Previously:
Office of the Law Firm of Harvell, Carter & Lewis, Ripon, England, April 1913
"This is a 1906 Veuve Clicquot, a very good year," Alex said, taking the bottle from the ice bucket and removing the wrapping from the neck. "I had it sent down from our London office just last month actually. I've been saving this bottle to celebrate a particularly lucrative transaction for the firm, but I think we can spare it. After all, the engagement of the year surely qualifies as a momentous occasion."
Alex popped the cork and Mary and Matthew laughed as he poured each of them a glass before taking one up himself.
"A toast," Alex smiled at them. "To the newly engaged Lady Mary Crawley and Matthew Crawley, and to not becoming tangled in their own web. Cheers!"
"Cheers!" Mary and Matthew replied happily.
Chapter 9:
The Royal Normal College and Academy for the Blind, Upper Norwood, London, England, March 1911
Edith sighed. It was raining and the windows of the motor were beginning to fog.
Mary rolled her eyes. "Must you always be so dramatic?"
"I'm not being dramatic!" Edith frowned in denial.
"Yes, you are," Mary said plainly. "You are well aware of why we are in London and what we are doing. We've been following the exact same schedule for years now, and yet each time you act as if some great injustice has befallen you and you can't understand why."
"Well it is vexing, isn't it?" Edith whined. "I've never understood why we must do this so many times every year."
"Isn't it obvious?" Mary sighed. "This is our life, Edith. Women like us choose clothes, pay calls, and do the Season," she recited. "And several times a year, including at present, we work for charity."
"Lady Rebecca simply donates to various causes. She isn't sent into the City to work, for Heaven's sake."
"Lady Rebecca does nothing of the sort. She whines and cries and throws tantrums until her Papa donates to various causes on her behalf so she doesn't have to do any work," Mary replied indifferently.
Edith gasped.
"Call me a liar if you disagree," Mary challenged.
Edith remained silent. Mary smiled in triumph.
"I don't see why you're so content," Edith said dismissively. "Are you saying you like spending an entire month giving music lessons to the blind?"
"I don't dislike it," Mary answered. "As I've already said, we must work for charity, Edith, so there's no point wondering how we feel about it. It's far more productive to just get on with it. Having a month in London is far from an inconvenience. Besides, this is my last year volunteering with the College, so it will be over before you know it."
"If you say so," Edith shook her head.
"I don't understand why you find it so vexing. All you have to do is read to some old widows each day at the Convalescent Home for Ladies. It's hardly anything to whine over."
"Imagine for a moment that you had to spend every day of an entire month with Granny having the same conversation over and over, mainly about how soon after your debut you'll be married," Edith grumbled.
Mary smiled. "Just wait until you have that actual conversation with Granny. I'm sure the widows are tame by comparison."
The motor came to a halt and the driver helped Mary out. She bid goodbye to Edith, then went into the school.
Mary smiled as a familiar figure stood waiting for her. The man's assistant nodded to her and whispered into his ear.
"She's here? Excellent! Lady Mary! Welcome back."
"Thank you, Sir Campbell," Mary replied with a smile. Mary stepped forward and placed her hand in his, accepting the warm greeting of the Principal of the school. She waited as he used his cane to orient himself as he turned around.
They walked down the hall with the Principal's assistant beside them. Sir Campbell swung his cane back and forth casually in front of him.
"Your students await you," he smiled. "You'll be substituting for one of the other teachers in a vocal class, as always. This month we're actually quite fortunate. We have another volunteer who will be sharing the class with you, so you won't be too outnumbered," he laughed.
"That's lovely," Mary answered. "Is it another young Lady? Perhaps I know her?"
"No, I'm afraid not," Sir Campbell chuckled. "It's a young chap from Manchester who has worked with us on and off. He stops in sometimes when his work brings him to the City. His boss is actually a benefactor of the College. I also knew his late father quite well, actually. A fine Doctor he was. Anyway, he'll be teaching one group of students and you'll be teaching another in the same class. Have a wonderful day, Lady Mary, and thank you once again."
"Thank you, Sir Campbell," Mary answered before opening the door to the small classroom.
As Mary stepped inside and closed the door behind her, she was immediately struck by a melodious voice. The pitch, tone and cadence were all perfect and Mary found herself rooted to the spot as she listened. She smiled and felt her skin flush as the melody filled her ears. Mary could not help but feel quite moved and even flustered. His voice was simply beautiful.
