Previously:
Painswick House, Eaton Square, London, England, November 1911
"It makes me angry when you're right," he said ruefully.
"Then you must be full of rage virtually all of the time," Alex replied. "Don't feel too badly, Matthew. I am older and wiser than you."
Matthew gave Alex a knowing look and sipped his drink.
"How is she?"
Matthew lowered his voice, not even wanting to use her name among the crowd. "She is very well, thank you."
"And will you be seeing her again during your stay in London?" Alex smirked.
"I don't know. It's looking promising." Matthew smiled back.
"Well that's an improvement on what it would have been mere hours ago. Come, let's do one more circuit of the room before we make our excuses."
Chapter 4:
Grantham House, St. James Square, London, England, November 1912
Matthew followed Robert as they walked through the upstairs hall overlooking the salon below. The Earl proudly pointed out the various pieces of art that his family had accumulated over time. Matthew looked this way and that, remaining silent as his cousin spoke animatedly. Matthew could scarcely believe he was standing inside the opulent space. In the past, this place stood as a fortress to him, as Mary's home that he could never have access to. Now, he was literally ordained to be the future Lord of this manor.
Robert explained the number of staff they brought with them when they were in London and how often they opened the home during the year.
"Usually if we're here for short trips, we stay at my sister's. I'm sure you've heard of her?" Robert asked as they walked down the stairs to the main floor.
"Yes, Lady Rosamund Painswick. She wrote to me when I first arrived at Downton, welcoming me into the family," Matthew said evenly. "I've also heard of her party during the Winter Season," he added.
"Yes, I imagine that you would have," Robert chuckled. "Rosamund enjoys being the centre of attention, so she holds a lavish winter party each year and is sure to tell all of Society and the media about it, both before and after the fact. She usually comes to Downton for the New Year's Shoot and the Servants' Ball, and for the Garden Party in the summer of course. She's quite proud of her Winter party though."
They finished the tour in the sitting room, where Cora and her daughters were having tea.
"There you boys are," Cora said, smiling. "Matthew, why don't you go and see the neighbourhood? There are some lovely shops and buildings, and Green Park is just outside."
"That's a wonderful idea," Robert agreed. "I have business to attend to in Kensington, but perhaps one of the girls could show you around, Matthew?"
"I can show him," Edith volunteered a bit too quickly. "That is, if you don't mind, Cousin Matthew," she recovered.
Matthew froze, unable to reply at first. He quickly composed himself. "I would not mind at all, Cousin Edith. Thank you."
"Edith," Mary interjected, her voice showing a hint of amusement. "I thought you were going to go shopping with Mama this afternoon?"
"Oh, that's right," Cora said. "We have to look at gowns for you, dear."
"Well, I'm sure it can wait," Edith replied. "We are here for two weeks after all."
"Aunt Rosamund's party is in five days' time, not to mention the Stanley's have invited us to their home in three days. If you think you can find a dressmaker to put something together for you in two days, then go sightseeing with Cousin Matthew all you like," Mary said, becoming suddenly very focused on her nails.
"I forgot all about the Stanley's!" Cora gasped. "Edith, we need to go see Lucile right away!"
"Mama," Edith said impatiently. "Surely, Lady Duff-Gordon won't be able to see me on such short notice. I can wear one of my other gowns."
"She'll make time for us, Edith. She knows we're in London this week and she wrote to me saying to come by whenever we were available."
Edith could only frown in resignation.
"Well, that's unfortunate," Robert sighed.
"I'm sure Sybil can show Cousin Matthew around," Mary suggested, still looking at her nails.
"Nonsense," Robert said. "If anything, Sybil should go with your Mama and Edith."
"That's right," Cora agreed. "Sybil, we may as well start looking at designs for your dresses for the Season while we're here."
Sybil rolled her eyes, which was rather comical considering how little she did that compared to her sisters. "Yes, Mama," she said plainly.
"Well I guess that leaves you, Mary," Robert declared.
"What? Me?" Mary looked up from her nails with a gaze of horror across her face. "But, why? Matthew can walk around perfectly well on his own. He's a grown man, after all, at least as far as we know."
"Mary!" Robert scolded her. "Walk out with Matthew and show him around the neighbourhood. Now. I've made my decision."
Now it was Mary's turn to roll her eyes dramatically. "Fine. I'll have Anna fetch my coat," she mumbled, rising from the sofa and walking past Matthew towards the front hall. Matthew smiled sheepishly and wished everyone else a pleasant day before turning and walking after Mary.
