A Talk

[thequitecontrary]

Who: Mary Crawley and John Grey
What: After various revelations, Mary and John need to have a talk
When: Early April
Where: The farmhouse
Rating: PG-13, probably some discussion of sex and sexual orientation


After the mission with the half-orcs and Jim's return and admission that had he died (again), Mary's been feeling a bit down. Not only was the mission a disaster in her eyes, Jim had chosen to go through the pain of death yet again, something that made her ache for him. The subsequent revelation that he had slept with John earlier before their relationship had begun has left her with a lot to process. She isn't really mad, just confused and uncomfortable about the whole thing. Jim assures her that she is the one he wants to be with, but she can't help but question that in the light of this information.

Mostly, she needs to speak with John in order to try to understand everything - and how she could have possibly gotten it so wrong. Mary leaves a note for him on his door inviting him to tea later that day. She knows that Jim has spoken with him already, and she hopes that he shows up and isn't trying to avoid her at all. Mary likes John a great deal and simply wants to sort things out.

The tea and some biscuits are prepped when she hears the knock at the door. Mary opens it and smiles to find John on the other side. "Please do come in."

Comments

[iustise]

John supposes he should expect some sort of message from Mary sooner or later, and doesn't know whether he's dreading the day it comes or not. Understanding that Mary should be told about these things doesn't make it any easier to process the fact that she knows.

But Mary is his friend. A dear friend, and such a thing is in short supply in this city. So when he receives her note, he supposes that whatever discomfort he may be feeling at the notion is worth setting aside for the sake of that fact.

Trying to act very calm, cool, and collected, feeling anything but, Lord John makes his way across the city to their farmhouse for the tea that she has so graciously invited him to. Pausing one last moment to collect himself before he enters at her request, offering his best attempt at a natural smile.

"Good afternoon, my dear," he says. Producing a small bouquet of wildflowers tied together with a delicate lace ribbon. "For the hostess," he adds, with a gentle dip of a bow.