The singer was a fairly tall man with blond hair, who was standing in the middle of the room. Students were seated around him, listening intently. Some of the students closed their eyes and swayed to the tune. Some of them mouthed the words as he sang. Others simply smiled.
His one hand was raised, his long fingers deftly moving through the air keeping time with the rhythm of the song, rising when the pitch of his voice rose, and lowering when he sought a deeper tone. When he finished, Mary cleared her throat and he turned to her.
While her reaction to his voice was slightly unladylike, it was nothing compared to her feelings now as striking blue eyes met her gaze.
"Oh, hello," he said to her with wide eyes and a bright smile. He seemed to swallow and turn back to the students suddenly. "Class, there's someone here." He took a breath, then turned back to Mary. "You must be the other teacher that Sir Campbell mentioned. Lady Mary is it?"
"Yes," Mary breathed out, still trying without success to look away from his blue eyes. "I'm sorry to push in during your song, but Sir Campbell wanted me to come greet my students."
"Of course!" he smiled, extending his hand and beckoning her into the room. "Class, for the students that I spoke to earlier, your teacher has arrived! Could all of you please politely say hello to Lady Mary…I'm sorry, Lady Mary, I didn't give you the chance to state your full name," he said sheepishly. He was speaking rather fast and his cheeks seemed more flushed than Mary first noticed when she came into the room.
"It's Crawley. Lady Mary Crawley. And you are?"
His eyes lit up and his lips curled into a silly sort of grin. Some of the students began chuckling.
"Did I say something funny?" Mary asked, looking around. She knew the students were a good bunch, so she was more bewildered than annoyed at their reaction.
"No, Lady Mary," the other teacher smiled. "I'm sorry, it's just the strangest coincidence is all, and it appears some of the students see the same humour in it that I do. It's your family name, you see. Crawley. That's my name as well. I'm Matthew. Matthew Crawley."
Matthew extended his hand to her politely.
Mary automatically placed her hand in his.
He could feel how soft her hand was, even through her glove.
She felt his fingers lightly touch her palm, his thumb grazing across hers. She was caught again in the stare of his eyes and found she did not want to look away at all.
"I'm very pleased to meet you, Lady Mary," Matthew said in a low tone, trying to steady his voice as his heartbeat jumped.
Downton Abbey, England, April 1913
"My Lord, Mr. Matthew Crawley."
Robert turned at the sound of Carson's announcement and smiled in surprise.
"Matthew! So good to see you! It's been far too long. I was hoping you were coming to dinner this evening. I'm rather surprised you're here so soon after work."
"Cousin Robert," Matthew nodded and smiled. "I apologize for my recent absence. Work has had me rather occupied. But I'm here now. I needed to come here early to speak with you on a very important matter actually."
"Really? Well then, what is it? Something to do with work or the Estate?"
"No, not at all. It has to do with Mary."
"Mary? Oh by Heaven, what has she done now? I'm sorry if she's insulted you again, Matthew, but to be around my daughter, one needs a rather thick skin I'm afraid."
Matthew chuckled. "No, Robert, it isn't that at all. You see, I've come around where Mary is concerned."
"Truly?" Robert remarked curiously. "So you don't despise her?
"Oh no, Cousin Robert," Matthew smiled. "I never would, I never could despise her."
"Well I am glad to hear that," Robert smiled. "You know, Mary can be very stubborn, but perhaps with time that could change. Who knows, in a few months, if you are up to the task, perhaps you both could try and start over."
"Well that's just it, you see," Matthew said, once again getting very nervous. "I don't think we need to wait a few more months. Mary and I, we have reached an understanding as it were, and, well, Cousin Robert, I'm actually here to ask you for Mary's hand."
Robert's eyes went wide. "For Mary's hand? As in, you wish for my permission to propose to my daughter?"
"Yes, if you will give it." Matthew cringed slightly at his awkwardness. He had rehearsed his speech to Robert on the way over from Ripon, much to Mary's amusement, but when faced with the actual task itself, he found himself stumbling over his own words and his mind blank, all eloquence gone.
"Well, this is unexpected indeed!" Robert blinked. "And Mary knows about your intentions does she?"
