This chapter is a bit longer than the others have been, but I like all the scenes in it, so I hope you will, too...

Double Birthdays

Robert tried to focus on Cora's gentle voice as she read the beginning of Morte d'Arthur, rather than his overwhelming worry about his daughters as they traveled to Ireland. Would Carlisle truly watch over their safety? Could Sybil be as happy as she claimed to be there?

Pushing those thoughts out of his head, Robert latched onto Cora's voice. There was nothing he could do about Mary and Edith right now, after all, and dwelling on his troubles wouldn't help. Cora described noble Arthur as he retrieved the fabled sword from the stone.

But certainly, Robert could have found a better man to escort Mary and Edith to Ireland than Carlisle! If only Robert hadn't been so tired and sore that day, he could have thought of someone else. Someone who would make protecting Mary and Edith his first priority, rather than collecting information about Ireland to sell his newspapers.

His heart pounded again, despite himself.

Cora's gentle voice drifted to his ears again, soothing his heart a bit, as it always did. "…"Then the Archbishop of Canterbury by Merlin's providence let purvey then of the best knights that they may get…And such knights were put about Arthur as Sir Baudwin of Britain, Sir Kay, Sir Ulfius, Sir Brastias." *

If only Carlisle could have been as honorable as Arthur's knights…

Still, Carlisle had been knighted, too. It was no small feat to be recognized by the king of England, and Robert supposed that meant something. Richard Carlisle wasn't as trustworthy as Mathew or even Evelyn Napier, but he should be capable of protecting Mary and Edith from physical harm.

Eventually, Cora stopped reading, handing him the book with a small smile. "Your turn," she said.

Despite Robert's continuing fears, a warm feeling spread around his chest as she did so. It was so nice to be doing things with his wife again. Her presence made all the difference today.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Robert indulged himself with Cora for the rest of the day. Her sweet voice, whether she was reading, chatting to him about sandwiches for luncheon, or speaking to a servant. Her presence next to him on the settee, even if all they were both simply silently drinking tea. And most importantly, his spot in her bed made all his worries bearable.

OOOOOOOOOOO

But the next day, Robert had to stop indulging himself. It was time to focus on one of his worries that he could do something to fix. That became even more clear as Robert munched on breakfast by himself, the crispy taste of Mrs. Patmore's bacon and warm sausage completely lost to him as his troubles weighing heavier than ever.

"I'm going to take a train to London today," he said to Cora as he came into her room to speak about the day. "Bates has been in jail for far too long and I have to speak to Murray in person about getting him out of that place."

"I see," Cora said neutrally, more focused on her breakfast than anything else. At least she was no longer telling Robert he should just hire another valet.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

"…But there must be something else we can do!" Robert said, determined to save his valet and friend once and for all. His voice was louder than he should in a proper London office, especially with a hall of several others nearby. Robert had come to this meeting determined to stay calm, but he didn't understand why this was so difficult.

"I have the money to pay the bail. I have a name any Englishman should trust. My butler, who Bates has worked under for several years, has offered to give a character witness as well," Robert said, once again listing the reasons why Bates should have been out of prison weeks ago.

"Why is this so difficult?" He stared at Murray from across the lawyer's large mahogany desk, demanding answers. Privately, he was beginning to wonder if his solicitor was the problem.

Murray sighed again. "I'm sorry, Lord Grantham. Once again, I fully expected your valet to be released when you insisted on paying the bail. But your Bates…relatives in Ireland make it difficult, you see. It would be so easy for him go over there, where British rule not so well respected."

Robert didn't need to hear about how unstable British rule was in Ireland again. Especially as all three of his daughters were there now. "Yes," he said almost barking. "I've heard that before, from both you and Scotland Yard. But what I don't understand is why my word as a servant and lord of the crown isn't enough to disregard that. To say nothing of the fact that Bates was also a servant of the crown, having fought in the same war that I did. He wouldn't run, Murray."

