Fic - An Unexpected Visitor, Chapter 3
An Unexpected Visitor
Rating - Teenage
Fandom - Downton Abbey, Mary and Matthew
Summary - Matthew finds his busy day at the office interrupted by a very unexpected visitor.
Genre - Romance/Humour
Status - Work in Progress, Chapter 3 of 7
Word Count - 2, 975 words
Previous Chapters - Chapter 1 and Chapter 2.
This story is meant to be a fun, and pretty silly, romantic comedy type story, full of fun fluffiness and set in some random time in the future, post World War I.
Chapter 3
“I’m sorry to interrupt, Mr Crawley,” Mr Williams said nervously, rather betraying the fact that he had obviously noticed something amiss. He stayed lingering in the doorway and seemed quite unable to meet either Matthew’s or Mary’s eyes, though his face darted back and forth between the two.
“What on earth is it!” Matthew said crossly, then instantly regretted it. Whilst he was not at all happy his clerk had just barged in, he knew well enough his frustration was due to being interrupted in the first place. He couldn’t exactly apologise though, not without drawing more attention to the incident.
“Mr Huntford rang, sir,” Mr Williams replied, still sounding nervous and shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot. “He says he will be about 20 minutes late.”
At this, Matthew quickly checked his pocket watch and saw it was already the original time for his appointment. Thank goodness the man was late! It would give him some much needed time to catch up on the paperwork. That was if he could get Mary to leave and he didn’t dare think about how he’d accomplish that.
“Thank you, Williams,” Matthew answered, hoping his voice sounded more cordial now.
Mr Williams nodded nervously, quickly glancing at Mary, unsure of what to do. A second later, he swiftly disappeared from sight, shutting the door a little too loudly behind him.
After his clerk had gone, Matthew stood staring at the doorway for a good few moments. He didn’t dare turn around and see Mary; he wasn’t sure what she would think of it all and didn’t know what on earth he could say. His thoughts were all too consumed by what had nearly happened between them and what would have happened had they not been interrupted…
When he felt composed enough to turn around and face her, he was quite surprised by what he did see. He had expected Mary to look embarrassed, perhaps flustered and frustrated like he himself felt, at the very least a little put out that they had been caught about to do something quite inappropriate. Instead, she looked very much like she was finding it incredibly hard not to laugh. Her demeanour was as elegantly cool and detached as ever, but her eyes were shining in merriment and her lips kept on twitching into a smile. On seeing Matthew’s rather flustered and embarrassed face, a laugh escaped her lips and she quickly tried to repress it. It looked like Mary found the whole thing most entertaining, which for some reason rather rattled on Matthew’s nerves. He did not appreciate how much amusement she was finding today at his expense.
“It’s not funny, Mary,” he found himself saying, his voice stern and reproachful, betraying his annoyance and frustration.
Mary’s answer was to giggle all the more, before she quickly drew a hand to her mouth to try to silence it. She shifted on her feet, trying to dispel her obvious amusement and dipped her head, the brim of her large cream hat hiding the laughter in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Matthew,” she answered, her teasing, playful voice betraying just how little she meant the words.
“This is my job, Mary, I take it very seriously,” he reprimanded, his voice sounding more defensive and hurt than he intended. “I can’t have them thinking me unprofessional by…by…” He let his voice trail off, not quite wanting to put into words what had been about to happen between them.
He didn’t need to though, Mary knew exactly what he meant and she looked up at him then, the laughter suddenly dying in her throat as her mirth was replaced by an altogether different light sparkling in her eyes.
Matthew did his best to drop her gaze, ignoring the new promises that seemed to simmer there and the flirtatious smile that danced across her face. He would not let her distract him any more. “Look, Mary,” he said gently, “I’m afraid I’ve got work to do, so if you’ve quite finished…” He didn’t add playing games with me, though he certainly thought it.
“Are you trying to get rid of me, Matthew?” Mary asked, her tone sounding hurt but unable to mask the teasing, mischievous undercurrents.
Matthew knew he should ask her to leave more forcibly, but instead he just sighed in exasperation at Mary’s behaviour and his own inability to stay annoyed at her for long. He didn’t want her to leave of course, but he was far too conscious that the longer she stayed in his office, the less likely he’d get any work done and the more likely something else would happen.
“Of course not, Mary, but my next client will be here in under 20 minutes and I really do have work to do.”
“Oh no, Matthew, have you gotten behind?” Mary said, her voice sounding light, playful, but there was no denying the deeper, enticing tones hidden within it, nor the coy way she looked up at him, challengingly. There was also no denying the slow, determined and almost seductive step she took towards him, catching his gaze and holding it in defiance. “That’s not very professional of you.”
