Manchester, 1914

Matthew and Mary held hands as they finally arrived in Matthew's home town, it had been an interminable journey with many stoppages, yet Matthew beamed as they passed all the places he knew and loved. His life had transformed since he had last been here, for the better in the end of course, he would never have met Lady Mary Crawley were it not for everything they had given up here. That was a thought that troubled him, but also filled him with pride and gratitude as his fiancé tilted her head up from his shoulder to speak.

"You shall have to show me around when we get some time to ourselves"

Mary mused, with a subtle hint at impropriety which made Matthew blush furiously, even though he was genuinely looking forward to showing her his favourite places.

"Of course, my darling, I would like nothing better"

He chose not to match her impropriety with his mother one seat away, however this only exacerbated his longing to be married. He decided to attempt a discreet kiss. Their lips just touched when Isobel interrupted, oblivious to their display of affection, however a little suspicious when Matthew pretended to point at a building she was sure he didn't even know the name of.

"Matthew, Mary, I do not wish to put a dampener on our long awaited arrival, however I do have some concerns about the organisation of the ceremony before Lord Grantham has a chance to put a stop to it"

Isobel had been pondering how they would pull it off for most of the journey, not reaching any revelations, she had compiled fragments of solutions to their many obstacles but not a clear plan.

"I think the key question is who do we know that can help us?"

Matthew never thought he would solve his problems the aristocratic way, but Mary's resourcefulness with her connections had amazed him and rubbed off a little.

"I'm not sure we have any connections with the clergy, except possibly our local church, but no one powerful enough to just make it happen"

Isobel mulled the idea over, it was possible that their local church would be happy to do it as they planned, but likely not within the time frame they were looking for.

"Isobel is right Matthew, my father is the major problem. It almost feels unfair to demonise him when he only wanted us to wait, but I know how cruel he can be when someone defies him on a principle, especially his own family. Oh God I have just betrayed my parents and hidden my wedding away from them! Are you sure this is right?"

Mary reflected on their decision, escalating in panic as she considered the implications, what if her parents never spoke to her again because of this? Technically she was in the wrong, even though she was only wanting to protect the love of her life from war and marry him so they could be undeniably tethered. She felt tears forming and blurring her vision, but Matthew could see and was already considering how to comfort her.

"I understand, this is not easy but I know it is right. Even if they are angry, they will calm down and we can explain"

Matthew spoke with more confidence than he felt, but he had to because that would see them through. It was messy, but it was right and he knew that for certain.

"How do you know that Matthew? It felt right at first but now, I am just running away because I don't want to do things properly and that never works out!"

Mary did not raise her voice, but it was firm and let everyone know that she was deeply troubled by her actions.

Every emotion was heightened by the exhaustion weighing down her eyelids and clouding her thoughts, however those feelings were still present and valid regardless of the circumstances they were exacerbated by.

Even though they had been expecting it for some time, their arrival at the Crawley's Manchester home was a surprise to everyone in that moment (except for Tom since he had been concentrating immensely on not getting lost).

"Let's continue this conversation inside, oh how sweet, Sybil has fallen asleep"

Isobel began to usher people out of the car when she noticed Sybil with her head leaning against the window, Tom had noticed an hour or so ago but wanted to leave her in peace. Mary calmed somewhat as she was washed with fresh air, walking round to wake Sybil in the front seat.

"Sybil darling, wake up we have arrived"

She spoke softly but gave her a firm shake because she knew her sister was not a light sleeper.

"Sorry, I must have nodded off, are we in Manchester already?"

Sybil was genuinely confused and tried to take in her surroundings but it was very dark.

"Branson, can you walk her in, I don't want her to trip"

Mary noticed the smile the young chauffeur gave when she asked this but didn't read too much into it, for now.

Matthew tentatively walked towards her, thinking of what to say.

"Will you let me walk you in? Or has my charm worn off already?"

Matthew questioned, the first with an innocent appreciation, the second with a twinkle in his eye which drew her towards him.

"I'm sorry..."

"No, don't be sorry, you are making such a sacrifice and I love you so much for it"

Matthew was slightly surprised by his words, but they were important. He took her hand and met her eyes, still glistening from the drama of their situation, indicating silently that everything would be alright.

"Thank you for that, I love you Matthew, more than I can ever explain"

Mary was not used to expressing her emotions so freely but it was a relief after hiding her feelings for Matthew for so long.

Matthew placed the palm of his hand flat on her back as they walked in, smiling at the prospect of tomorrow.

Sitting room, the next day

Matthew and Mary discussed their options for the entire morning, being unable to think of anything else until they could visit his local church after the morning service. They sat side by side on the slightly worn sofa, revealed from under its dust cover that morning, although the house wasn't in bad shape after being left for so long. Isobel walked in to indicate it was time for their departure.

