Previously:

Hotel de Paris, Monte Carlo, Monaco, October 1913

"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.

Chapter 16:

Downton Abbey, England, October 1913

The Great Hall was bustling with activity as Matthew walked in. Carson nodded to him before turning his attention to directing various footmen and valets upstairs and downstairs.

"Lady Mary is with Lady Grantham in the parlour, Mr. Crawley," Carson said quickly before admonishing a visiting valet for carrying luggage in the wrong direction.

Matthew smiled and shook his head as he navigated his way to the parlour.

He entered the room and smirked as Mary and Cora were standing around a table, passing papers back and forth. The Dowager Countess sat off to the side, observing with her usual sharp eye.

"Matthew," Cora smiled, looking up at him. "We were just going over the menu for the reception. I'm afraid that there are a number of matters that Mary must attend to before we can release her."

"Darling, what are you doing here? I thought you went riding," Mary asked.

Matthew smiled at Mary. "Cousin Cora, please continue. Don't mind me, I'm rather useless to you I'm afraid, but I would rather stand here with my fiancée than pass the time idly by myself."

"Of course, Matthew. Of course." Cora beamed and looked back at Violet before turning back to the menu. Mary looked away from him and was blushing as she tried to focus on what her Mama was saying.

Matthew took a seat on the settee opposite Cousin Violet. The Dowager Countess observed him, seemingly pleased with himself and at ease, and stealing the odd glance at Mary as she leaned over the table. Violet smiled to herself. Her granddaughter had found herself quite a catch in Matthew Crawley indeed.

Confirming the menu then led to reviewing the seating arrangements at the Church and for the reception, which in turn led to a review of particular decorations for the Great Hall and the dining room, and finally to the revised, revised, revised itinerary for the wedding day.

Matthew continued to sit calmly with an odd smile on his face. Mary asked his opinion from time to time and he responded with a supportive answer, usually deferring to her judgment. Cora finally confirmed the date and time of the rehearsal prior to the wedding ceremony at Downton Village Church.

"Did you hear that, Matthew?" Mary asked over her shoulder.

"Yes," Matthew replied easily. "I'll be sure to be there early."

Mary smirked and Cora looked at the two of them with a knowing smile.

"All right, both of you can go," Cora said. "I will allow you this once to escape unchaperoned. I'd recommend avoiding the Great Hall. Carson will have the visiting staff organized in rows and columns before you know it."

Mary and Matthew said their goodbyes and left the room quickly. Cora looked at Violet, who returned her smile with a brief nod.

"This seems like quite the production," Matthew noted, looking around at all the commotion as the luggage of guests were carried through the Great Hall and upstairs. "I wonder who the lucky chap is that they've all come to see."

Mary smiled at him. "Some middle class solicitor from what I hear. He seems to have swept the Earl's eldest daughter off her feet."

"Sounds like a vile rumour indeed," Matthew laughed.

"Perhaps we should go into the Village?" Matthew questioned, looking at the organized chaos unfolding under Carson's direction.

"If only we could," Mary rolled her eyes. "I expect Mama will need me at some point to look over another detail. You know, I hoped I would know at least half of the guests to my own wedding, but I seem to be barely above a third, if that."

"You know how your parents love to use these types of events to show off, darling," Matthew smiled as they crossed the Great Hall and went into the library. "I'm rather relieved that I survived the latest cull of the guest list."

"Be careful," Mary teased. "There's still days to go yet."

Matthew smirked at her. Taking her hand, he walked briskly to the small library and shut the door behind them. Turning back to the room, Mary pulled him into a firm kiss. His hands went around her waist and held her close.

"You were ever so sweet to wait patiently through all those discussions," Mary commented as he held her in his arms. "If I didn't know better, I would say you were trying to endear yourself to me ahead of our wedding night."

"Not at all," Matthew smiled against her neck as he savoured her scent and kissed her skin lightly, causing her to shiver. "I simply came to an epiphany that I prefer your company to that of a horse, and if listening to you discuss place settings is the price for your companionship, I will gladly pay it."

They kissed again, their tongues duelling as his hand moved to the small of her back. Her hands went up his shoulder blades and rubbed soothingly over his back. They finally stepped apart and Matthew escorted her to the sofa.

"Plus," he said as they sat down together. "When you lean over the table it makes your bottom stand out in the most delectable way."

"Matthew!" She slapped his arm playfully.

"Are you looking forward to the wedding?" she asked him, running her hand across his arm.

"I don't think looking forward is the appropriate term," he smiled back, holding her hand in his.

"How would you describe your emotions then?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

Matthew leaned forward and murmured his answer against her cheek.

"Breathless anticipation," he smiled. "The blessed day cannot arrive soon enough."

