Adeline put the last strand of curls up, stepped back and looked at her work. Cora's curls were flowing like a waterfall over her back.
Adeline stepped back, put her hands on Cora's shoulders, kissed her cheek and asked: "Are you ready?"
Cora looked at her through the mirror. With a thin voice she said: "I think I am."
Adeline kneeled beside her and took her hands in hers. "This is the first day of your new life, trust in Robert. He will not disappoint you."
Cora lowered her eyes. "But what if I disappointment to him?"
Adeline caressed her cheek. "Don't worry too much, go and enjoy this day. Harold is waiting in the hallway to give you away."
Cora gave herself one last look in the mirror. She was wearing a simple dress. She did not want to look royal, although Adeline had tried to persuade her into a silkier corset dress, she chose a dress that uses clever seam and lace placement to accentuate her waist, enhanced by a strong V front and plunging low back. The cap sleeves balance gave the dress an elegant and modest finish. She was pleased with her choice.
Harold's mouth dropped when she stepped out into the hallway. "Lady, what have you done to my sister." He said.
Cora giggled and linked her arm in his. "Thank you for being here and bringing Mama."
"She wouldn't miss your wedding day for anything. Come, they are waiting for you."
Robert felt sweat dripping over his back, he was incredibly nervous. He looked around the room and saw Rosamund next to his mother, Anna and John and the rest of his team were sitting behind them. On the other side there was Martha, Andrew, and some colleagues of Cora. Adeline came walking in and took her seat next to Martha. She winked at Robert. The pianist and string players started 'The King's Speech - Alexandre Desplat'. The doors opened and there she was, his bride. Robert was stunned, she looked beautiful, he did not know what to expect from her dress, she had not told him anything. He loved how her dress showed off her slim figure. Slowly she walked towards him, smiling.
"Take good care of her." Harold said, when he handed her to him.
Robert kissed her cheek and whispered. "You look wonderful."
"So do you." She smiled. Robert was wearing a dark three-piece suit. The waist coat was a lighter green, and his dress-shirt was the same colour as Cora's dress.
"You may now kiss the bride." The officiant said.
Robert leaned in and softly he pressed his lips against hers.
Why was he so careful? Cora thought, they had shared better kisses before, was it because everybody was watching? Well, she did not care what everybody would think. She put her hand on his lower back and pulled him even closer, pressed her lips against his and touched his lips with her tongue. He got the hint and kissed her with more passion. He even bent her backwords, so she was leaning into his arm.
When they finally broke the connection, there was a cheer coming from the room. Cora got bright red cheeks when she looked at her mother. But Martha was all smiles and was applauding. Cora looked at Violet and there was even a smile on her face. Even though it was a small one, there was a smile.
Robert took her hand and walked her out of the room. When the door closed behind them, he pulled her close again, he crashed his mouth on hers. "What a wonderful feeling, kissing you as my wife."
"Is that different?" Cora asked with a cheeky smile.
Robert put his hand on her lower back and pressed her against his body. "It definitely is." He wanted to kiss her again, but the doors opened, and all the guest walked out. Last came Rosamund and Marmaduke. Cora took his hand. "Thank you for being here today, I know how tired you must be."
Marmaduke raised his hand to her cheek. "I couldn't miss this day. My brother-in-law who marries his princess is something I needed to witness." He looked at Robert. "I need to thank you for arranging this wedding early."
Robert patted his shoulder. "We needed you here, how could I marry without my best man. Come the champagne is waiting."
After the dinner, Cora and Robert were standing at the door to say goodbye to everybody. John shook Robert's hand, "Good luck with your beautiful bride."
Cora smiled at Anna. "How are you feeling?" She looked down at her belly.
Anna put her hand on her belly. "I am feeling good still, next month we will see this little one." John stepped close and put his hand on her belly. "Maybe this little one will have a play date in 9 months." He winked at Cora and Robert.
Robert saw Cora's face and he was not sure what he saw on it. Was she thinking of the little one she lost? His attention was drawn by his mother, who put her hand on his arm.
"I hope you will be happy and that you made the right decision." Violet said.
Robert leaned in on his mother and whispered. "Please, Mama, not today. This is a happy day."
Violet nodded, kissed Cora on her cheek and left.
Martha was next in line, with Harold. "My darling daughter, finally you have found real luck. I can't express how happy I am for you." She looked at Robert. "You have something very precious of mine, please take good care of her."
Harold chimed in, "We know where you live." But he winked at the same time as he said it. Dear little sisters, good luck making tea for this English man every day."
Cora laughed. "I am not allowed to make his tea, I still don't know how, he says." She leaned in on Robert shoulder.
Robert kissed the top of her head and smiled. "One day, I will trust you with it, just not yet."
"You are way to picky over your tea." Adeline said. "Cora isn't that bad." She kissed her on her cheek. "Enjoy your first night as a married couple." She chuckled.
Cora noticed that there we only friends now waiting in line to say goodbye. She put her face close to Robert's ear and whispered. "Where are Rosamund and Marmaduke?"
Robert turned his face. "They had to leave early; Marmaduke wasn't feeling well."
Cora let out a soft. "Oh no." But turned her face towards the guests again, to receive some more well wishes. She had trouble to keep the smile on her face. What if this day was too much for Marmaduke? She should text Rosamund as soon as all the guests were gone. She should take some load of her shoulders.
Robert put his hand around her waist and softly squeezed her side. Cora shook up from her thoughts and looked in the face of Andrew.
"I guess you are tired after this long day." He said with a smile on his face.
Cora forced a smile on her face and nodded.
"Well, I won't make it long. I am incredibly happy for you that you found your knight." He shook Robert's hand and left.
Andrew was the last guests to say goodbye. Some staff members were still in the room, they would close the restaurant.
"Ready to go home?"
Robert helped Cora out of the car and just before they entered their home, he lifted her up and carried her over the doorstep. When he put her down, he saw a worried wrinkle on her forehead. Robert turned Cora towards him and lifted her chin up. "Don't you worry too much about Rosamund and Marmaduke. Rosamund promised me, she would call if something was really wrong."
Cora sighed. "I hope this day wasn't too much."
"He enjoyed this day to the fullest. That is what is important now."
Cora kissed him. "You are right."
"Mrs. Cora Crawley, I am always right." Robert chuckled.
"Hmmm, I love that sound."
Robert scoped her up again and walked upstairs. "Well, Mrs. Cora Crawley, let's see what you are hiding under this beautiful dress!"
Cora buried her face in Robert's neck and pressed her lips against his skin. "Forever your Mrs. Cora Crawley." she murmured.