"The doctor okayed the female superior position," I whispered, trying to sound sly and sexy.

"That's not a position, it's a way of life," she whispered back.

- Iolokus, MustangSally & RivkaT

Sequel of sorts to Dolce Notte. Robert is on the mend, which means he can resume normal activity. This is Very Good News for everyone, especially us.

Cora Crawley may have enjoyed days filled with purpose but she did not enjoy when that purpose kept her out long past dark.

Dinner and a meeting turned into dinner and a battle, and she fairly had to drag herself through the wide double doors and past Carson into the quiet darkness of the grand foyer. She was sure she caught a hint of disapproval as his eyebrows rippled at her but she was so tired she couldn't be bothered.

"Is his Lordship still up, Carson?" She asked hopefully. Her husband's stamina had greatly increased over the previous few weeks and he was spending more time up than resting in their bed. The memories of that awful night had faded to a dull ache, much like his sore abdomen, and they were attempting to regain a sense of normalcy in the house. They often met in the library for a nightcap - tea, usually - while they talked quietly.

"I'm sorry my Lady, he went up about an hour ago."

She tried not to wince and Carson's eyebrows shifted again. With a twitch of her shoulders she turned in the direction of the stairs. She felt a stab of irritation at the butler but knew he only had her husband's best interest at heart. And if she felt guilty, she only had herself to blame.

"Very well. Good night, Carson."

"Goodnight, my lady."

She hoped Robert wasn't already asleep, wished to spend some quiet time with him discussing her day. It was an odd role reversal, she passing her hours out and busy while he stayed close to home. However she had no doubt that he would be more active again, just as soon as Dr. Clarkson gave him the go-ahead. The idea thrilled her in a variety of ways.

The bedroom was lit low and Robert sat on the lounge, a crystal glass held carelessly between his fingertips one third filled with amber liquid. He looked comfortable, as though he'd been there for some time. Absently she pulled the cord to ring for Baxter and then crossed to stand beside the chaise, feeling her own eyebrows arch as Carson's had just moments earlier. She wanted to admonish him for the alcohol but stopped herself - he had been so very good during his convalescence. A single drink wouldn't hurt.

"The lady returns." He smiled and scooted sideways, making room for her to perch beside his legs on the chaise. "Was it a dreadful bore?"

"And then some." She leaned, bracing herself on her hand across his knees. "I've another invitation for next week. If the doctor approves, I would like you to go with me."

Something in Robert's face shifted before it smoothed into nonchalance and he tilted his head and his drink at the same time. "If the lady wishes."

Cora grinned softly before pinching at his thigh. "The lady misses her dearest friend and closest confidante and is in need of an escort before other gentlemen get the wrong idea."

"Ah, I always knew I would retire and become a man of leisure. I had no idea I was to be the queen's consort."

"You are dashing enough to fit the bill, and Lord Warrington has been awfully attentive as late."

"So I will be a bodyguard and a trophy husband?"

He set aside his drink and caught her hands between his. His palms were warm and soft and it felt so right to be beside him, speaking so freely. His voice - just the sound of it - was a miracle to her.

"You are the first and only prize I should ever want. A trophy indeed." She squeezed his fingers and he returned the gentle pressure. "And how was your day?"

The strange ripple surfaced again; this time Cora recognized it. He was hiding something from her. She had to swallow hard past the lump that lodged itself in her throat. A frigid heat suffused her veins and she felt sweat immediately pool at the base of her spine.

"Oh the usual. I had a walk with Tom and he showed me some of the changes he and Mary have made while I've been recuperating. We visited Mr. Mason at Ewe Tree before returning to story-time with the children. Sybbie came up with the most wonderful story about an enchanted teacup. You'll need to ask her about it tomorrow at tea."

"And…?" She prodded gently, not particularly wanting the answer.

"And I had a visit with Dr. Clarkson." She tried to keep her features flat but he must have sensed her instant distress because his eyes widened. "No, no. Nothing bad, darling. Very much the opposite in fact. He, ah, cleared me for, ah, more strenuous activity."

He blurted it so fast it took Cora a few seconds to process his words fully. Her tight lips loosened into a smile and he gave her a grin to match.

"Oh?" She asked airily, and he brought their joined hands to his lips. "Strenuous activity. Like going out for an afternoon with the horses?"

"Yes. I've been cleared for," He coughed purposely. "Riding."

"And perhaps hunting?" She leaned in closer.

"Yes, I've been cleared to fall upon my prey." He drew her in further.

"And fencing. Have you been cleared for fencing?"

Their noses were almost touching and, just before his face blurred a wicked glint sparked in his eyes. "I've my foil right here. Thrust and parry, my lady?"

He swallowed her response, dragging her towards him with his palm cupping the back of her neck. She tumbled into the kiss, her mouth opening wantonly, needing to feel the connection. His tongue slid between her lips and she moaned The flair of want sparked into an instant inferno, warmth filling her belly. She curled her fingers in his dressing jacket, clinging to him with helpless desperation.

He nibbled at her lips and the sob she let out was a result of joy and the last of her terror slipping away. Her fingertips drew wild paths through his hair, dragging him closer to her until she was nearly perched in his lap.

It was the clearing of Baxter's throat that startled them back to reality and Cora sat back from her husband, her eyes round and her lips swollen. She didn't look over her shoulder at her maid, knowing she was quite unpresentable at the moment.

"I'm sorry, my lady. You rang for me…"

"I did." Cora's voice wavered and Robert smirked. "I apologize for keeping you up so late-"

"Send her away." Robert's words were low and his eyes never strayed from hers.

"It's no worry, your Ladyship. I had some mending."

"Send her away."

"I-," Cora fumbled again.

"That will be all, Baxter." Robert spoke for her. "I have her Ladyship well in hand."

Cora's eyes widened and she was sure Baxter mumbled something before the bedroom door clicked shut again. It was several more seconds for Cora's brain to catch up.

"Well in hand! You are incorrigible, Robert." She slapped gently at the hand drawing up over her thigh.

"I want to undress you myself." His knee tapped her hip and she stood, watching him with wide-eyed interest. "You are a gift I've waited a very long time to enjoy and I'm tired of watching Baxter have all the fun."

A giggle spilled over her lips.

"Then by all means, your Lordship." She turned on her low heels and held her arms out, a kind of surrender. She glanced back over her shoulder playfully. "Have your way with me."

(1/2)