Mary pulled up to the lot beside the restaurant. Matthew's text said traffic on the M1 would delay him and to go ahead and meet his mother at La Maison in Ripon and he'd be there as soon as the snarl loosened. She sat against the seatback with a long exhale. Matthew had arrived back from Berlin that morning, a couple days later than expected. He dropped that information about being delayed in Germany late in their talk, but paired it with the news that once this was accomplished, he would be on the extended leave of absence and at her complete disposal. His voice into that chocolate rich register Mary adored when he spoke.

How could she complain after that?

So instead she let it go and told him she had news of her own. She informed him during a call that Dr. Walsh advised against any long trips either by train or car. She wanted Mary in the last trimester to be resting as much as possible and to consider possibility of a planned C-section the closer they came to the 38 week mark. Mary told her she wanted a natural birth arguing that the twins were healthy, not too big, and with no other complications. Dr. Walsh had countered that could change. They might be in transverse position or a prolapsed cord after the delivery of one twin and that with any complication recovery would be just about the same amount of time.

Mary had clicked off the conversation, she told Matthew, considerably frustrated with the doctor's insistence she knew best. But she had then asked that he meet her in Yorkshire instead of London.

She stepped out of the BMW X3 SUV Matthew had purchased the month before. Both found it roomy and suitable for the purpose of carrying the twins and all the assorted paraphernalia they discovered came along with having multiple infants. Matthew had already installed the two rear facing child seats in the back once purchased from the baby supply store. He had been so proud that he managed all on his own to get both placed snugly in the back seat.

Mary glanced at them. A shiver of nervous energy shot through her body. She seldom gave into the fears that accompanied any woman pregnant with new life. A life…two lives… she held in her body. Would she be a good mother?

She'd find out soon enough.

The babies were quiet right now. But had been squirming for space most of the afternoon. Mary glanced towards the entrance to the restaurant to see if Isobel had arrived. Matthew's mother had still not exactly warmed to Mary but they maintained a friendly accord if nothing less.

Mary hoped for more eventually. Matthew clearly loved his mother dearly and wanted her to embrace this new life he had forged. But Isobel was a cautious woman. Mary felt as if she was being, if not tested exactly, watched closely for signs that her affection was false somehow. Had led Matthew on. Was not truly in love. That he had given up a good marriage for a fling and then found himself trapped as his new girlfriend had become pregnant.

Mary knew how it looked. How it could look. She was a gold digger who's own family fortune was on the wane so she was seeking greener pastures. It wasn't true. Isobel knew that. But Mary always thought there was still a part of her new mother in law that looked for it anyway.

When would that go away? That suspicious frisson?

Mary could only be herself she decided. Isobel would either come around or she wouldn't. She'd be true to herself and to her love of Matthew and their so obviously growing family.

It would have to be enough.

She waved as she saw Isobel on the pavement across the street.

Matthew still had not arrived.

XX

When Matthew finally pulled into a space Mary had already texted they were inside. He was glad Mary had taken Dr. Walsh's advice to not travel as much and readily agreed to change the dinner plans.

Her frustration with the birth procedure options was obvious.

But he felt it was largely not his place to weigh in heavily on one side or the other. He was Mary's sounding board. He was sure that was the role he was to play right now.

That and equipment manager of baby gear.

The success of the baby seats had gone to his head Mary had joked. After he had accomplished that feat Matthew had given her a sly grin and a wink. "Next the upstairs cots." The large boxes had arrived and were still sitting in the hallway waiting to be put together in the double suite at the end of the upstairs landing. She had been asking when they were to be moved ever since.

"You can have help?" She reminded him. "That what for hirers are for."

"Absolutely not." He replied with a mock grimace. "I'm more than capable of figuring it out." They kissed. "Besides," Matthew added. "I've asked Tom to come up one week end to help. Between the two of us I think we can get it done."

So now here he was finally back from Berlin. The last big account settled, he was ready to take his leave of absence. Other than finding office space and working out the logistics of interfacing with clients and the main operatives in London, Matthew would spend all his time making Mary's life easier in this last, most difficult trimester.

