An Evening in London 1950
Caroline Talbot set her gloves and handbag on the long art deco console table that stood in the entry hall of Grantham House. As the grandfather clock chimed four she looked in the mirror just above the table and quickly ran her fingers through her thick dark hair which fell just below her chin. She was still getting used to this shorter haircut and sometimes missed being able to pull her hair back in a ponytail but tilting her head to the left and then right she thought the new cut made her look more mature, more appropriate for an assistant in the catalog department of Sotheby's.
Cora must have heard Caroline in the entry hall for she was looking towards the doorway when Caroline approached the drawing room. The room which in Caroline's childhood had always seemed so stuffy and unwelcoming had undergone a transformation into a cozy and inviting room. While the tables scattered about the room were still heavy oak pieces the walls now sported a creamy yellow paint instead of dark red flocked wall paper and a soft green sofa and lounge chairs with rounded arms and an array of plump pillows in various shades and patterns of yellows, greens, and reds had replaced that most uncomfortable Victorian furniture. It was now a room that beckoned one to relax maybe reading a book or listening to the radio or just looking out tall arched windows to the seasonal changing garden. It was where most evenings Caroline and her grandmother would sit and eat dinner from small tray tables set in front of them sometimes watching a program on the newly purchased television set.
"How lovely you look" Cora smiled warmly at her granddaughter. "That shade of red is just perfect for you."
As she had done as a child Caroline twirled around so Cora could see the whole dress with off the shoulders sleeves and full skirt. "It's called a cocktail dress." Then laughing Caroline added "which is perfect since I'm going to a cocktail party."
"I thought you were going to Julianna's engagement party."
Again Caroline laughed again. "Granny the cocktail party is Julianna's engagement party." Caroline perched on the arm of one of the lounge chairs. "I think it's a nice idea, not so formal or stuffy as a sit down dinner, lets you mingle more and there will be a small quartet playing in the background. I hear that quite a few of our old university gang will be there."
"And might there be someone you're looking forward to meeting?"
"Now you sound like Mama!" All amusement had left Caroline. "I love my life right now, working at a job I love, meeting friends for a drink after work or going to the cinema or to" she dismissively waved her hand in the air "can't I just enjoy being young?"
"I'm sorry Caroline" a chastened Cora said. "I didn't mean …" she looked out the window. "It's just all so different now from when I was young or even when your mother was young." She looked at Caroline and smiled. "In many ways I envy you."
"What?" a perplexed Caroline responded.
"In my day, and even in your mother's, girls of our class were expected to marry not hold jobs." Cora gave what could be considered a rather bitter laugh. "And marry men we barely knew for we weren't allowed to be alone at all."
"But Granny you and Donk-" Caroline was interrupted by the butler announcing that a cab was waiting outside with her friends.
After Caroline left Cora tried to get interested in her latest gardening magazine that had come in the afternoon post but her mind kept drifting to that so long ago time, a time that she hadn't thought about in ages, a time when … she finally laid the magazine on the side table and closed her eyes.
The Past
The breeze coming off the ocean rustled Cora's long dark skirt and caused her to tie the silk strings of her bonnet a little tighter to keep her hat from flying off her head and out into the ocean. Both of her hands held the edges of her shawl tightly around her for the breeze had also become cooler as the ship had left the relatively safety of New York Harbor and entered the Atlantic Ocean.
She imagined her father was back at their lavish apartment after seeing them off at the pier, sitting in his library enjoying a cigar and a glass of brandy. While her mother had busied herself with ensuring the porters carried their numerous trunks and cases to the proper stateroom, her father had taken her to the promenade deck where they could view the city skyline. "It looks so different from up here" an amazed Cora gushed.
"Cora" he said as he tapped her on the shoulder to get her attention. "Don't let your mother fill all your time with those high society doings. Take some time and see London. I hear London has some wonderful art museums and the British museum is well known for its fine collections. Walk along the Thames or through one of the many wonderful gardens and just enjoy being in a different place. Don't rush in to anything" he paused as he looked out at the city that had been their home for these past few years. While he found much to like and enjoy about New York there were times he missed their life in Cincinnati.
He turned to his daughter and took her hand. "Marriage to the right person can be a wonderful thing but to the wrong person" he shrugged his shoulders. "I've been lucky with your mother" he smiled "as surprising as that may sound. More than anything Cora I want you to be happy."
"First time leaving?" Cora was so immersed in looking at the scrubby brush and wide beaches of sand that glittered in the afternoon sun of the flat barrier islands protecting Long Island that she hadn't heard anyone approaching her. She looked away from the railing and towards the voice which held a hint of a southern drawl. The smiling girl appeared to be about Cora's age, not quite as tall or as slim as Cora, but quite pretty with her stylish plum colored traveling suit complimenting her light brown hair that glinted golden in the sunlight and dark blue eyes that held amusement.
