"Argh... what on earth?" Matthew asked as he came round.
"Thank Goodness. Are you alright?"
"I think so..." Matthew asked before he looked at the other person. "Where am I?"
"We're on a road. We've had a collision and you've hit your head."
"Right."
"You were unconscious, and at first I feared the worst. I need to get you to a hospital."
"I'm alright," Matthew said before he looked at the man and smiled. "It's alright. My name's Matthew Crawley and I need to get to Downton Abbey."
"My name is Gregory Jones. Do you have others who are meeting you there?"
"I do. The car is wrecked is it?"
"I'm afraid it is."
"Very well. Leave it and I shall sort it out later. That could have been a lot worse."
"Indeed, it could have been."
"It's nice to meet you Gregory and thank you for helping me."
"It's our fault that this has happened."
"Let's not worry about that now," Matthew said as he got into their car.
~
"Matthew. What's the news?" Lord Grantham asked as he came back.
"It's a boy," Matthew announced and everyone smiled in joy.
"Fantastic news."
"That is wonderful."
"Congratulations. You must be a proud father."
"I am," Matthew said as he beamed with joy. "Mary is tired, but she is doing well."
"I am glad to hear it. Carson, we will leave immediately."
"Very good my Lord."
"Are you alright Matthew?" Cora asked as he swayed a little.
"Yes, I'm alright."
"You don't seem to be alright," Tom said as he came over and supported Matthew.
"Are you tired?"
"It's quite something when you have your first child."
"No, it's..."
"You're bleeding," Tom said as he noticed and everyone became worried.
"What?"
"Bleeding from where?"
"His head."
"I'm fine, I'm just a little dizzy."
"What happened?"
"It's a deep wound. What happened Matthew?"
"I was involved in a crash on the road."
"A crash?!" Lord Grantham asked and Tom led Matthew to a wall where he sat down against it. "Edith, call for the doctor."
"Was it serious? How come you are here?"
"I had to come... back. Tell you about Mary."
"Yes. But you could have been seriously injured," Lord Grantham said as he and Cora knelt beside him.
"I'm alright."
"You're not Matthew. Does anything hurt?"
"The car is ready. What's the matter my Lord?" Carson asked as he came over.
"Matthew has been hurt."
"I'm fine. Go to Mary, she will be worrying."
"Matthew..."
"Go," Matthew told them. He was becoming dizzier and light headed. "My head is hurting, but otherwise I'm alright."
"Ok. Go to Lady Mary," Tom told them. "I will stay with Matthew, and the doctor is already on his way."
"Alright. Are you sure that you'll be alright until the doctor gets here Matthew?"
"I'll be fine. Carson, go with them."
"I cannot my Lord I..."
"No, he's right. You have known Lady Mary since her birth Carson, and I know that you've been worried."
"Alright my Lord. But I will ask Mrs Hughes to come up and watch Mr Crawley."
"That's a very good idea. Cora," Lord Grantham said and they left.
"Oh my goodness," Mrs Hughes said as she rushed over to Tom and Matthew.
"He's alright. We've got the doctor on the way."
"Much good that will do sir. Mr Crawley is unconscious," Thomas said and Tom looked down at Matthew.
"Matthew? Matthew, can you hear me?" Tom asked as he shook him. Matthew had indeed passed out.
"Mr Crawley?"
"Let us hope that he is alright," Thomas said before there was a knock at the door.
~
"Hmn..."
"How are you feeling?"
"Better. Who is that?"
"It's Thomas Branson."
"Tom, by my beside?"
"The rest of the family is resting. Lady Mary is still in the hospital, but she is well."
"My head hurts."
"You hit it badly. The doctor reckons that you have a concussion."
"That would suffice."
"You could have been killed in that car crash Matthew."
"I know, but I am glad that I wasn't."
"So am I. And so are the rest of the family."
"Don't start flirting with me Thomas. I am a father now."
"Yes, and as one you need to rest."
"Have you been with me all night?"
"Not all night. But most of it."
"Thank you," Matthew said as he stretched out his hand and Tom took it. "Thank you."
"Rest. Then I may sleep also."
"My acting wife."
"Don't let anyone hear you."
"No."
"I have been worried. But for now, rest."
"Thank you. You have been very kind," Matthew said and he fell back asleep.
