From Paris to Downton Abbey – A Young Lord's Journey to Happiness
Rating: PG-13 (this chapter)
Spoilers: none, set before Season 1. The story takes place from 1887 to 1902.
Note: This story was written for the 2012 Het Big Bang.
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Special thank you to the lovely Tambear for 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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From Paris to Downton Abbey – A Young Lord's Journey to Happiness
Part III – Downton Abbey, summer of 1888
"Look at that, Cora," Martha Levinson said excitedly as Downton Abbey came into sight.
Cora leaned closer to the window taking in the majestic building. "Dear God," she gasped.
"If you play your cards right, my dear, all of this could one day be yours."
"Mother!" Cora said and rolled her eyes. "You don't even know if that's why they invited us."
Martha patted her daughter's hand and grinned. "I am fairly sure that is the main reason. Did you not say that it was Lord Hartington's idea?"
Before Cora could answer the carriage came to a stop in front of the grand entrance to the estate. She could see Robert and his parents standing there.
Robert fidgeted as he stood next to his father, watching the carriage that was quickly approaching up the driveway. It had been a week since he last saw Cora and for some reason he was oddly nervous at seeing her again. He wondered what she would think of his home and Yorkshire. He knew she was from a fairly large city, perhaps she would not care for the quietness of the countryside? His worries never had the chance to get the better of him because the carriage stopped a few feet away from them and Carson, the first footman, stepped forward to open the door. Robert smiled as first Mrs. Levinson and then Cora gracefully stepped out of the carriage.
"Mrs. Levinson, Miss Levinson, welcome to Downton Abbey," Lord Grantham said and smiled at the two.
He offered his hand to Martha who smiled and placed hers in his, allowing him to escort her inside. Violet followed them and Robert fell into step with Cora, smiling warmly at her.
"Did you have a pleasant ride from London?" he asked her quietly.
"It was very nice, thank you," she said and smiled a little shyly at him.
"You look beautiful as always," he said warmly at her. "No one would ever guess that you had just spent the last few hours on a train."
Cora giggled a little and shot him a look. "You are too kind, Lord Hartington."
"This is Mr. Marsden, Downton's butler," Lord Grantham introduced.
"Welcome to Downton Abbey, Mrs. Levinson, Miss Levinson. I hope you will have a pleasant stay while visiting. Please do not hesitate to ask if you need anything at all," the elderly butler said and bowed his head a tad.
"Thank you Mr. Marsden," Martha said with a little laugh. "I am sure we will find everything in order."
"Of course you will," Violet said rather sharply behind her. "Mr. Marsden and Mrs. Bowen, our housekeeper, have kept Downton running smoothly for many years."
The elderly housekeeper smiled and nodded at Mrs. Levinson. "O'Brien will be serving as Miss Levinson's maid during your stay. Miss Hughes, our head maid, will be tending to you, Mrs. Levinson."
Martha eyed the two women carefully and nodded. "That seems perfectly in order, though Miss O'Brien seems very young. Does she have any experience with being a lady's maid?"
"I can assure you that O'Brien is quite competent, Mrs. Levinson," Mrs. Bowen said sternly, not used to having her competence questioned. "I selected her myself with your daughter in mind. O'Brien is Lady Rosamund's lady's maid. Since Lady Rosamund is presently away, I thought it suitable for Miss O'Brien to tend to your daughter."
Martha nodded and advanced further into the grand hallway, eyeing the staff carefully. "It appears that you're running a tight ship here, Lord Grantham," she said and laughed.
"We have a staff of thirty seven," he said proudly.
"Is that so?" she said, clearly impressed. "And are they all housed here at the estate?"
"They are."
"Miss Levinson," O'Brien said timidly, and stepped closer to Cora. "If you would like to freshen up from your travels I would be happy to show you to your room."
Cora smiled at the girl and nodded. "Please, after you Miss O'Brien."
"Oh, it's just O'Brien," she said quickly, shooting Mr. Marsden a quick glance.
Cora smiled and nodded. "I think I would like to freshen up if that is all right."
"Of course my dear," Lord Grantham said and smiled at her.
Cora smiled and nodded at him. She flashed Robert a smile too before following O'Brien upstairs.
"Mr. Marsden will ring the dinner gong when it's time to dress for dinner," O'Brien explained to Cora as she unpacked Cora's suitcase.
Cora was sitting by the vanity, inspecting her hair and arranging the toiletries O'Brien had already unpacked. Giddy with excitement she stepped over to the window to gaze out at the estate.
"It is so green," she said in amazement.
"That 'tis, miss," O'Brien said and grinned at her.
"O'Brien, have you been here long?"
"No, miss, only a few weeks actually."
"Oh," Cora said a little disappointed. "I guess there isn't much that you could share with me then."
"About Master Robert?" O'Brien said and grinned. Cora blushed and shot O'Brien a sharp look. "I'm sorry, miss," O'Brien said quickly and looked down at her shoes. "I spoke out of turn. Me mum always say that me gob," she gasped and blushed. "I'm sorry miss. I meant to say that my mum says my mouth is bigger than m' head."
Cora laughed and gently touched the girl's arm. "Don't worry, O'Brien. Perhaps we can become friends while I'm here? I have made my own share of mistakes, trust me. I will not tell on you. As long as we treat each other with respect I don't mind if you speak out of turn now and then. It should make for more interesting conversations, would you not agree?"
"Yes, miss!" O'Brien laughed and nodded vigorously. "Thank you so much, miss. I can't afford to lose this job. It's a wonderful place to work, really."
"I'm sure it is," Cora said, now deep in thought. "Lord Grantham seems to be a very kind and honorable man."
"He is, miss, Master Robert too."
"And what about Lady Grantham?"
"I don't really know her ladyship that well yet, miss. I have hardly ever spoken to her. She has her own lady's maid and Miss Hughes tends to her rooms."
Cora nodded, feeling slightly disappointed. She had hoped that O'Brien would be able to share some valuable insight on Robert's daunting mother.
