Matthew returned and plopped himself on Mary's side of the bed. If he wasn't hungry he would have just went straight to sleep there and then. He heard the door open and without opening his eyes could tell it was Mary.
"No one told me you're back," Mary said as she walked over to be next to him. "Darling, are you alright?"
"I'm asleep," he joked. He opened one of his eyes to see her reaction.
"I think I've read about sleep walking but not sleep talking," she joked back.
Matthew opened both eyes and looked up into her face. He was amazed at how quickly he felt better just seeing her.
"What's the matter? Why do you look disheveled?" She suddenly noticed and studied his crumpled suit closely.
"Please don't get upset," he began and watched her closely. "I helped push a lorry out of a ditch a while ago."
"What?" she exclaimed. "Why didn't you call for men to do that?"
"They were all there and even Tom helped," he explained. "They needed just one more and I couldn't very well just stand around and do nothing."
"But you have an injured back," she argued. "I would imagine that is excuse enough. Tom should have said something."
"Mary please don't make a fuss," he entreated trying to get up but unable to because of his back pain. He slumped back on the bed and tried not to move to ease the pain.
"Serves you right for overexerting yourself," she scolded him. But after a moment watching the pain on his face, she relented and tried to help him get comfortable by first loosening his tie.
"Have I told you how much I love you?" he asked with a smile.
"That's not going to make me less upset with you," she warned him. "You should know better than this."
"I'm hoping a night's rest will make me feel better," he said.
"We'll let Dr. Clarkson be the judge of that," she said before getting up to make the call. She stopped and turned when she felt his hand on hers.
"Let's not bother the good doctor just yet," he said. "I'm sure I'll be my old self after a good night's sleep."
"What if it gets worse? Would you rather suffer than get relief the entire night? I think we should send for him and I won't take no for an answer. In case you've forgotten, you're still supposed to do what I say."
"Very well," he acquiesced. "Don't blame me if he says the same thing though."
"I'd rather have him give you something than have you groaning and bothering my sleep," she said.
Matthew knew that wasn't her true reason and she was using that to make him comply so he did.
...
Mary was coming down the stairs when she saw Tom coming up. She was slightly crossed with him for not stopping Matthew from hurting himself.
"Mary, how is he?" Tom asked showing great concern. "I tried to tell him that we should wait for the others to get there but he insisted."
"We both know that once Matthew sets his mind on something there's no stopping him," she told him trying to make him feel better. She was surprised with her response but realized just how protective Tom is and how stubborn Matthew can be.
"I told him you won't be pleased if he got injured but he was quite adamant. How badly is he hurt?"
"I'm just about to send for Dr. Clarkson to assess the damage."
"Let me go fetch him," he offered. "It's the least I can do."
Mary agreed and watched Tom hurry off to get the doctor.
...
Matthew pliantly subjected himself to Dr. Clarkson's inspection. He silently prayed that it wasn't as bad as he felt so Mary won't worry.
"Well Mr. Crawley, you're definitely a lucky man," Clarkson began. "There's no permanent damage but I would recommend avoiding any strenuous activity that could aggravate it."
"Does that mean I can't practice polo swings with Tom?" Matthew asked looking at Mary briefly before turning back to Clarkson.
"I'd suggest not to for at least a few days," Clarkson reiterated.
"Don't worry Dr. Clarkson, I'll make sure he doesn't," Mary said and gave Matthew a warning look. "Thank you very much for coming. I hope it wasn't too much of a bother."
"Not a bother at all," Clarkson assured her as he packed his bag. "So it's true that there's a polo match coming up?"
"Word has gotten out about it?" Matthew wondered.
"Tom mentioned it on the drive over," Clarkson explained. "I hope to be able to watch the match."
"Of course you can," Mary said. "Especially since it's a charity match for the hospital." She took that opportunity to discuss her plans for the charity with him there and then.
"That's wonderful Lady Mary," Clarkson said gratefully. "It will definitely be a welcome help for the hospital."