"She does," Matthew nodded, his confidence growing. "We have been getting along as of late, and I do not think what divided us when I first arrived last year continues to matter. I…I love her, Cousin Robert. I've always loved her, you see, and I've realized lately that I do not want to wait any longer to make Mary my wife."
Robert smiled. "Why, Matthew, I had no idea. I'll have Carson summon Mary immediately. This is tremendous! Absolutely tremendous!"
"You don't know the half of it," Matthew said under his breath as Robert walked over to pull the cord.
Robert rang for Carson and asked him to bring Mary to the library. Mary came in moments later.
"Mary, Matthew has asked my permission for your hand. I understand that he intends to ask you to marry him. Are you aware of this?"
"Yes, Papa," Mary answered, smiling at Matthew.
"And?"
"And I would be very grateful if you gave your blessing, Papa."
"Well this is marvellous!" Robert exclaimed, and they all smiled at each other. "Of course, Matthew. Of course you have my permission and my blessing. I cannot believe this is happening! Cora and I were hoping that the two of you would come to an understanding, but we never imagined, after that initial meeting, and all of the rather painful exchanges you've had…"
"There's no need to speak of that any further, Papa. Matthew knows how truly sorry I am for treating him so poorly when he first arrived," Mary said, keeping her eyes on her fiancé. Her fiancé. She loved the sound of that.
"We both have much we wish we could have done differently," Matthew corrected her, taking her hand in his. "But we are here now, together. Thank you, Cousin Robert. Your blessing is more important to us than you can imagine."
Robert smiled, looking at their joined hands.
"Please, Matthew. It's Robert from now on. You're going to be my son." The Earl could not stop smiling and neither could Mary and Matthew.
"Well, tonight's dinner has suddenly become a celebration! Mary, I'll let you tell your Mama and your sisters. I'm sure they would rather hear it from you than me. Matthew, I'll send the motor for Isobel so she can hear the news tonight as well."
"Thank you, Cousin…I meant, thank you Robert."
"The pleasure is mine, Matthew. Well, I suppose we have a wedding to plan now. Perhaps in the fall? Unless of course, there is some reason to move sooner?" Robert's eyes suddenly narrowed.
"No, Papa! Of course not!" Mary's mouth gaped in astonishment. "I'll speak to Mama and to Cousin Isobel about it. We'll have a proper engagement. What do you think of a fall wedding, darling?" she asked Matthew.
Matthew blushed as they both realized it was the first time Mary had referred to Matthew in such a fashion in front of her father.
"I think that's wonderful," Matthew replied with a smile. "Whenever you wish, darling. Whenever you wish."
Robert smiled. He told Mary to go upstairs and prepare for dinner and to speak to Cora and her sisters. He put his arm around Matthew's shoulder and led him to the drawing room for a celebratory brandy.
The Royal Normal College and Academy for the Blind, Upper Norwood, London, England, March 1911
Mary smiled as she walked down the hall. The light sounds of a piano came floating towards her as she neared her classroom. Her first days at the College had been surprisingly fun. Her students were interested and enthusiastic, and she was quite impressed by their ability already. She never got to sing as often as she liked, and secretly she was glad for the opportunity. From a young age, Mary found comfort in music. She became more reserved and far less spontaneous when it came to singing as she grew older, but here, at the school, with eager students and diverse music at her disposal, she could indulge herself.
She also had to admit that sharing a classroom with Matthew Crawley was quite pleasant. He was witty and rather charming, and he loved music almost as much as Mary did. He was unlike any man Mary had met before – unassuming, humble, and with no sense of entitlement of superiority. He was refreshing.
With her debut Season approaching, Mary was realizing to her dismay that the boys she had grown up with in Society were not now nearly as dashing or mature as she thought they would be. They were all very similar – obsessed with their titles and positions, pompous and in some cases arrogant, and all convinced that a woman's place was in the house. While Mary understood how Society worked very clearly, she knew that she needed her ideal suitor to be able to keep up with her intellectually and to challenge her, and to not be interested in her only for her title and last name and whatever they represented.
Mary entered the classroom, then stopped as she realized her students were strangely absent. She frowned in confusion.
"Oh, Lady Mary!" Matthew exclaimed as he sat up from the piano. "I wasn't expecting you."
