Close quarters had everyone on edge, but none more than Mary and Robert. Mary had snapped at everyone all day long. Her father hadn't been much better, clearing his throat in frustration, crunching his paper and leaving rooms without notice.

Cora herself had been rather irritable, even raising her voice at Robert two nights ago. She couldn't remember what it had been about, but it didn't matter. She realized that now. So tonight she was quiet. The darkness of her thoughts kept her more occupied than comfortable. Suffocating, really, observing the conversation around her with little interest.

"And what did the man say?" Mary lifted her brows, her voice terse, even squeaking in frustration. "How much longer does he expect the restoration to last? The fire didn't damage every room!"

Robert finished the swallow of his brandy. "He couldn't say." He poured another.

"But isn't that his job?"

Robert threw back his chin, squaring his shoulders. "One would bloody well think! The sooner I get out of London and back to Downton, the better."

Cora could feel Edith cowering in the corner. She looked at her middle child, the girl more sad and bitter than ever before. Logic told her she sympathized, but Cora could feel nothing. Nothing but the weight of her thoughts.

"Oh, but cousin Robert." Rose had become a mediator, a softer soul. "It is rather nice to be in the city before the season opens, yes? Enjoy the spoils of London without the regular crowd?"

Robert didn't answer, but Rose continued softly.

"And I think we've all enjoyed ourselves. Mary's been to tea with Mr. Blake only just today. And then out with Tony. You've been to the club. Cora's been to the gallery." She looked over at Cora, smiling. "I say it has been a nice distraction."

Cora didn't move a single muscle. She only stared and listened.

"And that's another thing," Robert turned on their dark haired daughter. "I think perhaps you should be more discreet with your love affairs. This family is already a topic of gossip thanks to Lady Anstruther."

The entire room grew silent as they all held their breath. Mary's jaw fell slack. "My what?"

Robert nearly responded, but Mary did not allow it.

"Papa, you aren't serious. You can't be. I've been married, Papa. Married. I believe I'm entitled to a little leniency regarding courtship."

He moved to speak again, but like before, Mary spoke instead.

"And as far as Lady Anstruther goes, I can't believe she's caused our family any gossip. What she's done isn't so extreme, is it?"

Cora remembered Lady Anstruther as she left the following morning. She remembered Robert's face as he whispered to her what he'd seen in the hurry of the flames. She couldn't help but think of their own night, their anniversary night, how they'd fallen asleep only half an hour after they entered their room.

Robert's eyes grew wide. "Do you think it right for a lady to take a man, a man she is not married to, to bed?"

Cora watched Mary closely. "Oh, Papa. I won't say that, but it isn't like it used to be…things are changing."

"She's a slut, Mary."

All of the women in the room, Cora included, took a breath in. Tom looked down at Isis and back around at the women.

"Slut?"

Robert took a sip from his glass. "I feel no need to explain."

"She's an adult."

Robert shook his head.

"She isn't selling herself on the street…"

"Oh, Mary," Rose laughed; tried to intervene. She was glared at and ignored.

"I don't understand why men can have as many partners as they choose, but a woman has to refrain," Mary stood up. "It isn't like she's young and foolish, Papa. She's a woman capable of making her own choices. I don't think that very well makes her a slut."

"It isn't-"

"Things aren't as they used to be. And for good reason! How unfair that a man can be with whomever he chooses without the slur of a name! I dare to bet you've had more partners than just Mama! And she," Mary threw a glance at her. Cora was sure her face was stained red. "She's never known anyone but you! I doubt she's ever kissed another man."

"Nor will she ever!" Robert's voice thundered against the walls of the room, his annoyance evident in its strain. "She's my wife! Why would she have any business kissing anyone else?"

Cora's face was on fire. Hot bile rose in the back of her throat, and she stood. Every pair of eyes looked at her as she clutched her hands for just a moment before moving toward the door.

"Mama?"

She heard Mary's call behind her and felt Edith watch her as she passed, but she would not stay and listen. Cold sweat threatened her flushed brow and she stepped earnestly up the stairs, gripping the railing and touching, with shaking fingers, her burning lips.