"Perhaps we should leave Mr. Crawley to rest and discuss this further in the library," Mary suggested as she looked over to Matthew's napping form.
Clarkson nodded and followed her out the room.
...
"How is Matthew doing?" Cora asked during dinner. "Does Clarkson think he'll be well for the polo match?"
"He's resting and Clarkson suggests he avoids any strenuous tasks," Mary said. "It all depends on him really if he'll be well enough for the match but he said he was feeling better."
"What is it with Matthew and lorries?" Violet asked. "Whether they're moving or stationary, he seems to get injured when he's near them."
"We probably should tell Edmund to push the match back to give him enough time to heal," Martha suggested.
"He might not agree to that since Edmund is set on the date," Mary said.
"If Matthew isn't ready, would that mean we'll forfeit?" Tom asked.
"No Crawley ever forfeits a game," Robert declared. "And for as long as you represent this house, neither will you."
"Will you be ready by then?" Edith asked knowing that he was still learning how to play polo.
"Perhaps Lord Grantham can show me," Tom said.
"This I've got to see," Martha said. "When will you start?"
"Tomorrow," Robert said accepting Tom's request.
...
Mary returned to find Matthew already changed for bed. "Have you eaten?"
"Anna brought me some food," he replied. "I hope you told them I'm alright."
"I told them you were resting," she admitted. "Now it's up to you not to make me a liar because I told them you're on the mend."
"I'm just sorry that I can't teach Tom how to play polo while I'm resting," he said watching as Anna came in to help Mary change. "It might be too late when I'm back on my feet."
"You should have thought about that before you hurt your back," she chastised. "Lucky for you Tom has asked papa to teach him."
"Crikey," he said. "Is that a good idea?"
"Given that you can't do it, I think we have no choice," she said and got into her nightgown.
Matthew looked contrite and decided to redirect the attention by asking how Anna was.
"I'm doing well," Anna said. "But John had been overly concerned about me since he found out I'm expecting."
Mary smiled and knew what she meant. "Perhaps Matthew can share some of what he learned when I was pregnant with Bates."
"Oh, that would be wonderful because I can't convince him that I'm fine."
"I'm not sure I'm the right person for that," he said trying to stay out of it. "I think all men become protective of their wives when they are pregnant and it's just the way it is."
"At least try to give him some reassurances that things will be alright," Mary suggested.
Matthew nodded and hoped he could help Bates get through it all.
...
Tom was storming off the field after his last attempt at hitting the polo ball and failed. He crossed paths with Mary and Matthew as they were headed to watch his progress and aside from a short nod to acknowledge them didn't stop.
"I'll go speak with him," Matthew offered figuring out that Tom must just be frustrated.
"No, you go speak with papa and I'll talk with Tom," she said.
Matthew nodded and headed out to find Robert who is probably equally frustrated. He found Robert helping Martha up before walking towards him.
"I take it lessons are over?" he asked when Robert was near him.
"It's difficult to teach someone when he doesn't listen. I keep telling him to hit the ball like a pendulum swings but instead he grips it like a hammer and misses all the time."
...
Mary caught up with Tom at the base of the staircase and called out to him.
"I'm never going to learn if he keeps criticizing me," Tom complained. "I know what a pendulum is but I can't imagine how that helps me hit the ball."
"You just need to relax," she suggested. "It just seems hard until you get the hang of it."
...
"Everyone starts off not knowing what to do," Matthew reminded Robert. "You just need to be a little patient until he learns."
Robert considered what Matthew said and wondered if that was the problem.
"One thing I've noticed about Tom is he learns if you show him what to do." He realized that Robert must have been approaching it like he was ordering one of the servants rather than showing a son-in-law how to play the game.
...
"Your father expects me to just pick it up like it was inherent to me," Tom complained.
"He doesn't expect you to know what to do," Mary assured him. "Papa; well papa has never had a chance to teach a son how to play anything for that matter so it's new to him."