Murray nodded. "I understand, but it seems the police have a really tight murder case against him. They believe any man in this situation would run if he could, no matter what."

"Bates is not 'any man!'" Robert said, pounding his fist on the solicitor's desk. "He's better than that. And did you know he recently got married again and his wife still lives here?" Forgetting that Bates would never run off like a coward, Anna was obviously everything to Bates. Robert could still see the look on his friend's face when Bates spoke of Anna a few weeks ago.

"Quite," Murray said with a nod. "But that recent marriage makes the murder case even tighter. You see…a lot of people who were married to one woman and wanted to marry another might…do away with first."

"Bates is not a killer, Murray," Robert said firmly. "I expect you to start agreeing with me about that, or I will find a new lawyer."

"Of course," Murray said with a nod, his bald head showing. "I am merely explaining you all the…roadblocks in this case. But there must be a prerequisite somewhere that will show he can be released on bail. An accused who was released because he was a soldier, or the word of a lord."

"I suggest you find it soon, then," Robert said as he stood, feeling useless again. He'd been so certain he'd would be able to finally release Bates today.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Before he departed from London, Robert stopped in a jewelry store. Cora's birthday was next week, and London had a better jewelry selection than Rippon. If he couldn't yet release Bates on bail, Robert should at least be able to buy a nice gift for his wife.

He studied lovely silver earrings and brooches. He studied ruby and diamond pendants that would look nice around his Cora's neck. He spent a particular long period considering several strings of pearls, as they had always been a favorite of Cora's.

"And this is a truly special gift for a lady, Lord Grantham," said the jeweler. The bifocals perched on the edge of his nose made his blue eyes look a little too big as he said that. "Especially if you lady is fond of pearls." He reached behind the counter and pulled out a pearl the size of a small fist. But what was truly interesting was it's color. Instead of the normal whitish color, the pearl was a light blue.

Robert gazed at it for a moment, considering how it would appear on Cora. Blue had always suited her well, considering the color of her eyes, but he wasn't certain.

"It would look lovely around your lady's neck with the proper chain," the jeweler's voice said, oblivious to Robert's struggle.

"No," Robert said, shaking his head. "I don't believe I'll find a gift for my wife in this store, after all." Although he often gave her jewelry, it suddenly seemed so… inadequate.

Especially considering his behavior for the last few months. What had Robert done for their anniversary back in February? He thought he'd wished her a happy anniversary that morning (he certainly hoped so), but the rest of the time, Robert had spent lusting after the poor maid.

Now, there was nothing Robert could ever give her to make up for that, much less kissing the girl, but Cora's birthday should be more meaningful than a piece jewelry, even if it was a special pearl. Especially as she'd gone out of her way to comfort him yesterday, after the girls left for Ireland with that… Richard Carlisle.

But what would be suitable?

A new piece of art, perhaps? Robert recalled how his mother – in – law, Martha Levinson, had once pressured him to buy more paintings because Cora loved them so much. ** He'd resisted immediately, as he hated to be told what to do and was uncomfortable with too many big changes.

But with all the changes he'd been forced to endure since the war, especially in the last year, certainly one could be a birthday gift that would make his wife so happy.

But when Robert stepped into the art store, he was overwhelmed with all the different new styles, colors, and choices. None of them seemed to fit with Downton's image, and he had no idea which one would even please Cora.

And despite all the mistakes he'd made, Robert's heart still ached to please Cora, and he desperately wished to be useful again, even if it was just to buy a birthday gift.

But what would be suitable? Flowers? Specialty chocolates? Porcelain figurines? None of those ideas seemed anymore sufficient than jewelry.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Desperate to find an answer, Robert remembered the last time he struggled to find a gift for Cora. He'd asked his sister, Rosamund for assistance. ***

"I've been looking for a gift for Cora's birthday," Robert said after stopping at her house at Belgrave Square for tea. "And I was wondering if you had any ideas."

"Of course, you are," Rosamund chuckled softly, careful not to drop her teacup. "Men are hopeless when it comes to finding a proper gift for a woman."

