Cora Levinson was three quarters of the way down the grand staircase of Downton Abbey when two voices got her attention.

"She is an American Robert!" Violet's voice snipped from the dining room.

"I am well aware of that Mama," Robert rallied back.

"You should never have let it go on this long when there are perfectly good English heiresses to be found."

"None of whom could hold my attention let alone interest me." Cora felt a blush creeping up her neck.

"No, despite your character Robert, you were drawn to more exotic things when you were a boy." Robert suddenly began to choke and wheeze. "What do you expect me to do? Housetrain her?"

"Mother, enough of this. Cora is a lovely young woman and she behaves perfectly well in society. She doesn't need to be trained." At this, Cora sent up a silent thanks to God for her suitors' defense.

"She doesn't know our ways."

"She will learn them, and a lot faster if you would consent to helping her." An audible gasp pelted out of the room and into the hallway.

"I'm not going to let Cora go Mama. She has the makings of a wonderful wife, mother and countess."

"That remains to be seen." Robert coughed and Cora could tell he was struggling to keep his temper in check.

"I must go. I promised to show Cora around York today and she will nearly be down by now." Cora heard his footsteps coming and hastily arranged her face into innocence as she started down the stairs again.

Robert emerged from the dining room seconds later and saw Cora just reaching the bottom of the stairs. He approached her with a warm smile. "Are you all ready Miss Levinson?"

"I believe so Lord Downton," Cora replied as a wave of excitement rushed through her. She took his offered arm and he led her out to the waiting carriage.