Falling
Cora searched for Lord Downton everywhere at the next ball she attended. But she couldn't find his tall form in the Honorable Miss Anne's ballroom, or sipping champagne, or speaking to any of the guests softly in a corner. Still, her dance card was soon full, with some of the same gentlemen who'd been indifferent at the last ball.
Cora hoped at least one would apologize for almost ignoring her at the previous ball, as Lord Downton had done, but each simply took her hand and began galloping, marching, and waltzing to the music. Some smiled as they danced, or looked at her womanly form with big eyes, making her feel rather flattered, despite her annoyance. Cora reminded herself of what Lord Downton had told her, that he'd felt caught between what he and his father wanted versus what his mother wanted him to have in a match.
Perhaps the behavior of some of these lords wasn't truly their fault, either.
"I hope you are having a good time in London, and I apologize if anyone has been unhospitable," said Lord Apsley as they waltzed. He was about the same height as she was, with deep brown eyes and hair.
Nodding, Cora relaxed a bit more. Many of these lords were kind and well-mannered, although a part of her admitted she liked the sound of Lord Downton's apology better.
"That blue gown is very becoming on you," said Lord Apsley a few moments later, as the oil lamp shined directly on her dress.
"Why thank you," Cora said with a smile, enjoying his words even more than a smile or looking at her with his big brown eyes. The blue gown she wore made her feel beautiful and more confident. She was so glad she'd talked Mother out of another red one. "And may I say your tuxedo suits you well." She studied his sleek black suit which fitted his body perfectly with a nod.
Lord Apsley's eyes narrowed in surprise at Cora's compliment. And she had the distinct impression it wasn't a good surprise. What had she said? Her cheeks felt warm as they finished her dance.
"Mother, I don't know if I can find a match here," Cora said, in a fit of frustration as she sipped a glass of champagne. "I thought I'd found a nice gentleman at the last ball, but he isn't here tonight. I thought Lord Kellie would be a good match, but he started reminding me too much of Frank for my comfort. And it appears I've offended my last dance partner somehow, when all I was trying to do was tell him how nice he looked. I just don't understand the rules of British Aristocracy well enough."
But Mother shook her head, her eyes pointing directly at her daughter. "Don't accept defeat yet, Cora. The London season isn't over, and you certainly understand more about this world since learning from Miss Maple."
Cora sighed, taking several sips of champagne, as if it could solve her problems. "I think maybe I'm too American." She'd done her best to remember everything Miss Maple had taught her, from her accent to proper conversation, but every time she attended another event, she realized there was another rule of etiquette she'd never heard of.
"Whether they want to admit it or not, Cora, all these British lords need our American money," Mother said, patting her daughter's shoulder. "Sooner or later, one of them will decide your dowery is enough, and you can learn all of the extra rules of etiquette when you are living as a titled lady. This is your best chance for a match, Cora; you need to keep trying, or you'll have to return to New York as a spinster, with no chance of having children."
"Mother!" Cora said in exasperation. Must her mother bring up how she'd ruined her chances of finding a match in New York by breaking up her engagement to Frank? She stared at the glass of champagne again, wishing it had all the answers.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
But of course, the champagne didn't have all the answers, so Cora obediently danced with the rest of her partners that night. The next week, Cora prepared for another round of the same gentlemen treating her with polite indifference that had asked her to dance before, while the men that had treated her with indifference would become surprisingly eager.
She just hoped she wouldn't say the wrong thing this time as her eyes scanned the sea of gentleman at Lady Mary's ball. Her eyes suddenly landed on Lord Downton's tall form, and she tried not to be too excited, although she couldn't stop her insides from dancing.
"Good evening, Miss Levinson," Lord Downton said, approaching her with a nod. "I wonder if I could have one of your waltzes again."
"Oh, yes!" Cora said eagerly, her eyes wide as she admired how handsome he was. She was so glad he hadn't resumed treating her with polite indifference. Perhaps he and his mother had come to an understanding?
