Lord Downton guided Cora from street to street. She had no idea where they were and had little choice but to trust him. Her mare seemed content to walk just slightly back from Lord Downton's mount as they continued over a bridge. Just beyond that, the houses thinned out to make way for the entrance of a park. Lord Downton steered their horses to the post where he brought them to a stop and dismounted.

"I thought it might be good to get some fresh air. It is so difficult to come by in London," he explained as he tied the horse leads to the post. He came around the horse to Cora who was still sitting on her horse. "I know you weren't expecting it and I know I will miss dinner as it is getting late but the sun is at its best in the height of summer. Have you any objection?"

Cora knew that it was late enough to already warrant concern from Elliot but he was the only one she would have to worry about for once. "John is back at Furringham Palace for the rest of the week," Cora confessed. "He left first thing this morning on urgent business so I daresay I could allow for a detour." She turned slightly and dismounted as Lord Downton's hands caught her in descent. Cora quickly turned away as a blush crept up her neck. She felt him remove his hands from her back after a lingering moment and noted how big they were.

"Well shall we?" he said uncertainly. Cora composed herself and turned to face him.

"We shall Lord Downton," she replied and lead the way into the park with him at her side.

They took a leisurely pace along the path which was lined with trees and oil lamps. They both laughed as they passed by some squirrels that seemed to be arguing over a nut and followed the path as it opened up revealing a pond. Lord Downton halted at the side and watched its inhabitants casually. Cora stood silently beside him, unsure of what to say. She was spared the trouble when he cleared his throat, "Lady Durham, may I ask if you are happy?" he said cautiously.

"Of course I am. Why should I not be?" Cora rebuked as she absorbed his blunt question.

"Then why do I find myself feeling so skeptical about it?" Lord Downton mumbled more to himself than to her as he stared out over the pond. Taking a deep breath he turned to face her. "I saw some red and rather inflamed looking marks on the back of your neck just under your hair at the Masquerade Ball. Where did you get them?" His eyes met hers and she hastily looked out over the pond. Cora felt like she was at a crossroads and a big part of her wanted to tell him the truth but she remained silent. And more concerningly, she sensed he had an idea anyway. "Come, I must get you back to your house or they will worry I daresay."

Cora stopped in front of the door as Lord Downton stepped back towards the porch stairs. "You needn't have fussed so much but I appreciate it. I only have Elliot keeping an eye on me," she explained.

"That being the case would you consider it impertinent for me to call on you tomorrow morning?" Lord Downton asked.

"But what will everyone else say?" Cora responded.

"I take it you mean wider society?"

"Yes. It might be interpreted the wrong way," Cora said uncomfortably.

"Does anyone else know that Lord John is away?" he enquired.

"Aside from the butler and valet, no," she admitted. "Alright then, you may come so long as it stays between us."

"Then we are agreed. I shall come at 10 o'clock. Good evening Lady Durham," Lord Downton said as he bowed.

"Good evening," Cora echoed as she caught his departing smile and rang the bell to be let inside.

Cora heard the clip clop of hooves and the knock at the front door and hastily marked the page in her book before hurrying downstairs. Elliot opened the front door to reveal Lord Downton and Cora quickly stepped forward onto the porch.

"It's alright Elliot, you may go."

"Very good My Lady," Elliot acknowledged and retreated.

"Good morning Lord Downton," Cora said politely. "Listen, I have been thinking. Could we maybe go somewhere else to talk? I don't want the servants to get the wrong idea," she said tentatively.

"I wondered why you dismissed Elliot before I could give him my hat and gloves. Very well, since you are making such a deal of it we can. There is an inn on the edge of town and we could even travel separately if you like," he offered.

"You know what that implies though." Cora shifted from one foot to the other, not daring to look at him.

"If anyone says anything then they can think what they like," Lord Downton returned exasperated. "It is just so we may converse over a drink and some food," he continued more softly.

"Then why do I feel so, so guilty?"

"Then would you like me to bring this all to a close right now and we can just be acquaintances?" Lord Downton said irritably. She was a married woman and therefore didn't need an escort after all. He was starting to question his reasoning for wanting to get to know her but suppressed it as he thought of the information in his possession. Cora had paused, thinking carefully.

"Maybe, but that is not what I want," she answered slowly.

"I agree. What do you want Lady Durham?" Cora wrong footed by his forwardness as she struggled to find an answer for him. "I just want to get to know you, that's all. There is something about you that I am drawn to but I am not sure what it is," Lord Downton finished. Cora stood still, totally stunned. She had never expected him to go that far being English.

"I, I must confess Lord Downton that I never thought you would say anything like that! I thought you were just being kind," she said. Lord Downton let loose a laugh.

"Indeed I may have just surprised myself," he began awkwardly. "You see I have heard some things about your husband that have set my blood boiling over the last few months. I always wondered if he showed his wife the proper care and respect that a husband should, even if there is no love. I get the strong impression he doesn't," he stated simply. Cora's heart began to race.

"Well you are right," she blurted out before she had a chance to stop herself. Somewhere in the back of her mind, Cora was curious about the information Lord Downton had come across.

"I just want to try to help you Lady Durham." Cora found herself considering if she misinterpreted all of their conversations, every sign since their meeting as she mulled over his last words. He wants to help me, but how? And if that is all, he has no right to try to interfere with my marriage. Her thoughts jumped about helter skelter and she suddenly felt burdened with confusion over her feelings for him and afraid as an image of John materialized in front of her. Blinking away the image she refocused on Lord Downton who was observing her with some concern. "Are you quite well?"

"Yes thank you, I do not need help. Good day," Cora croaked as she turned and hurried back through the still open door and shut it hastily leaving Lord Downton on the other side, shell shocked.

A/N I know this chapter is a lot shorter than the others so far but I have my reasons. Thanks for the reviews, please keep them coming :)