Previously:
Tenant Cottage, Downton Village, England, August 1913
Mary put down her wine glass and leaned towards him. He fed her a grape and she laughed, resting her head on his shoulder as they sat back on the sofa.
"This was lovely, Matthew, thank you."
He stroked his fingers along her cheek, then kissed her softly, their lips meeting together several times before her hand went into his hair and his hands went to her back and hip, pulling her towards him.
"Matthew," Mary sighed. "Are you sure that you're all right with…"
"I'm sure," Matthew said immediately. "We waited this long, a few more months is nothing."
Mary smiled broadly as he kissed her neck. "I don't know, Matthew. Waiting seems a harsh torture at the moment."
Matthew kissed her lips as he massaged the nape of her neck with his hand. "We'll just have to find something to distract us in the meanwhile," he breathed.
"Mmm, yes," Mary smiled between kisses. "I may know just the thing."
Chapter 12:
Downton Abbey, England, September 1912
"Why are you wearing purple?" Edith asked in a shocked whisper.
"Why shouldn't I?" Mary replied breezily, taking the stairs easily.
"Aren't you still supposed to be in mourning?"
Mary sighed and rolled her eyes at her sister.
"It's been six months, Edith. It's perfectly acceptable to stop wearing black now. I've been wearing colours for two weeks."
"Oh I wasn't referring to Cousin Patrick. I thought you'd be in mourning for your failed engagement to the Duke of Crowborough."
"Edith!" Sybil gasped.
"Don't be so shocked Sybil, you know as the rest of us do what a fool Mary made of herself," Edith said smugly.
Mary glared angrily at Edith as they walked into the parlour. "Next time a suitor comes around, I'll be sure to introduce you after he's already proposed!" she hissed. "That way I'll be certain not to lose an opportunity when he finds out what a harpy his future sister-in-law is!"
"Mary!" Sybil gasped.
"Quiet, Sybil!" Mary snarled.
"Girls, take a seat. Your Papa has an announcement to make," Cora said in a disinterested tone.
"What is it, Papa?" Edith asked as she sat down next to her Granny on the sofa.
"I have some important news," Robert began. "Murray has been investigating our remaining family as you know. With James and Patrick…gone…we need to find the next male heir to the Grantham line."
"But we don't have any other cousins," Sybil said.
"None that we're aware of," Mary said, frowning.
"Murray's found another member of the family. My third cousin, once removed on my Father's side."
"What does that make him to us?" Edith asked.
"An inconvenient interloper," Violet huffed.
"Mama," Robert warned her.
"He's our fourth cousin. Barely a relation," Mary rolled her eyes.
"Will we be meeting him, Papa?" Sybil asked.
"Yes, Sybil," Robert smiled. "It is my hope that he's going to be coming at the end of the month."
"For how long?" Mary asked suspiciously.
"Your Papa has invited him and his mother to move here. They're going to be living at Crawley House in the Village," Cora huffed.
"He's moving here?" Mary exclaimed.
"With his mother," Violet repeated. "Well, the interloper has an accomplice. Might there be servants to assist them in taking over our fortune?"
Robert frowned at his mother. "He's moving here," he said firmly. "Unlike James and Patrick, he knows nothing of Downton, nor of our family. I'll need to have him close so he can learn the position and the responsibilities he's going to be taking on."
"I can't believe this," Mary rolled her eyes, glaring at her Mama, who looked back at her helplessly.
"Does he have a wife and children?" Edith asked.
"No. He's a bachelor actually," Robert replied.
"That's a blessing," Violet said. "If he had a family of his own, I'd be moved to Crawley House, or worse."
"As I say, I expect that he'll be here at the end of the month. I'm writing to him today with the details. I know this is a change for all of us," Robert looked pointedly at Mary. "But I trust you will all welcome Matthew when he arrives."
"Matthew?" Mary said in shock.
"Yes, that's his name," Robert replied.
"Matthew Crawley?" Mary asked. Her stomach churned and her pulse accelerated dangerously.
"Well of course he's a Crawley. He's related to Papa on Grandfather's side," Edith shook her head.
