Previously:
Painswick House, Eaton Square, London, England, October 1913
Mary beamed and kissed him. "Oh, Matthew! You couldn't have remembered that drabble we talked about all those years ago? Cannes and the Riviera. It's perfect, darling."
Matthew laughed and kissed her forehead lovingly. "Would you like to hear what I have planned for our arrival?"
Mary moved closer to him and smiled as he groaned at the contact of her skin against his, her leg rubbing teasingly against him. Her hand travelled down his side, making him shiver.
"You can tell me in the morning, darling," she whispered into his ear, before she pulled him on top of her and took his mouth in a fierce kiss.
Chapter 15:
The Crystal Palace, London, England, March 1911
"Oh please, Matthew," Mary sighed in exasperation.
"No," he huffed, looking away from her and up at the high glass ceiling. He felt her eyes on him and he refused to look back and show her his nerves.
"I don't understand what the problem is," she rolled her eyes. "Two weeks ago we spent hours discussing everything from my favourite colour to the story of when I threw toffee in Edith's hair. It's only fair that we discuss you now."
"No," Matthew repeated. "We have discussed me, in great detail. You know all that you need to know already."
"That's not entirely true," Mary looked at him pointedly. "For example, what are your interests besides music, law and architecture? You must have some other hobby or distraction?"
"The way you have horseback riding, fashion and shopping?" he smiled.
"Yes, exactly," Mary smiled back. She looked at him curiously.
"What?" he asked nervously.
"There is something," Mary said slowly. "Something that you don't want to tell me. Darling, I won't laugh if that's what you're afraid of. I just want to know you better."
Matthew swallowed and looked away again. To deny Mary this was almost impossible. To hear her so genuinely interested in him was thrilling, but the prospect of revealing parts of him to her that he expected she would not like was terrifying in equal measure.
"That's it, isn't it?" Mary declared. "Oh, Matthew, you honestly think me such a snob that I would judge you for something as personal and harmless as this?"
"Well, you can be quite judgmental," Matthew answered quietly.
Mary rolled her eyes. She glanced around the exhibition hall before pulling him determinedly behind a large elm tree and out of sight.
"Mary, what are you doing?"
Mary pulled on his lapels and pressed her lips against his, drawing a surprised groan from him, followed by a gasp as his hands went to her waist and he returned her kiss.
When Mary pulled back, Matthew's mouth hung open adorably. She reached up with her gloved hand and patted his cheek.
"Darling," she smiled. "I find you very handsome, and smart, and sometimes maddeningly stubborn. I won't think any less of you just because you have a peculiar hobby. I won't pry if you're adamant about this, but I simply want us to know each other better, that's all."
"It's ship models," Matthew blurted out, pulling back from her and breathing heavily.
"Ship models?" Mary repeated, frowning. "That's the great mystery? That's the closely guarded secret? That you enjoy building ship models?"
"Well it's hardly something that aristocrats partake in," Matthew rolled his eyes as they resumed their walk. "I started building them as a boy and when I showed them to some of my friends, they laughed, and they called me…"
"They called you what?" Mary asked, her face showing a bemused expression.
"Captain Crawley," Matthew said flatly.
"Oh, Matthew," Mary chuckled sympathetically. "Are you telling me that you thought I would do the same? That I was like a girl you knew in your childhood who laughed at your ship models?"
"No!" Matthew said defensively. "Well, perhaps a little bit, yes."
"Matthew," Mary shook her head. "There's nothing wrong with ship models at all. Papa has a model of the Mary Rose in a bottle on his desk, in fact."
Matthew laughed. "No, Mary, I'm not talking about ships in a bottle. Those aren't true ship models. They're too small. There isn't enough room for proper scale or details."
Mary smiled. "Well, Captain," she said, her eyes twinkling. "Please educate me on what exactly constitutes a true ship model."
Matthew looked at her nervously, trying to see past her smirk and her playful eyes to find the ridicule and insults that surely would come. She was Lady Mary Crawley. What interest could she possibly have in his ship models? Why was he stupid enough to tell her? Why was she so good at getting him to lay himself bare before her?
