In the days that followed John's death, Robert and Cora both experienced a range of resulting emotions. Robert felt very relieved. Each time he looked at Cora he saw the chance for freedom and happiness. The shackles were broken once and for all and he could start thinking about how he was going to marry her. No longer did he have a dark and dangerous shadow in the back of his mind just waiting to leap out should he let his guard down. He now felt so much more at ease but he knew there was still a big path to trek before Cora would be his in wedlock. He did not question that their relationship would endure until that moment but he knew that he had to keep protecting her. She was vulnerable at the moment. She had witnessed a horrible ending to a mangled life, the life of her husband. Despite everything, Robert did feel a little bit sorry for the chap. He had dabbled in substances that had taken control of him, made him behave terribly, made him hurt the woman Robert loved. And if he hadn't done that, Robert very much doubted Cora would have accepted his advances let alone allowed herself to be with him. Sorry yes, but thankful too.

A crinkling sound alerted Robert to the fact that he was still holding his morning paper and had been staring off into space for untold minutes as he mulled over everything yet again. He turned his head to the sound of the back door opening and closing and a moment later Cora appeared wearing a sunhat, clutching an easel while Miss Lacombe followed with some painting equipment.

"How is it coming along?" Robert asked as she trooped by.

"Very well thank you. It should be ready tomorrow," Cora informed him before continuing to the hallway.

The day after John died, Cora had produced some paint brushes, a blank canvas and an easel quite out of the blue along with a hurried explanation about Miss Lacombe getting everything for her a couple of days earlier. When Robert had tried to ask what she planned to paint, she had been very vague and said it would be a surprise. This had Robert quite intrigued. He did not know this side to her and every morning since she had spent three or four hours sitting outside under the tree where she had been when he had returned to her.

What Robert did not yet understand was that painting had always brought a lot of peace and comfort to Cora in the past and now that John was gone, she wanted to do something special for Robert. But beyond that, it gave her an opportunity to take a step back and consider everything alone.

Cora had felt a huge burden lift from her shoulders after the initial shock had worn off. She had felt so light that she thought she could possibly tread on water. But after the elation came the worry. At first she didn't grasp why she would still be experiencing such an unwelcome feeling but then it slowly came to her. This period in her life would never leave her despite its cause now lying cold in the ground somewhere. There would always be things that would trigger certain memories and more alarmingly, she knew that she would almost certainly be caught off balance each and every time.

So Cora had turned to her painting, just as she had tried to once when she was still with John. It symbolized hope and a peace of mind while also giving her something else to focus on. And anyway, she wanted to show her gratitude to Robert. He had been steadfast and solid through it all. Supportive, attentive and very loving, all of which served to endear him in her heart more than ever. She was determined to look to her future with him now with every fiber of her being but she was very much aware that their time at Rooksway was coming to an end. Robert would be expected back from the 'Midlands' by his family and she couldn't just saunter back with him. Another sore point was in this grave fact. Where would she go? How would they handle this?

"Finished hiding your work of art my dear?" Cora had unseeingly breezed back into the dining room still wrapped up in her own musings. Everything became clear before her eyes and she sought out Robert, still sitting in his armchair. Robert folded his paper and held out his hand which Cora took as he guided her into his lap, placing an arm around her waist as he did so.

"What is it Cora? You seemed a million miles away moments ago." Robert still held her hand and ran his thumb over the back of it gently. A small smile of contentment passed her features and she shifted so she was resting against his chest.

"It nothing really," she replied softly. Cora had no desire to return to such a depressing line of thought so quickly now she was in Robert's arms.

"I know that isn't true darling," he whispered into her hair. "We have both been trying to put it off but it can't be any longer I'm afraid. Mama expects me back on Saturday and I will have to show up." A pained noise emitted from Cora as she cuddled closer to him, a part of her unwilling to accept this reality. "And unfortunately," Robert continued gently, "I won't be able to just leave again. I have been away for so long already and Mama in particular won't keep buying it. We have to go back."

