A/N: Once again thank you for the lovely reviews; I really appreciate them.

This chapter serves as a flashback and guess what? I actually took a shot at writing Robert. I wanted a scene that didn't involve Cora and her daughters (well sort of) as much as I've enjoyed writing those. This ran away with itself so it's quite long.

October, 1891

It was the last day of their trip before they would return home, and their first time away from Mary; London being the furthest Robert could get Cora to agree to. She was reluctant to leave their sixth-month-old daughter and wanted to be able to return shortly should something happen while they were away. As luck would have it, they weren't called home early.

They hadn't been able to go anywhere for their anniversary. Robert's father had died just a few days prior and Robert was immediately thrust into the role of Earl. Cora, who had been constantly ill during the majority of her pregnancy, was restricted to bed rest until the baby was born. They'd had hardly any time together, but Robert had promised a getaway for some time after their little one arrived. She'd made her appearance in early April, but things had become so chaotic at the Abbey, they kept having to put it off.

Now the week was coming to an end. Since their arrival, they had been busy exploring London. Eating at the fanciest restaurants, shopping in magnificent boutiques, visiting art galleries and tea shops, and even spent a night at the theatre. They'd barely been at Grantham House other than to change, sleep, and be intimate, of course. To say they had indulged themselves was an understatement. Robert loved spoiling her. He'd bought her three new dresses and any jewelry she had laid her eyes on. Well, he had bought the jewelry without her knowing and surprised her with a diamond bracelet one night at dinner. He still had one piece to give her, but had chosen to save it for their last night.

October weather could be a fickle thing. They had decided to spend a lazy day at the house: reading in the library, playing cards in the drawing room that afternoon, and napping in between. She was exhausted as he'd expected her to be. Robert was exhausted himself, but found he much rather enjoyed watching her than sleeping. Their little Mary had proven to be quite a handful. Cora had refused a wet nurse, but agreed to letting a maid take the baby off her hands when Robert insisted she get some rest. Of course, he couldn't keep her away long. Truthfully, Cora would have had the baby with her all day if Violet had allowed it. Yes, Mama still lived at Downton. Cora had talked him into letting her choose when she was ready to leave and neither minded at first, but Cora soon regretted it. His mother hadn't been as harsh with his wife as before, but they still disagreed on many things; especially how often Cora was running off to attend to Mary. However, on the day of their departure, as Violet kissed her goodbye, she promised she would be in the Dower house by the time they returned.

After luncheon, they returned to the drawing room where they played another round of cards until tea time. Typically, they took their tea in the library at Downton, but here they did as they pleased and Cora had been far too comfortable to move once she was settled. They sat in silence for most of the game, and then chatted briefly about their trip. Robert listened as Cora spoke about the paintings she had admired in a museum they had visited the day before. He much didn't understand what she was saying, but loved the way her eyes lit up as she spoke. The next thing he knew, she was saying how much she couldn't wait to return home to Mary. He nodded in agreement and after a moment, said something about the things he couldn't wait to do to her that night.

When tea had ended, Cora had a sudden burst of energy and took off running about the house. Robert chased after her, quickly loosing sight, and spent five minutes looking for her. When he finally found her, he was stretched out on a settee in the library, with blanket pulled up over her head. She was trying to hide, but doing so rather unsuccessfully as she snickered underneath when she heard him enter. Robert sat on the edge, playfully patting her legs saying, 'what's under here,' before his fingers went higher then pulled the blanket away from her face. She erupted in laughter and Robert's hands hovered over her stomach.

"Oh, don't you dare." She chided, a small smile creeping on her lips.

He wiggled his fingers, and his eyebrows, at her before smiling cheekily and attacking her.

"Robert, stop," She laughed. "Please," she said breathlessly, kicking her legs in an attempt to stop him when her words didn't. After her nap, she had refrained from putting on her corset again as they were staying in for the night. He'd questioned her about it, but she brushed him off saying something about it just being the two of them and there would be no one there to scold her. He knew it was something she would never attempt to do at Downton, and enjoyed how being away made her so relaxed.

He tickled her once more, earning another laugh and a kick to his side. He loved hearing her laugh more than anything. He'd read somewhere that the more you laughed, the longer you lived so he'd made a New Year's resolution to make her laugh as much as possible.

Her chest heaved up and down behind her dress as she sputtered out, 'Thank you," pulling herself into a sitting position. She leaned back against the arm of the settee and watched Robert reach for a pillow from the floor. She graciously took it and placed it behind her back as he threatened her with his fingers once more.

