Previously:
Law Office of George Murray, London, England, August 1914
"You know my character, Papa. I'm stubborn. I sometimes wish I wasn't, but I am. Matthew has saved you, don't you see? You could be sitting across the table from strangers who care not one whit for the plight of you or us or any of our tenants. Instead, your heir, my husband, is willing to wipe your slate clean. Are you so against him that you would refuse this respite just to maintain sole control of the Estate?"
Robert looked from Mary to Matthew and back again. He breathed deeply, his face a scowl.
"Very well," the Earl said, barely above a whisper. "Send the necessary papers to Murray. Not a word of this shall be spoken when we return home. And before you start sending out the eviction notices, Matthew, I don't want anything to change until after the Garden Party. Our way of life should at least be allowed to endure until then."
"Fine," Matthew replied curtly.
Matthew and Mary rose from the table. They both looked back at Robert, but he refused to meet their gaze. He stayed seated, turning around and looking out the window.
Mary breathed sadly. She looked at her father, then turned away as her husband pulled gently on her arm and escorted her out.
Robert Crawley seemed entirely broken to her in that moment.
Chapter 29:
Downton Abbey, England, August 1914
Matthew walked inside the bedroom. He paused as Mary and Anna looked up at him. He nodded and quickly went to his dressing room.
"Beg pardon, Milady, but Mr. Bates says that Mr. Crawley has been uneasy since you returned from London," Anna said carefully, tying a bow around her Mistress' long braid.
Mary glanced over at the closed door to Matthew's dressing room. She turned back to her vanity and took up her bottle of hand cream.
"He's been quite busy at work," Mary said evenly. "I'm sure it's nothing to be concerned about."
"Of course, Milady," Anna nodded, stepping back when she was finished. "Everything will return to normal once His Lordship is back, won't it?"
"Yes, I expect it will," Mary nodded. She wished Anna goodnight and looked at her reflection thoughtfully.
"I assume there's been no word from Robert?" Matthew asked as he came back into the bedroom.
"No," Mary said, rising from her chair. "He telephoned after we saw him in London to say he'd be a few more days. He's expected back by the end of the week, if he doesn't extend his stay further."
"I don't like it," Matthew said, folding his arms in front of him and looking away. "What business does he have left in London?"
"Does it matter?" Mary sighed, sitting down on the bed.
"What if he's trying to find another lender?" Matthew asked, looking back at her. "Raising enough money to pay me out?"
"That would be wonderful," Mary shrugged her shoulders. "Then you would be even richer than you are now, and Papa would have no one to blame if things were to fall apart once more."
"And the family art and the Estate would be at risk and we'd be back where we started," Matthew said gruffly.
"Except that you would still have your fortune and could demand even stricter terms from Papa to save him once again. Darling, please," Mary rolled her eyes. "Speculation will lead nowhere good. Come to bed."
Matthew took off his robe and threw it disdainfully onto a chair. He got underneath the covers and lay back, his brow still furrowed. He knew he was being irrational, but he could not help it. Having battled with Robert for months over the Estate, seeing his plans come to fruition and being able to help Mary as he envisioned, he was perturbed that Robert was still not swayed. Matthew had hoped that when the Earl agreed to his demands, that would signal the end of their tense relationship of recent times and they could go back to their amicable ways when Robert first summoned Matthew to Downton Abbey. Robert seemingly did not see it that way, based on his recent conduct.
Mary lay down next to her husband and ran her hand across his bare chest. She could not decide whether she found his exasperation with her father irritating or endearing. She could easily think of dozens of men who would not have been nearly as understanding as Matthew was, let alone anyone who would have committed such a large amount of money to saving her family from her Papa's recklessness. It only made sense that Matthew wanted everything to go smoothly. He genuinely cared about what happened to them, much to Mary's continued surprise.
"This is childish of him," Matthew grumbled. "He knows very well that none of the servants or the tenants will acknowledge our new arrangement without him here to confirm it. He's simply staying away on purpose and delaying the inevitable out of spite."
"We did agree that no changes would be made until after the Garden Party," Mary reminded him. "Even if Papa were here, he wouldn't announce anything until after then. If you're lucky, he'll get around to it by the Village Cricket Match in September," she chuckled.
"You laugh but it's entirely possible," Matthew huffed. "I wouldn't put it past him to shove me on to the Village team and accidentally throw a few balls at me."
