Rating: NC-17 for this chapter
Spoilers: mid series one. In this A/U Mary did not spend a night with Kemal Pamuk.

Summary: The wedding day is finally here and the festivities are in full swing. When Matthew manages to whisk his bride away, the two embark on their new life together as the future Lord and Lady Grantham.

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Special thank you to the lovely Tambear for catching missing commas, odd grammar and offering excellent suggestions & advice!

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Chapter 7

Lady Mary met Matthew's eyes as the two twirled around the dance floor. She held her breath as she took in the piercing blue of his eyes. She could tell that he wanted to be anywhere else but here. She trembled a little at the intensity of the moment.

"Matthew," she hissed. "Stop looking at me like that."

Matthew laughed and brushed his cheek against hers. "It's my wedding day and I just married the most beautiful woman in the world, surely I'm allowed to gaze upon her with love and wonder."

"That was not love and wonder, Matthew, and you know it," Mary said sternly. "That was lust."

"Well, I am most definitely lusting after you, Lady Mary Crawley," he whispered in her ear.

Mary swallowed and gripped his shoulder a bit more tightly. He chuckled and she could feel his warm breath against her ear. Mary closed her eyes and swallowed, forcing back the passion that coursed through her body.

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Lord Grantham hid his smile behind his glass as he watched Mary and Matthew dance. He could tell that Matthew wanted nothing more than take his bride and disappear somewhere private. Robert turned his head and smiled at his wife. She nodded and the two set out across the floor.

"Matthew, I hope you do not mind if I cut in?" Robert said with a big grin. "You cannot blame a father for wanting one last dance with his little girl before she begins her new adventure as a married woman."

Matthew blushed a little and took a step back, reluctantly releasing Mary into her father's arms.

"Matthew," Lady Cora said and smiled at him.

Matthew instantly remembered his manners and offered a hand to her, pulling her closer. It would not be a wise thing to upset his wife's mother Matthew mused, as he swept Cora around the floor.

Cora turned into Lady Edith, and Lady Sybil, then Aunt Rosamund and after that Matthew had lost count of the ladies. He turned his attention to his current dance partner, the Dowager Countess and smiled at her as led her through the waltz. As he confidently moved around the floor with Mary's grandmother in his arms he now and then managed to catch a glimpse of Mary who was currently in Mr. Carson's arms. Matthew smiled at the memory of the shocked looks on more than one person's face when Mary had asked Carson to dance with her.

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"Milady, you look beautiful tonight," Mr. Carson said in his usual serious tone of voice.

Mary laughed and her eyes twinkled. "Carson, perhaps tonight of all nights that you can call me by my name? You have after all seen me grow up."

"That I have," he said and smiled fondly at her. "Every scrubbed knee and new dress, I remember it all… Mary," he said gently.

"Oh, Carson," she sighed. "I hope that you know just how important you've been to me over the years." She glanced around the room where guests and relatives mingled and enjoyed themselves. "Except for my closest family, none of my relatives come even close to having as prominent place in my heart as you do."

Her words warmed his heart and he smiled at her. "Thank you. And the same goes for you. From the first time when you stumbled and fell against my leg, pulling yourself up by grabbing onto my trousers, you have held the most important place in my heart Mary."

She smiled at him and tilted her head. "You've never told me that story, Carson. When was this?"

"You were a mere babe, just learning to walk. When you looked up at me you smiled and laughed, so proud of yourself. You held up your arms to me and I picked you up. When I held you, you put your head on my shoulder and your tiny little arms hugged me so tightly."

"Oh, Carson," she said and smiled at him. "You have always been my rock."

"And I always will be, should you need me."

"I know." She looked the old butler in the eyes, suddenly sad. "I will miss you Carson."

He nodded. "I hope that you and Mr. Crawley will be a permanent fixture at dinner."

"I'm sure we will be, but it will not be the same, and you know it."

"Words spoken have never been more true," he said and smiled sadly at her.

