AN: the characters do not belong to me. Thank you to Granthamfan, the best beta ever! xx

Chapter Two

The following Friday, Robert and Cora had arrived in Manchester. She had worn a grim expression during the entire train ride, dreading every minute as the party neared. Cora was thankful that Violet was not present to chastise her for her attitude. Robert had tried to strike up conversation on the journey, but his efforts fell flat. Until he would acknowledge her feelings as reasonable, Cora had little to say.

Once they disembarked from the train, they climbed inside a waiting carriage. When the door was closed, Robert turned to Cora with a look of disgust on his face.

"Come on, Cora. It's not as if you're going to be executed at sunrise. It's just a party, not a risk to life and limb."

"Why don't you understand, Robert? It's not easy hearing about every deficiency I have in comparison with the women you used to dance with at every ball."

"I'm sorry, Cora. Attending these events is simply part of your new life here. I can't control what the women are saying. Ignore it."

"Easy for you to say," Cora retorted. "How would you feel if I brought you to Newport and introduced you to all my former beaus?"

"I'd not mind whatever they said," he answered.

"What if they said horrible things about you, told you that I should have married them instead because they are from the same country and culture that I am?"

"Maybe they'd be right," Robert mused as the carriage pulled to a stop in front of Lord Peter and Lady Harriet's mansion.

Cora felt as if she'd been slapped in the face. She turned her head away from Robert and began to shake. What had he just said? She rushed to the front door as quickly as she could, Robert trailing behind her. The butler let them in, which gave Cora the opportunity to make her escape to the guest room where Lady Harriet had arranged for her as soon as possible. When Robert tried to follow her, she slammed the door in his face.

Having exhausted herself by keeping up a front so long, Cora nearly collapsed onto the bed in tears.

"What did he mean about maybe I should have married someone from my own country and culture?" She sobbed, trying to quiet herself to no avail. "Is he telling me this would have been a preferable arrangement? Heaven forbid he not have my money! That's all it ever was!"

A knock on the door broke into her thoughts. It was Harrison. As upset as Robert's comment had made her Cora had nearly forgotten that Harrison had come along, even though it was their habit.

"Come in, Harrison." Cora didn't even try to hide her tears. "I'm sorry you have to see me in such a state."

"That's all right, milady. I am concerned about what is troubling you."

Forget propriety, Cora thought. "It's Robert. He said a terrible thing to me in the carriage. I don't even want to be here. I wish I could just go home."

"I'm sorry, milady. I wish I could help." Harrison's voice was soothing and comforting, making Cora regret the times she'd not told her ladies' maid her troubles in the past. She could become the only ally Cora had.

Cora sniffled all the while Harrison was getting her ready.

Harrison looked at her with helplessness. "I just wish there was something I could do to make you feel better, milady."

"Oh, Harrison, you already are!" Cora cried more. "Do you know that I have had no one with whom I could actually talk since I married Robert? I had friends - actual friends - in Cincinnati who would listen to me and I would listen to them. I've not been this open with anyone since I left America."

Cora told Harrison all about the former admirers or Robert and how they talked her down. Although she gave no opinion or answer, Harrison listened with true sympathy. It relieved Cora enough that she stopped crying and even felt a little better once she was in her beautiful sapphire dress with the matching jewelry and perfect hairstyle.

"Thank you," Cora said, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "I think I can face them now."