It was amazing how a glass of cold water cold make one feel so refreshed after what had been by far the laziest day that Cora could remember since being a toddler. She drained the contents almost in one go and placed her glass down on the kitchen bench by the sink. She found her imagination wandering out the window, across the lawn and beyond the hedgerow and hoped that Robert would be back soon. It had already been nearly five hours and he had promised her a walk after all.

As if to answer her prayers, the sound of hooves and carriage wheels approaching caught Cora's attention and she spun around on the spot. The carriage stopped moving and Cora pushed off from leaning on the bench heading for the door but as she reached the hallway she froze. A voice she didn't recognize was wafting through the wooden door from the other side, a female voice. Suddenly, Cora found herself frantically trying to pull her torn emotions together. Why would Robert bring another woman here? The doorknob turned and Cora ducked back into the kitchen and dived for her glass with the intention of putting on an air that she wasn't remotely affected by his actions.

"Are you sure you can manage?" Robert's voice floated into the room as Cora refilled her glass.

"Quite sure Your Lordship," the voice said as it drew closer.

"Yes that is the door. The kitchen is through there," Robert informed her. Cora kept her gaze firmly out the window. Why would that woman address him like a servant? None of this was stacking up.

"Hello Milady," a soprano voice murmured behind Cora. Cora's eyes widened. Perhaps that voice wasn't so unfamiliar? She carefully placed her glass back on the bench and turned to find Miss Lacombe staggering over to her as she juggled four bags piled high with food.

"Miss Lacombe!" Cora exclaimed and rushed forward to relieve her of one of the bags. She set it down and made way for her Ladies' Maid to do the same. "My goodness. How, how is it-" Cora could not finish such was the shock.

"I brought her back from London with me." Cora half jumped as Robert came up behind her, two bags in hand and managed to kiss her temple without losing his balance.

"You-, what?" Cora stammered. "London?" She stared at him blankly, waiting for some sort of explanation because she was now quite sure she was dreaming.

"Yes my dear, London." Robert watched her in mild amusement as she fought to comprehend it. He put his bags down and allowed Miss Lacombe to start unpacking everything, pulling Cora to the side in the process.

"You never said anything about London," Cora muttered. "You just said you were going to get supplies."

"And I also said that I needed to contact my family," Robert reminded her.

"Haven't you ever heard of telegrams Robert?" Robert snorted before he could stop himself and turned a delicate shade of crimson as Cora cringed.

"Of course but they needed to see me. Think of how it would have looked if I disappeared at the same time as you for an untold period."

"I guess so," Cora conceded.

"They think I am swanning around the countryside with a few of my chums and as an extra precaution I told them I had called on your estranged husband to offer any assistance." Cora turned whiter than a sheet. "That was where I ran into Miss Lacombe here, or rather he nearly did. She looked so frightened that I offered her a way out. Darling?" Cora was now clutching the sink as her knees threatened to buckle. "Cora?"

"Why would you offer him help?" she squeaked.

"To protect you," Robert responded as though it were obvious.

"How does that protect me Robert?" Cora cried. "How?"

"I think C. S. Forester put it best through one of his characters, Major CĂ´tard. 'The closer the enemy is, the harder he is to see.'" Cora gaped at him dumbfounded. Robert sighed and ran a hand down her back, settling it just above her buttocks. Her breathing was heavy and he gently nudged her towards one of the chairs at the little round table. Finally she raised her face back up to meet his intent study of her. Blushing slightly, she nodded.

"Cora I would never help John except to lead him on a wild goose chase in the most opposite direction from you that is possible. And anyway, he declined me. Honestly he was so rude I wanted to pummel him into the ground but that wouldn't have helped either of us."

"No surprise there then," Cora answered dryly. "Please just tell me you are going to London next time though. I was starting to worry." Robert hitched on a grin.

"You doubt I can take care of myself?" He adopted a serious expression and Cora couldn't help but think how handsome and refined he looked. She shook her head as her voice had once again, abandoned her. "I didn't tell you because I knew you would object," Robert owned up and watched as Cora raised her eyebrows.