"Come along then, we won't get anything organised unless we try"

Isobel still had mixed feelings about the wedding, she was happy for them of course, if she wasn't sure before, seeing them on the journey and this morning confirmed their devotion. However, she was genuinely concerned about their ability to pull it off on such short notice and without the influence of someone like the Dowager.

"Are you ready darling?"

Matthew was excited, putting his concerns to one side for the sake of their peace of mind. He offered Mary a hand and she took it gladly.

"I am, though we'd better get a move on if we are not to miss our chance"

Isobel smiled at the pair, it reminded her so much of her own engagement. Thankfully it was a happy memory of her Reginald which made her hopeful for the future, yes very hopeful indeed, whatever the outcome of their current situation.

St Catherine's Church, midday

They entered somewhat swiftly, hoping it was not too late to catch the vicar. Mary was taken aback by the delicate beauty of the church, decorated to perfection with all kinds of flowers. It was much better than anything she could have hoped for on such short notice.

"It is beautiful, Matthew. You must have so many memories of this place..."

Mary smiled up at Matthew as she was slightly overwhelmed by emotion on such a special day, even if she hadn't yet faced the possibility it might not happen.

As she was speaking, there were footsteps and voices echoing from round the corner, they sounded familiar, but Mary thought little of it until the vicar turned out of the passage with two people.

"Mary, Matthew! You are here at last! Thank heavens we found you!"

Cora exclaimed as she rushed over to her daughter, relieved not to have missed the wedding, but still angry that her daughter had seen fit to run away without even asking her for help.

"Mary dear, why ever would you see fit to run off because of your father's stubbornness? Well, it does not matter now, thankfully you have stuck to your plan"

Violet leant on her stick with each step towards her shocked Granddaughter, she was weary from the long train journey they had woken frightfully early for, but it was worth it. She would not be deprived of seeing the pair wed, especially after she had championed them for so long.

"Mama, Granny! How are you here already? Have you told Papa?"

Mary had so many questions and even concerns, however she felt an instant relief of deeply held tension that her Mama and Granny would be able to see her marry Matthew.

"Your mother came to me with your note when she had gone to say goodnight to you and Sybil. I am glad she did otherwise you two would have owed me a good explanation! And no, we have not told your father, that is one discussion which must be had as a family"

Violet acted indignant, but she was glad to see Mary so happy. She revealed it in her tone when reassuring Mary that Robert was still oblivious, somehow. She loved her son but he wasn't the most intuitive or observant, in this case they were thankful for it.

"Isobel! Did you encourage them to do this? I'm not angry as such but did you have no faith in us to understand their predicament?"

Cora interjected, feeling a little jealous that Mary had not come to her for help.

"Mama, it all happened so quickly! I was so worried that Matthew and I would never wed if Papa shipped him off to war, which he was threatening to do!"

Mary tried to explain herself calmly, but the situation was an undoubtedly chaotic one.

"I would never have let him, you know your father often does not think before he speaks. That is not important, we don't have long until the wedding! We must get you ready!"

Cora's tone moved from one of defence, in light of Mary's understandable lack of faith, to excitement. She took Mary's hand and sighed peacefully at the prospect of her daughter's wedding to a man she truly loves.

"I hate to interrupt, but we do not know whether it can be organised yet..."

Matthew did not want to ruin the happy mood that had finally settled, but time was ticking.

"Oh, you don't have to worry about that! I have talked with the vicar, Mr Wilkins, and the ceremony will be at 4 o'clock this afternoon if you are both willing"

Violet raised her eyebrows and smiled at her own clever persuasion to bring about such favourable results.

Matthew and Mary both smiled knowingly when they observed Mr Wilkins taking a good rest before leaping to action, getting himself organised.

She took reward in this shocked elation of the young couple, looking to each other for confirmation that it was all real.

"Which means that we do not have long to get you ready Mary, so let's make a move"

Cora took Mary's arm, overjoyed at the prospect of spending this special time with her eldest daughter.

"Mary, such good luck and I will see you at 4 I suppose"

Matthew said his brief goodbye, squeezing her hand as it was pulled from his grasp. Cora and the Dowager led Mary to a shop they had spotted earlier whilst Isobel stayed with Matthew, already dressed in his smartest suit from home.

Mary smiled back at him over her shoulder.

"Are you ready, my dear boy?"

"I am mother, I certainly am"

Isobel was still slightly in shock but delighted for her son that everything had worked out better than they could have hoped for. Until they told Robert that is, but for now, they were living in the moment.