It took me several days to finish this one, and it was longer than i intend, but I hope you'll enjoy it.

There will be probably more 2 or 3 chapters to finish.


VIII

But I set fire to the rain

Watched it pour as I touched your face

Let it burn while I cry

'Cause I heard it screaming out your name, your name

Adele – Set fire to the rain

When she opened her eyes the next morning, she was surprised not to see him beside her in bed. Perhaps he had already come down to his breakfast and she had overslept, she thought yawning. She stretched her arms upward, thinking it still seemed to be early in the morning judging the sun's position in her bedroom window. Then she sat on the bed just realizing he was next to her on his knees on the floor, seeming to look for something under their bed.

"Robert? Is there something wrong?"

He raised his head, with a coy grin, to look at her.

"I'm looking for my shirt buttons..." he told her, proceeding with his search.

Cora let out a loud giggle. After so many years her so completely English husband still had concerns of what the servants would might think.

"I'm sure Bates will understand," she said, trying not to laugh anymore.

"I'm not worried with Bates," he finally stood up, frowning, still searching the floor with his eyes while standing beside her, "but with the maids."

"Don't be silly, darling," she reached her arms for him, and Robert sat down beside her on the bed, holding her hands. "You know very well that the maids have already found far more curious things in this room than buttons scattered on the floor," she said, with a mischievous look on his face.

"I know," he said blushing slightly," and I'm embarrassed just thinking about that."

She laughed at him, and touched his face lovingly. Robert covered her hand with his and then took it to his lips, kissing it warmly.

"But, if I can remember well," she told him with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "you didn't seem at all embarrassed last night."

He just stood there, nodding and grinning. "And for that, the merit was entirely yours, my dear."


Finally he seemed to be leaving behind part of his gloom and distant behavior and Cora felt more relieved. Little by little things seemed to get back to normal. Or at least as normal as possible, after all.

At the ball that evening she watched with concealed satisfaction that Mary seemed to be enjoying herself. Which made her more relaxed, so she also could enjoy her friends and have some fun. While talking to Rosamund and Lady Albernale she searched with her eyes for Robert, and found him in animated conversation with Lord Stratford and Sir Charles Berkeley. She watched him for a few seconds, and could see the subtle effect of alcohol on him. There was nothing to worry about or which could draw others attention, but thirty years beside him made her notice these small details that went totally unnoticed to others.

She watched the other two men openly laughing at something Robert had told them, and smiled to herself. Robert was not known for his talent in telling jokes. Actually it was just the opposite. But it was good to see him also enjoying himself.

They had had a little argument in the afternoon, nothing serious. Mary had decided to return to Downton Abbey for a few days, and Cora had convinced him that they should go with her. With the whole family in London, could be a bad idea to let her alone in Downton. But it was not the fact of going back home in the middle of the season that had made him unhappy, but Cora's plans to spend just a few days and then come back to London again. And he did not seem willing to come back to London once he was home again.

Then she had left it away, to not ruin the period of peace they were enduring. But she still wanted to talk to him again about it, probably during the days they were in Downton.


Despite the small argument they had had earlier, Robert was feeling particularly at ease that night. A few days away from the bustle of the dinners and parties had allowed him to put a little order in his thoughts. Not that everything had been solved, it was not so simple. But he felt less anxious and nervous in Elizabeth's presence. And he thought he already had a better control of his feelings, whatever it might be.

However, he couldn't deny that his eyes had searched for her a few times that night. He also couldn't deny that he had felt awkward in the few times that their eyes met. She still was affecting him.

Elizabeth had joined them, brought back from the ballroom by Lord Henry Hartwood's arm. He felt the tension in his shoulder muscles when she had smiled, though he knew that the smile wasn't for him. Instead, he could see that she tried to avoid looking straight at him.

Except for Sir Charles, the other four were old friends, making Henry and Lord Stratford began to reminisce singular events of their youth they had shared. Robert only listened, smiling occasionally as he drank his Scotch. Shortly later, Sir Charles had apologized and left them, probably because he could not actively take part in the conversation, as was his preference.

And then, at the first strains of a waltz, he had suddenly seen him alone with Elizabeth. Both Henry and Stratford had gone in search of their dance partners, leaving him and Elizabeth alone, in the most awkward of the situations. He searched with his eyes for someone for help, but he didn't find anyone who could soften the situation of uneasiness.

Elizabeth bowed her head slightly to him and with an apology, turned away. But before she left, following an impulse, he stopped her gently with a soft touch on her arm.