Mary ignored Edith entirely. "How did Murray find him?" she asked carefully.
"His great great grandfather was a younger son of the Third Earl," Robert recited. "Murray found them by looking at older volumes of Burke's and carrying the line forward. His father died recently, which is partly why we lost track of him. He's working as a lawyer in Manchester at the moment."
Mary gasped, quickly bringing her hand to her mouth.
"I know my dear," Violet said sympathetically. "An heir to an Earldom and he has a job. I ask you!"
"Was that all, Papa?" Mary asked, recovering.
"Yes. As I say, Matthew will be here at the end of the month. I'm looking forward to welcoming him into the family, and I trust you all will do your parts as well."
"Papa, I'm going into the Village shortly. I can post your letter for Matthew if you like," Mary said.
"Matthew?" Edith asked.
"Well that is his name, isn't it?" Mary said dismissively. "Just because I don't know him doesn't mean I can't call him by his name."
"Thank you, Mary," Robert said slowly. "Carson should have it within the hour."
"Fine," Mary said curtly.
She rose and left the room, crossing the Great Hall briskly. Matthew! It was impossible. But how many other Matthew Crawley's could there be, who had also lost his father recently, and be a lawyer in Manchester? Not only were they distantly related but he was Papa's heir! He wasn't a middle class lawyer after all. He was part of their House, a gentleman by birth and would be an Earl by blood someday.
Mary went into her bedroom and quickly took her pen and stationery from a drawer. She grinned widely as she prepared to write. How should she address him after all this time? 'My Darling Matthew' 'Matthew, my love' 'Dearest Matthew'. She gleefully wrote her message to him. They could meet at Crawley House when he arrived, affording them more privacy than at Downton Abbey. Matthew would have to understand they needed to be discreet. No one knew about their relationship and they would have to keep it that way until the proper time when they could reunite officially.
Mary bit her bottom lip and smiled as she finished her message. Their relationship. The proper time for them to reunite. She was resigned that her relationship with Matthew was over and their time ended in December. She smiled as she folded the letter and sealed the envelope, daring to kiss the thick paper. She could find out Matthew's address from her Papa's letter and send hers separately to ensure it arrived afterward. The end of the month, her Papa said. She would be back in Matthew's arms in a matter of weeks.
Mary hid her letter in her jacket and took a moment to compose herself. Suddenly, purple did not seem a bright enough colour to reflect her mood.
Downton Abbey, England, April 1913
Matthew walked over the rise and along the path. He smiled widely as the large tree came into view.
"Matthew," Mary smiled, looking up from her book at the sound of his approaching footsteps. "What are you doing here?"
"Do I need a reason to come visit my future Kingdom or is wanting to see my beautiful fiancée justification enough?" he asked, sitting down next to her and kissing her cheek.
"Mmm," Mary smiled, turning her head and seizing his lips with her own as she ran a gloved hand up through his hair, knocking his hat off in the process.
"Mary!" Matthew pulled back, his face flushed. He reached for his hat clumsily and put it back on, looking around nervously. "Someone could see us!" he stared at her smiling face.
"How scandalous it would be for anyone to see me kissing my fiancé!" Mary said in mock horror.
"You know that's not what I meant," Matthew shook his head at her. He leaned over and pulled her into his embrace, kissing her cheek and neck lightly. "Besides, you know how little control I have when you start kissing me."
Mary blushed and pursed her lips. "I'm sorry, darling," she smiled wickedly, running her hands along his back and keeping him against her. "It seems that now that we are officially engaged, I can't keep my hands off of you."
Matthew laughed and pulled back, resting his arm casually across the bench behind her and keeping a slight distance between them.
"As elated as I am to hear that, if you could spare my body for a moment, I have something for you," he said, raising his eyebrow at her.
Matthew removed a velvet box from his inner jacket pocket. Mary's eyes went wide and her mouth opened.
"Matthew," she breathed, anticipation building as she stared at the small elegant box in his large hand.
"It belonged to my Grandmother," he said earnestly, opening the box and revealing a beautiful ring of white gold with three diamonds raised above the band. "We can't be properly engaged without a betrothal ring."