"I'll have you know I've bought Cora gifts for years, and she has always loved them," Robert said tensing as he swallowed his tea. His sister wasn't helping him feel useful at all.

Rosamund sighed, but he knew she didn't believe him.

"I have!" Robert said, placing his teacup on the table firmly without breaking it. His mind flashed back to the way her eyes lit up and her smile spread as he'd presented her with countless pieces of jewelry, flowers, and little ornaments.

"Then why are you here?" she said, staring at him hard. Robert hated it when she did that. Despite her red hair, she always reminded him too much of their mother.

"This is a special circumstance," he said firmly. "Now will you help me or not?"

Rosamund took another sip of tea, as if her answer didn't matter. Once again, she reminded him too much of Mama, when she would make him wait for something important, just because she could. "Of course, I will, Robert," she said finally. "You know how fond I am of Cora."

Finally allowing himself to relax, Robert took another sip of tea himself. "Thank you."

"I've purchased a new hat for her birthday myself, but a countess can never have too many hats, especially considering the war is over, so there will be more social events," Rosamund said cheerfully.

"That's true enough, but it's not really what I've been looking for," Robert said with a sigh. A hat was nice enough, but it felt just as inadequate this time as jewelry, flowers, chocolates, or small household ornaments.

"In that case, how about a small holiday just for the two of you? You could book a hotel here in London, or near a seaside resort." Rosamund's smile turned sly. "And there is nothing Cora enjoys more than time alone with you."

Robert felt his face turn red at the implications of Rosamund's comment. "Ros!" he said in protest, but his sister didn't seem bothered. Then he sighed. "I'm not certain that's right for us right now."

The comment made his stomach sink to his shoes in guilt. His friend, Bates would give anything to be alone for a few days with his wife, and Robert was rejecting it? But would Cora even want it? She had made a point of comforting him after the girls left, but she'd often pushed him away in the last few weeks, to say nothing of how much she ignored him in the last few months. Yet, none of that erased Robert's dishonorable behavior with Jane.

Still, Robert had spent the last few weeks uncertain whether he should touch Cora, usually the cornerstone of their relationship, with any affection. Would she wish him do so? Would she even allow it? Should he be able to, after his behavior with the housemaid? If he couldn't bring himself to stroke her cheek, Robert certainly wasn't going to try anything more intimate.

Without realizing it, he'd even avoiding looking at Cora in the last few days, as much as he relished the sound of her gentle voice. Would her eyes show disappointment, irritation, or love? Robert had been too afraid to see.

"Robert!" Rosamund said sharply, bringing him out of his worries and guilt. "I said, 'now I understand why Cora's birthday gift is so important this time.' You and Cora are quarreling."

"We're not quarreling exactly," Robert shook his head. In some ways, it might be easier if they were, as much as he loathed fighting with his wife. Then at least he would know how to fix the problem. He'd tried that with allowing Mary and Edith to attend Sybil's wedding, against his better judgement, but Cora had still been unusually cold with him for the past few weeks.

Sometimes he wondered if she knew about Jane, but Robert was too frightened to ask. All he knew was that he truly wished to be close to his wife again but had no idea how that would happen.

Still, he wasn't about to discuss any of this with Rosamund. He was never comfortable discussing feelings with anyone but Cora, so if he couldn't bring himself to discuss it with his wife, why would he do it with anyone else? Besides, it wasn't his sister's business.

"All I'm looking for is ideas for a birthday gift, Ros," Robert said firmly, before she said anything else. "I'm hoping for something meaningful," he paused and tasted his tea. "But it needs to be something available by next week."

Rosamund nodded and took another sip of her tea. For several moments she said nothing. Occasionally her eyes wandered around her library, where they were enjoying the tea. "What about perfume? It can be intimate, but it doesn't have to be."

