I missed this story back in the day, because I couldn't stick around right after everything that happened. But I have gotten back into these two lately, and this is an absolutely beautiful writing of them. Just a little bit softer with each other than they were often allowed to be in canon, which is exactly what I wanted for them, and still very beautifully written in character, and of course, happy. I particularly love how you write different kinds of intimacy-sex, touch, care, concern, intellect, comfort. Someday when I have a moment I need to go back through the chapters and review properly, but anyway, thank you so much for this.

This was such a beautiful, captivating story. I loved every minute of it!

Not me over here crying that in the show Matthew barely got to see Mary as a mother.

I can only imagine how much work you have/did put into The Center of My Heart. Your story is wonderful, your writing is fantastic. I came across The Center of My Heart when I was reviewing favorite Downton Abbey stories listed by a fan fiction author. What a compliment to you. On to Chapter 13! Thanks so much!

I was very late to the downtown fandom and only discovered the show a couple of years ago...I instantly fell in love with it and the characters, but my absolute favourite is Matthew (cue my obsession with Dan Stevens!) This is the second time that I have (binge) read your work and I absolutely adore this characterisation of the whole Downton cast. I particularly love how you explore Matthews recovery in such brilliant, lengthy detail. I always felt this was rushed on the show and they way you have written this journey is simply wonderful! Matthew and Mary will forever be an iconic couple and I thank talented writers like yourself for keeping their love alive and writing the bits we fans missed out on! Well done on a truly fabulous piece of writingI look forward to reading it again soon!

Wonderful wonderful wonderful story. Love every moment every time I read this. The Center of My Heart is essentially the story of two newlyweds who have gone through so much to be together, and then the incredible changes they go through in their lives in their first year of marriage. I loved the Epilogue. Would you consider writing more about the intervening years? Thank you so much for the gift of love that is the Center universe. ️

Anna must have given birth in January of 1922not 1921? If she and Bates were married in October 1920, and she also had a miscarriage first, she would only have been 3 months pregnant without a miscarriage in January 1921.

To know that Mary and Matthew will be parents- so moving...️

The exchange and the relationship between Matthew and Peter Manning is very moving. Bravo

The detail on the physiotherapy is fascinating and wonderful. Thank you for all the research you have done to bring this story to life.

In the cases of neuropraxia that I have seen, when a nerve is severely injured from a stretch injury or a bruise, there is complete paralysis and it usually takes months to regain sensory and motor function. If there is no transaction there should be full recovery with no residual sequelaejust as on the show. Physical therapy them helps to rebuild strength.

I have to say that your way of opening the chapter-positioning them all in a painting-was probably the most brilliant thing I've read this year

This is an extrodinary story. I'm extremely late to the DA world, I know, but I had to tell you how much this story moved me. It was inspirational honestly, and I wept through most of it. It was beautiful and delicate and everything I long for in a story. Thank you so much for seeing it through. It simultaneously broke and healed my heart for all the could have beens, should have beens, might have beens. Truly a lovely piece of work.

It's over :(

I admit this story is slow moving but it's very cute and happy and enjoyable :)