The Perfect Gift
Robert loved Christmas, and there was nothing better than watching the Abbey full of holiday cheer. Mama had the servants place holly everywhere. They wove it around the railings and placed baskets of holly berries on the end tables. And soon, their Christmas tree would arrive, as Mama always ordered the largest fur tree on their property to be cut.
And of course, there was also the annual Christmas ball hosted by the Lord Harrington at Haxby. "…And Cora and I must go to Rippon tomorrow to retrieve our new gowns," Mama said as they gathered in the drawing room before dinner.
Robert nodded, looking forward to seeing his wife in her new gown.
"I chose the best type of silk for our dresses and added the appropriate amount of lace to be fashionable" Mama said in her typical proud way. "I've done everything to make those dresses worthy of the Crawley name, so I do hope people will overlook your origins this time, dear. But please behave properly. The Christmas ball is one of the most important events in the area."
Cora's eyes fell at that, but Robert was impressed with her answer. "I will do my absolute best." She really tried to please Mama, even though Mama constantly berated Cora. She had such a sweet soul.
Unfortunately, her answer wasn't enough for Mama, as she shook her head in mild disgust. "I insist you do better than that."
Cora's eyes fell again, and Robert put his hand on her shoulder to comfort her. It amazed him how well she responded to his simple touches, as her eyes immediately met his in thanks.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Roaming his eyes all over Cora again, Robert decided her new gown suited her very well indeed. It was a deep red that accented her almost black hair and full lips. And the lace certainly highlighted her curves. "That gown looks perfect on you," he said into her ear as they came down the stairs together.
Cora smiled. "It certainly looks like a Christmas dress, so I can see why your mother chose it for this ball. I just hope I can do everything 'properly' as your mother says."
"Remember I thought you did well before, especially when we were at Duneagle," he said as they finished the stairs.
Cora nodded.
Mama stood in the center of the Great Hall next to Papa in her own lovely red gown. Her eyes studied Cora as carefully as Robert had, but with a much more critical view. Finally, she nodded. "At least the dress appears nicely on you. And I am pleased you have not decided to wear sliver tonight," Mama said pointedly, as she focused on Cora's circular golden brooch decorated with rubies.
Cora beamed, making her face appear even more beautiful.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Haxby looked beautiful decorated for Christmas, just as it always did. Holly berries covered their Great Hall, too, and all the women wore red and green gowns to add to the spirt. And naturally, the Lord Harrington wore his traditional red waistcoat with his tails, as he did every year. Couple after couple were announced as they entered the building, and Robert enjoyed hearing all the different people who had come.
"Good evening Lord Grantham, Lady Grantham," the host greeted Robert's parents.
"Good evening, Lord Harrington and Lady Harrington," said his parents politely, although Robert knew Mama would complain about their hosts' "flashy vest" as soon as she were out of earshot.
"Good evening Lord Downton, Lady Downton," the hosts said, as they then greeted Robert and Cora.
"Good evening, Lord Harrington and Lady Harrington," they both said, careful not to stare.
"Good evening Lord Merton and Lady Merton."
"Good evening Mr. Richard Grey and Mrs. Grey."
"Good evening Lord Howard of Glossop and Lady Glossop."
"Good evening Miss Amy Randal."
"Good evening Sir Timothy and Lady Daley."
"Good evening Mr. John Daley."
"Good evening Sir Mark and Lady Yates."
"Good evening Miss Lydia Yates."
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Cora eyes sparkled with delight as the waltz music finally began and she eagerly accepted Robert's hand. And he was honored to dance with her before anyone else. Her feet seemed to move naturally with him, as if they'd been dancing all their lives.
"See," he said softly as he twirled her again, "You are already doing wonderfully tonight."
Cora blushed a bit, but her smile spread across her entire face, and Robert couldn't take his eyes off her. "Thank you," she said. "But this is the easy part. I do so enjoy dancing with you."