"He wouldn't dare," Mary chuckled. "Not only were you the star of last year's match, he would not risk the consequences of crossing you. After all, I'm on your team now."
Matthew smiled at her, his mood lightening. He slid his hand up her back and pulled her close to him. They kissed softly, then Matthew leaned back into the pillows and closed his eyes, determined to not allow Robert's pettiness to affect him.
"Matthew, I've been thinking," Mary called.
Matthew opened his eyes and glanced over at her again. "About what, darling?"
"Well, the deal you've reached with Papa, not only does it save Downton, but it also makes you co-owner of the Estate," she noted.
"Actually, I'm co-owner of the lands and everything on them, which is essentially all the assets of the Estate," Matthew explained. "Robert is still the Earl and the head of the family. He can't sell a piece of the title, but the assets are different. By having to clear any significant expenditures with me, hopefully he won't be able to do anything foolish again," Matthew explained.
"Yes, I know. But just the same, it means you are now Joint Master of Downton, doesn't it?" she asked, moving closer to him.
"In a manner of speaking, I suppose that's right," Matthew agreed. "Why does it matter?"
"Well, darling, as a Lady it's crucial that I'm clear on these details. You know how important it is in Society that one uses a man's proper title," Mary said, giving him a playful smirk.
Matthew frowned in confusion. "I don't understand how any of this would change what you…"
"So then, Matthew," Mary interrupted him. "What would you prefer that I call you?"
Matthew shook his head. "Why would you call me anything other than..."
"Would you prefer 'My Lord'?" Mary whispered, leaning down and kissing his cheek.
Matthew swallowed as he felt her lips move to his jaw and back towards his ear.
"Would you rather I call you 'Master' as in 'Master of the Manor'?" she said throatily, licking his ear lobe, then kissing his neck as her hand moved along his chest and across his shoulder.
Matthew shook his head as his wife's touch and close proximity spurred his arousal.
"Or perhaps you would insist that I call you 'Sir'?" Mary growled, nipping at his skin.
"No, Mary," Matthew gasped, his eyes closing.
She ran her hand down from his shoulder, across his chest and stomach and lower still. Her hand ghosted under the blankets past his waist. She smiled as she was rewarded by her husband's familiar groan at her insistent touch.
"Shall I thank my generous benefactor for saving my family from ruin?" she teased, kissing his neck, then his jaw and finally granting him the sweetness of her lips and mouth. "Such charity should be rewarded, don't you think? And it's only right that you are entitled to take whatever you wish, darling, as your spoils."
"Please, Mary," he begged, unable to stop his body from responding strongly to her demanding fingers.
"Since you asked so nicely, Matthew," Mary grinned, locking her eyes on his as she moved on top of him.
Hotel de Paris, Monte Carlo, Monaco, October 1913
"Mary," Matthew whispered, running his fingers lightly down her cleavage and across her flat stomach.
"Mmm," Mary smiled, squirming slightly under his touch and turning towards him. Her eyes opened drowsily and gazed up at him. "Darling."
"We've slept through luncheon," Matthew smiled, leaning down and kissing her lightly. "Anna will wonder what's become of us."
"Hardly," Mary rolled her eyes, fitting herself against his chest and resting her head on his arm. "Honestly, Matthew, it would be rather obvious to Anna what we've been doing in our bedroom, particularly since I didn't ring for her all morning." She closed her eyes and snuggled against him contentedly.
"I doubt that. It's the middle of the day," Matthew grumbled.
"We're alone on our honeymoon, darling," Mary replied, her eyes still closed. "Anna knows you aren't so prudish that you'll only lie with me at night. She's well aware of how frisky you can be."
Matthew frowned. "Should I be concerned about just how much detail about our lives that you share with your maid?" he asked, looking down at her smug expression.
Mary's eyes blinked open and she looked up at him playfully. Her hand slid delicately down his front.
"You should be pleased," she replied, before boldly taking hold of him. "I've told Anna just how impressive you are."
"Mary!" Matthew gaped in shock.
Mary laughed at his reaction and stilled her hand. "Oh, Matthew. I'm only joking. I don't tell Anna everything, I assure you."
"That implies that you do tell her some things," Matthew said pointedly.
"I am far more discreet than you are," Mary shot back. "Or did you think Anna would conveniently forget my torn lingerie that she had to pick up from the terrace?"