Thinking about it for several moments, Robert decided that might be acceptable. If he bought the particular scent, she preferred…jasmine, wasn't it? Then it would be meaningful, especially as Robert had commented on that special aroma on the inside of her gloves many times. Yet, it didn't suggest an intimacy that neither of them was ready.

"Thank you, Rosamund," he said. "I think that is what I shall buy." Naturally, it didn't make up for his dishonorable behavior, but nothing would do that.

Finishing his tea, Robert stared at Rosamund for a moment. "By the way, as much as Cora will appreciate a birthday gift from you, you'd have better not buy me anything." Robert's birthday was about a month away, but unlike Cora, he hated receiving gifts. Especially this year.

He already felt like a useless old man, why was it necessary to celebrate that he was a year older?

Rosamund chuckled but didn't say anything. As usual, his sister made Robert simultaneously grateful and irritated.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

When Robert returned to Downton the next day, he was still grateful for Rosamund's assistance and nervous that she may send Robert a birthday gift, after all. Still, he was armed with a small, wrapped box of jasmine perfume and hat box from Rosamund. That Bates was still in prison bothered him, but at least he'd done something useful in London.

There was still a full complement to greet him at the door, and Robert appreciated the proper respect, but at the same time… it was so meager. Only one footman and a couple of housemaids? None of his daughters were there, which caused Robert's anxiety, which had been lingering in the back of his mind, to hit him directly in the face. And his faithful valet and friend was still unjustly in jail.

At least Carson and Mrs. Hughes, the dutiful butler and housekeeper were still here. Robert took comfort in their familiar dark uniforms.

But when Robert's eyes fell on Cora, for a moment, none of that mattered as he gazed at her lovely blue dress. Blue truly did suit her, especially in that style, which also accented her tall, slender figure. His eyes felt almost compelled to look into hers.

Cora's deep blue eyes were even more beautiful than he remembered, and her dress made that even clearer. But before he could avert his eyes, naturally she noticed his gaze. To his immense relief, she smiled. "I retrieved a couple of birthday gifts while I was in London," he said to her, causally and carefully. But he still stared deeply into her eyes.

"I see," Cora said with another smile, her gentle voice comforting him.

"Yes," Robert said, as the driver handed him his luggage, including the wrapped gifts. "One from me and one from Rosamund."

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

Cora loved the perfume and the new hat. But despite the special moment between them when arrived home, nothing else happened for the next couple of days. Naturally, she was sweet and pleasant because she was Cora.

But she didn't mention her birthday, or any of the presents at all. At luncheon and dinner, she spoke of the different dishes they ate and the weather that day. Morte d'Arthur lay on the shelf, once again, forgotten.

Were the smiles and gazes they'd exchanged the other day a dream? It would almost be easier if they had been, rather than the reality that Cora was slipping away from Robert.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

But whether she was slipping away or not, they were both parents, so they eagerly awaited Mary and Edith as they motor approached Downton at the start of the next week.

Sprinkles of rain landed on Robert's arm, but he didn't care if his two oldest daughters would climb out the motor safe, and sound. His heart pounded as the grey motor creeped closer and closer to him.

Nothing was more wonderful than seeing Mary and Edith finally climb out, Mary wearing a purple traveling dress and hat, while Edith was in a green dress and white silk hat. Both were unarmed. Robert couldn't stop himself from sighing in relief.

Meanwhile, Cora engulfed the girls in a huge hug, even as Mary protested with "Mama!"

"You have to tell me everything," Cora said eagerly, completely ignoring Mary's additude. "What did Sybil's wedding dress look like? How many people were there? Will Sybil truly be safe living there?"

Robert wanted to scoff at the preposterousness of Cora's last question, but at the same time, he was too focused on her natural, motherly attention to Mary and Edith.

Her blue eyes gazed at them excitedly, while simultaneously ushering them carefully out of the rain.

"Sybil's wedding dress was nice enough, Mama," Mary said as Cora attempted to keep the sprinkles off Edith's white silk hat. "It was rather…plain, but at it least it was white, and I suppose it suited her well. She did wear the brooch from you and Papa that she'd brought with her, too."