OOOOOOOOOOO
When the polka began, Cora's dance card indicated she should dance with Papa, so Robert took Mama. Next, she danced with Dickie Grey, and Robert took the new Mrs. Grey. Then there was Jacob Russel and Mrs. Russel, heirs to the Baron Harrington title. And John Daley and Lydia Yates.
All of these were Yorkshire folk that Robert had grown up with, although not all of them were close friends. Still, he was comfortable with dancing with most of these women. As a young man attending Eton, he'd even vaguely fantasied about marrying Lydia Yates. She was after all, an attractive woman with striking blonde curls and a sizable chest.
But tonight, all Robert could think about was how cold she suddenly seemed. Her eyes didn't sparkle as Cora's did, her smile wasn't large enough, and she appeared the picture of English reserve. She had none of Cora's warmth and bravery for showing emotions.
Robert was never felt happier than when the waltz music began again, and he could dance with his wife. She had been right before. It was the most enjoyable part of the evening. He may have even held her tighter than normal, especially considering she looked better and more Christmassy than anyone else in her beautiful red gown.
OOOOOOOOOO
Robert also danced a gallop with Amy Randal and Lady Glossop, and the women were fine dancers.
But he still didn't understand why these particular English women, or any others had once been attractive to him. Certainly, he'd been very young when they'd caught his eye, but still. Would any of them tolerate his nasty temper as well as Cora did, much less soothe his rages the way his wife did? Would he be able to speak his deepest secrets to any of them? Could he do any of those things with any English woman that had been presented to him at all the London Seasons Robert had attended? Most importantly, would any other woman be as loyal as Cora was?
As Robert looked into Cora's deep blue eyes that night, he knew the answer was no. There was no other woman, English or American, like her. How could Robert have ever thought the most important part of this incredible woman was her dowery?
And why did that question suddenly seem so significant? Somehow, the answer to that question seemed to be right on the edge of his consciousness. But as they all rode back to the Abbey in the carriage, Robert decided to worry about it another day. Especially considering Mama seemed to be staring at him so intently.
OOOOOOOOOOO
The next morning, Robert wandered the Abbey halls after breakfast, as it was too cold to go outside. Osiris didn't seem to mind, his tail wagging happily as he followed Robert around the house. And he enjoyed viewing the Christmas decorations up close. The holly berries were wonderful.
What wasn't wonderful was that Robert was no closer to answering the question he asked himself last night. How could he have ever thought Cora's dowery was more important than Cora herself? Ordinarily, he would have pushed these thoughts away; forcing unpleasant and uncomfortable thoughts away was something been taught how to do from a young age, and Robert was now a master at it. But somehow, he couldn't do that anymore. Somehow it was too important; in fact, it seemed to be the most important question he would ever ask, and Robert was certain the answer was just as paramount.
Besides, he'd spent the last few months ignoring any uncomfortable feelings about Cora, and it wasn't fair to her. Not when she'd been bravely showing all her emotions for him from the beginning. "What is the answer, boy?" he said to Osiris as they wandered down the bachelor's quarters.
Osiris wagged his tail in answer. Robert sighed and kept walking.
OOOOOOOOOOO
As he came down the stairs again, Robert remembered that conversation he'd had with Rosamund last month. "There is obviously a lot more to your relationship now, but you can't see it because the idea that you could more than good friends with your wife has never entered your mind." Her comment had made him angry and uncomfortable, so he'd forced his sister's idea from his mind. But what if Rosamund had been right?
"Rosamund couldn't have been right, Osiris," Robert said softly. "What does she know about love? Certainly not any more than I do. She married some banker she was infatuated. And that kind of deep affection has never been part of either of our worlds."
Robert reached out to pat Osiris, satisfied with his answer, but his hand found air. Osiris was already at the bottom of the stairs, staring at him with sad eyes, like he didn't understand why Robert wasn't next to him. Apparently, Robert had been more self – involved than he thought.