"Matthew," Mary said patiently. "I want to know, truly."
Matthew smiled sheepishly.
"Well it all started when my father took me to the Manchester Shipping Canal to watch the boats come down the Mersey…"
Oceonographic Museum, Monaco-Ville, Monaco, October 1913
"Look, Matthew! Seahorses!" Mary smiled, pointing to the small creatures flitting about in the large aquarium tank.
"I see them, darling," Matthew laughed as she squeezed his arm. "I am not surprised that with sharks and rays and jellyfish taking everyone's attention, you would instead focus on the seahorses."
"Well they are quite cute," Mary said, holding on to him as they continued to stroll through the large hall.
Matthew smiled as he glanced over at her. Mary had spent the better part of the morning after breakfast deciding what dress to wear, much to his consternation. She needed to be comfortable for the drive over from Cannes, she explained, while also wearing something elegant that befitted visiting one of the richest countries in the world. Now that they were finally in Monaco, he was quite pleased with her choice. Her white and blue striped shirt and long skirt matched his suit perfectly.
"What are you thinking, darling?" Mary asked, looking at him.
"Hmm?"
"Matthew," she said softly. "What were you thinking just now when you were ogling me?"
"Nothing," he said lightly. "I would only say that the time spent waiting for you to get ready this morning was completely worth it. You look gorgeous, Mary."
Mary looked away and smiled. She was hoping he would like her outfit. She picked it deliberately to match his.
"Thank you, darling," she said quietly. "That's very charming of you. Although I must admit I will be glad to get back to Cannes. It's far warmer here in Monaco than I expected."
"Shall we go and get on with the rest of our visit then?" Matthew suggested.
"Oh, not yet!" Mary said. "There's one last exhibition I want to see."
"How do you know what exhibitions are here?" Matthew asked.
"You're not the only one who reads, darling," Mary teased. "Ah, here we are, the Prince Albert Room. This way."
Matthew followed her through to another large hall. He took in the numerous display cases and grinned widely.
"Ship models," he said, noticing the various galleons, carracks and sailing ships set up around the room.
"A rather extensive collection from what I've read," Mary smiled at him. "You know there's something quite attractive to me about a man who is talented and patient enough to craft such an exact replica."
"Is that so?" Matthew asked, swallowing at her implication.
"Of course," Mary smiled. "A man who can use his hands so artfully and precisely must have all manner of talents."
Hotel de Paris, Monte Carlo, Monaco, October 1913
Mary smiled widely as she took Matthew's arm and walked into the lobby. While she was very familiar with grand hotels and lavish buildings, the Hotel de Paris was no ordinary hotel, even by her standards. She glanced at the marble columns, the glittering chandeliers and the ornate sculptures on the walls and felt a sense of wonder that she rarely experienced. It took a lot to impress Lady Mary Crawley and she had to admit she was impressed.
"Lovely, isn't it?" Matthew smirked.
"Yes," Mary agreed. "Although I regret that we may be woefully underdressed, even for afternoon tea."
"Hmm," Matthew thought, appraising her outfit. "Perhaps you're right. Maybe we should cancel."
"Thank you for bringing me here, darling," Mary smiled, holding on to his arm. "Maybe we can find time to come back later when we're better prepared. Although I understand their reservations are booked weeks in advance."
"I would expect so," Matthew nodded. "Trying to get a table here can be quite impossible, I'd imagine."
Mary bit her lower lip. She knew it should not matter what they were wearing, and that bringing up the issue was hardly wise. Matthew had gone to the trouble of bringing her here because he knew she would like it. He would wear cricket whites to tea if she asked him to, but she was afraid their casual attire was just not appropriate and despite their being in another country, she still could not imagine not following a proper dress code in such a place.
"Monsieur Crawley," a voice called.
Mary blinked in confusion. Who knew Matthew here? She grew more surprised as a smiling hotel valet came up and bowed to them.
"And this must be your wife, Lady Mary? Welcome to the Hotel de Paris. Right this way, please," the valet turned and led them away.