John Foyle asked for a march, and Lord Middleton, the older man who'd opened Cora's ball, asked for a quadrille, and Cora politely accepted them. But most of her thoughts were on the prospect of waltzing with Lord Downton again.
OOOOOOOOOO
"I admit, I'll be happy when the London season is done," Lord Downton said as they waltzed later that night. "I know it is my duty to come and well…" he paused, as if unable to say "find a bride" or even "a proper match." "I was such a disappointment to Papa for, oh…you know…not…Well, I will attend the rest of the balls."
Cora smiled at how uncertain he was when he spoke. It was so endearing, especially contrasting with his smooth voice, his handsome appearance and how easily his feet moved as they waltzed. She was also happy to hear he would be present for the rest of the balls at the London season.
"Where will you go after the London season ends?" said Cora, eager to know more about this handsome and sweet man. He didn't sound Scottish, like Lord Kellie.
"My family estate is in Yorkshire. It's called Downton Abbey," he said much more confidently. Cora nodded, wondering if his title had anything to do with the name of the estate, but she decided not to ask. What if that question offended him for some reason, like her comment about Lord Apsley's tuxedo?
She hated to offend Lord Downton, much more than any other she'd met.
"It's my favorite place in the world," said Lord Downton, almost as if he wished an excuse to speak of his home. "The lush fields, the stables, the evergreen trees which we use at Christmas placing it in the same Great Hall where all my ancestors walked, the library which holds all my favorite books and where our family has afternoon tea…" Cora nodded as his voice droned on, realizing how much he loved his home.
He must be desperate to save it. No doubt it was one of the reasons he was so interested in waltzing with Cora. The music played lightly in the background, but something in the air felt heavy.
"… and I love that it's a home to so many other people, too. The tenants, the villagers, and my family all work together to make Downton a reality. Even the servants, many whom have been working there all their lives, are doing their part." The comment pulled Cora out of her daydreams, and she gazed into his blue eyes with delight. What a sweet man he was, to care so much about everyone involved in his home.
Would Lord Kellie or Lord Apsley say the same? Cora couldn't be certain. Certainly, Frank would never care about the factory workers, as he didn't even care about Poppa.
"It will be my responsibility, someday, to take care of our estate and provide a home and employment for the area," Lord Downton said firmly, as if he could his estate into still existing when that time came. Cora had no doubt he would do so if that were all it took, he sounded so determined and caring so much about everyone who lived there.
She felt herself slipping in the most delightful way as she continued to gaze into his eyes and listen to the sound of his voice. It was a good thing his strong arms held onto her. If Cora could help him save his estate, she would. And she could if he proposed.
"Miss Levinson, I wonder if you would like to go carriage-riding with me tomorrow?" Lord Downton said, as their waltz ended. His words were careful, as if he truly cared what she had to say, and yet almost as confident as when he were speaking of his estate.
Cora's heart leaped so much she was surprised it wasn't on the ceiling. "Yes, Lord Downton," she said as her smile reached her ears and seemed to grow past them. "I would love that."
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Cora's smile still reached her ears as Lord Downton helped her into his carriage the next day, her heart leaping at the touch of his hand. Even Mother's insistence that she attend the outing didn't bother her so much.
She still wished Mother wouldn't ask questions about the legitimacy of Lord Downton's title, especially as they clearly bothered him as much as they bothered Lord Kellie. "… and you're certain your father is the only Lord Grantham in Great Britain?" Mother said, her eyes scrutinizing Cora's new suitor just as much, if not more than the last.
Lord Downton stared at her for a moment, his blue eyes wide, as if he couldn't understand why Mother dare ask such a thing. "Yes, Mrs. Levinson. My father is an earl and the only Lord Grantham until he dies, in which I will then become Lord Grantham." Then he sighed.
But when his blue eyes turned to Cora, her heart sang at the expression. She was slipping even further into Lord Downton's soul than she had during their waltz the day before. A part of Cora remembered this all-consuming feeling from when she' d been in Frank's presence, but she also knew this was different.
