Rating: K+


Petite Pictures #7

"Is it as grand as you remember?" Cora leaned over Robert to get a better view out of his window.

"Every bit as grand. If not more," Robert replied, his eyes fixed on the approaching castle.

If she was being honest, she had always enjoyed their time spent at Duneagle. She felt like Robert was always more light hearted when he was surrounded by the rolling hills of the highlands. The fresh air was a treat for all of them. Cora hoped that Mary, who had insisted on coming along, could find a bit of relaxation before the baby arrived. Cora sat back in her seat, musing of their past trips to Duneagle. She recalled being in a similar position to Mary, though not as far along, when she was traveling this same road and pregnant with Sybil. She couldn't blame Mary for being so stubborn, for she had behaved in the same way. Not three months from her due date, Robert had insisted she stay at Downton and rest going as far as offereing to postpone his departure for Duneagle and return early. But she wanted to be with her girls and knew how much Robert was looking forward to getting away from Yorkshire. Nearly thirty years ago, Cora was amazed she could remember the specific details.

She was pulled from her memories by Robert's voice and a hand on her knee.

"We mustn't let Mary exert herself." As if reading her mind, Robert gave her a concerned glance.

"Mary is going to do what she wants. And it won't hurt for her to have a change of scenery. She'll speak up if anything becomes too much." Cora's arm snaked around his bicep.

Robert hummed, temporally satisfied. They rode is silence for a few moments, soaking up the sunshine that poured into the car. It was a welcome feeling that contrasted the chill of the outside air.

"I hope Susan and Shrimpie can behave. Mama said their bickering has gotten worse." Robert knew that if something were going to put a damper on the trip, it would be the two of them.

"I'm sure our coming will be a distraction. And they won't have to see each other more than lunch and dinner." Cora hated that their marriage had gone south. They had always been civil when the children were young, but their underlying mutual dislike had been suppressed for too long.

"Well. We can only hope." Robert put on his hat in preparation for the arrival and smiled at Cora's optimism.

"I'm glad to see you so giddy." Cora kept her eyes on him. Pure joy had been hard to come by over the past year. They always felt a twinge of guilt during happy times, but constantly reminded themselves that Sybil wouldn't want them to live under a cloud of gloom.

"I am rather giddy." His smile continued as the car rolled to a stop.

"Brace yourself, my dear." Robert squeezed her gloved hand, just as the driver flung open the door and they were hit with a whiff of the cool mountain breeze.