"Well you would be right about that," she agreed.

"Now I believe I promised to show you around?" Robert said, changing the subject. "We had better go now or we'll lose the light while out there." He stood up and Cora mimicked him as he headed for the front door. "We will be back in time for tea," he called back to Miss Lacombe.

"Very good Milord," she confirmed and then they were gone.

The wood that Robert had been leading Cora through for half an hour was filled with wildlife. Cora had been catching glimpses of deer, various birds, grey squirrels and she even thought she saw a fox. As they trudged over the undergrowth, their conversation had been flowing easily. On the way back to the cottage, which Robert told her was called Rooksway, he had arranged a place for Miss Lacombe to stay in Downton Village.

"So she will come first thing every morning and leave once you are ready for bed each night," Robert finished. The trees were becoming fewer and the gradient of the land was becoming more pronounced.

"I am so grateful Robert. I don't know the first thing about running a house and she never told me her mother was a cook." Cora stepped on a twig which snapped loudly as they emerged near the brow of a hill. Cora began to pant as the final ascent was a lot steeper that any of the other terrain that they had covered. Robert grasped her hand, partially pulling her up with him.

"Nearly there," he assured her. Cora pumped her legs one at a time and finally came to the top of the hill where Robert stopped. "Look down there," he breathed, pointing to the left. Cora followed the direction of his arm and found herself staring avidly at a grand house on the flats below.

"Is that-?"

"That is Downton Abbey," Robert confirmed. "The Abbey is the highest part of the building that continues up past everything around it which was built by my ancestor, the first Earl after he was gifted the Abbey by His Majesty." The flag of Grantham fluttered in the wind, as if acknowledging them watching from their vantage point.

"My gosh," Cora whispered as she made out the ornate carvings, the square layout, the almost golden light brown stone and the surrounding grounds. "Robert your home is most beautiful," she told him earnestly.

"It will be your home too one day," he added as he stepped behind her and ran his hands up and down her arms as a late afternoon breeze played with their garments and hair.

"You don't know that for sure though," Cora sighed. "But I hope you are right. I should love to see it up close."

"That you will when the time is right," he assured her. "I want to marry you Cora. I want to be able to introduce you to society as Lady Downton, Cora Crawley, my wife. And I want to have children with you as well." Robert removed one of his hands to adjust his collar which was noticeably tighter than at the bottom of the hill. Before he could replace his hand, Cora turned and took him into a tight embrace as silent tears of joy spilled down her cheeks. Pulling his tweed jacket around her to keep the wind out Robert returned her hug and managed to catch her lips which had begun exploring the base of his throat.

"You have made me so happy Robert," she said softly as she pulled back for air. "I would love to be your wife. But that would mean I would have to get a divorce or something…" This familiar line of thinking was muffled by Robert who had caught her mouth open at just the right moment and was now prodding her soft, pink entrance. He felt her gate open and dipped his tongue inside, tasting her and investigating her. He ran it along the length of hers causing her to give an involuntary moan before withdrawing to allow her to get her bearings. She watched as he anchored his feet apart slightly before scooping her up in his arms. Cora shrieked in surprise and clutched his shoulders for dear life but soon relaxed as he started back down the hill.

"I know it was quite a hike to get up there," Robert said conversationally. "So I thought I would spare you the return journey, especially with the light fading now. I would hate to misplace you in the woods," he said and smiled wickedly. Cora pushed at him playfully but allowed him to carry her back to Rooksway and their first proper meal together.

"Thank you Miss Lacombe that will be all. You go and get settled in at your new place," Cora encouraged as her maid finished putting her hair together.

"Very good Milady, thank you," Miss Lacombe said solemnly as she backed away from Cora who was sitting at a very old vanity with a dusty mirror. "I will get this place cleaned up for you Milady," she hastened to add as Cora leaned in, inspecting herself.