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The hours dragged on and Matthew was getting more and more impatient. Meanwhile the champagne flowed steadily and some of the guests started to get quite rowdy. Lord Grantham glanced at Matthew standing next to him. The young groom was almost brooding, glumly watching his bride on the dance floor.

"Matthew, my boy," Robert said as he leaned closer. "I think it is safe to say that the time has come when it is proper for you to whisk your bride away," he said with a teasing grin.

Matthew felt his ears warm and he was sure that his face must be turning all sorts of interesting shades of pink.

"Yes of course," he said quickly, trying not to look to eager.

"Give her a little time for Anna to get her ready. Trust me, you do not wish to deal with getting her out of all of that," Robert said and laughed.

Matthew glanced at Mary and thought that he did not mind at all. Undressing Mary definitely had some appeal to it.

"A word of advice," Robert said, serious now. "Pace yourself. Intimacy can be frightening when not used to it, especially for a young woman. Remember that Mary has never seen a man in undress before. Take your time and try to make her relax. If you do, you have a much better chance for things to go smoothly right from the start."

"I will do my best," Matthew said and nodded. "I love her, you know. I promise that I will always treat her right."

"I know Matthew. I have every confidence that you will," Robert said and patted his shoulder.

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Mary smiled at Anna in the mirror. She was filled with giddy anticipation of what she was about to share with Matthew. She turned and allowed Anna to unhook her corset.

"Anna, I think I would like to wear the gown I got in London last month," she said quickly as Anna reached for one of her favorite nightgowns.

"Very well, milady. It is very pretty. I'm sure Mr. Matthew will appreciate it."

"You think so?" Mary said a little shyly. "I want it to be special."

Anna smiled and nodded. She slipped Mary's chemise off her slender frame and put it aside. Mary raised her arms and Anna slipped the pristine white, almost sheer silk chiffon and lace gown over Mary's head. She pulled Mary's hair out from inside the collar and Mary moved to sit down to have her hair brushed.

"Milady," Anna said softly. Mary stopped and turned to face her. "I think that you should remove your undergarments as well."

Mary blushed. Of course she was not opposed to doing so. Matthew had, after all, seen her naked on several occasions. Still, the thought of being naked under her nightgown on her wedding night brought on a mixture of feelings. Meeting Anna's gentle eyes she nodded and turned her back as she slipped out of her silk knickers.

Anna smiled as she took the chemise and undergarments and set them aside to be washed in the morning. Mary was now sitting by her vanity looking deep in thought. Anna picked up the hairbrush and started to slowly brush Mary's hair, knowing how much Mary enjoyed it and how it normally calmed her.

"Milady," Anna said after a moment of silence. "If I may?"

"Yes?" Mary said and smiled at her as their eyes met in the mirror.

"It is not as bad as they say," Anna said and blushed. "It did hurt a little just in the beginning, but after that it was very nice."

Mary giggled nervously and covered her mouth with her hand. "Anna!" she exclaimed, and laughed more.

"Mr. Matthew is a very handsome man, and very kind. I can tell how much he loves you. I'm sure that he will be just as loving as a husband."

Mary bit her lip as her cheeks turned a darker shade. She met Anna's twinkling eyes in the mirror and the two laughed together. Mary turned and took Anna's hands.

"Oh Anna, you truly are a good friend," she said affectionately. "I hope that you know that. I do not think of you as just someone working for my father. I consider you a friend, someone I can trust implicitly."

"Lady Mary," Anna whispered, stunned at Mary's words. "That is very kind of you."

Mary pulled Anna closer and wrapped her arms around her. Anna tentatively returned the hug. Mary eventually broke the embrace and grinned mischievously at Anna.

"So, obviously Mr. Bates is well-versed in the bedroom. Tell me Anna, what should I do to make it more enjoyable?"

Anna laughed and covered her mouth. When Mary pulled her down to sit next to her on the bed, Anna told her in a hushed voice and with lots of giggles what she had enjoyed.

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Matthew was pacing in his dressing room, now and then glaring at the closed door to the bedroom. She was so close, yet they could have been separated by an ocean. There was no proper way for him to enter the room uninvited, wedding night or not.

