A/N: I'm so sorry this has taken so long! To recap - Cora's done the deed with Richard! This chapter is set the same evening.

Mary and Matthew are engaged!

Tonight, formalities have been discarded in the excited hubbub of congratulations and wedding plans. It's the happiest evening she has experienced in a long time - even Carson was smiling.

It is beyond midnight when the small family party finally disperses. Cora heads upstairs in a celebratory mood, her husband trailing behind. They are still beaming when they step inside her room.

"I'm so happy for them," she gushes.

"It's been a happy day," he agrees, taking her hands in his. "And I'm sure the wedding plans will keep you busy." He pauses. "I've been thinking..."

She looks over his shoulder, waiting for him to continue while his thumb traces maddening patterns on her palm.

"You know they want to marry soon?"

"They have waited eight years, darling."

"I suppose so." He lets go of her hand to trail his finger tips down the goose bumps on her arm. "They seemed so happy today." He takes a deep breath. "Cora-"

She knows exactly what is coming - a tender apology for his boorish behaviour, a promise to make it right - followed by physical reconciliation. She turns away from him, staring blindly towards the window, determined that he would not see her tears.

I promise to make you happy...She still remembers the sincerity of his pledge from thirty years ago. But-

No. Not now...It was too late.

What had she done? She had destroyed three decades of marriage with one moment of weakness - one sordid afternoon. Except-

She had enjoyed every minute - was that so wrong? And it's not as if he was blameless.

"I know things haven't been right, darling. I know you've been unhappy."

She knows the admission is not easy for him. - would it have made a difference a few days earlier?

She shoots round. "Don't you think it's a bit late for that?"

"What do you mean?"

"We've both been distracted." She glances at his face, seeing his lips pursed and brow furrowed in concentration. "We've drifted apart? You..you have your own affairs now. We both do..."

Stop, Cora! What on earth was she doing? Did she want to know what he got up to with Jane? And was she planning to confess what she had really been doing this afternoon?

"I have been selfish and thoughtless - that I acknowledge." He holds his hands out expansively. "And I won't stand in the way of your charitable activities."

She blinks back her astonishment. Is it that easy? Could they continue their separate liaisons and present a united front to the world? Could she pretend? Is that what she wanted?

Another thought occurred to her. Perhaps he already knows. Perhaps this is his way of giving consent.

"And what about you? What about your trips into the village?"

"What trips?"

"Your trips to see-" She stops, hesitating on the name. Jane.

"Cora," he sighs. "I don't know what you're talking about."

She looks up in surprise. She sees a determined glint in his eyes - and the way they wander over her evening dress. His arms snake round her waist. Clearly he has finished talking.

"What's brought this on?"

"Am I not allowed to apologise properly?" he grins, snatching a kiss.

She pulls away. She needs time - time to think and order her emotions. Everything would be better after a little time. "Why don't we at least get ready for bed?"

"Ah!" Another snatched kiss. "I've dismissed the servants. I thought we could manage on our own for one night."

"You...what? When did you decide this?"

"Cora, our eldest daughter is engaged. The servants deserve a chance to celebrate."

"Of course they do darling, but..." She closes her eyes for a brief moment, wondering what to say. "You don't understand..."

"No?" She opens her eyes, although his anger and rejection was all too evident in the low, clipped staccato. "I understand perfectly. Fine. Call O'Brien. Do as you wish. I won't disturb you anymore."

The door slams shut behind him.

What has she done? Is this what she wants? At least Robert has tried to resolve their differences - she has just pushed him away.

And this was supposed to be a happy day.

Tearing her eyes away from the closed door, she curls up on the bed and hugs her arms to her chest. She is tired - tired of the stilted conversation and misunderstandings. She can no longer decipher Robert's moods, much less what he actually say. Her mind drifts back to earlier in the day...Richard...

I won't hurt you...You trust me, or you wouldn't be here...Don't bite your lip...

She awakens early the next morning, barely rested and still fully dressed.

Yet she feels better.

She has made her decision.

A/N: I'm VERY rusty and this was a difficult chapter to write. I hope I've done Cora's character's justice. And Robert - I hope he's not too blasé. More will be revealed in the next chapter but he's basically following a "make-up script" which means apology and bed!

Thank you for all the wonderful reviews of Chapter 15 - Tallulah James, antigone, Living for Jesus, MandaPanda2, vordogh, Carlisleand Esme, GranthamGal! Once again - I'm sorry the follow-up took so long - I blame REAL LIFE!

Chapter 17 (The Truth) was originally going to be the final chapter, but I may do a Robert POV follow-up to answer all your questions.