"If you so wish to sleep in my bed tonight, it would be wise to refrain from tickling me again," she teased.

"Oh all right," he held up his hands in defense, "I'll stop."

"Thank you." They were silent a moment as she steadied her breath, her chest rising and falling slowly.

Her face was flushed and he raised a hand to her cheek, softly caressing it, before moving to check her forehead. "How are you feeling?" His brow furrowed as he realized she felt a little warm and clammy.

"I'm fine," she said sighing.

"And here you were worried about our Mary getting sick, not you," he chuckled.

"Well we did just play a game of hide-and-seek at your request, so it's your fault."

"No my dear, that was your idea," he smirked, resting a hand on her thigh.

She huffed, "Really Robert, I'm fine."

He eyed her skeptically, "All right."

"Although," she looked at him sheepishly, wringing her hands together in her lap, "There is something I need to tell you."

He cocked his head to the side, "So you are ill?" When she avoided his eyes, he scooted closer to her, covering her hands with his own, "Why didn't you tell me? I could have sent for a doctor."

"I don't need to see a doctor," she swallowed, "I saw one before we left." She looked at him then, his head still to the side, eyebrows knitting together. She was quiet for a moment, her anxiety keeping her from speaking.

"Well-," he hesitated expecting the worst. She looked down at their hands in her lap; she didn't answer quick enough. "Cora what is it, darling? You're scaring me." He inched closer though he was as close as the space would allow. He lifted her chin and found her biting her lip, her eyes filling with tears. Her chest had become slightly red as well and he suddenly wondered if that had to do with her illness.

"I'm going to have another baby," she whispered.

Robert's eyes widened in disbelief, "Really?" She nodded, tears spilling down her cheeks as she squeezed her eyes shut in an attempt to stop them. His face fell and his heart pounded rapidly in his chest. His eyebrows furrowed again; he was baffled by her reaction. "Oh Cora, what's the matter? This is wonderful news." He squeezed her hands in an effort to assure her that what he meant was true. "I'm so happy. Aren't you?" He was ecstatic and could hardly hold back the smile that was starting to form on his lips.

She nodded slowly, opening her eyes again, "I want to be, but it's too soon Robert. We just had Mary and I'm still so exhausted." She let out a long breath, "My pregnancy with her was not easy and I don't know if I could go through all that again. Being that ill. Not yet." She shook her head as more tears started to roll down her face again.

He wiped them away with the back of his hand and produced a handkerchief so she could wipe her nose. "I know," He kissed her forehead. "What did the doctor say?"

She sniffled, handing the handkerchief back to him, "He was a little concerned at first, but said I've recovered well enough. My body should be able to handle it. Though he suggests waiting longer next time should we choose to have another."

"Of course," he nodded in understanding, "there's no rush." Her tears had stopped, but she still wore a look of despair. "Darling-," he probed her.

"I'm worried about them being so close in age."

"Rosamund and I are close in age and we get along fine…for the most part," he said trying to lighten the mood.

She shrugged, "I'm not just worried about that." She eyed him, deciding if she should continue, terrified of voicing her fears, "I'm worried about not having a boy." She looked away, "I know you were disappointed that we had a girl first."

"Cora, no," he said firmly. "I was not - am not disappointed with Mary being a girl. I know we've made a big deal about having a boy because of the entail, but I truly am proud to have a daughter. I adore her; I thought you knew that."

She nodded, "I do, but it doesn't mean you weren't a little disappointed."

"Cora," he sighed, "I would be lying if I said I didn't want a boy, but the moment I saw her I fell in love with her. I would never trade her for anything." He pulled her into an embrace, running his hands up and down her back to soothe her. He felt her relax in his arms and leaned back after a moment, cupping her face in his hands, "Now, I don't want you feeling guilty about something we have no control over. Unfortunately," he mused. "And I don't want you making yourself sick with worry about this one either." He dropped one hand to rest on her stomach. "No matter what happens. What's meant to be will be," his thumb brushed against her cheek.

"How is it you always know what to say?" She grabbed his right wrist, holding it against her face a minute longer, then removed it. She covered it with both of her own and then placed them gently on top of his hand that still rested on her abdomen.

He shrugged, a cheeky grin returning to his face once more, "I may have learned a thing or two from some of the boys at Eton."

She swatted his hand playfully, "Well you didn't learn it from your mother, that's for sure."

"No," he chuckled, "I certainly did not." He slid a hand free, taking one of hers, bringing it up to his lips for a kiss and gently returned them to their previous spot. "So when are we to expect the new little one?"

