"Mary, you made it," Edmund said when he saw her arrive for tea. "I wasn't sure you could."
"Well, it would help if you gave me more warning," she said. "I almost didn't come."
"I'm so glad you did," he said appreciatively.
"Why did you ask me to come?" she asked looking around wondering why they were alone.
"I wanted a private word with you before Eliza came," he explained.
"You're that familiar with her now?" she asked quite surprised they were on first name basis so soon. "Have you been spending a lot of time with her?" She wondered if this was where Eliza disappeared to as Rose reported.
"I haven't seen her since our dinner," he revealed. "I've been trying to find an excuse to invite her here again since but she has always been away when I called the inn. So I left a message yesterday to come and she accepted."
"So she is coming for tea," she said. "How is she getting here?"
"Well, I taught my butler how to drive so he is acting as my chauffeur now," he revealed. "Anyway, before she gets here I was hoping to get your advice on how to woo her."
"I'm hardly the person who can help you with that," she informed him. "Besides, I hardly know her to be able to help you even if I wanted to."
"I thought that it would be easy to court an English lady," he said sadly. "It's so different in America; a lady is allowed to say how she feels."
"How well does Miss Wallace know you?" she asked. She worried that Eliza knew more about Edmund than he did her.
"She knows I'm half-American and half-English on holiday," he said. "I know what you're thinking; she doesn't know I'm an heir to a fortune."
Mary tried not to show her relief at that revelation. "Perhaps if we knew more about her we can determine how to achieve your goal."
"You're right," he agreed. "Will you help me do that?"
Mary wanted to decline but before she could Eliza arrived.
"Hello Edmund," Eliza greeted him. "Hello Lady Mary, what a surprise to see you here. Is Mr. Crawley with you?"
"No, I'm afraid it's just me today," Mary replied evenly.
"Oh, where is he?" Eliza asked visibly disappointed.
"He's away on business," Mary replied trying to be vague to see how she'd react.
"Does he usually go away on business and for how long?" Eliza asked obviously interested in his routine.
"Not usually and it depends on what business he is involved in," Mary revealed equally vaguely. "What about you, what keeps you busy these days?" She expertly redirected the attention back to Eliza.
"Now that is something I'd like to know, too," Edmund said, who until then had been quiet.
"Nothing special," Eliza said still being elusive. "I'm still learning my way around here and exploring the village."
"If you'd like, I can help you with that," Edmund offered. "I think I still remember my way around and I have a car to take us further than just the village."
"That would be lovely," Eliza accepted. She flashed a sweet smile that won over Edmund but made Mary wonder what it hid. "Perhaps Lady Mary and Mr. Crawley can come join us."
"I'm afraid I will have to decline for both of us," Mary said definitively. She saw Edmund look quite agreeable with her decision and she concluded that was because he preferred to be alone with Eliza. She just wished that time would fly by fast so she could return home. She was barely interested in the conversation as Edmund and Eliza planned their excursions for the next few days.
...
"Thanks for that," Edmund said as they watched Eliza being driven off back to her inn after tea time. "Don't get me wrong because I do like your company but I much prefer to get to know Eliza alone."
"I hope you will be careful what you reveal to her," Mary warned gently.
"Don't worry," he assured her. "I'll tell you all about it if you like."
"That's not what I meant," she complained. "Just be careful."
"By the way, do you know if Matthew likes to play polo?"
"Why do you ask?" she wondered both at his question and if Matthew did know how to play the sport.
"Well, since it is the sport of kings, I thought I might challenge him to a match."
"I won't have you using my husband to impress Miss Wallace," she declared wryly. "If you want to win her favor, I think you should find another way."
"Please just ask him if he'd like a friendly match," he pleaded as he opened the door to her car when it came around to take her home.
"I'll think about it," she said as a parting shot.
...
When Mary arrived home, she was met by Rose who looked giddily happy. Rose pulled her quickly into a small room off the hallway for a private chat.
"Anna and I figured out what Miss Wallace does every afternoon," Rose said. "She goes two towns over and waits for a call in another inn."
"She receives a call at another inn?" Mary asked to clarify her understanding.
"That's right," Rose confirmed. "We asked the innkeeper and he said she comes every afternoon and waits for the call. He noticed because she isn't staying at the inn."
"Does he know who is calling her?"
"He doesn't because he gets paid handsomely to let her use the telephone and the privacy to talk with the caller. Although he was surprised she didn't talk as long today and left quickly."
"She just keeps getting more mysterious," Mary noted knowing why she cut her call short. "I just hope Edith has found something that we can make sense of."
"I can try to eavesdrop tomorrow," Rose offered.
