Robert looked around in the room, it was weird seeing it this empty. Yes, the sofa and some chairs were still here, but all the decorations that Cora had brought in, were removed. He looked at the sliding doors and saw the prettiest thing he could ever see. Cora was standing in front of them looking over the river. Her hands probably resting on her belly. If you looked at her from the back, you would never tell that she was pregnant. He was amazed how she kept her figure; she kept her swimming routine and went for a walk almost daily. He was not sure how happy he was that she still walked that far every day. But he also knew not to say something, Cora needed her freedom, and she was wise enough to know what was good for her. They had celebrated her 23rd birthday last week. Of course she was still a young woman, but she knew how to take care of her body. She also used her appointments with the midwife to learn as much as she could. And not as if he were any wiser with his three years older, but still. He felt as if he needed to protect Cora.

He walked towards her, he put his hands on her hips and slide them over her belly, so he could wrap his arms around her. Cora instantly leaned back against him. "Enjoying the view." Robert said, while pressing a kiss on her temple. He felt Cora letting out a deep sigh.

"I will miss this river." She brushed with her hands over Robert's, which were still resting on her belly.

"You will get another great view in return."

Cora turned around. "But there are only trees to look at, they are not as fascinating as this river."

"We will build a river if you want."

This made Cora chuckle, she got on her tiptoes and kissed his lips. "Well, I am going for a walk, are you coming with me?" She slid her hand in his.

"Are you sure you are going to walk? The movers will be here in two hours. Is it not better to take some rest?"

Abrupt Cora pulled her hand back. "I am not an invalid Robert. I am only pregnant and can go for that walk if I want."

"Last night, you had quite some back pain, so I thought, maybe your body gives you a sign that it needs more rest."

"I will have back pain whether I walk or not." Cora looked outside again. "It is the last walk alongside the river, so please do not stop me."

Robert sighed. "Can I still join you on your walk."

Now it was Cora who sighed. "Only if you just walk and not bug me about how I am feeling."

He brushed over her belly, what resulted in a kick. "Our little one agrees on me walking with you two."

Cora hooked her arm in his. "Soon we will truly be walking with the three of us."

Later that afternoon Robert drove their car towards the Abbey, he heard Cora taking in a deep breath. He put his hand on her knee. "Are you nervous?"

Cora smiled at him. "Yes and no. I am excited that we are finally starting our life here and that we will be able to use all the rooms in this magnificent house. But at the same time, I am scared for what is expected from me. Your mother is still in London, but I do not think that it will take long, before she demands moving here. And then she will expect me to host parties and other things that belong to being the lady of the house."

"She can demand all she wants, the coming months you will be busy with this little one." He moved his hand up to her belly. He felt Cora chuckle.

"This inconvenience will not stop your mother, darling. You know that."

"Well, as long as the company is located in London, Papa needs to be there. So that will mean Mama is also staying in London. I cannot imagine her moving here without Papa."

Cora did not answer, but she was not so sure about that last statement. She tried to stretch her back.

"Are you hurting?" Robert said with a worried wrinkle.

"Don't" Was the only thing Cora said before lifting herself out of the car.

"Hello Mrs. Hughes, Carons." She greeted while walking into the house.

"Welcome home Milady. Can I get you something?"

Robert saw Cora smile at the housekeeper but could not hear what she answered. Carson had walked towards him. His bushy eyebrows always came first and then you saw Carson. "We have some applicant's waiting downstairs to know if you want to hire them or not."

"I will come with you right away."

"It is alright if you and her ladyship want to sit and drink something first."

Robert knew he better not go where Cora was right now. He was hitting all her nerves apparently. "No, no it is alright. Better get it all settled now. We need people to run this house, we cannot expect you and Mrs. Hughes do everything."

Carson leaned towards Robert. "I should not tell you this, but Mrs. Hughes is not the best chef, so maybe you are making the right decision to hire somebody else."

Robert could not believe any of what Carson had said was true, but he did not want to argue. He and Cora had argued enough today.

It was late when Robert finally went upstairs to go to bed. There was no light coming from under the door, so he figured Cora was already asleep. Silently he walked through the dividing door. He loved having his own changing room. There was a bed in that room, but Robert was not planning to use that one. It was incredibly old fashioned for a husband not to sleep with his wife. And even though they now lived at Downton, it did not mean they stepped back in time. Even though Cora felt like they did.

As quiet as possible he climbed into the bed and rested his head on his pillow. He kept himself from putting his hands on Cora, he was not sure if she slept. But since the last month, she was having some trouble falling asleep, but mostly staying asleep. The little one kept her awake many nights. It did not predict much good for when the baby would be born. He could only hope the little one would be quieter by that time. He folded his hands under his pillow and tried to fall asleep. Suddenly the bed moved, and he noticed Cora turned around and scooted closer to him. It took her effort to come closer to him and he debated for a second if he should move towards her, but he did not want to upset Cora. Finally, she managed to lay closer to him, she rested her hand on his arm.

"Sorry for my behaviour today." She murmured.

Robert now moved closer to her, so their bodies touched. "That is alright my darling. I know I can be too much."

"Still, I should just accept that. You do not mean anything bad with it, it is just, that I am tired. My body hurts and I do not know how to deal with this two more months."

Robert moved his hand under her pyjama shirt, over her back, softly scratching her skin. "Do not get mad but taking it slow is the only solution I am afraid." He felt her sigh. "There are enough books in the library."

"There is so much work left I have to do for our clients."

"But that work you can do sitting down. I will ask Carson if we have a table that fits over the settee, so you can relax and work at the same time."

Cora pressed her lips against his. "Thank you darling." She kissed him again, this time with more passion. "I wish I could give you a better welcome home present." She pressed her belly into his body, and Robert felt his excitement grow.

Cora's hand went over his loins, towards his manhood. Softly she brushed over the bulge that was palpable. "I will make sure to have enough energy tomorrow evening." Playfully she closed her hand around him. Her mouth found his again and she let him roam around with his tongue. When he tried to climb on top of her, she gentle nudged him back down again. "Tomorrow." She whispered in his ear.

"I will order Mrs. Hughes to pin you down on that settee." Robert growled, trying to get his excitement down again.

"Tomorrow I will watch how you build that baby cot." Cora chuckled.

"I will make a show for you." Robert kissed the tip of her nose. "Now, sleep my darling. And thank you for everything. You made my biggest dreams come true. Being back here at Downton with the most beautiful woman next to me and a baby on the way."

Cora brushed with her hand through Robert's hair. "I married the most handsome man on earth, who is giving me everything I could wish for." She pressed one more kiss on his lips, before settling down in the crook of his neck. She loved sleeping with her head in that little corner, where she felt safe.