"Sorry boy," he said when Robert finally reached the dog. He petted him, and Osiris wagged his tail, showing all was forgiven.
But the question of why Cora was so important to him and how he could have ever thought her dowery was the most significant part of her still nagged Robert. And those nasty flies swarmed inside his stomach again.
Suddenly Robert stared at the portrait of Charles I in the Great Hall. By many people's standards, he wasn't necessarily a good king, considering what happened with the civil war during his reign. But as Charles I gave his family the earldom, Robert had always honored his memory with the upmost respect.
And Charles I had learned to love Queen Henrietta Marie after they married. He also wasn't the only monarch who had done so, either. George III loved Queen Charlotte even though he'd met her on their wedding day. Looking at it this way, love and marriage in his world wasn't as uncommon as he'd always believed. If kings could do it, certainly a simple earl might fall in love with his wife as well? And Queen Victoria had loved Prince Albert deeply, and he'd been a German.
Loving his American wife didn't sound so unrealistic anymore. Especially when the American was as wonderful as Cora. He paused again, thinking how sweet she was, how brave she had always been, and how natural it felt to speak to her about his worries. "Do you think I could… feel that way about my wife, Osiris?"
Osiris wagged his tail, and Robert patted his head in thanks for his help.
OOOOOOOOOO
Robert spent the next few days studying Cora. He smiled as she worked on her needlepoints in the library, always so patient. He listened to her continued sweetness and optimism, even after Mama had lectured her for doing something else incorrectly. He enjoyed her soft touches. After all, Robert needed her help, and he wasn't certain how to ask.
Robert certainly knew little about love, but Cora understood it well. If he did… love his wife, he she would have to teach him how this would work between them. But how could he ever ask that? Sometimes at night, he would stare into her eyes, hoping to have the courage to speak of it. But Robert couldn't. Especially as other times, he wasn't even certain he did love Cora.
Mama didn't help. She continued to lecture Cora often, but she also often stared at Robert with her most frightening glare, especially when he was studying Cora.
One afternoon, Mama even summoned Robert to her private sitting room. "I'm concerned about you, Robert," she began carefully. "You are spending far too much time looking at Cora. That can be dangerous, as you well know. I know this can be a rather dull time for the estate, but there are other things to focus. Help your father prepare for the Sparrow Hunt for Boxing Day. Select Christmas presents for your family."
Robert nodded, feeling those flies buzz in his stomach again. "Thank you, Mama." She was right, of course. In addition to Mama and Papa, Rosamund needed a gift, as did Marmaduke. Then there was Cousin James, his wife Amanda, and their son, Patrick. And Cora. Whether he loved her or not, Robert truly wanted to give her the perfect gift.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Robert already had purchased a wonderful gift for Papa; a brand-new gun that would be perfect hosting their hunts. He also sent his valet, Carter to buy a nice brooch for Rosamund and a fine pen for Mama to write all her invitations and notes. For Marmaduke and Cousin James, Robert chose a book about hunting for each of them. Robert got Patrick a book of traditional nursery rhymes, complete with color illustrations. Cousin Amanda would receive a paperweight of some sort that she could display in her home.
But what could he give Cora? Jewelry seemed the obvious choice for a wife, but even when Robert visited the Jewelry store in Rippon himself, nothing seemed suitable.
"We have some lovely gold brooches that I'm certain would look great on your new wife, Lord Downton," the clerk said, pointing at some in the display case. One was shaped like a bow, another like a wreath, perfect for Christmas. A third looked like a flower.
"No," Robert said, shaking his head. They were all very nice, but they certainly weren't good enough for Cora.
He studied some pearls. The necklaces would certainly suit Cora as did the pearl earrings, but they made him feel empty. Besides, jewelry was what Papa usually gave Mama. And even if he didn't love her, Robert knew he had a deeper relationship than with Cora than Mama and Papa had.