"I... I suppose you still like waltzes," he finally said, reaching out his hand to her, feeling his throat suddenly dry. Elizabeth hesitated for a long moment before taking his hand, allowing him to lead her to the ballroom.

Robert then conducted her elegantly through the ballroom, struggling to not get disturbed by the warmth of her hand in his, by her sweet scent or by the proximity between them.

Unlike what happened so many times in the past, her gaze not sought his, and her eyes seemed fixed on some point over his shoulder. And in some way, Robert was grateful for that, because he wasn't so strong.

Then she tilted her head slightly, and their eyes met. Light blue against dark brown. And for a brief moment he held her gaze until she abruptly pulled away from his arms, walking away from him, leaving him standing in the middle of the ballroom. Robert took only a second to recover, going after her but was stopped midway by Rosamund, who grabbed his arm.

"Stay here," Rosamund said to him in a low voice, scanning the room with her eyes and realizing that fortunately no one seemed to have noticed what had happened. She just failed to find Cora. "I'm going after her." He nodded in agreement silently and watched Rosamund disappear through the balcony door.


Cora was searching for Robert when she spotted him dancing with Elizabeth. She had gone out to the garden with Lady Albernale looking for some fresh air, and came back when she heard the strains of the waltz, but it seemed she had arrived too late.

It was not uncommon that both she and Robert danced with other people at parties like this. But she couldn't deny she had felt a pang of jealousy when she had seen him dancing with Elizabeth. Perhaps it was the knowledge that they shared childhood and youth memories, a part of his life, she still knew so little about.

Then, Cora had witnessed something very odd. She saw Elizabeth just leave Robert alone in the ballroom, in the middle of the waltz. That was very disturbing and she had no idea of what could have happened to Elizabeth act like that.

But she never had time to think about because Rose came to her with a worried expression on her face. Mary didn't seem to be feeling well. She then followed Rose, and meeting Robert halfway, had brought him with them.

They found Mary a little pale, drinking water, accompanied by Lord Guilligham and Lady Albernale. After that, they decided it was best to go home, so that Mary could rest.

Once returned, Robert called a doctor, despite Mary's protests, who said she had already recovered. The doctor examined her and found that Lady Mary had a simple indisposition without any further consequences, but only recommending her to take some rest.


Following doctor's recommendations, they had postponed their travel plans, and would stay one more day in London before returning to Downton.

Even after knowing that Mary was well, Robert had barely able to sleep. He was worried about Elizabeth, not knowing if she was alright, and without at least understand why she ran away. Perhaps he had offended her in some way, even though he couldn't suspected how. Or maybe... Maybe she felt exactly like him.

Robert closed his eyes for a moment, trying to clear his mind of that thought. Was already hard enough having to deal with his own feelings, and believing that she could feel the same way about him, it was too painful.

He heard Cora's footsteps approaching and opened his eyes to see her walking toward him, with a serious face.

They had argued again in the morning, just after breakfast, when she had insisted that they should come back to London after a few days. And what had started as a conversation, had ended as a heated argument between them, mostly due to his altered state of mind. Robert couldn't say how they had achieved that point for something that didn't even matter that much. But he knew he had gone too far being too rough with her. And the result of all that was now in front of him, in his wife's sully face and angry eyes.

"The girls and I were going out," she declared, and he simply nodded. " I believe you would not want to join us, would you?"

The tone of her voice left no doubt that the last thing she wanted was his company now, mostly for his relief. Even if they had not argued, he knew he would not be good company for anyone today. Robert said nothing, just held her gaze, trying to look as unflappable as possible.

"That's what I thought," she told him, turning on her heels and marching out of the library, passing beside Mary who had come in time to hear part of what her mother had said.

Mary watched her mother and then looked back at him. Robert tried to grin at her, but he knew by the look on his daughter he had failed miserably.

"Please, don't say anything," Robert said to her, frowning and nodding dissatisfied with himself. She approached him and placed a kiss on his cheek.

"I won't," Mary said to him with a grin, walking back to the door, where she stopped and turned again. "It is you who must say something. To Mama. And quickly."

Mary did not give him time to answer, leaving Robert there alone, thinking that suddenly all the women in his life seemed to have turned against him. Mary had always been like that since she was a little girl. She always found a way to tell him what she thought, even on issues that didn't concern her. And not always what she had to tell had pleased him, but he always had admired her bravery. At least she was not like Rosamund, whose sincerity was almost suicidal.

