AN: I'm so glad everyone enjoyed the wedding chapter! And I'd like to take a moment to thank those of you who have been regularly reviewing! It makes me very happy indeed :D
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Downton Abbey.
The first family member to embrace them both was Cora, who was as giddy as a little girl, as she had never been more happy, or proud of her little girl. The next was Violet, who, through the tears that still pooled in the corner of her eyes, was still able to give a full hearted laugh, and comment of "It's about time!" Isobel was next, and she embraced Mary tightly, and whispered in her ear "I've always wanted a daughter. And I'm very happy that it's you." Mary grinned and kissed her new mother in law on the cheek "Thank you Mother." Mary smiled, putting a special emphasis on the word mother.
"Well everyone, why stand outside, when we've got a perfectly good set up inside." Robert said over the chatter. When everyone had gone in except for Robert, and Matthew and Mary, He stopped them and embraced them both with fatherly love. "However hesitant I might have seemed about this, however soon I think it is, I love you both, very much, and today, I've never been prouder of either of you." His words nearly caused Mary to cry from happiness.
"Shall we go in?" Robert asked after a moment. The pair nodded happily and they walked in the open door. "Oh my goodness!" Mary's hand flew to her chest as she saw the inside of Downton. The decorations where simple, flowers of all kinds, white and blue silky ribbons, and candles in silver stands- simply done, yet perfect. "I can't believe they managed this while we were gone! I told them not to go through too much trouble!" Mary said, still aghast at the scene that lay before her. "Why shouldn't they? It's our wedding day, and nothing is too good for my wife." Matthew grinned at finally being able to say that Mary was in fact, his wife.
"Goodness, is someone getting a little possessive?" Mary teased happily as she squeezed his hand. "And why shouldn't I be? With a wife as pretty as you are, no one knows who might try to come and steal you." Matthew kissed her again, and this kiss was sweet, and lingering… and perfect. "Oh you two! Please, save it for later! What if Mama were to see you like that!" Sybil giggled as she came forward and jokingly shoved the newlyweds apart.
Both Mary and Matthew's faces were crimson red,causing Sybil to laugh to no end. "Come now sister and brother! We're going to dance!" Sybil was positively jubilant, grinning even wider as she said the word brother, excited to finally have one. "I suppose some dancing would be wonderful." Mary laughed, and took Matthews arm as they followed where Sybil led.
The sight was something truly wonderful, everyone dancing together, the servants, Matthew's friends, and Mary's family, as if all were dear friends, who had no notions of class in their heads. She noticed then that Sybil had gone to dance with Branson… and they were dancing quite close… "Mary, is everything alright?" Matthew asked after noticing Mary's intense stare in the direction of her youngest sister. "Hm? Oh yes, quite alright- and wondering when my new husband is going to ask me to dance." Mary said, feigning annoyance.
"Would you dance with me?" Matthew asked her with a smile, "No Please Matthew? I've been your wife less than an hour and you've already tossed manners to the wind!" Mary laughed. "Mary, would you please dance with me?" He laughed. "Only because you asked nicely." Mary nodded in approval, and allowed herself to be taken in his arms, just as the music changed and slowed ever so slightly
"Sometimes, when I feel bad, and things look blue, I wish a pal I had say one like you. Someone within my heart to build a throne. Someone who'd never part and call my own. If you were the only girl in the world, and I were the only boy, nothing else would matter in the world today, we could go on loving in the same old way, a Garden of Eden just made for two…"
"I've never noticed how true this song was before." Mary smiled and looked up at her husband. "I suppose you're right." He kissed the tip of her nose sweetly and looked into her eyes. "Nothing else would matter in the world today…" Mary sang quietly under her breath and Matthew grinned "Nothing else does matter. Not now that you're my wife. You're my world." "I was thinking nearly the same thing." Mary giggled.
The festivities continued, late into the evening, food was eaten, and champagne poured freely, and the sweets we're delicious, and many compliments where given to Mrs. Patmore for the fine work she'd been able to do (With the help of Daisy and Mrs. Bird of course) In just one night. When the wedding cake had been eaten, and folk resumed drunkenly dancing, Mary looked at Matthew and mouthed "Should we make our escape?" Causing Matthew to laugh, and nod happily at his wife.
"Mary and I would like to thank you all, for coming on such short notice, and for helping to make this day the happiest of my life. We're going to leave you now, but you're free to continue as long as my new mother and father will allow." Matthew announced and was cheered on happily by the drunken crowd.
"Should we drive, or would you like to walk?" Matthew asked as they walked quickly through there noisy family members. "A walk sounds lovely." Mary grinned and they kissed once more at the door, to everyone's cheers and applause. "Goodbye everyone!" Mary laughed as the door shut behind them, and they began to walk.
Still in the house everyone was abuzz with chatter and laughter. Anna had departed early to arrive at Crawley house with some of Lady Mary's things, while everyone else was still dancing. Sybil was still dancing mainly with Branson, because for this one night, she could. Edith stood at the edge of the festivities, watching when one of the young men she recognized as Matthew's friend approached her.
"I noticed you stand alone quite a lot, and I couldn't help but think it was a shame." He said as he stood beside her. "And why is that?" Edith asked as she studied the tall man who'd come to her side. He was handsome, green and golden eyes, dark brown hair, and a fine, muscled jaw. "Because someone so pretty should never be so ignored." He smiled, making Edith's heart thump unevenly. "Excuse me, I didn't introduce myself. My name is Dr. Lowe, Gregory Lowe." He reached to shake her hand, and only then did she notice his right hand was missing three fingers.
Some ladies might have fainted at the sight, but it was something Edith had become immune to at the soilders recovery home. "Edith Crawley. I'm pleased to meet you." She smiled warmly at him. "Lady Edith." He corrected with a smirk. "Yes, Lady Edith. But it's ridiculous to use a title in such an intimate conversation" She said with a blush, allowing Gregory to see how much a blush suited the young lady.
"Would you care to dance with me?" he asked hopefully. "It would be a delight." Edith nodded and allowed herself to be taken into his arms. From across the room, Cora noticed and smiled "Robert, look!" She whispered excitedly in his ear. He followed her line of sight, and saw Edith- his little Edith, dancing and laughing with a friend of Matthews.
"They do seem to be getting on rather well." Cora said hopefully. "He seems a nice enough fellow." Robert nodded, having spoken briefly to the doctor earlier in the evening. "He was in a medical unit in France, had his hand smashed under some rubble. A shame really, I'd heard he was an excellent doctor." Robert sighed, explaining to his wife the man's missing fingers. "Well, regardless, now that Mary is settled, I'd like to see Edith become the same." Cora had continued observing, and noticed the bright grin her daughter wore.
"I'm sure she will, in good time my dear. In good time." Robert said as he took his own wife to dance. "Our little Mary is quite grown up now." Cora sighed wistfully. "Yes she is. And I've never been more proud." Robert smiled down at his wife who nodded in agreement.
As the party died down, someone placed on the record again. "Sometimes, when I feel bad and things look blue, I wish a pal I had, say one like you…"
AN: There was the wedding party, and a bit of romance for Edith, because well, I'd say she does deserve it. I hope you enjoyed!