"I'm sorry I can't go with you today, I just have to be at work today. I will come up as soon as I can."
Mary nodded, she understood. Even though it had been years since Sybil and Tom got married there was still always a tense mood at Downton when they came to visit. Mary didn't mind, she loved Sybil and respected Tom, but it was always better with Matthew by her side.
After her husband left Mary took her time getting ready. She knew no matter their good intentions Sybil and her family never made it before the late afternoon. But they must have left earlier than usual because as the great house came into her view Mary could see Sybil and her family just getting out of the car. As she approached her mother was excusing her father's absence as usual and Sybil's older boys were running around the drive, excited to be able to stretch their legs.
Sybil was talking to Cora and Edith, "the boys have been asking all day if they can see the horses when we got here."
"Perhaps Tom can take them to go riding, I had thought us girls could go for a walk this afternoon." Mary understood Edith suggestion and Sybil's quick acceptance of it, not only had neither of her sisters been the horsewoman she was they had also both recently given birth to their youngest children.
Not only was Tom willing to take the boys (and their cousin Maggie) to the stables, he seemed relieved to escape the company of the Crawley women.
Right away Sybil's baby was in his grandmother's arms and it wasn't long before Mary was carrying the sleeping Sarah in her arms. Mary walked in silence, enjoying the warm baby in her arms as well as the comfortable companionship of her sisters. They hadn't always gotten along, but time, marriages, and children had overshadowed their differences.
The conversation mostly revolved around their children, it being their first time together since the two new babies had been born. Mary let them talk; only adding comments here and there, her mind on the day Maggie was born.
The night was finally still, it had been a long day and an even longer evening as their baby had made her way into the world. Finally, it was just the three of them alone; Mary sitting up in bed with Matthew beside her, a tiny girl in his arms.
"Little Maggie," Matthew whispered as his finger ran down her nose and traced the little lips. "You did perfectly, she is perfect."
On the day of her wedding Mary had thought she couldn't be happier, but here she was, happier than ever at the sight of Matthew and their daughter… their daughter, their beautiful daughter.
Margaret started to whimper and Mary moved to take her from Matthew, but he stood up with her instead, bouncing her up and down slowly while he moved about the room. To Mary he said, "You sleep, I can get to know my daughter."
Mary closed her tired eyes and just before she was overcome with sleep she heard Matthew whisper to his daughter "Maggie, you be good and you be strong. I hope as you grow that you will know that your father loves you, I hope you don't make the same mistakes I did but you can end up with the same happiness."
Mary hadn't thought about that night in such a long time, she would have convinced herself it was a dream if it wasn't so clear in her memory. She was lucky to have Maggie but Matthew was a wonderful father and deserved to have the chance to do it again.
It was unspoken when the women went through after dinner that the men wouldn't be too far behind them. Robert never had much to say to Tom and even the presence of his other sons-in-law didn't make it any easier. Mary left the room last. In the doorway she looked back at Matthew, willing him to help her father make peace with Tom.
As soon as the ladies were all settled, Violet, who had come for dinner, turned to Sybil. "You look so tired; the trip didn't wear you out did it?"
"No, the boys were actually very good; they were fascinated by the boat and the train. Tom was great with showing them everything there was to see."
"So you didn't travel with a maid then? I would have never dreamed of traveling without one for my children, if I even took them with me at all."
Mary couldn't tell why Violet had to bring it up. They were all well aware that Tom's wages, although enough to support his family, didn't leave enough to pay for a full time nurse maid. Coming home must be such a reminder for Sybil of everything she had given up.
Mary replied before Sybil could say anything. "Granny, you know full well that things are different now. Parents now days are expected to be more involved in the lives of their children."
"I know that, and I admire how you and Matthew are involved with Maggie, but three boys, I am overwhelmed by the idea of it."
"I for one am glad that I had a girl," of course Edith had to have her say. Mary knew it didn't matter to Edith because her husband had two sons from his first marriage. Even though it wasn't, Mary felt the conversation pointed at her and she sighed in relief as the men came through the door.
Sorry if that last bit was out of character for any of them, I struggled with it. Anyway, if you catch any spelling or grammar errors feel free to point them out, they are not my strong point.