Every night Downton Abbey was silent, a colossal creature in slumber, and if one crossed it's path they wouldn't suspect the house, wrapped and hidden in darkness, to be there. Tonight, however, was an exception, as one light shone from one of the top rooms- a dim beacon calling softly.

It was no one other than the Master of the house himself who lay awake, unable to sleep, as he was unable to prevent the constant trickle of thoughts into his mind. His wife Cora was asleep beside him. She was turned away, catching the light on her delicate neck and shoulder. Despite their recent differences they still adhered to old traditions, such as sleeping in the same room.

Just looking at his wife, Robert could only think of Jane. Jane, the maid he had practically abused that same day. For the hundredth time, strong currents of regret coursed through him. From the very moment he had lunged at her (yes, lunged, he cringed in embarrassment just recalling it) he had felt nothing but regret, shame, and self-loathing.

Everyone here respected him, his family, the staff. He knew what they thought of him: he was a man of morals, a man of honor. He knew that the servants took pride in having him as their master. In fact, he had always striven to uphold those attributes and to live up to the man they believed he was. Their faith in him had given him self-confidence, yet now he felt like a crook or a phony.

It was these characteristics of honor and decency that encouraged him to maintain good relationships with the staff. But he had crossed the lane.

Poor Jane. He felt sorry for the maid. She had lost her husband and in the midst of her grief come here, only to be taken advantage of by him.

And it wasn't as if she had seduced him. There had been certain moments between them- he acknowledged that- yet he had always been the one to initiate any moments of intimacy between them. Oh what a foolish man he was! And how apologetic she had been- for his mistakes! Her willing to resign for his actions- her good will only caused him to regret his selfishness more.

Cora stirred beside him. He looked once again at his wife. They had certainly grown apart the past year, there was no doubt about that. From the war they had both emerged as different people- he didn't really know the woman next to him as well as he used to. He had no knowledge of her fears, her hopes, her dreams. It was these that they used to confide in each other in those sleepy hours before they put out the lights.

Now they simply said goodnight, a curt unfeeling one, and fell asleep in silence, wrapped in their own thoughts, fears, hopes and dreams.

Yet despite all this, Robert knew he still loved her. They had such a history, and remembering the early years of their romance still brought a smile to his face.

He remembered the first time he had introduced Cora to his mother- how nervous he was!

He knew that Cora's nationality alone would provide Violet with enough material to rip her to shreds. What's more, he was afraid that his mother would be too loathsome to endure as a mother in law, and Cora would change her mind.

He had underestimated her in both accounts.

She had sat at tea with his mother, her posture impeccable, her etiquette flawless, and she had maneuvered through the conversation easily, politely deflecting all provoking comments Violet aimed at her. As their conversation progressed, Cora transformed before his eyes; she was no longer the most wonderful woman he had ever met, she was a goddess. Her blue eyes were unwavering as they met with his mothers, and as Violet emitted yet another remark concerning Americans, Cora's red lips curled to reveal a row of perfect teeth, flashing Violet a divine smile. That was when he knew, without doubt, that this was the only woman he could ever marry- no matter what his mother thought.

As they were about to leave Violet's house, Cora went to fetch her coat and Robert knew his mother would take the opportunity to point out the many flaws in his fiancé.

"Robert, I must say-" she began.

"Oh do save it mother", he interjected. "For my mind is quite made up and nothing you can say will persuade me to change it."

"Marry her, Robert", Violet said in a rare tone of genuine compassion. Robert frowned, speechless. "You won't find another woman like that, you know. She has something of a backbone and I must say, I quite admire her for it."

"What did your mother say?" Cora asked pressingly, her voice revealing tones of apprehension as well as playful excitement.

They were seated in the back of their carriage, Violet's estate growing more distant as the horses pulled them towards home. It was early spring yet traces of winter could be seen everywhere; a cool mist hung just above the gravel track on which they traveled. It was in this kind of weather that the carriage was completely sealed, providing those inside with complete privacy.

Robert could only smile. He gazed out the window and watched, content, as the world went by.

"Robert, tell me!" Cora pleaded, smiling. "It can't have been that bad!"

He turned to look at her. "It doesn't matter what she thinks", he said, before leaning over to kiss her. She stopped him by putting a hand on his chest.

"Robert", she said, her blue eyes serious. "She's going to be my mother-in-law. I should very much like to know her opinion of me."

He smiled again. That day it seemed as if he would never stop smiling. "She admires you. And if I don't marry you, I believe she will be somewhat disappointed."

Cora's eyes widened in surprise, but before she could properly express her delight Robert was kissing her with a passion she had never thought possible.