Timeless
Cora's heart swells as she watches her daughters dancing with their loves. Mary with Matthew, Edith and Mr Gregson and darling Sybil and Tom. For a moment it feels as if she has stepped through time, because all she sees is Robert and herself so many years ago. So young and (although, it took him a while to admit it) very much in love.
He must have heard her because before she knows what's hit her, there he is, in exquisite red and gold and with a smile as bright as the day he laid eyes on her.
"Excuse me but, might I steal a dance with the most beautiful creature in the room?" she chuckles, a crimson blush spreads slowly upon her cheeks but even so, it doesn't mean she can't have a little fun first.
"And who would that be?" Cora volleys back with the mischief he loves.
"Susan?"
"No." he chuckles, stroking her cheek fondly. "Anna?"
"No." he says easily. "Besides, I think Bates would be very aggrieved." He makes her turn her head slightly to see them laughing, and only with eyes for each other.
"He would." She laughs musically and extends her hand as Robert continues. "He's dancing with his darling. And now…" Robert leads them to the floor so seamlessly she beams. "I can dance with mine." "My Cora."
"Robert." The tenderness matches his own. "May I ask what's brought this on?"
"I am so in love with you Cora Crawley." He replies. "With your kindness, your spirit. With all that you are and everything you will be."
"I wasted so much time." "So much time." The words seem to catch in his throat but she kisses him quiet, framing his face with her delicate hands and feeling him smile against her as they break.
"I knew you loved me." Cora smirks just as he initiates a small peck. "Hmm. And I love you." His dearest wife says as playfully as their grandchildren.
"Even when I'm being a Donk?" Robert asks curiously.
She knows he's referring to his moods, his occasional grumpiness but, the use of little Sybbie's moniker for him has her shining.
"Even then. "
"Granny loves Donk very, very much." Cora whispers exquisitely, giggling wildly when he decides to twirl her around until she's nearly breathless and lift her up into his strong arms as if she is as light as a feather. "Robert! Ha! Darling what are you doing?" Cora shrieks delightedly, wrapping her arms around him and meeting his ecstatic kisses. Faintly she can hear the sound of cheers, clapping even a whistle or two from Tom and Bates. This is so unlike him it thrills her, when they are alone of course, but he's usually so prim and proper at balls.
When the kiss finally ends and he sets her down. "That is how you make me feel, how you've made me feel for the last thirty- five years."
"And I don't want you to ever doubt it."
"I never have and I never will." Cora feels like crying with happiness as he pulls her close allowing her listen to his beautiful heart.
"Save me the next dance?" he says like a soldier holding his sweetheart.
"If you're lucky." She teases.
"Oh, I most certainly am." Robert sighs, before sealing it in their perfect way. With a bone melting kiss.
Hope you enjoyed this little one shot. In this Matthew, Michael and Sybil are alive and with their loves and children. As for Sybbie. Her name is Alice Sybil but, everyone calls her Sybbie except for her Mama who calls her darling or Alice. She's a mini Sybil. In my head she survived and Tom insisted on her middle name.