Matthew blushed, a smile overtaking his face.
"And the living room," Mary whispered, kissing his shoulder.
Matthew gulped audibly.
"And the bathroom," she continued, pushing him back down on to his back. "Allowing her imagination to have free rein will cause all manner of rumours about us, darling."
"Mary," he gasped. "We should wake up, get dressed, get on with our day. If we linger, then I may not have the strength to leave," he said sheepishly.
Mary stopped and rolled her eyes once more.
"You really can be no fun, sometimes," she smirked.
"I thought I was scandalously indiscreet?" he smiled back.
"Not all of the time, apparently," she answered, giving him a playful grin.
Matthew pulled himself out of bed and retrieved his robe from the floor.
"Ring for Anna," he mumbled as he moved to leave the bedroom and head to his dressing room across the suite. "We can find a café and I'll take you shopping afterward."
Mary smiled and reached for the bedside phone so she could instruct the front desk clerk to ring for Anna to come to their room.
"I never noticed the ceiling," Matthew paused, looking up at the design of the moulding that ran around the border of the bedroom.
"It's a 16th century design," Mary said idly, glancing up, then moving for the phone again.
"How do you know that?" Matthew asked, turning back to her.
"I recognize the pattern," she answered. "We have some rooms at Downton in a similar style. Mama made me learn all about it so I could appear knowledgeable when giving tours of the house to guests."
"And to suitors?" Matthew asked, quirking an eyebrow.
"To some of them as well, yes," Mary said nonchalantly.
Matthew paced across the room, looking up at the different designs of the ceiling.
"A private tour of Downton Abbey with Lady Mary," he mused. "A shame I was never honoured with such a privilege."
Matthew turned and left the room. Mary lifted the phone to her ear, staring at her husband's retreating form. She frowned even as she instructed the concierge to summon Anna, Matthew's last words lingering in her mind.
Office of Harvell, Carter and Lewis, London, England, August 1914
Matthew paced across the boardroom floor. He went to the window and looked out on to the street, then turned around and walked back towards the table. Mary rolled her eyes as he repeated the pattern once again.
"Darling," she called. "Papa gave his word. The documents will be signed today."
"I know," he nodded his head quickly, giving her a brave smile. "I'd just like it done with, officially."
"When are you going back to Downton?" Alex asked.
"We're set to leave this afternoon, once we have the signed papers in hand," Mary said, continuing to watch Matthew walk back and forth.
"You're not going back with Lord Grantham?"
"No, Alex," Mary smiled. "It may be best to keep some distance between us for the next little while, until the past days' events sink in a bit."
Alex smirked at her in understanding.
"Not to jump ahead, but getting the Earl's agreement is only the beginning," Alex warned. "The real work is ahead of you – meeting with the tenants, taking back some of the lands, buying equipment, managing your own farms – it will make these last few weeks seem quite insignificant, I fear."
"That's why we called Alex the optimistic one back in law school," Matthew smirked. Mary smiled and bit her lower lip.
"We've promised Papa that we'll wait until after the Garden Party to start anything," Mary nodded. "Besides, we'll have a better idea of what we're facing when the harvest comes in."
"Speaking of the Garden Party, did you send Lady Grantham your reply, Alex?" Matthew asked pointedly.
"I did," Alex nodded.
"And?" Mary asked, her tone indicating she was ready to pounce if she did not receive an answer to her liking.
"And I will be there, of course!" Alex raised his hands in surrender.
Matthew laughed.
"Good," Mary said firmly. "You see, Alex? It isn't so hard to be a proper gentleman when you try."
Alex smiled and rolled his eyes.
They all turned to the door as Alex's assistant knocked and came into the room.
"Mr. Lewis, a package just arrived from Mr. Murray's office," she announced.
"Thank you," Alex nodded. He pulled the strings apart and opened the wrapping paper. He took out several bundles of documents and separated them out on the table in front of him. Mary and Matthew stared at him anxiously.
Alex furrowed his brow as he turned the pages, examining the initials on each page and the notations made in the margins. He lingered on the last page for several moments, then returned the documents to their original piles. He took a deep breath.
"Congratulations, Matthew," Alex grinned. "You are now the co-owner of Downton Abbey."
Downton Abbey, England, March 1914
"Sir," William nodded, taking Matthew's briefcase as he came into the Great Hall.
"Mason," Matthew replied to the footman, leaving his coat with him as well and making his way to the stairs.
