The Second Crawley Bride

Pamuk

Lilly was sewing again after dinner, finishing up the embroidery design for Cousin Violet, while George and Matthew were discussing a case, as Isobel mentioned the letter,

"She asks if we can both dine on Saturday. There are two young men staying, so you two won't be outnumbered for once."

Matthew seemed to bristle at the mention of others as he asked, "What men?"

Isobel adjusted her glasses as she read,

"A... Turkish diplomat called something I can't read, and 'Lord Branksome's charming son', who's to be flung at Mary, presumably."

Lilly looked towards her brother-in-law with interest, whilst George smirked at his brother while Matthew said,

"When it comes to Cousin Mary, she's quite capable of doing her own flinging, I assure you."

Lilly and Isobel looked at each other with amused looks whilst George struggled to keep his laughter in. Lilly finished the general outline of the embroidery and set the handkerchief down as she asked Matthew and her husband,

"Are you two going to ride tomorrow?"

George looked curiously at his wife and asked, "Will you?"

Lilly shook her head as she said, "No, I don't think I will. I want to look at the library."

George smiled and said, "Then I'll join you."

Matthew didn't fail to notice the blush on Lilly's face as she smiled, but didn't say anything to that, and he added,

"Well then, maybe I will take a look as well. Either way, I do have other things to do, so I won't be able to ride."

George sighed, already knowing what that was, while Lilly looked over curiously, but didn't comment.

~~ ..... ~~

Once Saturday hit, Lilly and George had visited the estate, as Cora had invited them for tea and to look at the library. The couple were looking at various novels as they silently conversed when tea came in and Cora asked them to sit down.

Lilly and George both sat on a sofa together as Cora asked,

"How are you adjusting to Downton Lilly?"

Lilly smiled at her and said, "I am getting to know the place better. And thanks to George, it's not that difficult to adjust."

Cora nodded, noticing how George looked at his wife lovingly, reminding her of Robert and herself when they were younger, before stating,

"Well, I was hoping to ask you about something regarding Matthew."

George's attention was brought to the older woman at that, as he asked, "Is this about him and Mary?"

Cora looked around slightly in wariness as she admitted, "Well... yes. I hope I'm not being too crude about that."

George shook his head and chuckled, making Cora relax as he said, "Oh no. Lilly and I think they would make a good match. The problem is that Matthew is too stubborn about our world to let go and see what could potentially happen."

Cora let out a relieved breath as Lilly admitted, "We would try to help, but I don't know how much we could do."

Cora shook her head and said, "Let's wait and see."

After that, an awkward pause settled in when Cora looked over to Lilly and asked curiously,

"So, I heard from Cousin Isobel that you married a while ago. I was thinking if you were interested in having children."