March's prompt: getting back together
'I've spoiled the painting for you, haven't I? With Mr. Bricker. That's why you're selling.'
Robert stared up at the canopy over the bed, those words reverberating in his ears. Images of Cora's defeated posture, of contrition and self-recrimination staining her beautiful face, seared into his mind. He had tried to assuage her guilt, had tried to explain why he was selling the painting. But he knew her enough to know that she still blamed herself. She had hardly spoken two words since leaving the drawing room, quite obviously lost in her own thoughts. Surely she knew she had no reason to feel guilty. It was with him where the blame lay. He had ignored and belittled her, had driven her to her friendship with that man, and then had berated her and doubted her fidelity to him. It seemed a miracle that Cora had wanted to reconcile with him after his abysmal behavior. But they had, thanks to Cora's ultimatum in response to his sulky and childish stubbornness. But tonight had shown him that it was tentative at best. His mistrust and insinuations had deeply hurt her and the wound was not one that would quickly heal.
Letting out a sigh, Robert rolled onto his side. The room was dark, but he could just make out Cora's slumbering form. She was facing away from him, laying as far on her side of the bed as she could possibly be, and curled inward on herself.
"Oh Cora," he sighed, a lump forming in his throat.
Inching his way across the mattress, he wrapped himself around her, cradling her against him. He pressed a soft kiss to the side of her head, relishing the way she instinctively relaxed against him and breathed a content sigh. How had he allowed this distance between them to go on for so long? Cora had tried multiple times to reach out to him, but, like a fool, he had ignored her every attempt. He had refused to believe that his darling wife had grown and changed and might not need the same things from him as when they first married. Robert had always known that Cora was strong, determined, and intelligent, not vapid and materialistic like most ladies he knew. But she had needed him, had relied on him, and it suited him just fine for their relationship to stay that way. He realized now, however, that his complacency and refusal to accept this new area of change had cut Cora down to the very core of who she was as a person. What he wouldn't give to go back and appreciate her more, to spend more time with her and fall in love with her all over again. But he couldn't go back and obsessing over his behavior wouldn't change anything either.
Feeling Cora squirm against him, he loosened his hold, giving her room to adjust as she needed. Without waking, she rolled over and faced him, seeking out his embrace even in her sleep. She buried her face in the crook of his neck and wrapped her arm around his torso. When she had settled, Robert gently tightened his arms around her, cradling her against his chest once again. He longed to follow her example and fall asleep. Rose's wedding was in the morning and after all the drama that had ensued between Susan and Lord Sinderby, they were all in a desperate need of a good night's sleep before waking to do battle once again. It was a war Robert was happy to fight, so long as Rose and Atticus had the happy day they deserved, but it didn't leave him to time to contemplate his relationship with Cora. And the day after the wedding, the entire household would be returning to Downton for the memorial service. Which left this as his only opportunity to try and find a solution.
"Robert?" Cora murmured, her voice thick with sleep.
Robert ran his hand up and down her back in long soothing strokes. "Shhh," he breathed onto the top of her head. "Go back to sleep."
She mumbled something unintelligible and drifted back off to sleep.
Robert felt himself finally following her into the land of slumber, his eyes growing heavier by the second. Despite his exhaustion, he didn't want to sleep quite yet, as he still had no idea on how to fix his relationship. But it occurred to him that after the memorial, they would both be free of obligations. There wouldn't be anything demanding their attention or presence and he would be able to devote all of his time and energy to Cora. Consoling himself with that thought, Robert tightened his hold on Cora and finally dropped off to sleep.
'And you'll love her?' Cora asked, her eyes hopeful. 'Your new granddaughter?'
'As a matter of fact, and perhaps to my surprise,' answered Robert, smiling at her, 'I rather think I will.'
Cora's smile deepened into a grin as she looped her arm through Robert's, the tension and anxiousness at his discovery lifting from her shoulders. After having suspicion grow between them and having only just resolved it, Cora had been immensely troubled about keeping Marigold's parentage a secret from Robert. But his acceptance and understanding had done a great deal to life her spirits. Robert had forgiven her. She knew that the night he returned to her room after her ultimatum and they had talked into the early hours of the morning, baring everything to each other. They gotten only a few hours of sleep. But when the next morning had dawned and Cora had found that they had slept wrapped around each other, a happiness and contentment with Robert she hadn't felt for a long time rose within her. That was until Robert mentioned selling the della Francesca. He had explained his reasoning for selling, an explanation that made her love him all the more, but she still couldn't help the guilt she felt at making Robert part with his beloved painting. Cora had tried to not let it show, but she needed to do something to assuage the feeling before it seriously affected her relationship with Robert.