He took Mary's shaking hand in his and slipped the ring on to her finger. They both grinned widely when it fit perfectly.
"Matthew, it's gorgeous," Mary whispered, swallowing hard as she felt tears building. "I've never seen a ring like it. Thank you for trusting me with this."
"Of course, Mary. It's yours," Matthew smiled, lifting her chin with his hand. "I would never want to give it to anyone else."
Mary grinned and they kissed chastely. She leaned back against his chest and watched the ring flicker brightly as the diamonds caught the sunlight.
"Shall we go in? The dressing gong will ring soon for dinner," Matthew suggested, caressing her arm lazily.
"Soon, Matthew," Mary said, turning in his hold and wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "Before we go in, if you could be so kind as to spare your body for another moment."
Matthew chuckled as she again pulled him into a deep kiss.
Grantham House, St. James Square, London, England, July 1913
"Lord and Lady Merton, and the Honourable Larry Grey," Carson called, announcing the guests to the rest of the ballroom.
"Lord Merton is…" Mary whispered to Matthew as they stood patiently waiting.
"Your Godfather. I remember, darling. It was just last night that you told me," Matthew smirked at her as Lord Merton and his family greeted Robert and Cora first.
Mary smiled. "I didn't know if you were paying attention," she admitted.
"You did not make it easy to focus, I'll admit. Perhaps next time you have something important to tell me, we'll use the library rather than your bedroom?"
Mary smiled and curtsied to Lord and Lady Merton. Matthew bowed, containing his sly smile as he saw Mary struggle to compose herself.
"My darling girl," Lord Merton smiled. "You're positively blushing with happiness. I am very pleased for you."
"Thank you," Mary nodded, motioning to Matthew. "My fiancé, Matthew Crawley."
"Lord Merton, Lady Merton, I'm so very pleased to meet you," Matthew bowed his head.
"Take care of our Mary, young man," Lord Merton smiled.
"I intend to, my Lord," Matthew smiled.
"Mary, your ring is very unique," Lady Merton said inquisitively, lifting Mary's hand to examine her engagement ring. "White gold and diamonds, very rare."
"It was Matthew's grandmother's," Mary said proudly.
"Come along, there's no need to hold up the line," Lord Merton said seriously, looking at his wife and son.
"Yes, dear," Lady Merton said bitterly, glaring at her husband before nodding to Mary and Matthew with a false smile.
The Merton's went through with their son, and Mary gave Matthew a knowing scowl.
"No more teasing, Matthew! We're supposed to be welcoming our guests!" she said under her breath.
"I thought you'd want your family and friends to see your rosy cheeks?" Matthew said innocently as Carson announced the next couple.
"Behave yourself!" Mary hissed, turning her attention to her Mama's friends who had come to give their kind wishes.
Matthew felt supremely proud of himself as he bowed to yet another pair of guests.
Maison Lucile, Hanover Square, Mayfair, London, England, July 1913
"Cora, darling," Lady Duff Gordon smiled, embracing Lady Grantham and exchanging cheek kisses. "So lovely for you to come. Summer Season is so wonderful isn't it?"
"Yes, always," Cora replied patiently. "Lucile, you of course know Mary, and Edith and Sybil."
"Of course!" Lucile smiled. "Mary, my dear. I am so honoured to be preparing your trousseau. Your wedding just wouldn't feel right without you wearing one of my dresses, since our families have such history together!"
"My thoughts exactly," Mary smiled. Sybil and Edith looked at the floor to hold back their laughter.
"Now, now, this way please! I have the mannequins ready to show you the styles I've picked out!" Lucile called, walking briskly to a smaller inner parlour.
Once they were seated and tea was served, Lady Duff Gordon went into another room to prepare the models. Mary found herself gleeful with anticipation.
"Your Papa met with Murray earlier this week to finalize your marriage contract," Cora said quietly to her eldest daughter. "It's done – signed and sealed."
"Fine," Mary said absentmindedly, playing with her engagement ring. She was too busy looking at the makeshift stage set up in front of them where the mannequins would walk out to pay attention to what her Mama had to say.