They wandered from St. James Square down through Green Park, keeping their hands to themselves, knowing they could not risk even such casual contact. When it was obvious they were well out of sight of Grantham House, and Mary could not see any passers by glancing in their direction, she turned and slapped Matthew on the arm.
"Ow! Mary!" Matthew cried and grabbed his arm. He smiled at her. "That almost hurt!" he said playfully.
"I would not mind at all, Cousin Edith. Thank you," Mary said in a mocking high-pitched voice. "Why don't we take a delightful little stroll together and get to know one another better?"
Matthew huffed and shook his head. "What would you have me say then? Oh, I'm sorry, Cousin Edith, I do appreciate your kind offer, but I would much rather go out walking with Cousin Mary. You see, I'm hoping to steer her into the park, push her up against a tree and shower her with passionate kisses, and you simply aren't fit for my purposes, Cousin Edith."
Mary smiled in spite of herself as the vivid image flashed in her mind. "Don't you dare try and change the subject, Matthew Crawley. Edith fancies you, and encouraging her will make both of our lives miserable."
"Well then how am I to discourage her, Mary?" Matthew demanded, still trying to make it seem like they were not speaking so closely as they walked. "We're not engaged, or even interested in each other, remember? How would it look if I rejected Edith's invitation and told your parents I would rather you walk out with me instead?"
"You don't need to mention me! Just let Edith down, politely or otherwise. You need to be careful, Matthew. She has big plans for you."
"Then she's in for an equally big disappointment. Mary, this isn't about Edith. All of this would be avoided if you would simply just quit this scheme!"
"You're supposed to be trying to win me over!" Mary shot back. "My parents would be delighted to see such an effort. You saw what happened when I tried to make an excuse just now. Papa ordered me to walk out with you. He still hopes for a happy ending for us. Just take charge of the situation, Matthew, for goodness' sake."
"I have been!" Matthew answered, aware that he was coming very close to whining. "You know very well that I've been nothing short of a perfect gentleman towards you, Mary, and still our supposed relationship in front of your family has not progressed beyond basic pleasantries!"
"I told you, I can't be seen to suddenly change my regard for you so quickly! Everyone knows my position when it comes to you. You're the distant cousin who has come to take away what is rightfully mine, Matthew. I can't just let that go."
"You told me that you didn't care about any of that!" Matthew frowned.
"I don't care about it! Not really. But in front of my parents and the rest of my family, I still care about it!"
"Which you are we talking about now?" Matthew shook his head, thoroughly confused. "You say I need to take charge? I suppose I should just hit you over the head with my club and drag you away then? How do you believe I can be so assertive when you've made it clear to your parents that you aren't going to marry me? I've been trying to win you over, Mary, but you continue to keep me at arm's length because we're following some phantom schedule of when we are supposed to warm to each other! To keep chasing after you despite your constant indifference towards me makes me look like a fool, or an idiot, or both."
"I don't recall keeping you at arm's length in the small library last week," Mary looked at him pointedly.
"That was a different you then, obviously," Matthew responded in equally pointed fashion.
Mary sighed. This was hard, and it was becoming harder the more intricate her scheme was growing. She thought she could begin to be friendlier to Matthew by now, but Edith was constantly reminding her that Matthew was fair game since Mary had shown no interest upon his arrival. Further, she knew her Mama had basically written them off as a possible couple due to Mary's unwavering stance on the entail, meaning a sudden turn in Mary's feelings would look even more suspicious. Mary was beginning to think she should just tell her parents she would marry Matthew and hope that their relief at her capitulation would dissuade them from asking any questions about why she was changing her mind.
"Darling," Mary began, looking not quite at his face but at his shoes as they walked. "I know it's hard, but remember, you're going to be Earl of Grantham someday. You'll be making decisions for all of the family. You can't just let me have my way in front of them now. It will make it seem as if you've given up and that there's no hope for us. Then they'll move on to another plan and Mama and Granny will be parading suitors through the house day and night."
Matthew sighed. "I don't want to command you, Mary, even if it's only make believe. Call me progressive, but I would prefer that my betrothed actually wanted to spend time with me rather than doing it out of a sense of obligation."
"I do want to spend time with you! And truth be told, I wouldn't mind spending time with you up against the nearest tree now that you mention it. I'm simply pointing out that you must show some perseverance and determination. This plan only works if they believe that you made me come around despite everything; that you are willing to push past my perceived stubbornness."
