Rating: K


Petite Pictures #3

"You don't split anymore?" Lord Lonsdale asked Robert as they crossed into the drawing room.

Various guests had descended on Downton for the hunt and Lord Lonsdale was among them. Robert had not seen him since before the war, due to a foreign posting, but had not minded his absence at parties. He had never cared for Lord Lonsdale's impertinent manner, but his youngest daughter, Lady Esther, had been close with the girls.

"The wedding is soon, is it not?" Robert asked.

"Two months." Lord Lonsdale rolled his eyes and poured a drink.

"You don't seem very keen," Robert remarked, silently refusing the glass.

"I don't mind him, but Esther's certainly not thrilled. Though I can't think why, she'll be plenty comfortable. And at least they don't openly despise each other." Robert didn't reply at first, but he continued just to ward off the awkwardness.

"I suppose they can't expect a wild romance. A title doesn't often lend itself to that prospect."

"Oh, I don't know, look at you and Lady Grantham." Lord Lonsdale used his glass to gesture in Cora's direction. She was sitting just within earshot in a chair by the fire. Rosamund was holding her in conversation, but Cora turned at the sound of her address. Her eyes found Robert's, expecting to be brought into the discussion, but he didn't elaborate.

"Well that's different. We—" He noted her illuminated features for a moment.

"Mama, Aunt Rosamund, come play bridge." Mary called from the corner of the room.

The ladies rose then passed Robert and Lord Lonsdale. The repartee was not furthered by Robert who excused himself to speak to Isobel.

As the party thinned for the evening, most wanting a good night's sleep before the following day's hunt, Robert took his place on the settee next to Cora and Rosamund who had since finished their game of bridge.

Cora turned over her shoulder. "We what?"

Robert smiled at her discernment, realizing she had indeed been listening to the exchange. He brushed two fingers along her arm, intending for her to feel his affection without making a scene.

He then whispered, "We love each other."