"Mary, please pay attention. Your future is set out in that very important document," Cora whispered.
Both Edith and Sybil turned and looked at them closely.
"I'm sure it's fine, Mama," Mary rolled her eyes. "I trust Matthew. I'm sure he only has my best interests in mind."
"Oh my dear girl," Cora laughed ruefully. "May I remind you that you, all of you," she said pointedly, looking at her daughters, "have settlements for when you marry. You must be mindful before you simply throw away your family's money to just anyone."
"Just anyone?" Mary repeated in shock. "Matthew is the heir to the Grantham Estate! If anyone is above reproach, it's surely him!"
"He's the heir, not the actual Earl. Not yet," Cora said seriously. "For now at least, he's only a solicitor, and it's your settlement that will fund your marriage at first."
"I don't see how any of this matters," Mary sighed.
"For example," Cora continued. "The marriage contract sets out where the two of you will live until Matthew inherits. Did you know that?"
"No," Mary said casually. "And how do you? I thought it was a negotiation between Papa and Matthew and their lawyers."
"It's my business to know when it's my money and my daughter involved," Cora said haughtily. "I haven't read it, but your Papa could never keep such details from me."
"Of course not," Mary rolled her eyes. "Fine. So the contract says we'll live at Crawley House I assume, what of it?"
"You would leave Downton?" Sybil said in disbelief.
"I'm not leaving Yorkshire, Sybil," Mary said patiently. "Matthew's home is at Crawley House, at least for now, so that's naturally where I'll live, until it's time for us to move back to Downton Abbey."
Edith and Sybil stared at each other as if someone else had taken over their sister's voice.
"Don't look so shocked," Mary said defensively. "I am perfectly capable of living at Crawley House for a period of time."
"And what, share a maid with Cousin Isobel?" Edith smirked.
"I could always just take Jane or Anna," Mary replied, alarmed at the thought.
"What if Cousin Matthew doesn't want to pay for a maid for you?" Sybil asked innocently.
"Why wouldn't he…" Mary stopped at Edith's smug expression. "If my husband wants me to have my own maid or share one, then I will," Mary said through gritted teeth.
"And who will run the household? You, or Cousin Isobel?" Edith asked with an arched brow.
"I will, of course!" Mary retorted. "Unless Matthew feels otherwise," she said with great difficulty. "It's his house and his decision," she finished.
"Be that as it may," Cora said cautiously. "The contract also includes your monthly stipend, your clothing allowance, and what part of the wedding Matthew will be responsible for."
"Yes? And do you think any of this will be unfair to me?"
"Mary," Edith rolled her eyes. "We've only known Cousin Matthew for less than a year. He's very charming but you can't possibly trust him so completely with such important details. He knows nothing of our way of life, or what you are accustomed to."
"He's going to be my husband, thank you," Mary warned. "He wouldn't include anything in the marriage contract that would go against me. I know he wouldn't."
"Mary," Cora sighed. "You are placing a strangely large amount of faith in a man you hardly know."
"I know Matthew far more than you knew Papa when you signed your marriage contract," Mary said pointedly. "Now please can we drop this subject of conversation? I'm here to pick out my trousseau, not question my fiancé's intentions."
The models came onto the stage, each one wearing a different wedding dress or evening dress for Mary to consider. Edith and Sybil gasped and smiled at the range of fashions. Mary studied each one carefully, debating the combinations of satin, chiffon, pearls and lace. She tried to focus on what would be her wedding outfits, rather than the nagging issues raised by her Mama, which to Mary's dismay were intruding into her thoughts far more than she let on.
Grantham House, St. James Square, London, England, July 1913
"How goes the battle?" Alex smiled.
"Thankfully Mary has been abducted by her friends, so I have a short reprieve," Matthew sighed, taking a drink.
"I finished the contract with Murray. Everything is agreed finally."
"Thank you," Matthew said quietly. "Including the amount of the settlement?"
"He questioned it of course, as well as some other terms, just as we predicted. But in the end the Earl agreed."
