Downton Christmas Countdown!

Dec 15: Options

December, 1919. Mary Crawley could hardly believe that it had been only seven years since she had met Matthew. But then, she didn't know how she could think beyond him, and all she could think about was how different her fiance and Matthew were. 

Sir Richard Carlise may have had a lot more power than Matthew, a middle-class lawyer, but in reality, things were very different. Richard was not above stooping to sending out spies and investigators. Matthew always held up his moral code, no matter what the cost. 

Then, there was a wall between her and Sir Richard, the wall of Kemal. He was the cause of her potential scandal, yet somehow she missed him. And Sir Richard was not above threatening to expose her. Matthew, even if she did tell him, would not have done such a thing. She wasn't even sure she loved RIchard, or even respected him anymore.

Not to mention Lavinia. She had been a good friend, a kindred spirit to Mary, and an enemy all at once. A person to vie for Matthews affection. But somehow, she couldn't help but admire Lavinia. She was the barrier, holding Mary and Matthew back from happiness. Her death had been a tragedy, and Matthew was convinced that is was their fault, his and Mary's.

Mary Crawley, had several options. She could break it off with Richard, and go away to avoid scandal, and tell Matthew. Or, she could stay and marry Richard, and her story would be safe, and she might even grow to love him, but she was doubtful. She had to choose: Richard Carlisle or Matthew Crawley?