"Darling," Robert began. His voice was soft, low enough for only her to hear, but it still startled her from her thoughts. "Don't change when we get back to the house."
Cora furrowed her brow. "Any particular reason?"
"Mm-hmm. I'm taking you somewhere."
"Somewhere?" Cora glanced up at him out of the corner of her eye, her gaze full of mischief. "Where is 'Somewhere'? I don't believe I am familiar with its location."
"You'll know soon enough," he smiled. "Our things are already packed. I just need to change and then we'll leave."
Despite her attempt to sound nonchalant, an eager excitement tinged her voice. "Packed? We must be going quite a ways."
Robert made a noncommittal sound in response as they stepped into the house. He pressed a quick kiss to her cheek and continued on past her. "I'll return shortly," he said.
With nothing to do but wait, Cora followed the others into the library where tea was waiting for them. Since she wasn't entirely certain what Robert had planned for them, she only made herself a cup of tea and decided to forgo the teacakes. As she poured the steaming liquid into her cup, she noticed movement in her peripheral vision and realized that she was no longer alone at the table.
Little Marigold had toddled over and was standing on her toes, straining to see all of the treats spread out on the table. When she was unable to see everything she wanted, she looked up at Cora with shy, but pleading eyes.
Smiling, Cora placed her teacup on the table and scooped up her granddaughter, resting her on her hip and cuddling her close. She watched as Marigold's eyes widened and scanned the entirety of the table. When a certain delicacy caught her attention, she pointed to it and looked at Cora with bright eyes. Unable to deny her, Cora picked up the biscuit and handed it to her. Marigold took it happily and began to munch on the treat, bringing her head to rest against Cora's shoulder.
"I can take her, Mama," Edith said, suddenly appearing at her side. She placed her teacup on the table beside Cora's and extended her hands towards Marigold. "She slipped away without my knowing."
"You know, you could never resist the tea biscuits either." Cora's gaze was entirely on Marigold, her eyes misty with reminiscence. "I see so much of you in her."
"I hope not too much," Edith remarked dryly, stroking Marigold's curls. "Hopefully she'll have better luck at life than I have."
Cora shifted her gaze over to Edith, regarding her in surprise. "Edith darling, I know you've had tremendous heartbreak, but you've had wonderful luck too."
Edith looked as though she had a counter argument waiting on the tip of her tongue, but remained silent.
"You've been able to forge your own path and you wouldn't have been able to do that under different circumstances. Don't diminish your accomplishments just because you didn't go by societal standards." Smiling, Cora continued, "I am immensely proud of you. And I, for one, hope Marigold turns out just like you."
Edith's eyes filled with tears as she looked away, her attention returning to where Marigold rested contently against Cora's shoulder. "Thank you, Mama," she whispered.
"Hello darlings," greeted Robert as he strode into the room and directly made his way over to them. He had changed out of his uniform and was now dressed in his brown suit and matching coat. "Are you ready to go, Cora?"
Nodding, she pressed a quick kiss to Marigold's forehead and passed her over to Edith's waiting arms. "I am when you are," she answered.
"Going anywhere special?" asked Edith as she quickly kissed Cora goodbye.
"We are," Robert responded with a grin. Stepping forward, he kissed Edith's cheek and tickled Marigold under her chin, causing her to giggle. "But that's my secret for now."
"Well have fun."
"I don't doubt we will," stated Cora, smiling up at Robert.
Taking his arm, she followed him outside to where Stark was waiting with the car. He handed her in first and then slid in beside her so that he was sitting as close as propriety allowed. They sat in silence as Stark put the car into gear and started down the gravel drive.
Shifting in her seat so that she rested more comfortably, she asked, "How long will we be away?"
"Tonight and most of tomorrow," answered Robert. "Of course if you want to stay longer, we can."
"How can I know, if you won't tell me where we are headed?" she remarked, her lips pursed into a slight pout.
Chuckling, Robert leaned over and brushed his lips across her cheek. "Tonight, we have a reservation for dinner for two at Claridge's. We are going dancing and are going to make an evening of it. And tomorrow, I'm going to spend the day spoiling you. We will go and do anything you want and that includes staying longer if you would like."
