Follow your heart or family, part two, chapter 2

“Ros, I need your help” Robert said speaking into his phone.

“Robert! It is midnight, what is so important, that you wake me up in the middle of the night.” Rosamund answered sleepy.

“Cora’s contractions have started, what should I do?”

“Oh my, and you are calling me? Did you already call the midwife? How long has she been having contractions?”

“Well, for about an hour now, but they are coming very fast, can I call the midwife? It is in the middle of the night? Ros she is in so much pain, what should I do?”

Rosamund wanted to shake Robert, “Go call the midwife, hang up the phone, you can call a midwife anytime. Be there for Cora, just be there.”

Robert looked over to Cora, she was just having a contraction, and was trying to breathe through it.

“Robert,” Cora said through her teeth, “You need to call the midwife.” She stopped to breath the pain away. “Open the front door and get clean towels.” She grabbed the sheets to steady herself.

She was in so much pain, to laugh about Robert, but he was totally lost and panicking. In a way it was adorable, but she really needed the midwife. Her contractions had started about an hour ago but were just minutes apart.

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Finally, the midwife Sarah, arrived and was able to get Robert back on earth. He was sitting next to Cora, supporting her through each contraction. Holding her hand, and whipping away sweat of her forehead and cooling it down with a wet cloth.

After a check, Sarah said: “With your next contraction, I want you to start pushing. Listen carefully to my voice, I will coach you.”

Cora took a deep breath when the next contraction hit her and started pushing, following Sarah’s voice, who counted out loud. She was squeezing Robert’s hand hard!

“Ok, stop, take a deep breath, with the next contraction we are going to do the same, you are doing wonderful.” Sarah encouraged Cora.

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Cora had pushed for about an hour when she heard Sarah say: “Ok, come on, one last big push, you can do this.” Cora gave everything she had left in her, she pushed and pushed, and she felt the biggest relief. Sarah was holding the baby and the little one started crying instantly.

Sarah did some quick test, and laid the little one on Cora’s chest, wrapping her in a blanket. “Congratulations, you have a baby girl.”

Cora looked up at Robert, who was staring back at her and the baby, with teary eyes. “Oh, darling, you did amazing, I am so proud of you. A little girl.” He bent down and gave her a kiss.

Robert got to cut the umbilical cord. Sarah had put clothes on the little girl and put her in Robert’s arms. “Welcome to the world, Mary Josephine Crawley.”

Cora gave Robert a surprised look. They hadn’t decided on the name yet, she loved Mary, but Robert wasn’t sure about that name.

Robert saw Cora’s face. “I knew the moment I saw her; she is a Mary, she is our Mary.” Carefully he bent down to kiss Cora’s forehead. ” You rest now, you have worked hard enough.”

It took about an hour for the afterbirth to come, but finally Cora was able to sleep. With Sarah’s help she had breastfed Mary, it was the most wonderful and painful experience at the same time.

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Martha, Harold, Violet, Rosamund and Marmaduke were all standing in her bedroom. One by one, holding the little girl. Cora was happily watching Robert move Mary from arm to arm, so carefully. She knew he would be an incredible dad.

“Your delivery was very fast” her mother had noted.

“It was only fast from the moment I realised I was having contractions. When I look back, I was having contractions throughout the day. They only got heavy after we came back from our dinner” Cora answered.

Robert had looked at her in surprise: “Why did we go out for dinner then? You were restless that whole evening, but I asked, and you said you were ok?”

Cora took Robert’s hand: “Darling, I didn’t realise, I was having contractions, it just felt like a really bad back pain.”

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Her mother and Harold had left, saying Cora needed to rest. Rosamund and Marmaduke were on their way out when Violet said: “Where is nanny?”

Rosamund turned around in surprise, she knew Robert and Cora weren’t going to have a nanny, Cora wanted to care for the baby herself, why did mama ask this question?

“She should be here right now?” Violet continued.

“Mama.” Robert bemoaned, “You know we aren’t getting a nanny. Cora wants to take care of Mary herself, a lot of mother’s raise their children without a nanny.”

Violet huffed and turned around.

