July's prompt: stars

Hearing the dividing door click open, Cora immediately looked up from her book, a warm smile wreathing her lips. Life outside the walls of her room had been daunting as of late. For the first time in a long time, she and Robert had found themselves on opposing sides as they fought to do what they thought was best for their family and the estate. Which is why the time with Robert before they fell asleep had become even more sacred to Cora. It was the only moment in the day when propriety could no longer dictate their every action and Cora savored every second. But upon seeing Robert's enervated demeanor, her welcoming smile faltered. He entered without so much as glancing in her direction, absentmindedly tossing his dressing gown on the chair.

"Robert?" she murmured.

His current state shouldn't have surprised her. Arguments with her mother-in-law always led to one feeling weary. But having heard the raised voices coming from the library, she knew this one had been far worse than usual and her heart clenched at Robert's clear distress.

"Can I help?"

He didn't respond, merely continued his habitual trek to the bed. Kicking off his slippers, he flicked the bedclothes back and sank onto the mattress, heaving a heavy sigh. But instead of climbing in as he usually did, he remained seated on the edge, his back to her.

Pushing the blankets away from her, Cora crawled over to him and adjusted so she was sitting next to him. She threaded her arms around his and rested against his shoulder, angling her head so she was looking up at his profile.

"Robert?"

Breathing another sigh, he turned his head towards her and nuzzled her face, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "It's nothing to trouble you with," he murmured.

Cora's shoulders slumped in disappointment as she internally withered, but she didn't force the issue. Instead, she snaked her arms around his torso and hugged him tightly, relived when he relaxed into her and returned her embrace. It had been a long time since she had seen him so dejected and she ached for him.

A sudden idea flashed across her mind. It had worked in the past when one of them needed cheering. Of course they'd been a bit younger the last time they had done something like this. But it was something that could only be done at this time of year and Cora felt it would be a shame to not take advantage. Not to mention it would do them both a world of good. The only problem would be convincing Robert.

"Darling," she said, her soft voice breaking the silence.

"Hm?"

"Are you set on going to bed?" she asked.

There was a pause and Cora knew he was weighing her words, trying to decipher her intention. "I suppose not," he finally answered. He leaned away from her and met her gaze. "Did you have something in particular in mind?"

Cora nodded, a grin twisting at the corners of her mouth. "I was wondering if you had any interest in spending a night under the stars," she replied, her voice nonchalant, the sparkle in her eyes belying her tone.

Robert smiled. "A night under the stars," he murmured, voice reminiscent. He laughed under his breath. "When was the last time we did that?"

"I think it was the spring after Sybil was born," Cora answered thoughtfully. "I was dispirited and you wanted to cheer me up."

"Well then, I'd say it was more than time to resurrect an old tradition. Wouldn't you?"

Cora nodded, her smile deepening into a grin when Robert pressed another kiss to her forehead. "We should hurry before the clock strikes twelve," she stated. "I would hate for you to turn into a pumpkin."

Laughing at his affronted expression, Cora leapt off the edge of the bed with a sudden burst of excitement. She rushed for her dresser and pulled open the top drawer.

"You'd better make haste," she called as Robert made his way towards his dressing room. "Last one dressed has to explain to Carson why he has to leave the front door unlocked."

Since Cora had managed to finish dressing before Robert returned to her room, he was tasked with the chore of explaining to their decorous butler their need of house remaining unlocked. She had watched, eyes alight with humor and giggles bubbling in her throat, as Robert mumbled and stumbled his way through an implausible elucidation. Carson's expression had remained the picture of professionalism, but his eyes had betrayed his skepticism.

When Robert had turned away, the tips of his ears had reddened and he looked every inch a child who had just been caught lying to his nanny. It had taken every ounce of her self restraint, but Cora had managed to stem her laughter. At least until they had stepped outside and closed the door behind them.

"Yes, yes, very amusing," he grumbled under his breath.

Looping her arm through his, Cora nudged his shoulder with her own in apology which he accept by briefly bringing her hand up and placing a kiss to the backs of her fingers.

There was a slight chill to the late springtide air and Cora found she was glad she had worn her heavier coat. Gazing up at the sky, she expected to find it full of shining stars. But it was entirely shrouded in clouds, the tiny celestial lights completely concealed.

"Why did it have to be cloudy on tonight of all nights?" Cora murmured. "It's impossible to have a night under the stars without the stars."

"But what we are up to requires no stars," Robert commented, his voice full of mischief.

Cora glanced up at him, her eyes demure and smile coquettish. "You make a good point."