"Lady Rosamund is very nice," O'Brien carried on.
"Oh?" Cora was again sitting by the vanity. She looked up and their eyes met in the mirror. She had never been introduced to Lady Rosamund. She had seen her once at an event, but that was all.
"She's Master Robert's sister. She's eighteen and a little wild. She's funny and very nice. I'm sure you'll like her when you meet her. She's coming back tomorrow. She has been visiting the Painswicks."
"I'm glad to hear it. O'Brien, do you think you can do something about my hair?"
O'Brien smiled at Cora in the mirror and nodded. With nimble fingers she started to arrange Cora's curls. To Cora's delight she had her hair looking the way it had this morning in mere minutes. She thanked the girl and then dismissed her. Cora returned to the window, looking out at the lawns and trees, allowing herself to daydream for a moment, wondering what it would be like to reign over all of Downton as Lady Grantham.
O'Brien stopped and raised her eyebrows as all the heads were turned in her direction when she entered the servants' hall.
"What?"
"So, tell us," Daniel Jones, the second footman, asked with a wide grin. "What's she like?"
"Miss Levinson?" He nodded. O'Brien shrugged. "Nice enough I guess. She seems very proper."
"Of course she's proper," Elsie Hughes snapped and shot the younger O'Brien a sharp look. "She's from a fine family."
"Not like ours," Carson said sternly and their eyes met across the table. "She has no title, and her family cannot be traced back to any of the fine families of Europe."
"I've heard the family has lots of money!"
Carson shot the young housemaid a sharp look. "It is not polite to speak about money."
"But they need 'em!" she persisted.
"They need what exactly?" Mr. Marsden asked as he entered the room.
Chairs scraped against the stone floor as the servants scrambled to get to their feet in the butler's presence.
"Nothing of importance, Mr. Marsden," Carson said quickly. "The young ladies were just curious about the beautiful Miss Levinson."
"I see," Marsden said and eyed the group. "Miss Levinson is an invited guest of Lord Grantham's. Whether or not she will become something else, only the future can tell. I just want you to think about that it might be the future Countess of Grantham that you're gossiping about. Now, is tea ready?"
"Yes, Mr. Marsden."
The young scullery maid hurried out of the room towards the kitchen, alerting the cook.
Dinner that evening had been quiet. Both Cora and her mother were tired after their trip and there were no other guests. The small dinner party conversed quietly in the sitting room after dinner while enjoying their after dinner drinks.
Robert gently touched Cora's elbow and escorted her over to a quiet corner.
"Did you enjoy dinner?" he asked with a smile.
"Oh, it was absolutely lovely. I especially enjoyed the dessert. I do love strawberries," she said, and laughed feeling a little guilty at the admission.
"I'm glad you told me. Perhaps tomorrow we can go for a walk and visit the garden. According to Mama's gardener the strawberries are at their peak at the moment. I don't know about you, but I always found them most delicious picked directly from the garden, warm and juicy."
She nodded and grinned at him. "I know! Mother once lectured me for ruining a dress when I stained it all over the front with berry juice."
"Perhaps you should make sure not to wear white tomorrow then?" he teased.
She giggled and covered her mouth. They looked at each other and laughed when the three older people turned their head at the sound.
"What did we miss, Robert dear?" Violet said rather loudly.
"Nothing important, Mama. We were discussing strawberries."
"I see," she said and raised an eyebrow. "I must say I've never found them that amusing."
Cora chuckled and Robert looked at her. The two laughed together again. He offered Cora his hand and the two returned to the others.
"Mrs. Levinson, I was telling your daughter about our garden when she shared with me her love for strawberries," Robert explained. "I wonder if you would allow me to show her the garden tomorrow?"
"Of course!" Martha said cheerfully.
"Rosamund will return in time for luncheon tomorrow," Violet reminded him. "Be sure to be back by then."
"Of course, Mama."
"I cannot wait to meet your sister, Lord Hartington," Cora said and smiled at him. "I'm sure she's charming."
"Wild is more like it," Violet huffed. "Some days I think I had two boys instead of a son and a daughter."
Lord Grantham laughed and their eyes met. Violet chuckled as the two shared a moment.
"Rosamund is not that bad," Robert said, defending his sister. "She's intelligent, and eager to learn about everything new."
"A bit too eager, if you ask me," Violet muttered. "Rosamund is a lady. She doesn't need to know anything. Her husband will have enough knowledge for the both of them. She only needs to take care of herself and make sure that she is charming and presentable."
"Mama," Robert said and rolled his eyes. "Can you really see Rosamund ever being that timid? Whoever she ends up marrying will be one lucky chap, I tell you."
"Hear, hear," Lord Grantham said and raised his glass. "To our spirited daughter. I can't wait to have her back home again. Who knows when she will fly the coop for good?"
Robert chuckled and raised his glass.
Robert led Cora away from the house and towards the garden. The two strolled through the formal rose garden, now and then stopping to admire an especially beautiful rose. Cora told him about the garden they had back home and the two found out that they both favored the scent of lilacs.
Holding the gate to the vegetable garden, Robert allowed Cora to pass through first before closing the gate securely behind him.
"Rabbits," he explained in answer to her raised eyebrow. "As sweet as they are, they can wreak quite the havoc in here I can assure you. I once forgot to close the gate and the gardener was not happy. Neither was my backside that evening."
Cora chuckled and shot him an amused look. "I'm sure that your backside would be safe this time. You seem a bit too old for Lord Grantham to put you over his knee."
Robert laughed and nodded. "Still, I am very fond of what grows in here, and what magic cook makes out of it, so I will happily let the rabbits have their dandelions on the other side of the fence."
Cora nodded and took his arm again. "I guess it's a good thing that you don't have chipmunks in England. They get in everywhere."
"Oh dear," Robert said and stroked his chin. "Well, you better promise not to bring any here," he said in a teasing tone, his eyes twinkling.
"You have my word."
"Well, here we are," he said and gestured to the strawberry patch. Glancing around, Robert looked for a basket, eventually spotting one hanging over on the side. "Pardon me for just a moment."