Matthew sighed heavily and ran his hand through his hair. He stopped in front of the mirror and gave himself a once over. He was in his best pajamas and his navy blue robe. They looked good on him and he straightened up a little more. Glancing down for a moment he frowned at the look of his slippers. They were not exactly adding to the picture. Quite the opposite actually. They made him think of his Uncle Terrance which caused a slight shiver. Perhaps he should take them off, he mused. Then of course there was the possibility of getting into bed with cold feet. He sighed again and made a face. Deep in thought contemplating his slippers Matthew jumped when there was a soft knock on his door.

"Yes?" he said and walked over. "Who is it?"

"Just me, Mr. Crawley. Anna," came the muffled answer through the door.

Matthew instantly opened the door and stared a little wild-eyed at her. Anna smiled at him.

"Lady Mary is all set for the night. She told me to let you know that you may enter when you're ready for bed."

Matthew blushed and nodded. "Of course, thank you Anna."

"Good night, Mr. Crawley."

"Good night, Anna," he said quickly and flashed her a smile before closing the door.

Anna chuckled and shook her head. She sighed and silently wished Lady Mary a joyful night before continuing down the hall with her small bundle of Lady Mary's garments.

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Matthew raised his hand and closed his fingers around the door handle. He took a deep breath and turned it. The door opened with a slight creak. He stepped through and closed it behind him.

Mary was standing by the fire, gazing into the flames. She turned and smiled at him. He crossed the floor and wrapped his arms around her, swinging her around. She laughed and put her arms around his neck. He grinned at her and put her down before kissing her.

"God Mary, I can't believe that we finally did it," he said in awe. "I want you to know, Lady Mary Crawley, that I am honored and proud to be your husband."

"Oh Matthew, you silly man," she said affectionately. "I love you. Nothing has changed. You can stop looking so frightened. I am not going to change into a gorgon just because we're married," she teased.

"I hope not," he said and playfully rolled his eyes at her.

"What did you and Papa talk about earlier?" she asked and fingered his lapels. "It seemed awfully serious."

Matthew chuckled and nodded. "He was concerned that his little girl would scream in fear at seeing her husband naked," he said and wiggled his eyebrows.

Mary clapped her hand over her mouth and just stared at him. "Tell me that you're joking?"

He shook his head. "I swear, Mary. He was very serious. I think he was worried that I would behave in a beastly manner towards you and thereby preventing him from having any grandchildren."

"Matthew!" she gasped. "Don't even say that. Of course you would never hurt me. I know that for sure."

"No more than what is unavoidable anyway," he said in a gentle voice.

Her dark eyes met his and she nodded. He cupped her cheek and brushed his lips against hers in a soft kiss aimed to comfort more so than spike passion. He took a step back and untied his robe, draping it over her chair. For the first time he took a look around the room, noticing the grandeur of it.

"Dear Lord," he said and looked at her. "We are not in your parents' bedroom, are we?"

She laughed and shook her head. "No, darling. This was my grandfather's room. When he passed, my father could not make himself move in here. I think it had something to do with sleeping in the bed where you were once conceived."

Matthew made a face and nodded. "I can understand that." He turned to her. "And what about you? Do you feel comfortable here?"

"I do. When you eventually inherit the estate we can always find another bedroom if we like."

Matthew frowned and sighed. "Hopefully that day is far away in the future."

She stepped closer and placed her hands on his chest smiling up at him. "It is. But right now we are here, in the present. We have waited so long for this, Matthew. Come," she said and took his hands as she walked backwards towards the bed.

Matthew smiled and followed. They stood facing each other for a moment before she placed his hands on her waist. He kissed her smiling lips as he pulled the thin fabric up and over her head, dropping it on the floor. He only fumbled a little as he unbuttoned his shirt letting it follow in the same path. He sighed and smiled at her as she pushed his pajama bottoms down. He eagerly stepped out of them.

"You are so incredibly beautiful," he whispered and ran his hands over her hips and up her sides.

"Thank you," she said and smiled.

