OMG, OMG, you wrote it and...OMG! It's just so...real - I mean, you know M/C turns my stomach, but this is just...wrenching. :( Of course Carlisle would be "nice" once he'd "won" (and was thus no longer "threatened"). I LOVE the contrast between the surface "outward picture (sigh) of happiness" and Mary's inner unhappiness. The idea that she technically wants for nothing, but really wants for everything. :( Love that you brought the photo back, love how Carlisle patronized her about it (GAH, Mary and pity!) and that he MADE her destroy the photo (a wonderfully subtle way of showing how he really does have control over her). It's just a masterful setup, and impeccably characterized (seriously your Carlisle - OMG!) and I'm just SO intrigued to see where it goes next. PLEASE update soon! :D