I was so afraid that this was the last chapter. The story has been wonderful from the start and I am not ready for it to end. Thank you for being such a wonderful writer and faithful updater. Love this universe!

Never thought I was a thrill seeker, but when Mary was on the jet ski, I kept thinking someone was going to kidnap her. Why am I still thinking there's another shoe to drop?

Is Blake targeting Matthew now? If not, that was a very curious conversation.

The proposal was perfect. That Matthew was going to stay up all night waiting to propose was very sweet and so in character for sweet Matthew. They were both in their pj's! How great that they're that comfortable with each other.

What is Matthew planning to do after leaving the casino? Are he and Mary going to escape to the Maldives to get away from government prosecution? I keep thinking something like that will happen.

When you didn't post a review, I was in dread thinking you had slipped away like so many of our DA writers.
But when I read this chapter, I realized you were waiting to see what teams will be in Super Bowl. Nice touch.

Thanks for another amazing update. You're the best.

Great chapter! Loved the beginning with Mary's introspection and reflection on the engagement. It was great to read Matthew having fun with his "fiancee" and the discussion with Mary regarding his plans to pursue a relationship with her. So curious to see what Matthew's future plans are and how Sybil is involved. Hoping Charles leaves Matthew and the family alone in his investigations. So looking forward to the next chapter!

Thanks for including some Edith and Bertie, beginning to ship them much more than MM at the moment, even though I still follow this fic. I hope you are able to include more of them in future chapters :)

Really enjoyed the way you wrote the conversations in this chapter. Felt very real, and some of them were very funny. Enjoying it. Intrigued as to what Charles might be up to. Will he start digging and uncover the Patrick connection? Also left wondering who "the person they knew isn't who he seemed to be..." Matthew? Alex? One of the others of the 'gang?' thanks for your continued work on this. A great read.

Anna worried about not knowing enough about Alex's culture was adorable. And I can't wait for Mary to find out about Matthew's decision to resign. Great chapter!

Once again, thrilling writing - tenderness, tension, excitement and suspense all in one place. I'm looking forward to all sorts of things... :) Thanks again!

Another great chapter! Loved the playful moments between Matthew and Mary. Cora must be so frustrated that she's on the other side of the world! And, oh, dear! Somehow I think Mary might be more upset than Matthew thinks she will be when she learns he's planning to leave. And he needs to tell Sybil as well as Mary? (Racks brain trying to think what this might mean. . .). And that Charles Blake and his snooping! I'm worried about where this is headed.

OK, so engagement is official. Robert and Cora know. Cora has already started planning - although half way around the world away!
Blake suspects that there is still someone lurking out there - out to get Crawley Group.
Cute scene between Mary, Edith and Bertie - with Mary's "double meaning" statements and encouragement about Edith taking Bertie for a "tour".

I LOVE THIS STORY! I think the underlying theme of Matthew not being able to be his own person without Mary is brilliant. I like how Robert brought it up even though he is a prick, it was condescending but also showed he cared enough to warn Matthew or what not... if that makes sense. I loved how Matthew second guessed himself, definitely a different side to him than the one we were shown throughout the book. He's calm, cool and confident until it comes to Mary and proposing! I loved it! And it was so real the way you wrote the feelings behind engagements and timing. It shouldn't matter and then all of a sudden it does and you're unsure and it changes everything! BRILLIANT! Can't wait for more!

You just love to tease us! :)
The proposal was the best.
It's was so sweet and romantic.
The romance is the main thing I miss most about MM(and Downton itself).
For a moment I did think that there could be a problem when they were in the bath,but I think
it was realistic because even couples that are completely commited have issues when talking about the future.
Henry was annoying in the last chapter.

You did a fabulous job with this chapter. I was interested in Robert's view of their relationship, and I think Matthew should pursue his own dreams at some point. I liked how you got into Matthew and Mary's thoughts, and then resolved them. Lovely.

*PTERODACTYL SCREECH, literally. I loved it! You handed it so well, there was actual suspense for me, I was completely sure that he was going to propose at the beginning until Robert shared his thoughts, it was certainly interesting and unexpected. Matthew didn't had the chance to choose in canon, he didn't had his career or his own house with Mary in the end. That's why it was important to bring this up. In Mary's case, when she was ennerved by Matthew's answers and wonder if she could live with someone who has a less structured plan of life, that's a common issue with couples. It all sum up, all the serious questions and doubts, the peculiar conversation about children, and if marriage is even necessary in these times, made me feel we reached a crux in the story.

The emotion of the proposal was close to canon. Sometimes, when reading a story is nice when one realises the moment is coming, it's true that shippers love to see them fall in love and be happy lots of time, but this is the first time I'm reminded of the surprise and the "is this really happening" feeling I had when I watched the CS 2011. I loved he mentioned their first meeting and the stars.

Other great details: Society perception of a hangover and that one shouls hide i if not avoid it, Mary not having the need to be rude to Henry, the entire Robert and Matthew's, Alex complimment to Annas abiity to handle new responsibilities, the fantasy of the holiday, the unusual topics of conversation, specially if Isobel and Violet were to lazy to find better friends.

Finally the proposal! Cute conversation with her sisters - triggering Mary's thoughts on a proposal and children. Edith and the sex comments! Maybe things went well for her with Bertie using Mary's advice ;)

Very coy way of doing things by Matthew.

Oh my that's totally romantic! But that was a rather odd conversation about children. I'm glad you're adding more drama as that means more wonderful chapters!