Hi everyone! I'm back :) Since the previous chapter was a bit short, I've decided to post twice this week.

thank you very mach to all of you who left a review: granthamfan (my wonderful beta), zaibi12, syriana94, Countess of Cobert, witchoesed , the guests and to those of you who are following and have favourite my fanfic. Your support means the world to me! You are the best!


Everything was ready, and he couldn't believe he had done it all by himself. He had thought to ask the girls to help him in organising the trip, but he had soon abandoned the idea when he had felt a spark of pride in his chest. He had to do it all on his own. He wanted her to know that he was the only 'architect' of her surprise, and that he had put all of himself into it.

There was only one thing left: Cora.

He had to tell her that they were leaving for a short trip so that she could organise her commitments towards the hospital.

But when was he supposed to tell her? And, above all, how?

The only thing he was sure of was that he could not wait any longer. They had to leave in a few days.

He stood from his desk and pulled the bell cord; Barrow appeared in less than a minute.

"Barrow, will you please tell Baxter I want to ask her something? I will wait for her here, and I don't want to be disturbed."

"Very well, Milord".

Robert saw his butler raise a questioning brow and take his leave.

After a few minutes, Baxter was standing in front of him with a shy look on her face, which soon transformed into a wide smile at Robert's brief explanation.

"Ah Baxter, just one more thing: make sure you pack Her Ladyship's favourite evening dress and, above all, don't tell her anything. It has to be a surprise."

"Very good, milord." When she left the room, she was so happy for her employers that had to pull herself together not to spoil everything.

And now it was the great moment. He took a deep breath and headed in the direction of their bedroom. He knew she was there and the closer he was, the more nervous he became.

What if she doesn't like it? What if she is not willing to come? Good Lord, Robert. She's your wife. You don't have to be so nervous. You were trained in the army!

Oh, my God, it feels like the first time I danced with her.

Now take another breath and open the door!

Alright he was ready; sweating, almost fainting, but ready.

He opened the door and was welcomed by the beautiful shape of his wife sitting at her vanity, totally oblivious of the loving gaze of her husband. She was getting ready for tea.

He traced the outline of her body, and then up to her hair; her beautiful dark brown curls, her face. He could recall exactly the soft touch of her skin beneath his fingers, her soft cherry lips he had kissed a million times and her eyes; her beautiful eyes. How many unsaid words had they spoken during all these years?

He cleared his throat and she suddenly turned around on her chair, a wide, loving smile spread across her face. "Robert! You almost startled me."

"I'm sorry, my dear. You look beautiful."

"Thank you. You can sit there on the chair; I'm almost ready. I need just a few more minutes. I won't be long, I promise."

"Cora… I was… I was wondering if…"

Why was it so difficult to say?

She was puzzled. Was there something wrong? Why was he stuttering? Robert was a great orator, unless...unless he was about to say something very personal.

"Robert? What's the matter?", and then she noticed something "What are you hiding behind your back?"

Oh gosh. The flowers. He forgot the flowers.

Blushing deeply, he extracted the bunch of red roses from behind him.

"These are for you." She smiled, her eyes full of tears at her husband's gesture.

He took a deep breath and said: "Cora, I know you are very busy, but what do you think if the both of us go away for a short trip to relax and spend some time together?"

She was glowing "Oh Robert, I'd like that very much."

"Good. Because I have already planned everything."

"What?" She laughed happily at her husband's sudden boldness.

"Yes. Darling, we are going on holiday; just me and you. We are leaving in three days."

When he saw she was trying to say something, already knowing what she was about to say, he put his finger on her lips anticipating her.

"And no; you don't have to think about anything because I've already informed Baxter. She will pack everything you need."

"It's a surprise, then."

"Yes, it is. And I hope to surprise you more when we get there."

"Very well, because I can't wait to have you all for myself." Cora smiled at the thought.

"We can always remedy it right now, can't we?"

She couldn't help but throw herself into her husband's arms and kiss him breathless.

That afternoon Lord and Lady Grantham didn't show up for tea- much to Tom and Henry's amused looks and Mary and Violet's disappointment.