Cora had put on her warm woollen coat. Robert didn't tell what they were doing, only that it was outside. It was a cold day and it had started snowing this morning. Cora loved this city when it was covered in snow, all the Christmas lights turned on gave the city a magical feeling. She hooked her arm in Robert's when they got out of the cab at Kensington Gardens.

"Where are we going?" She asked, while leaning in on him.

"Just for a little walk." Robert answered.

Cora noticed Robert was different, he acted a little bit strange, and why would she need an afternoon off for just a simple walk? She decided to not think too much about it and just follow Robert. They walked for a while, until they reached the Italian gardens. Next to the fountain was a man playing on his guitar, some people had gathered around. Robert guided her towards the railing and leaned against it. He pulled her close.

"What a beautiful music." Cora sighed. "Did you know he would be playing today?" They were surrounded by Christmas lights and the snow that kept falling created a cosy atmosphere. Cora leaned in on Robert a little bit more. "I love you, you know that?" She said.

Robert's only answer was a tighter grip around her shoulders.

"The next song is a special one." the guitarist said and started playing Falling Slowly – Once.

Cora looked up at Robert, he was trembling. "Are you cold honey?"

Robert shook his head and pretended to be listening to the music. Right before the song ended, Robert stepped away from Cora and got on one knee.

Cora gasped, was this really happening? She felt her heart started racing. He was asking her to marry him, it was really happening. This was it, he was sitting there on his knee in front of her. Oh, she should pay attention to what he was saying, but she couldn't focus. Emotions took it over from her. She felt tears streaming down her cheeks. She looked in his beautiful blue eyes, she saw his mouth move, but she didn't know what he said. Her ears were ringing. She saw him opening a box and pull out a beautiful ring.

"My beautiful Cora, do you want to marry me?"

There was a silence, Robert heard the people around them gasping. Robert squeezed Cora's hand, why wasn't she answering? Was she going to say no? Did he ask her to early, should he have waited. Why was she crying? Were those happy tears. He had stuttered asking the question, but now she didn't respond. Slowly he got up, still holding Cora's hand. "Cora?" He whispered. He saw her wiping away her tears, then she looked up again, she looked into his eyes and there was a big smile on her face.

Cora wrapped both arms around Robert's neck and kissed him with full passion. "Yes, yes, yes." she murmured against his lips. "Yes, I want to marry you."

Robert now had also tears in his eyes, she made him so happy. He put the ring on her hand and she admired it. She kissed him again and again, until somebody scraped their throat.

Cora opened her eyes and saw Rosamund standing next to them. But then she saw the man standing behind her and she squealed. "Harold" She let go of Robert's hands and jumped in Harold's arms. "What are you doing here?" She kissed him on both cheek.

"Since dad can't give you away, I will be the one doing that. Robert asked me for your hand."

"How long have you been in London?"

"I arrived the day before yesterday, Robert was planning on asking you yesterday." He stopped talking and coloured.

"It doesn't matter, it wasn't something I wanted to tell, but it's alright." Robert said, taking Cora's hand in his again. "Now we should go to the restaurant, to get warm again."

Cora wrapped her arm around his waist.

They had lunch at club Gascon, inside the restaurant was another surprise for Cora, Violet and Marmaduke were waiting at the table.

"It was too cold for them to wait outside. Cora kissed them both on their cheeks. "Thank you for coming." Cora whispered in Marmaduke's ear. She saw how tired he was. Rosamund sat next to him and she saw how their hands intertwined immediately. How long would they have left together. she thought.

"Do you want Champagne?" Robert touched Cora's arm, who came back on earth.

"Yes, please. I am sorry, my mind wasn't here."

She felt Robert lean in on her. "I am also worried." He whispered.

"I wish we could do something for them." Cora said softly.

"We can only be there for them."

"Are we here to celebrate or to whisper." Violet sneered.

Rosamund looked at Cora, and gave her a look saying that she knew what they talked about. She winked and said without words. 'Don't worry'

Harold stood up, clearly not comfortable. "I want to bring out a toast on Cora and Robert, my dear sister and soon brother-in-law. Know that I will protect my little sister, even though I am on the other side of the pond."

"Little sister, I thought she was older." Violet said to Rosamund.

Rosamund only gave a dirty look to her mother to shut her up.

"I can't say this enough. Robert, my mother and I are very grateful for all you did for Cora. Without you Cora would be in a different place." He saw Cora's face clouded. "But she found you and I have never seen her happier, then when she is with you. The moment you arrived in America with her, I saw it. You two are meant for each other."

Cora reached over the table to take his hand. "Thank you, Harold. I am indeed lucky with Robert at my side."

The waiter came with the first course.

They walked out and said goodbye to everybody, Cora turned towards Robert, she got on her tiptoes and kissed him. "I can't believe how lucky I am with you."

Robert smiled and kissed her back. "And I am with you."

"Let's see what the future has in store for us, as long as it is with you, I am loving it already."

"Together we can concur everything. Lets go home."