"Thank you but don't worry about it now since you have only just arrived. Would you please tell Ro-His Lordship that I am ready for bed?" How easy it was to forget about formalities, Cora thought to herself as Miss Lacombe exited the room, down the hallway and through to the sitting area where Robert was waiting patiently.

Cora leaned back in her chair, satisfied with her appearance. She very much hoped that Robert would join her tonight and would use all of her feminine prowess to ensure it. A minute later she heard the front door close and footsteps in the hall. Robert appeared in the doorway and became motionless so Cora beckoned him in.

"Your carrying me all the way back here was so gallantry that I simply cannot have you sleeping on that couch again," she said matter-of-factly. He shifted from one foot to another, totally caught off balance by her forward opener.

"I still think it is too soon Cora. You are not fully recovered which is partly why I carried you," he confessed.

"Are you going to tell me that over such a long distance, carrying me hasn't tired you out at all?" Cora said testily.

"Just a very little," Robert owned. "You are quite light to carry." Cora swallowed and her head fell.

"Is that bad?" she blurted out as a sudden onslaught of self consciousness set in.

"Of course not!" Robert replied firmly. "From my point of view you are just right. I wouldn't change a single thing about you," he said fiercely. Cora got up and crossed the room to him. She reached behind him and pushed the door shut, desire starting to affect her thinking.

"Then why don't you get out of that jacket and come and join me? I promise I don't bite," she giggled and half skipped over to the bed where she yanked back the covers and buried herself underneath their inviting warmth. She then sat in bed, looking at him expectantly.

Robert had never been so uncomfortable in his life. His pajamas were still out by the couch, neatly folded. And what was worse, Cora looked like she was installed for a show. Oh what had he gotten himself into? It must surely be an American thing he decided. "Erm, I'll be right back Cora," he said and bolted out the door before she even registered his disappearance.

Racing through the hall and into the sitting room, Robert ripped off his clothes in nervous excitement. The thought of sharing a bed with Cora was more tantalizing than ever and something which he had often dreamt about since they had met. He had no intention of doing anything improper considering she was still sore and injured but just having someone to cuddle up to would be quite enough for now. He threw on his pajamas in record time, half wondering why it was so necessary to have a valet in normal circumstances and power walked back to the bedroom.

Cora was sitting quietly listening to the thumping and banging noises coming from the other end of the house. At first she had thought she had frightened him off but she had dismissed that idea when she realized that none of his belongings were in her room so she focused on the door instead. She didn't have a sound grasp on why she was behaving so boldly or the desire that was starting to affect her with the knowledge that Robert would share her bed for she had never experienced anything close to this with John. Somehow though, she knew it was natural and it gave her comfort.

Robert half bowled back into the room moments later and slammed the door shut behind him. He struggled to catch his breath as she cocked her head to one side.

"Sorry," he rasped. "My pajamas, hmph." He pulled himself together and went over to the vacant side of the bed. "Would you prefer that side," he asked almost shyly.

"If you don't mind," Cora said coquettishly and settled down onto her side to face him.

"No I don't mind. I never thought about having a favourite side so I am more than happy to just go with it." Cora pulled back the covers and patted the mattress encouragingly.

"I always preferred this side," she said, trying to lighten the mood. "Though I have never shared a bed like this before," she continued more nervously.

"That makes two of us then," he said and settled himself into the bed. "Cora if you want your own space then I will stay over this side," Robert offered awkwardly.

"Thank you for the offer but I would rather be close to the man I love," she whispered softly. "And why are we being so formal now?" Cora complained more loudly. Robert felt that almost all of that observation was directed at him.

"Have you an alternative? I am just trying to be accommodating to you," Robert said in a hurt voice as he stared up at the ceiling. Cora's heart plummeted. She hadn't expected such a straightforward task to disintegrate so quickly. Instinctively, she shuffled over and very slowly put her head on his chest as her arm found its way over his stomach. When he placed an arm around her she shifted closer, snuggling into his side.

"There, you are being accommodating just as you said," Cora said smoothly as her emotions continued on a rollercoaster ride. Robert couldn't suppress his smile.