"I'm sorry, sir," Robert said to the clerk with a nod, walking out of the store. He had to find the perfect gift.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
A book? Robert thought briefly, as Cora often read a book in the evening, but dismissed it immediately. She already had access to more books than anyone could ever read a lifetime in the Downton library. So, a book wasn't even a good gift, let alone a perfect one.
Clothing was out of the question. Not only did Robert know nothing about women's fashion, but Cora had all her dresses fitted personally. The same with shoes.
Perfume? Robert seriously considered this. He did love the scent she sometimes dabbed inside her gloves when they attended an event. But what did she call it? She'd told him once, but he couldn't remember what it was. Certainly not rose; that was Mama's and Cora's aroma was nothing like Mama's. And ultimately, even the perfume felt inadequate, compared to what she'd given him.
OOOOOOOOOO
After visiting spending another day in London, Robert finally chose a Kashmir shawl from a shop Rosamund had suggested. Hadn't Cora appeared a bit cold when they all attended the Christmas ball a couple of weeks ago? Yorkshire winters could be extremely uncomfortable when a person wasn't used to them.
It was a lovely blue shawl that would suit Cora and hopefully keep her warm when they travelled in the winter. It still didn't feel like enough compared to all the times she'd soothed his temper and listened to his secrets. Certainly not compared to Cora's big heart which gave constantly to him and his family. And nothing could ever make up for Robert's decision to marry her because she had an impressive dowery.
The very idea of what he'd done, cheeping the beautiful treasure that she was, made him feel sick. And a Kashmir shawl didn't fix it anymore than a gold brooch or a string of pearls did. But if Robert didn't buy something now, he would have nothing to give Cora for Christmas. He hated to picture the look on her face if he told her there was no present under the tree from him.
Of course, Cora wouldn't be cross. She was far too sweet for that. Instead, she would smile at him and say she understood that he had a lot on his mind lately. She might even squeeze his arm in attempt to comfort him, considering how fond of physical touch Cora seemed to be. As if Robert, the one who showed her almost no affection for the first several months of marriage, and now hadn't managed to give her a Christmas gift, needed to be consoled.
But her sad eyes would give her away.
So, Robert returned home with the blue Kashmir shawl in a Christmas box, wishing it could be enough. He wished he could give Cora the perfect gift.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Christmas Eve arrived and so did Rosamund and Marmaduke and Cousin James, his wife, Amanda, and their son Patrick to celebrate. More gifts were placed under the tall fur tree in the Great Hall. Meanwhile, Robert eyed the box with Cora's shawl inside it, wishing he could give her something better.
Robert also hoped Rosamund wouldn't ask him any more uncomfortable questions, as he wished to enjoy the Christmas Party. There would be snacks, treats, and the best liquor available. Even the tenants were invited, and everyone had a marvelous time singing carols. At least Robert didn't need to worry about Cousin James trying to drag him to another brothel.
Cora was delighted to see Rosamund, though, smiling as his sister told her about what was happening in London. "… It's just more exciting than Yorkshire," Rosamund said, nibbling on a chocolate biscuit. "Especially at Christmastime. I think Marmaduke and I have attended five parties in the last couple of weeks."
Cora nodded and her smile grew as Rosamund continued speaking. Robert couldn't get over how happy she was for his sister. It was one of the many reasons why she was so wonderful.
Soon he found Cora was a marvelous singer, too. It was a great Christmas Eve.
OOOOOOOOOOO
Christmas Day included an excited Patrick who pleaded to open his presents first. All the servants were then happy to receive new cloth to make new clothes. Mama loved her pen and her new gold necklace with a ruby pendant she received from Papa. Rosamund enjoyed her brooch and argued with Mama over the necessity of a new riding saddle if she no longer lived in the country.
Papa admired his new gun, and Robert loved the way he examined all of its new features.
