April 1888

It was the first truly warm and spectacular day of the year and Robert couldn't be more thankful. He had been waiting for a long time for a day where he could put his plan in motion and everything had to be perfect. He had risen earlier than usual so he could instruct the cook, Mrs Watson, on what lunch preparations were to be done. Then he had found Oldroyd and informed him of further preparations to be made before heading back to his dressing room where he was now at his window, watching the sun rise over the grounds. He was sure his fiancée would stir soon. She had proven to be quite the early riser since coming to Downton back in September, always eager to make the most of the days.

Over the past 8 months, their relationship had grown and solidified. Violet was not throwing verbal barbs to the same extent as she had before Rosamund and Marmaduke's wedding but her harsh stares at them were enough to remind them that she hadn't forgiven them and she barely spoke to Cora. When she wasn't busy shooting her disapproving looks at her soon-to-be daughter-in-law, she had taken to pretending Cora wasn't there at all which did nothing to improve Robert's feelings towards her. But he had been determined to suppress his ongoing struggle with his mother because he simply felt that it was a waste of his energy. Energy he would much rather be focusing on his fiancée's happiness. And she wouldn't be his fiancée much longer.

Today marked the final countdown to their wedding which was to take place a month to the day. And there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Pulling out his pocket watch and examining it, Robert decided he had waited long enough and eagerly made his way out of his room and down to the dining room where he found his father already halfway through his own breakfast.

"Good morning Papa," Robert said enthusiastically as he took his seat at his father's side. Patrick looked up from his eggs and bacon, noting the grin he was wearing.

"Good morning son. You certainly seem to have a bounce in your step today," he said as he took another bite.

"I do Papa. It's a beautiful day and you've kindly released me of my obligations to the estate for the day which means I am as free as a bird!" Robert announced with dramatic flair. Just then, Cora walked in, stopping as she saw Robert sitting there, one arm positioned as though he were actually gesturing to birds in the sky. Managing to swallow a giggle, she pulled up a chair opposite him and eyed him curiously.

"Have I just missed something of significance?" she inquired sweetly.

"No, no," Robert replied lightly. "I'm just in a very good mood."

"Well I'm pleased to hear it darling." Cora reached forward to help herself to some toast and jam as Charles poured her a cup of tea. "Thank you Charles," she acknowledged as she began to spread some butter on to her toast. Glancing up she noticed that Robert was watching her intently. "Robert?"

"Yes Cora?" he responded innocently.

"You seem preoccupied."

"I am, with you." Cora wasn't the only one at the table to feel heat rush to her cheeks.

"Erm son? Perhaps you could save this for when you two are alone?" Patrick interjected, placing his knife and fork down beside his now empty plate. Picking up his serviette he wiped his mouth and raised his eyebrows at his son who was biting his lower lip. He observed his son intently for a moment before rising from his chair. "I have a lot to attend to. I bid you both a good day."

"Good day," they both chimed.

Cora was still glowing as she returned her attention to her breakfast. She was sure Patrick had figured something out just now and she wasn't sure how she felt about that. He had a steady nature and he was a man of few words and despite the time that had elapsed, she still didn't feel that she knew him very well as a result. It was the not knowing that caused her to feel embarrassed and slightly unnerved now and she wished Robert had simply waited until they were alone.

"So what have you got planned today Cora?" her head shot up again to find he had successfully loaded his plate with food but still had not started eating, such was his intense gaze.

"Well I thought I would walk down to the village to see the dressmaker about some new outfits for the season," she began.

"Can it wait?"

"I- well yes, I suppose so."

"Good. Because it is far too beautiful a day to be spent indoors. Meet me in the hallway in an hour."

"You have plans for us?"

"Yes I do." Robert grinned and finally started eating some eggs.

"How lovely. What are we going to be doing?" Cora asked happily.

"You'll just have to wait and see."

They had been walking arm in arm for half an hour when they came to a gate in a wall. Cora turned and looked up at Robert. "I've never come here before, is this where we are going?" Robert chuckled.

"Well it is called the secret garden so I'm not surprised you haven't found it yet. It isn't too far from the house but at the same time it is very secluded. Come, we are nearly there." Stepping forward Robert guided her through the gate and onto a serpentine path which stretched out before them. Cora inhaled the sweet fragrances on the air of the many plants that surrounded the path, only a few beginning to awaken and she knew she would definitely love this place in the summer. She listened raptly as Robert began to point out some of the herbs that were planted off to one side. Further up the path they came across a section of different coloured roses. There, the path intersected with another winding gravel path and Robert urged Cora to the right. They walked on in serene silence for a couple of minutes before Robert suddenly stopped. Cora looked up at him with a puzzled expression. He then let go of her arm without explanation and walked off the path to where a hedgerow lined it on the left had side. Walking along it slowly he peered into its depths, seemingly searching for something.

