"Carson I do apologize, Her Ladyship had a sudden headache at the end of our meal and I took her upstairs to rest. I should have rang for you, but it was such a strange evening I just forgot" Robert's over explanation betraying to the butler that there may have been more to it. He did not wish to think on it any further.

"Quite all right My Lord. Alfred and James were able to clear away without any difficulty." Carson replied as he handed Robert the morning paper.

"Good morning darling, good morning Carson" Cora sing- songed her way into the dining room. Robert stood as she entered the room, Carson stared for a moment.

"Good morning My Lady" he managed to regroup, "Would you care for some breakfast?" he asked.

"Yes please Carson I am simply famished!" she exclaimed, Roberts cheeks started to get red. I bet she is he thought as images of last night exploded into his head. He blinked twice to try to push them out, this was breakfast, get it together old boy he thought.

"Cora darling what a pleasant surprise to see you for breakfast. To what do we owe this pleasure?" he enquired, "Not that I am complaining" he finished.

"I couldn't have you sitting here, all alone for the first meal of the day now could I? What sort of wife would I be" she said as she sat down on his left side, brushing her arm gently across his shoulders as she passed by him to her seat.

Carson bought her a plate of fruit and toast, and a cup of tea. She had learned to love tea since arriving in England 32 years prior. Good heavens, she had lived in England longer than she had in her country. What an interesting thought. Why did her family continue to remind her of her 'American-ness' when it suited them. She would have to tuck that little piece of trivia away to bring out the next time Violet, or Mary for that matter reminded her how American she was.

"Besides darling, your mother and Cousin Isobel are coming for dinner tonight and I thought it would be a nice opportunity to dine alone" she continued.

"How nice" replied Robert, he could feel his face reddening as he continued to try and fail to keep thoughts of their last dining experience out of his mind. He marveled at his wife's composure and poise. She either was not thinking of it at all, or she was masterful at hiding it. He would have thought she would be the one to blush and lose composure, and yet here he was, turning redder every second as Carson finally retreated with an empty tray.

"I thought you might care to sleep in this morning Cora, after last night's meal" he questioned, smirking at her.

She looked up from her fruit and smiled at him, "Oh no darling I feel fine." she replied evenly. She could see her complete nonchalance was unnerving him. He was giving her the most quizzical look, it was all she could to stop herself from laughing out loud. She had decided earlier while dressing that she would play it completely cool when she saw Robert. She could think of no other way that would ensure he was on his toes, in a constant state of unease. It would make the day so fun, and would keep him guessing. She would accomplish 2 goals by doing this. 1 would be to keep him unsure and hopefully start to help him see that he didn't have to have it all figured out all the time. 2, it could lead to some more romantic moments like last night. It had been so wonderful. She had gone to sleep smiling from ear to ear.

"In fact Robert I have a surprise for you today." She continued as he looked at her questioningly.

"Oh yes, what kind of surprise would that be?" he all but winked at her, trying to insinuate the 'surprise ' he was thinking she had in store. It would be hard to not laugh at his continued confusion for the remainder of the day.

Carson entered the room with a tray of eggs which Robert helped himself to a spoonful of.

"I don't want to give it away quite yet, but you will need to ready to leave 30 minutes before luncheon, that is all I will say my dearest." she placed another piece of fruit in her mouth, and turned to Carson before Robert could ask her any further questions. "Carson, would you be so kind to remind the chauffer that he is to collect both The Dowager Countess and Mrs Crawley for dinner tonight." She asked him. "I mentioned it to him yesterday but I much prefer him being reminded the day off, especially after that time he forgot to collect the Dowager. We are still hearing about it"

"Of course My Lady" Carson replied.

The rest of the morning passed in a fairly usual fashion. Robert had some letters to respond to, and Cora began work on the party plans for when the children returned from London. Cora could not help but get excited as the rocking horse she had ordered for baby Sybil was delivered. Robert said it was a little soon for such a gift, but Cora knew he was happy to have such a toy in the house again. She rang for Carson and asked him to coordinate the delivery to Branson's house, further out on the estate. She would spoil this child, whether Robert or Tom wanted her to or not. It was a grandmother's privilege, and in these circumstances it was most definitely her right to.

