Just wanted to make some things clear before you start reading:
-YES, hi! I'm still alive and here's my third chapter (finally), hahaha.
-BOLD TEXT = memories, events from the past.
-ITALICIZED TEXT = thoughts.
-I dedicate this chapter to my dearest friend: Camila. You are awesome and I have been wanting to finish this chapter for a very long time so you can keep enjoying this story, IK I left you (and other readers, hehe) quite intrigued (I'm so sorry). You're the absolute best! Thank u sm for always supporting me and believing in me. LY! Hope this was worth the wait :)
Chapter 3: May I Have This Dance?
His arms were a shelter...at least she thought so. Being kissed and held by him felt like paradise. She was in heaven and she knew he was, too.
"When? How? Oh…", she tried to think, she tried to remember why they ended up kissing but failed to form a coherent thought the moment she felt his hand moving across the flesh of her neck. His lips were wet, but she didn't care, she knew he would end up soaking wet after their little childish moment. Water just made things better; she liked to suck on his lips, both water and his skin filling her with desire and making her feel alive.
They were running out of air, and even though she knew he would try to break up this incredibly romantic first kiss, he ended up nipping her lower lip...he didn't want to let her go and that made her heart beat faster. This was her very first kiss, so she had nothing to compare it to, but she still enjoyed it a lot and knew that his kiss wouldn't be easy to forget.
Just as she felt his teeth on her lip, she gasped, only to find out that she was on her bedroom floor, all alone in the middle of the night.
"It was a dream...it was only a dream...that actually happened...gosh! What's happening to me?", she thought.
She felt nervous and excited at the same time, just as she had felt the night he met him. Thoughts of Robert seemed to help her get through the day after that night.
Cora wasn't sure what had happened during her little escapade with Lord Downton two nights before that it now made her feel quite intrigued and wanting to see him again. Yes, she had, indeed, gotten in trouble, but "it was all worth it", she thought and she smiled.
She was wrapped up in his strong arms, not knowing what to do. Both she and Robert were worried about each other. He was afraid of having hurt her (again) and she couldn't bear the thought of his foot getting worse.
"Those eyes...those lips...I know you want to, but...don't…?". She knew it wasn't appropriate at all, but this feeling was stronger than anything she had ever felt.
"No respectable lady kisses a man she barely knows, Cora. Control yourself", those words sounded in her head over and over. She, however, didn't think a kiss would make her a whore or anything of the sort. She was becoming a woman, so she could decide things by herself. Plus, "it's only a kiss...my very first one...with him"
She hesitated for a moment but decided to lean up so she could at least brush her lips with his, their noses touching for a few seconds, relishing on his exhalations and the drops of water that were falling from his forehead to her cheeks. The sounds of the night and their breathing were the only ones they could hear, making this instance a perfect one.
They both started breathing heavily, not knowing what to do or say next. Robert could feel the urge to reciprocate the feeling. Oh, how he wanted to do more than just brushing his lips against hers. He was, indeed, surprised to find out how much he wanted to kiss her properly...perhaps not properly, he wouldn't say that, but he had to be a gentleman so he decided not to fulfill his desires over hers. She was bold, and he liked that about her already (a lot, actually); even though he was not used to that, he had to admit he liked it.
"Kiss her", his conscience told him. Some part of him wanted to listen to it, but he wouldn't let it cloud his judgment; he was not a romantic after all…"I really want to", he thought.
"Should I have done this? God, what have I done?! I just hope he isn't offended...he wouldn't kiss me anyw-", and just as she was finishing thinking, he pressed his lips against hers.
He didn't stop...he didn't want to. He relished the taste of her lips, the sensations...the feelings this kiss had awoken inside of him. Robert needed more and he knew he had to let go. He just couldn't find enough strength to do so, so he moved his hand and touched the skin of her neck.
"Oh, who am I kidding? This feels amazing", he nibbled her lower lip. Nevertheless, he regretted it as soon as he felt her flinch, thinking he had hurt her, so he tried to let go...but Robert (clearly) didn't know Cora had loved it, she was just surprised.
"No! Don't...don't", she begged him and snaked her arms around his neck while she sought entrance with her tongue...which he immediately allowed. She moaned inside his mouth, unable to control herself.
It felt magical, it was all new. This was a powerful feeling, a new adventure. Who would've thought that on their first Ball they would kiss someone? Unfortunately, the need to breathe properly came and he broke the kiss slowly, both of them opening their eyes and staring at each other.
She smiled at the thought of his lips hovering hers just a second ago and how red his cheeks looked. Had she managed to make him blush?