The move to Crawley House would take place within the week. Matthew had lived there on and off throughout the renovations. Mary had her sisters in for various meals and tours. But this would be different.

It would now be their home. He was very happy Mary had come around to the idea of Crawley House. That was despite the knowing it was partly because of the depressing atmosphere at Downton, her father so down in the dumps and nothing they did seem to help.

Of course Robert deserved Cora's abrupt departure to think things out. She had every right to divorce him if that was her choice.

Matthew kept his views to himself though. Believing he did not have the right to openly judge others lest he be judged as well. Or have any confidence that Cora would forgive Robert and give him another chance.

He never believed he deserved Lavinia's acceptance of his actions.

Or her forgiveness.

Slowly he had learned to live it.

Lavinia had accepted his honesty. Had appreciated his candor and knew he never meant to hurt her and was doing the only thing he could possibly do to make amends. To give her back her autonomy.

But was that what Cora wanted? Freedom from Robert and his adulterous affair?

Or did she want to work things out?

Mary herself was still unsure having told him only that her mother was returning home for the birth but was staying with personal friends rather than interact daily with Robert.

They would have offered Cora to stay with them at Crawley House except that the guest bedroom was still a storage area for twin gear and would remain so for the near future.

Matthew sighed and got out of the car. Family crises dominated conversations at the moment and every so often Matthew had to pause and realize just how very very good things were between himself and Mary.

They had each other.

Their love.

Their boys.

He could hardly wait to begin creating memories with them.

XX

"Mary found this incredible young artist." Matthew talked after he swallowed a bite of the salmon steak. "She's created all these incredible animal tracks inspired patterns all over the walls of the boy's upstairs bedroom. Otters, foxes, deer…badgers." His voice became increasingly animated as he explained to his mother. "She wove them around and around and the intricate design is so exceptional. You can just stare at it for hours."

Isobel nodded appreciatively and looked at Mary. "A very good thing when you're going to be sitting in that rocking chair for hours feeding the little ones. I can't wait to see it."

Mary gave a knowing grin. "Matthew's done some work as well." She took his hand and clasped it. "He drew these marvelous sketches of the animals giving them a cartoon quality but also capturing their true nature. I put them in frames around the room while he was in Berlin." She gave a loving side eye to her husband. "Something new to show you."

Matthew blushed slightly at her praise. "I'm glad you like them."

Isobel took in the newly married couple. Matthew's shy glance at his wife. Mary's finger grazing her husband's knuckles as she held his hand. A slow smile crossing her lips.

And then the moment was broken by Matthew's iPhone.

"Damn…" Matthew was annoyed. "I forgot to turn it off." He let go of Mary's fingers to slip it in his jacket pocket to retrieve the device. Glancing at the identity, he scowled and turned to Mary. "I…" He heaved a sigh…just when he said he'd do no more work. He whispered, "Michael Morton."

And Mary withdrew her hand as Matthew got up to take the call away at the bar.

He had told her he expected Morton to call, hoping it would be tomorrow. But the American never realized the time differences and would call whenever he had something to tell Matthew. And this time it was important. Morton was lining up clients for Matthew's new consulting extension of CB Properties and if he could land just two or three of them, he'd not have to work at finding new business for quite some time. He could just concentrate on the investments of these chosen few and if satisfied with Matthew's talents, they'd all reap the benefits.

Mary turned back to Isobel. "He told me he was expecting this call."

His mother took a sip of her wine and observed, "Matthew's forever saying he will quit work. And then something else arises to change his mind. I do hope this time he means it."

"I'm sure he does. He's very involved in getting everything ready for the twins." Mary was quick to Matthew's defense in front of his mother.

Isobel snorted and raised her eyebrows. "Oh Mary. You don't have to play the wifely martyr in front of me. I can clearly see you're peeved as well."

Mary, quite unused to such candor, was speechless for once. Should she agree? Isobel was quite the enigma still to Mary.

"Go on and say it…" Isobel encouraged with a laugh. "It will do you good. You don't need heartburn from keeping it in at this late stage of your pregnancy."