Private Villa, La Bocca Beach, Cannes, France, October 1913

"Matthew! We've returned!" Mary called out, coming in to the sitting room overlooking the beach and the Mediterranean Sea. As she expected, Matthew was lounging near the open terrace doors, reading a book.

"Welcome back," Matthew smiled, looking up as Mary reached down and kissed him softly. "How was your shopping excursion?"

"Surprisingly bountiful," Mary smiled. "I found the perfect dress to wear to dinner in Nice."

"Well that's a relief," Matthew rolled his eyes. "I thought you'd be forced with the horrible choice of the dozen or so gowns you packed in your luggage."

"We've been here for two weeks, and we have another two weeks to go," Mary huffed, sitting down next to him. "I've already worn half of the gowns I brought, and the other half are probably not suitable for this weather."

"Perhaps to save you the inconvenience of wearing a gown twice in one month, we should eat here at the Villa more often, just the two of us," Matthew smirked.

"I was expecting we would," Mary smiled back, arching her eyebrow at him. "You've imposed a rather casual dress code while we've been here, Matthew."

"Well I am Lord of this Manor for the next two weeks," he teased. "If I say we should eat dinner naked one evening, then that is the rule of the House."

"We almost did the other night," Mary said pointedly, before she turned away and blushed at the memory of their feeding each other fruit and cheese dressed in nothing more than their robes.

"Lemonade, Milady, Mr. Matthew," Anna called, coming into the room with a pitcher and glasses on a tray.

"Ah, thank you, Anna, that sounds perfect," Mary smiled, taking the glass from her maid.

"Have a glass and sit a while, Anna," Matthew smiled. "Did you manage to find anything for yourself on your shopping trip?"

Mary bit her lower lip and looked away. Anna blushed furiously.

"Yes I did, Mr. Matthew," Anna nodded quickly. "Well, I can't stay. I have to go take care of Milady's new clothes."

Anna curtsied and quickly left the room.

Mary burst out laughing.

"What?" Matthew looked at his wife. "Was it something I said to Anna?"

"I bought her a new garter," Mary whispered with a wide grin.

"What?" Matthew said in shock. "For what…I mean, for who…erm…I didn't know Anna was seeing anyone."

"She's not, at least not to my knowledge," Mary replied. "I told her to save it for her future wedding night. Who knows when she'll ever be able to shop for French lingerie again. She was surprisingly open to the idea, after some coaxing."

Matthew shook his head.

"Did you…erm…is there anything…uh…" Matthew stammered.

"Yes?" Mary asked with a smile, knowing full well what he was trying to ask.

"Did you buy anything from the same store that Anna made her purchase?" Matthew mumbled.

"I can't remember," Mary said, looking up at the ceiling as if thinking to herself.

"You enjoy making me flail in the wind," Matthew rolled his eyes.

"I may have bought something," Mary teased, looking at him with dark eyes. "I suppose you'll just have to wait until this evening to find out."

Matthew swallowed audibly.

"I'm going to change," Mary declared, standing up. She looked over her shoulder at him teasingly as she left the room. "I plan to take some sun on the terrace, and I need to wear far less if I'm to get any colour."

Matthew swallowed, staring at his wife as she walked out the door.

King's Cross Station, London, England, November 1913

"Safe travels, Anna," Matthew nodded.

"Thank you, Sir. And thank you once again, both of you, for bringing me with you to France. I had a wonderful time," Anna beamed.

"No thanks are necessary, Anna," Mary smiled.

"Yes, and I greatly appreciate your continued…erm…discretion," Matthew said quietly.

Anna and Mary looked at each other and grinned, stifling their laughter.

"Darling, it's hardly shocking for Anna to have seen a husband and wife in love," Mary teased.

"Mary!" Matthew hissed, causing his wife and Anna to laugh merrily at him.

"I'm made of stout stuff, Sir. Don't worry about that," Anna blushed.

Matthew swallowed, then lifted Anna's bag and helped a porter carry it to her train car.

"Milady," Anna whispered. "I'm ever so sorry again that I interrupted you that morning."

"It's nothing, Anna," Mary smiled. "Mr. Crawley was feeling rather adventurous that morning and we lost track of the time," she winked.

Anna blushed, then bid her Mistress goodbye before boarding her train.

"Remind me never to cross Anna," Matthew sighed, as Mary took his arm and they walked back down the platform to their waiting motor. "She knows far too much now."

"Darling, she wouldn't tell a soul," Mary smiled. "Besides, there's nothing scandalous about seeing a married couple making love on their honeymoon."

"I would still rather keep those details private," Matthew scoffed.

"Who knows, it may enhance your reputation downstairs," Mary mused. "If Anna tells the servants about the exact position she found me in, the male servants may be bowing at your feet."