Robert's heartbeat as if he were in a horse race as he watched Cora unwrap her gift. "Oh, darling it's beautiful," she admired the shawl from all angles. "And it looks as if it will be very warm, too."
Nodding, Robert said "I thought you could wear it to church today," hoping he didn't show how nervous he was.
"Absolutely," she said, looking into his eyes with tenderness. Apparently, she thought the gift was great. So why did he still feel as if it was inadequate?
She also received a lovely little brooch with flowers on it from Rosamund and one with the British national flag on it from Mama. "Perhaps you'll look like a proper Englishwoman, wearing that," she said, staring at Cora intently.
Naturally, Cora's eyes looked nervous as she looked back at Mama, but she still smiled. "Thank you very much." Robert's eyes met hers in response, loving how sweet she could be, even to Mama. And the brooch suited Cora perfectly as she wore it on her upper left arm.
Cora got him a pair of gold cufflinks with diamond chips that would be perfect for a ball. "I love attending balls with you," she whispered as he inspected them.
Robert's mind flashed back to their most recent ball, and decided he enjoyed attending them with her as well. But the cufflinks also remined him of the night she'd undressed him herself, removing his cufflinks perfectly. Why was Cora's gift to him seem so much more meaningful than his to her?
OOOOOOOOOOO
That night, Robert knocked on Cora's door again, even though he was too tired for anything else. But Christmas was the only night of the year that their maid's and valets were off duty, and he wished her help to remove his cufflinks. Naturally, she'd already dressed for bed herself.
"I'm just not used to removing them myself," he explained, as his fingers fumbled again.
"Well, I'm pleased to be of assistance," Cora said, removing them just as easily as the last time. "Do you need any help with anything else?"
Robert paused, staring into her blue eyes for several moments. He did need her help to understand what love was, but could he begin to ask her that? Rosamund's insistence that he already loved Cora verses Mama's warnings about the "dangers of love" danced on the edge of his mind.
"Robert?" said Cora's soft voice, her hands playing with the tails he still wore. "Do you need help with this?"
Her hands felt deliciously warm, but he was still too tired to do anything about it. He sighed. "I'm tired, Cora. Christmas was fun, but a long day. If you help, I hope you aren't expecting… I don't think I could…" He yawned, showing just how tired her truly was.
Sighing, Cora nodded and helped him remove his clothing anyway. She really was the sweetest woman in the world. Maybe he did love her…
"Could I spend the night here?" He suddenly asked as he stood next to her in only his union suit. Cora had said several times that this was almost his room, as well…
"Even if we don't…" Cora said slowly.
Robert sighed. Naturally, the idea was ridiculous. Even if she thought of this room as "theirs" sometimes, that certainly didn't mean she would want him to spend the entire night here. Especially considering he couldn't even try to get her pregnant tonight. "Never mind," he said, shaking his head. He was so tired, he spoke without thinking.
"No, Robert," Cora said grabbing him from behind. "I was just surprised, but you're welcome to spend the night here tonight. I'd love you to, actually." Her eyes shone with that tender look that she often used on him. The one that revealed just how much she loved him.
It made him want to do more for her again, to be worthy of that look. Especially as he had never found her the perfect gift. As he climbed into the bed next to Cora, he found himself saying, "Perhaps I could spend every night here, from now on."
"I think that's a wonderful idea!" Cora said, wrapping her arms around his torso. "But are you certain? What will your mother say?"
Sighing Robert yawned again. "I know it's not supposed to be proper, and Mama will complain, but will work for us, Cora. And I've heard rumors that Prince Albert used to share Queen Victoria's room. If they can do it, why can't the Viscount and Viscountess of Downton?"
He didn't mention that it was well – known that Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had loved each other very much, and that was probably why the arrangement was acceptable.
"Why not indeed?" Cora said, leaning over to kiss him on the cheek. "This has turned out to be the best Christmas ever."
Robert fell asleep with a smile on his face. Maybe he'd finally given Cora the perfect gift, after all.