"Perceived stubbornness? 'He's a grown man after all, at least as far as we know'?"
Mary smiled. "Well you must admit that it's impressive how I can think of these rebukes at the spur of the moment."
Matthew laughed ruefully. "Yes, I'm ever so proud of your ability to come up with withering insults for me at the drop of a hat."
They came to the north end of Green Park and Mary smiled. "The Winterbourne Café," she said, looking into the distance.
Matthew smiled and stole a glance at her, meeting her eyes before looking back away as they crossed the street. "You know, I've heard it is the most delightful little spot."
"As have I," Mary agreed. "You just never know who you'll run into there."
They laughed together as they continued their tour.
London, England, December 1911
The day after Aunt Rosamund's party, Cora took all of the girls shopping. By the time they returned to Grantham House they had to dress for dinner and Mary could not leave. The second day she announced in advance that she planned on taking a walk in the park in the afternoon, but her Papa nixed that idea by saying they were taking tea at a friend's home. Knowing that she would now be standing up Matthew two days in a row, she threw a slight tantrum that was part faked and part real, and she managed to exact a promise from her parents that she would be free to do as she pleased the following two afternoons. Mary complained that she needed to visit her favourite boutiques without her sisters or parents interfering with her shopping. Thankfully, Mary's obsessive nature when it came to fashion was well known, and her parents agreed in exasperation.
On the third day, Mary was sure to show up at the Winterbourne Café at half past one o'clock in the afternoon. She was decidedly anxious as she ordered tea and scones and went to sit down at the back of the room. What if Matthew did not come? What if he was angry with her for not showing up earlier in the week? He promised her he would wait, but how could she reasonably expect him to do so when she kept putting him off? She drank her tea nervously, glancing at the door constantly.
To her relief, she did not have to wait long. A familiar blond haired man came into the Café at a quarter to two. He saw her sitting in the back and he smiled, ordering a coffee and a croissant before approaching and taking a seat at the table next to hers. Mary smiled and looked down at her tea cup as he got closer. Of course Matthew had waited for her, just as he said he would.
Facing towards the wall so he could see her diagonally across from him, but ensuring it did not look like they were sitting together, Matthew spoke softly as he blew on his coffee.
"You came," he grinned.
"And you're early," she smiled, still looking down at her cup. "I hope you didn't think me rude for not appearing until now. Mama took us shopping two days ago and Papa took us for tea yesterday. I wasn't told about either of these appointments in advance. I couldn't risk sending a message here without arousing suspicion, and I…"
"It's all right," Matthew assured her, sipping his coffee. "I'm just glad you're here."
"I've managed to free my afternoon tomorrow as well," Mary whispered, looking away.
"That's wonderful news," Matthew replied.
They continued whispering to each other and sipping their drinks. Matthew's mind was working frantically. How could he get her away from Grantham House? Meeting at the Café had worked, but they had no privacy. There were no other parties that he was scheduled to be at for the rest of the week, and he could not very well attend any of her events uninvited. He stopped thinking about it as they continued their secret conversation. It was always so easy to speak to Mary. He could tell her anything that came to mind and it would lead them on a journey of opinion, debate and the exchange of ideas, with a few endearments mixed in. It was how they were with each other from the beginning – they never lacked for conversation.
After finishing their drinks and remaining in the Café longer than most patrons, they rose reluctantly and left. Mary's family was invited out for dinner that evening and she needed to be back home early to get ready. They took a long way through Green Park to prolong their time together. When he was sure they were hidden from view, Matthew pulled Mary to him.
"Goodbye, Mary," he whispered. "Thank you for a lovely afternoon."
"Until tomorrow, Matthew," she smiled back, kissing him chastely before turning and walking down the road to Grantham House.
Matthew crossed the street and walked parallel to Mary. He trailed behind her to ensure she got back to Grantham House safely and went on his way back to his hotel. He approached one of the bellmen when he reached the Albermale Street entrance.
"Excuse me," Matthew asked. "Is this the only door to the hotel?"
"It's the main one, sir," the young boy replied. "The doors at the back are for deliveries and staff. There's another entrance around the corner there. Used to be the entrance for the old St. George's Hotel. No one uses it. It'd be the long way to the get to the front desk, I suppose."