"Do not speak so casually about it, Mary!" Matthew blushed.

Mary laughed and squeezed his arm, getting into the car and taking his hand in hers as they left the train station.

"I was meaning to ask you about Anna, actually," Mary said nervously.

"Yes? What about her?" Matthew smiled.

"I was hoping to keep her as my Lady's maid when we returned home," Mary said, looking at him cautiously.

"Of course," Matthew said easily. "I assumed you would. You deal with Anna far more than you deal with Jane."

"Oh, thank you, Matthew!" Mary smiled. "I was afraid you would want me to share a maid with your mother, which is perfectly fine with me," she said quickly.

"No, I think it's better if you and Mother keep your own maids," Matthew smiled, squeezing her hand and looking out the window.

Mary bit her bottom lip and smiled as she looked outside. She was afraid that Matthew would not want her to bring Anna with her to Crawley House. With Anna confirmed as her maid now, perhaps the move would not be so difficult after all, she thought.

"Darling, the driver seems to have taken a different route. This isn't the normal road to the Crystal Palace."

Matthew smiled. "We aren't going directly to the Crystal Palace."

She looked at him curiously. "But all of our luggage is already packed, Matthew. You said we were going for a stroll there first before leaving the City later this afternoon."

He grinned at her mischievously. "Not exactly."

"Matthew Crawley, are you abducting me?" Mary teased.

"Just enjoy the ride, darling," Matthew smiled, kissing her cheek.

They stopped in the parking lot of an Auto Carriers dealership and Mary's interest was piqued. Matthew remained silent as they were helped out of the motor. Two smiling gentlemen came forward and greeted them warmly.

"Mister Crawley, sir. And this must be the Lady Mary Crawley. She is everything you said and more, sir, if you pardon my saying so," the older man said.

Mary smiled, but was far more intrigued at the gleaming new automobile parked before them.

"Everything is in order, sir. You'll find the documents in the bonnet. This way please."

The other salesman opened the door and assisted Mary into the car. She stepped up into the convertible and sat down on the passenger side. The interior was immaculate, the leather soft and supple and the dashboard was sleek and polished.

Matthew shook hands with both men and took the keys gratefully. Their essential luggage was put in the bonnet of his new car, and he thanked Aunt Rosamund's driver and bid him goodbye before getting in next to Mary.

"Matthew, what is this?" Mary asked in awe.

"What do you think it is? Our new car of course." He smiled ear to ear and brazenly pulled her into an embrace, kissing her unashamedly. Mary was taken by surprise and blushed as the salesmen averted their eyes and knowingly glanced at each other.

"Now, I believe we have a date at the Crystal Palace before heading back home," Matthew smiled as the engine came to life and he gave it a bit of extra gas, taking off from the parking lot with a flourish. Mary clung to him as the car took to the motorway with consummate ease and power.

"Matthew, such a purchase is so unlike you," she marvelled. "It's highly indulgent."

Matthew looked at her before turning his attention back to the road. "It's actually quite necessary. Think of it as a form of wedding present, for both of us. Now we may come and go as we please whenever the mood suits us. I've arranged for the rest of our luggage to be sent home by train. We'll have it picked up at the station and brought to the house."

The wind was now flying over the car and Mary grew more comfortable. There was such a sense of freedom riding in the open top motor. She looked over at her husband and beamed.

"We'll probably need to put the top up for the drive back home," Matthew said. "For now, it's warm enough but it's bound to get chillier later."

"It is rather spacious, I must say," she commented, stretching her legs forward.

"Yes," Matthew said. He smirked and let his hand wander to brush lightly along her thigh before returning to the steering wheel. "There's room for all sorts of uses in here."

Mary giggled and blushed, slapping him lightly on his arm.

Private Villa, La Bocca Beach, Cannes, France, October 1913

Mary walked out on to the terrace and gasped.

"Matthew!"

Her husband looked up and smirked at her, his hands behind his head as he lay on his back, the sun bathing him fully.

"Darling," he said. Even though he was wearing sunglasses, Mary could almost make out his playful eyes looking up at her.

She tried to stay focused on his face as she sat down in the chaise lounge next to him. She bit her bottom lip and gulped slightly as her eyes could not help but travel down along his bare chest, his body covered only by a towel across his hips. His smooth skin and knotted muscles were lit up by the sun, the details of his body that Mary only knew in their bedroom now fully on display in the open air before her eyes.

"Wearing…that…is hardly appropriate, Matthew," Mary whispered.

"It is a private terrace," Matthew said lazily. "Besides, Mary, didn't you say you wanted me to put some colour on my pale skin?"

"Yes, but," Mary swallowed again. "Are you wearing anything under that towel?" she hissed.

"See for yourself," Matthew said, arching his eyebrows.

"Matthew!" Mary said, turning away.