"It was a rather small wedding," Edith said, almost interrupting Mary. "We all fit together in a tiny room in the back of the church." Edith's words were like a knife in Robert's chest, reminding him of the life Sybil had chosen, instead of everything Robert wished to give her. "I think maybe a lot of Branson's relatives didn't come, either."

"But was Sybil happy?" Cora said as if that meant everything. Robert supposed to her, it did. She gave unconditional love so effortless, and it was beautiful. He didn't wish to hear anything more about Sybil's inappropriate wedding, but he couldn't stop gazing at Cora with Mary and Edith.

She guided them into the house, still chattering about Sybil's wedding, and Robert had never seen anything so beautiful and loving. He was in awe of his Cora.

"We bought you some birthday presents in Liverpool, Mama," Mary said as they all settled into the library. She retrieved a package of ribbons and thread, appropriate for all the embroidery Cora did.

As always when she received a gift, Cora adored it. "The colors are lovely, Mary," she said, smiling with motherly love. "So many different colors to use."

Mary nodded politely and Edith presented Cora with her birthday gift, a small ceramic horse, like the ones they had at Downton.

Cora studied the horse from all angles, smiling with motherly love again. "It's lovely, too."

OOOOOOOOOOO

Robert couldn't help smiling as Mary and Edith sat down for dinner that night. His heart still ached for Sybil, but he was very happy that his two other daughters were home, safe and sound.

Sighing as he sipped his wine, Robert said, "I suppose I should thank Sir Richard for protecting both of you." He couldn't believe he was actually going to thank that man for anything, and Robert was certain Carlisle had spent more time than he should gathering information for his papers. But still. When it truly counted, Carlisle had taken care of Robert's girls.

From across the table, Cora met his eyes and nodded, smiling.

"Nothing…unfortunate happened to either of you on the ship or in Ireland, did it?" Cora's smile faded as she asked nervously.

Robert's heart pounded and he deliberately turned away from Cora. He wasn't certain he wanted to hear the answer to that.

But Robert's heart relaxed when Mary said, "Of course not. Sir Richard was a perfect gentleman and even Branson's relatives behaved appropriately. And as I told you before, Sybil's new home seemed safe as well. Rather small, but at least it was clean."

"That's so nice to hear," Cora said sighing with the same relief Robert felt. Then they both took another sip of wine.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

"So, what did you do while we were away, Papa?" Mary asked later that night, as the four of them sat in the drawing room, sipping tea.

"Not much, I am afraid," Robert said, grumbling. It seemed the more he attempted to be useful these days, the less he was able to do. "I went to London a few days ago, to speak to Murray about bailing Bates out jail, once and for all, but it seems I still cannot do anything for him."

"That's too bad," both Mary and Edith said at the same time.

Isis looked at him, as if sensing Robert's somber mood and put her head on his knee. He petted his furry girl, feeling slightly better.

After a couple of moments of sipping tea and petting Isis, Mary said causally, "Now that I am home again, I think it's time I buy some new dresses and accessories. I hear York has a great selection, and I believe I'll need help carrying things, so Anna should come with me."

Robert smiled at his oldest daughter's thoughtfulness. It was obvious to him Mary was planning this "shopping trip" so Anna could see her husband, especially as the prison was just outside York. Mary was just as close to her maid as he was to Bates.

"I think that's a wonderful idea," he said, hand still stroking Isis's fur. Anna visited her husband on every one of her half days, but Bates would love to see her an extra time.

"Do check with Mrs. Hughes first," Cora said, reminding them that Anna had other duties than tending to Mary. Still, Robert knew Mrs. Hughes was also fond of Anna, and would certainly agree to an outing that would allow her more time with her husband.

Edith, who unfortunately often saw the worst in Mary, didn't agree. "Mary, Anna is my maid just as much as she is yours." Pouting, she crossed her arms as she said, "It's not fair for you to take her away just because you decided you need more things."

