2 Months after Matthew Crawley's Death
Dinner was a quiet affair again. As O'Brien turned to leave, Robert entered Cora's room, removed his dressing gown and slippers and crawled into bed on his usual side. He turned out the light immediately rather than choosing to read. He didn't look upset, but he didn't speak to Cora or kiss her goodnight; just rolled over to the side facing away from her. Cora was getting used to this since it had been going on for many nights, but it was distinctly different from their previous bedtime routine, before Matthew died.
They had slowly repaired their marriage which was seriously tested when Sybil died in childbirth. In the months prior to Matthew's accident Cora felt as if they were stronger than ever, sharing their deepest thoughts and concerns, disagreeing on occasion, but emotionally and physically they had grown inseparable again. Scotland was a true vacation. Away from the work of the estate and their servants prying eyes, Robert was more loving than ever. He was still careful not to show his affection too openly in front of others, but being away from the responsibilities of Downton seemed to increase his desire for his wife. Cora enjoyed the attention and returned it quite earnestly. As they realized the dire state of Robert's cousin's marriage they both talked about their feelings of guilt at their own joy, but this didn't stop them from enjoying the many pleasures they could give each other. In her letters to Susan as they planned the family trip Cora attempted to tell her that she and Robert did not need separate rooms, however, upon their arrival Robert realized they were several doors apart. Rather than make what he knew would be seen as an inappropriate request by both his mother and cousin, Robert simply snuck down the hall each night to join Cora in her room. This meant they frequently went to sleep late and arrived to breakfast each morning noticeably behind the other guests and inhabitants of the castle. Neither cared too much and their prolonged exposure to Susan and Shrimpy helped them to appreciate their loving marriage even more.
Then they returned to Downton early, initially to the joy of being grandparents again with the birth of Matthew and Mary's son, George, followed immediately by Matthew's devastating death. It destroyed them all, especially so soon after Sybil's passing. In addition to their grief after losing a beloved son-in-law and partner in running the estate, Robert and Cora both desperately wanted to ease Mary's pain, but they were helpless to do anything. If this weren't enough, about a month ago Cora realized that she and Robert hadn't made love since their stay at Duneagle. It's true, in her grief she didn't notice right away, but now that she had she couldn't stop thinking about it. They slept together faithfully every night, but they hardly touched. Robert was kind to her and they did talk. The situation wasn't nearly as dire as when Sybil died. They did support each other in their grief, but Cora needed more. She desperately missed the warmth of his touch; the passion of their lovemaking. Robert gently rebuffed the couple of overtures she made and Cora hadn't pushed the issue. Now another month had passed and nothing had changed. Cora decided to approach the situation head on.
When Robert entered Cora's room the next night he took off his dressing gown and slippers as usual. He sat on the edge of the bed, reached for his book and sat down with his legs stretched out and back against the headboard. Cora was on the chaise, watching him go about his routine. After five minutes had passed and she hadn't moved, Robert looked up and asked, "Aren't you coming to bed, Cora?"
"Yes, but I'm not tired yet," was her reply. Robert watched as she stood, removed her dressing gown and walked to his side of the bed. She wore a sheer nightgown, despite the cold in the room, which immediately caused her nipples to harden. Robert felt warmth wash through his body, settling in his groin. His body told him he needed her softness and heat. He stared without speaking, wanting to give in to his body's desires, but his mind asserted itself and he looked away mumbling that he was tired and needed sleep. Without looking at Cora he set his book down, turned out the light and rolled to his side away from her.
Cora was devastated. She rarely initiated physical intimacy with Robert; she didn't need to. When she had, Robert always responded with enthusiasm. She believed that he needed her to express her desire in this situation. She never imagined he would reject her. As she fought to hold back the tears Cora walked to her side of the bed, climbed in and turned out the light. Tears began to fall and she felt Robert roll to his other side, giving her his back again. As she quietly cried herself to sleep she realized something was seriously wrong and despite the pain she felt, Cora was determined to bring Robert back to her.