Cora laughed as Robert hopped around trying not to step on any plants as he filled the basket with bright red berries. He grinned as he sat down next to her on the bench in the shade. He held up a perfect strawberry, inspected it and gently wiped it on his clean handkerchief before presenting it to her.
"Open your mouth," he whispered and smiled teasingly at her.
Cora giggled and leaned forward. He held up the strawberry to her lips, his other hand holding the handkerchief to protect her dress from any berry juice. When Cora's pink lips parted he put the strawberry in her mouth. Her eyes widened a little as his fingertips brushed against her lips. He raised his eyebrows in question as she chewed and swallowed.
"So sweet," she whispered. "Absolutely delicious."
Cora removed her glove and selected a deep red strawberry from the basket sitting between them. After a moment of inspecting it more closely, she finally held it up to his face. Robert laughed and leaned forward taking it from her fingers. She laughed as his lips closed around her fingers. He grabbed her wrist and sucked some strawberry juice off her index finger. She gasped and her cheeks flushed.
"Lord Hartington!"
"Strawberries have never tasted quite so lovely."
Cora looked away, but a smile was playing on her lips. Robert took her hand and she turned and their eyes met again. Robert moved the basket and inched closer to her. Cora held her breath as he leaned closer.
Robert could not focus on anything but the feel of Cora's lips. Her pink lips were soft and warm, and her mouth tasted of strawberries. He brushed his fingers over her neck to curl around it, gently stroking against the nape of her neck. She made a little mewling noise and he was quick to steady her with his other arm around her waist, pulling her closer. He sighed against her lips when he felt her hands on his shoulders. With a final brush against her pink lips he moved away, again putting appropriate distance between the two.
Cora was flushed and her heart was fluttering in her chest. She had been kissed before, of course, but never like this.
"Lord Hartington," she whispered. "What are your intentions towards me?"
"For now, Miss Levinson, to share my strawberries with you and perhaps get a kiss for doing so. Who knows what the future may hold?"
Cora blushed and their eyes met. She could see a twinkle of mirth in his and it made her laugh. Robert Crawley was a funny man, and an honorable man. She could do much worse than encouraging his interest in her.
"Indeed, Lord Hartington."
"Then perhaps you will allow me to call you by your first name, Miss Cora?"
She nodded and her cheeks turned a pretty pink again. "You may do that."
Robert and Cora were laughing as they entered the library directly from the open doors to the garden. He was still carrying the basket with strawberries and she dipped her hand into it, stealing one before he could stop her. Robert playfully swatted at her hand, but she just laughed and popped the red berry into her mouth, humming with pleasure at the sweet taste.
"I see that my brother has found a new playmate to raid the garden with," an amused female voice said from across the room.
"Rosamund!"
Robert put the basket down and hurried towards her, sweeping her up and swinging her around. She shrieked and pounded on his shoulders.
"Robert you dolt, put me down!"
Cora laughed and approached the two. "You must be Robert's sister, Lady Rosamund."
"I am," Rosamund said cheerfully. "And you must be the young lady everyone is talking about, wondering if she's to become the next Lady Grantham. Miss Cora Levinson, I presume?"
"That's correct, Lady Rosamund, but please call me Cora."
"Oh, I couldn't possibly," Rosamund said and raised her hands. "Mama would need her smelling salt, should she hear it."
Cora giggled and covered her mouth. "How about Miss Cora?"
"I think that would be all right," Rosamund said cheerfully and took Cora's arm. "Now do tell me what mischief my brother has been up to while I was gone. Has he got into an awful lot of trouble? Did he behave himself with you? If not you must promise me to tell me."
Cora smiled at Robert over her shoulder. He rolled his eyes at his sister's endless stream of questions and idle chatter.
"Don't tell her embarrassing stories now, Rosamund," he warned. "Then you'll have her running screaming away from here never to come back."
"Oh hush, Robert. Of course she wouldn't. She's not a scaredy cat, unlike you."
"Rosamund!" he exclaimed.
"Have you heard about when Robert thought that there was a ghost in his bedroom?"
Robert groaned and ran his hand through his hair. "Rosamund," he warned. "Not funny and definitely not appropriate."
"It turned out to be a mouse!"
Cora and Rosamund laughed together, grinning at Robert who was frowning at his sister.
Lord Grantham watched his son and Cora intently over the next couple of days. In the beginning Robert had paid a lot of attention to the beautiful young woman, but as time passed he seemed to be falling back into his regular routine. Finding Cora standing by the window in the library watching Robert and Rosamund take off on their horses tugged at Lord Grantham's heart. He had become very fond of Cora in the short time she had been at Downton.
"Miss Levinson," he said cheerfully. "How are you this fine morning?"
Cora lit up at the sound of his voice. "Lord Grantham, good morning," she said cheerfully, though her eyes were still serious. "It's a beautiful day."
"That it is. Would you care to walk with me?"
She nodded and took his arm. Together they strolled outside. When Cora struggled for a moment with her parasol he helped her and handed it to her with a smile.
"Thank you," she said and her eyelashes fluttered a little as she looked away, slightly embarrassed.
"Have you enjoyed your stay here, Miss Levinson?"
"Oh yes!" she said quickly. "You've been a most gracious host."
He chuckled and nodded. "I'm glad to hear that, my dear. What about Downton? Does the countryside appeal to you? I know that you grew up in a fairly large city. Perhaps you find country life too quiet and slow for your liking?"
"Oh no, not at all," she said and turned her large blue eyes on him. "I find it beautiful and very quaint."
"Do you ride?" he asked, though from what he had witnessed earlier, he suspected that he already knew her answer.
"No I don't," she said quietly. "Our stable only has room for my father's four horses and they are all carriage horses, sturdy ones that as far as I know have never felt a saddle on their backs."
He nodded in understanding. "Perhaps you would like to learn?"
She nodded slowly, obviously considering the offer. "I would, though once I am back in America I fear that I will not have much use for the skill."