"But why can't I stay here?" Cora entreated. "Miss Lacombe could look after me and you could train up and-"

"It'll be too difficult over such a distance," Robert cut in. People will begin to suspect if I am always disappearing on different days for hours at a time. And the villagers, if they see me on a frequent basis then Papa will want answers."

"But where am I to go then?" Cora asked quietly.

"I have been giving that a great deal of thought and I think the best option is to return to London. Go to see your father-in-law. He is a good, kind man if what you have told me about him is anything to go by. And he will be grieving his son alone. You returning to him at this time will allow you the best chance of forgiveness and therefore, somewhere to stay until everything is settled." Robert ran his hand lightly over Cora's back as he used his other one to lift her chin up so he could face her. Cora was visibly worried. She was frowning and her eyes were sad.

"I would have to tell Lord Furringham everything then," Cora concluded nervously.

"No Cora, you tell him the truth, but leave everything with me involved out of it. Including me will not help you."

"Well that is a rather large chunk of explaining gone," Cora laughed slightly.

"Only give the basic facts. If he wants to know more, weigh your answer first. I know that you can do this." She nodded and kissed his neck before settling down again.

"At least if I am in London I will be closer to you," Cora murmured, her breath tickling his neck.

"Exactly," Robert affirmed, pleased that she had seen a positive side to the situation. "And if you have a problem, I will get you out of there somehow. We can write to each other every day and arrange to meet in different places. Then once the dust has settled, we can start courting in public."

"Oh Robert, I cannot wait for that part already. It will be so nice to receive your attentions in society without worrying," she sighed happily.

"Are you happy with everything I have suggested though? You get a say in this as well."

"Yes darling. I believe you are right and I trust you."

It was a mild, cloudy day as Robert and Tom pulled their horses to a halt outside Grantham House. Robert's stomach was full of knots. How familiar this scene was. It seemed like yesterday that he and Tom had come to buy him more time with Cora and now here they were again. That time was at an end and tying up loose knots was necessary. The men dismounted their horses and made their way up the path but had not even started up the porch steps when the door opened and an excited Rosamund bounded out like a rogue school girl.

"Robert! How are you darling brother?" she said, the beading on her dress glittering as the sun broke through the clouds.

"I am well thank you. Lady Crawley may I present Viscount Berkley."

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Lady Crawley," Tom remarked and bowed accordingly. Rosamund answered with a curtsey.

"So you are Robert's cover?" she drawled. Tom turned a striking rose colour at her words.

"Strictly speaking, yes."

"You had better make an appearance then," Rosamund observed.

"Well why else do you think he is here?" Robert challenged.

"Well I am quite sure he would work Mama into a most, er, energized mood." Tom's face transformed from its rosy complexion into a much darker crimson. Just how many people knew about that incident? Rosamund giggled and led the way inside.

Dinner was much too quiet for Violet's liking. What was going on in that head of his? Robert seemed to be very distracted. He had already knocked his wine, slopping it over the mahogany table and added a bit too much salt to his meal for he had immediately pulled a face with the following bite.

Rosamund was sitting beside him, chatting very chirpily about her upcoming engagement ball and wedding plans while Patrick sat listening intently to his daughter. Violet would have thought that Robert would have been keen to get caught up with all of his sisters' happy news but instead he was just poking at his food moodily. She wondered what could have possibly brought this about. He had spent the whole afternoon with Tom detailing their adventures much to Rosamund's amusement and he seemed to be very plucky then. Something had clearly happened, but what?

"…And Mr Painswick says that he has successfully arranged with the vicar for the wedding to be on the last weekend of summer," Rosamund finished in her most bubbly voice. "Isn't it wonderful?"

"Absolutely it is. My dearest daughter I am so pleased for you," Patrick agreed enthusiastically.

"Of course you would be," Violet fired across the table at him. "He is going to need some polishing you realize?"

"Oh come now darling. You are being over dramatic," Patrick dismissed. Normally, Violet would not just take a dismissal lying down but Robert had once again caught her eye and he was whispering something hurried to Rosamund who was exuding an entirely different countenance from moments earlier. Robert caught his eye and pulled away from his sisters' ear almost instantly.

"There is no need to whisper your joys to Rosamund in private Robert," Patrick said.

