In the last chapter I made a mistake, I wrote Cora was from Newport, but that must have been Cincinnati, it doesn't change the story, but for further reference it is good to know, I am talking about Cincinnati

Robert was in a bad mood, Violet had booked so many appointments in. She even managed to have him meeting people at dinner. He managed to avoid Susan, but he also didn't see Cora. They had sent each other a text message, but for the last three days it was silent on her side. After three unanswered messages he stopped texting her. Was she putting him off, did he do something wrong?

It was just after lunch time when Robert couldn't handle it any longer. He stepped out of his office and said to his assistant to clear his agenda for the rest of the day, he wasn't feeling well and was going home. He wasn't out of the door, when his phone started ringing, without looking he knew that it was his mother. He turned off his notifications, put the phone back in his pocket and started walking. He didn't know where he was going, he only knew he needed the fresh air.

Before he knew it, he was looking at the facade of Levinson and Son. He stepped inside.

Cora let out a breathless, Robert, before correcting herself, "Good afternoon Mr. Crawley, do you have an appointment with Mr. Levinson?"

Robert shook his head, "No, I didn't come here for Mr. Levinson, I wanted to see you. Do you have time for an afternoon stroll?"

Cora wanted to answer that she didn't have the time as long as Harold was in the office, but Harold's voice was faster: "I don't need you this afternoon, you are free to go" and he winked at Robert. Cora gulped, that didn't go as she had hoped. Violet's instructions were very clear, she needed to stay away from Robert.

"What are you waiting for Cora, go on, I also want to go home, so hurry up" Harold said. Cora quickly put on her blazer and followed Robert outside.

"I know a place" he stopped a taxi and they got in. Blomfield road, were his instructions to the taxi driver. "Cora, did I do something wrong?" He asked

Cora could feel her cheeks burning. "No, Robert, you didn't do anything wrong, but we can't keep seeing each other, this must be the last time" Robert could only stare at Cora's face. "Oh Robert, I wish we had another option, but your mother was very clear, you are about to get married, and I don't want to stand in your way"

"My mother said what!" Robert shouted so loud, Cora cowered. "I am sorry, I didn't mean to scare you, but my mother contacted you? When and why?" That why he could already guess, Violet was interfering in his love life.

Cora's voice was soft and insecure: "She was in the office last Tuesday and told me you were seeing Susan, and that you were ready to propose to her. She made it very clear I should stay away from you, and needed to stop texting immediately.

Robert swallowed his anger. He took her hand: "Cora, whatever my mother told you, it isn't true. I am not going to propose to Susan. I don't even like that woman." Before he could go on, the taxi stopped.

"Welcome in Little Venice." Robert said. They walked alongside the canal and talked and talked. Robert made it very clear there wasn't a woman in his life that he showed interest in, beside Cora. Before they realised, it was dinner time. Robert suggested to get something to eat ,and Cora agreed.

During dinner Robert had taken Cora's hand several times, and she was liking the sensation. It was new to her, also to have an animated conversation for several hours. Robert suggested to go on a canal tour. He didn't want this evening to end.

They sat next to each other, listening to the tour guide, Cora's hand was resting in Robert's lap, he was gently brushing the back of her hand with his thumb. He felt totally at ease and that was a long time ago.

Cora never felt anything like this. Was this being in love? Was that possible after only seeing someone for the second time? And what about Violet, what would she do. Her body stiffened at the thought of Violet. She looked at Robert, his perfect round face, his scruff, and amazingly blue eyes, how could she let him go. She rested her head on his shoulder and tried to enjoy this evening, for it was her last together with him.

The tour ended way to soon, and they got in a taxi home. Robert leaned in on Cora and she answered his kiss. His lips were so soft and warm. He moved his kisses to her neck, she could feel his beard against her cheek, but she didn't care. She cradled his head with her hand and gave him excess to her neck by leaning backwards. He moved to her collarbone before moving back to her lips. He teased her, by softly kissing, but not letting her kiss back. "Oh Robert" she said breathless. Her other hand went up and down his back, as she had seen before and now could feel, he worked out, but not too much, there was still something left to grab.

She needed to stop this, she realised. "Robert, Robert" she said a little bit firmer. He stopped his kisses and looked up: "We can't do this, Robert. What about your mother and Susan."

"Cora, I don't know how, but we will find a way. I will convince my mother. Once she will meet you, she will forget about Susan, I promise you" In his mind he knew he couldn't make that promise, because Violet wouldn't let this go so easily. But he didn't want to let Cora go, he couldn't. It was the first time in his life that he felt something like this. He didn't know what it was, was this love?

He kissed Cora on her cheek, "I will call you tomorrow, sleep tight my dear" Cora was shocked, she didn't feel that same uneasiness when Simon said dear, no, this dear meant something. She leaned back in for a fast kiss on his lips and walked into her apartment building.