"Are you in a hurry to get home? Perhaps someone is waiting for you?" he asked gently.
She turned her head and looked at him with a slight frown. "If you're asking whether or not I have given my heart to someone in America, the answer is no. I am in no rush to leave England. The freedom and excitement of traveling makes the prospect of returning to my father's house and the tedious life I lived there seem almost like a punishment."
Lord Grantham laughed and patted her arm. "You speak like a young lady who grasps for a new life, one of excitement and wonder. Perhaps you will find it here in England?"
"Perhaps I will," she said softly. She looked up at him and he stopped as she had turned serious. "My I pose a very frank question, your lordship?"
He nodded. "Of course you may."
"Your son, Lord Grantham," her words faltered her and her cheeks turned a little pink. "What does he think of me?"
Lord Grantham smiled and took Cora's hand. "My dear, few people know what goes on in my son's head and heart, and I don't claim to have full knowledge, though from what I can tell, he appears to be very fond of you. He is certainly more fond of you than any of the young ladies that he met in London over the Season. Does that answer your question?"
She looked away and sighed. "Yes."
"Can I perhaps assume then that you hold a fondness for him as well?"
Her cheeks turned a little darker pink and he chuckled softly.
"He is very dear to me," she finally committed to. She looked up at Lord Grantham again. "Though I fear that he finds me dull. I have none of the exciting experiences he speaks so fondly of. I don't ride, and I know very little about the kind of life he has lived."
"You might be surprised, my dear," he said with a gentle smile. "As far as for the things you speak of, have you considered that Robert might find your lack of this experience refreshing?" The confused look on her face revealed that she had not considered this. "Try not to worry about the things you cannot change. You just spoke of his excitement over his travels. Share that with him, my dear. Perhaps you will then find that you do indeed have a lot in common. As for riding, Robert is a very good teacher. If you approach him about it, I am sure that he would be delighted to show you."
"Thank you," she said honestly. "I will take your advice, though I do not know if I am keen on having him watch me fall off a horse. Perhaps it would be better if I had a few lessons first?"
"You want to impress him," he teased her. She blushed prettily again and he chuckled. "If that is your wish, I will arrange it. It will be our little secret."
Cora smiled at him, and Lord Grantham was again overcome with fondness for her. She would make his son happy, he was certain of it. As she smiled, her blue eyes twinkled, and Lord Grantham's thoughts turned to imaginary grandchildren. Yes, he mused, they would be both beautiful and bright.
The sound of thundering hooves interrupted his musings, and he and Cora turned to the sound of it. Robert and Rosamund were charging across the lawn, clearly in competition. Rosamund spotted them first and Cora thought that she saw Robert's sister pull her horse back a little. She smiled when she realized that Rosamund was allowing her brother to win so he could show off his skill to her. Cora cheered and clapped when Robert pulled his horse to a stop a few yards past them. He grinned at her and then looked over his shoulder at his sister.
"I see you still have some to learn, Rosamund," he teased.
"I merely allowed you to win so you would not sulk all day having lost to your baby sister," she said smugly.
"Oh, is that so," he challenged.
"Of course! Everyone knows that my horse is the fastest, besides I am not as heavy as you. Perhaps you should consider smaller dessert portions, Robert."
He huffed and made a face at her. "I won, did I not?"
"Yes, you did," she said and rolled her eyes.
"Now children, please do not have a row in front of our guest," Lord Grantham said with a smile.
Robert laughed and nodded. He threw his leg over his horse and jumped down, gracefully landing on his feet. Cora smiled at him when their eyes met. Robert moved the reins over his horse's head, leading him as he fell into step with his father and Cora.
"So what have you been up to while I took Rosamund for a little trot around the estate?"
Rosamund snorted from where she sat, perched on her horse next to Robert's. He winked at her and she rolled her eyes.
"I've had a nice little talk with Miss Levinson," Lord Grantham said and smiled fondly at her. "telling her all about your antics and vices, Robert. I must say, she does not scare easily."
Robert's face turned bright red and then he scowled when he realized that his father was only teasing him.
"Very amusing," he muttered. He turned to Cora. "You see what type of ridicule my family is abusing me with?"
"You seem to hold up fairly well, Lord Hartington," Cora said with a little smile.
Lord Grantham laughed. "You are delightful, my dear."
"Now if you will please excuse me," Robert said and swung himself up in the saddle. "I need to get my horse back to the stable and then I need a bath before I will be presentable again." He smiled at Cora. "Until later, Miss Levinson. Papa."
Cora and Lord Grantham watched the two siblings head off towards the stables in a much slower pace than they had arrived. Lord Grantham smiled at Cora and the two turned back to the house.
"Cora, there you are," Mrs. Levinson said as she swept into Cora's bedroom.
O'Brien curtsied and averted her eyes. Mrs. Levinson made a shooing gesture for the maid to leave.
"Thank you O'Brien. I will ring for you when I'm ready to dress for dinner," Cora said and smiled at the girl.
"Very well, miss."
Martha Levinson watched the maid leave and close the door behind her before turning to her daughter.
"So Cora, did something happen between you and Lord Hartington? Perhaps you had a disagreement?"
"Of course not," Cora said quickly and turned to face her mother. "Why do you even ask?"
"Cora dear, I have noticed how distant he has seemed these last couple of days. You need to make yourself a bit more appealing if you are to secure him."
"Mother!"
"You only have one other invitation, from a Viscount. A Lord is certainly much more appealing, and the promise of a Countess title in the future is quite grand. Still a Duchess one would be best."
Cora rolled her eyes at her mother. "The Duke did not seem very interested."
"There's still time, my dear."
"I don't even know if I like the Duke all that much. He was very cold."
"What in the world does that matter? Once you're married you will make your own life. If you so desire, you can avoid spending most of your time with your husband. Once you give him an heir, you never need to invite him to your bedchamber again."
Cora's cheeks turned deep pink. "Mother!"
