Downton Abbey: The Aftermath » Places

         It seemed like only yesterday that Mary had been told the news...

Mary Crawley sat up in her hospital bed, gently cradling her newborn son. He was on the verge of crying, so she softly hummed a light tune in hopes of calming him down. Matthew had left about two hours ago, leaving Mary alone in this hospital bed. Her long brown hair was delicately put into the same updo it usually was. A few strands fell down on her face. Her bright brown eyes looked up from the face of her son and she saw her parents quickly walking towards her. A smile began to form on her lips but it quickly fell as they came closer. Something was wrong. “What? What is it?” She quickly asked. Her mother sat on her bed, carefully taking the baby from Mary’s arms, gripping Mary’s hand tightly. “Mary,” her father started, “Matthew’s been in an accident.” Mary froze. “Mary, I’m sorry,” her mother said, tears forming in her eyes. They didn’t need to say more. “I… can’t breathe,” Mary grasped her chest. Nurses ran over trying to calm her and steady her breathing. Eventually they were successful.

Mary sat in front of her vanity, Anna had just left the room after doing Mary's hair and helping her dress. It was only recently that Mary had began to wear colors in her wardrobe again. She was tired of wearing black, displaying what her heart felt. Today, she chose to wear an emerald green dress. The dress draped over her body, softly hugging the curves she had gained after birth. Anna had pinned her hair into her usual updo, except she dressed it with a small pearl flower. A quiet coo escaped the bassinet where George laid. She walked over and picked him up, quietly soothing him. His crisp white blanket reminded Mary of his innocence, he did not know that his world had been destroyed the day he was born.

“You are strong. A storm-braver if I ever saw one.”

Matthew's words gave her strength to face the guests. She was preparing herself for the looks of pity and the cold space people would give her.

She left her room and slowly made her way to the sitting room, hearing the chatter as she came closer.