"Thank you," Matthew replied. He walked through the lobby and down a hallway, coming to the side entrance. Looking down the hall, he found a stairway, which he was able to take up to his floor. Matthew smiled as he walked the short distance from the stairway entrance to his room.
The next afternoon Mary arrived at the Café just as she promised. Matthew was already there waiting for her at the back of the room. Once they finished their drinks, Matthew looked at her with a nervous smile.
"Can we walk? I know it's a risk, but I'd like to speak to you…properly."
Mary smiled as she looked down at her empty cup. "Lead on, Mr. Crawley."
As they rose and left the Café, they turned towards Piccadilly and walked for another block in silence, glancing around to make sure they did not see any familiar faces. The street was crowded and they blended in well.
"Where to, Lady Mary?"
"I put myself in your very capable hands, Mr. Crawley."
They walked down the busy street, keeping a respectable distance between them. Matthew's fingers twitched, and he had to stop himself from reaching for Mary's hand, or touching her waist. Speaking with her openly in public was a pleasure that he thought he had lost at the end of last summer, but being so close to her had him craving more than mere discussion. Inspiration struck him when he looked down the street.
"Fancy going to see the pictures, Lady Mary?"
Mary looked up, then smiled back at him.
"That's a wonderful idea, Matthew."
They walked to the theatre and he purchased two tickets for the afternoon show. The theatre was dark and was conveniently almost empty. A silent movie began to play and they sat down near the back. They watched for several minutes before Matthew took her hand in his, holding it between them. Mary smiled at the gesture. They kept their eyes on the film, even though neither of them was really paying any attention at all.
After several moments, Mary pulled his hand towards her, drawing his gaze. She smiled warmly and leaned towards him.
"We don't have much time," she whispered.
He leaned closer and kissed her, his free hand moving to her cheek and stroking her face while their tongues caressed each other. Mary moaned softly into his mouth. Their hands roamed each other's bodies with a knowing ease, their lips touching tenderly before hers would wander to his neck, and his would capture her earlobe and throat.
"I'm not sorry," he whispered as he held her close, their foreheads touching. "I know we said goodbye, and it was the hardest thing I've ever done, and it will kill me to say goodbye to you again next week, but I could never regret this."
She kissed him again, framing her face with her hands. "Tomorrow is another day, Matthew. Today, we're together. Today, I'm where I belong, darling."
They left the theatre before the movie was finished. While Matthew would love to have stayed, he did not want to keep Mary away for too long. Before they arrived within view of Grantham House, he stopped and pulled her aside, kissing her quickly.
"Here, I bought you these, to explain what you've been up to while you've been shopping," Matthew smiled, taking a small bag from his coat pocket and handing it to her.
Mary's eyes widened in surprise and she looked inside the bag, delighting in the elegant black gloves that he had bought for her.
"Thank you, Matthew!" she said, her eyes dancing. "They are beautiful."
"I rather like the idea of you wearing them," he said with a smirk.
"So do I," she answered, kissing him again.
"Will I see you tomorrow?" Matthew asked nervously.
"Yes, darling," Mary smiled. "I shall make every effort to escape for the afternoon. 2 o'clock at the Café?"
"I'll be waiting."
Mary ran her gloved hand along his cheek once more before she turned and walked off. Matthew saw her safely to Grantham House. He wore a decidedly boyish grin across his face all the way to his hotel. Mary was right. Tomorrow was another day with its own challenges. Today they saw each other. Today they kissed. Today they were together.
Downton Abbey, England, February 1912
"Mary, have you seen today's newspaper?"
"I haven't, Sybil. Papa's probably still reading it. Why don't you go and ask him?"
"Whenever I ask Papa for the paper he hands me the fashion section or the crossword puzzle," Sybil whined.
Mary looked up from her book and smirked at her youngest sister's attitude. "And this is a problem? What exactly do you want to read in the paper, Sybil?"
"I don't know," she sighed, coming over to the sofa and sitting down next to Mary. "Something about what's going on in the world, some news from London or America."
"Goodness, you're rather inquisitive for such a young Lady," Mary teased.
Sybil ignored her sister's comment. "What are you reading? I haven't seen that book before."
"I picked it up in London over the holidays," Mary explained, keeping the book away from Sybil's grasp. "It's a collection of Greek mythology."
"Really? You bought that for yourself?"
"It was a gift. Why do you sound so surprised?"