"I am very happy for her Papa," Robert confirmed as he turned back to look at Rosamund. It was almost undetectable but in that moment, an emotion Violet couldn't quite read flashed across Robert's face. She continued to watch as Robert smiled at his sister but somehow Violet sensed that it wasn't quite his full-bodied, good-natured smile that he so often displayed. This brought her back to where she had started her analyzing. Something wasn't quite right, she could feel it in her bones. And she also sensed that Rosamund had some hand in it as well. As Violet placed her knife and fork back on the table having eaten her fill, she resolved to speak with Rosamund that very night.

The next day, Cora arrived back in London just as she and Robert had agreed. Her hired carriage trundled down street after street in the great city and as Cora looked out the window she was suddenly struck with a worry that had nothing to do with facing her father-in-law for the first time in weeks. She had gone over all the potential scenarios all the way back to London and had now quite exhausted the subject. People walked up and down the pavement as her carriage continued on, some huddled in groups. As she was pulled past these clusters of men and woman, Cora wondered how easily her friends would accept her back into the fold. She was certain they would all know that she had disappeared but what was more worrying was the gossip which would have flared up as a result of it. She would have to not just tell Lord Furringham a few basic facts but society at large too.

Cora began to feel light-headed as she neared her destination. It all seemed like such a daunting prospect now and she wished Robert was in the carriage with her to soothe and comfort her. A few more minutes passed and she was starting to feel the effects of a headache. Groaning, Cora leaned back and closed her eyes, knowing she needed to be fresh and alert for her reappearance at Durham House. The carriage became still minutes later and Cora opened her eyes again. The time for self counsel was over, reality had returned.

Elliot could not keep the shock off his face as he opened the door to reveal Cora standing apprehensively on the doorstep.

"Milady!"

"Hello Elliot," Cora said, hoping her voice would not dessert her.

"You had better come inside," he said and stepped to one side for Cora to pass. He shut the door and led Cora through the foyer and into the library where Lord Furringham sat with his back to her on the other side of the room, hunched over his desk.

"Lady Durham Your Lordship," Elliot announced.

Lord Furringham did not move at all, still absorbed in whatever was in front of him. "What about her?" the old Lord asked.

"She is right here Your Lordship," Elliot explained. Lord Furringham spun around faster than he had meant to and pain shot through his back, causing him to wince. His eyes widened as he took in his lost daughter-in-law who seemed to be healthy and no worse for wear wherever she had been. He rose from his chair and made for Cora as Elliot took his leave.

There was a loud pounding in her ears as Cora watched her father-in-law hastily approach her. She swallowed and tried to keep her breathing even. Lord Furringham stopped right in front of her, his chest heaving with emotion. Or was it the effort? Cora couldn't quite tell. He certainly looked older than what she remembered and it saddened her to think she was probably one of the contributing factors.

"My dear child, it brings me great joy to see you returned alive and well." Lord Furringham reached for her hands which she gave to him, numb from his reaction. She watched as he kissed each hand in turn. She wasn't sure exactly what to expect but she thought he would waste no time in chastising her for vanishing for an extended period. Instead, Lord Furringham linked their arms and took her from the library to the parlour where there was a fire going, all the while enquiring about her health. Perhaps his son's death had altered his opinion of his daughter-in-laws actions so much Cora would be spared any unpleasantness. Or maybe he, and society at large, still didn't know what had transpired up north.

Lord Furringham guided Cora over to the sofa and they both sat down, trying to feel out who would be the first to start the conversation. Cora sighed and decided that rather than be subject to goodness knows how many questions, she ought to take the initiative. She was feeling calmer now that what she had anticipated initially had not eventuated. Her blue eyes silently communicated with his brown ones and she inhaled.

"I know I owe you a very large apology for running away," Cora began. "And I hope very much that once I have explained the circumstances that you would consider forgiving me." Old Lord Furringham smiled kindly, boosting her confidence.

"You mean to tell me that you ran away because of my son." Cora was dumbstruck. She stared at her father-in-law and shook her head slightly, trying to process his abrupt assessment.

