Rating: K


Petite Pictures #2

"Plenty of couples make it to their fortieth anniversary, but only the lucky few can say they've reached this milestone with their dearest friend. Cora, you are a rare gem. We've had our fair share of trials, but we have come through them together. I couldn't be prouder or more humbled to be your husband. You are my closest confidant, my partner, and my love. Here's to you, my darling Cora."

A chorus of "Mama," "Cora," and "Lady Grantham" rang out across the dinning room. Once the party had taken their seats, Mary turned to Tom and whispered.

"He's become terribly sentimental since his surgery."

"Moments of crisis bring out the sentimentalist in all of us." He replaced the napkin in his lap.

A little ways down the table, Lady Shackleton spoke to Edith.

"I always think of your parents as being in some sort of fairytale." Edith always found it a bit odd to hear an outsider's view of her parents, but she smiled nonetheless.

"I imagine that's why you and Mary have made such splendid matches."

"I guess we have had quite the influence." Edith responded, with a smirk toward Bertie.

"I'm sorry to say we thought it rather embarrassing as children. Mary especially." They shared a laugh and cast their eyes toward the end of the table.

"She used to lecture Mama for being unladylike and showing too much affection when we were little."

"I'm sure Cora took it in her stride." More laughter ensued between them as Isobel turned to Robert in the middle of the table.

"I thought that was very romantic." She picked up her fork as the pudding was placed in front of them.

"I meant every word." Robert did the same and took a bite.

"It's lovely to see you support her work at the hospital." They both observed Cora in conversation opposite them.

"Your support means a great deal to her, you know." Isobel's sincerity was lost upon Robert who was still gazing at Cora.

"Whatever makes her happy." In an attempt to regain propriety, he focused his attention back on the pudding.

"I should think you make her happy."

He chanced one more glance at Cora and found she was doing the very same, that intoxicating smile on her lips. Feeling a warmth creep up his neck, he broke the eye contact and spoke to Isobel.

"I certainly hope so."