✔️ shadows of desire | downton abbey

chapter 22

LADY MARY POV

The sun had barely risen over Downton Abbey, casting a warm, golden hue through the grand windows of the house. The usual morning bustle had commenced, but today there was a palpable sense of anticipation hanging in the air. The grand concert hall was already abuzz with activity as the orchestra prepared for their performance to raise much-needed funds.

In the library, the scent of polished wood mingled with the faint aroma of coffee from the breakfast tray left on a nearby table. The soft rustling of newspapers and the quiet murmur of voices created a serene backdrop as I entered, my heart brimming with excitement and a touch of nervousness.

"Good morning, Cousin Isobel," I greeted warmly, catching her eye as she walked into the room. Her presence was a comforting reminder of the support we had from those outside our immediate family.

She returned my smile with a gentle nod. "Oh, good morning, Mary," she replied, her voice carrying a soothing calmness. "Is your father somewhere about?"

"Yes," I said, guiding her through the high oak doors. "He's in the library with Granny and Mama." I could hear the muffled voices of my father and grandmother as we approached, their tones mixed with the occasional rustle of turning pages.

As we entered the library, the room's atmosphere shifted slightly. My father looked up from his reading chair, his expression one of both relief and curiosity. "Good morning, Isobel," he greeted warmly. His deep voice echoed softly against the walls lined with books. "Have you had any news of Matthew?"

Isobel, settling into a comfortable armchair, nodded with a reassuring smile. "I have. Matthew is coming tonight," she announced, her voice steady and hopeful.

A collective sigh of relief seemed to pass through the room, the news brightening the already sunlit space. Papa leaned back in his chair, the faint creak of leather a testament to his relaxed demeanor. Granny, perched on the edge of her seat, adjusted her spectacles with a thoughtful expression. Mama, seated at a small writing desk, looked up with a mix of surprise and delight.

"That's wonderful news," Mama said, her voice tinged with warmth. "It will be good to see him again, especially with everything that's been happening."

I could almost feel the excitement humming through the room, the promise of the evening concert adding to the sense of anticipation. The library, usually a quiet haven of reflection, felt alive with the shared relief and eagerness for the night's event.

Papa leaned forward, his face lighting up with a rare, genuine smile. "It's been too long since we've had the pleasure of his company. The concert will be a splendid occasion, and I'm certain Matthew's presence will only add to the evening's success."

Isobel took a deep breath, her expression transforming into one of barely contained enthusiasm. "I have some more news to share. Matthew will be arriving with Miss Lavinia Swire today."

The room fell silent for a moment, the statement hanging in the air like an unexpected gust of wind. Granny's eyes widened, her hand pausing mid-motion with her teacup. "Miss Lavinia Swire?" she repeated, clearly taken aback.

"Yes," Isobel confirmed, her face a picture of eagerness and a hint of trepidation. "Matthew wrote to say he's bringing Miss Swire with him. They've become quite close, it seems."

Granny's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Well, this is news," she said, her voice laced with a mixture of surprise and intrigue. "I hadn't heard a whisper of Miss Swire being in the picture. What does this mean for Matthew?"

"I'm not entirely sure," Isobel admitted, a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks. "But it's clear that their relationship has developed significantly. I believe they're planning to spend some time here."