"What's brought all this on?" she murmured, leaning closer to him. It hadn't escaped her notice that his plan, was the evening he had wanted to surprise her with several months before. Guilt at the missed opportunity flared in her abdomen. "You needn't spoil me so."
"What's brought all this on, is that I want us to return to the way we were," he answered. "I know we've already talked through things, but I still feel like something is missing and I thought we could do with some time away just the two of us." He slid his hand into hers and leaned over to whisper in her ear, "I love you and I've missed you."
Squeezing his hand, she buried her face in his shoulder, her cheeks flushed. "I love you too."
Couples spun around the floor in perfect sync with the music as waiters weaved their way around them, bustling to bring food and drink to the patrons who were not dancing. On a small, elevated stage, a brass band played, their songs switching between upbeat and slow as they followed the rushes and lulls of the room. It had to be a certain kind of magic they possessed to know which song to play, to know which notes would feed the atmosphere and keep it thriving. There was never a bout of silence as each song played into the next, buffered by the constant murmur of conversation and bubbly laughter.
It all might have been overwhelming, had he been paying attention. But Robert's focus was entirely on Cora. She sat beside him, lightly swaying to the music. The low lights of the venue made her eyes sparkle, the purple hues in her dress intensifying their sapphire color. Her pink lips were stretched into an unconscious smile as she took in the scene before her. She was so at ease and so wholly absorbed by the music, that she had yet to notice his enthralled attention and empty plate. He had promised to take her for a spin around the floor as soon as he finished eating. It was a promise he was eager to honor, but her preoccupation gave him the perfect opportunity to observe her, to watch as she shed the role of countess and allowed the person she truly was to shine through. It was why he had brought her after all. There was something enchanting in the way the brass instruments sang, something about their melodious notes that caused his darling wife to come alive. And how Robert relished the sight. He'd even told her once, whispering his confession to her as they twirled around the floor in the privacy of their room.
Seeming to finally become aware of his steady gaze, Cora turned her head to look at him, eyes dancing in excitement and more than likely one sip of champagne too many. He knew she wanted to dance, but Robert found he couldn't take his eyes off of her.
Holding his gaze, she tilted her head ever so slightly in inquiry. "Aren't we going to dance?"
Distantly, he heard the band change songs, the first strands of music seeping to his subconscious. "I was just waiting for our song," he answered with a smile.
Taking her hand in his, he led her to the floor.
"Our song?" Cora chuckled, stepping into his arms. "And what song is that, pray? Did you request one?"
Before he had a chance to answer her, he noticed the lyrics of the song finally dawned on her and she looked at him with widened and questioning eyes. In response, he merely nodded and watched as tears bubbled in her eyes and her smile became impossibly brighter.
"Oh Robert," she sighed, her tightening grip on his hand conveying what words could not.
Holding her closer, Robert began to softly sing along, the words only for her to hear.
'I'll be loving you, always, with a love that's true, always. When the things you've planned, need a helping hand, I will understand, always.'
Glancing at her, he noticed the way she rapidly blinked her eyes and bit her lower lip, each a tell-tale sign of the war she was fighting against her emotions. In spite of her best efforts, a single tear broke free and began its descent down her cheek. But he quickly kissed it away before lowering his head and resting his cheek to hers.
"My darling," he whispered, his arms tightening around her. "I've behaved like a complete fool. I hurt you deeply and I can't tell you how sorry I am."
"Robert, we've already discussed this," she murmured. "I have already forgiven you and you have already forgiven me."
Her response didn't surprise him. He knew she wouldn't want to speak of it again, especially not now. But he needed her to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that he loved her and she was in no way at fault what had happened.
"But you still blame yourself," he argued softly. "And you wouldn't, if I hadn't put undue blame on you."
"I don't blame myself alone for what happened with…with that man," she answered, her voice almost inaudible and strained. It was obvious to him that she was valiantly fighting back her tears and when she pulled back slightly and looked up into his eyes, he suspicions were confirmed. "But I hate that the role I played has caused you to part with your favorite painting."
"My dearest darling, I don't care about the painting. I care about you. You and only you, Cora. Always."
Stepping closer to him once again, she rested her head against his shoulder, her eyes slowly blinking closed as she trusted him to lead her through the remainder of the dance. "Always," she whispered.