"Golly, you ask a lot of questions," she teased.

He stared at her as one hand stretched out across her middle, softly rubbing back and forth, "I'm just wondering when you'll start to show." He looked down then imagining their child growing inside, his eyes filling with wonder.

She smiled, "It will be a little while longer. Another month or so." She patted his hand to get his attention, "To answer your question, sometime in August."

His eyes shot up, "Hmm, should we return those new dresses I bought you?"

She shook her head furiously, laughing a little, "No, my maid can let them out as needed."

"All right." He stood pulling her up with him and kissed her on the lips, "I think it's almost time for dinner. We should go up."

She nodded, embracing him again and sighed, not wanting to leave his arms, before they trudged up the stairs. He followed behind her, one hand on the small of her back, and watched her a moment as they reached the top of the landing. He could tell how tired she was just by how slowly she made her way towards her room. Though, he thought to himself, they weren't in a rush seeing as they were alone as they had been all week. He rather looked forward to more dinners like that when they returned home. Of course, they'd have to invite Mama occasionally and even Rosamund, but nevertheless, the thought excited him.

She turned once she reached her door, realizing he wasn't behind her anymore. She titled her head slightly, "What are you doing?"

He shrugged shaking his head, "Just thinking." He bounded to her promptly and placed his hands on her shoulders, "I've got one more surprise for you tonight."

"Do you?"

"Mhm, you should wear that green dress of yours." He leaned in and whispered in her ear, his breath hot against her skin, "The one from our honeymoon."

She blushed at the memory as she pulled back, "How do you know I brought it with me?"

"I have my ways," he wagged his eyebrows.

She groaned, "I'll have to put my corset back on."

"Leave it off." He dropped his hands to her waist, "It's just me who will be looking at you- "

"And a few footmen."

"Never mind them. We can send them away after they've served us. I want you to be comfortable and-" he smirked, "it will make things much easier later."

She chuckled, turning towards her room, "Very well." She turned back to him, a hand on the doorknob, and kissed him on the cheek before opening it and entering her room. They stared at one another as she closed the door, promising to see each other shortly.

Once they had finished their main course, Robert quickly excused himself from the table and ran up to his dressing room to retrieve his final present for her.

A short time later, he returned, and handed her the gift, "For you, my love." He kissed her temple and sat in his chair.

She smiled, but remained silent as she carefully removed the red string and then tore away the gold paper. She held the large, square, velvet box in her hands a moment, glancing up at him, and then down again as she opened it slowly. She gasped, a hand flying to cover her mouth.

It was a necklace she had spied in a window a few days before. The long chain had diamonds around it that reflected in the light when she held it up to examine it more clearly. A large pendant, with a black stone, sat in the middle and from the pendant hung a teardrop pearl. "I saw you eying it the other day. I snuck out to purchase it while you were resting."

She looked at him, as her eyes shone with tears, "Oh Robert, you shouldn't have. You've spoiled me enough already."

"Nonsense," he said standing from his chair and moving to stand behind her, "you deserve it." He kissed the top of her head and took the necklace from her, unclasping it then draping it around her neck, securing it in place. "It looks lovely on you," he said, admiring it as he stood beside her.

She adjusted the necklace on her chest and raised her eyes, "Thank you, darling. I love it." She turned in her chair, placing a hand on his cheek, as he bent down to kiss her; smiling against his lips as they pulled apart gradually, "I love you."

He returned to his chair, "I love you too, my dearest one." He replaced his napkin in his lap - they still had dessert to get through - and reached across the table for her hand. He was grateful they weren't at Downton so that he wasn't forced to sit opposite her. Here, they sat as close together as they could.

"You've made me so incredibly happy today." He paused feeling his throat tighten, "For the last year. I know it was longer than you wanted. I was foolish not to- "

She squeezed his hand, stopping him, "Never mind that, Robert."

"All the same, I should have said something sooner," he looked down at their hands.

"I came out unscathed, didn't I?"

"I don't see how," he looked at her then, she was glowing.

"I loved you for both of us," she shrugged seeming to state the obvious. "I knew you would come around eventually. I'm quite the catch," she laughed, tantalizing him again.

He stared at a spot on the floor, "I think I knew when Papa died." He swallowed, becoming emotional at the thought. Going through the grief of losing his father, seeing her remain so strong in her condition and settling into the role of Countess despite that, made him realize he was in love with her. Admitting his feelings was never easy and it certainly wasn't easy now when she looked the way she did. "He adored you; you were like another daughter to him really." She nodded, becoming emotional herself.