Mary looked questioningly at Matthew as they followed the valet through the lobby and towards the stairs.
"Matthew? What is this?"
"Well, you said that we weren't properly dressed to eat here," Matthew said, as if it were the most obvious fact in the world.
"But then, where are we going? Shopping? And why would we need a valet?" Mary asked incredulously.
"Not exactly, darling," Matthew smirked. "And Henri is not only a valet. He's also a concierge."
They walked up fine carpeted stairs and down an opulent hallway, the valet moving briskly past door after door, finally turning and standing patiently in front of a set of double doors at the end of the hallway.
Mary looked from the valet to Matthew to the doors, not at all sure of what was going on.
"Monsieur Crawley, as requested, the Charles Garnier suite for you and your lovely wife."
The valet unlocked the double doors and opened them, ushering Mary and Matthew inside. Matthew watched Mary closely, smiling as her face showed first confusion, then surprise, then absolute wonder.
The valet proudly showed them the large living space and dining room, and swept his arm towards the bedrooms and bathrooms, mentioning the materials used in the construction and decoration, and some of the famous guests who regularly stayed in the same room.
Matthew left Mary to walk around the living room and pulled the valet aside. They spoke quietly in French before Matthew tipped him and took the key to their room. The valet bowed to both of them, wishing them a pleasant stay, and left.
"Matthew, what scheme is this? I heard you mention something to the valet about 'special arrangements'?" Mary inquired with a raised eyebrow.
"Impressive," Matthew smiled. "Your old governess would be proud that you still understand some French."
"So what is this, exactly?" Mary asked. "Is this really…"
"Our honeymoon suite in Monaco," Matthew smiled at her, coming over and pulling her into his arms. "It seemed entirely more efficient to stay the night for what I have in mind."
"Is that so?" Mary said in a sultry tone, kissing his cheek. "And what exactly do you have planned for me, Monsieur Crawley?"
"All will be revealed in time, darling," Matthew said confidently. "First, let me show you one more feature."
He took her hand and walked towards the large curtained windows. Mary had not paid attention when they were walking to their room so she could not tell what side of the hotel they were on.
"Is the view of the sea or the Casino, darling?" she asked.
"See for yourself," Matthew smiled.
Mary gasped as Matthew pulled the curtains back, revealing two ornate door handles on what until then she assumed were windows. He opened them and placed his hand at her back, guiding her gently outside to their private terrace overlooking Place du Casino.
Matthew held her by her waist, nuzzling her neck as they looked out on the city below and the sea in the distance. The sun was bright overhead and a cool breeze caressed them as they surveyed all around them.
"Is it to your taste, Mary?" Matthew asked, kissing her below her ear.
They stood together, newly married, vacationing on the French Riviera, seemingly the Lord and Lady of all they saw. Mary smiled, placing her hands over his across her front.
"It's perfect," Mary said with a grin, turning her head and kissing her husband in thanks.
Village Church, Downton Village, England, October 1913
"Have you told Mary where you're going on honeymoon as of yet?" Alex asked as he and his newlywed friend stood on the Church steps. Mary was taking a photograph with Edith and Sybil and Robert and Cora were standing off with Violet and Isobel, accepting the well wishes of the departing guests.
"Not yet," Matthew smiled, grateful for the brief respite. "Were you able to make the arrangements I requested?"
"It's done," Alex smiled. "My French was not nearly as rusty as I originally thought."
"It all comes back once you've had some practice," Matthew agreed.
"Either that, or I've unknowingly booked you into a pub somewhere near Nice instead of the Hotel du Paris in Monte Carlo."
Matthew laughed. "I'll take my chances, or blame you if it all goes wrong."
Alex smirked at his friend. "You can only blame me for the accommodations, not for anything else going wrong."
"Mr. Crawley, sir!" a voice called as a smiling man walked up to him and shook his hand.
Matthew took a moment to look at the man, then finally smiled in recognition. "Mr. Drewe! Thank you for coming. It's very kind of you."
Matthew turned to Alex. "This is Mr. Drewe, one of the tenant farmers. Mr. Drewe, my best man and mentor, Alexander Lewis."