'Days may not be fair, always, that's when I'll be there, always. Not for just an hour, not for just a day, not for just a year, but always.'
When the last strands of music faded away, Robert maneuvered them back to their table and ordered them each another glass of champagne. He instinctively knew that Cora would need a moment or two to rein in her emotions. Settling in the chair next to hers, he gripped her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing the back of her knuckles. A slight blush colored her cheeks and he couldn't help but feel pleased at the sight.
Once their drinks had been served, they sat silently, sipping on the golden liquid, utterly content to just be together. With Cora's attention directed on the events unfolding in the room, Robert happily returned to his previous occupation of observation. He watched enthralled as her every thought flickered through her eyes, though her expression of contentment never wavered. The enigma of Cora's eyes was something he had learned to decipher early on in their marriage. When propriety dictated a bonhomie facade, one glance of her eyes conveyed more than a thousand words. It had become his favorite pastime and he enjoyed the opportunity to indulge entirely unabashed.
As the band began a new song, Robert watched in shock as Cora quickly drained the remainder of her glass and turned towards him with sparkling eyes, flushed cheeks, and a glittering grin.
"Care to dance?" she asked, her voice musical.
It surprised him that she was already ready for another turn around the floor. They had only sat out one song and he contemplated asking her if she was certain. But one look at her eyes and he knew that her earlier melancholy was gone and she was eager to begin their night on the town. Following her example, he downed the rest of his drink and had barely set his glass on the table when Cora gripped his hand and pulled him onto the dance floor. Once again, she stepped into his arms, but unlike before, Robert pulled her flush against him. He had been dubious at first when Cora had taught him the steps of the foxtrot— she herself learning from a book. He hadn't been able to believe that it was no longer considered unseemly to dance so closely to one's partner, to have a constant bodily contact. But since it meant he was able to hold Cora as close as he liked, who was he to stand in the way of progress?
'Your eyes of blue, your kisses too, I never knew what they could do. I can't believe you're in love with me.'
Despite the song having lyrics, only the instrumental was played and Robert found himself slightly disappointed as it was another favorite of his and Cora's. But to his amazement and delight, Cora began to sing, her eyes never leaving his. Her voice was soft and quiet, low enough that only he could hear. The blitheness of her attitude was contagious and he was surprised to find himself singing along with her as they continued to spin around the floor.
'You're telling ev'ry one I know, I'm on your mind each place we go. They can't believe you're in love with me.'
As they rounded the corner of the dance floor, Cora tripped over her own feet. Robert's close proximity kept her from falling or even visibly stumbling. But the jarring motion seemed to dislodge the giggles that had been waiting in the back of her throat. They were infections and Robert couldn't help but laugh along with her.
"I think I should switch to something non alcoholic for the rest of the evening," she remarked, her voice light and airy.
"Nonsense. If you want to have more, have more." Robert grinned and continued in a mischievous tone, "Besides, if you do, then I get to take care of you."
More carefree giggles spilled past her lips. "I believe that is an offer I can't refuse."
Moving closer to him, she rested her temple against his jaw and sighed, happy and content. Robert tightened his arm around her waist and danced them to the far edge of the floor where they would be out of the way. He loosened his hold on her and pressed a kiss to her lips. Belatedly, he realized he had had a little too much champagne himself. But upon seeing Cora's glittering eyes and wine stained cheeks, he found he didn't have the wherewithal to care and stole another kiss from her waiting lips.
'I have always placed you far above me. I just can't imagine that you love me. And after all is said and done, to think that I'm the lucky one. I can't believe that you're in love with me.'
The night air was chilled as they stepped out onto the sidewalk, but Cora hardly noticed. With eyes closed, she stood leaning against Robert, her hand securely tucked in the crook of his arm. She swayed on her feet, softly humming the last song that had played as they waited for a taxi to take them home. They had spent their evening alternating between spinning around the dance floor and refreshing themselves with sparkling glasses of champagne. Cora couldn't remember the last time an evening out had left her feeling so happy and carefree and warmed from the inside out. Robert's idea for a night on the town had been a wonderful one. She knew his goal had been to make her happy and spend the evening spoiling her and he had most definitely succeeded. They had talked, laughed, and flirted and Cora was more than ready to return to Grantham House where they would finally be behind closed doors.
"Cora?" She heard him whisper.
"Hm?" she hummed, lapsing off into a low laugh.