Lord Downton was obviously much more honorable than Frank, with his quick apologizes and firm sense of responsibility. Furthermore, although his eyes showed a desire for Cora, he didn't attempt to touch her in order to manipulate her into agreeing with everything he said.
"Would you allow me to escort you to Miss Amy's ball this weekend?" Lord Downton said as they finished their carriage ride. His blue eyes were staring directly into Cora's, almost as if their eyes were kissing, but he kept his hands and his lips to himself.
Cora felt herself falling further. This man was so kind and honorable, he might be perfect.
"Yes, Lord Downton," she said with another big smile. "I would love that."
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Cora wore another big smile as she entered Miss Amy's ball on Lord Downton's arm. Even better yet, he had no complaints as she smiled at all the other gentlemen who filled up her dance card with marches, quadrilles, and gallops.
Of course, he expected her to leave all her waltzes to him, but Cora was only too happy to do so. Dancing so closely in Lord Downton's arms caused her heart to race in a wonderful way. Somehow, she also felt as if she were in a different world, with only her and Lord Downton inside it. When Lord Downton's deep blue eyes gazed into hers, their own world grew especially prominent.
Cora clutched his arms as his eyes looked at her that way again. She was falling in love with this perfect man.
"Ah, Miss Levinson," Lord Downton said carefully, his eyes suddenly turning away from hers.
"Yes," Cora said, searching for his eyes again. Suddenly she heard cello music playing and some other guests chattering. They were no longer in their own little world.
"I wonder if I, ah, might perhaps, send your father a telegram. There is, well something I'd like to ask you, but I should like to have his permission first," he said, his eyes still wandering away. But Cora's heart still melted. She still thought it was endearing how difficult it could clearly be for him to speak of some subjects.
And there was only one question that Lord Downton would like to have Poppa's permission before he asked her.
Her heart swelled that she would soon receive a proposal. And not just from any man. From the man she was falling in love with. Better yet, Lord Downton wished to receive Poppa's permission first, even though it was inconvenient. Cora already knew he was better than Frank, who'd dismissed Poppa's permission as unimportant, but this proved it.
She had fallen in love with the perfect man.
Beaming, she said, "My father would be happy to receive your telegram, Lord Downton." The rest of the world disappeared again as they finished their waltz.
OOOOOOOOO
Poppa's immediate reply to Lord Downton's telegram was to say he was coming to London to meet Cora's newest suitor immediately. That meant Cora would have to wait over a week to receive her proposal from the perfect man.
"I don't understand why Poppa insists on meeting Lord Downton right away," Cora said as she and her mother sipped tea in their suite at the Ritz. "I thought he'd finally decided I was grown up enough to make my own choices." Her mind flashed to the night where Poppa had given his permission for Cora to marry Frank, and how mature it had made her feel. Even after that hadn't worked, and Poppa and Mother had discussed taking her to London, Cora had agreed to go like an adult.
Mother shook her head sadly as she munched on a scone. "I will remind you of what happened the last time your Poppa agreed to a match." She scowled, as all their family did when they thought of Frank. "He just wants to make certain this young man is worthy of you."
Cora paused, trying to draw inner strength from her warm tea. "But Poppa did know the purpose of going to London was for me to find a perspective husband, and we all agreed it was the best plan. If he thought he should inspect them before they proposed, he should have come to London at the same time we did."
But Poppa would never do that, of course. He could never take a couple of months away from his business. She pushed the old sting away, and focused on what was important now. Lord Downton's pending proposal. "Besides, Lord Downton is nothing like Frank Samson. He's always been honest with me, and he does everything in his power to do the right thing, even at his own inconvenience." Her mind flashed back to how Lord Downton struggled to speak of topics that were clearly difficult for him but forced himself to do so anyway. "And you should hear him talk of his estate," Cora's mind drifted back to one of her favorite conversations. "He loves it and cares about everyone who lives there, from his family to the tenants, and even the servants. I cannot think of a more perfect man to give my dowery to than him."