"I can't say," Sybil quirked her eyebrow. "It just doesn't seem like something you would want to read in your spare time. Greek mythology can be rather…"
"Yes?" Mary asked.
"Rather romantic, and idealistic. There's often a moral lesson, and I didn't think you would be interested in that."
"I can appreciate classic literature as much as the next Lady, thank you," Mary said airily, going back to her marked page.
"Which tale are you reading now, Mary?"
Mary looked up from her book and rolled her eyes before looking at Sybil with a smile. "Darling, if I tell you, will you promise to leave me be? I'm reading about the Trials of Hercules. The Augean task specifically."
"Ah, there you both are," Cora called as she entered the library. "Sybil, your Granny will be here soon, please go fetch Edith and have Mrs. Hughes arrange for tea and sandwiches in the parlour."
"Yes, Mama," Sybil said, rising from the sofa and setting off for Edith's room.
"Mary, there's something we need to discuss before your Granny arrives," Cora began slowly, sitting down next to her eldest daughter.
"Is it important? I was hoping to finish this story, actually," Mary replied, still reading.
"It is. Put the book down."
Mary looked up at her Mama's serious expression. She reluctantly closed the book and placed it on the side table. "Well? What is it?"
"It's about your cousin, Patrick."
Mary instantly shook her head. "Mama, not again," she began.
"Listen, Mary," Cora raised her hand and frowned at her daughter. "Cousin James and Patrick are leaving in May for America. We're going to have them over before they go and I expect you to take care of Patrick."
"What makes you think my opinion has changed since the last time you raised the subject?" Mary bit back. "Honestly, Mama. My debut was just last summer. Why must I be ordered to marry Cousin Patrick when he isn't even the best offer I may receive? Not to mention the fact that he hasn't formally asked me yet, either."
"He'll ask you when he is told to, which will be after he comes back from America, I expect. Mary, I know you received many invitations during your Season, but that was months ago and nothing has come of it. It's important that you are settled, not just for your own sake but for your sisters as well."
"Oh, I see. I forgot that in addition to my own husband, I need to also find someone else willing to take Edith," Mary rolled her eyes.
"Mary," Cora warned. "You know that isn't what I meant. We've been over this. You know very well what your duty is as eldest daughter of the Earl of Grantham. The longer you go without an arrangement, the harder it will be for your sisters when their Seasons arrive."
"This entire situation would be far simpler if Papa would simply challenge the entail," Mary growled.
"We've been over this again and again, Mary. It simply isn't possible."
"If he isn't willing to fight for me to begin with, then obviously there's no hope in it."
"Why do you think you're more worthy than Cousin James?"
"Cousin James inherit Downton? He doesn't even live here!"
Cora sighed heavily.
"How are you so sure I won't have a better offer before Patrick returns from America?" Mary pressed her case.
"Name one," Cora replied pointedly. "If any of your suitors during the summer were serious, his family would have at least contacted Papa by now. You can't hold on to false hope, Mary. I expect you to be far more practical about these things."
Mary's mind swam with the names of various suitors who had written to her since the summer. There was no use disclosing them to her Mama though. Truth be told, none of them were a much better option than Patrick himself. Worse still, the one name she was interested in was a lost cause.
"Rest assured, Mama. For months now, I have thought of little else than the practicality of my marriage," Mary replied. "If you and Granny did not have such an exhaustive list of characteristics for my future husband, I could find someone better suited for me than Cousin Patrick."
"Mary, please," Cora sighed. "You act as if what we want is all that matters."
"Isn't it?" Mary raised her eyebrow in challenge.
"Well, it isn't the only thing that matters," Cora conceded. Mary turned away bitterly.
"Mary," Cora said in a matronly manner. Mary turned back to her. "My darling, I know you do not enjoy being told what to do, but I also know that you do enjoy living a certain lifestyle. There are only particular gentlemen who can provide that for you, dear, and Patrick is one of them. If you can find a better match, then fine, but if not, we're going ahead with your Papa's plans and you will do your duty to this family. I don't understand why you've become so stubborn about this. Whenever we discussed your duty in the years before your debut, you didn't need so much convincing. I thought you understood exactly what was expected of you. I thought you understood you would marry Patrick if that's what it came to."
"That's not the point," Mary said dismissively. "I never agreed to marry Cousin Patrick; I only said I would consider it. I was barely a teenager, Mama. I hadn't had my Season yet. I hadn't met anyone else." 'I hadn't met Matthew' she thought forlornly.