"He taught you how to ride a horse didn't he?"
"No, I learned in secret and by the time he found out I was already quite good at it," she revealed.
"Maybe that's what I need to do, learn in secret," he joked.
...
"I think Tom has the potential to learn polo if you show him," Matthew reiterated. "He did catch the winning ball during the cricket match remember?"
Robert nodded and realized just how quickly Tom had indeed learned given his insistence that he had never played cricket in his entire life.
...
"Do you remember when you caught the winning ball during the cricket match?" Mary asked Tom. "Do you remember how it felt to win?"
Tom nodded and relished that feeling. "I'll give it another try. I'd hate to let Lord Grantham think I'm a quitter."
Mary gave Tom a sweet smile before heading back to find Matthew.
...
"I'll ask Bates to find my polo gear and try teaching Tom tomorrow," Robert agreed. "Perhaps a demonstration of how things are done will help him figure it out."
"I'm sure once he sees how it's done, he'll prove a quick study," Matthew said. "He might just surprise us all."
Robert gave Matthew a quick pat on the shoulder before heading back to the house.
...
"How's Tom?" Matthew asked when he found Mary in their sitting room. "He isn't planning to run away is he?"
"Papa will never allow it," Mary joked. "He will have to see it through because papa said no one from this house will ever forfeit."
"Well hopefully it will be better tomorrow," he said optimistically. "But just in case, I'll probably join them to keep the peace between them."
"I think you should," she agreed. "Or we may end up forfeiting without a full team."
...
Mary came down early the following day to Matthew's surprise.
"What are you doing down here so early?" he asked unable to hide his curiosity.
"I thought I'd come watch papa and Tom practice with you. Who knows but it might take the two of us to keep the peace between them." She smiled sweetly at him.
"Matthew, Mary," Rose called out from the top of the stairs. "Are you going to watch Tom learn how to play polo?"
"Yes, we are," Mary answered.
"Can I come with you?" Rose requested.
"Of course you can," Mary agreed and took Matthew's offered arm. "You can keep granny company."
...
Robert was glad to be on his polo pony and was swinging his mallet to show Tom how to position his body to avoid harming himself, the pony and actually making contact with the ball. "Now you try it."
Tom tried to mimic Robert but before he could hit the ball, he leaned too far out and almost fell off the horse. He regained his balance but completely missed the ball.
Robert took a deep breath and tried to show him a few more times how to make an off side forehand.
Eventually Tom got the hang of it and was doing better at it and hitting the ball further and further down the field.
"Now let's try the backhand," Robert said and showed him how it was done.
Tom rested the mallet over his shoulder and waved to Matthew and Mary who just arrived to watch them. He saw Rose and Martha right behind them.
"Tom, are you paying attention," Robert called his attention.
"Of course," Tom said and turned back his attention to Robert.
...
"Looks like they're making good progress today," Martha noted as she sat on the seat setup for them.
"I suppose they just needed to get used to each other's abilities," Matthew said knowing that the teacher and student just had to find a style that worked for both.
"Mary, do you think I can learn how to play as well?" Rose asked. "It looks like fun."
"I don't see why not," Mary supported. "Maybe we can get Edith to join us and we can challenge Matthew's team when they're all here."
"You're one member short," Matthew said with a challenging smile.
"I'm sure papa wouldn't mind playing for our team," she returned the challenge.
"Ooh, does this mean I'll get to see a real polo match after all?" Martha said quite pleased with the development between the couple.
Matthew gladly accepted and found the three women he was with pleased with his decision.
...
"What are you doing?" Anna asked when she found John trying to place a step stool in front of Lord Grantham's wardrobe.
"I'm trying to get Lord Grantham's extra polo gear since he'll need it now that he's actually playing the game rather than just instructing Tom," he explained.
"Always thinking ahead aren't you?" she teased. "But let me get it for you."
"No, you mustn't," he cautioned. "Not in your condition."