Despite the lateness of the hour, the center of town was still bustling with people as they came strolling arm in arm down the dirt road that led from the house. Music played, mechanical games clinked and clattered, people laughed, and children gamboled, filling the air with an infectious and jovial spirit. Positioned around the venue were gaslights, the flames burning away the darkness and illuminating the atmosphere.

"There are your stars," commented Robert.

Cora smiled up at him and squeezed his arm in response.

"Where would you like to go first?" he asked.

She scanned her eyes around the square and, seeing the ring toss, she began to answer. But upon hearing a single bell ring, she glanced over her shoulder and saw a High Striker. With an impish grin, she returned her gaze to his. "How about starting with a test of strength?"

Robert's dubiety was obvious. He looked from her to the game and back again, the corners of his mouth turned down. "I don't know…"

"Please. For me," she entreated. Gazing up at him playfully, she massaged her hands up and down his biceps. "I never get to see you show off your muscles."

"Alright," he agreed reluctantly after a pregnant pause.

Several people had arrived before them so there was a small wait. As they stood, Cora stole a glance at Robert and couldn't help but notice the way he shifted his weight and fussed with his cufflinks. Threading her arm through his, she pressed his upper arm encouragingly. She was confident in his ability even if he wasn't.

When it was his turn, Robert shrugged out of his suit coat and passed it over to her. She hugged the garment to her and watched with bated breath as he strode over to the apparatus. Without his suit coat, the expanse of his chest was more prominent as was the breadth of his strong shoulders and Cora felt her mouth dry. As he swung the mallet, Cora found her eyes glued to the way his muscles rippled beneath his white shirt.

Striking the base, Robert took a step back and everyone watched in anticipation as the puck raised all the way to the top, striking the bell so it peeled loud and clear. Cora clapped her hands together, a joyous exclamation releasing from her throat.

With his shoulders held back and his chest puffed out, Robert spun around the face her, a proud grin breaking across his face. Cora hurried over to him and grasped him by the upper arms, reaching up to press a kiss to his cheek.

"Oh, darling," she sighed, eyes sparkling in the gaslights.

Robert chuckled and took his suit coat from her. And Cora watched, enraptured, as he slid the garment up his arms and onto his shoulders. As he adjusted the article of clothing so it would rest comfortably across his back, he caught her intense gaze and quirked his brow. Realizing he had caught her unabashedly ogling him, Cora quickly averted her eyes and cleared her throat, her cheeks taking on a rosy hue.

"Let's go," she mumbled, unable to meet his gaze. "The ring toss is over here."

The ring toss was situated several booths away from the strongman attraction. Toys and trinkets were placed atop orange blocks, waiting for someone to successfully toss a wooden hoop over them. It was another game Robert possessed a skill for and one he had taught their girls to excel in as well. Cora, for her part, was never very good at it, despite Robert's attempts to help her, and she usually enjoyed watching her family's excitement when they won something. But tonight, she wished to try and win something for herself.

"See anything you like in particular?" Robert asked as they approached the stall.

"You don't need to win me anything," Cora answered with a smile. "I want to try my hand at it."

If he was surprised, he didn't show it. Instead, he strode over to the man running the booth and exchanged a few coins for three wooden rings.

While he was busy, Cora looked over the various prizes, determining which one she would try for. It would be more prudent to try for the ones in the front as she had a better chance of winning them. But her eye was drawn to the figure on the orange block in the very back. It was a ceramic scottie dog fired black with a painted red plaid blanket and a newsboy cap upon its head.

"Which one are you going to try and win?" Robert asked as he rejoined her and handed her the hoops.

"The one in the back," she answered with more confidence than she felt. She half expected Robert to laugh at her notion, but he didn't. Instead, he smiled at her encouragingly.

"I'm here if you want help," he stated before stepping away to give her room.

Taking a steadying breath, Cora took the first hoop and, holding it securely in her right hand, tossed it with a flick of her wrist. The ring flew through the air, but fell short of the target. She shook off her disappointment and prepared to cast the second annulus. But it too missed the mark, veering off to the left. A feeling of defeat swirled in her abdomen. She had only one circle left. Shyly, she shifted her gaze over to Robert.

"Darling," she asked softly, "would you help me?"

"You're doing well," he stated as he came over to her. "But you're too tense and it's knocking you off course."

Robert came to stand behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders, massaging the taut muscles. "Keep your eyes focused right on the target," he murmured into her ear, "and your wrist steady. The ring should be an extension of your hand."

