XX
They circled each other. Eyes that fired and flickered. He glanced. She glimpsed.
Firm in the fantasy the other did not see the former looking.
Matthew could not be in her orbit and not look at her. His skin tingled as he captured her eye. He tried hard not to make it too noticeable. He was there after all to see and be seen by all the executives at Grantham.
He had spent much of the previous fortnight bleary eyed from late nights in light of the recent devaluing of the pound and downgraded credit ratings. In addition to assuring panicky clients, he shored up his company's own investments and took advantage of declining stock values to purchase more shares. He followed Warren Buffett's motto "be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful."
He finally squeezed in some time to begin his assessment of Mary's company's finances. Matthew had put one of the junior accounts at his own firm to work gathering the information and crunch some numbers.
When that was complete and presented to Matthew, he got down to work extracting the most pertinent data and analyzing the account spread sheets for patterns.
It was tedious work. Which was why his consultancy fees were so large.
This number crunching however yielded up exactly what he expected.
It was apparent the business was in serious trouble. Matthew could see the pattern emerge. While not on the scale of the Ponzi schemes or Madoff, Robert Crawley was definitely the victim of insider fraud and embezzlement. The misappropriation of funds included false expense claims, payroll diversions, ghost employees, and intellectual property theft. Once he narrowed it down Matthew could pin the charges on one or two employees high up the ladder.
He'd have to start interviewing folks at Grantham LTD within the next few days.
Maybe even someone at this very gathering. Robert had also brought his CFO Theodore Jarvis along. It had to be someone with knowledge of the company's long term holding as this person had been fiddling around at will for years. Buying up property and then charging exorbitant prices. Jobs awarded to a select few while all involved cut the share of the profit then skimmed the money from the accounting books.
He needed more proof but the pattern was one he had seen many times before.
The embezzlement end however seemed separate from the fraud. He hadn't figured that out completely. Or rather he had his suspicions, but it was delicate. Required him to seek the advice of a member of the firm he could trust with this secret.
And that person was Lady Mary Crawley.
The one person he was trying to strictly avoid at this party.
Why was he dodging her?
To not arouse suspicion? Though neither had said a word he knew Lavinia suspected something about the picture in the sketchbook. In those few strokes of the pencil he had unwittingly etched his own emotional pull towards this woman.
It was alive in a way none of his others had ever been.
Most of his drawings were technically perfect. He wanted to convince himself it was just like all the others.
Like the ones of Lavinia.
But it wasn't. The one of Mary was animated, drawing the eye into her life. Leaving the observer wanting to know more.
As he wanted to know more about Mary.
None of that could he tell Lavinia.
It was one of the traits he had admired most in his wife. Her keen observation. She would often cut right to the chase of an issue, bypassing all prejudice or personal foible to demand simple honesty and openness.
And he couldn't give her that. Not about the sketch.
For he had drawn his own desire.
To not have to discuss business at a dinner get together?
Matthew knew how these functions went down. They chatted about nothing and all the while sizing each other up. He had already met Robert at his offices near the Royal Exchange. But it was merely an introduction to the company and its CEO. Formal. Robert on his guard and best behaviour.
Matthew had learned nothing.
Here though, in Mary's elegant surroundings of a home, Matthew hoped to find him in better humour. Cora, his lively and intelligent wife, seemed to put Robert at ease. They conversed easily about mutual interests in travel and favorite historic destinations.
Cora asked, "Have you been to America Mr. Crawley?"
"Matthew" he said in reply, "And yes I have. I've been to New York City several times as well as Montreal and Toronto. We honeymooned in Anguilla."
"We've been all around the West Indies. I want to go to Cuba now that it's opening to tourists again but Robert is against it. He'd rather just stay at home and roam around with the dogs." And she affectionately squeezed her husband's arm.
Robert, to Matthew's discerning gaze, looked discomfited by his wife's disclosure. As if it indicated he was a cheapskate. Or worse, too cash poor to afford his wife's vacation hopes.
Matthew pretended not to see, saying "Well if I lived in as beautiful a spot as Downton Abbey, I suppose I'd like to stay as well."
"I do like getting to London though." Cora admitted. "To see a show or the Proms. Are you a music lover Matthew?"
"I saw Radiohead at Glastonbury in '97." Matthew offered.