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Cora turned out to be an amazing mother. The first weeks they had some help to learn everything. Changing a diaper isn’t easy for the first time. The maternity nurse learned them everything they needed to know. Robert had two weeks off, to be with Cora and Mary.

The first days Cora wasn’t able to do anything more than nursing Mary and staying in bed.

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Months had gone by, and Robert started working again. On his desk there was a picture with Cora holding the baby just after birth. It was a precious one. Finally, it was time to go home.

Cora was standing in the kitchen, preparing dinner, she carried a crying Mary in a sling. Cora was swaying her body rhythmically, trying to calm Mary down. Robert walked over to give both Cora as Mary a kiss, but he stopped when he saw Cora’s face. “Darling, what’s wrong?” Tears were streaming over Cora’s face.

“Nothing, and everything.” She answered.

Robert realised they needed to talk, he turned down the heat and took Cora to the living room to sit down. She muttered, that dinner would be ruined. “We will order food, when needed. But we need to talk.” He picked up Mary out of the sling and laid her on his shoulder. She calmed down immediately.

That made Cora cry even harder. “You see, I am not a good mother, I don’t know how to calm down my own child. Oh Robert, your mother was right, we should have hired a nanny, I can’t do this.”

Robert didn’t say anything, he just pulled Cora close to him and let her cry for some time. When Cora calmed down, he said: “You are the best mother I know, but maybe you want too much. Mary is reacting on your stress. Darling, you don’t need to keep the house clean. I had a cleaner before, we can hire one again, it is a big apartment. You don’t need to go to lunch with my mother every week. I will tell her to stop insisting on it and bring it back to our monthly lunches.”

Cora leaned her body against him, she had wrapped her arm over Mary. “I love you, but I don’t want to disappoint you.”

“Asking for help isn’t weak, or disappointing. Darling, you can’t do everything. I will take tomorrow a day off and we will ask your mother or Rosamund to watch our Mary. I am taking you on a relaxing day.

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Robert brought Mary to Martha. He arranged a spa day for him and Cora, when he came back in the apartment, he found Cora fast asleep on the sofa. He draped a blanket over her and got a cup of tea. He called the spa center, to cancel.

He had worked on his laptop for a few hours, next to Cora when she woke up.

“What time is it?” She said startled.

“It’s 12.00 o’clock, darling.”

“I overslept; I am so sorry. When you got out with Mary I felt so tired, I thought to take a quick nap, but well, clearly it wasn’t quick.”

“Darling, we took this day for you to relax, and you are clearly relaxing, so I say mission accomplished.” He gave Cora his warmest smile

“I will make us some lunch.” Cora got up.

Robert followed her into the kitchen, Cora had lost all the baby kilo’s and was even slimmer than before. He couldn’t resist and pressed his body against hers. His hands on her belly. “Darling, I miss you.” Since Mary was born, they only shared quick kisses and cuddles, but Mary was almost 6 months now. Robert had waited for Cora to take initiative, but he couldn’t wait any more.

Cora’s body reacted to Robert’s touches and hot breath on her neck. She turned her body around and kissed him passionately, she pushed him backwards, until he touched the table.

Robert lost his balance and fell on the table, taking Cora with him. “This isn’t very comfortable.” He mumbled.

“We will go to the bedroom.” Cora said while kissing his neck and working on his buttons from his shirt.

They never reached the bedroom and ended up on the couch. Cora was sitting on top of Robert, she had just worked to get his trousers of and gave him pleasure with her mouth. Robert had moaned from pleasure. Now it was her turn she said, she let Robert enter her, and moved her hips on the rhythm of the music that was playing.

Robert came before her, but he worked on her with his mouth and fingers to get Cora on her peak. They had fallen on the ground when he tried to turn Cora around. Now they were just lying there. Naked and content. “Robert, I have missed you, thank you!”

Follow your heart or family, part two, chapter 1

In the past year a lot had changed. Cora stopped working at ‘Levinson and Son’. She had started a Photography program at ‘Royal College of Art’. It was a full-time study for one year. In the evening she had taken guitar lessons and learned to play some tunes already. It was more strumming than real playing, but her teacher said she was a fast learner.