What did remember him how much he needed to talk to Rosamund.


Rosamund received him in the drawing-room, and he didn't have to say a word to let her know what had brought him there. Likewise he knew just by the look in her eyes that Rosamund did not approve of the way he was acting.

"She is fine, Robert." Rosamund told him, making a gesture with her hand to him sit down.

He seemed to be relieved by her words, but didn't sit.

"And what did she tell you?"

"She felt dizzy and need to get out for a breath of air." Rosamund looked at him, trying to look as natural as possible, but failing shamefully.

"She did not need to act like that. I could have gone with her to the garden."

Rosamund looked at him while thinking what to say to her brother. In fact, Elizabeth hadn't told much to her, when she had reached her. There were tears in her eyes, which she attempted to hide when she had seen Rosamund. About that, Rosamund was sure. And she had realized in the expression on Elizabeth's face that maybe she was as distraught with that reunion as Robert himself. But she knew she couldn't say any of that to him. Not without the risk of causing an irreparable damage. And she had already carried too much guilt for his brother's unhappiness in the past, to make the same mistakes again.

"What would be completely inappropriate, Robert," she finally replied. Robert did not argue against it, probably Rosamund was right. "And it was just that? She said nothing ... nothing more?" He asked, finally sitting on the couch beside her.

"I offered to find someone to help her, maybe one of her sons, but she declined. So we stood there talking about the party and her return to Haxby, until she felt better."

Rosamund looked at him for a long moment. She dismissed the footman after he had served them tea, staying alone with Robert again. Incredibly they had had no opportunity to talk alone, since everything happened. He had avoided her while she had been at Downton, and after a while, she just gave up fearing raising Cora's suspicions. But now they were finally alone, and that would be possibly the best chance she would have to talk to him and try to call him back to the reason before he could do something stupid.

"Robert," she had said when they were finally alone. "I realized how much you were disturbed by Elizabeth's return. And I can't imagine how you're feeling. But you must remember that your choices could make many suffer."

He smirked, looking at her seeming suddenly bitter. And Rosamund felt again the blame for the decisions she had made in the past, again felt the weight on her shoulders when she realized the look of pain in his eyes.

"None of you thought about how Elizabeth and I would actually suffer when you made your choices in the past," he said finally with an accusatory tone in his voice, harshly.

"What do you mean by this, Robert?" She asked him, without fully understand what he just had said, an alarm ringing inside her head.

"You know very well what I'm talking about, Rosamund." He looked at her with an angry look.

But they had no time for anything else. Rosamund's butler had entered the room announcing the arrival of Cora and his daughters. And Robert turned his back to his sister, trying to collect himself. Rosamund hastened to receive them in the foyer, giving some extra time for Robert, before bringing them to join him in the drawing-room.


The train journey to Italy had been a nightmare. He had been unable to sleep, read or do anything but think of all that his father had told him days before, and how his relationship with his parents had been shaken.

In all his lifetime, Robert had never challenged them. He had left three days after that horrible talk with his father, and during those days Robert had tried to avoid his parents as much as possible. And yet, whenever they had met, they had come to argue fiercely, and harsh words had been spoken from both sides. Words those who had left their marks on Robert.

Robert could understand very well what was at stake, because he loved Downton as much as his father. But he also loved Elizabeth, more than anything. Moreover, he tried to hold in the hope that he could find a way to save them from bankruptcy. They still have almost two years, and it was enough time for Robert to find a solution. Although now he didn't have the slightest idea what it could be.

Before traveling, Robert had sent to Elizabeth a telegram, telling her of his arrival. Then he was a little surprised by the fact that there was no one waiting for him at the train station, but he chose not to give much importance to it. He quickly found a carriage that could lead him to the address Elizabeth had given him before she and her family departed for Italy.

His Italian was poorly, and so it took longer than he'd like to come to terms with the conductor about the cost of the trip and his destination. He was left in front of a house with a beautiful facade and a small and cozy garden at the front. Robert walked up the steps finally feeling a sense of relief.

Shortly he would be with Elizabeth, and they could finally tell everyone. And as soon as Lord Dunnington gave them his consent, all the pain and confusion he had lived in recent days would finally end.

He was greeted by the butler, and identified himself. The man picked up his hat, gloves and suitcase, asking him to wait in the foyer, as he would advise the family of his arrival.