"Mr. Drewe," Alex nodded, shaking the man's hand.
"A pleasure! Well, Mr. Crawley, I've known Lady Mary since she was a child, sir! It's lovely to be here for your wedding. We knew we had to come out and see all of you arrive, and the carriage of Lady Mary was so regal! And I'm happy to welcome you to the family officially. The Crawley's and the Drewe's have been working these lands together since the time of Napoleon!"
Alex smirked at Matthew, bemused by the man's enthusiasm.
"Yes, Robert mentioned that you have a very long history indeed. Well I am honoured that you took time out of your day to be here with us. I expect we'll be seeing more of each other in the future."
"Certainly, sir! Certainly! You're always welcome at my home if you wanted to stop in. It's the least I can do for all the generosity that the Earl has shown me and my family. I can't imagine many landlords would be so lenient with matters such as rent!" Mr. Drewe laughed.
Matthew looked at the man curiously.
"Yes, Lord Grantham is a very kind Earl," Alex agreed. "He's not particularly fastidious about collecting the monthly rent is he, Mr. Drewe?"
"Not at all!" Mr. Drewe laughed. "And it is very much appreciated when times are a bit tougher for us. My fellows and I, we'll get around to making things right eventually but we're grateful for the family's understanding."
"Of course you will," Matthew smiled. "Good day, Mr. Drewe."
"Good day, sir! And congratulations once more."
The tenant farmer departed with a nod and a tip of his hat. Matthew and Alex watched him leave, looking out along the main road that led from the Village back to Downton Abbey.
"Things must be going very well if Lord Grantham doesn't even need to bother collecting rents from his tenants," Alex said thoughtfully.
Matthew sighed. "I don't think I want to know about it."
"Oh, of course not, Matthew. Better that you remain oblivious. I hear that inheriting an Estate with no money isn't nearly as inconvenient as it sounds," Alex said as if he were discussing the weather rather than Matthew's inheritance.
Matthew looked at Alex and rolled his eyes.
"Matthew! Alex! We're going to take a photograph of all of us together!" Sybil called.
Alex and Matthew shared a glance before walking over and rejoining the Crawley family.
Hotel de Paris, Monte Carlo, Monaco, October 1913
"We can relax here for a bit, then I've managed to reserve us a table downstairs for dinner this evening," Matthew smiled as they came back in from the terrace.
"Darling, this is so romantic, and I love you for surprising me, but I'll have to go shopping. I don't have anything to wear, Matthew, and I don't have any of my toiletries or clothes for tomorrow. If I had known in advance, I could have had Anna prepare something."
Matthew smiled at her and leaned over and kissed her cheek. "We'll manage, my darling. We'll manage. Let me show you the bedroom, first."
She turned in his arms and kissed him, framing his face with her gloved hands and teasing her tongue along his teeth. Matthew pulled away, taking her hands in his. His look was mischievous and she felt her skin flushing with arousal.
"Well I suppose I don't need any other clothes for what you have in mind," she smirked.
Matthew led her to the bedroom, and Mary smiled as she could see from the open French doors the night tables, the large four poster bed and the artwork on the walls. It seemed even larger than her bedroom at Downton Abbey.
"There are two bedrooms, each with its own dressing room," Matthew said. "Although there is a particularly unique feature of this bedroom that I hope you'll enjoy."
He guided her into the bedroom and turned her toward the vanity and dressing table.
Mary laughed incredulously.
"Anna!"
"Milady, Mr. Matthew," Anna smiled and curtsied.
Mary turned to Matthew in astonishment. "How did she get here?"
"I would be foolish to go anywhere without my wife's lady's maid," Matthew teased. "Besides, if I did not have a separate car bring Anna here, however would we get your clothes to the hotel?"
Mary's face brightened as she walked over to the dressing table, delighted that her toiletries had been brought from their temporary home in Cannes. She noticed the dressing room, with several clothes hanging inside. She looked at Anna with a raised eyebrow.
"I've brought some outfits for tomorrow. Mr. Matthew was very specific in what he wanted you to wear," Anna smiled.