Cora gasped. "So did I!"
The two laughed in mutual surprise. "I was so covered in muck that I thought I'd never get clean." Cora shook her head at that memory. "It was everywhere."
"That's the point, though." Matthew countered. "Saying one survived the muddy bog is a badge of honour."
Robert groaned slightly as the two began to regale the other with stories of music festivals they had attended. Cora's previous life as a back-up singer for an indie punk rock band was a youthful indiscretion in his mind, not to be brought up ever again.
He gravitated towards his daughter. "Seems like your mama likes our new consultant. I believe he thinks too highly of himself. What did you make of him at that dinner? I've not had the chance to ask with all that's been going on with the government implosion. You got him of course. But is he on our side? He's already been nosing around at the office asking for accounting spread sheets. I only wanted his opinions on some restructuring and investments."
Mary said candidly. "You hired him to do his job. I think that's exactly what he's doing."
"Did you do what I asked?" Robert exclaimed. "You need to win him over." He sounded to Mary on edge.
She responded even more coldly. "He doesn't work like that. I found him clever and not one to suffer fools."
Robert gave her a look that sent a chill of fear up Mary's spine. Was her father hiding something from her?
Robert moved off to mingle with the Mayhews.
Mary raised an eyebrow and glanced over at Matthew. He had not said a word to her as each had mingled and conversed with guests and friends. Merely reversed on his heels whenever they came close to touching.
Just then though, Matthew looked up from his conversation with Cora. He gave Mary a slight nod of the head, an edgy smile at the corner of his mouth. Eyes that bore heavy into hers. Then he turned away again.
They had not spoken two words to each other since his arrival about half an hour late.
Mary had arranged everything to perfection. Sybil was visiting and she helped put the food and drinks out. The other guests included her parents, the Carsons, and the Mayhews. The latter being new clients of Grantham LTD. Henry socialized with them.
Matthew was wet from a light rain shower. His hair glistened. The suit was fitted but casual. His ring had returned to his left hand.
The woman by his side claiming it had been her fault entirely when Mary greeted them in the vestibule.
"I had a late meeting at the school." Lavinia said as Matthew threw their umbrellas in the stand near the door. "And then the rain caught us out. It was a good thing Matthew knew his way here. He has had former clients in the same area so he found our way still in good time."
Matthew said nothing, his eyes downcast. The truth of course being he had dropped Mary off just in last ten days or so ago at this very townhouse after their dinner. Mary let it sink in that he had told his wife nothing about that night. She tried not to read any insinuations into that.
"It's quite fine." Mary reassured her. "We've all just gathered."
Matthew finally declared, with an ever so slight hitch to his voice, "Lady Mary may I introduce my wife Lavinia." The two women nodded pleasantly.
"Welcome." Mary's voice warm and cordial, giving nothing away. "There are drinks on the back balcony." She wore a sleeveless summer dress in keeping with the warm weather.
She looked radiantly cool despite the summer's humidity.
Then Matthew saw it. A flicker of stone cold ice in her eye. Directed right at him. Then it was gone.
"We're all trying to catch the last of the light now that the rain has stopped. Why don't you join us?" Mary's arm extended them into her home.
Lavinia followed Mary through to the French doors leading out to a magnificent view of the park across the street.
"We looked at town houses in this area," Lavinia spoke to Mary as they each took a glass of wine from the drinks table, "but at the time we could not afford it. Matthew was quite the junior at his law firm. Then he went to work for my father and he flourished. We found the most charming detached terrace in Fulham. We quite love it." And Lavinia touched her husband's arm.
Was she claiming him as her territory? Mary asked herself. She could not tell if this woman knew anything about her or if she was just being affectionate. In any event, Mary liked her. She was friendly. She didn't blame Lavinia for giving Mary fair warning that this man was hers.
She'd have done much the same.
Lavinia found Tom Branson standing near the railing. She made a motion to Matthew that she was going over to say hello. Matthew nodded. Mary noticed her father motioning Matthew over.
Matthew turned ever so slightly towards Mary, his face guarded then walked over to her father.
Mary was far more flustered than she cared to admit. Her heart was beating fast. Just having him near her did it. Those blue eyes were the very devil.