"Hello, Matthew. Where exactly are our students?" she asked.
"They're off on a field trip today," Matthew said slowly. "I believe that today is badminton in Crystal Palace Park. I'm sorry, Lady Mary, were you not informed?"
"Was that today?" Mary rolled her eyes and sighed. "I must have confused my dates. If we aren't having lessons, why are you here?"
"Oh, well my work day is rather light at the office, so I thought I'd stop in and work on tomorrow's lesson."
"How studious of you," Mary teased with a smile. "I hope my students won't consider themselves at a disadvantage compared to yours."
"Just trying to do my job," Matthew mumbled awkwardly.
"Matthew," Mary said gently as she crossed the room towards him. "If you're going to spend the next month with me, you're going to have to learn to forget the things I say. I know I do."
"I don't think there's anything easily forgettable about you, Lady Mary," Matthew replied with a chuckle. His eyes widened as he realized what he said out loud. "That is, don't worry, Lady Mary, I can appreciate a joke as much as the next man."
Mary looked away with a smile at his bold statement. There was apparently even more to the handsome lawyer than she originally thought.
"Well then, it appears you've won yourself a day off, Lady Mary," Matthew recovered. "Your driver can take you back home, or perhaps you'll indulge in some shopping with your free time?"
"Unfortunately I dismissed Taylor until this afternoon. He's waiting for my sister, Edith, at the Convalescent Home for Ladies. She's volunteering her time there," Mary explained.
"Oh," Matthew answered. "Well perhaps Sir Campbell can arrange for a taxi to take you home?"
Mary looked at Matthew intently, a small smirk coming to her lips.
"Actually, why don't you give me a lesson?" she asked. "I think I'd prefer your company to sitting around at home. Besides, we should use our time productively, shouldn't we?"
"Well, if you like," Matthew stammered, turning back to the piano keys and trying to remember where he had left off.
Mary took advantage of his distraction and sat down beside him on the bench. Matthew's eyes widened as he realized her close proximity. They weren't touching, but he could smell her perfume and make out her form out of the corner of his eye. Suddenly playing the piano was hardly at the forefront of his mind.
"Is that vanilla…and rosewater that I smell?" he asked, not looking at her.
"Yes, it is," Mary replied, surprised that he could detect the exact elements of her perfume. "Is there something wrong?"
"No," Matthew said a bit too quickly. "I find those scents rather…pleasing."
Mary smiled and bit her lip as she looked away. Yes, there was much more to Matthew Crawley than she realized.
"What were you playing just now?" Mary asked innocently. "It sounded beautiful."
"Ah, well it's just a small composition that I came across," Matthew cleared his throat.
"Does it have a vocal part?"
"Yes," Matthew replied, shuffling his papers and handing the sheet music to Mary. "It's actually a…erm…a duet piece."
"Wonderful," Mary said immediately. "Shall we try it from the beginning then? That is, if you think I can handle it?" she raised her eyebrow at him.
"I would enjoy hearing your interpretation, Lady Mary," Matthew said quietly, daring to look at her eyes. "I just hope I won't be at a disadvantage compared to your voice."
"Oh, I think you can manage," Mary smiled turning away from him and looking at the sheet music.
Matthew pulled his gaze away and stretched his fingers over the keys, trying desperately to control his breathing. "Right, then."
"Oh, and Matthew," Mary interjected before he began playing.
"Yes, Lady Mary?"
"Please, call me Mary," she smiled at him before looking back at the sheet music.
"As you wish, Mary." Matthew cleared his throat and began playing.
Downton Abbey, England, April 1913
Mary adjusted the brooch on her dress. She wanted to look perfect tonight, and she went to great pains with Anna to ensure her outfit was exactly that. She looked up from her mirror at the sound of a knock on her door. She smiled as Anna escorted Cora into her room with Sybil and Edith.
"Anna said you wanted to see us?" Edith said.
"Yes, Mary, what is it?" Cora asked as they all came around her.
Mary turned in her chair to face them. She looked down at her hands, suddenly nervous despite the joy bubbling inside of her.
"Yes, well, it's about tonight's dinner actually. I've spoken to Papa and it appears that there will be a special announcement."
"An announcement? He didn't mention anything to me," Cora huffed.
"He only found out about it just now, actually," Mary replied.