Mary opened her mouth, but still hesitated. Glanced over at the bar to where Matthew was deep in conversation with his American, one finger in his left ear so he could hear over the din. It was true, she admitted to herself, whenever Morton barked Matthew jumped. It was he that demanded so much time away from Lavinia, she recalled Matthew telling her. Promising he'd never do that again.

She gave a wry look to Isobel and admitted, "He's a good client, of course. But it does seem as though Mr. Morton has a sixth sense for whenever Matthew's guard is down and then he pounces just to make sure Matthew remembers to feed the beast."

Isobel observed coolly, "It's time Matthew realizes his life doesn't depend anymore on the Mr. Morton's of the world. He's made it. He should start to enjoy it. Lavinia was never able to do that for him. I hope you will be. She learned to accept her lot. And that was her mistake."

Mary was completely taken aback by Isobel's blunt talk. "I don't intend to accept anything." She retorted quickly, taking a sip of her water.

Isobel nodded briskly. "I didn't think so." The older woman gazed steadily at Mary. "I think you're going to be very good for him. I wasn't sure when he first told me about this madness he seemed to have for you. I thought it was a mistake. But then as he spoke about you I could see a change come over him. A gentleness. And then he showed me those pictures of your wedding. There was one of the two of you dancing…"

Mary's mouth softened in to a smile. "Yes I know the one." Her lip quivered.

"I saw a look of such love, such devotion in his face." Isobel said. "In all honesty, I had never seen it before. You put that there. I'm grateful. I don't think I ever realized Matthew was capable of that depth of emotional attachment. He's committed to you, I know that now. To you and the two young boys who will soon enrich your life. Please encourage him to enjoy it." Her face pinched in concern. "For him. And for you."

Mary's lip trembled even more. "I will." She grasped her mother in law's outstretched hand. "Thank you." She hardly knew what to say. Tears started to form on her cheeks. "It must be all these hormones…"

She brushed them away.

"Of course that's it…" Isobel replied evenly, but continued to hold onto Mary's hand.

XX

"What are you two conspiring about?" Matthew teased as he returned to the table a few minutes later. Isobel and Mary had their heads close together and it disconcerted him for an instant so he tried to throw off his concern with an amused grin.

"Never you mind." His mother briskly put him off. "Are you finally returned to us?"

Matthew knew full well that tone of rebuke. "Yes." He sat down, surreptitiously slipping his hand into his pocket to turn off his mobile.

Mary changed the subject. "I meant to tell you Bob the builder says the materials will arrive next week for the studio."

The nickname had stuck ever since first meeting Bob McGowan, their main contractor for Crawley House renovations.

Matthew was pleased to hear that. "Good. Good. I talked with the architect and agreed the space near that shade tree would suit the purpose best. That way it won't block the view nor crowd our neighbor's drive."

Isobel asked. "Studio?"

Matthew gave a laugh. "Garage really. For Mary's SUV and all her assorted work kit."

"So it won't clutter his space." Mary said, giving a spot-on imitation of Matthew's exasperated look whenever she threw her dirty boots or gloves around.

A hint of a smile on his lips, Matthew responded equably, "You have to agree it will be easier for you to keep track of your tack if it is all in one place."

"Of course." Mary said. "Though how you're going to deal with all the baby things I'll never know. You might just go mad. We'll be stumbling around it all for years to come you know."

Matthew's eyebrows furrowed, his eyes darting back and forth. His mouth actually pursed in mild disapproval.

The two women at the table laughed at his discomfit.

"You'll have to adapt." Isobel warned, her tone joking. "Because they certainly won't listen to you."

Matthew couldn't help but laugh as well. "I look forward to it all immensely."

XX

"That was a lot of fun." Matthew said, carefully placing his brogues beside the chair in their bedroom at Downton.

"I think it will all right now between myself and Isobel." Mary told him. "We had a good talk while you took that call."

Matthew's eyes peered up between some loose locks of curls fallen over his forehead. "I'm so glad."

Mary grunted involuntarily as she sat down on the bed. "Come here." She demanded, twisting a finger towards Matthew.