"If you mention that one more time, I'll be very cross with you," she teased.
"Be very careful," he reiterated.
Anna reached inside the top shelf to pull out what John needed and passed it to him. "See, nothing to it."
...
Mary and Tom were coming up the stairs after the day's polo practice when they heard Bates call out for help. They headed towards the dressing room to find him on the floor with Anna who was wincing in pain before fainting.
"What happened?" Mary asked trying to assess the situation. "Tom, help me move her to the room next door."
Tom moved to lift Anna from the floor while Bates struggled to get up on his feet. Mary led the way and quickly drew down the covers for Tom to put her on the bed.
"Tom please go fetch Dr. Clarkson," Mary instructed while she moved Anna into a more comfortable position and held her hand.
"What's going on?" Matthew asked when he popped his head through the door. He entered and looked at Bates who looked in total anguish. "Have a seat Bates." He gently guided the stunned man to a chair.
"I told her to come down from the stool but she wanted to get one more thing when my back was turned," Bates managed to say. "I couldn't stop her; she didn't wait for me to steady the step stool."
"Anna, Anna," Mary called out to her as she tried to revive her. "Everything will be alright." She said that for all their sakes.
...
Dr. Clarkson came in record time and quickly checked on Anna's condition. Matthew and Tom tried to assure Bates that all will be well as they waited outside to hear word.
"I should have done something," Bates said. "I keep telling her to be very careful but she doesn't listen."
"We can only do so much and hope things turn out," Matthew said trying to ease Bates' worries.
"I won't forgive myself if anything happens to her or the baby," Bates said guiltily.
"Let's not think the worse yet," Matthew advised. "It could turn out alright."
The three men expectantly looked up when the door opened. They approached Clarkson when he came out.
"She'll be alright," Clarkson said as he turned from the men to Mary who came out right behind him. "But I would recommend a few days of bed rest just as a precaution."
"We'll make sure she does," Mary affirmed. "Tom, would you mind taking Dr. Clarkson back to the hospital?"
Tom gladly accepted and went off with Clarkson.
"There you go Bates, she'll be alright," Matthew said. "You need not worry anymore."
"I'd like to take her home," Bates said.
"It's probably best if we don't move her at all," Mary countered. "Why don't you go home and get some of her things while she stays here. I'll have Mrs. Hughes arrange for her care while she's on bed rest."
"Lady Mary, that's not necessary," Bates said. "I can certainly care for her myself at home."
"You won't be able to run back and forth to attend to her needs and your duties. It would be too tiring for you and I don't think anyone would mind if Anna stays here."
"Then at least let me move her to her old room," Bates suggested.
"I won't hear of it," Matthew interjected. "I'm sure Mary will agree with me that Anna's health is more important than which room she stays in."
Bates was very moved by the couple's generosity and thanked them for it.
"Now go in there," Mary gently ordered. "She's anxious to see you."
"A piece of advice, don't tell her you told her so," Matthew reminded him.
Bates nodded before heading into the room to be with Anna.
"I'll have to remember that advice the next time you tell me you told me so," Mary teased.
"I've come to the conclusion it's best not to," he teased back.
"Lady Mary, Anna would like to have a word with you," Bates said when he came back out into the hallway.
...
"How are you feeling?" Mary asked a more alert Anna when she saw her. "You gave us all quite a fright you know."
"I'm much better and I hadn't planned on falling," Anna replied in turn with a weak smile. "I'd like to thank you for letting me stay in here."
"The room has been needing an occupant and I can't think of anyone better to stay in it than you," Mary said jokingly. "And I'll ask Mrs. Hughes to have one of the maids help you while you recover; think of it as a holiday."
"But who will attend to you while I'm on holiday?" Anna asked with a worried look. "I'd like to make arrangements to pay for my temporary replacement."
"Don't worry about me," Mary tried to dispel her worries. "Just focus on you and the baby right now. Besides, I think Mr. Crawley will take this opportunity as an excuse to help me get changed."