"Cora!" Mother said sharply, bringing her out of her daydreams. She slammed her teacup on the table, and Cora was glad to see it hadn't broken. "I don't like how gushy you sound about this young man. May I remind you that you have only known him a couple of weeks? That's even less time than you knew Samson before you claimed you were in love. You're being too naïve again. Focus on what position such a match can give you, not how you feel about him."
Sipping her tea several times before answering, Cora said, "I don't care that I knew Frank longer than Lord Downton, Mother. I know it's real this time; it feels so much deeper than what I thought I had with Frank. And I see no reason why I shouldn't enjoy the benefits of both love and the position you wish our family to have. It's a match that satisfies both of our goals." She smiled at her mother, feeling uncharacteristically proud.
But of course, Mother wouldn't let keep that. She shook her head, strands of red hair falling around her face. "Love always ends in heartbreak, Cora; we've been through this already. I hated to see you suffer after what happened with Samson, and I refuse to let it happen again."
Cora smiled much softer. Mother may be difficult sometimes, but it was all because she was trying to protect her daughter from harm, and Cora loved her for that. "Mother, I understand what you're saying, but as painful as the aftermath of Frank Samson was, I'm actually glad I went through it now. It helped me grow up, and it taught me what love was not. And falling in love with Lord Dwonton is the best feeling in the world." Her mind drifted to her perfect man, and how she would soon receive a proposal.
If Poppa ever got to London.
OOOOOOOOO
Eventually, Poppa did arrive in London, embracing Cora in the privacy of their hotel suite. The Levinsons were then invited to Lord Downton's family townhouse, which was called Grantham House. The butler introduced them as Mr. Levinson, Mrs. Levinson, and Miss Levinson as they stepped into the entryway.
Cora's eyes immediately landed on Lord Downton, and her heart danced. Meanwhile, a man who looked remarkably like her perfect man stood nearby, although his hair was grey. "Good evening. I am Lord Grantham," said the man neutrally, shaking each of their hands. Cora thought his handshake felt warm.
"I am Lady Grantham," said the woman who stood next to him. Her hair was still mostly brown, making her appear younger than her husband, but her voice was just as neutral. Still, something in her expression chilled Cora to her bones.
"And I am Lady Rosamund," said a young woman about the same age as Cora with striking red hair. Her warm expression made Cora much more comfortable, especially as she offered her hand.
"Would you like to see our drawing room?" said Lady Grantham, and led them to the correct room, as a perfect hostess should. The drawing room was decorated in red and had some beautiful paintings in the background that Cora couldn't wait to study.
But she had no time for that now, as Poppa scrutinized Lord Downton with looks and questions far worse than Mother's during the carriage ride. He even tried to intimidate Cora's suitor with his height, but fortunately that didn't work as Lord Downton was just as tall as Poppa. "And you've never been alone with my daughter in the last couple of weeks?" Poppa's eyes narrowed, like wished to pop Lord Dwonton's head open.
"Why no, sir," Lord Downton said, as if he wouldn't even consider such a thing. "I wouldn't even consider trying to compromise a young woman that way."
"And you've never thought about…doing anything with her? My daughter is a very pretty girl, you know." Poppa had the same narrowing eyes.
"Yes, sir, but…I would never," Lord Downton looked flustered as he often did during difficult topics, but of course he answered the questions. Cora smiled at him, loving how honest and perfect he was. "I never do such things before marriage."
Poppa shook his head, like he still didn't believe what he was hearing. "Poppa, Lord Downton is a good, honorable man," Cora said sharply, rushing to the man she loved defense without thinking. "Nothing like the man you are comparing him to." She reached for his hand, to make her point clearer, but Lord Downton didn't look comfortable with that. So, Cora simply looked Poppa directly in the eye as she said, "You couldn't give me to a better man."
OOOOOOOOOO
Poppa eventually struck up a conversation with Lord Grantham while Lady Rosamund cornered her brother. Cora made her way to one of the paintings in the back, when Lady Grantham trapped her between an armchair and the painting she desperately wished to see.
"Good evening, Miss Levinson, I was hoping you and I would have a chance to talk," the older woman said pleasantly, but that cold, frightening expression was still on her face. "Are you enjoying your visit to Grantham House?" She was almost the same height as Cora, if not a little shorter, but she made Cora feel smaller than she'd ever been.