"I'm so sorry, Miss Levinson, I...I didn't mean to...I don't know why I did…this"
"You don't know why? Was it unpleasant, Lord Downton?", she inquired in a tone Robert knew was not a cold one, but a sad one.
Sadly, he hesitated. "No, not at all. I…I". She was not convinced that was true.
"You are so stupid, Cora. Why did you kiss him? You knew this was a bad idea. You don't even know how to kiss", she thought, trying to fight back her tears.
"Please, it's quite alright, Lord Downton...I should've known that my behavior was not proper in the first place"
"No! You see...I...I really liked it. I quite enjoyed it. I know this wasn't proper, for we're both trying to find a suitable marriage...that's why I'm sorry, I'm sorry for my behavior, nothing more", he said, hoping she would understand that he'd love to kiss her again, that he just wasn't sure if she had been okay with this. "You have made me feel better, and I'm grateful for that. Please just know that you must not feel ashamed, I am to blame"
She was surprised to hear him say that...perhaps even he was surprised to hear those words, too. Cora needed to say something.
"Oh, I enjoyed it, too. But, you are not to blame, don't say that", she said while reaching to touch his cheek. Robert found that somehow reassuring and it soothed him down a little. "I'm glad I've helped in some way. You have made this night very special to me, thank you"
They looked into each other's eyes wanting to repeat the experience for untold minutes. Just as Cora closed her eyes and leaned up to kiss him again, they were interrupted. Robert was actually able to hear someone's steps on the grass, he just hadn't paid attention to them until he heard a voice he knew perfectly well.
"ROBERT...WILLIAM...CRAWLEY! What on Earth is the meaning of this?!", he heard his mother, walking towards them at a very fast pace.
Both of them, startled by his mother's presence, fell into the water all over again. "Oh, shit", he thought.
"Who's that? Is that your mom? Oh my God, we're so wet", she said.
"Oh, well, you found me", he said while he turned around to face her. "Mama...I can explain it. Nothing's happened here. This is-"
"Oh, Cora. What are you doing here? And with a man?", Cora's mother said, surprising the three of them by appearing (apparently) out of nowhere.
"Hi, mother...it was all pretty funny, you see…", before she continued, she noticed the position both their mothers had found them in. She immediately started blushing and stood up with Robert, helping him. Cora knew she was in trouble, and by the look on his mother's face, Robert was, too.
"Do you really expect me to listen to this?", Violet asked. "Who is she, Robert? The Ball started more than an hour ago and you were nowhere to be found. I get out of there, take a VERY long walk, looking for you and the first thing I see is my son with some girl...soaking wet!"
"Nice to meet you, Lady…"
"Oh my God...Lady...Downton? No, wait, that would be Robert's wife. He's available, isn't he? Oh, you fool! What do you think? Of course, he is...HE IS. God, focus, Cora! Lady...Lady what?"
"Grantham...Lady Grantham", Robert whispered in her ear.
All Cora could think of was his nearness and his warm breath on her skin, distracting her from what she was about to say.
"Nice to meet you, Lady Grantham. I'm Miss Cora Levinson. You see, your son, Lord Down-"
"Oh...so tell me, Robert...now you have a thing for her? An AMERICAN?!", she said, watching her with a critical gaze.
"There's no need to be rude, mama. And I've just met her. She needed help", he sighed. "Remember I got out of the carriage and escaped the moment we arrived here?", he asked while Cora tried to suppress a giggle.
"...I can't believe you're asking me that. Of course, I do!"
"Well, I accidentally stumbled upon Miss Levinson. She got hurt...it was just a scratch, Mrs. Levinson! She's totally fine", he said to Cora's mother. "We came here next so she could wash her wound, but then she fell inside the water. I tried to help her but I fell into the water and got wet as well, for I hurt my foot last night. I'm afraid we made quite a mess of ourselves", he finished, praying for their mothers to be satisfied with this information.
"Oh, and I kissed your daughter, by the way", he thought, "she has nice lips", he chuckled, "amazing lips, I'd say"
"Thank you for that, Lord Downton. I appreciate your helping my daughter. She can be quite...foolish sometimes. I can take it from here", she said with a face that was hard to read, though he could tell she didn't believe that was all that happened.
"I wouldn't say that at all, Mrs. Levinson. Your daughter helped me, too...I dare say she's smart and caring", he said while feeling Cora's adorable gaze by his side. "Oh, and I'm sorry about your dress, Miss Levinson, you truly look beautiful in it", they smiled at each other. "I hope you're okay. It was a pleasure to meet you", so he took her hand, kissed her knuckles, and bowed his head.