As the tension in the office became sizzling and electric once more, he caught the expression in her eyes and knew her intent perfectly. Matthew had the distinct feeling her last comment held a very different meaning and that Mary had found a new game to play - one which seemed to involve pushing him as far as she could. Whilst Matthew knew very well it wouldn’t take long before he lost this one, he couldn’t resist rising up to her challenge. He didn’t back down or step away, instead he looked her boldly in the eye, raised his eyebrows and said, “I didn’t expect to be interrupted before he arrived.”
Mary took another slow, determined step towards him, looking up, pretending to be hurt. “I’m sorry to be such a nuisance to you, Matthew.”
“No you’re not, Mary, you’re not sorry at all.”
Mary dipped her head coyly, looking almost bashful, before she took one final, deliberately slow step forwards, so that their bodies were almost touching. Smiling up at him demurely, she reached out with one hand and rested it on his chest. The other hand took hold of his tie, pulling it out and twirling it around her fingers. “Just ask me to leave, Matthew, and I will.”
Matthew gulped as her face became tantalisingly close and he felt her fingers skimming along his chest. “I have done what you asked of me, Mary,” Matthew challenged, though his voice was much more breathless than he intended.
“I know, but there is one last request that remains unfulfilled, remember?” Her voice dropped, sounding low and deep and delicious.
“Mary…” Matthew sighed heavily, she had him caught in a literal corner and she knew it. How could he possibly ask her to leave when she was leaning into him, looking up with hunger and desire in her eyes and her face so close to his.
Mary smiled knowingly, before doing something quite unexpected. She pulled on the tie she was playing with and brought Matthew's head forward; brushing her lips against his and Matthew was quite taken aback in surprise. It took him a few moments to regain himself enough to pull away a little.
“Mary, we can’t…” he began, trying fruitlessly to maintain some degree of decorum between them.
Mary, of course, didn’t listen and, after a smouldering look full of dark promises and passion, she pulled on Matthew’s tie again, dragging him towards her and cutting off his words with a kiss. Matthew was struck dumb for several moments, but then decided any resistance was definitely futile and he kissed her back. Mary smiled against his lips, dropping her hands to his chest, happy that she’d won this round and Matthew was more than happy to let her this time. Of course, he didn’t have to necessarily let her win the next and he was determined to take charge of the current situation. At least this was one game he did know how to play. He reached up and gently brushed her cheek with his fingertips, before moving his hand round to the base of her neck, bringing her face to his for a searing kiss. Matthew’s other arm snaked around her waist, pressing her body close against him as he deepened the kiss, letting all the tension and electricity that had simmered between them since she’d entered the room pour out of him. Mary let out a small whimper of delight, returning his kiss rather urgently, her hands running over his chest, sending shivers through his whole body. She slipped them round his neck, gently stroking, before winding them up into his hair and clinging to him, drawing his face even closer.
Matthew felt the world fade around him then, as all his senses focused in on Mary and the exquisite delight of holding her so close, feeling her lips pressed against his and her arms around his neck. He tilted his face to kiss her more intensely and stroked his arm slowly up her back, cupping her face with his hands before letting them slip up into her hair. As they became entangled in her dark locks, Matthew’s hands collided with her large hat and it suddenly slipped off and hit the floor with a loud bang, though they were both too preoccupied to notice. Instead, Mary let out a low moan and tilted her head as Matthew’s lips dropped from her own to kiss her cheek, her chin, then trailed down her neck, leaving a blazing path of fire.
Far beyond the ability to think, Matthew spun her around, before pushing her forward so that she was crushed against his desk. The movement brought their bodies exquisitely close together and Matthew kissed her passionately again on the lips. He couldn’t resist leaning forwards, pressing against Mary’s chest as he lowered her down onto his desk, her arms clutching onto him rather desperately.
A sudden knock on the door smashed through into their world and they sprang apart almost immediately. Matthew quickly stepped away from Mary, trying to catch his breath and grasp hold of reality as he stared at her in bewilderment. As the realisation of his client's obvious arrival sank in, Matthew’s sudden panic snapped him into action and he quickly called out, “Just a minute.” He couldn’t believe it, the man was here already! How long had he been kissing Mary for? Forcing his thoughts, emotions, breathing and heart rate under control, he quickly pulled his jacket on properly, which Mary had pushed half off his shoulders, and straightened his tie. He made the mistake of looking at Mary again then and found his thoughts becoming distracted once more. Her hair was looking somewhat wild and her eyes were dark and clouded. Noticing his gaze on her though, she gave him a sudden, breathtakingly dazzling smile which quite sent Matthew’s heart rate pounding once more, before bending down elegantly to retrieve her fallen hat. With an awe inspiring amount of grace and efficiency, she quickly brushed her hair down and delicately placed her hat atop her head. In the space of a moment she became the haughty, refined and indifferent Lady Mary and the only evidence of their recent behaviour were her lips, which were red and swollen from his kisses, and the glistening, heated tint to her skin. Matthew wished he could regain his composure as quickly and tore his gaze away from her. He had delayed long enough though, so he called out, “Come in.”