"Was he?" Mary looked at him with a knowing smirk.
Matthew held up his hands innocently. "Just thinking of your comfort and convenience, Mary. Now, I'll leave the two of you alone and check on my own clothes. Anna, I trust everything was fine with your room?"
"Yes, sir," Anna nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Matthew."
Matthew nodded and left the room. Mary sat down at the vanity and removed her gloves. She looked at Anna and beamed.
"I can't believe he did this."
"Milady, it's so incredibly romantic. When he told me, I couldn't believe he was letting me stay here as well. I've never been to a hotel like this before."
Mary nodded. "It must have cost him a small fortune to arrange for this. I know he received my settlement but I didn't think he would use part of it to fund our trip."
Anna smiled. "Shall I show you what Mr. Matthew had me pack for you?"
Mary turned her chair towards the dressing room.
"Did he have you pack my lingerie?" Mary smiled conspiratorially.
"Yes, although he was terribly nervous asking me about it," Anna smiled back.
They laughed as Anna took a gown from the dressing room and showed it to Mary.
Mary and Matthew spent the afternoon sitting on their terrace reading. Mary pried for details on the rest of their stay in Monte Carlo and Matthew evaded her questions with a laugh and a smile. He removed her indignant pout with a kiss and continued reading to her.
They eventually went to their respective dressing rooms to change for dinner. Mary chose a new gown that Matthew had bought for her. When she came out to the living room, Matthew was already changed into black tie. He rose from the chair upon seeing her. Mary smirked at seeing his enthralled expression.
"You look stunning, even better than I imagined when I picked it out," Matthew smiled.
"I'm surprised, Matthew, I thought your fantasies were of me without clothes on," she teased.
Matthew's eyes went wide and he looked over her shoulder to the bedroom, afraid that Anna might overhear them.
"I sent her back to her room," Mary smiled, stepping closer to him and running her gloved hand over his shoulder. "I also dismissed her for the night."
"Did you?" Matthew smiled, placing his hands on her hips.
"I did, she's had a full day already and she'll likely need her rest," Mary said with false concern. Anna was hardly tired at all. "As a result, I'll need help getting undressed for bed," Mary said pointedly, looking directly into his blue eyes.
Matthew swallowed.
"Do you think you could help me the way you did in London on our wedding night, husband?" she said huskily.
"Yes!" Matthew almost shouted. "I…I think I could do that," he gasped.
"Excellent," Mary smiled, stepping back. "Well, shall we go down, darling?" she asked innocently.
Matthew adjusted his collar, looking at Mary with dark eyes and flushed skin. He offered her his arm and escorted his wife to dinner.
Private Villa, La Bocca Beach, Cannes, France, October 1913
"God, it's sweltering," Matthew panted, removing his jacket and placing it on a chair.
"If Carson were here, he'd be aghast at you removing your jacket and leaving it on the furniture," Mary smiled, looking up at her husband from the chaise lounge.
"Well he isn't here," Matthew smirked, leaning down and kissing her. "And I'm feeling bold, so on the chair my jacket shall go."
"Bold, you say?" Mary looked up at him with a raised eyebrow.
Matthew chuckled. He sat down next to his wife's reclining form.
"Is Anna settled?" he asked.
"Yes," Mary nodded. "She's quite impressed by this place, as am I."
"Good," Matthew smiled. "That was the point."
"I still don't know why you didn't bring a valet with you. You could have brought Molesley, or Papa could have spared Thomas."
"I'm on honeymoon with my beautiful wife," Matthew looked at her pointedly. "Forgive me if I would rather not have a man's hands on me at night."
Mary rolled her eyes and smiled. "So what do you have planned for us? I expect you'll want to go to the Museum and gaze adoringly at some Mayan pottery?"
"And you'll want to visit La Croissette and shop the day away?" Matthew teased.
"Well we are here for almost a month," Mary noted. "We have plenty of time for all of that. I do wish we could see the rest of the Riviera though, but there's really no need when everything is already here in Cannes."
Matthew smiled to himself.
