Wasn't she in love with another guy who died before becoming engaged to Matthew? She and Matthew hated each other at first then they grew to love each other. She is young and beautiful, I doubt she'll whither on the vine. Although she may begin to mistrust men's motives because she is now wealthy.
When the new season begins, it will be 6 months after Matthews death so we will know pretty quickly how she has coped.
Having grown accustomed to Julian Fellowes' technique of turnabouts and surprising ironies, the more I think about it the more inclined I am to expect Branson and Lady Mary to get it on. After all, Branson is now the Estate Manager, which puts him in close and constant contact with her via her money.
As you've said, she is young and beautiful, and considering her response to the Turk who hopped into her bed we know she is horny. And Branson is a handsome, virile young man. All it will take is one
right moment, opportunity on a fragrant summer night, and a cocktail or two. And, irony of ironies, one of the last vestiges of British Empire will dissolve with an Irish chauffeur prevailing de facto over Downton Abbey.
And the series will close with Lord Grantham and Mr. Carson retiring to the library and drinking themselves into a permanent stupor.
)