"You're being rather coy," Edith said, looking amused.
"Mary, what is it?" Sybil asked.
"Nothing, nothing at all," Mary said, before she smiled at them.
"Well do you know what this announcement is about?" Cora asked.
"Yes, Mama," Mary answered.
"Well, out with it then!" Edith said.
"Honestly, Mary," Sybil added.
"Well if you must know before dinner, the announcement is that Matthew is engaged."
Cora, Edith and Sybil all looked at each other quizzically.
"Engaged?" Cora asked. "Engaged to whom?"
"To me," Mary replied, smiling widely now.
"You?!" Edith exclaimed.
"Oh Mary!" Sybil said happily. "That's wonderful!"
"Thank you, darling."
"But how? How can you be engaged to Matthew? You can't stand each other!"
"Edith!" Cora interjected.
"Well, it's true! She called him a sea monster for Heaven's sake!"
"That's in the past," Cora said, looking at Mary. "What's important is that Mary has made a wise decision for her future."
"But she doesn't love him!" Edith practically shouted.
"Love isn't always important," Cora said dismissively.
"Mama!" Sybil cried, and Mary was about to admonish her Mama as well.
"What?" Cora said, looking at her daughters. "It isn't the most important thing for our kind of people. Really, girls, we cannot all be waiting forever for Prince Charming to arrive! Love has its place, but what's important is having a position and prospects. You can always work on love afterwards."
"Mary could have the same with Evelyn Napier. She doesn't have to settle for Cousin Matthew when she clearly doesn't love him," Edith argued.
"Will you shut up?!" Mary snarled. They all looked at her and she composed herself.
"The fact is," she said sternly, trying to restore the warmth she was feeling mere moments ago. "I do love Matthew. I have loved him for much longer than I knew, I simply did not allow myself to…come to terms with it. He's not just charming, Mama. He's actually very clever, and well spoken, he gets along very well with all of you, which is important, and even though he is Papa's heir, that actually did not cross my mind when he proposed. His prospects are more than enough as they stand now."
"As a solicitor?" Cora asked incredulously.
"Yes, Mama, as a solicitor. Matthew is quite brilliant actually, and he is in fact held in high esteem at his firm. While he wasn't raised in a family like ours, he's earned everything he's achieved in life, and he's very ambitious, you know. I have no doubt that he'll be a success in whatever he chooses to pursue, regardless of whether he's the Earl of Grantham or not."
"I can't believe this," Edith shook her head. "One minute, you're swooning over Evelyn Napier and the next you're ready to run off to Manchester and live in a cottage with Cousin Matthew."
"Edith!" Cora exclaimed.
"I wasn't swooning!" Mary frowned at her sister. "I can understand why you would think that Evelyn would be a good match for me. After all, I have done nothing to dissuade anyone from believing the same," Mary winced slightly at the admission. "But while Evelyn is a gentleman, he quite frankly could not keep up with me. There's nothing particularly wrong with him. It's just that, compared to Matthew, he's simply quite ordinary."
"I must say, Mary," Sybil said with wide eyes. "I can't quite believe that you're saying you prefer Cousin Matthew to the son of a Viscount."
Mary winced again. "Sybil, darling, I am sorry that I have given you the impression that a man's title is the same as his worth. Please keep in mind that, regardless of how you have seen me behave, a title is not the most important thing to look for in a husband."
"What does Cousin Matthew have to say about all this?" Edith continued. "Is he as willing to overlook the past as you are?"
"Oh, of course he is, Edith," Cora shook her head at her daughter. "Matthew has loved Mary since he arrived here."
"What are you saying, Mama?" Mary asked, incredulous.
Cora smiled. "Oh my dear, if you would just stop and pay attention from time to time, you would realize there are so many things happening around you. Matthew loves you, darling. Your Granny and I could see it very plainly from the first time he set foot in this house. We thought it was a mere infatuation that would fade over time, but it clearly hasn't."
"But they always argue! You can hardly call that love!" Edith said.
"Any man with a sense of pride would of course defend himself when insulted or rebuked," Cora said simply. "But there is more to Matthew than that. It's the way he looks at Mary, when she isn't looking at him," Cora smiled.
"And when he gets nervous asking her questions, or looks longingly at her after they finish arguing," Sybil laughed.