"Lady Mary asks that you wait here, Sir," William said, following behind him.
"Whatever for?" Matthew said aloud as he stopped and looked around the room.
"Matthew," Mary smiled, coming down the stairs. She crossed the distance to him and smiled as he took her hands in his. With William still standing nearby holding Matthew's briefcase, she turned and allowed her husband to kiss her cheek chastely, rather than their usual ritual when he came home from the office.
"Thank you, Mason," Mary smiled at the footman. "You can leave Mr. Crawley's briefcase in our sitting room."
"Yes, Milady," William nodded. He walked briskly past them and went up the stairs and disappeared down the hall to their wing of the house.
"Mason said you wanted me to wait for you here?" Matthew asked.
"Yes, that's right," Mary nodded.
"Why?" he replied, smirking at her.
"I wanted to come down and greet you when you came home from work," Mary smiled.
"You could have done that upstairs when I reached our bedroom," Matthew teased. "I may have preferred that, actually."
"Perhaps later," Mary said quietly, blushing slightly at her husband's intonation. While they had only been married for several months now, part of her expected that Matthew would observe a detached decorum around her now that they were back at Downton Abbey. She was secretly quite pleased that he seemed to have no intention of doing so.
Marriage had set aside most of Matthew's reservations, and Mary quickly understood his feelings. They had first courted in secret, then had to bid farewell to each other several times, and even when Matthew arrived at Downton, he could not be as expressive as he wanted. Now that they were finally married, even convention no longer stood in their way. Matthew accordingly took every opportunity to revel in their relationship. His words were often bold, showing the familiarity that they shared going back years now. His touch was often a caress, bordering on improper, even when they were among company. And finally there were his eyes. Mary had learned long ago that even when she made him speak politely and reservedly to her, even when she had him keep his hands to himself, she could do nothing to stop his gaze, which meandered from adoring to lustful and every emotion in between. What was all the more obvious was that Mary was utterly defenceless to his eyes. The blue pools captivated her like nothing else, and, Society be damned, she always allowed his eyes upon her, knowing the feelings he broadcast through them were meant only for her.
"What shall we do then?" Matthew asked. "What would you like to do?"
"I think I'd rather like to go exploring," Mary said, raising her eyebrow at him.
"Exploring?" Matthew chuckled. "Here? Certainly. Gardens or house?"
"Oh, house, I think," Mary smiled. "Gardens can all look the same after you've seen a few."
Matthew smiled, somewhat confused by where this idea of Mary's was coming from.
"It occurs to me," she continued, turning and taking his arm as she gently steered him further into the Great Hall. "That I have never given you a proper tour of the house."
Matthew eyed her curiously. "No, you haven't," he said carefully.
"Well that simply won't do," Mary smiled. "The future Earl of Grantham should be shown all that is on offer here."
Matthew smiled, hoping his interpretation of her meaning was accurate. "I agree. And what exactly do you have to show me, Mary?"
Mary looked down at the floor, the slightest hint of a smirk crossing her otherwise demure and innocent expression. "We'll start in this hall, which is one of the oldest in Yorkshire. Then there's the drawing rooms and the library."
"I've heard wonderful things about your library, Lady Mary," Matthew said, taking on a formal tone. "Surprisingly, I find myself drawn to it."
"So you enjoy books then, Mr. Crawley?" Mary asked, pleased that her husband was playing along. "That suits you. You seem the type."
Matthew frowned, then composed himself. "I'm more interested because it must be one of the older rooms here. I like to know exactly what I'm dealing with. A house as vast as this one must have all sorts of nooks and crannies that demand inspection."
Mary looked at him with bright eyes. "Then you'll need to see all of the secret passages and the attics."
"That seems a bit odd," Matthew frowned, making a show of considering her words. "But why not?"
"Then let's begin, shall we?" Mary smiled.
"Lead on, Lady Mary," Matthew gazed at her confidently. "Let's get going before others may discover us and want to join us. That would be terribly inconvenient."
Mary smiled at the compliment and guided Matthew towards the drawing room.
Downton Abbey, England, August 1914
Mary and Matthew walked out of the drawing room and crossed the Great Hall.
"It won't take long, darling," Matthew cajoled. "You'll pick it up right away, I know it."
"I don't doubt that, Matthew," Mary rolled her eyes. "I just don't see the point."
