"I really don't mind investing in the thing, it does seem like quite the good idea but I can't shake the feeling that he is using Edith" Robert complained as he removed his robe and climbed into his bed
Cora closed her book and responded
"I think you are being a but too protective of our daughter, granted I wasn't thrilled when I learned of Mr. Gregson's circumstances. However he has tried his best to make situation tolerable, it's not conventional but I think they've done the best that they could have, and they should be married soon enough"
Robert let out a huff with a grim look on his face and tried to explain
"It's just that I've seen these metropolitan types, who woo innocent women in a social position for a means to an end, then once they get that they disappear like a puff of smoke it all just seems...rather planned is all"
"Oh I see, well thank heavens we have you to see through Gregson's deception, and just think the amount of foresight he had to marry a woman years ago he knew would end up in an asylum thereby giving him a reason to be unable to marry. Oh! And the conniving to get Edith to write to the Times giving him an innocent reason for him to meet her, do you think Anthony Strallan was in on the plan?" Cora sarcastically teased Robert
"Thank you Cora, I'm seriously concerned about our daughter and her feelings and you are trying to make a fool of me"
Cora couldn't contain her smile at the sight of Robert becoming so indignant but continued
"I'm just happy Michael Gregson, master manipulator and cunning puppet master was on our side during the war, I should hate to think of the future of the British Empire if he wasn't"
"You know I don't think you are being serious enough about this. Has Gregson charmed you as well? Honestly I don't see why you two fall all over him, he seems rather average to me..."
Cora brought the covers closer to her chin as she settled down into the pillows
"Maybe that's because you've barely said two words to him and avoid him like the plague when you both are in the same room" Cora offered knowing Robert would deny it
"Oh Cora, that's not true, I've had conversations him plenty of times-"
"And when has the subject not been his divorce or Edith or the Carlisle business?"
Robert defensively tried to come up with a retort but had none
"I know what the issue is Robert, you were automatically set to dislike him because he is an outsider, has no title or estate, and is a threat to the family honor, you were about to turn the guns on him if it wasn't for his help with Mary"
Robert avoided eye contact with Cora as to not admit the truth of her statement
"My darling,..." Cora continued sweetly "...I love how much you care for our girls, and little Sybbie and George too, but I think Mr. Gregson has put in enough time and effort for you to give the poor man a chance. Plus, maybe it's the American in me but I'm so proud of Edith striking out and making her way in the world and he is a part of that whether we like it or not. Would you rather have her sulking around mourning what could of been with Anthony Strallan?"
Robert ran his hand over his face mumbled an accepting groan
"I may have been a tad unfriendly to him, but he has hung in there. I'll just sleep better once he puts a ring on her finger"
Cora affectionately rubbed Robert's arm
"There's my fair and wise husband again, I'm glad you are looking forward to the wedding I'll tell Edith that her dear Papa is willing to pay for a honeymoon"
Robert stiffly turned on to his side and said
"Cora dear, you are getting carried away again"
"Edith I'm telling you your father doesn't like me and I think us asking for an investment made it worse. I really can't blame him but please don't expect me to be invited to go shooting with him" Michael tried to explain as he leaned against the foot of Edith's bed rubbing her feet
"I don't know Michael, I think he smiled a little bit when he shook your hand the other day, you should have seen the way he treated poor Tom when he and Sybil first came to visit. I think you are doing quite well considering"
Michael's eyebrows shot up as he nodded his head and laughed
"I should hope I'm at least on par with the Irish socialist former chauffeur who married the youngest daughter, whisked her off to Dublin and gave her a child with in a year"
Edith poked Michael in the ribs with her toes
"Don't tease my dear brother in law, just look how much Papa trusts Tom now. Besides I don't think you are any father in law's dream either Mr. Gregson. It takes Papa time to get used to people, especially new people."
"I know, I know..." Michael granted "Actually I feel a bit sorry for Lord Grantham once I think about it. Tom is a wonderful man and I like him very much but I don't think your Papa pictured him as the ideal son in law, and then he's got me to suffer with. No wonder he was so fond of Matthew"
Edith tucked her feet back and slid towards Michael
"I think if anyone in this family has to suffer the worst of you it's me" Edith seductively said as she ran her finger along Michael's jaw and rewarded him with a soft kiss
"Mmmh I won't disagree with you on that love, but I was wondering, if you are fortified enough if you'd like to visit the beach cottage with me the weekend after next for a few days. I figured we won't be able to get away for a few months once the magazine gets going and we should just avoid tourist season"
Edith raised herself to fold her legs beneath her and said with a bright smile
"I think that's a brilliant idea, I was wondering when you would invite me out there"
"Once again you find yourself suffering and I am the cause, please forgive me" Michael dramatically said as he took Edith's hand in both of his and brought it to his lips
Edith sighed and looked to the clock on her mantle
"It's not too late so you have five hours before you have to sneak back to make it up to me or risk me going to bed angry"
Michael met Edith's flirty smile with a mischievous smirk of his own then lunged toward Edith and playfully tackled her into the soft pillows of her bed
"The first lesson any man worth his salt learns is to never let the woman in your life go to bed angry"