"Sybil!" Mary snapped at her.
"It's true, Mary! He's like a schoolboy craving approval! Not all of the time of course, but I've seen it."
"Oh, bother!" Edith laughed ruefully. "Fine, I suppose it's true then! I have seen Cousin Matthew look rather upset and jealous whenever Mary would speak to another man, whether a suitor or not. I simply expected him to grow out of it since Mary didn't return his feelings, or so I thought."
Mary looked at Edith with an intrigued gaze for a moment, then looked back at her Mama.
"Let's not pretend this isn't the answer to all of our prayers," Cora smiled.
"Speak for yourself," Edith huffed. "I've been praying for something else entirely."
"Edith!"
"Oh please, Mama. It's not what you think. Mary can have Cousin Matthew. I'm only saying that Mary becoming Cousin Matthew's wife was hardly at the top of my list of wishes. Give me some credit, would you?"
Mary had to laugh at the comment, and Edith caught her gaze and laughed as well. They shook their heads at each other.
"Well, let's prepare to go down then," Cora said, turning for the door. "Remember to act surprised at dinner. We don't want to steal Matthew's thunder after all. And, Anna, not a word to anyone."
"Yes, Your Ladyship," Anna nodded.
"Don't worry," Edith quipped. "I can barely believe it even after I've heard it."
Edith dragged Sybil out of Mary's room and down the hall. Mary smiled to herself as she adjusted the brooch on her dress again. In a few moments they would announce their engagement to the family. The banns could be published within days and all the world would then know the most wonderful news – Lady Mary Crawley was engaged.
Crystal Palace Park, London, England, March 1911
"Oh, Matthew," Mary sighed in exasperation. "Everything is just so black and white with you, isn't it?"
"I think this is black and white," Matthew huffed. "Either you agree with me, or you don't."
"Well I'm sorry to disappoint you," Mary said coldly. "But anyone who thinks that Mozart is superior to Beethoven clearly has no clue."
"Beethoven would never have become Beethoven without Mozart!" Matthew repeated.
"And Mozart himself acknowledged the skill of Beethoven during their meeting in Vienna!" Mary countered.
"That's an entirely second hand anecdote from a biographer," Matthew replied. "There's no independent proof that Mozart actually said that."
Mary blinked. Matthew turned towards her.
"I wasn't aware that you had read Mozart's biography," Matthew said in surprise. "It's rather obscure and finding the English translation can be difficult."
"My governess recommended it to me," Mary smiled at the memory. "She preferred Mozart to Beethoven as well. I've never met anyone who's read it besides her."
Matthew smiled. "I owe you an apology, Mary."
Mary frowned. "Whatever for?"
"I wasn't aware of how well read you are. I assumed that your education consisted only of learning French and the rules of Society."
Mary laughed. "There's no need to apologize, Matthew. It's a common assumption that is made of ladies like me."
"That doesn't make it all right," Matthew said firmly. Mary stared at him in surprise.
"Allow me to get to know you better," Matthew suggested. "If I learn more about who you actually are, then I'll not underestimate you again. That is, if you will permit it," he said nervously.
Mary smiled. "Very well. Ask away, Matthew."
Downton Abbey, England, April 1913
It was actually painful for Mary to keep her composure as the family took pre-dinner drinks in the parlour. She stayed with Edith and Sybil, talking idly as Matthew kept his distance, chatting with his Mother. Anyone would have thought it was as it always was between them since he arrived at Downton. She sticking close to her family and barely glancing his way. He shielding himself from her next insult or indifferent expression by standing with his Mother.
But a more perceptive eye would have noticed that Mary deliberately positioned Sybil in her line of sight, so she could maintain her conversation while gazing at Matthew in the background all the while. A curious person would have caught the slight smiles and brief eye contact that Mary and Matthew traded across the room. The Dowager Countess herself would have hardly believed her eyes if she had picked up on the way Mary deliberately licked her lips as she tasted her drink, or how Matthew's eyes would boldly stare at her lustfully before resuming his conversation. The silent flirting was completely inconspicuous, except to the two lovers who were bubbling with delight that soon their years of secret dalliances and stolen moments would be over and the bright light of truth could be shone upon their feelings for each other.
