From Paris to Downton Abbey – A Young Lord's Journey to Happiness
Rating: Mature/Explicit
Spoilers: none, set before Season 1. The story takes place from 1887 to 1902.
Summary: During his Grand Tour of Europe, young Robert Crawley falls in love with a captivating Parisian woman. He spends a few perfect months with her before the distress of Downton Abby's finances forces him back to England and into a marriage of convenience. His new wife is beautiful and sweet, he might not love her, but he is drawn to her. This is the story of Robert and Cora Crawley and their life together, built upon friendship that eventually turned into a love that spanned two wars and saw the birth of three lovely daughters. This story was written for the 2012 Het Big Bang.
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Special thank you to the lovelyTambearfor catching missing commas, odd grammar and offering excellent suggestions & advice!
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Don't forget to download the Soundtrack to this story complied by the talented deathmallow. A soundtrack of period music (1888-1902) Gone Is the Doubt And Fear, by deathmallow The CD cover art is as gorgeous as the songs! Just search for Het Big/Little Bang Challenge 2012 on AO3 archiveofourown. org and Downton Abbey and you should find it!
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Timeline:
Robert Crawley, b. 1869
Cora Levinson, b. 1868
Married in 1888
Robert became Lord Grantham in 1898 when his father died
Mary, born 1892 (7 yrs old when he left for war)
Edith, Born 1894 (5 yrs old when he left for war)
Sybil, Born 1898 (1 yr old when he left for war)
Second Boer War: 11 October 1899 – 31 may 1902 (married 11 yrs when he left for war)
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Cast List:
The Crawley Family & Guests/Friends
Robert Crawley, Lord Hartington of Downton, heir to the Earl of Grantham. (As the eldest son of an earl, Robert would be entitled to take his father's second highest title. I created Lord Hartington of Downton for this purpose.)
Patrick Crawley,Earl of Grantham. Robert's father.
Violet Crawley,Countess of Grantham
Lady Rosamund Crawley
James Crawley,Robert's cousin and second heir to the Earl of Grantham
Patrick Crawley, James Crawley's son and future heir to Downton.
Lady Mary Crawley
Lady Edith Crawley
Lady Sybil Crawley
Cora Levinson
Martha Levinson
Sir Anthony Strallan,neighbor
Lady Maude Strallan,neighbor
Claudine Beaufort,first soprano at the Paris Opera.(original character)
Lord Lawrence Hamilton,neighbor(original character)
Lady Margaret Hamilton,neighbor(original character)
Lord Mulgrave,neighbor(original character)
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Downton Staff Roster:
Mr. Marsden,butler. (original character)
Mrs. Bowen,housekeeper. (original character)
Charles Carson,first footman and acting as Robert's valet when traveling.(In this story Carson started out as a footman at Downton.)
Daniel Jones,second footman(original character)
Elsie Hughes,head maid.(In this story Elsie Hughes was already at Downton Abbey prior to Cora's arrival. In the show, Carson tells Mrs. Hughes a story about Lady Mary as a child, which indicates that Mrs. Hughes arrived at Downton much later. I gave her a lower title since she would most likely not have been a housekeeper at this point.)
Sarah O'Brien,Lady Rosamund's lady's maid.(In this story O'Brien was already at Downton Abbey prior to Cora's arrival. In the show O'Brien comments at one point that she's been there ten years which means that she was not there when Cora arrived. I just wanted to point this out in case anyone got confused.)
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From Paris to Downton Abbey – A Young Lord's Journey to Happiness
Part II – London, June 1888
Robert took a deep breath of relief. He had managed to escape the circus inside, if only for a moment. The warm night, with its quiet calmness was a delightful reprieve for Robert where he stood alone on the terrace outside the grand ballroom. He could still hear the music from inside and he found it oddly romantic as he gazed up at the moon, shining high over the city. Rustling of a dress alerted him to that he was no longer alone. He closed his eyes, praying that it was not the woman he had spent most of the evening trying to escape. Finally deciding to brave the storm, he turned his head and looked at her. To his utter relief it was not Lady Beatrice, but a tall slender woman whose beauty took his breath away. He had spotted her earlier as she gracefully moved around the dance floor in the arms of a duke. From his spot in the shadows he had the opportunity to study her without her knowing. Feeling a little odd about it, he stepped closer, alerting her to his presence. She gasped and her hand flew to her chest.