"Yes, ma'am," Cora said carefully, wishing someone would come to rescue her from this woman. Where did she come from, anyway? Hadn't she and Mother just been having a heated conversation on the other side of the room? "I particularly admire the paintings your family has on display," she said, hoping that would thaw the woman a bit.
"Ah, yes, we Crawley's have acquired some very fine pieces of art," Lady Grantham said proudly, almost as if she'd chosen them all herself. "And I'm certain you would enjoy viewing more of them, especially back at Downton. But all the fine pieces of art doesn't change the fact that this match is a mistake. You come from a different world, Miss Levinson, you aren't made to live among us. If you were smart, you would go home soon, where you belong."
OOOOOOOOOOO
Cora mulled over Lady Grantham's words, no longer caring about the painting she had wanted to look at before. She wondered if the older woman was correct. Hadn't she struggled to fit the entire time she'd been in London? Did she belong in America, after all? But then, she'd ruined any chance of a match in New York because of what had happened with Frank. Besides, her heart ached at the thought of never seeing Lord Downton again. He was too perfect to pass up the chance of marrying.
As she struggled, Lord Downton's face suddenly stood in front of her. "What did Mama say?" he said softly. Sighing, Cora wondered how to answer. She loathed to speak ill of anyone's mother, especially when she may very well be correct in this case. "I know she said something to discourage you," Lord Downton said a bit more firmly, but still so softly that only she could hear. "Remember I said she has different ideas about proper matches than Papa and I do?"
Cora nodded, thinking back to one of their first significant conversations.
"This is what I meant. She's made it quite clear she doesn't wish me to marry an American, no matter what circumstances my family is presented with." Cora nodded, knowing he meant his estate was in need of money, and appreciated how he made it clear without making them both more uncomfortable. "And she can be rather manipulative for a woman. Don't worry about her; I think you'll do well here."
Lord Downton's sweet, honest words lifted Cora's spirits like a bird. "Thank you….And I suppose I should apologize for Poppa's behavior towards you earlier."
"It's to be expected, I suppose," Lord Dwonton said. "I'm taking his only daughter from him." He paused and smiled, admiring her womanly form and Cora felt herself warm in addition to feeling as if she were floating. He often made her feel like that.
"Yes, but there was an extra reason why he was so harsh," Cora said, deciding right then she need to tell him of her past. He'd been so honest with her, she needed to do the same. "You remember I told Poppa you were 'nothing like the man he was comparing you to?' I've been engaged before. Back in New York."
"Oh?" Lord Downton's eyebrows raised in surprise and Cora had a feeling he wasn't easily surprised. Or at least he wouldn't show it such an obvious way.
"His name was Frank Samson," Cora said, spitting out the words. "He was a foreman to a factory that Poppa owned, and he was very good at saying the right things to get me to agree to anything. But he'd been pretending to like me the entire time, as he eventually revealed he wanted me to steal from Poppa."
"What!?" Lord Downton said, a bit too loudly for the small drawing room. But apparently, he was too angry to care about the looks his parents gave him. "Such dishonor! Expecting you to steal was bad enough, but from your own family? I'm glad you got away from him. And now I think it might be best if you stay as far away from New York, and that man, as possible."
"Yes," Cora said, her heart floating and growing warmer. She knew what was coming. What she'd been waiting for.
He took her hand, and Cora felt as if she could fall into his arms in the best way. "Will you marry me and become my viscountess, Miss Levinson?"
Cora's insides danced. She wanted to embrace him tightly, but after he reacted to her trying to take his hand in front of Poppa, she thought that probably wasn't done here. "Yes. I would love to, Lord Downton."
He kissed her gloved fingers. "Then we can announce our engagement at dinner. And it's Robert now. Robert Crawley."
"Robert," Cora said, hoping she could remember that name now. She'd fallen in love with him only knowing him as Lord Downton. But certainly, he would be the same person as Robert? "And I'm Cora."