Violet and Isobel both raised their eyebrows in surprise when they saw Matthew timidly offer Mary his arm as they made their way to the dining room. Their curiosity was further piqued when Mary smiled demurely and took his arm willingly, allowing him to escort her through. Strange, Violet and Isobel both thought, such a gesture meant they would need to sit next to each other for the entire meal. Isobel thought Matthew was being charitable and Violet thought Mary was pitying him, and both women felt it entirely out of character under the circumstances.
Mary and Matthew's dinner conversation with each other was private and polite, neither daring to glance fully at the other, lest their faces break into wide grins and betray them. Still, Mary inwardly laughed as Matthew coughed when she ran her foot up his leg under the table. Matthew in turn congratulated himself when he heard Mary stifle a gasp as his hand caressed her thigh under the tablecloth, his fingers feeling the heat of her skin through the silk of her dress.
After the first course was cleared, Matthew looked at Mary and she finally allowed herself to smile. The moment had arrived, but she was still feeling mischievous.
"Wait, Matthew," she whispered, stopping him from standing. His face was puzzled as she turned back to the table and cleared her throat.
"If I may have everyone's attention for a moment."
All eyes were upon her and she blushed slightly. She was never afraid to speak her mind, particularly among her family, and especially in front of Matthew, but her stomach fluttered as she realized the weight of all she was about to reveal.
"I've been thinking a great deal lately about Sybil's Season."
"Why, Mary, I had the exact same thought," Violet replied. "It will be here before we know it. Sybil, dear, you must ensure that you are ready for your debut."
Before Sybil could open her mouth to answer, Mary interjected.
"Yes, well, I'm sure that Mama, Edith and I will help her through it, Granny. And on that subject, Sybil's Season has reminded me of my own debut several years ago. It truly is a wonderful time, Sybil. I know you aren't as excited about fashion as I am, or as caught up in the pageantry as Edith, but you only have one debut in your entire life, Sybil, and you must appreciate it, for it is over far too soon."
"That's very wise, Mary," Cora commented, smiling.
"Thank you, Mama. There are many things that Mama and my friends told me before my debut, and all of the advice was invaluable. Things like what to wear and how to address the Royal Family and even the proper way to accept an invitation. It made the entire experience seem so grand." Mary smiled at the memory.
"It does sound lovely," Sybil said quietly.
"Oh it is, Sybil, truly it is. When you are presented, you feel as if in that moment your entire life is ahead of you, and all things are possible. It feels as though all the world were simply at your feet and you could have anything, do anything, be anything you wanted to be, all you have to do is…"
"Reach out and seize it," Edith whispered, looking at Mary knowingly.
"Yes," Mary smiled at her sister.
Matthew was transfixed as he looked at Mary's beaming face. He had never understood how grand an endeavour her Season had been. He was too busy hating that he was not able to join the long line of suitors vying for her favour. As he listened to her light voice and saw her eyes dance, he realized just what a magical time that Summer had been for her. He suddenly became quite nervous. Was Mary being nostalgic or wistful? Her Season had been a rousing success, but it had not resulted in a match. Was she regretting it now?
"But there is another part of it, too, Sybil. There is another side to the Season," Mary stated seriously. "It can be a cold side, a calculating and unfeeling side, where matches are made based not on emotion and innocence but for politics, or advancement or mutual gain. I won't say it isn't appropriate or not necessary, because in many ways it is, but it's also so easy to be blinded by the practical side of things."
Everyone looked at Mary with a confused expression. What was she implying?
"You will receive so many invitations, Sybil, I am sure of it. Far more than I did," Mary said happily, with no tone of jealousy or regret. "And the way that you treat each of these suitors is very important. You don't need to accept any of them, but you still need to treat them with respect. It isn't because of what they can do for you, Sybil. The way you treat them, whether you are kind or not, speaks volumes about who you are, and who you aspire to be."
Mary turned to Matthew, looking him directly in the eyes, and her gaze was so loving that he was afraid her parents would find it improper. Still he could not tear his eyes away.
"Looking back now, I realize that I did not carry myself entirely the way that I would have liked," she said softly, speaking to Matthew, but keeping her voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "I was cold to some people, and almost rude to others. I was obsessed with being the centre of attention and I spent more time and energy on that than taking the time to get to know who and what was truly important."
Mary turned back to her family now, looking from one to another with confidence.