"Um Robert I don't mean to pry but-"

"Ah huh!" Robert said triumphantly and slunk his arms into the hedge, making rustling noises and pushing twigs out of the way. Finally, one hand came into contact with a cool metal handle and he grasped it, and pulled. Cora watched in utter amazement as he opened the hedge and turned to her with a wide grin.

"After you my dear."

Quickly collecting her senses, Cora stepped past him through the hedge and found herself at standing on the edge of a pond, completely surrounded by a mixture of shrubs, wild flowers and the hedge that lined the south side. The snapping of more twigs and more rustling informed her that Robert had now closed the 'door' behind them. He padded up to her side quietly and a coy smile spread across his lips as he watched her openly gape at her surroundings.

"Beautiful," she breathed.

"I'm glad you think so though not as beautiful as you." Cora blushed and bit her lower lip. "This is the most precious gem in the secret garden and very few people come here, not even the gardeners. We prefer to let this place flourish of its own accord and I thought it would be the perfect place to have luncheon."

"Oh Robert." Cora turned to him fully now and her eyes shone like sapphires. "This is indeed perfect, thank you so much!" Stepping closer she leaned up and gently pecked his cheek. Returning her attention to the spectacle before her she looked around for moment. "But where is our food? I know it isn't hiding in your jacket," she laughed. Robert twined his fingers through hers and started to lead her around the pond. Cora could see small fish swimming and there were lily pads scattered across the surface and she threw her head back towards the sky. It was both seclusion and freedom at the same time here and she couldn't wait to spend it with her romantically minded fiancée. Before she knew it, Robert had led her around the only tree and retrieved a basket and a blanket lodged in between some gnarly roots.

"Would you like to chose where we set up Cora?" Cora looked around thoughtfully. There were so many places she wanted to lay the checkered blanket but it was going to be an undeniably warm day and this old oak tree provided shelter from the burning sun.

"How about right here?" She walked a few paces away from the tree trunk towards the pond and stopped.

"Of course." Robert came over and draped the blanket over the soft spring grass before sitting down and drawing the basket to him, keen to examine its contents. Cora settled beside him as he looked up and smiled at her.

"So what is on the menu then Lord Downton?" she teased.

"I'll show you My Lady," Robert replied and began to pull out an assortment of sandwiches, tea cakes and biscuits. "This isn't all but since we have only just had breakfast a couple of hours ago I thought these would make the perfect snacks to tide us over."

"You know, with all of this food, I'm thinking that we might have to work some of it off or I at least, will be a bit too full," Cora pointed out.

"Not hungry yet then?"

"Not really. I'm sorry Robert." He smiled at her tenderly. "You don't need to apologize. I had hoped the walk would help but perhaps some more strenuous activities would speed up the process," he said suggestively.

"Why Lord Downton I'm sure I don't know what you are implying," she replied, playing along with him.

"Then allow me to show you." Pushing all of the food to the side he closed the gap between them and pressed his lips to hers. Teasing her bottom lip gently he ran one hand down and circled her petite waist while the other hand cupped her cheek. Cora immediately shuffled closer, keen to feel his touch on her body. Over the winter months, being together had proved to be an immensely fine line to tread. With so many pairs of eyes and ears lurking they had quickly figured out it wouldn't be as simple as Robert tip-toeing through the passageways to her room at night. And it had been a tough pill to swallow. They had gone for a walk one day in late September before the weather had gotten too cold and had discussed their options. Cora had suggested abstinence before the wedding in an attempt to make it more bearable but the reality was, knowing what she couldn't have, self-imposed no less, had only made her want him more and within a fortnight they had rushed off to the cottage to appease their desires. Since then they had become quite adept at planning intimate rendezvous, not often and never in the house but enough to sustain them until they could be joined in matrimony. And how they both looked forward to that day. No more sneaking around, trying to hide the fact that they had long since become a couple in every other way. No more worrying about what might happen if Cora became pregnant before she was Robert's wife. No more stress of having to contain their flirting about anything they had planned whilst in company. It would all be lifted.

Robert continued his assault on her lips as his fingers trailed lightly from her check to her neck where he threaded his fingers up through her hair. Cora gave a soft purr-like sound at this and wrapped her arms around his neck. Pulling back for air Robert then refocused his attentions on the base of her throat. He was just preparing to rearrange their position when Cora suddenly let out a squawk. Robert jerked his head away from her throat just as several birds took flight in all directions, one of them missing Cora by inches.

"Cora, what, what was…?" Robert began, struggling to control his pounding heart.

"They were eating all the food you shifted! When you bent your head to kiss my neck I saw them having a field day picking at our sandwiches and tea cakes because you hadn't put it all back in the basket. Call me crazy Robert but I prefer not to share my food with scavengers."

