Challenge 92, Downton Abbey, 3 Mary/Matthew recs
Fandom Category: Downton Abbey
Pairing: Mary Crawley/Matthew Crawley
Fic Title: Seat of Kings and Queens
Author: augrah
Link: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7352815/1/Seat_of_Kings_and_Queens
Rating/Warning(s): K+
Genre: Romance
WIP?: No; One-Shot
Why This Must Be Read: This is a missing scene from S1 set between episodes 6 and 7 that fits so perfectly into canon. The author creates such a realistic backstory for the two characters as they confide in one another about their childhoods, and it’s just a wonderful illustration of their love, intimacy, and companionship.
The basic facts of the case were known. He had asked. She said she would think about it. The verdict was uncertain, and all interested parties were looking for evidence, validated proof.
And every time she thought she had made up her mind - yes of course I want to marry him no I couldn't stand marrying him - the object of her struggle did something to alter her decision. During dinner, she had weighed the expectations of those around her and decided to turn him down. But as soon as she made her decision, he asked her to meet him the next day to play chess.
"Chess?" Mary asked, incredulous, trying to keep her voice soft. They were in the sitting room in Grantham House, not as grand as at home, smaller so that the listening ears were even closer.
"You do play, don't you?" Matthew asked, all smiles and flirtatious energy.
Her tone was feigned impatience. "Of course I play. I didn't know you did." Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Edith tilt her head, listening in, and Mary frowned.
"I thought perhaps you might teach me," Matthew suggested, and Mary knew he was trying. He was being dutifully patient, never once acting as if he was anxious about her answer. But he couldn't hide his affection; it was as plain as the smile on his face, the glint in his eyes. Perhaps that was the evidence she needed.
Fandom Category: Downton Abbey
Pairing: Mary Crawley/Matthew Crawley
Fic Title: At Your Feet
Author: Bespectacled
Link: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7203958/1/At_Your_Feet
Rating/Warning(s): K+
Genre: Romance, Humor
WIP?: No; One-Shot
Why This Must Be Read: As any fan of period pieces knows, it’s best to be a bit wary of modern AUs. But this fic so perfectly captures the essence of the characters and their dynamics that it’s hard not to fall in love with it. Flirty and hilarious by terms; it’s a charming and ultimately heartwarming story.
"You were with Patrick for a very long time, Mary, it'll be a while until you're over him."
Mary nodded, unable to deny it. "Do you think Matthew will wait?"
"He might, if you ask." Anna reflected. "He clearly cares for you."
The doorbell rang - it was adorable, the way Anna's face lit up, the way she still seemed to feel a sort of girlish glee at the thought of seeing John.
"Enjoy house hunting, Anna, give my love to John." Mary said gently, noting the look on Anna's face. "I'll be fine. I'll talk to Matthew later."
Anna grinned sheepishly. "I don't know when I'll be back."
"I've got a column to write, I could do with the quiet." Mary lied - she didn't want the quiet, but found it very difficult to deny Anna's happiness. "Tomorrow, then?"
Anna blushed lightly - still, after all this time, she seemed to be in the first flushes of love. "I'll bring home something nice."
Mary waved her off. "Go, Anna, he's waiting."
Anna gave Mary a brief hug - the girl was far, far too good - before tripping off to answer the door. The sounds of them reuniting made her insides ache - not for Patrick, but for someone...
Matthew wasn't necessarily that someone, but he was certainly on her mind.
Fandom Category: Downton Abbey
Pairing: Mary Crawley/Matthew Crawley
Fic Title: Quelqu'un m'a dit
Author: Chickwriter
Link: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7511882/1/Quelquun_ma_dit
Rating/Warning(s): K+
Genre: Romance, Angst
WIP?: No; One-Shot
Why This Must Be Read: A re-imagining of the dance scene from the finale, based solely on the previews. A much happier re-imagining, yet totally true-to-character. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking and heartwarming by turns.
The air shifted a bit between them, the easy warmth replaced by a sudden coolness. "It's enough that we're friends," she said.
Her head tilted away from him, her eyes glassy over his shoulder, and something about her voice, something in what she said cracked against a place inside him into which he did not like to look too closely. Matthew could feel her beginning to stop, beginning to pull away, and he could not let it end here.
It wasn't enough.