"I enjoyed myself immensely at the time, and I did receive more invitations than any of my friends, and I was proud of that. But I see now that I became far too argumentative and almost self-centered as a result of my experiences that summer."
"Now that is an understatement," Edith laughed and Cora glared at her.
"Mary, that was very brave," Isobel smiled at her. "It takes a great deal of character to realize one's mistakes and admit to them."
"Thank you, Cousin," Mary smiled back. "The reason though, that I wanted to say all of that was of course for Sybil's benefit, but also because," Mary swallowed, suddenly nervous. "Because I owe someone an apology, and when I am in the wrong, I apologize."
"An apology?" Robert asked.
"Yes, Papa," Mary nodded, before turning to Matthew, who's face was the picture of shock and wonder.
"Matthew," Mary smiled. "I know that I have been very rude to you since you arrived here, and I am very sorry for that. My Season was the first time that I felt as though I could do anything, say anything, and it would all be permitted, because when you are the centre of attention and you have suitors, no one has the courage to point out when you are in fact in the wrong. It seems that my attitude did not stop with the end of the Season. I know I've been quite dismissive of you these past months, and haven't given proper credit to you. I've acted as if I have all the answers, and that you aren't important to this family, but that isn't true, and I'm sorry for treating you that way."
Matthew looked back at Mary, shocked by her words.
"I am very happy that you are here, Matthew. I know I have not shown it at all, but I am very happy that Papa has found such a worthy heir. I know that you did not ask for any of this, and it all must seem rather intimidating sometimes. And I am sorry if I have made your stay here more difficult than it should be, but truth be told, I believe you've handled everything quite brilliantly."
"Goodness, Mary!" Violet smiled. "That is quite a testimonial."
Mary blushed and looked down at her lap. She felt all eyes still upon her and the silence was becoming awkward. She glanced sideways at Matthew, and she could not help but smile as she saw his face lit up, any semblance of containing his feelings for her long forgotten.
"Thank you, Mary," Matthew said quietly. He shook himself to wake from his daze at hearing her kind words. He looked back to the rest of the family and his confidence soared.
"Well, Sybil, I think what we all can agree upon is that regardless of what awaits you during your Season, there is always time to make things right, so long as you are willing and you keep what is truly important," Matthew looked at Mary and kept his blue eyes upon her "in mind."
"Well said!" Isobel smiled.
"And what is important, Sybil," Matthew continued, "is that there is more to a person than the first impression you get from one meeting. I will admit that Mary and I have argued quite a lot since I first arrived here, but I realize now that these arguments are not what defines the two of us as people, and I have seen, in the last year, a Mary that I would call the true Mary, and she is formidable indeed, but also quite a pleasure to be around."
"There is all manner of praise being handed out this evening," Violet chuckled.
"That is why I would like to make an announcement," Matthew smiled. Mary looked up and met his eyes and smiled as well. He rose from his chair and took up his glass in one hand. Tentatively, he reached out his other hand, and Mary did not hesitate to grasp it.
"I have come to the revelation that when you find someone that you wish to spend the rest of your life with, you should not allow a moment to pass you by. And so, I have asked Mary to be my wife, and I am overjoyed that she has accepted me. With Robert's permission and blessing, we are honoured to inform all of you that we are engaged."
"What?!" Isobel and Violet both cried out simultaneously. Cora and Robert grinned widely and Sybil clapped. Edith shook her head, but still smiled for her sister.
A dozen questions were fired at them all at once. Matthew and Mary merely smiled and answered politely as first Violet, then Isobel, then all of the family quizzed them on how the proposal had played out and when the wedding would be held. Eventually, Cora, Isobel and Violet took over the conversation, speaking of wedding planning and details and Mary and Matthew were allowed to simply sit back and enjoy the moment.
"Thank you, darling," Mary whispered, squeezing his hand. "I know I have not made things easy for you, but thank you so much for persevering through it all."
"I have not made things easy for either of us, Mary," Matthew replied, smiling widely at her. "But it has always been easy to love you. I find I fall more in love with you every day."
They smiled at each other, their shared look and the squeeze of their hands holding the promise of a more private and meaningful conversation later. For now, they turned back to the family and patiently answered questions and listened to comments on a subject that just last year, neither of them thought they would ever be fortunate enough to discuss:
Their wedding.