Cora had had it with Robert. During dinner, he cut her down on everything she said. First, he complained about her lack of intelligence on England and what it means to be a "Lady". Second he insulted Cora, her family, and homeland by commenting on the American "slobs".

Frustrated, Cora slammed the door to her room. All week Robert disgraced her in front of their guests.

Robert flung the door open, scowling at his young wife.

"You could have acted better tonight. This is England and we expect only the best," Robert growled.

"Robert, how could you embarrass me in front of our guests like that? You used to be so kind to me when we were dating, why the sudden change?" Cora bitterly inquired.

"Do you want to know Cora?" he practically spat her name, "Because I needed your money! I needed your money to save the estate."

"Money? That's all I am to you? A large sum of money?"

"It was hard enough trying to convince Mama to let me marry an American," Robert paused, "even with money."

Cora sat on her pink patterned chair and rang for her maid. Silently, Robert slipped into his dressing room. Both parties changed into their nightclothes.

Cora was about to slip under the covers when Robert strolled in. Cautiously, Cora glanced over to him, but quickly looked away. Robert cleared his throat and gently leaned on the bed. Crossing her arms, Cora looked away like a grumpy child. Robert rested a hand on her leg. Cora kicked his hand away.

"Look, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said those things," Robert apologized.

"Well, it's true, isn't it? Don't apologize for telling the truth. You should be apologizing for asking me to marry you with those nasty intentions. And, by the way, I'm sorry I married you."

"Cora, don't say that. I know, I should have told you and I'm sorry."

There was silence for a few moments. Cora twiddled her thumbs thoughtfully.

"Robert, can I ask you something? And do you promise to tell me the truth?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"Do you love me? Do really love me?"

Robert sighed. Cora frowned.

"Yes. I do love you; however, I'm not in love with you."

"What does that mean?"

"It means that I have to stop being such a big woman's blouse and respect you. If I try, I know I'll be able to fall in love with you. You're a very lovable girl... Do you love me?"
"I did. Until tonight. You really hurt my feels, Robert. I'm just tired of you verbally slurring me."

"Tell you what, every time I say something offensive, stomp on my foot, nudge my elbow, poke my back, and I'll shut up."

A hint of a smile slid across her face. She moved over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Promise?"

"I promise."

She kissed him on the lips lightly as she removed his robe. Robert delicately stripped off Cora's nightgown. Softly, he rested his wife on the bed while kissing and loving her everywhere he could.

In the morning, Robert lay beside Cora. She was surprised to see he stayed in her bed, as he usually left and slept in his dressing room.

Flickering his eyelids, Robert slowly woke. His beautiful wife was staring at him with a huge grin.

"Good morning," he giggled.

She responded with a kiss.

"Cora, I want to wake up like this every morning. Maybe, do you think, I could sleep in here- in your bed- every night?"

"What would my maid think?"

"Who bloody cares? It's none of her business anyway."

Delighted, Cora hugged her husband.

Little did they know then, that in nine months, a little girl would join their quaint family.