A bit of a ramble about Robert , Cora and Bricker and their relationship ( starting after episode 4 , series 5 .) It's only short but I just felt like writing it at the time . Not sure where it's going but I quite like it so far so I think I'll carry on with it ! ( P.S. love these new Cora story lines ! )

" Good morning darling, " Robert said as Cora descended the staircase into the hall . " Morning," She replied rather curtly and carried on walking .

" What is it ? " asked Robert noticing the mood she was in .

" I think you know," replied Cora feeling irritated that Robert should even ask her what was wrong . Robert knew that Cora was referring to the night before when he had shouted at Miss Bunting and given Cora a dressing down about Bricker . " If you're talking about last night then I'm sorry but really to be carrying on like that— "

" Carrying on ! " Cora interrupted " You mean discussing a painting with a friend . "

" Well , I don't think that was all Mr Bricker was discussing, " said Robert giving vent to his feelings .

Cora gave an indignant laugh . " Robert what are you trying to say . "

" I'll tell you what I'm trying to say— " said Robert raising his voice .

" Is everything alright, " said Bricker appearing at the head of the stairs . The sight of Bricker made Robert even more annoyed, though not quite as annoyed as the warm smile with which Cora greeted him . " Yes , everything is perfectly fine thank you very much," he snapped angrily .

" Good morning Mr Bricker," Cora smiled , trying to soften her husbands rudeness . " Good morning," replied Mr Bricker with a smile equally as warm . Robert looked from one to the other and sighed , he felt he had lost his control over Cora and he didn't like it though he wouldn't admit it to himself . " I wonder if we might look at the painting again before luncheon ? " suggested Bricker coming down the stairs and engaging Cora in conversation . " I'd be delighted to," answered Cora casting a quick triumphant glance at Robert as she walked away with Bricker towards the dining room . Before, Cora had been trying to spare Robert's feelings and, although at times she had wanted to , felt she had never lost sight of her marriage and who she was ; but now that this didn't seem to signify anything with Robert and he treated her with just as much rudeness as if she been actively encouraging Mr Bricker she felt she had leave to let her guard down a little . She knew of course that there could never be anything more than friendship between them but she was happy in his company and she didn't see why she should deny that to herself , more to the point she didn't see the wrong in it .

Robert followed them into the dining room and the three of them joined Mary , Tom , Edith , and Rose around the breakfast table . " You're up early mama, " observed Mary as Cora usually had breakfast in bed .

" I didn't want to waste the morning in bed when we had a guest," said Cora looking over at Bricker . Mary smiled to herself and carried on eating her breakfast ." How are you getting on with the plans for Pip's corner ? " Cora inquired thinking it best to put the argument behind her . " We think we have come to a decision," said Robert briefly confirming his opinion with a glance at Mary and Tom . " And what have you decided to do ? " Cora replied .

" Oh , nothing to bother you about ."

Cora felt her heart sink a little ; why was she deemed to be so fragile that taking a little interest in the estate would be ' too much for her '? " I'd like to see the plot, " she persisted .

" There's no need," said Robert .

Cora sighed , she had a capable , intelligent mind , she knew she did but when Robert talked like that it seemed to knock that belief just a little .

" Have you found out anything more about the painting ? " asked Robert turning the conversation .

" well , " started Bricker enthusiastically , " It's still a little unclear but we think there's a real chance it might be a study for the angel . "

" Wonderful ! " Robert smiled and Cora looked at him , suspicious of this sudden change of heart," So I imagine you'll be leaving us soon," he said only half concealing his pleasure at the idea . Cora sighed. Bricker looked over at Cora and tried to think of a way to prolong his visit as long as possible . Mary seeing his discomfort and being aware of the impetuosity with which her father had spoken to him decided to come to his aid— " Papa , we don't want to push Mr Bricker out . "

" Of course not , that's not at all what I meant," lied Robert with a forced air of cheeriness and civility .

" I wouldn't want to I intrude, " said Mr Bricker feeling he was doing just that .

" Wouldn't you, " murmured Robert sarcastically .

" Don't be silly . You're welcome here as long as you want to stay," said Cora unsure whether Mr Bricker had heard Robert's comment and thinking it best to pretend he hadn't spoken though inside she was furious with him and finding it hard to hide . " I wish I knew more about art but I always found it a little dull," admitted Rose trying to break the tension ( which after living half her life with parents constantly at each other's throats she had had a lot of practise at . )

" I'm sure Mr Bricker would be happy to teach you about it," Suggested Cora who felt a responsibility as Rose's guardian to further her education and was only too happy to have Rose occupy herself with something engaging and instructive . Rose's face dropped ; this wasn't quite what she had been looking for . " I'm not sure I'd have time , I'm so busy at the moment - " she said trying to make up an excuse " I'm so busy at the moment... helping the Russians ."

" I wouldn't mind knowing a little more about the painting," said Robert . " I think I'll come and have a look with you both after breakfast," he added after a pause .Cora and Bricker exchanged a glance between themselves . Cora knew Robert's motives for wanting to join them and they did not include interest in the painting . He wanted to join them so he could take away the fun out of the little meetings that had seemed to be giving them both such pleasure and , more importantly to Robert , so he could keep an eye on Mr Bricker .

( I know the spacing is sort of odd in this chapter but my ipad won't correct it for some reason ! )