"How? How do you…?" she trailed off. Lord Furringham raised an eyebrow at her.

"Has your articulation abandoned you my dear?" Cora's laughter rippled through the air at this question. Her English Papa had always been very good to her and it seemed that, despite everything, he still held her in high esteem.

"I guess it has, just a little," Cora owned.

"Then allow me to tell you my story first." Cora settled more comfortably on her side of the sofa expectantly.

"When you ran away, John was more wild than I had ever seen him. He came to me asking for assistance to find you and I asked him if there was any reason for you to disappear. He denied me any knowledge in his possession for your leaving and I saw him frequently over the following days. As the time passed, he started turning up on my doorstep drunk and disorderly until I was on the point of turning him back out into the street but it proved to be a most useful tool." Lord Furringham drew his gaze to the dancing flames in the fireplace and sighed.

"What do you mean by 'a most useful tool'?" Cora enquired, confusion written on her face.

"He was getting so drunk that he started to become very vivid in his descriptions, most of them concerning you." Cora swallowed hard and frowned, curiosity rising rapidly to the surface. Seeing her expression, Lord Furringham immediately sought to ease her concern as best he could.

"From what I was able to piece together, my son had become a drunk but it seems that you running away was not the catalyst. Was it because of John's drinking that you ran?" Lord Furringham said quietly.

"Yes," Cora answered truthfully. "He never treated me well when he was drunk."

"I am not surprised because he didn't show me any respect either and it grew very tiresome." The firelight bathed Lord Furringham in warmth but it made him remember his white hot anger at his dead son's behaviour in this moment. Sadness at his own reaction crossed his features and his shoulders slumped while Cora noticed the lines of age on his brow and the shadows under his eyes.

"I don't wish to cause you any further pain," Cora hesitated.

"But?" Lord Furringham prompted.

"He was very rough with me when he was drunk. He-" Cora stopped abruptly as she tried to stifle a sob. Memories of how he had hit her, goaded her and thrust into her flooded back like a rebounded tsunami. Tears stung her eyes and Lord Furringham felt his heart break for the young woman in front of him. He was her Papa was he not? And he had failed her.

"Cora I am so sorry. So very sorry indeed." His voice was low, close to cracking and she raised her chin up from her chest where it had been drooping. "I hate to think just how badly he behaved with you. It certainly wasn't how he was raised. And know that I don't blame you for running away." Cora's breath rattled from her chest and she trembled a little at his admission.

"Thank you Papa," she whispered. Up until this point Cora had avoided calling him that as lingering doubts ran through her mind but now she knew that her relationship could be healed with him, her tears ceased and she gave her Papa a grateful smile.

"So where have you been all of this time?" Lord Furringham asked. Cora stilled completely and now found her attention fixed on the fire. She knew she had to be careful. Robert had instructed her not to include his part in the events and she did not mean to. Choosing her words carefully, she looked Lord Furringham in the eye.

"I found some accommodation north of London. Miss Lacombe, my ladies maid, came with me and looked after me." Lord Furringham reached across and patted her hand, accepting her brief explanation.

"I am glad someone went with you and kept an eye on you at least. What are your plans now that John has died?"

"You have heard too then?" Cora said swiftly.

"Yes, I know. A police officer paid me a call and told me they had found his body floating down the Thames. I assume that the drink got the better of him. I wasn't sure if you knew though."

"I was informed by one of the local papers," Cora lied. Her thoughts were elsewhere however, on the task that Mr Murdoch had undertaken for her and Robert. To get a body over such a huge distance, unseen was quite a feat in her estimation.

"Ah, I see. Well I would say the obvious place for you to stay now is with me," Lord Furringham stated frankly. Cora nodded and smiled gently.

"I would appreciate that very much Papa."

"You do realize that your sudden reappearance will cause quite a bit of gossip among certain people?"

"I am expecting it, yes," Cora sighed heavily.

"They won't want to see the truth my daughter and nor shall we give many details but we will give just enough information for you to be accepted again. I will escort you to events and try to keep the pressure off you." Cora felt her vision becoming salty and wet again.

"Oh Papa," she croaked emotionally and drew him into a hug.

