Ha oh I'm so glad she slapped some sense into him, I was so angry with the way the show handled it

I also love that you're showing that Matthew's recovery must have taken more time and effort than was shown in the show

Your being in Matthew's head here, his disillusionment, thinking about how his younger self would have wanted to be a shining knight... their interaction... it's all so spot on and well written

Lovely story. Do you think you’ll ever write anything more? Though this is a perfectly good ending.

Update? :)

Wonderful chapter. I hope you update soon! :D

Lovely! And happy you updated

What a wonderful chapter! Just perfect. First Mary hit Matthew (I can see her quite well) and then they both fall into the pond... And finally they're "friends" again. Dialogues are marvelous, I love your writing, everything is so believable. Can't wait for more.

Matthew has been 'all wet' since the whole Lavinia thing started! I like the idea that Matthew was 'lost' - wandering about. It must have been torture for Isobel to watch idly while Matthew floundered about & foundered about. But we know that at some point he finds his footing & encourages Mary to sack Carlisle, so I'm enjoying your take on Matthew's journey to redemption. Thanks for the update!

You reflect so well Matthew's mood which we never seen on screen. Looking forward to see the next update. And please to update soon!

Thanks for another wonderful chapter. It's great to see how Matthew is dealing with Lavinia's death, his guilt, and his love for Mary. Unfortunately, we were denied that in canon so it's really nice to see it here. Thanks again l

I really enjoyed this! You make excellent points in this story that jive with my head canon!
The connection that Robert and Isobel speak of regarding Matthew and his father versus Lavinia's death, his feelings for Mary which can't be denied and how she can jar him out of himself with that slap! But, my favorite moment is Matthew concerned that Isobel will catch him in his wet clothes! Yes, that is so wonderfully in character as Mary points out, he has fought in a war and yet he hasn't changed in that close relationship he has with his mother.
So, poignant! Bravo!

Thank you for the update. It's such a treat to read another chapter of this story. And Matthew is making progress, getting tired of brooding finally. Well done Mary for speaking up for Lavinia's strength! Mary seems to be the one person that Matthew can talk to about the war and about his feelings for Lavinia. A true friend.

I liked Mary's "incredulous glance"; I could just see it.

Really moving chapters. Among all your great lines there were some especially great ones like the one about being hard to forget but even harder to remember or apologize is not a synonym for insult. Excellent characterization of their mindframe and banter!

This continues to be outstanding. I feel you have really captured them.