"You really can be devious. I am going to have to watch it," he noted. She laughed and wiggled against him purposefully. "Oh Cora please don't tempt me like that," Robert pleaded. "I don't want you to think I will be just like, like him. I don't want you to think that I would just force myself on you as a result of a whim of my own desires." He cleared his throat and tried to get more comfortable which was very difficult with her close proximity.

"I know you are nothing like that Robert and I trust you completely. But what if I want you to have me?" Cora was now in such a state that her heart was pounding in her head as she waited for Robert to respond with bated breath. He lay in a stunned silence. He had not imagined this possibility so soon and thought he would have time to prepare himself more.

"Point of order my darling, I will love you not have you," he said, playing for time. "But honestly, I have never done this before and don't know where to begin."

"I admire your honesty Robert. Have you considered I don't really know where to begin either? I have never known love, only pain and terror. I am just following my nose here." Cora lifted her head to meet his and a look of understanding flashed between them.

"Then let us learn together," Robert suggested. Cora's lips curled upwards in mutual agreement.

Robert could not resist any more as he felt her body move against his again. He propped himself up on his elbows and she found herself uplifted off his chest. He then turned onto his side as Cora lay on her back and looked down at her very seriously. "If I hurt you, please tell me," he begged. Then his eyes fell on the gash on her arm from two days' before. As if receiving some unspoken instruction from somewhere Robert Crawley placed his hand over her wound as if to protect it from being knocked as he slowly reached for the hem of her nightgown.

Feeling hopelessly unromantic and stark he closed the gap between them and began to kiss her slowly and sweetly. A soft note trickled up her throat as his hand pulled her nightgown up further. His free hand worked its way under her back and he carefully lifted her off the mattress just enough to get the nightgown up to her shoulders as she raised her arms. In one brisk move, the nightgown was off and floating to the floor as Cora lay bare before him.

Robert reached out his hand again and brought it to a standstill on her hip and her warmth burned cheerfully into his palm so invitingly. The blankets on the bed were still high enough to cover her womanhood but Robert was soaking in the most enjoyable view he had of her small breasts. His hand leapt back into action and trailed up her side until it reached its destination. Simultaneously, he began to place feather kisses down her neck and along her collarbone as she whimpered slightly as he discovered her sensitive points.

Just when Robert thought he had hit his stride he felt a tug at his pajama buttons. Cora had found a hole in his onslaught and was now trying to undo his top button with one hand. After a couple of minutes of fiddling and her vision partly clouded thanks to his wondering hands and lips, the button slipped through the hole. Not wanting to waste more time, Cora managed to bypass Robert's arm and she nimbly undid the rest of his buttons, exposing his chest. Robert groaned as her fingertips ran over his rippling muscles and shoulders. His pajama top had soon departed to join her nightgown on the floor.

"God Cora, you are so perfect." Robert's voice vibrated against the base of her throat where he was currently concentrating. Cora's emotions skyrocketed at his wonderful words as she began to rake her fingers through his thick brown hair while he shifted lower. Cora began to tingle as Robert's fingertips played with one of her nipples and she began to release sounds she had never known were in her arsenal. Her evident pleasure soon had him in an escalated state of arousal and he eagerly slipped his hand down between her thighs, keen to experience the treasure hidden there.

Cora had lost her vision in a state of bliss when she felt Robert's fingers press intimately against her womanhood. The room came back into focus with a jolt as she felt him searching for something. He tore his concentration away from his hand that was moving under the blankets when he realized that she was looking at him. Cora was breathing more heavily from his first attempt at pleasuring her and she was now watching him carefully while a part of her paid particular attention to the way he was touching her.

Circling her entrance with his middle finger, Robert gently lifted into her soft valley until he settled on a small hill. Drawing on the knowledge he had acquired from his reading and his school friends, he lightly began to move over her hill. Cora let out a gasp and clung to her pillow for dear life as a wave of tingling and desire took a hold on her. Robert watched in fascination as she began to writhe under his touch and he gently pulled back the cover to reveal his finger dipping into her beautiful bush. The sight tightened the lower part of his anatomy fiercely.