"I ah, yes of course darling. I'll put it away right now," he said and crawled over to the food.

"It's a bit late now!" And it was. A sorry sight met Robert. Crumbs of all sizes were scattered everywhere, some of the tea cakes had dents made by beaks and there were three pieces of bread that had been yanked off full sandwiches completely. Robert sat down and sighed. "I do believe you are right." Cora pulled a face and crinkled her nose.

"I'm not eating that Robert, not now. The birds wanted it and they can have it. But didn't you say there was more?" She eyed him hopefully.

"Well yes but you said you weren't hungry Cora." He glanced over at her as he gathered the scraps of food up and began tossing them onto the grass in the other direction.

"I seem to have suddenly found my appetite," she declared and scrambled to her feet. Robert's face fell and he tossed the final handful of sandwiches towards the pond. Cora sensed his disappointment and padded over to him. "I'm sorry my love but this whole ordeal has simply turned me off. But we could still make the best of it?" she murmured tentatively. He nodded.

"It's alright. These things happen and we shall still have a pleasant couple of hours here." He gave her a tender smile and strode down to the pond to rinse his dirty hands. Bending down he tried to think how he could reignite their day and then it hit him. Trying not to get too excited he rinsed his hands and then dipped one hand back into the water, pretending to be miles away.

"Robert?" Cora called curiously. "What is it?"

"Why don't you come and see for yourself sweetheart?" Raising her eyebrows she meandered forward. Perhaps Robert had seen a very large fish in the pond that he wanted to try catching at some point? But Robert's mind was far away from anything of the sort. He had been struck by a very vivid memory of them having a water fight once before at a creek on the estate. Cora had then snuck up behind him and given him the fright of his life. He grinned at the memory and at how he now had a chance to repay her for her generosity. Listening carefully to her approach he waited until she had stopped just behind his hunched form and made his move. Quick as a flash, he had both hands and arms underwater and forcefully scooped up the water, throwing towards her with all his might.

"Argh! Oooooooo!" Cora screamed and beat a hasty retreat. "Robert!" She stood dripping from head to toe, her stance pouting. "How could you? What did I do to deserve that?"

Robert ambled over to her and bent down until his face was level with hers, rubbing his nose against hers from side to side before pulling back and grinning. "Well since my lady lost her mood for fun, I decided I would try to reinstate it." Cora pulled a face and muttered what sounded like 'men' to him.

"Well at least I know our marriage will never be boring," she looked at him pointedly though mirth danced in her eyes.

"Indeed," Robert hummed. Taking her hand in his and gently running his thumb over the back of it, he guided her back to their established spot under the tree.

May 1888

He had never seen her look so breathtakingly beautiful. How in a certain light, her hair revealed a more auburn shade that was otherwise unnoticeable. How she moved as she walked up the isle of the church towards him, her elegant rise and fall as if it were more of a slow waltz. She was dressed in a white satin gown with diamonds across the bodice, a white sash wrapped around her waist to accentuate it with the tails flowing down her back, her veil draped delicately over her face and her train sweeping behind her. She was a vision in white. His vision. And it was no longer a vision. Months of dreaming, planning and longing for this future were about to come to a head. But Robert knew this was just the beginning. The beginning of their lives together as husband and wife and he had never felt happier. The first night he had ever laid eyes on Cora he had felt a tug at his heart for her and at that point he couldn't even see her face because it was hidden by a mask. Nor did he know her name. And yet somehow he could feel that this would not just be another acquaintance. He didn't know what it all meant. It was as if there was a sixth sense operating in him that night but he did decide to trust it and this is what it had led to.

He was enraptured by her as she passed his family in the front isles. Patrick, Rosamund and Marmaduke all wore similar expressions of joy but as he spared a glance for his mother he noticed her shrewd countenance despite the smile she had hitched on. A smile that did not reach her eyes. Pushing all thoughts of Violet to the side he held out his hand for his bride to take as she ascended the steps towards the alter. Cora stretched out her own hand towards his and placed her hand into his, loving the feel of his fingers curling around, securing his hold on her. Guiding her towards the waiting vicar, they took their places opposite one another as the organ ceased its melody and everyone took their seats.

"You have never been more beautiful Cora," Robert whispered to her as the vicar started the ceremony. He watched appreciatively as her complexion exuded a rosy glow and she returned his look shyly. Turning their attention to the vicar, they listened as he spoke to the congregation about the various aspects of marriage and in no time at all, he was facing Cora again, wedding ring at the ready.