"I am truly sorry," he said and smiled at her. "It was not my intention to frighten you."
"You merely surprised me," she said with an amused chuckle.
Her accent revealed her to be American. That certainly explained why he had never seen her before. His interest peaked instantly. Remembering his manners, Robert bowed his head and offered her his hand, palm up.
"Please allow myself to introduce myself since no one is present to assist." He smiled at her. "Lord Hartington, heir to the Earl of Grantham. To whom do I have the honor of speaking?"
She smiled as she placed her hand in his. "Lord Hartington, I am honored to make your acquaintance. My name is Cora Levinson and as you have probably noticed, I am not from here."
"This is a most delightful discovery I assure you, Miss Levinson."
She chuckled and her blue eyes met his. Robert immediate liked her straightforwardness. It was quite refreshing from the coquettish flirting he had suffered through the last few days.
"So what pray tell are you doing hiding out here, Lord Hartington?"
"Don't tell anyone," he whispered conspiratorially. "But I was trying to avoid a certain young lady who is a bit too intent on becoming the next Countess of Grantham."
"I see. And what crime has this young lady committed to have ended up on your bad side, Lord Hartington?"
He could tell that she was teasing him. He grinned and leaned closer. "Her eagerness is a bit too obvious, not to mention that she has the most annoying laugh. The mere thought of that voice cackling Robert every day for the rest of my life makes me shiver," he confessed.
"Oh dear," she said and shook her head in mock horror. "Should I worry then?"
"You? Why on earth for? Your company is most delightful, Miss Levinson."
"Why thank you, Lord Hartington."
Their eyes met again and he smiled at her. "Perhaps if your dance card is not already filled you would grant me the pleasure of the next one?"
Cora smiled and her eyelashes fluttered. The gesture which normally annoyed Robert to no end seemed oddly sweet. He frowned at the realization and pondered why.
"I fear, Lord Hartington that not everyone here sees my company as appropriate. I hold no title, and even though my dowry is quite generous, it seems not to be as important as a well-known family name."
He made a face and sighed. "I am sorry to hear that, though I am sure that many men gazed upon you when you were gliding around the room in the arms of the Duke earlier."
She looked straight at him. "You noticed me?"
"I did. I wondered who you were. Most of the young ladies inside are ones I've known or known of my entire life. You were an enigma, a very beautiful one too, if I may be so bold to say so."
"Lord Hartington!" she exclaimed and laughed a little nervously.
"I would venture a guess that you are the most beautiful woman present tonight, Miss Levinson. Now, shall we show those duckfaces and peacocks how it's really done?"
She laughed and he found it most appealing. Her laughter was genuine, not some pretend high-pitched shriek to appease him. He offered her his hand and together they ventured back inside.
"Who is Robert dancing with?" Lord Grantham asked his wife. "I don't recognize her."
"Of course you wouldn't," Violet muttered. "She is a most unsuitable choice. Robert should not encourage her." She looked up at her husband with a frown on her face. "She's American, Miss Cora Levinson, the daughter of some business man. New money," the last words uttered with distaste.
"I see," Lord Grantham said and eyed Cora as she gracefully moved to the music in his son's arms. "They make a striking couple. She is very beautiful."
"I guess her appearance is pleasing, but a title is more so," Violet muttered. "She is trying to buy one with her father's money. Her mother is a nightmare I can assure you. Loud, and absolutely no manners whatsoever."
"It appears that Miss Levinson has our son's attention. What do you know about her dowry?"
"Nothing more than that it is apparently very generous."
Lord Grantham smiled and rubbed his chin. This young woman was interesting indeed. He knew that Robert had no interest in the young ladies that his wife had made sure he danced with. He was secretly pleased with it since he did not particularly care for any of them. The beautiful young woman who was currently in Robert's arms on the other hand, she was interesting, and more importantly, she had his son's attention.
"Mama, Papa, I would like to introduce you to Miss Cora Levinson," Robert said as he escorted Cora over to where his parents were standing. "Miss Levinson, my father, the Earl of Grantham and my mother, Lady Grantham. My sister, Lady Rosamund Crawley should be around here somewhere, but I don't see her at the moment."
Cora curtsied and smiled at them. "It is an honor to meet you Lord and Lady Grantham."