"Good," Matthew replied, taking another sip. "Robert's penchant to gloss over details will work to our advantage."
"You're sure you're not going to tell Mary?"
"No," Matthew said firmly. "She doesn't need to know. Hopefully she'll never need to know."
"You don't think she'll question it?" Alex asked.
"She surely would if she knew the details," Matthew nodded. "As far as she knows, it's money from the Estate that's going directly to me, so she can't miss what she never had."
"In a manner of speaking, I suppose that's true. And what of the stipulation as to where you'll live?"
"She'd raise a fuss over it if she knew in advance, but by the time she finds out we'll be married and it will be too late for her to raise an objection," Matthew said, taking another drink.
"This is quite ruthless of you, Matthew," Alex noted.
"I don't need to consult Mary on everything, Alex," Matthew said sharply. "In this, it's best that she do what I say."
Alex looked around the ballroom full of guests and servants carrying drinks and hors d'oeuvres around on large silver trays.
"I thought the engagement party was traditionally supposed to be a simple afternoon tea," Alex said.
"This is a simple afternoon tea. If it was a dinner, there would be twice the number of guests and three times the food," Matthew smirked.
"If this is what they do for an engagement party then I cannot wait to see how the wedding shall go," Alex smiled, taking a sip of his drink.
Matthew brought his glass to his lips and savoured the champagne. He looked across the room and saw Mary surrounded by her friends, talking and laughing. His eyes narrowed.
"You'll find out soon enough, Alex," he said, keeping his eyes on Mary. "It will be a day to remember, for all of us."
Claridge's Hotel, Mayfair, London, England, March 1911
"So I told him that if there were going to be four parties after the presentation, then I would need four other dresses in case any of the men attended the same functions. Papa can be so ignorant sometimes," Lady Catherine rolled her eyes.
Mary sipped her tea as she listened to her friends chatter on about their coming Season. She was finding it difficult to focus on the Season, or much of anything else lately. She found she could not wait until Monday when she would be returning to the College.
"What about you, Mary? Are your outfits finished?"
"Of course they are, Ellen!" Lady Sara smiled. "Mama told me that Lady Duff Gordon already had Mary's dresses ready last month."
"That's not true," Mary sighed. "The designs are done but I still have another fitting in May."
"Lovely. So will you stay through to July then?"
"No," Mary replied. "She's coming to Downton for a visit, so we'll do the fitting there."
"How lovely," Ellen remarked. "If only all of us could be worthy of such service."
"Oh hush, Ellen," Catherine smiled. "All eyes will be on Mary this summer, there's no need to be jealous."
"Have your parents had any talks with anyone, Mary?" Sara asked.
"Not that I'm aware of," Mary said plainly. She frowned. The thought of her parents arranging a match for her now did not seem as exciting as it had mere weeks ago. "Mama would mention it if anything came up," she finished.
"It doesn't make sense to accept anything now," Ellen said, taking a bite of a pastry. "Better to wait and see what invitations come after our debut. Only then can you truly appreciate what any man has to offer."
Ellen's words rang in Mary's head. What did Matthew have to offer? He lived in Manchester. He had no great inheritance. He had no title. He probably lived in a respectable house with one or two servants. Matthew's house could probably fit in a corner of Downton Abbey. He was an excellent conversationalist, smart and funny, and those eyes. Mary did not think any man could have eyes as inviting as his. She shook her head. These thoughts were not helpful in the least.
"Obviously Mary's going to wait," Sara laughed. "Whoever marries her will have a piece of the Grantham Estate. She can't just accept anyone."
"A small piece," Mary huffed. "Cousin James and Cousin Patrick are next in line."
"You'll be at Downton often enough even after you marry though," Catherine said. "Any man would enjoy having the right to visit that Country Estate as part of his wife's dowry."
Mary nodded and sipped her tea thoughtfully. She looked out the window as her friends continued to gossip. She was the eldest daughter of the Earl of Grantham and her title and status were highly coveted.
Up until this month she was arrogantly proud of her position and family name.
Up until this month she was convinced she would only accept invitations from suitors who were deemed worthy of her.
