A/N: Hi! First of all, thanks to everyone who read the first chapter and reviewed it. This is my first ever fanfic and I was very nervous about taking the plunge. I still am, but your kind words helped my battle with nerves. I hope you like this chapter. xo
Ch 2
Mary woke up with a start. Her alarm was blaring. She felt a bit disoriented; the after-effects of last night's drinking.
Groggily, she sat up and stretched her arms. Leaning over to the nightstand, she turned of her alarm. Glancing over the mobile screen, she saw the date.
Today, the battle starts. Today, some unknown guy would take over the position she had been handling for the past 3 months and the position that she deserved.
Well, Mary Crawley won't go down without a fight.
Getting down from her bed, Mary started preparing for the first day of what she considered a war for her right.
XXXX
Matthew felt a mix of emotions as he got ready for the day. On one hand, it was a fresh start and he could not help but feel hopeful for the first time in months. On the other hand, it was an unfamiliar place in a city where he did not know many people. And if what Patrick had said was true, he was in for a tough ride.
He didn't doubt it was going to be difficult. Downton was a bigger corporation than The Globe. Moreover, he was going to be working directly under Charles Carson, who everyone knew was a stickler for codes and formality on top of being a tough boss; qualities that were manifested by Mary Crawley who Matthew would be closely working with.
In spite of all this, Matthew was looking forward to his first day.
He took a quick look at the mirror and dashed out of the house.
XXXX
Mary tidied her desk and got the office secretary, Daisy to move the files that had been occupying the space (and her mind) for the last 3 months to Matthew Crawley's office.
After the task was done, Mary studied her clean desk and felt that now familiar feeling of hurt mixed with rage coursing through her veins.
She knew her Papa was protective about her and her sisters but that did not lessen her pain. What more could she do to prove to Robert that she was indeed ready for more responsibilities?
Shaking her head, Mary tried to regain her composure when there was a soft knock at the door.
It was Anna, one of Mary's closest friends and a reporter at Downton.
"You alright?" she asked.
"No. But then, there's nothing to do." Mary replied drolly.
"Mary, I know it's not fair. Everyone in the office does. Well, everyone except Mr. Crawley, that is" Mary snorted at that.
"But I know Matthew. He is a good man, a capable man. He can help you. I know the two of you can work together and make this company reach new heights." Anna concluded.
"Help me? How can he help me? He is the one who is taking over what would have been mine if the world was a fairer place. I have worked my ass off in the last 3 months. So much so, that my personal life has gone up in smokes. And what do I get for that? Nothing. Not a single word of acknowledgement from Mr. Robert Crawley." Mary exploded.
Anna just stood there, shocked. In all the years she had known Mary, she had never seen her friend lose her calm demeanour like that.
Mary took a deep breath and composed herself. Wearing the 'cool and controlling Mary' mask, she said, "I am sorry Anna. I shouldn't have shouted at you like that."
"It's alright Mary. Let it out. Honestly, it's a relief knowing that even you lose control sometimes." Anna joked.
Mary offered a small smile.
"Well, let's get going then. Papa has asked me to welcome Matthew Crawley. Has he arrived yet?"
"I don't know. Do you want me to come with you?" Anna asked.
"Yes, that would be nice. Let's go" Mary replied.
As the two of them were walking towards Matthew's office, Mary's phone rang. It was Carson.
"Anna, you go ahead. I'll join you in a couple of minutes." Mary said, as she answered the call.
"Hello, Carson. Good morning."
"Good morning, Mary. Have you met my new assistant editor yet?"
"No, I was just going to."
"Ok. Mary, how are you coping?"
"I am trying to. Can't say I am doing well, though."
"Well, all we can do is try. Don't be ghastly to him but do try to gauge if he can handle the pressure or not. Just get through today, and I will be there from tomorrow."
"Yes, Carson. And thank you for being such a great support and trusting me, when my own father wouldn't do that."
"Nonsense. You are the most capable person in the office. Whoever doesn't see that, it's their loss. Now, I have to go but keep me updated on the Matthew Crawley situation. Goodbye."
"Sure. Goodbye."
With that Mary hung up the call and headed towards Matthew's office. She saw Anna standing there and chatting with the man. Mary inched closer to hear what they were talking about.
XXXX
Anna walked in to Matthew's office and found him standing in front of his table, looking at the stack of files on them.
"Hello there", she said.
Matthew turned towards her and smiled on seeing who it was.
"Oh, Anna. How are you? It's so great to see you after such a long time."
"Yes, it is. I am pretty great. What about you?"
"I am okay. How's John?"
"He's fine. We are a bit overwhelmed with the moving, but he's dealing with it like a champ."
"That's great."
Matthew again shot a look at the stack of files.
"Mary had them sent to your office. She was dealing with them on the absence of an assistant editor, but now that you're here, it's your responsibility. And don't worry, she'll drop by in a few minutes and explain everything to you." Anna said.
"Right. I'm sure she just sent them like that, and not to intimidate me at all" Matthew snorted.
Anna just smirked in reply.
"You know Patrick told me about her. How she tries to bully everyone and mow them down. I won't let her do that to me. I will not tolerate her pushing in."
"Now wait a minute, you can't…" Anna protested but was cut down mid-sentence by a knock on the door.
Anna turned to see Mary standing outside.
A/N: Yes, I ended here!
Don't worry we will see M/M interactions in the next chapter, I promise. Please review this and let me know if you think this is worth continuing.