"And then I knew, without a doubt, when you had Mary," he said chuckling. He'd finally admitted his feelings the day she was born. When he heard the news that mother and child had made it through, he'd run up the stairs and burst into her room. Seeing her look so beautiful as she held their baby in her arms, gave him the courage to voice his words. He'd sat on the edge of her bed and the three words came out in a whisper, 'I love you.' He repeated them, as he was sure she hadn't heard him due to being completely enraptured with their daughter. If he was being honest, he wasn't sure he had heard himself either. And then, she looked up at him with tears filling her eyes, and returned the sentiment.

"Yes, I remember," she said releasing a breath and smiling at the memory.

After a moment, Robert reached for his glass of wine and held it up to her, "Happy Anniversary, Cora."

"Happy Anniversary," she said holding hers up as well. They clinked their glasses together, and took a sip each, their eyes never leaving one another. "Only eight months later," she said in jest and returned her glass to it's rightful place.

He guffawed, "Better late than never." He took another sip of his wine, setting it down, as a footman served their dessert. "We should do this more often."

She nodded, "We do have another anniversary in February."

"No, I mean get away from Downton. Just the two of us."

"Well, with this one coming," she leaned back in her chair, patting her belly gently after taking a bite of her chocolate mousse, "it will probably be another eight months before we can do this again." She stayed like that a moment and pondered, soon voicing her thoughts, "Hopefully, I'm not as miserable as last time, and then surely we can before I'm too far along." She sat up, taking another bite of her dessert.

Having finished his own mousse, he reached across her plate to take a bite of hers when she swatted his hand.

"Uh-uh-uh, you've already had yours. You don't need anymore."

He pouted, "But - "

"No buts, what did I say about sleeping in my bed tonight?"

"Fine." He pulled his fork away and set it down, grabbing his glass and taking a long swig of wine. "I was thinking... next time we should go somewhere outside of England."

"Oh," she raised an eyebrow, "where did you have in mind?"

He tapped his chin, feigning to be in thought when he knew full well exactly where he wanted to take her, "Florence."

Her face broke out in a grin and her eyes shimmered, "I'd love that."

"Good, we can go before Christmas."

"Oh, but I don't want to leave Mary again so soon."

"You're the one who said you wanted to go before you were too far along."

She nodded, "Yes, but Mary- "

"No buts-," he exclaimed mocking her words from before. She glared at him, clearly unamused, "Well, maybe we could bring Mary along."

"Oh, do you mean that, Robert? I'd so love to bring her." She took a drink of her water as he nodded, "Perhaps we should wait until she's a bit older though. Traveling with an infant can be a nightmare. Or so I've heard. And you know, she does take after you."

"She's just as much of a Levinson as she is a Crawley, thank you. And if I recall, you're not the best traveler either."

She threw back her head in laughter, "You're right." She scrunched up her face, "We're quite the perfect match then."

He chuckled, "We are indeed, and we'll have Nanny to help us." He watched her yawn and then stood, holding out a hand to her, "Let's go to bed, shall we?" She nodded and took his hand, standing from her chair and stretching. "We can discuss our future trip once we're back home and I have word from the doctor that it's safe for you to travel."

She squinted at him as he led her out of the dinning room, "I travelled here, didn't I?"

"Yes, but that was before I knew you were expecting our second child. I would have cancelled it had I known."

"Well, I'm glad you didn't," she said with a matter-of-fact. She held his hand and turned into his side, grabbing his arm with her other hand, "I've had such a wonderful time."

A/N: A few things 1. I'm going by the dates given on the Downton Wikia (which I realize has been edited by fans). It states they were married in February of 1890 with Mary being born sometime in 1891. I chose April because in the previous chapter, I said that Robert's father passed away a few months before she was born. I know Robert has said it didn't take him a year to fall in love with Cora, so I fidgeted a bit and had him realize before, but not tell her until later. He is a donk after all.

2. For those wondering, Cora had Hyperemesis Gravidarum with Mary. It's severe morning sickness that can end around week 20 or last the entire pregnancy. There's a chance she could have experienced with Edith, but since in my head they go to Florence, I'll not put her through that again. And it seems in this fandom, it's agreed that Sybil's birth was difficult. Even though it would have been likely back then, I thought it might be a little cruel if all three of her pregnancies were traumatic in some way.

3. The necklace Robert gave her is one she is seen wearing in season one with the dark green sparkly dress. I apologize for not describing it very well. If you're unsure which one I'm talking about, message me and I'll tell you which episode it first appears in.