Before Cora could answer the girl said "it's surprising how few people stay out here to enjoy the last bits of land we'll see for days rather than flitting right away to their staterooms which most will be glad to vacate by the time we get to Liverpool."
"Sounds like you've made this trip before" Cora finally responded.
Nodding her head the girl replied "two years ago as a matter of fact." She then offered a gloved hand to Cora. "I'm Arabella Devereaux but called by family and closest friends Mindy" to which Cora raised a questioning brow. "I know it doesn't make sense but when my older brother first saw me he called me Mindy and somehow it stuck. Although" she leaned in towards Cora "when you meet my mother she'll call me Arabella."
"Cora Levinson" Cora said as she shook Mindy's hand.
"So are you like me on your way to London to meet the man of your dreams at some smart soiree? At least that is how my mother would describe this trip." Mindy was practically giggling.
Mindy's laugh and manner were rather appealing to Cora and she couldn't help but respond in like manner "more likely the man of my mother's dreams and hopefully no less than a Duke."
"Your mother and mine should get along perfectly. Alas" Mindy shrugged her shoulders "there's so few Dukes the competition will be fierce."
Turning serious Cora asked "so you've done the season before? In London I mean."
Mindy shook her head. "I was supposed to do last year's season. I'd just completed a year at a finishing school in Switzerland and Mother came over and we stopped in Paris on our way to London but then Mother was taken ill and we never made it to London." She once again broadly smiled, which lit up her face. "So I missed the season but I did however get some fabulous dresses from the couture houses of the Rue de la Paix."
"So" Mindy held out her hand once again "since neither of us know anyone in London let's help each other."
It was a suggestion Cora gladly accepted and the two became fast friends on the voyage although the same could not quite be said of their mothers who, having the same ambitions for their daughters, thought of each other as competition rather than allies. By chance, much to the dismay of their mothers but delight to the daughters, both had booked rooms at the venerable Brown's Hotel in Mayfair.
Their first week was spent just being out and about in London, being seen as it were, attending the opera and theatre in Covent Garden and a charity luncheon, having tea at The Connaught Hotel as well as Brown's, and strolling through Hyde Park. Mindy contacted one of her school chums from the Swiss finishing school, Louisa, the granddaughter of an Earl, and wrangled invitations for herself and Cora to a ball and from there everything just blossomed. This being a time when much of the English aristocracy was land rich but cash poor there were plenty of invitations to balls, dinners, and teas to be had for the rich American heiresses that had descended on London for the season. It was as Cora would describe it "a whirlwind of balls and dinner parties with dashing young men vying for our attention."
Although Cora had met quite a few eligible young men none had really captured her attention. Sure they were fine to dance with or politely chat with while seated next to each other a dinner party but she couldn't envision sitting next to them at the next dinner party let alone spending the rest of her life with them.
However, that would change in a grand mansion on Grosvenor Square. Mingling with guests in the ornate drawing room prior to dinner, Cora was chatting with Mindy and Louisa and her brother Arthur whom Mindy seemed quite fond of. They were joined by two of Arthur's chums from Eton, one a pale red head introduced as the Honorable Jasper Worth and the other a tall lanky chap called Viscount Thomas Inkpen, commonly known as Inky, and who was leaning on a cane. Jasper was quite the story teller and was regaling the group with the convoluted tale of Inky's accident which involved a piano player, a bar maid, a horse and the son of a Duke when a man passing by stopped. Nodding at Louisa he said "lovely as ever Louisa" before putting his hand on Thomas Inkpen's shoulder. "Jolly good seeing you here Inky. So the leg's healed."
"Not quite." Inky lifted his cane.
"Sorry old chap hadn't seen the cane." Then added "at least you're out and about."
"Robert have you met Miss Cora Levinson from New York?" Louisa asked.
London 1950
Cora held tightly to the bannister as she slowly made her way up the staircase at Grantham House. She had moved here in 1935, little more than a year after Robert's death, to escape the memories of Downton. Not that all those memories were unhappy ones, in fact most were not, but it was hard to start a new chapter of your life when every nook and cranny was a stark reminder of your loss. Grantham House had offered her a new beginning and she had delighted in exploring what London had to offer.