"The point is," Matthew looked at her thoughtfully. "You need to be as up to date on these matters as Robert and I are. Darling, Jarvis and the tenants will already look down on you because you're a woman. They'll try and trick you, to keep you in the dark, to fool you into believing that their suggestions and plans are sound by not revealing key bits of information. You won't know if they're lying to you unless you know what they're talking about."
"Well obviously that's what you're here for, to ensure that we aren't taken advantage of," Mary retorted.
"When we are both present, that will work wonderfully, yes," Matthew nodded. "But they won't permit it. When they see that we are united in this, they'll try and divide us. They'll come to you during the day when I'm at work. They'll try and get you on their side and recruit you to convince me of their case. You need to be able to properly defend yourself."
Mary recalled how her parents had used that exact strategy with respect to her Mama's pregnancy. She also remembered how her Papa had tried to use her name to throw off Matthew's plans.
Mary sighed. "Very well. And you think that memorizing what each of the farms produces will help?"
"It will be far more helpful than knowing what century the ceiling mouldings were built in," Matthew smirked.
They chuckled, then stopped short as they realized the doors to the library were closed. They both frowned when they saw Sybil was seemingly guarding the door.
"Mary! Matthew!" Sybil said brightly. "What brings you here?" she asked, glancing behind her at the doors, then smiling back at them.
"We live here," Mary said slowly, frowning at her sister's strange behaviour.
"I need to go into the library, Sybil," Matthew said, equally confused by Sybil's words.
"Ah, the library! Yes, well, if you could just wait a moment, Cousin Matthew," Sybil said.
"Wait? Whatever for?" Mary asked.
"The library is…occupied!" Sybil said, struggling to find the words.
"Occupied? By who?" Mary demanded.
"No one important," Sybil said lightly. "I'm sure whoever it is, will be done with it soon enough. If you could both just go back to the drawing room, I'll come and fetch you when the coast is clear."
"Sybil!" Mary frowned. "Explain yourself at once! You obviously know who's inside the library and what exactly is going on in there. Tell us, now!"
Sybil cringed slightly. "It's completely all right, I assure you."
"Then you won't have any reservation telling us about it," Matthew noted.
"Sybil, while Papa is away, Matthew is the head of the family. If we want to go into the library, which we do, then you aren't to prevent us. Now either give us a reasonable explanation as to why on Earth we should not, or move out of the way," Mary said firmly.
Sybil sighed and looked at them pleadingly. "It's Gwen. She's in there with Mr. Bromidge of the telephone company. She's being interviewed."
Mary frowned. "She's being interviewed for what reason?"
"For a job, as a secretary," Sybil smiled.
"So you're saying that we cannot use our own library because one of the housemaids is in there applying for another job?" Matthew asked, smirking in amusement.
"That's about the size of it," Sybil mumbled.
"Right, well then, darling, shall we go up to our sitting room?" Matthew smiled at Mary.
"But what about the library?" Mary asked him.
"It appears to be occupied," he chuckled.
Sybil's face lit up. "Oh, thank you, Cousin Matthew!"
"Don't thank me yet. I'm not going to be the one to explain to your Papa why he's short a housemaid if this all works out," Matthew laughed.
"But you'll help convince him that it's best for Gwen if she does get the job, won't you?" Sybil asked. "And you too, Mary? Please?"
Mary looked from Sybil's hopeful expression to her husband's teasing one. "Oh, for Heaven's sake, fine! It's a wonder that I'm still here considering how even the housemaids apparently see better prospects beyond our walls."
"Thank you, darling!" Sybil squealed, hugging her older sister. Mary smiled and reluctantly returned her embrace.
Mary took Matthew's arm and they left Sybil to stare at the doors to the library in anticipation. They crossed the Great Hall and went up the stairs towards their wing of the house.
"That was rather progressive of you, darling," Matthew joked.
"Who am I to stand in the way of a woman's great ambition to type and take shorthand?" Mary scoffed.
"These are the types of details that we'll need to deal with if we are to have the run of this place," Matthew smiled.
"And here I thought there would be nothing glamorous about our position," Mary chuckled.
Downton Abbey, England, March 1914
"These attics are mainly for storage," Mary said as they walked through a clearly unused and musty part of the house.
"Has anyone ever taken an inventory of all that's kept here?" Matthew asked idly as he walked around the room.
