This update is quick, but I doubt I will ever be this fast again. I just happened this part written before I got the nerve to post the first chapter.
When the Crawley girls were young the dowager countess had insisted the best way for them to learn proper manners was for them to practice by visiting her. Sybil and Edith had fallen out of the habit as they grew but Mary enjoyed her grandmother's company and continued to faithfully go every week.
"It's lovely about Edith's baby, I suppose after having boys with his first wife, that her husband is pleased it's a girl."
Mary nodded in agreement, knowing full well that her grandmother had more to say.
"Only it's too bad that you and Matthew only have a daughter- where as he is going to be the Earl and you need a male heir." Regardless if Violet saw her granddaughter's eye roll she continued on, "Now Margaret is a lovely child, but I hope that she is not the only one that will grace you home. It's been what, three years since you had her?" Are you planning on having another?"
"Oh granny, it was you who taught me that is no way to speak in polite society."
"Well good thing for me I am your grandmother and therefore don't have to be polite society to you. So tell me, are you doing your duty and trying to produce an heir?"
"Honestly, what a question to ask, but if you really must know, the absence of our second child is not from lack of trying."
"Well that's reassuring to hear at least."
With Violet at least partially satisfied by Mary's answer, the topic soon changed to Sybil's impending visit.
Squeals of laughter filled the air as Matthew caught Maggie, twirling her around before releasing her to in turn chase him. Mary smiled, she loved watching them play together and in the warm evening she drank in the sweetness of her husband and daughter together.
"Alright Maggie, you have worn me out." Matthew said as he dropped onto the lawn next to Mary.
They watched in silence for a few minutes as their daughter skipped away, content to play by herself for a bit.
Mary finally broke the silence, "you aren't disappointed are you? That she's a girl, I mean."
"How could I be? I couldn't imagine life without her." He paused, "What makes you ask?"
"It's just that granny asked me today if we were doing out part to produce an heir."
Matthew laughed out loud. "Poor cousin Violet, she has a hard time when things don't go according to her plan. Actually though, my mother had a similar conversation with me the other day- she's not as worried about the heir obviously, but wanted to make sure things were alright between us."
This time it was Mary's turn to laugh, she could imagine how uncomfortable Matthew might have felt discussing such things with his mother. "It seems the whole family is worried about us."
Turning serious, Matthew turned to look at his beautiful wife, "are you worried about us?"
Looking out at their daughter, who was now collecting flowers, obviously immersed in her own imaginary world, Mary leaned to rest her head on Matthew's shoulder and smiled "not today. Today I am just happy."