Up until this month she could not wait for her Season to arrive and her life to truly begin.
Up until this month she thought she was happy with the track her future was set to follow.
"Isn't it exciting Mary?" Sara laughed. "I cannot wait for our Season to arrive!"
"Yes," Mary said simply. "It will be good to finally move on."
Grantham House, St. James Square, London, England, July 1913
"Mr. Crawley," a voice called.
Matthew turned and nodded towards his guest.
"Mr. Napier. Thank you for coming."
"I wouldn't miss it. I'm sorry I'm late," Evelyn smiled, shaking Matthew's hand firmly. "I'm very glad to see the two of you settled, Matthew," he said in a low voice.
"As am I, Evelyn," Matthew agreed.
"Mr. Crawley, Mr. Napier," they both turned as Larry Grey joined them.
"It's Matthew," Matthew nodded. "You are close with Mary's family so I think it appropriate we use our first names."
"I agree, Matthew," Larry replied. "Congratulations. I've always thought it would take a particular sort of man to be able to get Mary to come around."
"Well it took some doing," Matthew said, looking over at Evelyn and smiling, "but in the end I was able to take appropriate action." Evelyn smirked at the reference.
"Fortunate that you did," Larry agreed. "Mary was probably lining up the next suitor already."
Evelyn coughed. Matthew frowned slightly.
"I suppose her parents were eager to see her settled, but they were always in favour of the match I believe," Matthew volunteered.
"Yes of course, their eldest daughter with the heir to their Estate. It's rather poetic really," Larry laughed. "Make no mistake though, Matthew, Mary would have planned for every contingency. She isn't one to sit idly you know. In fact, she probably has her options figured out going forward as well."
Evelyn cleared his throat. Matthew frowned fully now.
"I do not understand your meaning, sir," he said darkly.
"Surely you must know that it's not uncommon for married men to have a mistress, and for married women to take a lover?" Larry asked. "Not all marriages are happy ones, Matthew. And there are ways to deal with that discretely among our class."
"No, I didn't know that," Matthew said bitterly. "And I fail to see how what others choose to do in their private life has anything to do with Mary and I."
"You actually care about her then? Well how darling of you," Larry laughed. "I'm sorry, I thought this was merely a convenient arrangement thrown together by Lord and Lady Grantham."
"I assure you it goes beyond that. Much beyond that," Matthew said.
"We should all be so lucky to win a Lady's heart less than a year after making her acquaintance," Larry said easily, looking at Evelyn for agreement and finding none. "Particularly a Lady as unique as Lady Mary."
"I don't think I appreciate your implication, Larry," Matthew said firmly.
"Peace, Matthew," Larry held up his hands. "I've known Mary and her sisters since we were children. Sybil and I were practically matched ourselves once. All I am saying is that Mary is hardly traditional and she surely won't be content playing a traditional wife. She needs to be challenged, entertained, kept interested. Otherwise she's likely to become bored, is all. And a bored wife is liable to consider all manner of…distraction. But I'm sure you know that and have it all under control."
"Matthew need not worry on that score," Evelyn interjected. "I believe Lady Mary to be fiercely loyal."
"Perhaps," Larry considered. "But she would not be the first one even in her own social circle to appreciate the benefits of using her private time for certain purposes."
"I don't know if I am prepared to listen to you impeach the character of any other ladies," Matthew warned.
"It's hardly a scandal if it's common knowledge," Larry said dismissively. "Surely you've heard the gossip, Matthew? Why, look over at the young ladies in this very room eyeing you timidly. I'm sure some of them would be more than open to being the consort of the Earl of Grantham."
Matthew narrowed his eyes. "I have no need for such…distraction as you put it."
"Matthew," Mary called, coming up to him and taking his arm.
"Mary," Matthew answered, turning to her and pushing Larry's last comment to the back of his mind.
"Larry, Evelyn," Mary nodded to them before turning back to Matthew. "Darling, I'd like you to meet Lord and Lady Kingsley. Please come and talk to them. Excuse us, gentlemen."
"Lady Mary, Matthew," Evelyn nodded.