OOOOOOOOO
Waking up next to Cora felt strange. The bed was different, the blankets were different, and the room was different. Robert wasn't certain what he thought of it at first. What kind of foolish idea did he have last night?
But looking at Cora's beautiful porcelain skin and gorgeous dark hair blending into the blankets early in the morning changed his mind. This made it almost… perfect. Leaning over, he gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Good morning," he said softly.
"Robert!" Cora said as she opened her eyes, hugging his torso again. "So, it wasn't a dream…"
"No," he said, caressing her soft cheek with his knuckles. "You don't need to get up yet, but Carter will be in my Dressing Room soon. I thought I'd say good morning before I left."
"I am so glad you did, darling," Cora said, giving his torso another squeeze. "I would never have believed you spent entire night with me. It's too wonderful."
Robert smiled back at her. It appeared spending the entire night with her truly was the perfect gift.
OOOOOOOOOOO
Today was Boxing Day, and Papa caught many several sparrows with his new gun. It was obviously the perfect gift for him, and Robert loved to watch him with it. He didn't catch quite so many, but at least Robert had killed a couple. Marmaduke and Cousin James, having less practice with the Hunt, didn't catch any.
Robert tried not to be too smug about that, but he felt very proud that he and Papa had carried on the honor of Downton by catching the most birds. In fact, he loved spending the day with Papa and continued to speak to him through dinner and drinks in the Drawing Room.
If that meant he barely looked at Rosamund, Mama, or Cora through out the day, they certainly didn't mind, did they?
OOOOOOOOOOOO
That night, after Carter prepared Robert for bed, Robert stared at the door that divided he and Cora's room. Was this truly the right action? It was such a big change, and one he'd made when he was half asleep last night. What would Mama say? Would Rosamund gloat at how right she was?
Then Robert remembered Cora's reaction to his suggestion last night. And even more about her reaction to him still being in her bed this morning. There was so much love in her voice. In her eyes. It had been the perfect gift.
Picking up his hand, he knocked on the door firmly. The book he was reading in was in the other.
"Come in, Robert," said Cora's soft voice.
She looked beautiful, in with her long dark hair braided in the back and her white night gown showing off her creamy skin. Why did he need a book again?
He dropped the book on the nightstand as soon as he reached her and kissed her deeply. So wonderful…
"What is that?" said Cora, looking at the book as she nuzzled her head into his shoulder.
"I don't know," Robert said with a sigh as his hands played with her hair. "I thought if… I were going to spend every night in here, I should bring something to read, but…" his voice trailed off as he kissed her neck. So sweet. "I don't know why I brought here tonight…" he kissed her again.
"Do you truly mean it? With your actions today, I thought maybe you…" Cora said, her voice trailed off and Robert wondered if his avoiding her today had upset her, after all. But before he could think about this, she continued, "You will spend all your nights here now?" Her beautiful blue eyes were so tender and hopeful. Even if he had considered saying no before, he certainly wasn't going to after that look.
Besides, he needed Cora to teach him more about love. Robert still didn't know how to ask her about that. So, he settled for saying, "I will spend every night here, darling."
"Oh, Robert!" she said, giving him the same hug, she'd given him last night and this morning. "You know if you are going to be here every night, you don't really need to knock when you come in anymore."
Pausing, Robert took several moments to try and understand this. "But this is still your room, Cora."
"I've told you a couple of different times, that it is almost your room, too. And if you are going to spend every night here, that's even more true. I want you here, Robert, especially at night. And I like to think I can expect you here from now on as well. And if you use that door," her eyes turning to the door that divided their rooms, "then I always know it's you," she giggled. It was such a delightful sound that Robert had to kiss her again.
"Although I agree with you earlier," she said squeezing her hands tightly against his back. "I don't think you'll need your book tonight."
"No," Robert said, reaching to unbutton her nightgown. "I don't."