"No, you've done quite enough," Mary said putting an end to the surveillance mission. "I think Miss Wallace will be preoccupied the next few days as she had agreed to spend time with Edmund."
"Maybe I can ask Edmund if I can come along just to keep an eye on her," Rose suggested.
"I'm afraid not," Mary dissuaded her. "If she had noticed you today, she might piece things together and think that either Edmund or I sent you to spy on her."
"But I've been very stealthy," Rose insisted. "She can't possibly have noticed me."
"And I'm sure you have that Agatha Christie would be very proud as I am but I think it's time to give up the quest. Besides, mama is starting to wonder where you go off to and we can only use the shopping excuse for so long."
Rose was disappointed she couldn't continue spying on Eliza but deferred to Mary's decision.
"Now come along and let's get ready for dinner before we are missed," Mary said to her young cousin.
...
Mary had just finished discussing estate matters with Tom as usual in the morning and was about to head upstairs to spend time with William when she saw her father already at the bottom of the stairs. She hadn't expected them that early but was pleased they were home.
"Papa," she called out to him. "You're home early." She caught up with him and kissed him on the cheek to welcome him back.
"We took an earlier train," he told her. "And I think you know whose idea that was."
Mary smiled before answering him. "Yours of course; I know you just can't wait to see mama after two weeks away from her."
Robert appreciated her giving him the credit. "Then perhaps I should go and surprise your mama while you get an update from Matthew." He tipped his head towards the doorway to let her know where Matthew was before heading upstairs.
Mary smiled and instead of turning around to welcome Matthew, she waited for him to approach. Her smile deepened when she felt him beside her.
"Hello there," he greeted her. "Did you miss me?"
"What do you think?" she redirected the question.
"I just saw Tom on my way in and he told me that you've been quite busy," he told her. "You might not have had time to miss me at all." He gave her a teasing look and he chuckled when she made a face at him.
"Someone had to carry on your work," she reminded him. "And I had to stay busy or I'd miss you even more than I already do." She half turned to see his reaction before starting to head up the stairs.
"Wait, don't I get a kiss for coming home early?" he asked catching her hand to stop her from ascending.
"I think you deserve more than that but this isn't the place for it." She took his hand and led the way.
...
Once upstairs and in an empty hallway, Matthew pulled Mary into his arms and claimed his well-deserved kiss. He just couldn't wait to find out if she did miss him.
"Darling, someone might see us," she said when he stopped to catch his breath.
Matthew looked both ways of the hallway before smiling at her. "I think it will be a while before anyone comes up." Before he could resume they heard the door on the far end creak open and up came Bates and Molesley carrying bags.
"Excuse us," Bates said as they filed past the couple. He was glad Molesley had offered to help him as he lagged behind the man who carried both bags.
"Have you seen Anna yet?" Mary asked when he was across from her.
"Not yet," Bates replied. "I wanted to unpack Lord Grantham's things first before I let her know I was home."
"Well, don't take too long," she said. "She missed you as much as I have Mr. Crawley." She smiled when she saw the glint in Bates' eyes.
Matthew waited for both valets to disappear into their respective dressing rooms before turning his attention back to Mary. "So where were we?"
"We were heading to our room but we didn't quite make it," she reminded him with a teasing smile.
"Shall we try again?" he said offering his arm to her.
"Molesley will be in the next room," she warned. "Perhaps we should wait until he is done unpacking for you."
"Maybe if we take slow and small steps he'll be done by the time we get there," he joked. He enjoyed making her laugh.
"By the way, where's Edith?" she asked suddenly remembering she hadn't seen her sister.
"She decided she'd stay a few more days in London," he replied. "She said she hadn't finished her work and will be staying with Cousin Rosamund until she does."
"Did she say how much longer she will be in London?"
"No but she did ask me to tell you not to worry because she hadn't forgotten about your request," he said. "You could have asked me to run your errand."
"It's not that kind of errand," she told him.
"Milady, Mr. Crawley, come quickly," William's nanny called out from across the hall. "You've got to see this!"
Mary and Matthew didn't ask and proceeded to the nursery hastily to see what had her so excited. They arrived to find their son on the floor crawling towards his nanny who was coaxing him with one of his favorite toys.
"I just put him down and he started crawling on his own," the nanny told them.
Both Mary and Matthew got on the floor and watched proudly as he wobbled towards them as they called his name.
"Come here William, that's it," Mary encouraged the boy as he made his way slowly to her.
Matthew picked up his son's small teddy to further encourage him forward to them. He was so glad he chose to return home early to witness this milestone in his son's life.
"I'm so glad you're here to see this," Mary said echoing his thoughts. "This is the most wonderful thing I've ever seen."