"Thank you, Lord Downton...for everything", she said, her eyes shining with happiness. "Pleasure to meet you, Lady Grantham. I would've loved for us to have met in other circumstances, though", she chuckled.
"Mmmm...right. Well, let's go, Robert. Or are you planning to catch the flu?"
"No, mama. Let's go", he said while he turned around to take a last glance at Cora, thinking her mother had taken her already. He was surprised to see her right at his side, staring at him with loving eyes.
"Goodnight, Robert", she whispered. She made sure no one was watching, and pecked his cheek. His eyes grew wide with surprise.
"Cora! Come here, we gotta go!", Martha shouted.
"I'm coming, mother!", Cora exclaimed. She flashed one of her best smiles at Robert and turned away, running towards her mother and giggling like a little girl.
He chuckled, finding this little encounter amusing yet special.
"Goodnight, Cora", he looked at her and whispered to himself. He touched his cheek, smiling brightly, and walking towards his mother. Robert didn't care about the consequences he would have to face back at home anymore.
They finally made it to Downton and the Crawleys got out of their carriage. Richard and Violet went inside the house to go to bed, suddenly having a headache out of the anger and desperation they both felt because of Robert; Rosamund stayed behind with Robert and asked him to take a little night stroll around the gardens.
"So...Robert...do tell me. Where were you?", her sister asked.
"What do you care?"
"I'm your sister, Rob. It's not like we haven't had our little adventures before. You used to like me, remember? Your little sister?", she said wearing an amused expression on her face.
That was true. Perhaps he didn't get along with his sister now, but they both knew they could count on each other. "Well, if you must know, I needed some air and I didn't want to get inside the house with all those strangers", he sighed, giving his sister a small smile.
"Mmmm...you needed air? I didn't know you could breathe properly while kissing a woman senseless. How curious"
He didn't know what to say, she had caught him off guard. "How do y-"
"Oh, brother. I saw you. And it's not that I'm gonna share your little secret. Don't you know me at all?"
"I appreciate that, Ros. I really do"
"So...Cora Levinson, the catch of the Season...", she said, teasing him, and he rolled his eyes. "Why did you kiss her?"
Just like the old times, Robert suddenly felt at ease with his sister. "I liked her. She is an honorable woman, that I can tell you. I suppose we liked each other. I don't know really"
"You suppose? You both liked each other, Rob. I could tell it from the distance. She was flirting with you, you moron...and I dare say you were flirting with her, too. She's beautiful! Didn't you see those blue eyes of hers?"
"She is gorgeous", he thought while he laughed at his sister's comment. "You're crazy, Rosamund", he made a pause. "She's American. I don't mind her nationality even though I do not exactly like Americans, but I think you're well aware of our situation. I must find a suitable wife regardless of where she comes from...an heiress who will also become Countess one day"
"An outstanding one, the best one in every way", he silently prayed to find that Countess soon. "I must choose the right one"
"Times are changing, Robert. I don't care about her nationality either"
"No, all you care about is the money. That's all that matters", he said in a sad tone.
"You're wrong...I care deeply about you, not the money", she said, with a sad face. "I know for sure that money is part of this equation, but I'm not like our parents...I don't care about it at all", she said, surprising her brother. "You are the one who will save Downton! If you're to save it by marrying someone, I want to make sure you make the right choice", she tried to raise his spirits.
Silence surrounded them for a moment, both siblings thinking.
"I've just met her tonight", he finally broke the silence. "That's not enough time for me to know if I want to spend the rest of my life with Miss Levinson", he did wonder, though...did he want to start something new with Cora?
"I know, and I respect that you need to think things through. But, do try to find me a sister-in-law like Cora, she seemed nice", she giggled and he rolled his eyes again.
"Brother, please know that I'll support whatever you decide...just make sure you choose the right girl", she leaned up and kissed his cheek before turning around to get back inside the house. "And I'm not talking about the money...you also deserve to be happy", Rosamund said, leaving Robert behind.
Robert remembered every single detail. A man, a woman, the moonlight, and the pond at Lady Hartford's house. Her perfect ivory skin, shining with the moonlight and the drops of water surrounding her beautiful face...her dark curls across it had him so mesmerized. He wasn't sure if her heart was racing as his was because of that amazing kiss. It had not been his first, though...but it had been the very first one to drive him crazy.
Kissing girls whenever he had the chance to escape from Eton was fun. He respected them, but he only kissed them out of curiosity. Then, he and his friends had gone to brothels, of course, discovering new stuff…stuff that would probably never be part of his marriage (based on what some of his father's friends had told him), but he hated going. He ended up feeling stupid because he knew absolutely nothing about women, and pleasure, and how to react.