As the grandfather clock chimed she paused at the first landing and looked down at the foyer with its white tiled floor and creamy apricot walls decorated with oil paintings of seascapes and water colors of flower gardens, a long art deco console table took up most of one wall while in the far corner a matching round end table nestled between two round back cushioned chairs was perfect for waiting or even a quiet conversation. Next to the doorway a bench provided a place to sit and remove one's rain soaked shoes.
She thought it was an elegant yet cheerful and welcoming space and so unlike what it had been the first time she entered this house. Then it had been walls of flocked red wallpaper and dark oil paintings of gruesome hunting scenes and no place to sit. It was cold and cheerless just like the lady of the house who had made no effort to hide her displeasure at her son's choice of bride.
The Past
"Ah there you are Robert" His father sounded as if he were surprised to encounter his only son in the foyer of their London house in fashionable St. James Square. Robert's thoughts that this wasn't a chance meeting were confirmed by his father's next words. "I'd rather like a word with you."
As always with his father it was a command and not a request so Robert followed him down the short hallway to what his father considered his private study. It was a small dark room of deep red walls dimly lit by silk shaded lamps. While the elder Crawley took a seat behind his enormous walnut desk he motioned Robert to sit in one of the two leather arm chairs that were the room's only other furniture.
"Your mother says you're not attending the Peterson's dinner tonight."
"No" Robert answered. "I'm going to the gala at The Connaught" to which his father raised his brow.
"But didn't you accept the Peterson's invitation?"
"I had considered it but the crowd is going to The Connaught."
"I see." His father's chin briefly rested on his clasped hands. "And I assumed Miss Levinson is part of this crowd."
"I believe she will be there."
As soon as Robert spoke he knew his father was frustrated by his response for the older man slammed his fist on the desk. "You've been seeing this young woman most every day for the past three weeks might I ask just what are your intentions?"
"My intentions?" Robert replied.
"The season is almost over Robert. You know it's important for the estate for you to take a wife, a rich one at that, and I understand" he shuffled some papers sitting on his desk "that Miss Levinson is quite wealthy."
"I didn't realize I had to make such a decision this season."
"Son don not be coy with me." Even in the feeble light Robert could tell his father's frustration was now bordering on anger. "You must be interested in her or why else are you spending so much time with her?"
Robert was glad the room was too dim for his father to see his face clearly. He wouldn't … couldn't … admit that unlike some of his pals who were suave and self-assured he often felt timid and rather awkward around women. But with Cora there was something different, she was easy to talk with. "She's pleasant" he finally managed to say. "Unlike so many of the Americans she's not loud or brassy." He left unsaid nor intimidating or demanding. "But I can hardly say I'm in love with her."
Exasperated, his father deeply sighed. "Love isn't necessary. If you find her companionable that is enough and a better start for marriage than many in our circle." He rose from his chair. "Make a decision. Either propose to her now or move on to someone else."
Robert stood on the far side of the Connaught ballroom chatting with a few former classmates while constantly glancing toward the entrance. Having already downed two glasses of champagne he waived away the tuxedoed waiter who offered another. One by one the others drifted off until Robert stood alone. He leaned against a pillar that hid him from much of the room. Maybe if I leave now I can say I didn't see her he thought but just then he did see her enter the ballroom and he gasped at the sight of her in a light blue silk gown that he just knew matched her eyes. He watched her gracefully step into the ballroom, stopping here and there to say hello to new found acquaintances.
Although she craned her neck to look around, the room large and crowded and he knew she hadn't spotted him. He watched as she hesitantly accepted the offered arm of a dark haired man and the pair glided on to the dance floor. There was no denying she was beautiful … and kind … and sweet … and he knew he could do a lot worse.
When the waltz ended she smiled pleasantly but shook her head "no" at her partner and returned to the sidelines. Intently watching the dancers twirl around the ballroom when the music began again she heard a male voice say "may I offer you a class of punch?"
Not sure at first if the voice was speaking to her Cora slowly turned her head and was surprised to see Robert, appearing rather nervous, holding out a glass of punch towards her. "Yes" she replied softly, her lips curling into a smile, "I'd like that very much."
"It will give you time to recover from dancing with Stomper" Robert chuckled.
"Stomper?"
Robert nodded. "Your last dance partner. The Honorable Harold Jameson is a jolly good chap but believe me many a woman has left the dance floor limping after a spin around with Stomper." He leaned towards her as if whispering a secret "word is that that's why Lady Petunia Petworth hasn't been seen since limping off the dance floor last week at the Hammersmith's ball. Broken toes I gather."
"Stomper?" she repeated then laughed before becoming rather somber. "Is there really a Lady Petunia Petworth?"
"Her brother Periwinkle was a few grades above me at Eton."
"Petunia and her brother Periwinkle" Cora mused. "I suppose they have a sister Pansy."