"It is our pleasure I can assure you, Miss Levinson," Lord Grantham said and took her hand.
"Miss Levinson," Violet said with a curt nod. "I hear that your family is in merchandising."
"Yes," Cora said and smiled. "My father owns several stores in the Midwest."
"And that is impressive, yes?" Violet said with a half smile.
Cora chuckled. "It is to most people back home. Daddy is one of the wealthiest men in the country. I usually don't speak of it, since I find it unbecoming and it might come off as bragging, but since you asked, I did not want to be rude."
Robert bit the inside of his cheek trying not to laugh. This young woman had courage. She had seen right through his mother's attempt at ridiculing her and countered it masterfully. He met his father's eyes and saw the twinkle there; knowing instantly that his father had thought the same. He did not dare look at his mother since she was most likely fuming at Cora's remark."Well at least your handsome dowry should be able to buy you a title," Violet snapped. "Perhaps not a Duchess title, but something else."
"A countess perhaps?" Cora said sweetly.
Robert looked away, hiding his smile. He liked this young woman. Even if he would not marry her, spending more time with her would most definitely be enjoyable and at the same time annoy his mother to no end. Yes, Robert decided, encouraging Miss Levinson was definitely something he wanted to do.
"Miss Levinson, would you care to dance?"
"Robert!" Violet snapped. "It is highly inappropriate to dance two dances in a row with the same young woman. I know that Lady Beatrice has wanted to dance with you all evening."
"Then I fear that she shall be disappointed," he said and smiled at his mother.
He held out his hand to Cora, and she smiled at him as she put her smaller one in his. Together they returned to the dance floor, leaving an annoyed Lady Grantham shooting daggers at Cora's back while her husband mused silently over Cora's dowry.
Lord Grantham watched his wife with amusement. Violet Crawley was pacing back and forth in the small library at Grantham House. She was voicing her displeasure with Robert's behavior and more specifically of his encouragement of Cora.
"She is just not suitable for him. A pretty little thing for sure, but not someone he should encourage."
"I don't know," Lord Grantham said gently. She looked up at him. "Miss Levinson would bring a small fortune to the marriage." He sighed and approached her, taking her hands. "Violet, my dear, it is no secret that the estate is in grave financial distress. We need money, and fast. I know how you dislike speaking of it, but it is a reality we must face. Robert is willing to do his part. Should we not support his choice, hope that he will find love as well as being able to save Downton?"
"I agree, but dearest, think about what people will say. An American becoming the next Countess of Grantham."
Lord Grantham chuckled and stroked her cheek. "Would it really be so bad? She seems sweet enough and she is intelligent and strong. She has all the right attributes to make a fine countess, and Robert likes her."
Violet sighed and nodded. "Fine, but we better do something about her money."
"I will see to it, don't you worry."
Three nights later Robert was standing outside yet another ballroom, enjoying some fresh air. He missed Downton and the countryside. London was nice, but it was not the same. He had felt too hot and stifled inside so he had escaped outside. Pondering what his parents should say if he would take his leave, he considered it for all but ten seconds. No, he could not do that to them.
"Lord Hartington," Cora's amused voice said behind him. "It appears that you're hiding in the dark again."
"Miss Levinson, what a delight." He turned and smiled at her. "To be honest I found it too warm inside. I live in Yorkshire you see, and I fear that am not used to the stifling heat of the city. Here in London, smelly, hot air seems to engulf you with no respite of a gentle breeze anywhere, as if the city is trying to choke you to death. No, I prefer the countryside and its crisp and clear air anytime."
She smiled and stepped closer. "I am sure it is beautiful."
"It is. Perhaps that you will come to Downton and see for yourself one of these days?"
"I would love to, Lord Hartington, but I fear that it is not up to me to accept your invitation."
"Of course not." He looked at her. "Would you really like to come, if my father invited you and your mother?"
"I would be delighted," she said and laughed.
"Then so it shall be. I will ask my father tomorrow."
Cora's cheeks flushed in excitement. She gently touched Robert's sleeve and he took her hand. He was again stunned by her beauty. Pulling her closer he leaned down. He could feel her breath ghost over his lips.
"Lord Hartington!"
The shrill voice made him pull back and Cora jumped away, instantly letting go of his hand. They turned and faced the plump young woman standing in the doorway.
"Lady Beatrice," he said and smiled at her.