"We've seen," he reminded her. He looked up at the nanny who was watching them with a smile. "Thank you for coming to get us." He quickly looked back at his son who had only a few more inches to go before he reached his toy. He gave it as a prize when his son reached for it.
Mary lifted her son off the floor and gave him a quick kiss. She was very proud of him and knew it wouldn't be long before he could walk and that was when all the fun would start.
...
"They're in the library," Carson informed Tom when he returned for luncheon. "They've been waiting for you."
"Am I late for something?" Tom asked looking concerned.
"No Mr. Branson, you're just in time," Carson assured him and nodded towards the library.
Tom quickened his pace and saw the family seated while Matthew and Mary were seated on the floor with the children.
"Tom, you're just in time," Matthew echoed Carson when he noticed him arrive.
"Papa," Sybil greeted and walked towards him so he could lift her up in his arms.
"What?" Tom asked when no one else spoke.
"Look who's learned to crawl," Mary said as William tried to crawl towards her.
"That's wonderful," Tom said crouching next to her and setting Sybil down next to him as William completed his trip.
"We've been watching him do that for a while now and can't seem to get enough," Cora said proudly. "Just as we couldn't get enough when Sybil first started to crawl, talk and walk."
Tom knew exactly the joy that Mary and Matthew were feeling now that it was William's turn.
...
"How is he?" Matthew asked when Mary joined him in their sitting room.
"He is out like a light," Mary said. "I think all that crawling has worn him out."
"Nothing that a nap won't cure," he said with a proud smile. "I wish mother was here to witness this milestone."
"So she didn't return with you?" she asked belatedly realizing he had hoped Isobel would come home.
"She is staying another week," he informed her.
"I'm sure we can coax William to show her his new skill," she said. "Anyway, so was your meeting with the Home Secretary a success?"
"Yes, we managed to get what we need and Murray is drawing up the contract to have Blackwell sign."
"Good, the sooner he's out of our lives, the better."
Matthew knew how anxious she was and glad that they were close to getting what they wanted. The only thing remaining was to see if Blackwell would accept the terms and conditions to stay out of jail.
"Darling, I've been meaning to ask if you knew how to play polo."
"I think I can manage," he admitted. "Why do you ask?" He was curious about her sudden interest in his skills in sports.
"Well you see, Edmund is planning to challenge you to a match to impress Miss Wallace. I'd rather he didn't do that to be honest."
"You mean you don't want to see me lose," he teased. "I can hold my own you know; I played quite a bit of polo during my time in the army especially during the recruitment campaign."
Mary was pleased to learn something new about her husband and hear that he was quite confident in his abilities.
"When is this match supposed to take place?" he inquired when she didn't give him more information.
"You don't have to do it," she said having second thoughts.
"You don't believe I can do it?" he asked with a teasing grin.
"Of course I do," she said running a hand down his cheek to reinforce her words. "But I think Edmund is asking too much of us."
"Not at all," he said with a grin. "I think it is a good idea since I wouldn't mind trying to impress my wife as well."
"What makes you think I'd be impressed?" she teased.
"Because I aim to," he said confidently. "Maybe I'll ask Tom if he'd like to play on my team and maybe he can impress Robert with me."
"You really like having a brother-in-law don't you?"
"I've always wondered what it would be like to have a sibling," he confirmed. "Now I have that and am going to take full advantage of that."
"What if he doesn't want to play?"
"I suppose I'll see how strong our brotherly bond is."
"If you need my help convincing him, let me know," she offered. She knew he didn't need it but thought she could show her support by offering it.
"I was right you are on my team," he said triumphantly and kissed her.
...
Mary waited patiently for Anna to arrive knowing that she had probably broken the wonderful news to Bates and celebrating with him before dinner. With everything that had been happening with William that day, she hadn't seen Anna since after breakfast.
"Anna is still not here?" Matthew asked when he returned to the room from the dressing room.
"She'll be here soon," she assured him. Sure enough the door flew open and in came Anna.
"I'm so sorry for being late milady," Anna began to apologize. "I just needed to speak with Molesley for a moment."
"Oh, why?" Matthew inquired turning from Anna to Mary when he noticed her looking at Mary for help answering him.
"So you have told him," Mary noted with a smile. "Was it worth the wait?"
"Absolutely," Anna said with a wide grin. "He looked stunned then happy; a little concerned but mostly happy. I had to ask Molesley to check on him in case he is too dazed to help his lordship get dressed."
"Anna and Bates are expecting an addition to their family soon," Mary finally told Matthew to end his confusion as to what they were talking about.
"That's wonderful news," he said. "Congratulations to you both." He looked equally happy for them as Mary was.
"Thank you sir," Anna accepted happily.
"Now, why don't you wait downstairs while I get changed?" Mary suggested.