He got up and walked over.

"Bend down."

He did so.

She affixed the curls back over his head. "There…" She said, more sensuously this time. Kissing his forehead before he lifted it to meet her lips.

"Thank you…" His mouth lingering, pulling her lower lip. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired." Mary admitted. "More than I'm willing to say."

His blue eyes widened in concern.

"I'm fine. I don't mean anything is wrong." She hastened to chase away his worry. "Just weary. Part of me wants it all over with. The birth. The beginning of our new routine feeding and caring for the boys. Part of me wants them to stay in the womb, though. Safe. And give me more time to get ready."

"We've got everything almost in order." Matthew tried to reassure. "I know we can't do everything…"

"It's not that." Mary leaned against the pillows. Matthew scooted around to take his place beside his wife. "It's so much more."

They cradled in each other's arm a long while.

Matthew said softly, "I love not having anything to do but be here with you."

"That's not strictly true though, is it?" Mary observed. "About that phone call earlier…"

Matthew inhaled a breath. "I know it was inappropriate. I told Michael I'd talk to him later."

"Does he ever listen?" Mary snapped.

Matthew startled next to her. "I'm sorry." His arms tightened around Mary. "It's just as you know if I can wangle two or three big clients the new venture will be on solid ground."

She decided to get out her concerns. "I know all of that is important to you. You want to still want to contribute to your company. To feel a part of their continued success. I know that drive and I admire it. But it can also never end. It can…"

"I won't let it interfere." He cut in. Matthew's voice tight. "I'm not very good at saying no. I know that about me. But I made a promise to you in Las Vegas. A promise that I would be here for you. I made myself a promise that I would move heaven and earth to be with you. That I would change my priorities to what they should be. I intend to keep those promises. I need you to believe that I want nothing more than to be right here. Right now."

"So what does that mean exactly?" Mary wanted to know. "I don't want you to give up everything of course. But I feel our life will become one large balancing act of priorities."

"It probably will." He acceded.

"I fool myself into thinking I'm ready for it all." Mary turned to face Matthew. "It's like mind over matter. If I believe I can do this, I can. But…" She leaned her head on his shoulder. "I must admit to being very scared most days. Two little lives in my hands…"

"You'll be a wonderful mother." Matthew said softly.

"How do you know?" Mary's voice quivering a bit.

"Because you're a wonderful woman. You have the strength of a lion. Anything you put your mind to you seem to accomplish. I'm amazed by you every day."

Mary sighed deeply. "I hope you're right." They snuggled again.

"Let's make a pact right now." Matthew said solemnly.

"To do what?" Mary was intrigued.

"Once we're in our own home, I want to do exactly what I want. Which is nothing at all. I will never turn on my phone. Never open my lap top. I want to take long walks. Picnic in the sunshine. Be together. Savour every moment before our lives change. Our marriage got off the mark so quickly, we're already having a family. I want to get to know you. Every inch, every part of you. Before we're swamped in nappies and spit up."

Mary loved it. "Sounds ideal. But I do have to check in every day with Jerry about the horses. Abe has turned out to be a great help. Just as we hoped. And Claire has agreed to come on full time as office manager. But I still want to monitor things."

He chuckled deeply. "Now who's all about work?"

"You know my work is different from yours…" She started to defend herself.

"I know." He grinned mischievously. "I'm just having you on. We'll check in every day. Walk over every morning or so. What do you say?"

"I must say it's tempting." Mary pulled him in for a long kiss. "I say we do it…"

Her hand moved towards his pants, unzipping slowly. Mary's fingers tortuously made their way towards his groin. His arousal growing by the second, his skin afire from her touch.

He swallowed thickly as she pushed in deeper and began to massage in long, tight strokes.

"Good…" His lips encircled Mary's, his tongue darting and flicking inside her mouth. "And I have a great idea on how will we spend the afternoons." Matthew's last words before all was lost.

XX

So that chapter took some turns I wasn't expecting. Next one will get back to family crisis management with Robert and Cora's first encounter after her return from the US.