"Just pay him a bit more attention tonight. Wear your dark red dress. It is very pretty on you and it makes your hair stand out more. Smile and be charming, Cora. I know that you can," Martha Levinson said and patted her daughter's cheek.
Cora sighed and nodded. "Yes mother."
"Robert, please have a seat."
Robert sat down across from his father and nodded his thanks to the brandy placed in his hand. He relaxed a little now when he was only in his father's presence, the ladies having proceeded to the drawing room.
"What did you want to speak to me about, Papa?"
Finding it ridiculous to tread lightly around the topic when he had been the one voicing the idea in the first place, Lord Grantham took a deep breath and gathered his thoughts. "I wanted to talk about Cora. Have you given it any thought?"
"Papa," Robert said, slightly annoyed at being pushed to make a decision. "I like her of course. She is very beautiful and I enjoy our discussions quite a lot, but I'm not sure that I actually want to marry her."
"The opportunity might not be there for long, you know. As you said, she is very beautiful, and her dowry is more than substantial. You could do much worse, my boy."
"Can we please not talk about this?" Robert groaned.
"Robert!" Lord Grantham snapped, quickly losing patience with his son. "Downton is in danger, our family is in danger. It upsets me a great deal that you seem to take it so lightly."
Robert just stared at his father. It was very rare for Lord Grantham to raise his voice, and once he did, his family knew that he was serious.
"Forgive me, Papa," Robert said, a bit more humble this time. "It's just that the thought of marriage is rather daunting."
"I know it is, and it pleases me that you're cautious when considering marriage. I have watched you and Cora together, Robert. I can tell how fond she is of you and I don't think that I am imagining that you like her too."
"I do like her," Robert said and took a big swig of his drink. "I just have a hard time envisioning myself with her by my side for the rest of my life."
"What about envisioning her next to you in your bed?"
Robert coughed as he choked on his drink. "Papa! Dear God, how can you even suggest something like that?"
"You're not that innocent, Robert. I saw you with that woman in Paris. Cora is beautiful. I'm sure you would find being intimate with her…"
"Papa!" Robert closed his eyes tightly. "Can we please not talk about intimate things?"
"It's an important part of marriage."
"I know that," Robert hissed.
"Do you enjoy kissing her? Does she?"
Robert's eyes grew large. "How...? Why..?"
"I was once young too," Lord Grantham teased and sipped his drink. "I can't imagine that my son has not tried to steal at least one kiss from her pretty pink lips."
Robert's face flushed and he took another large sip of his brandy. "You are of course correct. I have kissed her, and it was wonderful. Without boosting my own romantic appeal too much I would dare say that she enjoyed it too." He smiled at his father and raised his glass. "At least she was still smiling afterwards, and I did not get slapped."
Lord Grantham laughed and nodded. "I'm very glad to hear that. She has been looking so sad the last two days. She misses you. Perhaps you can pay her a bit more attention? Think about those cold lonely nights, my son. I'm sure your wife would make next winter much more enjoyable."
Robert groaned and raised his glass to his lips. Finding it empty he made a face and sighed. "Perhaps we should join the ladies?"
Lord Grantham chuckled and followed his son as they left the room. He patted Robert's shoulder.
"I know you will do the right thing, Robert."
That night Robert lay awake long past when the house fell silent, contemplating his father's words. Did he want to marry Cora? He sighed heavily and rolled over. His thoughts went to Claudine and the intimacies they had shared. Did he want that with Cora? To his embarrassment he started to get aroused at the thought of having Cora in his bed. He had not been lying to his father, he did find Cora attractive. Kissing her was lovely. He still remembered how she seemed to fit so perfectly in his arms.
Robert rolled onto his back and ran his hand through his hair. He found Cora beautiful. Clearly, he even desired her. Knowing that he would maybe never have with Cora what he had with Claudine, he acknowledged that being attracted to his wife was important to him. Perhaps Cora would enjoy him too? He smiled at the thought.
His mind made up, Robert closed his eyes and was asleep within minutes.
Cora yelped as Robert grabbed her from behind and swung her around. He laughed and put her down, grinning at her.
"I do apologize for being absent these last few days. I fear that being cooped up inside and under my parents' watchful eyes was starting to aggravate me to no end. I am used to spending most of my time out on the estate, visiting tenants and supervising the progress of the cottages and farms."
"Please do not apologize," Cora said softly. "It is admirable that you take your duties so seriously."
"Thank you for understanding. It is very kind of you to forgive me so easily. Now, would you like to join me for a little walk, Miss Cora? I overheard Mama speaking to the gardener yesterday. Apparently the new roses are in full bloom."
"That sounds delightful."
Robert offered her his arm and together the two strolled off in the direction of the formal rose garden.
After the conversation with his father, Robert paid closer attention to Cora. She did seem to be thrilled to have him around. Whenever he addressed her or complimented her she smiled sweetly and her blue eyes seemed to shine even brighter. As he studied her more closely, he became increasingly more aware of how beautiful she was.
He found himself thinking about her at night, after retiring to bed, wondering what it would be like to have her next to him. The thought of holding a soft, warm female body dressed in a silky nightgown in his arms did affect him in a very noticeable way.
The fact remained; Cora might not want to share her bed with him. Granted if she were to be his wife it was her duty to be intimate with him, but that did not mean that her bedroom would be his. Robert made a face, thinking of how his father slept a few doors down from his mother's bedroom. Deciding that he did not want that arrangement, he vowed to make it clear to his wife that he wanted them to share a bed. Having known that bliss with Claudine, he wanted nothing less.
His thoughts returned to Cora and her lovely features. Cora was taller than Claudine, and more slender. Her breasts were smaller and her waist tapered off a little narrower than Claudine's had. Even though she did not have as curvaceous features as his French lover, Robert found Cora very attractive. She was younger than Claudine; perhaps that was part of it? Musing over their differences, Robert realized that he more than ever wanted to find out what it was like to make love to Cora. A wicked thought crossed his mind and his eyes popped open. He immediately chastised himself for even thinking such lewd thoughts. Cora might be American, and not part of the English aristocracy, but that did not mean that she was not a lady. Thinking about it some more, he knew that Cora would never accept his advances without being married first.