Robert felt a bit sorry for Edith, but at the same time, he was rather cross that she refused to see the altruism in Mary. He sipped his tea, letting the warm liquid run down his throat instead of saying anything.

Cora sighed, obviously having no trouble saying something herself. "Girls, you are becoming told old to squabble like this. Please learn to share." She shook her head, sipping her own tea.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Climbing the stairs later that night, Robert smiled at Cora again, remembering all her interactions with Mary and Edith today. "You're such a natural mother," he said finally. "It becomes you." His heartrate increased, and he focused his eyes on the stairs as he spoke. Robert had never been comfortable expressing himself in this way, and it was even more difficult considering how distant he and Cora had become.

Cora had never had the same trouble expressing herself.

Reaching the top of the stairs, she turned her bright, blue eyes toward him and said softly. "You're a great father, too. It was wonderful that you allowed Richard Carlisle to take the girls to Sybil's wedding. And it was nice to hear you speak with them about their plans now that they are home."

With that, she leaned over and kissed his cheek. Her lips were warm and soft, just as Robert had remembered them.

"How do you do that?" Robert said, whispering as they entered the hallway. She always expressed herself so…effortlessly, no matter any fear of rejection. Cora was braver than he could ever be. Mama said that was because she was American, and he supposed that was part of it.

But Robert knew it was also because she was Cora.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOO

A couple of days after Mary and Edith returned home, Cora received a letter from Sybil. She sat down in her private sitting room, the walls making her feel safe to feel anything and the empty settee's welcoming her.

I thank you sincerely for your thoughtful gift. I love the way my married name appears on the handkerchief, and I will always treasure it. It means a lot that you believe in my marriage to Tom. I know it was difficult for you to accept that life in Downton was not for me.

I also appreciate the letter explaining some of the circumstances at Downton. I won't lie Mama; I had hoped you and Papa would come here for my wedding, and sometimes I think you should have fought harder for that. But I do know how much Papa doesn't like change.

So perhaps I was being unrealistic. I suppose you've always been more patient with Papa than the rest of us.

I've also heard many of Tom's relatives state that how relieved they were that Papa did not come for the wedding, which I hadn't expected. I suppose they dislike the English and Papa is as English as they come. So perhaps it was better that he didn't attend, if I am to be accepted by Tom's family.

I admit, I never expected you to consider attending the wedding without Papa, and I deeply appreciate the thought. In some ways, I wish you had, but I also understand that you believe you made the decision you needed.

When things calm down here, I'm certain you or maybe even you and Papa will be able to come visit. Perhaps during a smaller occasion.

But either way, I'm very happy here.

Love,

Sybil

P, S. Happy Birthday

Smiling, Cora's heart warmed at the sweet words of her daughter's letter. Just as she'd hoped, Sybil tried to understand Cora's reasons for not attending her wedding and held no grudges. For all her Crawley temper, Sybil forgave extremely easily. She'd even wished Cora a happy birthday at the end.

Still, also Cora read the comment about Branson's relatives more than once, trying to understand Sybil's point. They were happy that Robert hadn't attended the wedding? They had even told Sybil how glad they were that Robert hadn't come? Sybil believed it might be better that Robert hadn't attended her wedding?

Hurt, confusion, and understanding all swarmed through Cora as she studied the letter, the words perhaps it was better that he didn't attend repeating over and over in her head. Cora had been prepared for Sybil to choose Branson and, by extension, his family before theirs after they married. It was what a woman did when she married. Cora had done the same thing, much to Martha Levinson's occasional frustration. But Cora hadn't expected it to happen this fast, or for it to hurt this much.

Retrieving one of her handkerchiefs, Cora dabbed the tears out of her eyes, grateful that she'd read this in private.

She knew Robert had a low opinion of Irish, but it had never occurred to her that Irish might have just as low opinion of English.