How had she managed to fall so easily into an infatuation? And with a married man? Was it because he wanted to help her achieve a lost dream? Or was that a cover story? Did he do this with all women clients? Charm and flatter them until they succumb to his allure? How was she to know? All she knew was that someone she expected to despise, to use and expose his sexism turned out to be a kind and giving man. Charming yes. But she got no sense of predatory behaviour from him. It had only been the one evening. He had not told her of his wife. And he had flirted with her.
The mixed signals were confusing. Mary congratulated herself on covering it all with grace and aplomb. There was no reason anyone would suspect anything…
Her sister sidled up beside her.
Sybil leaned in and whispered in her ear "So why are you and that guy eye fucking each other so intently? Have you done it already?"
Mary blushed furiously, mouth agape, but said nothing.
XX
Matthew felt his heart in his mouth. He could hardly get out any more words.
His mouth dry from the introduction of Lavinia to Mary.
It was not exactly true they could not have afforded this kind of townhouse in the center of London even as he was just starting out. Lavinia's money would have paid for it. He had insisted upon waiting until they could afford one on their own. He had a complex relationship with Reginald Swire. The older man suspected Matthew wanted to marry for personal gain. Matthew did everything he could to prove how clever and smart he was so as to earn his position with Swire Inc. He happened to be dating Lavinia at the same time. Reginald grew to like Matthew and hired him. Almost as soon as that happened, and contrary to everything he should have done, Matthew told Reggie that he wanted to leave and set up on his own. That he could make his own money. His own way in the world. Swire had seen the glint of ambition in the younger man's eye. The two had parted friends and remained father and son in law.
So why was he feeling guilty? His wife was just exchanging pleasantries with a member of staff from his new client. If Lavinia figured out who Mary was, Matthew had no notion for she gave nothing away.
Mary was the Public Relations Director of Grantham LTD. Nothing more. He shook his head. He knew that was a lie. She had filled his thoughts over the past days. He tried to shake them off. Get back into the rhythm of his life.
But it was no good. He wanted to help her. To get to know her. He had not told Lavinia why he knew the way to Mary's home. He had not told her anything. That had been done no matter how he rationalized it for the simple reason he did not want to.
Dangerous. But he knew himself. He could do this. They could be friends.
Even if every time she looked at him, he felt something akin to wanting to fall completely hopeless in her arms.
Once again he shoved those thought aside.
The conversation with Lady Grantham was diverting. He could see the quick wit and intelligence of the daughter in the mother.
Robert was another story. He appeared as if he already believed hiring Matthew was a mistake. But it was too late. Matthew had already begun his investigations. There was no getting around it. But Robert had the look of a man about to be sentenced to the gallows about him.
Matthew knew why.
He just now needed to figure out a way to get Mary aside, without arousing suspicion from Lavinia or Robert, in order to seek her counsel.
They had both spent the past week in a flurry of meetings and hand holding regarding Brexit. He had intended to call her to discuss their equestrian venture. In the little idle time he had between meetings and settling his own finances he had played around on the internet searching for sites related to the purchasing of thoroughbreds.
He had no idea what he was looking for but it was fascinating just reading the lingo. An Irish bay gelding 16.1 hands. Well-mannered and an easy ride. Two points from the Irish SJA and jumps double clears 1m/1.10 plenty of scope and right attitude to go through the grades.
He had scratched his head in bemusement. Yes well he'd managed to learn legal jargon. He can do this as well.
The prices of quality show jumpers ranged from a few thousand upwards to double figures. He'd definitely have to take whatever Mary wanted and trust she knew best. She had mentioned opening up a riding school to help defray some of the costs in the overall scheme. The initial outlay for such a project though would be steep. Even with the grounds paid for as she would use Downton land and refurbish the old stables, it still needed to be modernized and equipped to entice the best types of students.
"You mean those who paid?" He had asked bluntly when their dinner discussion of a fortnight earlier had turned briefly to costs.
Mary had shaken her head. "I mean those with what it takes to succeed. To win. Only by developing a reputation for success can I hope to keep this going."
Matthew liked that response. It meant she was serious about the long term commitment to such a project.
He hoped she would also be that clear minded about the mismanagement at Grantham. He needed someone on his side as he approached Robert.
Matthew waited for an opportunity to take Mary aside. To talk privately. But she was being the hostess and conversing with every group and guiding them towards each other so that contacts and friendships could be forged.