"I could find someone perfect for me, Mama," Mary continued. "I could find someone who is clever, and witty, someone who makes me laugh and who values me for the woman I am, rather than for the fact I am the eldest daughter of the Earl of Grantham. But that man would not suit any of you, simply because he may not be a Duke, or heir to a grand Estate, or listed in Burke's Peerage."
"Is that so?" Cora laughed. "Honestly, Mary, do you expect me to believe that you would marry outside of Society? That sounds like something strange that only an American would do."
Mary grit her teeth at her Mama's insinuation.
"We're talking about your future, Mary. Do you remember all of the vivid dreams you had as a child of being a Countess one day? That won't happen by magic, Mary; and it certainly won't happen with a man outside of our class. This isn't only about you. It's about this family. Now, unless you want another lecture from your Granny, I'll tell her that we've discussed the matter and we won't speak about it again until Cousin James and Patrick arrive next month."
"Yes, Mama," Mary said quietly.
"I'll expect you in the parlour shortly. Your Granny should be here within the hour. This situation must be handled properly, Mary. Remember that." Cora rose from the sofa and left the library.
"I'm not as fastidious about doing things properly as you might think," Mary said softly, picking up her book and holding it to her chest. "But I'm also not nearly as rebellious either."
Painswick House, Eaton Square, London, England, December 1912
"So, that's Cousin Matthew, future Earl of Grantham."
Mary suppressed the urge to roll her eyes at her Aunt Rosamund's comment. She knew that tone well. It was generally followed by a caustic remark, or worse, a scheme.
"In the flesh," Mary replied indifferently, taking another sip of champagne. She looked over at Matthew speaking to Alex and smiled to herself. He really did look rather handsome in black tie, she mused. A lovely benefit of him now being her Papa's heir was that she was allowed to look upon him whenever she wished.
"Your Mama tells me that you are not very impressed by him."
"I wouldn't say that," Mary said carefully. "We've all gotten to know him a bit more in the past months since his arrival. He's slightly better mannered than I originally believed, I'll admit that."
"But you still won't marry him?"
"He hasn't asked me," Mary said plainly, trying to keep her calm veneer. Speaking to Aunt Rosamund was akin to broadcasting her thoughts to her Mama, Granny and various members of Society all at once. She needed to be judicious about what details she provided.
"And if he did? It would be a way for you to maintain control of the Estate despite the entail."
"A tidier solution would be if Papa would fight the entail," Mary sighed.
"I agree, but that is a battle that may already be lost."
"Papa seems to think so, and therefore I mean nothing in all of this," Mary replied. "Excuse me, Aunt Rosamund, I think I see Lady Ellen has arrived."
Mary walked away, somewhat pleased with herself. She could already picture in her mind her Aunt Rosamund informing her Mama that Mary had not entirely objected to the idea of marrying Matthew, which was a subtle change from her stance of several months ago. She smiled at the idea that her Aunt Rosamund's gossipy nature may prove useful after all.
Mary exchanged her empty glass for another flute of champagne as she passed one of the servers. She deliberately walked across Matthew's line of sight, sipping her drink slowly. She surreptitiously caught Matthew's eye and raised her eyebrow briefly, never breaking her stride. Matthew could not stop looking at her as she crossed the room.
"Excuse me, Matthew," Alex smiled at his friend's distraction. "I think I need to refresh my drink. I'll speak with you later."
Matthew turned back in time to see Alex walk away with a full glass and a knowing smirk. He shook his head before looking back to where Mary had wandered off to. Scanning the room slowly, he realized she was no longer in the ballroom. Smiling to himself, Matthew walked towards the far hallway.
He walked down the darkened corridor, the sound of the party disappearing into the background. Looking around carefully to ensure he had not been seen, Matthew slipped into the darkened parlour, closing the door silently behind him. Before he could adjust his eyes to the lack of light, he felt a firm grip on his arm. He turned and gloved hands tilted his head down and soft lips captured his mouth.
"Mary," he smiled as he moved from her mouth, kissing her cheek and neck.
"Were you expecting Edith or someone else?" she teased.
"I would appreciate it if you did not mention your sister's name while I am kissing you," he countered, continuing his ministrations.
"Very well," she sighed, closing her eyes at the sensations caused by his lips dancing across her skin. "Are you enjoying the party?"
"Quite. It's the loveliest Winter Season party I've been to…since last year." They both muffled their laughter.