Mary eased down on the bed and stretched out with a happy sigh. She watched him as he joined her. She laughed with joy when he pulled her close.

"For the first time, no one will force me out of your bed," she whispered. "I get to fall asleep next to you and wake up next to you."

Matthew sighed and nodded. "As much as I enjoy romantic intimacy, I agree, just the thought of sleeping next to you is so incredibly delicious."

"What if I snore?" she teased and her eyes twinkled.

"Then I'll wake you with kisses," he said and kissed her on the neck to prove it.

Mary laughed and wrapped her arms around him. She kissed him and pressed against him, moving her leg until she could hook it over his hip. They both gasped when his manhood pressed against her soft folds.

"Matthew," she whispered.

"Darling," Matthew moaned and pulled away a little. "Let's slow down. We have all the time in the world."

Mary blushed and nodded. She traced the muscles on his arm until he took her hand looking at her with a raised eyebrow.

"It's just that I want you so much," she said and her brows furrowed.

"I know," he said softly and kissed her. "Mary, I have done this before, you haven't. Trust me when I tell you that you need to be ready when our bodies join. I want to make this as pleasurable as possible for you."

She nodded, suddenly feeling the seriousness of the moment. He tilted her chin up and smiled at her. She returned it and placed her hand over his.

"Are you even ready, darling?" he asked. "If not, we will wait. You know how wonderful we can make each other feel without this last part."

"I know," she said and grinned. "I am ready. I really do want this, Matthew. Of course I am a little worried, but it is not the strongest feeling. Far from it. Just the thought of being joined is so deliciously naughty it makes me tingle," she said, her eyes twinkling again.

Matthew laughed and nodded. He pulled her closer and rolled onto his back with her on top. She smiled and kissed him before she eased off and ran her hand down his chest until she could curl her fingers around his manhood.

"Dear God, Mary!" he exclaimed and swallowed hard.

Mary giggled and eased up on her knees, stroking him slowly. She tossed her hair over her shoulder before lowering her head to take the tip of him in her mouth. He groaned with pleasure and she smiled around him. Wondering if it would make a difference if she moved her mouth over him she pushed down a little, taking more of him into her mouth, her tongue stroking around him, twirling it over the top and then sliding down over him again all while keeping her hand firmly around the base of his shaft.

Matthew cried out and his back arched at the pleasure of what she was doing. He could feel himself spiraling out of control and gently grabbed her arm.

"Mary," he gasped. "Oh God, it feels wonderful, but if you keep it up much longer, I will spend in your mouth."

She pulled off and giggled. He looked at her and shook his head. She grinned and ran her fingers up his now achingly hard manhood.

"Your little man here did not seem to mind," she teased.

"Darling, I have not had release since London. I will not last long. Later, or perhaps tomorrow it should be fine if you want to do that to me, but not tonight."

She nodded in understanding. When he pulled her down next to him she eagerly stretched out on the soft white sheets. Their lips came together and he teased her mouth open with the tip of his tongue. She sighed when their tongues touched.

"Oh Matthew," she whispered.

Matthew smiled and squeezed her hip. She caressed his arm, encouraging him to touch her further. He stroked over her thigh, then up over her stomach to cup her breast. She let out a loud whimper when he teased the nipple. Kissing her on the neck in that spot he knew she liked so much he rolled the nipple. She squirmed under him and he moved to take the other nipple in his mouth. She arched up in pleasure as he sucked and pulled at the pink little tips.

"Oh God," she moaned and her fingers tangled in his hair.

Matthew ran his hand over her chest, caressing her stomach before finally cupping her sex. She was wet and he groaned against her breast at the feel of her. He stroked softly over her folds, pressing down a little. She let out a little cry and gasped when he rubbed her clitoris. With a last kiss on her nipple he moved until he was kneeling between her legs.

Mary smiled at him, wondering what he was going to do next. He could see a flash of uncertainty in her eyes and smiled reassuringly at her.

"I want to taste you, darling," he said. He caressed her thighs and gently pushed her legs up. "I know how much you enjoy it."