"I'd rather wait here," he countered. "I'm sure Anna wouldn't mind."
...
"I'm so glad for Anna and Bates," Robert said at the dinner table. "Did you know Carson?"
"I'm afraid I didn't until today," Carson admitted. "But everyone downstairs is very happy for them."
"So are we," Mary said. "Are they taking bets on what they're having yet?" She saw Carson look indignant but she knew that they did just that when she was pregnant.
Alfred and James looked guilty and avoided Carson's inquiring stare. They made their rounds around the dinner table and headed downstairs for the next course.
"What do you think Carson; will it be a boy or a girl?" Matthew asked.
"It will be a boy," Carson said without hesitation.
"Is that what you predicted for Mary?" Martha asked. "I still wonder why there is so much preference for a boy since England has had a long-reigning queen. She has proven quite capable of running an empire so why can't a girl inherit an estate and be equally successful?"
"Mama, let's not get into that again," Cora gently warned. "Let's just be thankful that things turned out well for us."
Martha considered it a moment and having seen the strong bond between Mary and Matthew, she decided to drop the subject and not stir the pot further.
...
Days quickly passed in relative routine until the day Murray called to inform them that the contract was complete and that he wanted to go over the details with Robert and Matthew before presenting it.
"Do you have to go see Blackwell?" Mary asked Matthew when he informed her of the development.
"I'll be on the other side of the bars my darling," he assured her. "There's nothing to be worried about."
"Can't Murray just act on your behalf?" she insisted seeing no reason he should be present at all and visiting a prison.
"I want to make sure he understands everything," he explained. "The gravity of the situation requires that I at least be there since we're asking him to leave everything he knows and loves."
Mary didn't really care but knew Matthew did so she didn't argue any further. "Just hurry back home."
Matthew smiled and gave her a quick kiss. "Don't worry, after I show him that he has no power over us, I'll come home as soon as I can."
...
Mary was sorting through the mail in the library when Carson led Edmund into the room. He announced the other man's presence in usual form before leaving.
"What brings you here?" she asked. "Aren't you supposed to be with Miss Wallace?"
"I was," he revealed. "I just dropped her off at her inn and thought I'd come by and see how you were."
"Really?" she asked in disbelief. "I think you're here to see if you can catch Matthew to challenge him to a polo match." She studied Edmund's reaction to her statement.
"You know me too well," he admitted. "Where is he anyway?"
"He's attending to an urgent family matter," she revealed. "He probably won't be back until dinner time."
"I'm beginning to think he's avoiding me," he teased.
"Unlike you, he's not on holiday," she pointed out. "He does have a lot of work than to just be waiting for you to drop in."
"Well, probably I can wait for him to return?" he asked knowing not to tease her any further. "I wouldn't want to miss him again."
"Must you persist on this?' she asked in exasperation. "Do you even have a team to challenge him?"
"I can form one," he insisted. "Just as I think he would need to as well." He didn't think that Matthew already had a team to begin with.
"He is pretty good at it," she warned. "You might not like the outcome."
"It wouldn't be a fun challenge if he wasn't," he replied with a grin. "But just so I know, how good is he?"
"You'll just have to find out if you do challenge him," she said with a smile.
"I've come this far to back out now," he said. "But perhaps I can bribe you into giving me a little hint as to what I'm up against." He produced a hefty envelop and handed it to her.
"What's this?" she wondered. "And I'm shocked that you would resort to bribery to get me to betray his trust because I won't."
"Then consider it a peace offering then," he amended and watched her open the packet. "They're the photographs Matthew and I took during the picnic."
Mary leafed through a few and smiled as she recalled that wonderful picnic.
"Matthew is quite the photographer," he noted.
"Of course," she agreed surprised that there was any doubt in that. "I think I know now what I'll get him for Christmas."
"Where's Edith?" he asked suddenly.
"Why do you want to know?"
"I wondered if she could invite her editor friend to come watch," he suggested.
"She'll be home from London a little later," she said wondering why he was interested to have Gregson come.
"I'm glad I came today then so I can accomplish two things on one trip," he said with a grin.
Author's Note: I saw a news clip that Prince William played polo recently and thought why not ... and after seeing the recruitment poster at wiki/Recruitment_to_the_British_Army_during_the_Fi rst_World_War, I figured why couldn't Matthew have played polo to recruit for the British Army of which the cavalry was part of.
Addendum (8/10): I was going for present perfect during Martha's statements regarding Queen Victoria (reign: 1837-1901); "has had" and "has proven" to focus on the present conditions of alt-DA-timeline. Just thought I'd clarify my not using the simple past tense. I hope I had my grammar matching my intention. :-)