“Mr Huntford, sir.” his clerk announced, entering then and looking rather nervous at interrupting Matthew again. He avoided looking at either Matthew or Mary and it was quite obvious the man had a good inkling of what had been happening in the office. Matthew was incredibly relieved that this time his clerk had the sense to knock. Who knows how the poor man would act had he seen their behaviour only a few minutes ago?
He was followed by the rather short and squat Mr Huntford, who looked somewhat annoyed at being kept waiting, though he himself had been late. Matthew, already quite flustered and distracted, found himself panicking; remembering that he still hadn’t finished the case notes and hoping the man didn’t notice the charged and heated atmosphere or his own agitated behaviour. If Mr Huntford did see anything amiss, it would only be for a fleeting moment, for Mary moved forwards then and gave Matthew’s client her brightest smile. Mr Huntford’s expression immediately became one of admiration and any annoyances he might have held were swept away as the beautiful lady stepped towards him.
Matthew quickly decided that an introduction was not only polite, but necessary and he stepped towards his client and held out his hand in greeting. “Hello, Mr Huntford.” He hastily glanced over at Mary and she came forwards to stand beside him. “May I introduce Lady Mary Crawley.” Sensing that further explanation was needed as to why a stunningly attractive and elegant young lady was in his office, and because Matthew did not at all appreciate the way the man was gawping at her, Matthew continued with, “My wife!”
Mr Huntford seemed oblivious to the possessive and jealous tone in Matthew’s voice and continued leering at her, grating on Matthew’s nerves. It didn’t help that the man was clearly shocked that she should be married to him!
“Pleased to meet you, Mr Huntford,” Mary said, nodding her head at him in polite greeting, her bright smile still plastered to her face.
Despite the man’s irritating behaviour, Matthew had to admit that Mary had rather saved the day and placated Mr Huntford, who was not a man to be crossed. Still, that did not mean he had to put up with the man blatantly ogling his wife and he decided to bring this introduction to a close.
“Would you care to sit down, Mr Huntford?” he enquired politely, indicating the chair by his desk. He nodded to his clerk, who’d had the sense to remain lingering out of the way by the door, “Williams, if you could show Lady Mary out?”
Mr Williams nodded rather embarrassingly, still unable to meet Matthew’s or Mary’s eyes. “My Lady,” he said, motioning the door. Mary smiled at them all again and began to walk away, but she turned around as she reached the door and gave another dazzling smile. This one, however, was directed purely at Matthew and held many reminders of what had happened recently between them and hidden promises of what was still to come.
“Goodbye, Matthew.” Her voice was deep, seductive and she stood defiantly in the doorway like a temptress. It was Matthew’s turn to gawp at her then, as his heart skipped a beat and his breath caught in his throat at the deeper meaning in her words. He couldn’t help but let the memory of their recent kisses, of her body crushed against his and her arms clinging around him, slip through his mind. Sensing her parting words had the desired effect, she gave him one last, searing look before she turned and followed his clerk out of the door.
“Is that really your wife?” Mr Huntford asked from his seat, the question drawing Matthew from his thoughts.
“Yes, she is!” Matthew answered a little harshly, unable to hide his irritation that the man would have the impertinence to ask such a thing! He sat down at his desk and picked up the notes, not caring any more that he was unprepared for his client’s visit. Judging by the admiration that crept into the man’s face though, it didn’t appear that it would matter.
“And is she really a Lady?” Mr Huntford asked and Matthew had to avoid his sudden desire to bang the notes down on the table in frustration.
“Yes, of course!” Matthew answered too quickly, shocked at the question. Any man worth the name of gentleman should think his wife a lady! Still, Matthew knew the real question Mr Huntford was asking and it rather irked Matthew that he should feel the need to know. “She is the daughter of the Earl of Grantham.”
Mr Huntford looked with even more admiration at Matthew then and he wondered what the man would think if he knew that Matthew himself would one day hold that title. Despite his desire to see the look on Mr Huntford’s face, Matthew decided the smug satisfaction he’d gain would not be worth breaking his promise of not letting his future prospects influence his work. It did remind him, however, of everything he disliked about this insolent man, though if Matthew was perfectly honest, he would trace his frustration and annoyance to the fact that the man had interrupted a delicious, though rather inappropriate, moment Matthew had been sharing with his wife. Precisely what might have happened if they hadn’t been interrupted, Matthew wasn’t sure, but he gulped as the thoughts crossed his mind and he realised he’d never be able to look at his office, and especially his desk, in quite the same way again. It suddenly struck Matthew then that Mary had failed to tell him the real reason for her visit. He made a mental note to ask her as soon as he got home, though that thought only brought forth a whole new set of improper images to his mind. Matthew sighed with a mixture of frustration and anticipation as he realised today would feel like a very long day.
Doing his best, and rather failing, to push all thoughts and memories of Mary away, he turned his attention to his client and asked, “What can I help you with, Mr Huntford?”
Next Chapter
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