The house was silent, but he could not expect anything different after the tragedy that had befallen this family. Robert took a deep breath, trying to clear his mind of all dark thoughts. He needed to find the minimum amount of strength that could bring those people some comfort.

The butler took a long time to return, but finally asked Robert to accompany him to the library where he would be received by Lord Dunnington.

Robert was disappointed when he went into the library and found only Lord Dunnington waiting for him. Perhaps Elizabeth, her mother and her sisters would come to join them in a while. And he took the serious expression on Lord Dunnington's face only as a sign of grief for his son and home.

After a few minutes talking about how was his trip, Robert finally asked about Elizabeth, and Lord Dunnington told him that she had gone for a walk with her mother and sisters. That made Robert feel slightly baffled, after all he hoped she was as eager to see him as he was to see her.

Robert then decided to seize the moment and reveal his intentions to Lord Dunnington at once. He could not wait anymore and that was the main reason for his trip anyway.

Lord Dunnington listened to him cautiously, his face expressionless, while Robert declared his love for Elizabeth and asked for his consent for him to marry her. There was a long, awkward silence between them, and Robert tried to control his anxiety while waiting for Lord Dunnington's answer.

"I am very honored by your words, Lord Downton," Lord Dunnington paused looking at him before proceeding. "But I fear that my daughter does not feel the same for you."

Robert looked at him, momentarily confused, blankled. "I don't want you to take me as insolent man, sir. But I'm sure about Elizabeth's feelings, as much as I have about mine."

"I must say, Lord Dowton, that you must have misinterpreted her friendship for you."

He was not mistaken, he had the full assurance that Elizabeth loved him, not just as a friend. He had seen the love in her eyes over the past few months, he had seen it in the expression of joy on her face when he had proposed to her. Robert didn't understand why Lord Dunnington was telling him that.

"I'm really sorry to disappoint you, my dear boy, but it is my obligation let you know that Lady Elizabeth is already engaged with another gentleman."

Suddenly it was as if he'd been punched in the stomach, and he looked at Lord Dunnington with a horrified expression in his eyes, feeling sick. That could not possibly be true. Definitely not. There had to be some sort of mistake.

"Excuse me, Lord Dunnington, but I can not believe it. Must be all a misunderstood. I know..."

"There is no misunderstood, Lord Downton. Unfortunately." He looked at him gravely.

"Lord Dunnington, I insist that it makes no sense. I suggest we talk with Elizabeth. I'll wait for her here. I'm sure she will clarify everything."

Lord Dunnington let out a long sigh, and for the first time Robert saw in the older man's face a look of consternation, as if he was struggling with a very tough decision.

"I wanted to avoid this, Lord Downton. But maybe is the only way you will understand that you are mistaken about what are my daughter's feelings for you."

Lord Dunnington then rang the bell, calling the butler, and asked him to call Lady Elizabeth to come down to the library to join them. And it was before a stunned Robert that minutes later Elizabeth entered the room. Robert smiled at her, but she looked away, and his face fell.

"Elizabeth, Lord Downton came here to declare his feelings for you and to make you a marriage proposal." Lord Dunnington's voice seemed to echo in the room. Elizabeth said nothing, and on her face was an infinite sadness.

"I'm very honored, Lord Downton." She said, finally, in a hushed voice, in contrast to the steady voice of his father.

"I informed him that despite his proposal had honored us very much, this is no longer possible, since you're already engaged to another gentleman. But Lord Downton insists that there must be some mistake, because you love him."

Robert looked at her, hoping she could finally clear everything up. But he felt the fear rising in his chest as he realized a embarrassed expression on her face.

"I'm truly sorry, Lord Downton... but what my father told you is true. I am engaged to another gentleman,... and we'll get married as soon as possible. "

"You cannot marry another man! We love each other! Please, Elizabeth, tell your father that this is all a mistake, that you love me, we're getting married and we will be happy..." Robert said, his voice almost a plea, his eyes filled with tears.

Elizabeth seemed to take a deep breath, and he could have sworn she had tears in her eyes when she finally spoke, her voice trembling slightly.

"I'm sorry if I ever made you think that my feelings for you were more than friendship, Lord Downton. But I hope you understand that I love someone else, and it is with him that I will marry."

Robert could not take his eyes off her, unable to speak any single word. It was as if suddenly someone had taken the ground from under his feet, and he saw his whole world falling apart just before his eyes. He could barely believe his ears. It was like someone else and not his beloved Elizabeth who was there before him, thrusting a knife into his chest, shamelessly.