Rating: K+


Petite Pictures #8

Robert had nursed his scotch for long enough and the effects of the day's travel were starting to catch up with him. He bid goodnight to Matthew and Shrimpie, making his way up the staircase. The ladies had gone up not long ago, so Robert knew Cora would still be awake.

All changed for the evening, he dismissed Bates and entered Cora's room. The fire blazed in the corner illuminating the vast space. A lamp on either side of the bed framed Cora's slumbering figure. Robert smirked to himself. She must've fallen asleep reading, her book still open on her lap. A few pillows were propped behind her back and her covers were nestled around her. Knowing she'd be terribly uncomfortable in the morning if she slept that way through the night, Robert walked to the her side of the bed and took the book from her lap. He placed it on the bedside table and clicked off the lamp. She stirred at the difference in brightness, not having been asleep for very long.

"I was beginning to think you'd gotten lost." Her voice was groggy, but perked up as she continued. "What's the time?"

"Time for bed. I'm exhausted." Robert pulled down the covers and slid in next to her.

Cora adjusted herself and turned on her side to face Robert. Tangling her feet with his, she brought a hand to his arm and stroked it gently as her eyes struggled to stay open.

"I suppose we have no choice but to meet Michael Gregson tomorrow." Robert sighed.

"Are you really so adamantly against Edith's happiness?" She lightly teased, though there was no real judgement in Cora's tone.

"Of course not. We just don't know him. Leave it to Edith to find herself a publisher." He ran his free hand through his hair.

"Well, we'll know him soon." Cora tucked her head into his upper arm, causing Robert to look down at her. She was far too tired for a discussion.

"Indeed we will." He left it there for the night and pressed a lingering kiss into her hair causing her to snuggle closer.

He reached for the lamp and the two were asleep within minutes.