His warm breath blew down her neck as he spoke and she felt shivers run down her back. Blinking her eyes closed, Cora took in a deep breath and slowly released it, allowing his close proximity to drive away the tension locking her upper body. When she felt relaxed enough, she focused her gaze on her target. Raising her arm, she threw the final hoop. It sailed through the air, dropping over the block and landing on the table with a triumphant clatter.

"We have a winner!" exclaimed the man running the booth as he handed Cora the ceramic figure.

With a victorious grin, she turned to Robert who gazed at her with blatant pride shining in his eyes. Striding over to him with her head high, she presented the clay dog to him.

"For you," she declared.

"But don't you want to keep it?" he asked modestly. "It's the first thing you've won."

She shook her head. "I won this for you. I want you to have it."

He took the figure from her hand and held it carefully, almost reverently, in his hand. "Thank you," he stated, voice thick with emotion. Leaning down, he pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I shall place it on my desk and every time I look at it, I will think of you. My extraordinary wife."

Slipping the little dog into his pocket for safe keeping, he placed her hand in the crook of his arm and led her away from the stall. "Is there anything else you would like to see?"

"I don't know," she answered, her eyes taking in the scene before her. The fair had thinned considerably as the hour became late. But there were still several groupings of villagers enjoying the fun and games.

"There are so many places to—" She cut off abruptly, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Is that a carousel? Oh, Robert I haven't seen one of those in ages!"

She looked over at him with pleading eyes. Riding a carousel wasn't something she was certain he would be willing to do. But he surprised her when he whispered his easy agreement. Girlish excitement filled her as she tightened her grip on Robert's arm and propelled them over to the amusement attraction.

The roundabout was situated by itself on the far edge of the fair. Gaslights covered the surface so that it shone like a beacon in the night. As they approached, they found the merry-go-round empty and waiting for its next passengers.

"Which painted pony would my fair lady like to ride?" Robert asked as they climbed onto the machine. "Any one is yours from the choosing. How about this grey? I believe he matches your description of your childhood—"

"Pepper!" Cora squealed, her face immediately turning the color of beetroot. Abashed, she glanced up at him through lowered lashes. "This one will do."

Chuckling, Robert placed his hands around her waist and picked her up, plopping her onto the pony. He selected the chestnut next to her and expertly swung himself onto it's back. They were the only two on the ride and as soon as he was seated, the whirligig began to chug forward. With each completed lap, the apparatus slowly increased its speed, the painted ponies rising and falling in a mimicked gallop.

Cora couldn't help but beam. The whirlwind of the ride flung the weight of duty and responsibility from her and, for the first time in a long time, she felt entirely light and unrestrained, almost as though she was a child again. Glancing over at Robert, she found him sitting proudly atop his painted pony, looking so much like the little boy he had been once upon a time. Their gazes met and he grinned, his eyes dancing in merriment. Surely the carousel must possess some kind of magic, Cora thought.

Having the same thought, they simultaneously reached for each other. Their hands instantly linked, drawn together like magnets. They laughed. The carefree sounds of joy filled the air around them as they kept their regard locked on each other, hands remaining clasped between them.

Eventually, and much too soon, the ride slowed to a stop and Robert helped her down from her pony. He then jumped down before turning back and gripping her under her arms. She gasped in surprise when he effortlessly swung her off the platform and gently returned her feet to the earth.

"Which stand should we visit next?" he asked eagerly, the carousel having left a lingering effect on him.

"We should probably head back," she answered, her tone giving voice to her reluctance. She hated to crush his enthusiasm, but it was getting late. "I wouldn't want anyone to start worrying."

"You're probably right," he responded. "It is late. No doubt they will be closing the fair soon."

They retreated the way they came, arm in arm and up the dirt road. Noise from the merriment faded into the distance as they were enveloped into the darkness of the overhanging trees, content silence reigning amongst them. The air held a sharper chill Cora didn't remember feeling on their way to the carnival and, shivering slightly, she nestled closer to Robert, seeking out his ever present warmth.

"Are you cold?" he asked, concerned.

"A little. But we'll be home soon." She looked up at him, happy to note his earlier tension had vanished and commented before she could stop herself, "I'm glad to see you are feeling better than you were previously."

The air around them changed instantly. Cora watched the way the corners of his mouth turned downward and his brow furrowed. Oh, she could kick herself. She hadn't meant to remind him of his earlier melancholia, but her solicitude for him had prompted her to speak.

"I'm sorry," she hastily stated. "I shouldn't have reminded you."