Had he ever felt 'alive' only because he kissed some girls and discovered new sensations at a brothel, though? He tried to remember if he had actually felt anything of the sort before meeting Cora...but he couldn't find any memories. He couldn't stop thinking about her.
It had felt like heaven. Having Cora inside his arms made all his worries disappear, and for that he was grateful. He knew he would see her again, despite how mad both their mothers were at them, and he was certainly looking forward to it.
Tonight, another Ball was about to be held...hopefully, things would be better this time. Although they were busted by their mothers, he knew this: they'd do anything to avoid scandal, so of course, they wouldn't say a word about that night's events. Robert would seize that opportunity and talk to Cora.
"Mr. and Mrs. Levinson with their daughter Miss Cora Levinson", she heard the butler announcing her entrance.
She looked around...everyone had their eyes on her. She smiled lightly, but she didn't care about all these people. Cora wanted to see him.
"My God...when will he stop talking?", he struggled to pay attention to his annoying cousin James. So he turned around and saw her.
Cora was wearing a beautiful blue navy dress that highlighted her sky-blue eyes, and her hair was done in a chignon with loose curls on the front. Robert had never seen someone looking so stunning with that hairstyle before...nor those beautiful eyes.
"Ah, cousin! You're looking at the American heiress of the season. Are you planning to woo her?", James dais, chuckling into his wine glass.
"Heiress?", now Robert was listening.
"Robert...are you telling me you didn't know she was the heiress of a huge fortune? I cannot believe that. Just look at her...the expensive clothes, her being an American in Europe...plus, she's gorgeous, cousin! I'd give anything to kiss those rosy lips of hers"
"Well, I suppose you'll have to keep dreaming, James. And I do believe you'd give anything just to kiss her...those lips are exquisite", he smirked, remembering that first kiss.
"Does she come from a wealthy family?", Robert asked.
"Robert, what are you doing here? You need to be informed if you want to find a wife, hahaha. She's filthy rich!"
The moment James spoke of her fortune, Robert walked towards her, leaving his cousin behind. It all seemed to be wrong and evil, but he had just decided to court her...to make her his wife. He needed the money, yes...but the best part was that she was a nice woman and, to quote Rosamund, "they liked each other".
However, by the moment he spotted Cora, her parents were at her side and the three of them were presenting themselves to the hosts of the Ball.
She walked out to the nearest balcony to breathe some air. She had seen the way men looked at her, filled with lust and desire...she wanted to puke. Cora didn't have anyone on the girls' side either...they looked at her with anger and disgust.
Robert seemed nice enough to consider him as an option. She had only met him two nights before, but still, she knew that it would be quite hard to find another man as charming as Robert.
"You look stunning tonight, Miss Levinson", she heard.
Cora gasped when he saw Robert behind her.
"I'm afraid you've scared me, Lord Downton", she giggled and her cheeks gained a red tone. "You don't look so bad yourself", she smiled coyly. Now he was blushing.
He chuckled. "How are you doing? I have been thinking about our little escapade together the other night"
"So have I", she giggled again. "I really had fun with you. You are quite a gentleman, and I'm so grateful for that"
"Well, then...I'll ask you as a gentleman…", he got nearer, reaching for her dance card, listening to the first sounds the violin emitted. "May I have this dance, Miss Levinson?", her heart skipped a beat.
"I'm not stupid…I know you kissed him. Are you kidding me, Cora?! My own daughter kissing a stranger...on her very first Dance Ball?!", Martha yelled at her.
Cora was taken by surprise; her maid had been dismissed by her mom and she was about to go to bed. Despite the happy events of the night, she was not in the mood for a scolding.
"Mother, I was mad at you, at father...I needed to get away from that place. I FELT used...I FEEL used! I'M YOUR DAUGHTER FOR CHRIST'S SAKE, NOT SOME TROPHY!", she exclaimed, holding back her tears.
"Is that enough reason to kiss a man you barely know? Hmmm?"
"Oh, mother!"
"No, do not 'oh, mother' me! Cora, you're not a trophy, you are a lady. You must act like one if you want to find an English aristocrat and marry him"
"That's not what I want, and you know it. I want to mar-"
"You want to marry the man you love", Martha mimicked her daughter.
"...YES! That's exactly what I want, mother. I want to be happy with the man I love. Is there something wrong with that?!", Cora snapped at her mother.
Martha was astonished to see Cora this upset; she loved her daughter with all her being. Of course, she wished for her happiness, but Cora had to marry someone...being in love or not.