OOOOOOOOO

Cora managed to smile at Robert when he came to visit her while she ate breakfast, her lingering irritation concerning Sybil's wedding melting. If Branson's relatives, and Sybil herself, had been glad Robert didn't come to the ceremony, then perhaps he'd made the right decision in not going.

"Would you like to take a walk together, today, Robert?" Cora asked softly, enjoying his presence there again. "Before luncheon?"

Robert's eyes grew slightly in surprise, and her smile grew in response. His English reserve prevented him from showing emotion the way Cora did, but he displayed more than he realized, and Cora loved when she noticed it.

Especially with how she'd struggled to understand him at all in the last couple of months.

"Yes, I would be delighted," Robert said finally, returning her smile.

Cora nodded, taking a bite of toast. Somehow it tasted fluffier and more buttery than ever.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Cora still felt fluffy as O'Brien dressed her for walking, in a simple cream-colored day dress and hat, that would feel cool in the sun. Although it was a simple walk around their own property, Cora was also certain to drop a bit of her new jasmine perfume in her gloves.

Normally Cora saved perfume for a more formal outing, such as a ball, but she truly wished to reestablish intimacy with Robert. They were well on their way, as Cora could remember several moments in the past week where it was obvious, he found her attractive.

But perfume hinted at more than simply attraction. It was sensual, and Cora remembered many moments in the past where her husband had inhaled the scent in her gloves with delight and even arousal. And as this bottle was a gift from Robert, Cora knew he would appreciate it.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Robert's walking outfit was a tan colored suit which suited him well. For several moments, they simply strolled around the garden, not saying anything. The sun peaked out from behind the clouds, making everything appear lighter than usual.

"I think we should host a dinner party soon," Cora said finally. "The war is over, and we should be hosting more social events." She'd loved being in charge of the convalescent home and it would be difficult to let it go, but it was time to return to her normal role. Especially as she'd neglected her family too much in the past year.

Granted the girls had been just as dedicated to helping the soldiers, and Cora was proud of them for that. Dr. Clarkson said Sybil had been a wonderful nurse, and Edith had done an excellent job simply keeping the soldiers at Downton company or providing them with books. But Sybil had fallen in love without Cora noticing a thing; Mary had been forced to solve her own problem with her scandal because Cora didn't know how dire things were; and Edith still had yet to find a match for herself.

And that didn't count how many times Robert had asked to speak to Cora, and she'd ignored him.

"It better not be for my birthday," said Robert, grumbling. "I don't need to celebrate becoming older. Especially not this year."

Sighing, Cora looked ahead, staring at a bush so she didn't have to look at him. She'd thought he was past grumbling about how old he was. "No, it will be after that," she said. "But I think it will help us to…move on from everything else."

Robert didn't answer for several moments. But finally, he sighed. "Perhaps."

Cora took that to be a yes, knowing it was the best response she would get when he was in this mood. She would invite Sir Richard Carlisle first, as he was Mary's fiancé and would be their neighbor soon. And perhaps the Lord and Lady Merton with their sons. One of the boys may still yet be a match for Edith.

"Come sit down with me," Robert said softly, interrupting Cora's thoughts. Brought out of her daydreams, she noticed a nearby bench. As they both sat down, he smiled at her again, making her heart feel lighter and fluffier than ever. He was so handsome, with his tan suit and top hat.

Without thinking, she reached up and squeezed his firm shoulder.

As she did so, Robert's blue eyes grew bigger, just as they had this morning. Only this time, they stayed that way for several moments. Slowly, with his eyes still big, Robert brought her gloved hand to his lips.

Cora's heart sang when he did so. It was something he used to do often, but she couldn't remember the last time he did so. Last spring? The year before? Before the war? She had been hoping he would do so today; that was why she'd put perfume in her gloves.

But the feel of her hand next to his lips meant more than she'd ever expected. Especially when his nostrils flared, recognizing the unique scent. "Oh Cora," he said, as he kissed her gloved hand again.