"Of course," Larry bowed, smiling to himself as Mary led Matthew away.
Downton Abbey, England, August 1913
"When you told me you had something to distract me, I didn't exactly imagine this," Matthew whispered.
"Why not?" Mary whispered back, squeezing his arm. "It will help pass the time, and you'll work up quite a sweat."
Matthew swallowed. "In the distraction that I imagined, we weren't wearing so many…clothes."
"That's the point," Mary quipped, raising her eyebrow to him. "Your imagination is far too ravenous to be allowed unchecked with the wedding less than two months away."
"I've barely seen you the last two weeks," Matthew whined petulantly. "I've spent more time with Robert, Carson, Barrow and the rest of them than I have with my own fiancée."
"You've seen me at dinner and at Church," Mary smiled sweetly. "And you've been forced to keep your hands to yourself, so I would say my idea has been entirely successful."
Mary smiled as they walked up to the cricket pitch. Robert was giving instructions to the rest of the Abbey team, consisting mainly of Carson, Barrow, Branson and other male servants. Dr. Clarkson and the Village team were gathering around nearby.
"Good luck, darling," Mary smiled, kissing Matthew's cheek. "I trust you'll do your best to bring us victory. Papa's been rather angry that the Village has won the past two years."
"I can hardly be bothered to care," Matthew rolled his eyes. "So long as we get this over with. Our team is hardly at an advantage. Branson's never even played the game, you know."
"Even still, you have an incentive to win, darling," Mary said quietly, her dark eyes looking up at him teasingly. "I have a special prize for you should the House team emerge triumphant."
"A prize?" Matthew blinked, his face lighting up in curiosity.
"Win this match, Matthew," Mary whispered, "and I promise to make you forget all about the last two weeks of hardship that you've endured."
Matthew gulped audibly, drawing a smile from Mary. "And how do you intend to redeem yourself, exactly?" he mumbled, heat rising to his cheeks.
"That's my secret, Matthew," Mary whispered. "But I assure you that you will enjoy it immensely, if you win of course."
Matthew stared at her and nodded slightly. He turned and walked over to the team tent to gather his equipment. Mary smirked as she walked calmly over to join her Mama, Granny and sisters under their tent.
"Matthew is batting first," Sybil noted as Matthew stepped up to his crease. "Is he any good, Mary?"
"I couldn't tell you," Mary smiled. "I understand that Matthew played in school, but that was a while ago."
"How good could he be?" Violet chuckled. "He spends all of his time at that horrid job of his."
"I don't know, Granny," Mary replied, looking out on to the field. "He may surprise us."
Matthew didn't bother listening to Robert's instructions or the banter from other players. He focused on Dr. Clarkson holding the ball in his hand above his head. Matthew swung the bat loosely back and forth, bending his knees and straightening his shoulders. He glanced over at Mary. She gave him a slight smirk. Matthew turned back towards the bowler.
Dr. Clarkson stepped forward and launched the ball down the pitch. The ball skipped off the ground, spinning up and cutting downward sharply. Matthew kept his weight on his back foot, then whipped his arms forward, the bat arching violently through the air and finishing over his shoulder.
Mary gasped.
The ball took off with a strong cracking sound. All eyes looked into the sky as Matthew's shot sailed into the distance and comfortably cleared the far boundary of the field.
Dr. Clarkson hung his head.
Robert yelled gleefully.
Barrow and Branson exchanged surprised looks and shrugged their shoulders.
Matthew watched patiently as the ball sailed out of play, then stretched his arms as he waited for Dr. Clarkson to retrieve another ball and walk back to his position.
"A six!" Edith said in shock.
"My, Matthew made that look rather easy," Cora noted.
"Yes, he did," Mary swallowed. Her pulse quickened as Matthew looked over at her with a confident smirk.
Dr. Clarkson's next ball joined the first beyond the boundary of the field for another six scored by Matthew. He followed with a four, another six and two more fours in rapid succession. The Villagers chastised Dr. Clarkson for his wretched bowling. Robert was beside himself with joy as the runs piled up.
