"We went there for the grouse in 1888," began Robert. "Papa had just told me of our financial situation and the need for me to marry money to save Downton. I didn't arrive in a good mood. I hadn't really reconciled with the idea of marrying so young or with such limited options. I didn't grow up imagining I could marry whomever I wanted, but I did hope to make the choice based on more than money." Robert squeezed Cora's hand and paused at this point. He didn't want to harm her feelings.
August 1888
Lady Evelyn was paired with Robert on the first day of shooting. He wasn't surprised since he knew why they were there. He had to admit that she was pretty, with blond hair, bluish green eyes, and a pleasing figure. There was certainly nothing objectionable in her looks. They made polite conversation.
"I hope the weather holds," Lady Evelyn remarked.
"It is likely to, at this time of year anyway. We should have several days of good shooting, I'd say," replied Robert.
They talked more about the weather, in Northumberland, Yorkshire, and London. When he asked about the season, Lady Evelyn lit up, talking of her favorite balls and plays. While the conversation was smooth, Robert just felt something was missing.
"Do you like to read?" he asked. In response she rattled off the names of some magazines; not much there to work with, and she hadn't asked him about his preferences so that topic fell short. He didn't dare ask about politics.
Naturally they were seated together at dinner and nearly every meal after that. As he observed her he noted her precise manners and appropriate speech patterns. The topics of conversation were carefully chosen. Since he had a sister he knew a fair amount about women's fashions and her clothes seemed to be at the height of it.
One afternoon his father asked to walk with him.
"Well, son, what do you think of Lady Evelyn?" his father asked. "She's seems to fit the bill, in a lot of ways."
Robert did not answer right away. "Do we really know for sure that her dowry is large enough?"
"Oh, yes. That's been confirmed." Robert didn't like the sound of that. It seemed as if his father was moving this along without him. "Your mother also approves of her, Robert," he said meaningfully.
Robert knew that his father wanted to placate his mother in some way given how upset she was to hear of their financial situation. She had insisted that she approve of the match and his father wanted to give her that, at least. Robert knew he needed to slow things down soon or he would find himself married to Lady Evelyn by Christmas and it just didn't feel right yet.
August 1924
"That's it? Don't I get to hear the rest of the story?" asked Cora. Robert nuzzled her neck and chuckled.
"I think we've had enough story time for one night, Cora," Robert whispered into her hair. He'd had enough of thinking of the past. His lips kissed her hair and lingered at the back of her ear, making Cora arch and squirm with pleasure at the sensation.
"Robert," Cora quietly pleaded, "I want to know more about the niece."
"Tomorrow, my love," said Robert before bringing his lips to hers.