"I doubt it," Mary frowned, thinking it over. "I'm sure even Mama has no idea of all that's kept here."
"Hmm," Matthew wondered as he walked around.
"What poor servants will you command to take a list of all that we have stored here?" Mary smiled.
"I'm sure I'll think of someone," Matthew smiled back. "Was there ever a time when all of these rooms were in use?"
"Actually, these were once the suite of rooms for the Countess of Grantham," Mary smiled. "Over time, as the house was expanded and renovated, the family moved into the rooms that we currently use. But centuries ago, this was a rather busy part of the house."
"Do you think that the Earl of that time came to visit the Countess here, or did she go to him?" Matthew asked lightly.
Mary gave him a stern look, then turned away. "Well, I expect that he summoned her, so she would have gone to his rooms."
"What if he wanted to visit her?" Matthew suggested. "I imagine that he may have wished to spend time with her here every once in a while."
"That could have been awkward," Mary smiled. "What if she took a lover? The Earl may have discovered them in the throes, as it were."
"Was it common for the Countess to do so?" Matthew frowned.
"There's no history of it, at least not in our family," Mary smiled. "But it isn't unheard of."
"If the Countess did take a lover," Matthew said carefully. "What do you think would have moved her to do so?"
"There are all manner of motivations when speaking of such matters, Matthew," Mary replied mysteriously. "When speaking of a marriage of convenience, built on titles and money and one's ability to have children, I suppose both the Earl and Countess may search elsewhere for their more…basic needs."
Mary walked over to an antique vanity propped against the wall. The surface was still smooth, the mirror tarnished and cloudy but her reflection was still visible.
She gasped as Matthew's hands moved on her hips, his blue eyes seeking out hers in the reflection before her.
"And you think that a lover would give the Countess what the Earl could not?" he asked smoothly.
"Perhaps," Mary whispered, her eyes watching their bodies pressed together in the mirror. "If the Earl was harsh and cruel, she would seek out someone soft and caring."
Matthew inhaled her perfume and smiled, his breath warm against her neck.
"And if the Earl was selfish and demanding, she would want someone giving and concerned more for her pleasure," Matthew said.
"Yes," Mary replied. Her hands travelled down and covered his and he moved his fingers across her front.
"So, would you say, based on your knowledge of the history of such liaisons, that if the Earl were to want to ensure that his Countess never took a lover, he would make every effort to fill all of her needs?"
Mary swallowed, feeling him behind her. "That would be a good strategy, all around."
"Mmm," Matthew hummed against her skin. He stepped back, and Mary shivered at the loss of contact. He preoccupied himself with looking at the covered furniture and boxes.
"Shall we move on then, Lady Mary?" he asked calmly.
"Certainly," Mary said, turning away from the vanity. "I have a particular area of the house to show you now."
"Matthew, stop!" Mary gasped, pushing against his chest gently but insistently.
Matthew pulled back immediately. He stared at her, his eyes wide in surprise.
"What is it? Are you all right?" he said with a worried tone.
"Of course I'm all right," Mary laughed, running her hand along his cheek. "It's just that I have something to tell you before you get too…carried away."
"Forgive me, Mary, but I honestly thought the tour was over," he replied, smirking up at her. "Unless you're trying to tell me that this is all still part of what you show to guests?"
Mary slapped his chest playfully. His hair was delightfully dishevelled as a result of her searching fingers running through it mere moments ago. Matthew rested his weight on his elbow, leaning over her as he waited for her to answer.
"The tour is indeed over," Mary laughed. "Did you enjoy it?"
"Immensely," Matthew replied. "Allow me to show you just how much."
He leaned down towards her again. Mary pressed her hand against him again and chuckled as he grunted in frustration.
"I love you, Matthew," she whispered, smiling up at him.
Matthew's face went from surprise to confusion to joy. The transformation was like watching a series of brilliant photographs of him and Mary grinned at the changes in his expression.
"Oh, I love you, my darling," Matthew smiled. He knew that Mary was not nearly as expressive with him, and uttering these words were particularly difficult for her. She was more inclined to show him rather than tell him how she felt, but just the same, he cherished when she did say it.
"The reason that I gave you the tour this afternoon, is because I don't want you to feel as if you are missing anything," she explained.
"Missing anything?" Matthew frowned in confusion.