"He could singlehandedly win the match if he keeps this up," Sybil smiled.
"He's awfully determined," Edith noted. "I wonder what's gotten into him?"
Mary blushed, sipping her tea and remaining silent as her fiancé gave her a knowing look after each ball flew out of play. When Matthew finally finished his innings, the House held a comically large lead. Mary stood up and approached the boundary to meet him. Matthew walked over to her with an easy stride, his eyes seeming to devour her.
Hidden underneath her parasol, Mary leaned up and kissed him quickly.
"That was…impressive," she said quietly.
"I'm very motivated to perform," Matthew answered, holding her gaze.
By the time the match reached its break for tea, the House team was soundly trouncing the Village.
"Outstanding, Matthew. I'm speechless," Robert said happily. "I had no idea you were so skilled at the game."
"I wouldn't say I'm particularly talented, Robert," Matthew smiled humbly. "It's been a while since I played."
"Then I shall take credit for putting you through practices for the past two weeks," Robert laughed. "You're batting rather aggressively for someone who hasn't played in a while."
"Well, that's something that hasn't changed," Matthew nodded, locking eyes with Mary. "When there's a trophy to be won, I am known to stop at nothing until I've claimed my prize."
Mary swallowed and looked away demurely.
"Win this match for the House and there will be bragging rights until next year," Robert said pleasantly, oblivious to the exchange between his heir and his daughter.
Robert clapped Matthew on the back and went back out to the field.
"I have to go finish this," Matthew smiled at her.
"Of course you do," Mary said. "Victory appears close at hand."
"It does," Matthew looked at her with lustful eyes. "Can I count on you to keep your promises?"
"You can always count on me," Mary replied, her stomach fluttering at his words.
"I know that," Matthew said, his face beaming. "I love you, Mary."
They kissed chastely and she stroked his face with her gloved hand.
"I'll be back for you shortly," he smirked.
The Village was soon facing certain defeat as Dr. Clarkson went through his innings. Robert called out to the House encouragingly. Carson raised the ball above his head and stared down at Dr. Clarkson. Matthew shifted his weight from one foot to another and focused on the batter. His mind filled with all manner of visions as to what Mary had planned for his prize. He never wanted a cricket match to end faster in his entire life.
Robert crouched and held out his hands, presenting the target. Carson lunged forward and bowled the ball down the pitch. The ball kicked to the side at the last moment and Dr. Clarkson swung awkwardly, barely making contact. The ball sliced into the air, floating directly towards Branson.
"Oh God," Sybil exclaimed, covering her mouth.
Branson's eyes went wide and he put up his hands to protect his face. The ball fell into him and he clutched it reflexively, opening his eyes to find the ball cradled in his hands for the final out of the match.
Robert raised his arms in victory and the House team celebrated. Dr. Clarkson looked skyward and shook his head. The teams shook hands and congratulated each other. The men from Downton Abbey walked off the field laughing.
"Papa, Matthew and I will walk back to the house," Mary said as she took Matthew's arm.
"Fine. Don't take too long, Matthew. Tonight's dinner will be a victory celebration!"
Matthew smiled and nodded as the rest of the family returned to their cars. Matthew smiled to himself as he and Mary walked comfortably in the direction of Downton Abbey.
"Congratulations, Matthew," Mary smiled. "You saved the day."
"I'm glad, for numerous reasons," Matthew replied.
"It's unfortunate that your mother was not here to witness your command performance."
"Well she's seen me play before," Matthew noted.
"With her in Manchester with your relatives, it seems unnecessary for you to return to Crawley House tonight," Mary said, thinking aloud.
Matthew stared at her. "Perhaps it would be a better idea for me to stay in the Bachelor's Wing, at least for tonight."
"Papa will likely be carousing in celebration for most of the evening, and you may be in no condition to go back home later," Mary agreed. "Yes, perhaps staying overnight would be safer for you."
"I'll raise it with Robert as soon as we arrive," Matthew said quickly.
Mary looked up at Downton Abbey as they drew closer. She smiled and held on to the arm of her fiancé. Their wedding was less than two months away.