He probably took too long a moment gazing at her for he had no idea that someone approached him from his left side.
"Beautiful isn't she?" The smooth baritone said.
Matthew tried not to appear startled. The man was the boyfriend. "Henry Talbot." And he held out his hand to Matthew.
Matthew nodded in acknowledgement of Henry's compliment towards the woman now walking down the hall to the more private areas of the house. He grasped Henry's hand with a firm grip. "Matthew Crawley. I've been hired by Mary to do some consulting work at Grantham."
Henry said, "I know. She's been planning this dinner party down to the last detail. Everything had to be just right."
Matthew gave a thin smile to Henry. Desperately trying to give nothing away. The man was taller than he was. Why did that irritate him? He was not normally given to being vain.
"Is that your Porsche outside?" Henry then asked. "It's a turbocharged flat-four?" He sounded impressed.
Matthew preened just a second before he reined it in. "Yes. Yes it is."
Henry nodded appreciatively. "I drove the 913 in competition."
Matthew inwardly groaned. But he couldn't let that go without a response. "I considered the 911-R as well. But as its mostly for around town driving I went with the 718. The new engine produces a better peak torque." He instantly regretted it. Is this was he's been reduced to, he thought. Some kind of macho competition with her boyfriend? Why did he even have to talk to him?
"Excuse me," Matthew said "I've got to have a word with someone." And he walked towards Tom Branson just to have something to do to get away from Henry.
Tom walked towards Matthew on the other side of the room. "Lavinia's out on the balcony still. Mrs. Carson and she have a teaching background in common."
Matthew glanced out to see his wife chatting amiably with an older couple. "Thanks for coming tonight. I thought it best we both get a chance to meet Robert. What's your impression?"
"He's definitely concealing something." Tom replied, his Irish lilt apparent. "And he's not a good enough actor to hide it."
Matthew nodded affirmatively saying with deep consternation, "Yes. And I'm afraid I know what it is."
"What?" Tom asked. "How concerned should they be?"
""Come over here." Matthew darted his eyes around the room.
The two men moved into a private corner. "Robert is skimming money from his company's funds." Matthew spoke in a hushed tone. "He's taken over £50,000. Started off with a few thousand last year. That was put back in at a later date with a clumsy cover up. But this year it's escalated to tens of thousands."
Tom gave a low whistle. "Playing the gee-gee's or something is he? He doesn't seem the type. I found him rather fussy and high minded." He turned to Matthew. "Shame really. The daughter is really a smasher."
Matthew's brow shot up.
Tom noticed and it basically confirmed his suspicions of the other day. He clarified "Don't worry Matthew. I meant the younger daughter."
Matthew turned pale as he realized he had completely given himself away on his attraction to Mary.
"Watch yourself there." Tom said to him in a dead level tone. "You're a good man. This could be real trouble."
Matthew swallowed thickly. He appreciated Tom's candor. And his concern. "I will."
But he wondered if it was already too late?
XX
Mary's mobile went off. She excused herself and walked into her office.
Answering as it was from Edith, they set a time for Mary to go for the dress fitting. Edith's wedding to Bertie Pelham was still months away but Edith wanted Mary and Sybil's bridesmaids dresses ready. If Mary had ever thought Edith would be the first of the Crawley girls to marry, she would also have considered alien invasion.
But it was so. And she couldn't be happier for Edith and Bertie. They looked perfect together.
Could she ever find that?
Just then she heard the rustle of the door opening. She turned to find Matthew in the door way.
"Can we have a word?" He asked quietly.
She nodded. He closed the door behind him.
Matthew walked towards her. "I…. I'm sorry for not being in touch sooner but with the Leave vote…"
"I know." Mary's voice was unintentionally chilly. It just came over her as soon as he walked in. Could she trust him? Was her attraction overriding her reason?
Matthew caught her rebuff. "I do still want to go forward with our plans."
"Why didn't you tell me you were married?" She asked directly.
"I…." Matthew stammered. They were so close. All evening he had wanted her this close to him. "I…I didn't think it was important. That wasn't why we were meeting."
Mary knew the truth of that. And yet it was maddeningly all wrong. It was important.
They both knew why.
But neither could say.