"No, sweetie...there's nothing wrong with that. I'm sorry I screamed at you. I'm worried about you, Cora, that's all", she sighed.
"Honey...I don't think I need to tell you why we came here, do I?"
"No, ma, you don't. And I'm sorry I screamed at you, too"
"That's my baby girl", she sat on the bed by her side and kissed her daughter's temple. "Well, you're not a baby anymore", Martha and Cora chuckled.
"Cora, I understand that your heart is the one that makes the decisions for you. You need to know that it's not a bad thing at all, but people will always take advantage of it, you need to be careful. You will win people's hearts, I swear to God I do see you doing just that. Nevertheless, I'm afraid that if you're not careful, these people will break your heart into a million pieces"
"Mom, what are you trying to tell me?"
"Sweetie, take a look at these people, their lifestyle. This is not America. They are nice people, but they are not like you. The moment you marry your duke, or your marquess, or your earl-"
"My prince", Cora didn't think of a duke, or a marquess, or an earl...she wanted a prince. She wanted someone who would treat her with respect, who would love her, who would ask for her opinions, who would talk to her...someone who would make her happy: that kind of prince.
"-you will see that things are different. All these people care about is their money and heritage, keeping tradition alive. Of course, this is why we came here, we need a title", her mother's voice brought her back to the present. "My dear, I certainly hope you find that special someone, to be as lucky as I was with your father despite me not being a Jew like him. Love is the most valuable thing there is, and I am grateful to you for showing me its importance the moment you came into my life. However, you will be used...these people will want your fortune, will want your children", she sighed, "and I'm afraid there won't be anything else they will be needing from you after you give them these things"
"Oh, mother...you sound so cold. Have a little faith in these people, have faith in me"
"Cor-", Martha tried to interrupt.
"I promise you this, mom: I will marry out of love, at least I will if my future husband won't. And I'm determined to make him love me back. My marriage won't be like others', I won't allow it"
"You've made a decision, then. You're in love with Lord Downton, aren't you?"
"What?! Mother! Wha-"
"Am I? No! Of course I'm not! I've just met him tonight", she thought.
"What makes you say that? I met him tonight, there's no way. He is charming, indeed, but...but that doesn't mean I love him. It was my very first kiss, yes", a beautiful one, she thought, "but that's not enough for me to fall in love with him", she said, although she was not sure about that.
"Ok, Cora, calm down. I was only asking", she laughed.
"Oh my God. Mom can be a pain in my butt sometimes"
"Well, I'll leave you, dear. Have some goodnight's rest...and dream of Lord Down-, sorry, your prince charming", she said, kissing her daughter on the cheek and getting out of her room.
"MOTHER!", Cora said, blushing, a smile playing on her lips.
And, indeed, Cora dreamed of a certain lord for the next two nights. She knew that she shouldn't get her hopes up, but maybe she'd find Robert at the next Dance Ball?
"Well, my very first dance...my very first kiss...Lord Downton. England is full of surprises, isn't it?", she thought, smiling to herself.
"Oh God...she's taking too long. Come on, Cora…please accept. What on Earth? No, Robert! Just give her time. Plus, you know that her money is what matters...you need it, she has it (a lot of it)...this is the least you can do, just wait", he felt guilty. He was a fortune hunter.
"Yes, you may, Lord Downton", smiling at him coyly, giving him her dance card.
He was happy, so he smiled back at her...but he was feeling guilty. "Ok, then...here I go"
"Yes, you may have all the dances you want, Lord Downton. I'm all yours, I suppose", she thought, giving Robert her hand to lead her to the dance floor.
AN: I've done it, I've finally uploaded a new chapter! I'm really bad at this, hahaha, sorry. I missed writing, but I was feeling so uninspired and indecisive that I didn't upload anything at all until now.
Well, my third chapter is finally here, yay! I tried to write this in a way you could all understand, so I hope I didn't fail, hahaha. As you can see, I needed to include all those flashbacks so you knew what Cora and Robert were feeling and thinking. Plus, I don't know about you, but I loved that brother-sister moment between Rosamund and Robert (about that, I'm not sure if Rosamund is actually the younger sister, I think she's the older one, but meh, hahahahaha).
I've decided to change its rating from K+ to T...I've been having some wild ideas, so don't be surprised if I ever start writing M-rated content (not for this story, perhaps I'll write another), hehe.
I definitely do not deserve your reviews, but I love them, they mean a lot to me and they motivate me. Please let me know what you thought of it ;) Have a very nice weekend!