Two days had passed and Cora had unpacked everything with the help of Miss Lacombe who had also returned with her. She was settling down for a few quiet days on the advice of her father-in-law while he let a few people know that she had returned safe and well. This, he had told her, would allow everyone to adjust to the idea of her being back properly and would thus increase her chances of a smooth transition back into society.

Cora was sitting in the drawing room by the window as the sun shone brightly overhead when Elliot appeared in the doorway. After initially eying Cora wearily as though she was an unknown quantity, the butler had taken to being even more formal than he used to be when they were at Brougham House. Cora supposed that he was simply having trouble trusting her again when he had very much been John's man.

"Excuse me My Lady," he said stoically. Cora turned her attention away from her embroidery to the butler and immediately laid eyes on the note in his hand.

"What is it Elliot?" she said while trying to keep her face straight.

"This letter has just come for you." Elliot crossed the room briskly and handed it to her.

"Thank you Elliot," Cora said and Elliot retreated, shutting the door behind him which was a great relief to Cora. She bent over her delivery and examined the handwriting and recognized it as Robert's. A wave of happiness and relief coursed through her veins as she broke the seal and started to read the contents.

My dearest Cora,

I cannot begin to properly express how much I have been missing you these last four days. It was such a relief to receive your letter about Lord Furringham. At least that is one thing we do not need to concern ourselves with any further.

Your painting has taken pride of place in my dressing room. I have left it on the easel in the corner by my mirror so I can enjoy it privately. Papa, Mama and Rosamund all think it is beautifully done but of course, only Rosamund knows who painted it. I told Papa and Mama I purchased it in Milton Keyes.

But I must talk to you my love, I must see you. I go to bed each night and often wake myself up when I roll over and try to put an arm around you when it falls through thin air. I walk into a room and half expect to find you sitting on a chair, waiting for me to appear and I long to hold you in my arms and tell you how much I love you.

I propose that we meet today at The George Inn at three o'clock if you have no other plans. We won't meet in the same place all the time as it will look suspicious but for this first time it is the easiest choice I think as you already know it. Please send me a note directly with your answer.

Robert

Cora reread the letter twice more and struggled to stop herself from dancing to the desk to write a response. She had been eagerly anticipating his response to her letter from the previous day and the idea of meeting him already was a prospect to savour. She was missing him terribly but it had been suppressed a bit due to her working to restore all elements of her relationship with her father-in-law and having to sort out everything that had been brought over for her from Brougham House. Then there was the large pile of letters from her mother that she had been steadily working her way through after Lord Furringham had given them to her the previous afternoon. Having so much to do had kept Cora's mind focused but in her quiet moments she still yearned for Robert. An hour later, she was on her way under the guise of needing some fresh air.

Robert pulled on the reins of his mount and jumped off before the animal had even come to a complete halt. He hastily led his horse over to one of the free posts outside and tied the reins to the steel hoop at the top. Turning back, he walked to the front door of The George Inn, bending down as he passed under the small doorway.

The room was lighter than it had been on the previous occasion. Apparently the owner had decided to add a few more candle brackets and the small windows had all been thoroughly cleaned. It wasn't very busy at that time of day and Robert took nearly a straight route to the bar and had a word to the barman.

"She is here," he said, looking rather bored and uninterested.

"Thank you." Robert turned away from the barman towards the door at the side that led into the back room. He opened the door and took in the sight of his love, sitting serenely in one of the chairs.

Cora was on her feet immediately in the second she saw him as Robert closed the door behind himself and they raced towards one another.

"Cora!"

"Robert!"

They collided together in a tight embrace. "My darling, how I have missed you." Robert spoke softly into her hair.

"Oh Robert," Cora sighed. "Me too."

A/N Sorry this took a while. I have been and am still sick and have also been distracted by the upcoming Valentines Exchange. Thanks also to Nova Super for being my Beta despite not feeling well too.

Tebae: Firstly, thanks for the review. I couldn't think of another way to respond. I know you asked me not to be too harsh with Robert and Cora but there are a few things I still plan on dealing with. Don't worry, John won't awake from the dead or anything though ;)