"No her name is Peony" Robert solemnly responded. "But we call her Petal." He shrugged his shoulders "not really sure why."
Cora looked at him as if he had sprouted two heads which caused him to laugh.
"It's hard enough remembering all these titles without all these nicknames!" She looked slyly at him. "What do they call you?"
"Alas" he shrugged his shoulders "I'm just Robert. Plain boring Robert."
"You haven't been plain or boring Robert to me" she replied. "I … I …" embarrassed she stammered "you were so knowledgeable that day at the museum and made that afternoon so interesting and at the races-"
"I'm glad you don't think I'm boring." Take a deep breath he took hold of her hand "could you … could you see spending the rest of your life with me?"
Her eyes widened. "Are you-"
He nodded his head. "Yes I'm asking you to marry me."
London 1950
"Granny! Oh good you're still awake" Caroline barreled into Cora's bedroom. Unlike her usually stoic mother, Caroline had always been so energetic and excitable reminding Cora so much of Sybil.
"You're home rather early."
"Well the food was so good and we ate so much we didn't feel like going to dinner and we left too late to go to the cinema and tomorrow everyone from university is meeting for brunch and it's started raining" Caroline breathlessly explained. "And I was so eager to talk to you."
She sat down on the edge of Cora's four-poster bed. "There was a guy there who said you and his grandmother were great friends."
Peaking Cora's interest, Cora sat up straighter against her pillows. "Who ever-"
"His name is Will Granville and his grandmother was Arabella-"
"Mindy!" Cora enthused.
But a perplexed Caroline shook her head. "No Granny her name was Arabella Dever-"
Cora shook her head as she once again interrupted Caroline. "Arabella went by the name Mindy."
"So you do remember her?"
"Of course. Mindy was probably the closest friend I ever had. Cora laid her head back against the stack of pillows. "When she died I was heartbroken … she was still so young."
"Well Granny Will would like to meet you and hear stories about her since he never knew her and even his father only has vague memories of her."
Cora nodded. "I'm not sure which son is Will's father but Mindy's oldest was only eight when she died." Then smiling at her granddaughter. "I'd love to meet him. Ask him to luncheon or dinner or whatever suits you."
The Past
It had taken less than ten minutes for Isadore Levinson and his daughter to walk the length of the village from Crawley House and back again. "Not exactly New York" he said. "Or Cincinnati for that matter." He turned his head to look at Cora. "Do you really think you'll be happy here?"
"I know it will be an adjustment but London isn't that far by railway and the grounds on the estate are lovely especially the gardens."
"I just want you to be sure Cora."
"I am sure Daddy."
"He seems nice enough I'll admit but it's not just him you're marrying …" he paused and looked at the church where on Saturday his daughter and the future Earl of Grantham would wed. "You'll be living with his parents and in-laws can be a bit" again he paused "let's just say difficult."
"I know his mother is rather vocal" Cora answered.
"Vocal!" Isadore raised his brow. "The woman is opinionated and domineering and superior acting and …"
"Daddy" Cora interrupted "I know she won't be the easiest person to get along with but the house is huge-"
"Even with a hundred rooms I somehow think it will be hard to avoid her" Isadore countered. "Your mother is vocal and opinionated but she's witty and not mean-spirited. She's a good sparring partner with Violet" he refused to refer to her as her ladyship or Lady Grantham "but you're so much more genteel."
He took his daughter's arm in his and walked her towards the stone wall that bordered the church yard. "This has all been such a whirlwind. Even if the wedding is set for Saturday it's not too late for you to change your mind. I just want you to be sure absolutely sure when you walk down that aisle."
"Oh Daddy" Cora reached up and touched her hand to his cheek. "I know you think it's a bit too much, that Mother roped me into this but Robert is a good man and I do believe he'll make me happy."
She kissed his cheek. "I love you and I love how concerned you are for me. I'll come home every year to visit and you and Mother can come here." Seeing the look on her father's face she chuckled. "Maybe once Robert and I are married my mother-in-law will thaw a bit."
London 1950
After Caroline left her bedroom Cora found she wasn't sleepy for thoughts of the past were whirling around in her head. Mindy! Those first years of her marriage to Robert had been tough, well it wasn't really Robert but rather Violet that had been the problem and Mindy had helped her get through that time.
Cora glanced at her nightstand and the framed photograph of Robert that was prominently displayed. She picked up the photograph and as she ran her hand across Robert's face she whispered "You were the right choice Robert. You did make me very happy."
Note: I'm not really sure when Cora was born but for the sake of this story I'm going with she's in her early 80's here.