"How can I believe your true purpose? If you use this kind of charm to score with women…"
"No!" Matthew practically shouted. Then he quickly lowered his voice. "I don't. I never have. I left my ring at the gym." He closed his eyes and put his head back. "I honestly just found our conversation engaging. I don't want it spoiled by my thoughtlessness."
Mary believed him. "It won't be."
Their eyes met. They stayed on each other before either spoke again.
Matthew opened his jacket. He pulled out a checkbook from his inner pocket. "Here. Let me make the first down payment in our investment."
Mary answered "Are you sure? I've not really crunched any numbers…"
"I believe you know best what to do. Set up an account with your own bank. I'll find a solicitor to make up the paper work all legal…" He leaned over the desk. "Unless of course you want to find one?"
"No." Mary had decided. "I trust you."
Matthew's smile was all the reward she needed. "Thank you." And he continued to write. He pulled the check off the pad and handed it to her.
"£20,000" She exclaimed. "I can't take such a large figure…."
"In for a penny in for a pound." He replied. "To show my commitment. Please accept it. And that way we will have an excuse to have dinner again. So that we can talk about how best to utilize the funds."
"Do we need an excuse?" Mary's eyes met his again. She saw his jaw tighten.
"I'd like to keep this between us for just now." He replied hoping she would realize his need for privacy.
Mary nodded. She understood. She felt the same. "Your wife is a very charming person."
Matthew was surprised. "That's quite good of you to say."
Mary smiled. "We're very much alike. So I have to like her."
They shared an awkward laugh.
Dammit, Mary thought. She had hoped the attraction she had felt towards Matthew at the dinner was transitory. The night. The wine had gotten the best of her. That she'd be herself the next time they met.
But no. It was still there. Stronger if anything. Palpable in the tense atmosphere that surrounded this conversation.
Neither had done anything untoward. And yet it felt as if the betrayals had already begun.
Matthew tried to steer back to the conversation he needed to have with Mary. "I'm going to have to set up a formal meeting with Robert within a fortnight."
Mary was concerned. "Sounds ominous I think?"
Matthew's mouth hardened into a grimace. "Yes I'm afraid it is. I think I've uncovered at least one of the sources of the misappropriated funds."
Mary replied, "Shouldn't this wait until we all meet?"
Matthew's head nodded affirmation. "I will give all the details then. But I didn't want anyone blindsided by what I've found. Especially not you." And his voice turned soft and concerned.
"I'm listening." Mary reached out to him unconsciously. She took his hand.
He felt her warmth and a shock of desire spun through his body. Not now, he said to himself. Not now.
"Your father, Mary. Robert is the source of the embezzlement…." At her shocked and angry look he fumbled and continued to try to defray some of the anxiety. "I…I don't know why he's doing it. I don't think it's meant with any criminal intent…."
But that just made things worse. "Criminal intent? Do you intend to bring charges against him?" Her voice a mix of anger and confusion.
"No." He shook his head vigorously. "As I told you at dinner I'm not an investigator. But the issue has to be laid out to the entire board if I am ever to make recommendations on how to fix your financial straits. I would like your input on how best to approach it."
"What proof do you have?" Mary could not believe what she was hearing. "You can't make such an accusation without proof."
Matthew replied, "I'm still in the gathering stage. I have enough to satisfy myself that I'm right. But not enough to bring forward yet. I just wanted to forewarn you about my suspicions."
Mary nodded slowly. "Let me look at what you have. I want to see it all for myself. I'm sure there is an explanation. My father is many things, but he's not a criminal."
"I know he's not. He must be in some desperate trouble to take the money. I'm sure he intended for it to be put back in before anything was found to be amiss but it all rather conspired against him I'm afraid." Matthew tried to reassure her but she just seemed to get more agitated.
"I'm sorry about all of this. I wish I could think of something to say that would help."
"You mustn't let it trouble you. You were hired to do a job and you're doing it." Mary's voice couldn't help but turn cold at that reality.
Matthew's response came fast. "It does trouble me. It troubles me very much."
He reached out for her again. His touch grazed her bare shoulder.
"Then that will be my consolation prize." Mary's quiet answer almost lost on him. She brushed her cheek against the knuckles of his hand as his fingers gently pressed into her skin.
XX
Please as always feel free to review, comment, opine in general! I love reading them all! Thank you so much! Next on the writing agenda is the epilogue to A Stitch in Downton Time (see apollo I've not forgotten :)