"But his back won't allow him to crouch to help you with your shoes and he won't be able to fix your hair and such."
"Let us worry about that and all you have to worry about is how you'll get Bates to stop worrying now."
Anna looked down at her hands and knew she wouldn't be able to now.
"We'll get through it together," Mary said and held her hand. "Just promise me that there will be no climbing step stools from here on."
Anna nodded and thanked Mary for her kindness.
"It's the least I can do," Mary said. "If you need anything, let me know."
...
Carson and Mrs. Hughes were together at the foot of the stairs when Mary and Matthew came down. They had been discussing Anna's condition and how they could be of help to Bates.
"Mrs. Hughes, I was wondering if you could have one of the maids to help Anna with whatever she needs while she is recovering," Mary requested.
"Shall I send one of them to help you change for dinner?" Mrs. Hughes inquired.
"Perhaps to bring my clothes and to help me fix my hair," Mary said. "I think Mr. Crawley can help me with the rest."
Matthew's wide grin gave him away to both Carson and Hughes who both tried to mask their reaction.
"Matthew, you have a telephone call," Rose announced when she came out of the library.
Matthew headed to take the call while Rose approached Mary to ask how Anna was.
"She's resting and we're hoping for the best," Mary informed her.
"Can I go see her?" Rose asked permission. She quickly climbed the stairs even before Mary nodded.
"Well, I suppose I should rearrange maid duties now," Mrs. Hughes announced. "Lady Mary, are you sure that you wouldn't need the maid helping you change?"
"I wouldn't want to disappoint Mr. Crawley who has happily volunteered to help me," Mary said with a smile.
Carson cleared his throat while Mrs. Hughes tried to suppress her smile.
"Carson, he is my husband," Mary said sweetly. "It comes with some privileges." She flashed a smile before moving to head to her sitting room.
"I'm quite impressed by Lady Mary's generosity," Mrs. Hughes said. "I wouldn't have thought that she would do so much for Anna."
"She has a kind heart," Carson said plainly. "You just have to look harder."
"I suppose I now see what you and Mr. Crawley do," she conceded.
...
"Who called?" Mary asked when Matthew came into their sitting room.
"That was Murray," he replied. "Apparently he had booked Blackwell's passage to India."
"Really? That's good news," she noted. "The sooner he's on his way the better."
"Have you given more thought on his request?"
Mary was obviously displeased with the reminder of Blackwell but she kept calm. "When do I have to make a decision?"
"Murray said he booked passages for him and his escort to depart in a week," he revealed. "Don't worry, his escort has a return trip but not Blackwell." He wanted to assure her that it was a one-way trip for Blackwell.
"I haven't decided," she told him. "I'll let you know when I do. Have you sent word to Cousin Shrimpy?"
"Murray has; he's quite efficient," he said. "But just to be polite, I'll send him a telegram tomorrow."
"Send him my regards and thanks."
"So, will you be teaching Rose and Edith how to play polo tomorrow?"
"Edith already knows how but it won't be a bad idea to make her practice," she said. She raised a questioning brow when she heard him chuckle.
"Have you asked her yet? And won't you argue who will play what position?"
"You'd be amazed at how united we can be especially when we're playing polo," she said. "You might get more than you bargained for."
"When is Evelyn coming?"
"He's arriving on the afternoon train tomorrow. What about your friend, when is he coming?"
"He can't get away so easily so he won't come until next week. I think I will be in top form by then and we can play against each other."
"Good, I look forward to it," she said with a smile. "Now come help me get ready for dinner unless you've changed your mind."
"At your service, milady," he teased and chuckled when she gave him a look.
Author's Note: Took longer than I intended to post an update but I've been trying and busy watching youtube clips of polo matches to figure it out to write up. It's tougher than I thought it would be so if I get some things wrong, please remember I know little about polo. I probably should've chosen tennis instead but I guess there's no turning back now. And of course I have to have two now. :-P