"And what about the beach? It seems a waste to live so close to the sea and not use it," Matthew mused.
"Of course," Mary smiled. "I'll get some colour on those pale arms of yours yet, darling."
Matthew laughed.
"So?" Mary asked, putting her book away. "Where shall we go? What grand excursion shall we begin first?"
Matthew leaned over and brought his lips close to hers, his blue eyes locked on hers, his hands sliding across the thin silk of her blouse.
"Let's stay in," he whispered.
Mary laughed against his lips as she wrapped her arms around him.
Hotel de Paris, Monte Carlo, Monaco, October 1913
They were escorted to the hotel restaurant and seated at a window table overlooking the sea. Matthew ordered for them in French and they had wine and enjoyed the view before their waiters arrived to serve the courses.
"This is delicious," Mary smiled, eating an oyster delicately.
"It's amazing what a difference it makes when you have seafood available fresh each day," Matthew agreed.
"Did you notice the name of the hall where your ship models were displayed at the Museum today?" Mary asked.
"Yes, Prince Albert I, the ruling monarch. A rather colourful life to say the least," Matthew smiled. "You know, his second wife, Princess Anne is American. I'm beginning to learn how adventurous one's life can be when one's wife has American blood."
Mary caught his mischievous look. "Well, darling, I hope you're not looking to Prince Albert as a role model. He separated from his American wife because of his dalliance with a courtesan, you know."
Matthew's eyes widened. "I was aware of that. I didn't know you knew."
"As I said, you're not the only one who reads, darling," Mary said smugly as she sipped her wine. "So will I need to pay attention to which female visitors you entertain?"
"No!" Matthew said firmly. "I was going to actually ask you whether I need to be wary of any ambitious young men who feel the need to distract you from your boring lawyer husband."
"Well, there certainly has been nothing boring about our marriage thus far," Mary smiled. "So I would say you have absolutely nothing to worry about."
After dessert, they walked the grounds, the night pleasant and stars filling the sky. It was so different here, Mary thought. They were truly alone, just the two of them, in this foreign land, the entire world held at bay as they enjoyed the quiet pleasure of being able to do this – to walk, to stroll – arm in arm as husband and wife.
"This has been so lovely, darling. Thank you," she smiled, squeezing his arm. "Shall we go back to our room?"
Matthew met her teasing gaze with one of his own. "Not quite yet, Mary. My plans for you this evening are not finished."
"Darling? Whatever do you mean? I'm quite full from that wonderful meal you arranged."
"No, dinner is over. I was speaking of the night's entertainment."
"I thought that was why we should get back to our suite," Mary said.
Matthew smirked and patted her hand. "As enticing as that sounds, I have something else in mind actually."
Mary looked at him with an arched brow and Matthew smiled, remaining silent. She then noticed another hotel valet was waiting for them as they entered the lobby once more.
"Monsieur Crawley," he nodded. "Everything is arranged for you and your wife. You may go over whenever you like."
"Merci," Matthew nodded. He turned and escorted Mary towards the front doors.
"Matthew?" Mary asked.
"You're in good hands, darling," Matthew smiled. "Just follow me and enjoy yourself."
Monte Carlo Casino, Monte Carlo, Monaco, October 1913
Matthew brought Mary next door to the Casino. They were greeted by a host at the door and escorted to a card table where drinks were served and the staff welcomed them warmly. Mary's face lit up at all the activity around them and the decadent décor and atmosphere of the old building. She had never been in a casino before.
They started with a game of blackjack. Mary was rather intimidated by the pile of chips that was placed before them. She had played many card games with her Mama and sisters over the years, but she had never gambled before. Ladies did not bet on games of chance among her class. Matthew explained the rules of the game to her with an easy confidence, and played some hands for her to understand the game. Mary watched as the dealer dealt himself the Eight of Clubs and Matthew a combined tally of 14.
"What do you think, darling?" Matthew smiled at her. "Hit or stay?"
Mary's eyes widened. She tried to remember what Matthew had told her just moments ago. "Hit," she said cautiously.
"Hit," Matthew nodded to the dealer.