Robert was almost asleep when a vision of Lady Beatrice flashed through his head. His eyes popped open and he groaned. If he turned down Cora, who else might his parents try to push on him? No, Cora would do quite nicely, he mused. He would not have to convince himself that he desired her in order to fulfill his duty as a husband. And then there was the matter of the money. Cora's money. His father was right, Cora was a great choice.
Robert knew when he woke up to a clear blue sky and the air filled with birdsong that this was the day he would ask Cora to marry him. With nervous anticipation he sat through breakfast inquiring about Cora's and her mother's stay at Downton. Cora had just smiled sweetly while her mother went on and on about the place, now and then adding her thoughts on where improvements were needed.
"Miss Levinson, it is a beautiful day. Would you do me the honor of accompanying me for a short walk?"
"Of course she will," Mrs. Levinson said quickly and patted Cora's hand.
Robert looked at Cora and she nodded. "I would enjoy that very much, Lord Hartington."
"Wonderful," Robert said with emphasis.
"I just need to get my hat and parasol," she said and gracefully rose from her seat.
Robert and his father instantly got up and Cora blushed beautifully at the honor they showed her by doing so.
"I will be waiting for you in the grand hallway."
Cora nodded and quickly left the room. The conversation picked up again and Robert made his excuses to take his leave.
Robert eagerly paced by the foot of the grand staircase. When he heard Cora on the stairs he looked up and smiled at her.
"You look very beautiful, Miss Levinson."
"Why thank you, Lord Hartington."
He offered her his arm and, with a smile, escorted her outside.
Lord Grantham watched his son and Cora stroll away from the house, but staying in sight. He had noticed Robert's nervous eagerness at getting Cora alone this morning and he suspected that he knew why. He smiled to himself as he watched the two disappear out of view for a moment only to appear again once they passed the large oak.
"Patrick, have you talked to your son?"
Lord Grantham chuckled and turned to face his wife. "In regards to what, my dear?"
Violet made a face and shot him a pointed look. "You know what I am talking about. Is he serious in his intentions towards this girl?"
"I believe he is." Lord Grantham took his wife's hand and led her over to the window, gesturing to Robert and Cora who had stopped and were facing the house, though too far away for them to be able to see their faces. "I think Robert plans on asking Cora to marry him."
"Without asking you first? Or even her mother?" Violet exclaimed in shock.
"Yes, dear. I have no objection, and Robert knows that. I cannot imagine that Mrs. Levinson does either."
"She would be stupid if she would," Violet muttered.
"As open as she seems to be to our son's interest in her daughter, she must be aware of our financial situation. You do realize there might be a chance she thinks that Robert is a fortune hunter and only after Cora's money. Of course, in that case she might have some concern about them marrying."
"She is buying her daughter a title, Patrick. Surely that is worth a lot."
"Perhaps, but perhaps Cora's beauty and dowry could get her a more impressive title than Countess of Grantham. Remember that the Duke was very enamored of her in London."
"I haven't heard either of them mentioning him," Violet said quickly. "Perhaps he did not pursue her."
"Who knows, but please Violet, let Robert take the lead on this and try not to be too hard on him. It is after all his future. To quote you, marriage is a long business."
"Don't throw my own words in my face, Patrick," she said stiffly. "I know it is, and I am just as concerned about him as you are."
Patrick chuckled and put his arm around her shoulders tugging her against his side. She smiled fondly at him.
"We made out rather nicely, don't you think?" he teased her.
"We did, my dear, but you are an honorable man, and I was brought up for this role."
"Still, we have two wonderful children, and I love you very much. You've made me very happy and I can only say from the bottom of my heart that I could never have asked for a lovelier woman to call my wife. You have made a wonderful countess, Violet, and you continue to do so every day."
She giggled and shot him a look. "Patrick, you sweet man. I gave you my heart many years ago and you still have it."
"Come, let's leave Robert to it."
She chuckled and took his arm as he led her out of the room and upstairs to enjoy some rare afternoon quiet time.
"One day this will all be my responsibility," Robert explained to Cora as he gestured to the grand house.
"Are you worried?"
He tilted his head and looked surprised at her. No one had ever asked him that. "In fact I am," he said honestly. "My father has accomplished a great deal despite all the strains on the estate. I can only hope to continue to continue his legacy."
She nodded and looked at the house. "It is a large responsibility, all the people, and the upkeep I'm sure is a constant worry. Past generations' expectations must be weighing heavily on your shoulders at times."
"Exactly!" he said, pleased that she seemed to understand him so well.
"I honestly don't feel it," she confessed. "But then I have only spent a few days here. Downton is beautiful and your family history is fascinating. I can only imagine what it must be like for you, Lord Hartington."
"When I one day become the Earl of Grantham, it will be a day of sadness as well as pride since it will mean that my father has passed."
"Of course," she said and looked at him. "How horrible to know that you can only embrace your birthright upon your father's death."
He smiled fondly at her. "When that day comes I hope to have a wonderful, strong and kind woman by my side who will greatly comfort me in my grief and be my strength and companion as we together face picking up the mantle, carrying on the legacy as Lord and Lady Grantham."
She smiled at him and raised an eyebrow as he took her hands. When he knelt by her feet she gasped and her eyes widened.
"Miss Cora Levinson, will you be that woman? Will you make me the happiest man in all of England by becoming my wife, and the future Countess of Grantham?"
"Oh Robert," she gasped. "Yes!"
He jumped up and took her in his arms, kissing her with more enthusiasm than ever before, while trying to keep the kiss respectable. He pulled back and took her face in his hands and they laughed before kissing again.
"Oh Cora," he said and grinned. "You have made me very happy."
"As have you Robert."
Lord Grantham watched his son chase Cora across the lawn, catching up to her and swinging her around. He could tell that she was laughing and he chuckled when Robert stole a kiss.
"You naughty boy," he said and shook his head.
