Robert was extremely busy the last months, he rarely was home. He came home when Cora was already a sleep and woke up when she was at the office. They shared a brief kiss in the morning, when Cora got up and before she left home, she kissed him goodbye. They made it a habit, since Marmaduke's death, to never leave without saying goodbye. Even if the other one was sleeping.
Robert loved those morning kisses; Cora brought a whiff of scent with her. She always used the same scents, a light sweet flowery smell.
In the weekends Cora staid in bed with him. Especially the Sunday morning was his favourite. Saturday nights were incredibly busy at the restaurant and more than once he did not come home before 2.00 o'clock. Cora was asleep by that time. When he crawled in bed, she always put her hand on his back, arm or hand for a brief second. She did not really wake up, but acknowledge him coming home and then in the morning, she had a lie in. Sunday was the only day she stayed until he woke up. On Saturdays she had enough to do, but they dedicated the Sunday morning to each other.
Some days they cuddled, or laid next to each other reading a book, but most of the time they had terrific fun.
It was a Saturday morning and Cora was already up when Robert woke. He heard music playing downstairs and smelled she was baking. He looked at the clock, it was 11.00 o'clock. He stretched and got out of bed. Quickly he took a shower.
Downstairs he found Cora in the kitchen. He put his hand on her hips and kissed her cheek. "Good morning, my darling."
Cora turned her face and smiled. "Good morning, my love."
But Robert noticed she was forcing her smile. He softly squeezed her hips, deciding not to force her to tell him what was wrong, he asked. "What are you making?"
"A Victoria Sponge cake." She answered turning back to her work.
"I love Sponge cake, when can I try?" He rested his chin on Cora's shoulder.
Cora put her hand on Robert's cheek, leaving a trail of powder on it. "Your mother will be here in about an hour, then you can taste."
Robert stood straight. "My mother?" He asked.
Cora sighed. "Please do not tell me you forgot?"
It was a good thing Cora was not looking at him, because his cheeks were bright red. "I, I have to admit. I did forget."
Another sigh from Cora. "Your mother and Rosamund are coming; I have told you this."
"I am sorry." He stepped back. "I will change in something more suitable." He was walking around in an old jeans and t-shirt.
"Mama, good to see you." Cora kissed her mother-in-law on both cheeks.
Robert greeted his sister. "We are in for a treat; Cora made a Victoria Sponge cake.
Cora felt instantly nervous, Robert was always exaggerating her baking qualities, but compared to him she was an amateur baker. Although he always said, he was good at cooking, not baking. Cora still felt insecure, especially when she made something so typical English.
After they all sat down and Cora served tea, Robert said: "Mama? When was the last time you were in Downton?"
Violet just brought her fork towards her mouth but stopped. "That is years ago, I do not even remember when."
"Then it is high time I will take you there." Robert said, he looked at Rosamund. "You should come too; I think Cora would love to spend time with you there." He gave a warm smile to Cora, but the smile on her face was not genuine. He saw Cora getting up.
"I will make some more tea." And she disappeared into the kitchen.
Rosamund tried to catch Robert's eye and without words directed him to follow Cora.
Robert got up and closed the kitchen door behind him. He saw Cora leaning on the kitchen counter, clearly trying to hold back her tears. He stepped towards her and put his hand on her shoulder blade. "Something is bothering you." He said. "Can I help?"
Cora shrugged her shoulders.
"Cora?" Robert insisted.
Cora wrapped her arms around Robert and pressed her face against his chest.
Robert mimicked Cora's movement and wrapped both arms around her and hold her close. Brushing her back and making sussing sounds. Slowly he pushed her back, took her face in his hands and kissed her forehead. "Mama will wonder where we are. Are you alright?"
Cora nodded. She cupped his cheek. "Thank you, I am." She got on the tip of her toes and kissed him. "But I can't go to Downton."
"What? You are not coming with me?" Robert's hands slipped of Cora's shoulders.
Cora lowered her eyes. "Andrew accepted a new client and we have a difficult order in our hands. I need to be at the office the coming weeks. Although I would love to come and walk around Downton with Rosamund. I bet she can tell me a lot about the village."
Robert lifted Cora's chin. "Do not blame yourself, I did not discuss this plan with you. I totally forgot the fact that you have your job at 'Silver Linings' I am sorry."
Cora straightened her back. "Now, let's go back inside, your mother and Rosamund are waiting."
Robert followed Cora. There was something else bothering her, he should make time to talk with her. He noticed that everyday her smile was fading a little bit more. He would take some time off and take her somewhere. Her birthday was coming up, so that was a perfect reason to go away. Yes, that he would do. A plan was forming in his head, and he smiled just thinking about a holiday together with Cora. The last trip they made was to America and that one was cut short.