"With this Ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow." Caressing her hand he slipped the ring encrusted with one large diamond and three small ones on either side of it onto her ring finger to join her engagement ring. Upon hearing the words they had both imagined hearing for so long, that they were now husband and wife, Robert lifted her veil stepped close to her. Tilting his head and leaning down he pressed his lips to hers in a warm, tender kiss, his hands coming to rest on her hips. It seemed to both Robert and Cora that time stood still as they let their kiss do the talking. They were drunk on this magical moment that was theirs. Cora's hands cupped his face as she inched herself closer, seemingly forgetting that they still had an audience, only to be reminded almost immediately at the sound of clapping. Finally breaking apart, they gave each other one last look before turning towards their family and friends and Robert began to lead his new wife down the steps, back towards the doors and the waiting carriage to start their new life together.

After many hours of endless celebrations, toasts to the bride and groom, eating a bit more than they should have and dancing the night away, it was nearly time to say goodnight and farewell. All the wedding guests had left and as Cora stood at the bottom of the stairs waiting for Robert, she took the opportunity to simply pause and reflect on everything for a few moments. It had been the happiest day of her life. Unlike her first marriage, she had been in control of whom she would be with. She had not married to save an estate and produce heirs for a man she did not love and who certainly didn't love her. She had not married for a title because her mother had insisted on it for as long as she could remember. She had not married because she felt she would not get a better offer. She had married the man she loved and adored. She had married him because he felt the same about her. She had married him because he treated her with the utmost care and respect. She had married him because she could see a wonderful future with him. It had been her choice and no one else's. And now they were man and wife and they could live as they had desired to do for months. It was a most exciting prospect.

A scuffling on the landing drew Cora's attention and she looked up to see her new husband at the top of the stairs, coat in hand and family in tow. She watched as he descended quickly towards her, Rosamund hot on his heels, eager to get them out the door on their honeymoon.

"I still don't think leaving on your honeymoon tonight is a very good idea Robert," Violet declared as she followed after her offspring with Patrick and Marmaduke bringing up the rear. "It's so unconventional."

"Stop fussing Mama, its fine. And can you blame me for wanting to spend some quality time with my gorgeous bride as soon as possible?" he challenged.

Violet Crawley was stumped. Robert reached the bottom and offered Cora his arm which she took without hesitation. Then he glanced over his shoulder back up to his mama who was eying the two, her visage unreadable. "I guess so," she said carefully. Satisfied, he urged Cora towards the door where the carriage was waiting for them to whisk them away.

Pausing once more, he offered his free arm to Rosamund, embracing her warmly. Pulling back she whispered so only Robert and Cora could hear her. "Try not to destroy the cottage with your antics you two." Winking she moved over to Cora and hugged her too as Cora blushed a furious crimson. Rosamund was the only one whom her brother had trusted with their destination. He knew he had to tell someone but he did not want everyone knowing where they were going. He felt that the role Rooksway had played in his and Cora's journey as a couple should be kept private and this would be their last opportunity to live a different lifestyle to the one they were destined to take up as the Viscount and Viscountess Downton upon their return. And anyway, Robert knew that an empty cottage on the estate would not stay empty forever when there were tenants in need. He watched as she gave her new sister-in-law a kiss on the cheek and stepped back to allow her husband to do the same.

"Take good care of her son," Patrick said as he sidled up beside Robert.

"I will sir. And thank you for the wonderful day you have given us," he said sincerely, clasping his father's hand. Patrick nodded. He had not forgotten how his son had gone against his and Violet's wishes but unlike his wife, he had seen that the cause was long since lost. It was for that reason that he had not gone after his son the day he had walked out after their argument despite his wife's pleas. So long as his son was happy and healthy, that was all that mattered. And he had seen how very happy he was with Cora at his side. He had tried to bring his wife around but she was still determined not to see it and that was her problem. Shooting her a look, he retreated.

It was Cora who made the move. Letting go of Robert she faced her new mother-in-law and for almost a full minute, silence hung in the air. Cora took a deep breath to steady herself. "I know you don't think well of me and I know this isn't what you wanted," she began as the older woman observed her quietly. "But it's happened. I just hope that in time, you might stop seeing me as the interloper who ruined your plans for your son and start seeing me for the woman I really am."

"And what sort of woman am I meant to see then?" Violet asked with only a trace of razor in her voice.

"It isn't up to me to spell it out for you. Only you can do that." Deciding that she had said enough in her own defense she made her way back to Robert, whose heart had swelled in admiration for her. It was the first time she had really taken the initiative with Violet and he thought she had handled herself superbly. The quiet strength that he had seen in her all those months ago had risen to the surface before his eyes on this night and it only made him love her more. With one final communal goodbye, he ushered her out into the cool night air and into the carriage.

A/N Some of you will be aware that the other night I was wrestling about whether or not I would keep this chapter whole or split it in half. Well I've chosen the latter so there will now be an additional chapter. Sorry for the delay in updating and I hope you are still enjoying this story.