"What are you muttering about, dear?" Violet asked amused as she entered the room only wearing her dressing gown.
He opened his arms to her and she stepped into the embrace. "Our son is stealing kisses as he's chasing what I believe is now his fiancée."
Violet had to laugh at that. "Like father, like son."
It turned out when Robert made the announcement at dinner that night that he had in fact sent a telegram to Mr. Levinson, asking for his permission to marry Cora. Eyebrows were raised at this, followed by a few gasps.
"I am very proud to say that Cora accepted my proposal without hesitation," he said and smiled fondly at Cora.
Violet pressed her lips together when her husband shot her a warning look. She would not ruin Robert's moment.
"Come, let's go through all together," Lord Grantham said cheerfully. "Marsden, this calls for some champagne."
"Right away, my lord."
Violet raised an eyebrow at this unusual behavior, but she was secretly glad not to be left alone with Mrs. Levinson and her gloating.
"What an excellent suggestion, Papa," Robert said happily.
Robert walked around the table and pulled out Cora's chair as she got up. He offered her his arm which she gladly accepted.
Discussion quickly centered on setting a date. Everyone recognized that the situation was somewhat unusual due to the bride being American. It became very clear that either the wedding would take place by the end of the summer, or it would have to be put off till the following spring, in which case Cora would return to America.
Cora and Robert looked at each other. Sensing that she had a firm opinion on the issue but was hesitant to voice it in front of his parents and her mother, he got up and offered her his hand.
"Will you please excuse us for a moment while I have a word in private with my fiancée?"
"Don't let my brother take any inappropriate liberties with you," Rosamund teased.
"Rosamund!" Robert choked out, his face red. "Of course not."
Rosamund laughed and tilted her head so her red curls danced around her head.
Robert rolled his eyes at his sister and quickly led Cora out of the room and into the library before anyone else would share some witty remark about his character.
"Robert?" Cora asked with a gentle smile.
"What do you want, Cora?"
She blushed and looked down. "I am pleased that you noticed my reluctance to participate in the argument. I do have my own opinion and I am honored that you want to hear it."
"Of course I do," he said quickly and took her hands.
"I would prefer to get married at the end of the summer," she said and blushed.
He gently tilted her chin up and smiled at her. "So it will be."
She giggled and eagerly returned his kiss.
Martha Levinson swept into her daughter's room unannounced and dismissed O'Brien as soon as she had finished dressing Cora for bed. Once the door closed behind the maid, Martha turned to Cora.
"I am surprised that you accepted his proposal, Cora."
Cora, who was still sitting by the vanity, looked up and met her mother's eyes in the mirror. "I thought you would be pleased, mother."
"I am pleased," Martha said and sighed. She got up and paced back and forth behind Cora. "It's just that the season has barely ended, and here you are, engaged to be married. If you had not been so quick to accept him you might have found yourself with several offers. The duke…"
"Mother," Cora interrupted in a soft voice. "The duke doesn't care for me. He was polite of course, but it would have surprised me a great deal had he asked me to marry him." She looked down and then turned to face Martha. "Mother, I like Robert very much. He's an honest man, and very sweet. I am not so naïve that I think that he loves me, but as long as he at least cares for me… I know he does, mother."
Martha nodded. "He does. Love might come, or it might not. No matter what, I think he would be an honest husband to you. Thank God that he takes after his father more than his mother. That woman is dreadful, so full of herself."
Cora bit her lip and looked away. It would not be wise to laugh at her future mother-in-law, even if she was not present.
"So you approve then?" Cora whispered.
"Of course I do," Martha said. "Though I will make a few more inquiries, especially in regards to his personal habits. You know that the family is in dire need of money and I am certain that he has been encouraged to marry an heiress. You would solve their financial situation in a most wonderful way my dear. I just don't want to see you slighted once they get their greedy hands on your money."
Cora nodded. She shivered, suddenly feeling cold and sad. "Do you really think that's all there is to it? That he only wants my money? That he doesn't care about me at all?"
Martha sighed and cupped Cora's chin. "He likes you, my darling. Love is a delicate thing. Sometimes it takes years for it to develop. I sense a fondness between the two of you, a budding friendship, and that, Cora, might be even more important than love."
"I do hope that you're right, mother."
"Spend some more time with him. Get to know each other. There are still over two months until the wedding."
Cora nodded and kissed her mother good night before slipping into bed. It was very late when she eventually fell asleep, her dreams filled with fabrics of her uncertain future.
"I am surprised that you accepted his proposal. That's what I 'eard her say," O'Brien said and looked around the table. "I tell ya, Mrs. Levinson was just as surprised as the rest of us."
"She should be flattered and honored," Carson said and made a face. He did not care much for the loud American woman.
"Miss Cora is very happy I think," O'Brien said quickly and reached for the teapot.
"Is that Miss Levinson you are referring to, Miss O'Brien?"
Mr. Marsden's words thundered through the room and O'Brien flinched. She looked up at the old butler.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Marsden, but she's asked me to call her Miss Cora."
"Very well, you may do that in privacy of her bedchamber, but anywhere else, she should be addressed as Miss Levinson, is that clear?"
"Yes, Mr. Marsden."
He nodded and shot O'Brien a last glare. "I will be in my office if you need me."
O'Brien's eyes shot daggers at his back. "Why the old goat doesn't retire I have no idea," she muttered under her breath.
Daniel, the second footman, snickered and their eyes met across the table. He winked at her and O'Brien's cheeks turned a little pink.
"Well, we better get done with tea. They will start ringing soon to get dressed for dinner," Miss Hughes said and sipped her tea. She shot O'Brien a glance. "Sarah, you better be careful. You've only been here for a few weeks. Marsden has a lot of power with his lordship."
O'Brien nodded, still upset with Mr. Marsden for lecturing her in front of the rest of the staff.
Lord Grantham looked up and smiled at Cora as she entered the library.
"You asked to see me Lord Grantham," she said cheerfully.
"I did, my dear. Please, come have a seat."
Cora sat down across from him and smiled at him, waiting for him to speak.
