"Darling, do you really need to go?" Cora faced Robert and was brushing his upper arm with her thumb.

Robert stared at the ceiling. "I do." He knew Cora wasn't truly happy here at Downton. She had troubles accepting all the things the staff did for her. When Mary made a sound, Cora didn't get the chance to go to her, before the Nanny was standing over the cot. Robert had told Nanny to not interfere when Mary was with Cora or close by. She only needed to care for Mary, when Cora wasn't nearby.

Cora let out a deep sigh. "What if I just go back home these two weeks?"

"Cora, you will find things to do."

"I know, you said that. But what can I do here during the day. Every time I touch something Carson is there to take over. I don't even know where I could find a vacuum."

Robert chuckled. "You don't need to clean the house, that is why there is staff."

"I know." Cora said annoyed. "So I am expected to just sit down and down and do nothing?"

"You could write on your songs? You love that right?" Robert turned on his side to face Cora.

Cora looked at his chest. "That won't fill up my whole day."

"Why don't you arrange a garden party?"

"Without you present? Why would people want to come?" Cora asked surprised.

"I meant for over two weeks. You need time to arrange everything, send out invitations. I will ask Rosamund to come over, so she can help you."

Cora was nervous about this, before she even did a thing. She leaned in and kissed Robert, his lips were soft. She loved the taste of his minty breath. He had just come to bed and smelled heavenly after his shower. She scooted closer and pressed her body against his. She was going to miss his presence next to her at night.

Robert wrapped his arms around her and pulled her even closer. He kissed her forehead. "Don't worry, my darling. You will manage these two weeks. I am sure you will."

Cora let go of the tension in her body and just let Robert reassure her.

"Mrs. Hughes?" Cora walked downstairs.

"Milady, what are you doing here?" She came out of her workroom.

"I wanted to let you know, Ros..." She corrected herself. "Lady Painswick, is coming this afternoon."

"Alright, Milady, I will make sure there is a room ready for her. Anything else I can do for you?"

"Where do I find the kitchen?"

"Down there Milady. May I ask why?" Mrs. Hughes asked kindly.

"I want to talk to Mrs. Patmore about dinner." Cora walked on. She felt Mrs. Hughes eyes in her back and she didn't know if she was judging or not. Should she be down here? She didn't know if that was a custom or not.

Rosamund arrived just before dinner, it was a relieve to Cora to see her. The last two days she had sat on her own in that big dining room. Carson hadn't allowed Mary to be with her, and she didn't dare to argue with him.

"How do you find live here at Downton?" Rosamund asked when Andy had served dinner.

"I don't know." Cora said softly.

"Do you find it difficult?"

"I can't get used to all the staff. Why do we need all that staff, Robert insist that it is necessary."

Rosamund lowered her eyes. "I am sorry to say this, but Robert is right." She looked up to see Cora's reaction. "The house is to big, to not have staff cleaning for example."

"That is true, but I don't need someone to open the door for me. Or serve me dinner every night."

"Just look at it like this. All these people have jobs, because of this house."

"Hmmm, I never looked at it like that."

"Now, let's eat before it gets cold. Carson?" Rosamund looked up at Carson.

"Yes, Milady." He stepped closer.

Cora had totally forgot about him being present and coloured, because of the conversation they just had.

"After dinner you and Andy can take the night off. Mrs. Crawley and I can take care of ourselves."

"Milady?" Carson looked at Cora.

She stammered. "We can, thank you."

"Oh and something else Carson." Rosamund said. "Lady Mary is allowed to be with her mother when Lady Crawley wants her close. That means also during dinner."

Cora gave Rosamund a thankful look.

Rosamund was standing in the big hall, giving out instructions. A lot of people were walking around the premises, building tents, putting out chairs. Cora looked at everything with surprise. Rosamund truly knew what she was doing. Cora had handwritten all the invitations and almost everybody RSVP back that they were coming.

Cora was just putting down some flowers on the tables outside, when she felt two hands on her hips. Instantly she recognized the touch. She quickly turned around and wrapped her arms around Robert's neck. "You are back early."

"Surprise." He smiled and kissed her, his tongue found hers. His hand rested on her lower back, holding her close to his body.

"Ahumm." Both Robert and Cora shook from the sound and stepped back from each other. It was Carson standing next to them. "Good to see you back, Milord." Then he turned to Cora. "Milady, there are some men who want to talk to you about where to place the string quartet."

"I am coming." Cora said.

Robert took her hand. "Can I say I am proud of you." He leaned in to kiss her again.

Cora held him off. "You can, but I have to go with Carson right now." Very softly she said. "You can kiss me again tonight." She squeezed his hand and followed Carson.

Robert walked over to Rosamund. "Thank you for helping Cora out. Did you stay here all the time?"

"No, no, I didn't I came here right after you left and arrived yesterday again. Cora did all the work. I only told her what to do. Al tough she is saying she isn't cut out for this, she is doing incredibly well."

"I must admit, I am so relieved. I only hope she will see it herself and not doubt so much. Maybe we can move here permanently."

Rosamund laid her hand on his arm. "Cora is good at setting herself aside, make sure, this is truly what makes her happy."