It took Robert a bit of time to convince his wife that the activities he had in mind would relax him and not aggravate his possible medical condition.

"Robert, perhaps this isn't a good idea, given what you told me earlier." Robert felt a certain panic at these words. She didn't mean to deny him because he might have agina? His mind reeled, searching for solutions. Perhaps he could call the doctor in York for clearance. That would convince Cora, and the doctor was a man after all, he would understand. But perhaps the situation wasn't that bad yet.

"Cora, the doctor knows I'm a married man. If he felt there was a danger I'm sure he would have mentioned it," Robert replied casually while gently sliding his hand along her leg and under her nightgown. He tried to remain calm. His best hope was to combine a rational argument with seduction.

Cora was finding it difficult to reason through her argument and Robert's large, warm hand moving slowly up her leg convinced her that she did not want to argue any longer. She gave in to the warmth of his embrace and her desire to be with him.

Later that night

Robert lay awake after Cora fell asleep in his arms. He liked to hold her like this; to feel her body entwined with his and hear her soft breathing. He'd made mistakes in their marriage, more than he cared to admit, but he knew he made no mistake in whom he married. He thought back to that summer before he met Cora.

August 1888

Robert's family planned a fortnight stay at Brancaster Castle. The first week went by rather smoothly; his parents seemed to give him some distance. But early into the second week they stepped up their questions and innuendos. His mother began to make remarks in public which implied Robert would be declaring his intentions soon.

"Robert loves cricket!" enthused Violet. "You really must see him play sometime, Lady Evelyn. Of course, I'm certain you will." Lady Evelyn smiled appropriately at Lady Grantham and Robert, but inside Robert was seething. This was one in a stream of presumptuous comments on his mother's part. Again he had that feeling that the decision, the biggest decision of his life, was slipping out of his hands. He tried confronting his mother.

"Mama, do you think we could slow down a bit where Lady Evelyn is concerned. We only met 10 days ago," reasoned Robert.

"Robert, she has one of the largest dowries in England, she's pretty, accomplished, and will know how to be a countess without much training. I don't understand why you would wait," replied the Countess, dumbfounded. "If you don't snatch her up now you can be sure that someone else will. I doubt she'll make it to next season unengaged."

"I just know, mama. I'm not ready to make this decision yet. I need more time…time to consider the type of woman with whom I want to spend my life."

"Get to know her better then, but don't wait too long," admonished his mother.

As Lady Evelyn and Robert were walking arm and arm later that day he tried to engage her in conversation.

"Did you read anything interesting in your magazines today?" he asked.

"I spent some time looking through fashion plates. Mama wants me to have new dresses before Christmas." She continued to tell him about the designs she liked best. When she finished, he tried again.

"During the season did you happen to take in the science exhibition that opened recently?" he asked. She looked at him quizzically and then shook her head slowly. He searched for a new topic. In the meantime, he noticed that he did like the feel of her arm in his. Now and again when the ground was uneven, she leaned into him and he couldn't help notice her softness or the swell of her breasts. She also smelled very nice. He had to admit that he was attracted to her.

August 1924

The next morning Robert felt Cora stir next to him. It was a good thing too, as neither of them had awoken to dress themselves during the night. It would be best if they rose early and did that now. But in the predawn, pre-awake stage Robert thought about how much he should tell Cora about the niece. He decided they'd been married long enough for him to be honest. And really, there wasn't that much to tell, was there?