The dealer dealt Matthew the King of Hearts.
"Sir has Twenty-Four. That is a bust," the dealer said in clipped English.
Three more hands followed where Mary instructed Matthew on how to play the next card and he lost all three of them. Mary grew anxious as the dealer kept collecting his chips with each loss.
"Perhaps you should decide, darling," Mary said nervously as he turned to her for her opinion again. "I'm afraid I'm not particularly good at this."
Matthew smiled. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the back of her hand.
"Darling," he said playfully. "I would rather lose with you by my side than win alone. It's just a game, Mary. Always trust your instinct and be mindful of the rules and everything will be just fine."
Mary gave him a brave smile. She nodded, then looked back at the cards. The dealer had dealt himself the Six of Diamonds and Matthew had a combined tally of 15.
"Stay," Mary said, eyes narrowing on the dealer's cards.
Matthew nodded to the dealer that he would take no more cards.
The dealer promptly turned over the Queen of Clubs as his second card and was forced to deal himself a third card, which was the Eight of Hearts.
"Dealer has Twenty-Four. Bust. Sir wins."
Mary smiled as the chips were awarded to Matthew. He kissed her hand again.
"Well done, darling," he smiled. She felt strangely proud of the achievement.
Mary soon found to her delight that they seemed to have a string of luck going on the evening. They won a large share of hands at blackjack, and Mary's confidence soared as the chips continued to grow. Matthew showed her roulette and craps, the former going fairly well as she just had to pick certain numbers that she liked, and the latter going very well thanks to a Frenchman who seemed to be able to throw the dice without ever losing. Two hours after arriving at the Casino, Matthew cashed out a rather substantial pile of chips.
The atmosphere of the Casino and the thrill of winning had Mary buzzing and wide awake as she left on Matthew's arm. She had not paid particularly close attention, but it seemed to her they had won a few hundred francs by the time they left. She snuggled up to him as they walked past the water fountain outside the Casino.
"Thank you, Matthew. This evening was so very fun. But I think we should retire. It's quite late."
Matthew smiled. "Are you tired?"
Mary looked at him with a devilish smile. "Not at all," she said with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.
Matthew blushed and escorted his wife into the hotel without another word.
Hotel de Paris, Monte Carlo, Monaco, October 1913
Mary sent him down to check to make sure Anna was all right in her room. He felt strange going to another woman's bedroom, but once he confirmed Anna was fine and about to go to sleep herself, he went back up to their suite.
As Matthew walked in, his breath caught. Mary was sitting on the sofa in the living room, two glasses of champagne on the table in front of her. She was wearing a sheer negligee which barely covered her knees. Her silk robe was open, showing her bare legs to him. Her hair was loose around her shoulders.
"Hello, Matthew," she called seductively.
Matthew removed his coat and vest as he walked over to her, leaving them on a nearby chair. He sat down next to her and took the flute of champagne that she offered him.
"I see you found the bottle of champagne that I ordered."
"Indeed. It was very thoughtful of you, as this whole evening has been. Thank you so much, darling."
They raised their glasses and sipped their champagne, both of them staring at each other wantonly, communicating all that was to come without words.
"You were very good at the Casino. I had no idea you were a gambler," she smiled.
"I most certainly am not," Matthew laughed. "I haven't really gambled at all since College."
"Well you had no trouble this evening."
"Tonight was by far the best streak of gambling luck I have ever had, indeed. I am quite proud that we managed to quit while we were ahead. That's never been my forte."
"Perhaps gambling in Monaco is different from the games you played with your friends?"
"Not at all. The games are the same, essentially," Matthew smiled, running his fingers along her chin. "It all came back to me the more we played. It's just a matter of paying attention and making the right move," Matthew said.
The shared a laugh. "And I had a rather beautiful lucky charm with me," he said as he leaned towards her.
She smiled into his kiss. She then took their glasses and placed them back on the table.
"It's time for bed, darling," Mary said confidently, rising from the sofa and taking his hands in hers as she moved towards the bedroom.
"Let me now show you a move or two," Mary said with bright eyes.