Robert and Cora enjoy a boat ride in the south of france
This day had been amazing. The warmth of the sun was just perfect. The wind in her hair felt liberating. The movement of the boat over the waves had a calming effect. She needed this escape, much more than Robert could know.
Robert had asked her if she was up for the ride, he had noticed that she was tired, but she blamed it on the long trip to come to the south of France. She was not ready to tell him yet. She wanted to enjoy these days to the fullest. This way, Robert had good memories to look back to if things turned out to be what she thought they would be. This could be her last holiday she was making with him and she needed him to have only happy memories.
She looked at him from aside. His captain hat made him even more dapper than he already was. His skin was tanning, even though they had not been long in Le Pradet. His hair had gone fully grey, and she could not love it more.
A wave of sadness hit her. How long was she able to look at him, sit beside him? Simple hold his hand. How much time would they have. Was it years, or months, or even worse, weeks.
This trip was exhausting. The pain in her abdomen was unbearable at times, but she put on a happy face and ignored her dooming future.
Carefully, she moved her hand over Robert's. She needed to feel his presence. Anker her to this day and this time. Letting go of all the thoughts about what was going to happen. She wanted to be here now. Present in this day, with the love of her life next to her. Relish on her love for him.
Robert took Cora's hand when he felt her hand, covered in a beautiful lace glove, on his. Slightly grabbing on to him. What did he feel in that little hesitation of her movement?
Softly, he squeezed her hand and looked at her. Cora's strong features were something he loved from the start. Her jawbone, cheekbones, everything. Her perfectly formed lips, whom often broke out in a smile. The little wrinkles next to her eyes, proof of her smiling all the time. He liked to think he was the reason she was smiling this much.
What did he see on her face now. There was tension in her jaw, he thought. He kept staring at her until she turned her head and gave him a reassuring smile. His Cora always knew what he needed.
What a wonderful future they had in front of them. He was already planning on taking her back here without the family. Just the two of them, taking long strolls on the beach. Enjoying the French cuisine that, he had to admit, was quite good. Drinking wonderful wine and then finding each other in bed each night. He hoped Cora would have enough energy tonight.
He had to refrain himself from kissing her right now. Edouard, the Marquis de Montmirail, was with them on the boat. He squeezed Cora's hand again, what made her lean in and kiss him on the cheek.