"There's no rush," he said, looking back up at the sky. "Satisfy your curiosity whenever you wish, darling."

Mary looked out on Place du Casino, slowing her breathing as she gathered her courage. It would simply not do to allow her husband this victory.

"Darling, I'm afraid I need your help. I need to put some lotion on otherwise the sun will be far too strong."

"Certainly, darling," Matthew replied. "On your arms?"

"Yes, but also my legs," she smiled.

"But your bathing suit covers your legs," Matthew frowned.

Mary stood and pulled the tie of her robe. She pulled it off her shoulders.

Matthew gasped.

Mary smirked and casually lay down on her stomach, the form fitting swimsuit she had found in the French boutique was the latest style, replacing the normal skirt with a shorter hem that fell above her knees.

"You'll need to take off that towel and get up and come over here, darling," Mary teased, raising her eyebrows at him in triumph.

Downton Abbey, England, November 1913

"Who will groan first when they see it? Granny or Papa?" Mary asked with a smile.

"I should think they'll howl at the moon in unison," Matthew smirked as they continued down the road.

Mary laughed.

The drive from London was brisk and passed quickly. They put up the top before departing the Crystal Palace and Mary was not at all uncomfortable. The cabin was cozy and warm and the engine was remarkably quiet, allowing them pleasant and easy conversation during the drive.

"It occurs to me that I've never seen you drive before," Mary smiled.

"I prefer my bicycle," Matthew smiled. "However, I was afraid you wouldn't enjoy riding on the back of that all the way home from London."

"How courteous of you, darling," Mary laughed.

"You should learn to drive, actually," Matthew said. "I'll teach you."

Mary's eyes widened. "Oh no, darling, that's not necessary."

"Why not? There may be times you want to go out while I'm at work," he said.

"I'm happy to wait for my chauffeur to return," Mary smiled bravely. "Or I could rely on Branson if Papa can spare him."

"That's true," Matthew agreed. "Still, it's a useful skill, Mary. You should consider it."

Mary nodded. She had not thought of such a thing. Edith wanted to learn to drive and Mary always thought it beneath her to drive herself anywhere. But as they neared home, she realized for the first time she would have to share a driver with Isobel, and while that was hardly a problem, it was another reminder that she was no longer going to enjoy the same freedom as she did at Downton Abbey, when she could have Branson drive her whenever she wanted.

Mary looked up and smiled as Downton Abbey appeared over the rise. She was glad to be back. Their honeymoon was better than she had imagined, but she was looking forward to seeing her family again. She was pleased that Matthew brought her here first upon their return.

Mary thought of all the details that would need to be taken care of now. Anna would need to pack up her things to take to Crawley House. Perhaps she could make do with her essentials first, then bring the rest over time? It may be easier to keep some clothes in her old bedroom, then whenever they did dine at Downton Abbey, she would already have her clothes there. She shook her head at the thought. She would be dining with her parents once or twice a week, if that. She would be taking most of her meals with her husband and Isobel, and she needed to accept that fact now.

"Thinking of something?" Matthew asked. "You're uncharacteristically silent."

"No, nothing," Mary replied quickly, hiding her nervousness and fear. "Now that we've returned from honeymoon, it's time to start our new life together properly," she smiled.

"I'm all in favour of that," Matthew smiled, looking at the road ahead of them. "Are you afraid that change may be too daunting at first?"

"Not at all!" Mary replied, a bit too enthusiastically. "It's going to be a wonderful adventure."

Matthew smiled. He felt a surge of pride at how easily he could decipher Mary's words, together with all she did not say.

They pulled up to the front door and Mary smiled at the astonished looks of her parents and Edith.

Mary stepped outside and took her Mama's hands.

"What's this?" Cora exclaimed in amusement.

"Well, I never," Robert smiled, shaking Matthew's hand warmly and looking at the car.

"I ordered it in London on the way, and picked it up on the way back," Matthew smiled. "It's an AC."

"Well at least it's English," Robert laughed.

"Welcome home, my darling!" Mary kissed her on both cheeks and steered her inside, Edith walking with them.

"How was the honeymoon?" Robert asked, lingering back behind as the ladies went in.

Matthew blushed. "It was wonderful," he nodded. "My eyes have been opened."

"Don't I know it," Robert chuckled as they turned and walked towards the door.

"Everything is arranged as you wished," Robert said quietly.

"Excellent," Matthew said. "Thank you, Robert."

"I will admit it is going to be strange seeing Mary's bedroom empty," the Earl sighed. "But a newlywed couple should have a place of their own," he said firmly.

"I agree," Matthew smiled. "I know she'll adjust to it."

"I hope so, for your sake," he laughed.

The Earl of Grantham and his heir walked inside Downton Abbey together.