"I do," she said, her voice slightly hoarse.

He opened her and ran his tongue the entire length of her. She cried out and tossed her head back.

"God!"

Pleased with her reaction he stroked his tongue over her, listening to her little sounds, taking pleasure from her pleasure. He teased her opening with a finger, but did not push inside. He ran his fingers over her folds until they were slick, and then coated his manhood in her essence. She was whimpering softly and tossing her head from side to side. Matthew moved until he was hovering over her.

"Darling," he said softly. "Mary?" She opened her eyes and looked at him.

"Yes," she whispered.

"I will try to be gentle, but I've been told that it will be easier for you if I push through right in the beginning instead of slowly entering you."

She nodded and swallowed. He held her gaze as he aligned himself with her opening. He gently pushed her leg up, spreading her more. When he felt that he was ready he looked up at her again. With an assertive hip move he entered her and pushed through the barrier.

Mary cried out and gasped at the pain. She closed her eyes and gripped his arms tightly.

"It hurts," she whimpered softly.

He leaned down and kissed her. "I'm so sorry, darling."

Matthew held still for a moment until she seemed to relax under him. Slowly, taking his cue from her, he eased deeper inside. Mary whimpered more the deeper he went, and he stopped again allowing her to adjust to him.

"God, Matthew," she whispered.

"Do you want me to stop?" he asked, worried about her.

She opened her eyes and looked up at his serious face and saw the concern in his eyes. She smiled weakly at him and shook her head. She moved her hands from his arms to his waist, holding on tightly as she pushed her hips up. She cried out softly as she took all of him inside her.

"Dear God, Mary," he exclaimed. "Why did you do that?"

Her eyes were closed again and she was gasping. Remembering what he had told her and what the stories had described she moved her legs so she could curl them around him. It felt a little different like this and she moved again under him. After a moment the pain eased and she smiled at him.

"You belong to me now, Matthew Crawley," she said and laughed. "I'm never letting you go."

Matthew laughed, relieved that she was able to joke about the situation. He caressed her thigh and ran his hand under her buttocks. Her eyes closed and she moaned softly. As he picked up the pace he felt her legs tighten around him and she tossed her head back, gasping.

"Oh Matthew," she whimpered. "God."

He grinned and moved faster. He brushed his fingers over her little spot and she cried out and squeezed him. He grunted in pleasure and pushed deeper, teetering on the edge of release. He stroked his thumb faster over her as he rocked above her. With a last push he emptied inside her, crying out his release. Wanting her to follow him, he rubbed faster over her clitoris and she let out a squeak and gasped as she spent. Her legs eventually slid off him, and he held himself up, taking a few deep breaths. When he felt that he had enough control of his body again, he slowly eased out of her, wincing as he saw the blood. She shivered as he slipped out of her and he took her in his arms holding her tightly against him.

"How do you feel?" he asked and tilted her head up.

"Oh Matthew," she said and grinned. "It was just as incredible as I imagined."

"Are you in pain?" he asked worried.

"Just a little sore. It really only hurt for a minute or so," she reassured him. "Anyway, the price to pay was more than worth it."

"I'm just worried because you are bleeding a bit more than I thought you would."

Mary sat up and looked at the stained sheet. She gasped and moved, looking at her thighs. They were stained red. She blushed in embarrassment and looked away.

"I should clean myself up," she whispered.

Matthew sat up and pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her. He kissed her shoulder and stroked her side to comfort her.

"Only if it makes you feel better. I honestly don't care."

"I've made a mess all over the bed," she said heatedly. "Perhaps we should call to have the sheets changed?"

Matthew chuckled and turned her face so he could kiss her. "Darling Mary, it is normal for a woman to bleed the first time. I expected it."

Mary blushed in embarrassment and pressed her face against his shoulder. "Thank you for being so understanding and wonderful," she said softly. "You truly are a gentleman, Matthew."

He chuckled. "Not a sea monster, you mean?"

She laughed and shook her head. "Far from it."