Cora entered the drawing room at the appointed time to find Robert almost pacing. She wore her dusty pink walking coat and a tasteful hat perched to the left of her head. The angle of the hat highlighted the angle of her neck and framed her face creating a beautiful effect. She had purposely asked O'Brian to fix her hair so that a few small curls escaped from under her hat and lay against her neck ever so gently. She new Robert would be drawn to her neck with this affect, and would take pleasure in taunting him with it ever so innocently. She could really be quite devious when she tried she thought.

"Are you ready Robert?" she asked as she entered.

"As I do not know what it is I am supposed to be ready for, then I cannot be quite sure. But I think I am darling." He replied, rather playfully.

"Oh good. Then let's go shall we" she said, walking over to her husband and slipping her arm in his.

She steered them out the front door and down through the gardens. They quite often walked the grounds together arm in arm, but never as far as the East Gardens, and never for a luncheon picnic. They had picnicked quite regularly when the girls were younger, but she could not recall the last time they had done so, not including their recent trip to Downton Place. They talked as they walked about the beautiful grounds and most unseasonably warm weather. It was easy, it was pleasant, and before long they reached the East Garden. As they approached Robert smiled and held his wife's arm a little tighter, "Cora, the East Garden! What wonderful memories we have here my dear" he said happily.

"Oh I know Robert." she replied grinning devilishly. She had chosen the East Gardens on purpose, and her little field trip the day prior had been to confirm that the place she wanted their picnic set up would be clear or weeds and such. As they rounded a small corner of bushes they came to a tiny clearing surrounded on one side by trees, and encircled with tiny yellow flowers. In the middle was a small round table covered in a white lace tablecloth. Two chairs were tucked under the table and a wicker picnic basket was placed on top of the table. Cora smiled as she saw her vision had been brought to life. Well done Alfred she thought. Thank you Mrs Patmore. Perhaps a small token of thanks in form of a gift would be in store for each of her co conspirators.

"Cora!" Robert exclaimed. "You are full of surprises my dear! A picnic in the place I proposed to you, what a lovely surprise darling" he leaned over and kissed her cheek.

"Thank you Robert. What use is it to have the house to ourselves and not make the most out of it" she replied as they walked to the table and took their seats.

The afternoon passed in a lovely balance of discussion, reliving old memories, and enjoying Mrs Patmore's delicious picnic. She had really put some effort into the meal, and the Pear Tart which they were currently sharing was Cora's new favorite dessert. They sat across from each other at the table holding hands like newlyweds. Cora felt she could hardly recall being more happy in recent months. She had successfully turned her husband's head last night, and today she had spent a delightful afternoon in discussion with him. She could say she had it all really. A physical connection and an intellectual one. However when the discussion turned an unfortunate corner she found them beginning to discuss the running of Downton. Red flags seemed to pop up and warn her to get out of this unfortunate topic and fast, but she could not steer the conversation away fast enough.

"Cora, do you not think that perhaps he is overstepping? He is not Lord of the Manor quite yet!" Robert said vigorously.

"Robert, I don't want you to get upset over this. But you did tell Matthew you were joint masters. Was that just lip service darling or did you mean it?" she replied. Why could she not hold her tongue, she cursed herself inwardly.

"So you do side with Matthew on this. Cora you disappoint me!" he said exasperated.

Oh, those were fighting words if ever she had heard them. Disappoint him! Disappoint him! This man was so frustrating at times. "Robert! How can you say that to me? I disappoint you?! Well I am sorry" she said in a mocking tone, "I shall try harder then to keep my real feelings from you, is that what you would like?" she flared.