He shook his head. "No, don't apologize. The feeling was bound to return eventually."

"Do you wish to speak of it?" she asked lowly, cautiously.

At first she didn't think he heard her. But after several silent minutes, he finally spoke, his voice barely audible.

"Am I a horrible father to our daughters?"

Cora came to an abrupt halt, her eyes snapping to meet his. "What?" she exclaimed, her voice unnaturally loud in their quiet surroundings. Of all the things she expected him to say, that was not one of them.

Robert shook his head again and scoffed to himself. "Nothing. I'm being ridiculous," he mumbled, starting to walk once more.

Reaching out, Cora grabbed his arm and pulled him back to her. He kept his face angled down and his shoulders were slumped in a way she had never seen. She stepped close to him and gently placed her hand under his chin, raising his head so their eyes met.

"Robert, you are a wonderful father to our girls," she murmured. "I never could have hoped for a better father for my children. If I have ever done or said anything to make you feel otherwise, I am terribly sorry."

"No, you've never…" he stated, his voice a mere breath. "Fathers are supposed to put their children first and yet I so easily cast Mary aside in favor of a stranger."

"But you didn't," Cora argued gently, squeezing his arm. "You agonized over what to do for months, weighing all of your options. I hate that the price of saving Downton is our daughter losing her rightful inheritance. But there is no other alternative. I know it may surprise you to hear it, but I love Downton and I would hate to see it broken apart and sold."

"So you aren't disappointed in me?"

"Oh darling," she sighed, closing the remaining distance between them. She wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his chest. "I know I haven't supported your decision until now, but I do, Robert. I support you and think you are doing the best you can with the situation we have been given."

His arms twined around her and held her tightly to him, his muscles relaxing as he hugged her. "Thank you," he stated simply.

A multitude of stars sparkling against the black sky welcomed them as they finally emerged from the shadows and ambled towards the house. Cora found herself enthralled with the beauty and seized the rare chance to observe them, relying wholly upon Robert to keep her from stumbling.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" she whispered unconsciously.

"Mm-hmm," Robert answered, glancing at the sky before lowering his gaze once again. "See you needn't have worried. We still had a night under the stars."

She laughed softly. "We did indeed." When she spoke again, her voice had taken on a dreamy and reminiscent tone. "Did I ever tell you my father used to take Harold and me out when we were in Newport?"

"Many times," Robert replied, his voice a smile.

"He would take us out in the boat on calm nights. He taught us all about constellations and their origins, how to use them for navigation…"

"I imagine it was a beautiful sight, to see the stars over the ocean," Robert commented.

"Oh it was. Nothing for miles and miles but twinkling lights. Occasionally we'd even see a shooting star."

Robert grinned. "Did you ever make a wish?"

"No," she answered, looking over at him and smiling. "I was much too old to still believe in wishing on stars."

"Nonsense!" Robert exclaimed. "You can never be too old to wish upon a star."

She tilted her head in inquiry and asked, "Did you ever wish upon a falling star?"

"I never saw one as a child," he answered easily. "But I would wish upon the first star that would appear in the night."

"What did you wish for?" she smiled, intrigued.

He shrugged. "The normal things, I suppose. A pony so I could go riding with Papa, a new rifle or rod, for Rosamund to stop coming up with mad schemes that would get me into trouble."

Cora laughed, readily picturing her sister-in-law charging headfirst into trouble with Robert toddling after her.

"But one time I did see a falling star," he continued, his voice growing soft and intimate.

They were within the shadow of the house when they slowed to a stop. Cora turned to face him, her eyes asking him to continue.

"It was when I was in South Africa," he answered, his voice barely above a breath. "There was a hole in my tent that wouldn't patch no matter what I did. And through it one night, I saw a shooting star."

"Did you make a wish?" she whispered, her gaze drawn to the way his eyes glittered in the faint night light.

"I wished for you," he murmured. Slowly, he brought his hands up and lovingly cupped her face between his palms. "There was nothing else I had ever wished for so fervently, than to return to you."

"Darling," she breathed, tears glistening in her eyes.

Of their own accord, her hands found their way up his chest, around his shoulders, and into the hair at the base of his head as his lips descended to hers. Cora melted against him and deepened the kiss. She felt Robert's arms wind around her lower back and pull her impossibly closer. It was only when she was in desperate need of air that she broke the connection, pressing her forehead to his.

"We should head inside," she whispered, her tone heavy with implication.

"Don't you want to check the sky for a falling star?" he asked, still breathless.

She shook her head and smiled softly. "No, I have everything I need right here."