"I must say though that I saw the most peculiar glances from your friends," he added.
"That's not surprising," Mary answered. "Now that they've met you, Ellen and Sarah are probably imagining how to position themselves as the future Countess of Grantham."
Matthew pulled back from her and frowned. "You can't be serious."
"A Lady needs to be settled, Matthew," Mary said bitterly. "An unfortunate consequence of our plan is that it makes you seem rather eligible."
Matthew's first impulse was to point out that the plan was in fact Mary's, and therefore any consequences were the result of her own folly. However, he was wise enough to stifle that reply, and instead gave her a deep kiss.
"I hope they won't be too disappointed, then. I've been off the market for years now," he smirked, resuming his kisses to her neck and guiding her away from the door.
"Truly?" Mary smiled, tilting her head and closing her eyes as pleasure flared through her. "Years, you say?"
"Well it isn't public knowledge, you see," Matthew answered against her throat. "But the truth is that I'm completely besotted by an enigma of a woman. Even though it seemed at one point that nothing could come of it, I've found that she is quite unforgettable."
"Chasing after a woman you can't have would make you seem rather foolish, or idiotic," Mary whispered, partly as a tease, but also in sad acknowledgement of how despondent their situation had been just a year before.
"Truly," Matthew replied, pulling back from her warm skin and causing her to open her eyes at him. "But, you see, when you love someone, the heart tends to pay no attention to anything Society has to say."
Mary grinned and brought his mouth back to hers, kissing him again before staring at his bright blue eyes through the darkness.
"Would you like to sit?" she asked mischievously, nodding her head towards the settee.
"That depends," Matthew said, almost growling. "Are you prepared to finish what you started there last year?"
"Since you're the one who stopped me, I could ask you the same thing," Mary smirked.
Matthew kissed her lips, the curve of her jaw, then her throat.
"Lady Mary, are you trying to seduce me? I think perhaps you've had too much champagne."
"And what if I have?" Mary whispered in his ear, pulling him closer. "Are you willing to take advantage?"
"Are you willing to be so bold?" Matthew hissed, his hand moving down past her hips and pulling her towards him, their bodies pressed scandalously close together.
"Matthew!" she gasped as he gave her a lustful stare. She kissed him ardently now, trying to show him with her touch that despite the illusions they were showing her family, despite her cold exterior and passive indifference, she was still completely his.
They fell together to the settee, smiling between their kisses and groping each other indulgently. Matthew pulled her across his lap, groaning into her mouth at the contact. Mary's wantonness thrilled him, but even as they continued kissing, his mind began to reluctantly reassert control over his body. He fought back the restraints of common sense by focusing on Mary's soft lips and her breathy moans as they kissed. He felt her squirm slightly against him, and her hands stroking his back. The night is still young, his body argued. No one knows we're in the parlour, his ego agreed. No one will find out, his desire cried.
Matthew sighed as he leaned back and forced his eyes open. Watching Mary move to kiss his neck almost convinced him to abandon his internal struggle. He blinked several times, holding her warm body closer.
"I believe," he whispered as she licked and soothed his skin with her lips, "that you are very lucky I still barely have my wits about me, Mary. As much as I do not want to say this, we'll likely be missed by now."
She hummed against his throat, bringing her lips up to his one last time before she pulled back. "We are about to get carried away," she agreed. "I would look quite the sight coming back out with my hair dishevelled and my gown a mess," she laughed.
Her hands framed his face as she looked at him adoringly. "And believe me when I say, Matthew, a part of me would not care in the slightest."
Matthew grinned and breathed deeply as she rose from the settee and adjusted her dress, ensuring her hair was still intact.
"I'll see you outside," she said with one last smile before leaving the parlour quietly.
"Naughty minx," Matthew said, staring at the door she had just disappeared through. He took several minutes to calm himself before he was ready to return to the party. Looking around the darkened room, he remembered the last time he was in this very parlour, sitting on the same settee. He grinned widely and laughed.
He eventually returned to the ballroom. Mary was speaking to Sybil. Matthew gave them a wide berth and went to the bar.
"Club soda with lime," Alex announced, handing him a drink. "And lots of ice."
Matthew huffed, giving him a false frown as he accepted the drink.
"It really is a wonderful party, isn't it?" Alex mused.
"Without question. I cannot remember a better one," Matthew replied, watching Mary across the room over the rim of his glass.