He leaned against the headboard and pulled at her hand until she straddled his thighs. He stroked her sides and thighs and then pulled her closer for a kiss. He could feel the passion stir again and grabbed her bottom, easing her up before lowering her onto his manhood. She gasped as he slipped inside her and he held still for a moment. When he felt her press against his hands he eased her down until she was again sitting on his lap, though now with him inside her. He smiled at her and let her adjust to the feeling of him inside her.

"Am I supposed to tingle inside?" she said and bit her lip, her cheeks turning a little pink.

"From me, you mean?" he asked and stroked his thumbs over her stomach.

She nodded. "It is not as intense as when you're touching that other spot, but still very, very nice."

He chuckled and nodded. "I'm very glad to hear that."

She put her hands on his shoulders and slowly moved. He held her gaze as she moved on top of him.

"Try it like this," he suggested and pulled her towards him and then back again.

She did and they both gasped at the tingles it caused. She grinned and eased down again, then tilted her hips, moving around a little. Matthew groaned as she slipped over him.

"God Mary, it feels wonderful," he said and clenched his teeth together fighting his release.

She giggled and moved a bit faster, rocking forward over him. At one point she moved too far and he slipped out of her. He grunted and made a face which made her laugh. He gasped and his eyes flew open when she grabbed him before easing down on him. He shook at the feel of her hot heat around him again and grabbed her waist, pulling her down harder. She whimpered and he felt her squeeze gently around him. He pushed her up and moved his hips entering her fast. She cried out and closed tightly around him. He pushed on until he reached his peak, pulling her down against him as they both gasped for air.

"Matthew," she whispered. "I am so glad that we saved this for our wedding night. I don't think that I would have been able to stop had we done this right at the start."

He opened his eyes and looked at her. Her hair was mussed, and her face and chest still shaded pink from their lovemaking. Her eyes were dark with passion. He ran his hand through her hair and pulled her closer for a kiss.

"I agree," he whispered against her lips.

"Which probably would've led to a hasty marriage," she whispered and her cheeks turned a deeper pink.

He laughed and nodded. "Perhaps we created a little Crawley heir tonight," he teased.

"That would not be so bad, would it, darling?" she whispered.

"Absolutely not," he assured her. "Though I must admit, having you all to myself for a little while sounds pretty nice too."

"You will have me for the rest of your life, Matthew," she said and rolled her eyes.

"True, but once we have children they will need you too. And what if they come into our bedroom at night? Surely we cannot sleep naked once we have children."

Mary smiled and caressed his cheek. "Matthew, darling, perhaps we shall worry about that when we actually have children?"

He laughed and nodded. "I guess. No matter what, it will be a while before he or she can walk in here. In the meantime I want you naked next to me every night."

She laughed and he rolled her over, nuzzling her neck. "Matthew!" she shrieked as it tickled. "Unless you start behaving like a gentleman again I make no promises."

"You mean you will not indulge your husband's every whim? That you will actually deprive him of the opportunity to lovingly fondle you during the night?"

Mary laughed and shook her head. She eased up on her elbow and put her hand on his chest.

"I will indulge you as much as I possibly can, but I make no promises to sleeping naked in the middle of the winter."

"I'll keep you warm," he said with a naughty grin.

"Matthew!" she said and made a face at him.

"Don't you Matthew me," he said and pulled her to him again. He kissed her cheek and held her close. "I know that you like this just as much as I do."

"True," she said and hid a yawn against his chest.

Matthew pulled the covers over them and they settled in next to each other. He sighed and kissed her shoulder as he spooned behind her, his hand protectively pressed against her stomach.

"Sweet dreams, my darling."

"Mmm, you too."

He closed his eyes and nuzzled her hair as he settled in. He was almost asleep when she spoke again.

"Matthew?"

"Um, yes?" he said groggily and blinked.

"The light."

He groaned and pulled away to turn off the bedside lamp, effectively engulfing the room in darkness except for the faint light from the fireplace.

"Thank you, darling," she mumbled and sighed happily when he curled up behind her again. "I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too."

And with that we leave our newlyweds to embark on their journey.

May they be happy.

xoxo

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