"Carson, do you know where I might find Lady Grantham? I can't seem to find her anywhere," Robert sighed, wanting to see his wife.

Carson confusedly stared back at his employer, "Why, her ladyship has gone into London with Lady Edith."

"What," he hissed, his jaw dropping, "And no one felt it was important to inform me?" His temper was rising, and he needed to get him himself back under control.

"I-I'm sorry, m'lord… Her Ladyship said that you were aware that she would be going," Carson straightened up, prepared to receive the whole force of Lord Grantham's legendary temper. Robert closed his eyes, and he could not help the hurt from piercing his heart. She had been next to him in their bed that very morning when he woke her with his kiss, and she said nothing of this journey. What really had him upset was that it was Valentine's Day and he had intended to surprise her by clearing his whole schedule to spend the day with her.

Now he stood alone in the library, and he found that he was very angry. He turned to go to the telephone, fuming at her for leaving without speaking to him first. I'll show her, he grumbled to himself as he picked up the communication device to arrange meetings all over the estate for the rest of the day. If she wanted to sneak off, then fine. So would he.

"Carson, I am going to meet with our tenants. I may not be back until late," he said softly, the hurt evident in his voice.

The butler gave him a respectful nod and called for a car for him. As the motor drove off, Carson let out a deep sigh, shaking his head. This was not going to end well.

"Mama? Are you sure he is not going to be angry," Edith asked slowly, clearly worried of her father's bad temper. "I can't believe you didn't tell him!"

Cora rolled her eyes, "Edith, darling, if I would have told him where we were going and what we were here to do, then it wouldn't have been a surprise. Honestly, I think I know your father after all of these years."

"Yes, but," Edith started, "What if he comes home and we still aren't back? It is Valentine's Day after all."

Cora put her hand on her daughter's arm, "Edith, please. Let's just get through this so that we can get back before he comes home." She was very excited. She was getting her hair styled in a new fashion, and she was certain that he would love it.

"Lady Grantham? Olivia is ready for you," a woman smiled from the doorway. Cora stood and followed her through to where she would meet the woman that would be styling her hair. A small woman with dark hair waited in the corner respectfully, and introduced herself as Olivia. As Cora described what she wanted to be done, the other woman nodded in understanding. Half an hour later, Cora's hair was nearly an inch or two shorter, and fell to her shoulders in curls. Cora grinned at her image in the mirror, knowing that her husband was going to love it. She thanked the woman and returned to her daughter.

Edith's jaw dropped as she saw her mother, and she just knew that her father was going to be very surprised. "Mama… You look beautiful!" She stood, smiling at her, "I'm sure Papa is going to love it."

"I know he will," Cora laughed, "He's going to be speechless. Especially once he sees the new dress I had made. Speaking of which, we are supposed to be at the shop now! We need to hurry if we're going to make the next train!"

They laughed and hurried out, quickly making their way to the dress shop. The owner's eyes lit up as she saw them enter. "Good afternoon, m'lady. The dress is just here, I already wrapped it up for you." He said with a warm smile.

"I'm sure your wife did a marvelous job, Alastair. Elizabeth always knows just what I like," Cora smiled back fondly. "I don't wish to be rude, but we must hurry if we are to catch the train back home."

"Of course, Lady Grantham! We will not keep you, but you must write and let us know how Lord Grantham likes it," he smiled knowingly.

Cora blushed and chuckled, "I will definitely write to you with my thanks." He handed her the box, and Edith led the way out. On the train, Cora could barely contain her excitement. She was so ready for a night of romance with her loving husband, and she squirmed a bit in anticipation to see him. They always had great fun on Valentine's Day, and she couldn't wait to see what this year had in store from them. It was tea time when they returned to the estate, and by dinner, she changed into her new dress, a deep blue color that brought out the brightness of her eyes. As she got to the drawing room, she was disappointed to find that her husband was not there.