'll leave you to it," Mary said and gave her mother a teasing smile. "Be strong papa," she added and squeezed his hand as she headed out.

...

Mary waited the whole day for Matthew to return but was ready to give up when she headed upstairs to prepare for dinner. She was visibly disappointed and only gave way to tears when she was in her room. She heard the door open and saw Anna from the mirror.

"I am so sorry milady," Anna said sadly. She felt bad for getting Mary's hopes up.

"It's not your fault," Mary assured her. "Mr. Crawley seems to have forgotten all about me. He didn't even try to call or send word."

"Maybe he is just late," Anna said, not wanting to give up just yet since the day wasn't over.

"The last train has already arrived and there's no other way for him to come home. I suppose you were right, he needs more time to heal."

Anna remained silent and let Mary cry her pain away.

...

"There you are," Bates said when he found Anna. "Where is Lady Mary?"

"She went to see Master William before she went down for dinner," Anna informed him. "It's the next best thing to Mr. Crawley I suppose."

"That's why I'm looking for you; Mr. Crawley has sent for the car and will be here any minute now." He watched her face light up with the news.

"Are you sure?" she asked, trying to get confirmation before she informs Mary.

"I took the call myself," he confirmed. "Mr. Carson was already upstairs so I took the call. I've sent the car as soon as I could and came looking for you."

Anna kissed him before quickly walking away to find Mary.

...

Mary saw Anna approach her in the hallway with a wide grin. She thought Anna was trying to cheer her up so she cracked a smile.

"I have good news," Anna said when they were next to each other. "Mr. Crawley is coming."

Mary looked at her with disbelief, not wanting to be disappointed again.

"I mean it this time; he called and sent for the car."

Mary's eyes lit up and she squeezed Anna's hands in gratitude. She walked quickly to meet Matthew when he arrived. She was coming down the stairs when she saw him enter the main hall. He turned to look at her after handing Alfred his coat and opened up his arms for her to run into.

"You're home!" she exclaimed. "You're really home."

"Yes, I've come home," he confirmed and wrapped her in a tight hug. "I've missed you so much." He lifted her face to his so he could kiss her.

"Then what took you so long?" she asked when they paused from kissing, not really caring for an answer.

"It's a long story," he admitted, pulling her back for a kiss.

"Then tell me everything including why you are wearing dark glasses," she said, pulling away and leading him towards the stairs.

"Shouldn't we go see the family first?" He knew it was dinnertime and they would want to know he was back.

"If we go in, I won't get you all to myself until bedtime," she explained. "And I can't wait until then."

Matthew silently admitted that neither could he and followed her upstairs to their room. He was glad to see that Mary was pleased he had come home.