"As you know, Robert and I are caretakers of Downton. It doesn't belong to us, it belongs to our family."
"Robert told me," she said seriously. "He takes his responsibility very seriously and he's very proud of his heritage."
Lord Grantham smiled and nodded. "That he is. The fact remains, it will be years before Robert will continue my legacy. In the meantime it is up to me to keep this place in our family and to secure everyone's future. I am sure that you're aware of the strains we're under."
She nodded. "Mother told me a while ago. Rest assured, Lord Grantham, my father will be very generous. My dowry is very handsome."
"I am sure it is. Still once you marry Robert it will become your joint fortune, but it will not benefit Downton. Not until he becomes the next earl."
"Oh," Cora's brows furrowed. "I never realized that. Of course you're right. What do you need me to do?"
He met her clear blue eyes and was again amazed at the strength in this young woman. He smiled and sighed.
"Forgive me, I wish I did not have to ask this of you, but the only way that I can safely say that I can hand Downton over to you and Robert in the future is if the estate will benefit from your money now."
Cora was silent for a long moment. Finally she nodded. "Then so it shall be." She met Lord Grantham's eyes. "Downton will be my home from now on; of course I must do what is best for the family and the estate. Does Robert know of this arrangement?"
He shook his head. "Not yet. I wanted to discuss it with you first. I did not want you to think that he only married you for your money."
She nodded. "I thank you for that. I think it would have embarrassed him to have been part of this conversation." She got up. "Please have your lawyer arrange for any paperwork that I need to sign and I will do it."
He held out his hands to her and she placed hers in his. "Thank you my dear. I am very pleased with Robert's choice. You will make him a wonderful wife and life companion, and I know without a doubt that you will make a fine Countess one day."
Cora blushed and looked down. "I can only hope. At least I will have many years to practice before that day comes."
He laughed and she looked up at him and smiled and then joined his contagious laughter.
Violet was counting the days to the wedding. Martha Levinson was driving her insane. The woman wanted to poke her nose in everything, especially things that she had no idea about, such as the guest list and seating arrangements.
"Cora should wear my mother's veil," Violet said stiffly.
"I am not certain that it will go with her dress," Martha said and put down the page she had been reading. "Oh! The Duke of Marlborough."
Violet rolled her eyes. "He's an old friend of the family."
"The Astors and the Vanderbilts will have to sit with him."
"Absolutely not!"
"And why is that?"
"Mama!" Rosamund rushed into the room tossing her gloves and hat on the seat next to her.
"Rosamund, must you sit on the furniture in that outfit?" Violet said and wrinkled her nose.
"Why not? My riding outfit is perfectly proper," Rosamund said and laughed. "I had it made only last month. It is the latest fashion I assure you."
"I know, your father commented on the amount."
Rosamund just brushed the comment off. She turned to Martha and smiled. "Cora just must learn to ride. It is so boring to join the hunt as the only woman."
"You hunt?" Martha said in surprise.
"Of course," Rosamund said and laughed. "Families like ours always hunt."
"I see," Martha said thoughtfully.
"So what did I miss? Flowers? Guest list?" Rosamund laughed rather loudly which granted her a frown from her mother.
"I was just telling Mrs. Levinson that Cora should be wearing my mother's veil."
"That moth-eaten old thing? Dear God, poor Cora."
"Rosamund! It's made of finest Belgian lace from Bruges."
"Sure, sure, it is still old and hardly fashionable. Why not let me come with Cora to the tailor and I'm sure we'll find something she likes."
Both women stared at Rosamund and she laughed again. "It is settled then, wonderful." She noticed a mud stain on her arm. "Oh dear, I do need a bath. Please excuse me, Mama. I will see you at tea."
Violet rolled her eyes as her daughter all but sprinted from the room.
"Does she have a beau yet?" Martha asked sweetly.
"Not that I am aware of, but you never know with Rosamund. If any of my children is prone to eloping with the chauffeur, it is Rosamund," Violet said with a fond chuckle.
Martha stared shocked at her. "Dear God, I hope not. How frightfully embarrassing."
"Oh, my husband would never allow it. Rosamund will marry someone quite suitable, don't you worry."
"Will you miss me?"
Cora smiled at him and nodded. "Yes."
He stopped and took her hands. They were alone in the rose garden. At this hour in the late afternoon none of the grounds keepers were around, and the Crawleys were inside, trying to escape the heat.
"It feels odd that I will not see you again until the wedding."
"I know, Robert."
"There's so much I'd like to show you, and so much I'd like to know about you," Robert said with a deep sigh.
Cora smiled and touched his cheek. "We have a whole life ahead of us for that."
"Well, I suppose that's true," he said and smiled at her.
Cora noticed the look in his eyes, and was yet again reminded of the fact that he did not love her. She turned her head away, afraid that he would see the disappointment on her face.
"My time in London will be filled with fittings and paying calls. Even if you were to come, we would hardly have any time alone," she said, trying to sound cheerful.
"I know that," he said, a little sharper than intended. Robert made a face when his words made her flinch. "I'm sorry," he said and pulled her closer. "I did not mean to sound harsh. It's just that I will honestly miss your company."
Cora smiled at him and nodded. "And I will miss yours."
Robert leaned down and brushed his lips against hers in a soft kiss. He knew that he had to keep it light, or things might escalate out of control. Cora was beautiful, and with every touch, every kiss, his desire for her grew.
"God Cora," he whispered against her mouth. "Your lips are like velvet. I've never tasted kisses as sweet as yours." He tugged her closer, pressing her against him.
Cora blushed and laughed a little nervously. "Robert, dear, a kiss is all that I will give you until we're married."
"Of course," he said. He kissed her cheek and held her tight. "But that doesn't mean that I desire you any less."
Cora giggled. "I suppose I should take that as a compliment," she teased. "Though I fear that my mother would need her smelling salt should she hear you speak like that."
"True."
Robert picked her up and swung her around. Cora laughed and held on to his shoulders.
To be Continued...
