Chapter 16:

The next few days were very busy for the new Lord and Lady Grantham. Lord Grantham had a lot of business to attend to with his steward, requiring him to ride around the vast property, supervising and looking into matters that needed his attention. His father had been sick for some time and there were some matters that needed immediate attention. Mathew would be lying if he did not relish in the responsibility, busying himself with the estate meant he did not have to think nor feel.

Jane for her part spent her time with the now Dowager who had insisted on moving to the Dowager House but Jane had likewise insisted until her new mother in law finally relented since Jane felt and expressed strongly that Lady Grantham's place was here, with her, at Downton. The housekeeper, Mrs. Hughes, was already impressed with the new Lady Grantham and she, alongside the large staff, were eager and very pleased to meet their new mistress.

Matthew took most of his meals alone until a week after the funeral, where he joined his wife, mother and younger sister for supper one night. Mary raise an eyebrow when he walked into the room, as if surprised for having joined them.

"You look lovely" he said to Jane, kissing her hand and then sitting next to her. He greeted his mother and sister, though not as affectionately. He either did not see or ignored Lady Mary's very telling eyebrows. Jane gave him a loving smile. She had given him his space this past week to mourn his father and to adjust to his new role. She knew he would come to her when he was ready and that what he needed now was support by giving him space. Though she also needed adjust to her new situation, she had the support of her mother in law and sister, and she knew her husband's main adjustment was dealing with the pain and grief of losing his beloved father.

The meal was pleasant enough, they discussed unimportant matters until the time came for the ladies to go to their rooms for the night.

"May I walk you to your room?" He asked Jane, his impressive figure and presence making her heart falter for he made quite the handsome husband.

He was dressed in an even more exquisite outfit for he was now Lord Grantham whereas before he could get away with dressing as a wealthy tradesman. In addition he was wearing the Earlship of Grantham signet ring, the only piece of jewelry on him.

"Of course" said Jane timidly, reaching for his offered arm. They had not been this close and alone since their wedding night.

They walked in silence until they got to her bedroom which adjoined his.

"Could I come to your rooms tonight?" He asked, almost in a whisper. "I have been remiss in my duty to you and I have missed you greatly." His voice was smooth and would make any woman melt, specially when said with such feeling.

Jane gently silenced him with a kiss and a sly smile, implying what she wanted to say but could not find the words for.

"I'll be there in a half an hours time" he said, still stunned by her bold kiss and smiling broadly by the beauty and wit in front of her. "Only someone with such natural class could have handled this turbulent transition as you have, with graciousness and patience." She blushed becomingly and went into her bedroom, with butterflies in her stomach. Her new lady's maid was already there, waiting to help her get ready for the night. Jane tried to hide her nerves from the maid for she did not want any gossip.

Not long after, Jane heard a knock on the adjoining door. She was sitting in front of the mirror, her maid brushing her hair.

"You may enter" she answered to knock, dismissing her maid for the night, "Thank you", Jane said to her, continuing to brush her own hair.

Matthew walked in and found his beautiful bride's reflection mesmerizing. He touched her hair, moving it aside softly and kissed her neck.

"I love you" he whispered in her ear, before showing her just how much he loved and appreciated her.

Jane woke up with her head on his chest, hesitating before tracing soft circles on his skin while he slept. He opened his eyes and smiled, leaning down and kissing her chin.

"How are you adjusting?" he asked while caressing her arm.

"Everyone here has been so wonderful and gracious with me" she said, her head still on his chest.

He smiled.

"I am sorry I have been distant and aloof" he said apologetically.

"And busy" added Jane.

"And busy, but surely you must know that this not how I wanted to spent our first weeks together as husband and wife" he said, "Well this was" he teased, she blushed.

Jane wanted to ask him but this moment was so intimate and so precious that she did not want to ruin it so instead she stayed quiet. The time would come.

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Elizabeth Bennet sat by the window, writing a letter to Jane. She paused, breathed deeply and continued:

"Dearest Jane,

I am in agony and in pain. Do not be alarmed. My person is safe, I merely speak of a situation our father has tried to impose on me. He would like Lydia to live with me in Pemberley. I have tried forgiving him for not educating us properly and letting our family cause embarrassment. If he only knew that it was Lydia's behavior, Kitty's, Mary's, Mother's and even his that ruined your chance to marry Mr. Bingley. And I know your situation has turned out for the better but it may not have. How can he eschew his responsibility and put it on me? I love him dearly and I think as his favorite daughter he did not think I would refuse. I still have not. I have been pondering on this for two days. I cannot and will not mention this to Mr. Darcy, oh the embarrassment! To ask him to take in the one relation I know would cause him shame?! It is too much! I wish you were here to comfort me and speak well of everyone for on my own, I think the worst! And to be here to assuage me that it will all be well. Lydia needs real discipline and it is not our duty to perform. What do you think dearest sister? Am I being unfair or unkind? I must end the letter for the sunlight is almost gone and I must respond to Mr. Darcy's letter before the end of the day.

With love,

EB

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Matthew became more attentive of Jane, after that first week. They spent the new few weeks in each other's company. He rode her around their grand estate, introduced her to the tenants, and dined with her every night. His mother looked on approvingly, though she understood that Matthew needed to mourn his father. And for that, she was grateful for Jane. Any other lady of the ton would have demanded attention or flaunted her new title. Jane did neither. Oh he chose so well, she thought to herself.

Jane tried as best as she could to comfort her sister, for she agreed that her father was in the wrong. She spoke with Matthew who agreed that something must be done but that sending her to Pemberley was not the answer—not to mention that Lizzy and Mr. Darcy did not have a wedding date yet.

Lady Mary announced on their two week anniversary that she would be going to London for the season.

"You may join as well, dearest Jane, until you are with child" she teased, for she loved to make the gentle and proper Jane blush.

"Mary!" said Lady Grantham, reprimanding her mischievous daughter.

"It is quite alright mother" said Lord Grantham, smirking at his sister, for he also knew how to tease, "And are you going into town to ensnare a husband?"

"Ensnare?" scoffed Lady Mary, taking a bite of the quail, "No, most definitely not. But I will not deny that I hope to be married by the end of the season"

"Oh? And who is this lucky man that I will soon call brother?" teased Matthew.

"I do not know him yet, I assure you when I ensnare, I mean meet him, I shall write immediately" she answered back smiling, winking at Jane.

Jane laughed and smiled at her new family. She felt so welcomed and loved their banter for behind all the teasing was a deep love.