"Our courtship was…unusual," she said, biting her lower lip and smiling up at him. "We met. We were…attracted to each other. We spent time together privately, then went back to our own worlds. Once you arrived here, it was secrets and games until we were engaged. You've never had the experience of being a proper suitor."
"I suppose that's true," Matthew nodded, smiling down at her. "So what exactly does that involve?"
"Normally you would write to Papa and ask for permission to come visit. I would give you a tour, perhaps take you riding. We would dine together with the family, then you would ask to be able to write to me," she said.
"None of those steps are quite possible now," Matthew chuckled.
"No," Mary shook her head. "Although in addition to all of that, it would be my duty to try and impress you, so that you would eventually propose."
"Is that what your Mama taught you?" Matthew smirked, lowering his head and kissing her neck.
"Yes," Mary sighed, closing her eyes. "And Granny. We've all been trained so as to be women who a nobleman would want."
"How intriguing," he responded, his lips warm on her skin. "And as I've already proposed and I already am clearly impressed by you, what is left then?"
Mary smiled and turned her head, her lips finding her husband's.
"I have a few ideas," she whispered, kissing him earnestly.
Downton Abbey, England, August 1914
The Earl of Grantham returned a week after Mary and Matthew had come back from London. He came in while the family was having luncheon, and while he greeted Cora warmly and exchanged pleasantries with his daughters and Matthew, the tension that existed in London had not fully abated.
At Mary's prompting, Matthew gave Robert a wide berth. There was really nothing for them to talk about, and Matthew knew he would get nowhere if he tried to discuss any changes with Robert in advance. He would have to bide his time until after the Garden Party.
To that end, Downton Abbey became busier as the event day approached. Cora occupied herself with finalizing her plans for the day, and everyone was pleased that she was back on her feet and seemingly back to full strength.
When she wasn't called away by her Mama and her sisters to deal with more event planning and details, Mary would spend time with Matthew learning about Estate matters. They toured some of the farms together and went over some of the finer points of Matthew's plan for modernising the Estate. While she did not necessarily understand all of it, she found everything more interesting than she originally expected. When they walked about the grounds, Matthew spoke to her calmly and explained everything. He was never patronising or condescending, and she found herself enjoying their private lessons. When they visited shops in the Village or tenant farms, Matthew allowed her to handle the greetings and introductions. Mary had known many of the tenants and storeowners since she was a child, and Matthew never tried to stamp his authority ahead of her. It was a bit scary and exhilarating the way that her husband treated her when dealing with Estate business. He neither coddled her, nor insulted her. Mary realized for the first time just how literally Matthew took the idea of them being in this together.
"Mary, Matthew," Robert called as he came into the library.
They both looked up and returned his gaze.
"Papa," Mary nodded.
"Robert," Matthew replied.
"Mrs. Hughes mentioned to me that one of the housemaids has given her notice," Robert said.
"Yes, Gwen," Mary said. "I think she's got a job as a secretary with the telephone company."
"Did either of you approve of this?" Robert asked.
"We don't particularly have a choice, Robert," Matthew said evenly. "If any of the servants wish to leave, they are entitled to do so."
"Of course," Robert huffed. "Well I suppose we'll have to review the staffing requirements."
"We can always save that until after the Garden Party," Matthew offered. "Unless you believe it is more urgent to deal with it now."
Robert regarded Matthew for several moments. "No, after the Garden Party will be fine," Robert said.
"I've also been told that you've been visiting some of the farms," Robert continued.
"Yes," Matthew nodded. "As you know, I've been visiting the farms for some time now. I thought it would be helpful if Mary saw some of them as well."
"It was nice to visit with them," Mary nodded. "I hadn't seen some of these tenants in years."
"Yes, well, perhaps we should be careful about that. I don't want the tenants to be confused," Robert frowned.
Matthew held back the retort that came to mind. "Of course," he said, seizing the opportunity. "When you think the time is right, we should announce the changes we've agreed to so that the tenants and storeowners and servants all understand what role we are each to play going forward."
"We can talk about it later, if you still want to," Robert said dismissively.
"We will, Papa," Mary said firmly. "After the Garden Party, as you agreed, there will be changes around here."
Robert looked at both of them. Silence filled the space between them. He nodded curtly and stalked from the room.
Mary looked at Matthew with concern. He smiled and took her hand.
"It will take some getting used to," Matthew said. "But he'll come around. Let's enjoy the Garden Party before this world changes into something different."