"That's a bit dramatic Cora." He replied. "But on this issue I would appreciate your support. Downton has been my home since I was born, It is in my blood …" before he could finish she cut him off,

"… yes yes, and in your bones I KNOW! You know it really gets me how you, how all of you continue to treat me as if I have no interest in Downton, that I don't care as much as the rest of you about the estate. May I remind you that it was my father's fortune that saved Downton from ruin all those years ago, and my signature on those papers of your fathers that allowed it to be saved." She was getting really angry now. How dare he suggest she not care about Downton. It was her home, she was its mistress. She continued her rampage as the words came spilling out, Robert stared, mouth agape as she went on, "I have lived at Downton more than half my life! I have had four children here, buried 2 of them. I have spent night after night entertaining our guests, learning how your mother would have the Countess of Grantham behave and done so accordingly. I have left my own country, everyone I ever knew, ever sight I had ever seen to come to Downton, to be with you. And you tell me over and over again that it is not in my blood and my bones like it is for you! Well that is just LUDICROUS Robert!"

She rose to her feet, her body shaking. "You say I disappoint you because I do not 'side' with you on the issue of Downtons management. Well you Robert have disappointed me! Why are you so against Matthew's involvement? His ideas seem sound, he is not a fool. He is not trying to push you out, rather he is trying to assist you, to help Downton succeed in the future." She turned and began to walk away from the table in the direction of the house. Her face was red with anger and sadness, and she was choking back tears.

"Cora… I never" he began softly, standing as she began her retreat. She turned around to face him.

"Do you know why I am not on your side with this? Do you want to honestly know why?" she fumed

"yes" he replied quietly

"Because your father died not an old man Robert! I cannot help but think that the constant strain and responsibility of running this estate and ensuring its future took its toll on him. That perhaps Downton contributed to his untimely death. I think that Matthew shouldering some of that responsibility will take some of the strain from you and allow you to spend more time enjoying the fruits of your labors. Spend more time enjoying days like today. Because I don't want to be left a younger widow Robert!" And with that she turned and began the walk back to the house. How did her lovely afternoon go so wrong? She had totally lost control and blurted out the most dangerous fears she had. She walked as hurriedly as she could and fought back the tears that were trying to fall. Great, she thought. Dinner with her mother in law and Isobel would be horrid tonight after that. They could always seem to tell when things were not quite right, as mothers do. She quickened her pace, hoping to get some rest and a bath before she had to endure dinner.

Robert stood there, shock adorning his face. His wife had just unloaded a whole basketful of issues on him. He was not angry, he was actually rather relieved. Part of his issue with Matthew being involved was him feeling pushed out and not valued. He had felt that Cora's siding with Matthew had meant she agreed with Matthew and thought he would do better running the estate, that Robert had made too many mistakes and could not be trusted. But from what she had just said he now knew that was not the case. She was worried for him. She loved him so much she wanted him around for years to come. He was touched. He was shocked. He was trying to register what had happened. Why was he still standing there as she hurried away to the house. He had longer legs, and he knew a short cut that was too rough and uneven for Ladies to use. He resolved to beat her back to the house and apologize upon her return. He took off at a slow run toward the house.

By the time Cora entered the house she had slowed her step considerably. Part of her had wanted Robert to come after her. What a ridiculous argument! She had exploded quite irrationally she now realized, but he was so stubborn and so hard to get through to sometimes. He needed a little dramatic 'American' flair to help him see the truth. She could get so caught up in the emotions of the moment that she could practically see herself on a stage acting a part. She was a little embarrassed now and a little angry still. The fact that he had not followed her or attempted to at least catch up with her made her frustrations at him grow. He must be out there dwelling on it, hating change and now hating the drama that came with it. Maybe she should just cut her loses and join the girls in London, she wondered.

Carson approached her as she entered the house asking if she needed anything. "No thank you Carson, I will retire to my room until the dressing gong. You may send Alfred out to retrieve the picnic items now." She responded.

"Of course My Lady" he said, looking after her and wondering why his Lordship had arrived before his wife. This was becoming the strangest few days.

Cora climbed the stairs quite defeated. Her plans of a romantic afternoon had peaked and then flopped. She had made herself a fool, angered her husband, and taken several steps back in trying to get him to embrace change. What a mess Cora Crawley she thought as she turned her doorknob and walked inside.