"Oh good God!" Cora cried out as she peaked.

Removing his hand, Robert found that it was covered her substance. Cora's eyes fluttered open just in time to see him discarding his pants which had been concealing his very erect manhood. For a brief moment, Cora lay staring at him while he sat just beside her hips admiring her. Then their eyes became magnetized on each other. Robert immediately leapt into action and painstakingly lowered his body over her own, careful of the distribution of his weight. The anticipation was becoming too much for his manhood as he settled himself more fully on her. Cora instinctively pulled her legs up and around his hips to accommodate him, pressing her heels into his buttocks and causing him to groan loudly.

The fire deep in his chest raged and not another moment was wasted. Cora felt his tip press firmly against her cave and in an instant, Robert and slipped into her with the aid of her substance. The impact caused Cora to wince and Robert immediately stilled as her face contorted.

"Cora are you alright? Have I hurt you?" Robert asked in a worried tone. Cora sucked in air as best she could beneath him and she felt him retract slightly. It suddenly occurred to him that she could still be very aggravated inside as well from a couple of nights ago and he was mortified at the thought that he could make it worse.

"Yes, I'm alright. Really I am." Robert was unconvinced and began to pull out. "No please don't do that, please." Cora tensed slightly and pushed against his buttocks again in an effort to convince him. The feeling of her tightening around him with her soft heat drove Robert close to the edge and he barely bit back a sob of pleasure.

"Please stay," Cora whispered again, her breath on his neck. "I need you." Her words were his undoing. Throwing caution to the wind he thrust back into her hindquarters anew and began to rock her rhythmically but slowly. Cora brought her arms up around his back and ran her hands up and down in time with his movements. Robert looked down at her lovingly and he caught her locking their mouths in a deep kiss. Robert did not stop until their air supply was short. He took a couple of deep breaths and thrust more assertively and quickly inside of her. Cora whimpered softly and closed around him like she had before.

Their bodies were now totally in synch. As Cora tentatively continued to squeeze him, she rose up to meet his penetrations. Robert let out an almost growl-like sound from somewhere deep in his chest as her hands stroked over his sides and down further. He gripped her shoulders as he drove on into the unknown abyss, unable to stop, unable to slow down. A frenzied passion rose from within him and as the white hot pleasure became too much to take, Robert suddenly froze above her. Cora arched her back, exposed her throat and closed around him as his essence rushed into her. Robert rasped her name as she drank in every last drop, moaning and quivering, her blood pumping like crazy. Finally, Robert collapsed on top of her and fought to steady his breathing as he slowly slipped out of her.

Cora managed to collect her senses as she lay in his arms. She felt wonderfully relaxed, her forehead and chest were drenched in sweat but she didn't care because she could see it on Robert too. Lifting a hand to cup his cheek, Cora looked up at the man who had just loved her for the first time. Robert's heaving body was finally calming down and he pressed a kiss into the palm of her hand. Then he looked down at her anxiously and pecked her lips.

"Well?" Robert asked.

"Well what?" Cora giggled.

"Are you alright?"

"Oh yes, I promise you I am more than alright," Cora said with certainty.

"Thank goodness for that then. I hope you enjoyed that as much as I did. You are so exquisite Cora, I love you so much." Robert spoke passionately and ran a hand through her tangled hair that was glinting in the candlelight.

"Oh Robert you sweet man," Cora sighed. "Just so you know, it was very nice for me too. And to think it was only our first try. If this is what it feels like to be loved then I am very happy already." Their lips met again and Cora's arms curled around his neck. Sometime just before dawn, Cora fell asleep nestled against Robert as her post-coital state finally sent her to sleep.

A/N Sorry this chapter took a while to get out, work has been frantic and I was sick for some of it. Hope it has been worth the wait! And thanks to Tallulah James for creating a personalized cover image for my story! I am so grateful for all of your help and support :)