She stepped closer to them and he noticed how red her face was, a shine of perspiration covering her forehead and upper lip. She was shorter than both of them and was forced to look up at Cora as she sized her up.
"I hope you are not up to something inappropriate, Lord Hartington. After all Miss Levinson is not used to our ways and might be easily persuaded when encouraged by a gentleman's advances."
"I can assure you that my intentions towards Miss Levinson are most honorable," Robert said curtly.
Lady Beatrice stepped closer to him and gazed up at him with what she must have thought her most appealing smile and fluttering eyelashes. She giggled coquettishly and swayed a little. Robert bit his lip when he saw Cora roll her eyes and cover her mouth as she tried not to laugh.
"Lord Hartington has been every bit a gentleman, Lady Beatrice," Cora assured her.
Lady Beatrice turned and looked at Cora as if surprised that she was still there.
Robert took the chance to step around the woman and held out his hand to Cora. "Miss Levinson I believe you promised me a dance."
"Why, Lord Hartington, I almost thought that you had forgotten," she teased.
"Never."
"But…" Lady Beatrice looked bewildered at Robert and shot Cora a murderous look.
"I beg your forgiveness, Lady Beatrice, but I promised this dance to Miss Levinson and since you were worried that my intentions were not honorable I would hate to disappoint her."
Lady Beatrice nodded. She watched glumly as the man of her desire smiled at Cora Levinson as he escorted her onto the dance floor. They looked stunning together, she had to admit. Cora had grace and beauty. Lady Beatrice sighed knowing that she had lost this battle. Setting her eyes on Horace Wolcott, the eldest son of the Earl of Gloucester, she made a beeline for the unsuspecting young man.
"Thank you for saving me from another unpleasant escapade," Robert whispered in Cora's ear as he led her through the dance.
"I only aim to please, Lord Hartington."
"Your assistance was most efficient and highly appreciated, I can assure you."
"I am so glad to hear that."
"So you will really come, if my father invites you?"
"Of course!" she leaned back and smiled at him. "I can just see mother's excitement at such an invitation. She saves them all you know, in her scrapbook, to show her friends back home how we were invited to all sorts of fancy events while in London. A family crest is most impressive to her friends. I call it Cora's studbook, which upsets her greatly."
Robert laughed and nodded. Their eyes met and he was again captivated by her beauty. "You are a lovely young woman, Miss Levinson. I am sure you will have many offers."
Her smile vanished and she looked away. "Perhaps. The matter of my family background always seems to come up, barring any serious interest."
Mrs. Levinson had indeed been thrilled when she had received the invitation to visit Downton once the season was over. Robert and Cora had quickly become the talk of the town as the handsome couple danced its way through one event after the other.
To Robert's delight and relief the announcement of Lady Beatrice's engagement to Sir Horace was announced on the last evening before they were to return to Downton. His mother was very upset about the news.
"That could have been you Robert," she said and shot him a pointed look.
"I know, Mama, and I am so relieved that it isn't. Can you imagine that woman at Downton? Would you really want her to be the mother of your grandchildren, the future countess?" He shuddered at the prospect.
"Perhaps it would not be ideal, but she comes from a good family, and she has a sizeable dowry."
"Honestly, Mama, why are we still talking about it? I had never any intention of encouraging Lady Beatrice, and now it is too late anyway."
Violet sighed and made a face. "So you are serious about this American woman?"
"Cora?"
"Oh, it is Cora now?" Violet exclaimed in shock.
"I'm sorry, Mama. Of course we're not on first name basis yet. It's just that I think of her as Cora."
"Well, are you?"
"She is beautiful and sweet and far lovelier that most of those spoiled young women you wish me to pay attention to. I find our conversations interesting. She is obviously well educated and intelligent. I think she would make a fine countess some day. I cannot tell you yet whether or not I intend to pursue her in that manner. She is an interesting option, that's all."
"Are you in love with her?" Violet demanded to know.
Robert sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "No, I'm not, but I care about her a great deal. I think that I can make her happy, and I am fairly sure she can make me happy."
Violet eyed him for a long moment. "Be sure, marriage is a long business. Even if you're only marrying her for her money, make sure that it is a decision that you can live with."
To be Continued…
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This story is finished, all 11 chapters plus the epilogue. I will post one chapter per day. I hope that you will join me on Robert's and Cora's journey!