"Darling," she said, unable to help herself, as his blue eyes became bigger and more striking. It took her a moment to realize that it had been a long time since she'd called him that. Perhaps even longer than the last time he'd kissed her hand.

OOOOOOOOOO

Cora made a point of walking with Robert on a regular basis after that, so long as it wasn't raining. Some days he would kiss her hand, while others he only strolled beside her. But Cora dropped a bit of perfume in her gloves before they left, just in case.

They also tried to read some of Le Morte d'Arthur , whenever possible, just before tea. Cora would sit next to him in the library listening to his soothing voice as he described the adventures of England's first, and most noble king.

Naturally, Robert still spent an extraordinary time on the telephone, trying to free his valet from prison, but Cora focused that time planning her dinner party. An invitation had already been sent to Sir Richard Carlisle, and she was discussing possible menu options with Mrs. Patmore.

She was also overjoyed that at least two of her daughters were home, and enjoyed their company during every luncheon, tea, and dinner, even though Mary and Edith continued to bicker constantly.

Cora had also aske Mr. Carson to set aside a bottle of champagne for next week. She knew Robert didn't wish to make a fuss out of his birthday, but surely a glass of champagne with Mary and Edith would be acceptable?

He needed to move on from his extreme melancholy. They all did.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

A week later, dinner past uneventful. They complimented Mrs. Patmore's excellent salmon mousse, and Mary made some seemingly innocent comment that Edith took offense. Cora wished they didn't see the worst in each other all the time, but what was she to do?

But after dinner, Cora knew exactly what to do. Carson brought the champagne to the drawing room, along with their crystal glasses. "Thank you," she said to the loyal butler.

"You're welcome Lady Grantham," he said, nodding deeply in a way that was almost a bow.

"Cora, what's all this?" said Robert slowly, while Mary and Edith each took a glass.

"We are celebrating your birthday, Robert," she said cheerfully, picking up her own glass.

Robert stared at the remaining champagne glass without selecting it. "Cora, I thought we'd discussed this already," he grumbled.

"Yes," she said carefully, deliberately not raising her voice to make him cross. "You said you didn't want a fuss. So, there are no gifts tonight, and I didn't even invite your mother, much less anyone else. But I refuse to allow your birthday to go unmarked. I'm very glad you are still here, Robert."

Cora looked directly into his deep blue eyes as she said that, hoping he understood how serious she was.

"Yes, Papa, we are glad you are with us, too," Mary's voice agreed, while Cora still gazed at Robert.

"Many happy returns, Papa," Edith said softly, coming to stand beside him.

Sighing, Robert selected the lass champagne flute and took a sip.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Robert's mood improved considerably after that. And as was often the case when he consumed alcohol, he began touching Cora more. He stroked her cheek frequently. He wrapped his arm around her waist. He may have even squeezed her bottom once. And his warm lips, smelling of sweet champagne, touched her cheek twice.

By the time they both entered her room that night, kissing seemed inevitable. "Thank you for the champagne," he said slowly, his face inches from hers.

"You're welcome," she said, finally connecting with his lips. Electricity shot through Cora, making her feel even warmer and more excited. They tumbled to the bed, as the kisses continued.

It was a magical night, in more ways than one.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

But the next morning wasn't so magical. Had their relationship truly been ready for that, or was it just he alcohol in their systems? Had Robert really focused on her, or was there a part of him that was still fantasizing about the maid while they were together?

No Cora said to herself. That was a few months ago. Memories of times in recent weeks when Robert had gazed at her with obvious attraction flashed through her mind. He's past that now.

But her memories of last night were a bit blurry. Had he looked directly into Cora's eyes the entire time, or had he looked faraway?

Cora hoped her breakfast would be small today, because she wasn't certain how she'd eat any of it.

*Le Morte d'Arthur by Thomas Malory. Book I, chapter VI. The Project Gutenberg ebook files.

** See chapter three of "The Presentation of Lady Mary and Lady Edith."

*** See chapter nine of "Not Exactly a Year."