Her head lolled against his shoulder and she peered up at him with sparkling eyes. He was much closer to her than she had anticipated and she found herself struggling to not reach up and press her lips to his. It was one thing for him to steal a kiss or two in the dark corners of the dance hall, but it was another matter entirely to do so in the open street.
"What do you say we walk home?" he asked. "Instead of trying to get a taxi."
"Just the two of us?" she asked, mischievously. Images of her and Robert strolling down the darkened streets with only a few lamps to guide them flooded her mind. Without a large amount of light, she may be able to steal a few kisses of her own. "I like the way you think."
He laughed at her obvious train of thought and nodded, steering her down the sidewalk in the direction of Grantham House. The streetlights were low and sparse, just as Cora had hoped they would be. Her desire to pull Robert to her and kiss him senseless continued to grow as they moved farther away from the crowds.
Coming to an abrupt halt, she pulled back on Robert's arm to get him to stop, but his forward momentum combined with her unsteadiness caused a rubber band like response and they stumbled into each other. With his arms snaking around her waist in an effort to keep them upright, Cora fell against his chest, giggles erupting in the back of her throat as she gazed up into his adoring eyes. Gripping him by the lapels, she pulled him to her, pressing her lips to his in a bruising kiss. Her arms slid up and looped themselves around his neck, her bare fingers sliding into the hair at the back of his head. When air became a necessity, they broke the kiss and Cora brought her hands to his face, cupping his cheeks.
"Cora?" he asked amused, his voice a little louder than it should have been. "Where are your gloves?"
Nuzzling her nose with his, laughter bubbling in her throat, she whispered conspiratorially, "In my pocket so they don't get cold."
"Oh," he murmured, nodding his head as though her logic made perfect sense. Furrowing his brow, he looked at her contemplatively. "But what about your hands? I don't want them to freeze just to keep your gloves warm."
Cora looked up at him from under her lashes, a flirty grin on her face. "Well, I suppose you could think of some way to warm them yourself."
"I could?" he asked, eyes widening.
Nodding, Cora lifted her hands and raised her brows suggestively. Robert laughed and took both of her hands in his, massaging them between his own. His hands were strong but gentle, their warmth heating the cold skin of her hands. As he continued to knead her palms between his own, her girlish giggles slowly dissolved and her breathing began to deepen, heat staining her cheeks. He stepped closer to her, the warmth of his body enveloping her.
"Is this what you had in mind?" he breathed into her ear. "Cora."
She slowly blinked her eyes open. When had they closed; she wondered fleetingly. But the thought was short-lived. Robert's eyes were boring into hers, yearning and adoration reflecting in the dark blue orbs. She watched, hypnotized, as he slowly brought his face to hers and pressed his lips to hers. Sighing into the kiss, Cora leaned into him, molding herself to his chest. Her arms found their way around him as her hands clutched and pulled him to her. Minutes passed, hours maybe. She didn't know nor did she care. Their current location was the furthest thing from her mind. She was entirely consumed by him. His tight hold on her, the inflaming way his hands slid up and down her back as his mouth moved against hers, drove every other concern and feeling from her— his name her only coherent thought.
"Oh Cora," he sighed some moments later as he broke the kiss for some much needed oxygen. He pressed his forehead to hers and closed his eyes. "My darling Cora."
Since she was no longer wrapped tightly in his embrace, awareness of the cool night air began to seep through the thinness of her coat as did the realization of their location.
"Robert," she whispered. When he didn't respond, she stepped back slightly, but was still within the circle of his embrace. "Robert."
He blinked open his eyes and looked at her. His face was flushed, the hair at the back of his head standing on end, and his collar askew. Reaching forward, but still maintaining eye contact, Cora smoothed down his hair and straightened his tie. The earlier haziness induced by too many glasses of champagne had evaporated and had been replaced by something else entirely.
"Let's go home," she murmured.
"But what about your hands?" he asked with a slight pout on his lips. "I haven't finished warming them."
"Then we'll have to hurry before they get even more cold." With an impish grin, she slid her hand into his and pulled him along. "Besides, I'm sure you'll be able to think of a multitude of ways to warm them once we're home."
*Always was written by Irving Berlin in 1925 and I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me was composed by Jimmy McHugh with lyrics by Clarence Gaskill in 1926. But since I thought these songs perfect for Cobert, I took some creative liberty and have them appearing here in 1924.