Oh goodness, it's already HERE! I can't believe how fast you are, my dear, and what a wonderful start! I really enjoy the historical references, how the war makes everything more poignant but at the same time it doesn't seem to change everything much, like this was another Boer war far far away. That will change, and I'm very curious to see how you'll handle that. Also, how Mary will take a new role in Downton with Matthew at war. You know, because I always tell you, but seeing how strong a team MM are in this universe of yours makes me regret deeply that we didn't see that in canon.

Thank you for this :)

Lovely beginning. Interesting to see how you take the family during the war. Matthew's decision not to join up early is true to the time frame. That will be very interesting to see him in the process of deciding to volunteer. Or are you going in a different direction?

What a lovely surprise that you updated so soon. Thrilled you are continuing with this m/m universe.

Ahhhh! This is so good that it makes me sad we didn't see more of their married life in canon. Looking forward to seeing where you take this as I've immensely enjoyed all your stories. Thanks

Awesome start and job! I LOVED the beginning, especially the anniversary, really sweet! :) As usual can't wait for more! :)

I was so excited when I saw you had posted the first chapter of the sequel to Flirting With Convention (a story which I absolutely adored by the way!). And this was such a fantastic start to it! :) You are a wonderful writer! I can't wait to read more of this story xx

It feels like we never left off and that's a good thing. Love the two of them together. Glad that Robert is being a bit more cooperative. War does make people open their eyes a bit and take stock of what is really important. Worried a bit for Alex. Wondering if you will have Branson fail his medical like in canon. Love these long,eventful chapters! Love that you are continuing this!

I didn't realize that you had ended Flirting with Convention, but it was a nice surprise to see a new story up to be read. I do like the seemless transition though, it's almost as if this could be another chapter of the last story, thought I know very well as you get further into the war this story will become a whole other animal in itself. I do like the mention of canon stuff, like Sir Anthony's proposal, it really places this temporally into the show's timeline. I'm hesitant to say I'm going to like how the story progresses for no other reason than that I know Mary and Matthew will be separated for a long period of time and I'm currently in the mood for fluffier plots, though I know you'll write it well regardless. Well if this chapter was to be the last of the truly happy chapters we'll see on this journey for a while I have to say it was a really good one, encompassing all the good attributes of the show, but making it your own. Though can I ask, why have you diverged from canon in respect to Branson? (Not that I mind too much, but I've generally found that writers who like Mary and Matthew together also like to have Sybil and Tom get together as well.)

What a lovely start to this sequel! Initially, I was worried that Matthew was already at war and we missed the send off. However, a big sigh of relief when Matthew returned home. Loved their anniversary celebration! It seems like M/M will always be newlyweds. Glad to see Robert being receptive to both Mary and Matthew's ideas. Already loving this story!

I'm so glad you started the sequel so quickly! I'm intrigued that Matthew isn't in the army, and that Robert is actually being cooperative. The anniversary surprise was wonderful!

Oh my goodness! I almost missed this (for goodness knows how long!) because I don't seem to have you on author alert. I quickly corrected that.

I should be sleeping. Because my alarm for work will ring in 3 hours and yet I just read this. But no, I don't regret it.

Ok. Now I need to try and remember all the points I wanted to mention and everything I liked. Well of course it's fabulous, as always. I'm so happy to see this continued so soon...

At first I thought Matthew was at war. And then he arrived and that pleased me. I really liked the scene where Mary was clearly worried about him going to war. Matthew however is so naive, thinking he won't have to. But maybe the severity is not yet known.

The anniversary stuff was also lovely.

Ah. I'm just so excited for this story and what is to come.

Great start! I can't wait to see what great plot twists you put in this story! also, I was just wondering, will there be any M/M kids in this story?

Great start to the sequel! :) will there be a side pairing with Sybil and Branson or Edith and Anthony ? :)

Impressive first chapter for this sequel.
I loved the beginning with jealous Edith. And Mary pitch perfect in her shifting fears. I'm quite fascinated to follow how Robert has changed since the garden party. The mention of Matthew's lack of vices, seemed like a dare; so I was glad to see the scene evolve. Their first wedding anniversary. Oh marvelous stuff.
So vivid I could hear the clothing rip...

Loved to see the continuation of one of my favorite stories, well done. This is such an interesting start, and I look forward to see where you take this story.