Note: Just a teaser to start us off. Structurally I think it worked well writing the families point of view up until they are reunited with Mary first. As I was writing it, I was making corresponding notes for the Tom and Mary timeline. But now I am having to make this story run in parallel, it is much harder than I thought.
This second part is nearly all from Mary's POV, so I have been thinking a lot about Mary's character. I think that Mary loves being Lady Mary, I don't think she loves being confined by society, but I do truly think she enjoyed her position. She never really had to think where the money was coming from, it was always just there. Therefore, I don't think she has any realistic view on how the middle classes would live. By marrying Tom, I think Mary would be in absolute shock moving to a one-bedroom flat from Downton Abbey with an estimated 110 rooms!
Also thank you for the lovely reviews. One reviewer mentioned Tom's apparent wealth, hopefully I have explained that in the first couple of chapters (and see note above). The family didn't know how much money Tom has and were purely speculating from what they knew of him i.e. being a chauffeur.
The amount of money Mary is given is equivalent to £340 in todays money, per week. I don't consider that to be an insignificant amount, as it is £1360 per month. So Mary bought a hat for £300 I will admit that in the very beginning I made Tom's parents stinking rich and then made the whole we want our son to have a good life, etc. that gave me a money problem because I had to find reasons why Tom a) works as a chauffeur b) doesn't live like a king with the money he has coming in. I hope I have managed this, please forgive me any lapses.
Unlikely Bonds: Embracing the Future Chapter 1
Train to Leeds
The train continued its rhythmic journey, the clattering of wheels echoing in the background. Mary's initial shock and disorientation began to recede, and she slowly reconnected with her surroundings. She turned to Tom, seeking further clarification about their destination and their future.
"Where are we going?" Mary's voice carried traces of disbelief, reflecting her lingering sense of surrealism.
Tom, his demeanour calm and reassuring, replied, "We're going to Leeds." His gaze drifted to the passing landscape outside the window as he spoke. "I actually have a property in the city, so we will eventually have somewhere to stay. Unfortunately, at the moment, the apartment is not liveable."
Mary, now more alert and curious, was taken aback by this revelation. "You have an apartment in Leeds?" Genuine surprise coloured her words, as her mind struggled to process this newfound information.
Tom nodded, a hint of pride gracing his voice. "Yes, remember I told you I had investments? Well, the house in Leeds is one. It's quite large, actually. There's a basement, a ground floor, and then there are three additional floors which have been converted to flats. The third-floor flat even have access to the attics where an additional two bedrooms were created. These flats are currently rented, adding to the additional income."
As Tom unveiled the extent of his financial endeavours, Mary's embarrassment over her own lack of financial knowledge began to surface. She realised that she had always taken money for granted, never having to manage her own finances. Tom's revelations were opening her eyes to the practicalities of the real world.
"You said we'll eventually be able to live there?" Mary inquired, her curiosity now fully engaged.
Tom confirmed her hopes with a reassuring nod. "Yes, I always intended for the basement and the ground floor to be my own personal flat, so this was the last one to be renovated with Cartwright, the builder I have hired to do the work. I will have to speak to him on the progress, but in the meantime, we can get rooms in a hotel."
Mary was still processing the implications of this new reality when she posed her next question, her anxiety palpable. "A room together?" she asked, her voice trembling with uncertainty.
Tom, ever understanding and considerate, replied gently, "I'm afraid so. Though I have money, and I am earning decent money, it is not all readily available in cash. Also, it's important that I save for Harry's and my business. I can't afford the expense of paying for two hotel rooms for however long it takes for the renovation to be completed."
The weight of her situation began to settle on Mary's shoulders. The stark realisation that her reputation was irrevocably tarnished, especially given the societal standards of 1913, was sinking in. She slumped back into her seat, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery beyond the train window. Her thoughts swirled with uncertainty about the daunting and uncertain future that lay ahead.
Reputations
The Queen's Hotel in Leeds was a grand establishment, its lobby adorned with opulent furnishings and bathed in warm, golden light. Tom had chosen this grand hotel with Mary in mind, he felt the opulence of the hotel wouldn't be as shocking as a lower-class establishment would be, though this did mean they would need to share a room.
Tom had booked a twin room, knowing it was more cost-effective than booking separate rooms, but he was also aware of the societal expectations they would need to navigate, so took the liberty of booking them in as Mr & Mrs Branson, to avoid further scandal.
As they settled into their room, Mary couldn't help but feel a sense of unease settle over her. She had always been accustomed to the comforts and luxuries of Downton Abbey, and this was a stark departure from her previous life. Her reputation, something she had taken for granted, was now in tatters, and it weighed heavily on her.
Tom, perceptive as always, sensed her apprehension. He took a seat across from her, his expression serious yet empathetic. "Mary, we need to talk about the impact of all this on your reputation," he began gently.
She nodded, her gaze fixed on her hands, which were folded in her lap. "I understand that this scandal could seriously affect how I'm perceived in society. I might not be welcomed back with open arms."
Tom nodded in agreement. "The challenges women face in these situations are far greater than men. It's unjust, but it's the reality we live in. Reputation is everything."
Mary sighed, feeling the weight of it all. "And to secure a place at the University of Leeds, I'll need character references and a good reputation. All the studying and hard work might be for nothing."
Tom's voice was sympathetic. "I know it's unfair, Mary. But there is a solution."
She looked up, her eyes searching his for answers. "What solution?"
Tom met her gaze, his expression unwavering. "We should get married as soon as possible. It would help mitigate the worst effects of the scandal. Your exams are still four months away, and during that time, the scandal might fade, especially if you're a married woman."
Mary contemplated his words, her mind racing. This was an unexpected turn of events, and yet, it seemed like her only chance to salvage some semblance of her former life. She admired Tom, respected his determination, intelligence, and the kindness he had shown her as a tutor. There was even a flicker of attraction, but she had never allowed it to fully develop. "Do you even like me?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Tom's response was immediate and sincere. "Mary, of course, I like you. You're hardworking, intelligent, and resourceful. You have many admirable qualities. Any man would be honoured to marry you."
The gravity of the situation pressed upon them both, and in that moment, the decision was made. Mary and Tom would embark on a path they had never imagined, bound together by circumstance and necessity, with the hope that their union would offer a chance at redemption and a future filled with possibilities.