Chapter two

For the next few days, Robert hurried himself arranging his and Cora's romantic weekend, they were planning on spending two nights at a cottage on the furthest side of the estate. Cora was weary of leaving the girls on their own, and she wanted to be near to the house in case they desperately needed her, and the cottage would allow them this, along with the privacy they wished for.

"Mama and Papa will be going away for a few days tomorrow." Cora told the girls on the day before their visit.

"But who will look after us Mama?" Edith asked her face turning into a frown.

"Nanny will be here, and then there's Carson and Mrs Hughes." Edith frown grew, and even Mary looked a little sad. "So, that means that you are going to be the ladies of the house." She stroked Mary and Edith's cheek, and looked over to Sybil's crib where she was sleeping soundly.

"Really?" Edith and Mary sounded in unison.

"Yes, when we get back you will have to tell me and your Papa everything that has happened." She smiled as both her daughters faces lit up with the idea of this new responsibility. As Cora departed the nursery she passed Nanny, she informed her that she must give the girls anything they wanted. The older woman agreed, understanding how hard it must be to leave ones children for the first time. Cora and Robert had left Mary and Edith alone before, but this was the first time they were spending a weekend away from Sybil. She went back to her bedroom and made sure that everything was packed and ready, her maid had finished the packing that day so her small case was all ready. She sat down on the bed and gave a big sigh, she was very much looking forward to this weekend, some alone time with Robert would do them both some good. No one was coming with them, they had decided that they would go without a maid, or a valet, and the only person that would accompany them would be the carriage driver. Robert had told their driver that his services were required at certain times on certain days, but other than that they would be completely alone, which appealed greatly to them both. That night, they both lay in bed, Cora curled into Roberts embrace.

"Are you looking forward to our weekend away, my dear?" Cora asked.

"Definitely, it will be heaven having you all to myself for a few days." Robert smirked, tightening his grip on his wife's waist. "I just hope that the girls won't miss their Mama too much."

"On the contrary I believe, they were upset at first but then I told them that they were in charge and that they would have to inform us of what has happened when we return." They both chuckled, knowing how much their little girls loved to be in charge and to be the centre of attention.

"Does this mean that you will not be worrying about them as much?" He asked, looking his wife in the eyes. He knew that she was looking forward to going away with him, but he also knew that she worried about leaving the girls on their own, well, without their parents.

"It's a mother's job to worry Robert, but I leave knowing that they are in good hands." Robert smiled at her answer. "And I'm sure you will try to take my mind off it." She smiled mischievously.

"That I will do, my love." He placed three quick kisses on her lips, and then returned to look into her eyes, her eyes were full with love and longing for him, and her eyebrows were raised slightly in a way only he could understand. "I could take your mind off it now if you'd like." He said, stroking her cheeks with his thumb.

"I would like that very much my love." She leaned over and kissed him passionately, bringing her arms around his neck and playing with the curls at the nape of his neck. Just as she pushed him down on his back there was a knock at the door and the sound of their youngest tears. Cora leaned off him and went to collect Sybil from Nanny; she climbed back into bed and lay beside Robert. She nursed Sybil until her cries subsided, and then she laid her in between her and her husband. She looked up at Robert who was looking down at his daughter with admiring eyes. "There is tomorrow." She sighed, as she reached her hand over Sybil's head, Robert interlocked his fingers with his wife's.

"Yes, my love, we have all weekend." They both smiled into each other's eyes, knowing that there would be time for that in the upcoming days.

The next morning they both ate breakfast in the dining room joined by Mary and Edith. At around twelve o clock Cora and Robert got into the carriage which would take them to the little cottage. It was not a large cottage; it had a bedroom and a sitting room, and then a small kitchen. Cook had prepared them some dishes that would keep until the next day, and then the carriage driver would bring them some more when he returned the next day. Cora and Robert held hands in the carriage journey, whilst Cora looked out of the window; Robert stared appreciatively at his wife, watching how her eyes seemed to light up as they journeyed through the village. When they arrived at the cottage she let out a content sigh as she exited the carriage. They went in and there was a roaring fire lighting up the room, there was a small settee pushed against the wall and a chair next to the window which made the room look very open. The driver quickly took his employers cases upstairs and then left the two alone. Cora took off her coat and slung it across the back of the nearest chair, Robert did the same. Cora inspected the room and then smiled, thinking how perfect it was, she then went upstairs and into their bedroom. She was met by a four poster bed, with a wooden decorative headboard; there was a window on the far side of the room next to the vanity table. Cora went to stand in the middle of the room; Robert followed her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He rested his head on her right shoulder and then he whispered in her ear; "is this to your liking?"

"Very much so." She whispered back, kissing his cheek. She turned in his arms and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, then pushed her lips against his and he pushed back just as hard. As the kiss broke they both stared into each other's eyes, both pairs were full with love, their stare remained on each other until Cora's eyes shifted to the bed beside them. Robert smiled back at his wife; no words were needed as they both knew what they desired. Love. Cora took his hand and they guided each other to the soft sheets, where they would give each other just that.

A/N: Hey everyone I just wanted to give them this happy moment before anything else happens, let me know what u think