She gasped and jumped back in surprise when she entered her room. "Robert!" she exclaimed, "How did you get here so fast? "She queried

"I know a rather hairy short cut" he confessed "and I ran part of the way." He finished. Cora threw her hands to her mouth and quietly began to cry. "Oh Robert I am sorry for overreacting. I shouldn't have ruined the day like that."

Robert sat on the edge of the bed, the flowers he had hurriedly picked on his way clasped in his hands. He stood and walked towards his wife, flowers outstretched. Cora reached out with her hand and took them from him, then folded into his arms. He held her tightly for a moment and soothed her with gentle strokes along her back. She began to compose herself and he led her to the bed to sit next to him. She leaned over and laid the flowers on the nightstand. "Thank you Robert, they are lovely" she said as she set them down.

"You are lovely darling" he replied, and reached up to remove her hat for her. She smiled at his sweetness.

"Cora, I am sorry I started that whole argument." He began, "I have been quite foolish I believe. I have been so worried about Matthew taking over because I have felt that it means I have failed, that I have made one too many mistakes, that I have been a foolish and an unwise caretaker"

Cora interrupted him "No Robert, no-one thinks that"

Robert shook his head and motioned for her to let him continue, "I think I know that now, but it is a feeling I have had that I cannot deny. I am aging Cora, I am no longer in my prime and ever since the war I have felt my usefulness slipping away. Now Matthew has better ideas for Downton than I do, well that was a bit of the straw breaking the camel's back. But to hear your reasons for supporting his ideas, well, you have made me see with new eyes my dear. I am starting to see things differently now. I am sure it will take time of course, but I know that you do not think me foolish and unable to perform my duties, and that means the world Cora. You are my world." He finished, reaching out for her hands and placing them in his.

"Robert, you are most definitely NOT foolish to me. You ARE useful, and you are MOST definitely able to perform your duties!" Cora said, in the sultriest voice she could muster. Robert looked up from Cora's hands as her last statement registered in his brain.

"What duties do you mean Cora?" he asked innocently.

"I think you can figure that out Robert" she said, smiling seductively at her husband. She leaned in to kiss his lips and he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her waist. In one swift motion he moved her around and playfully threw her on the bed settling on top of her. He kissed her passionately and her hands roamed his head and neck, tousling his hair and gently pulling on it from time to time. She moaned as he kissed her neck and her chest, and she let her hands move to his chest and upper arms. She started to pull his walking jacket off and felt his upper arm muscles as she did. She got more excited as she felt the strength of his arms, she could not help but love that area of his body, So strong, so masculine, he could hold her so tightly in these arms. She pulled his arms free of his jacket and it fell to the floor. He rolled her onto her side and began undoing the back of her dress while kissing her softly against her neck and shoulders as he freed them. They continued in this manner, taking turns removing each other's layers as they kissed and stoked the areas that become available to them. Cora's moans were becoming more and more urgent, egging Robert on further and further. He could not contain his excitement which had become evident. Cora nibbled on his ear as he kissed her chest and breasts. Her hot breath on his earlobes and neck made him begin to lose control. He would have to have her soon, she was driving him crazy. She as so passionate, so lovely, so unbelievably beautiful, he was the luckiest man alive, he was sure of it. "Cora!" he breathed between kisses, "you make me come alive". She murmured his name in his ear, and then in a display of wanton lust whispered "take me! I am yours, take me!" He could not handle any more and entered her with enough gentleness and enough passion to make them both gasp. This would be an afternoon of pleasure after all.

Later, as they dressed for dinner Robert entered his wife's room feeling more refreshed than he could ever recall. Not only that, but he felt some of his tensions had melted and he was beginning to see ways in which he could work with Matthew in the management of Downton. Cora dismissed O'Brien and rose to take her husband's hands and walk with him downstairs. As they left the bedroom Robert squeezed her hand and whispered in her ear, "Perhaps they should go to London more often", she swatted his arm and smiled. "Please Robert, be on your best behavior tonight" she said lovingly.

"We'll see" he said mischievously, and they descended the stairs together.