Everywhere she went, she brought her camera, the study was intense and took a lot of her time, but she was really enjoying it. Her favourite subject? People asked her that a lot: Robert of course. His broad shoulders, great jawline and his length were amazing to take photos of. She had many portrait photos of him already.

She was feeling so lucky to have him as her husband, he made her feel loved every day. Regularly he brought her flowers or chocolates or had taken her on a short weekend trip. Although she had to admit, those trips were usually combined with work for him, but she didn’t mind.

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Cora was humming with the beat of the song coming out of the radio. She was making dinner; Robert was sitting at the kitchen table buried in his work. He had started to finish work at home a few weeks earlier, this way he was home during dinner.

For him there had also changed a lot. Abbey Advertisements had gone international. He just opened an office in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and was working on one in Köln, Germany. He needed to go there regularly, but he brought Cora with him when possible.

Robert closed his laptop and looked at Cora, she was swaying with her hips and dancing on her place, while stirring in the pots and pans. She was starting to show already. This morning he had heard the baby’s heartbeat for the first time. She was 12 weeks pregnant and was glowing.

He got up, wrapped his arms around her belly and started moving on the beat with her, she put her head backwards and was leaning into him.

“Darling, dinner is almost finished, can you set the table?” Cora asked and kissed his neck.

Robert tightened his grip on her. He started to move more with her close to his body. Cora moved with him, turning the heat down, and she let him carry her away. They twirled around the kitchen, living room and back. She loved dancing with Robert, their body’s moving in sync with each other.

“Robert, I love you and I love this, but I don’t want our dinner to get ruined.” Relented Robert let her go and set the table.

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It was the morning of their anniversary, Robert had woken Cora up with soft kisses on her shoulder, and they played around a bit. With her belly growing, Robert was ever so gentle with her. But her being pregnant made him even be more attracted to her. Her small breasts were growing, and he liked playing with them, although Cora was sometimes complaining he needed to be softer, because he was hurting her.

He laid his hand on her belly and felt the slight movements of the baby, Cora had covered his hand with hers and was looking at him. “Just a few more months and we will see this little one.”

Robert got up a little and kissed her lips. “Cora, I have a surprise for you today.” Her eyes grew, he loved her facial expressions so much. “You remember that painting we saw when we were in The Netherlands?”

“That abstract painting symbolising a windmill with cows in front, you mean?” “That was a lovely painting,” Cora reminisced, “it would look lovely in the baby’s room.”

“I got hold of it, we can pick it up today, but it turns out it is from Teun Postma.” He felt Cora’s body tense up.

“You mean you are going to buy it from….” Cora couldn’t say his name, even after all these years she still felt scared thinking about Mr. Bricker.

Robert tightened his grip on Cora’s waist. “Darling, don’t worry, I can go pick it up alone, you don’t have to see that art dealer. Normally he will bring it to the new owners, but he is not stepping foot in here.”

Cora tried to relax her body again. “You know what, I am coming with you, Simon will not have any effect on me anymore.”

Robert was surprised to hear her say his name but was glad she found her strength again.

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Robert opened the door for Cora and immediately grabbed her hand before walking further. In the middle of the room was Simon standing, he opened and closed his mouth in shock. Robert hadn’t told him his real name when he made this appointment.

“Welcome, in my gallery.” Simon started, he stared at Cora and his eyes went to her belly. “I see, I have to congratulate you two?”

Cora laid her hand protective on her bump and gave Simon a little smile.

Robert had done the talking, he kept Cora close all the time they were in there. Not leaving her, even when she needed to go to the bathroom, he waited in front of the door. Simon had insisted on bringing the painting to their apartment, but Robert wasn’t having it. He was allowed to bring it to his front door, but he wasn’t stepping inside.

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It was the evening of Cora’s graduation; she had finished the program with straight A’s. There wasn’t a big ceremony for just one-year courses, but Robert had made dinner reservations at ‘Le Gavroche’ he had made an early reservation because Cora was really tired the last month, she was almost full-term. She had gotten her certificate during the day, in a small ceremony.

Cora stepped out of the bedroom in a beautiful light blue dress, a ribbon accentuated her belly even more. The fabric was loose and flowing around her body. How did she manage to still look this wonderful, heavily pregnant? One hand rested on her belly, the other one on her back and she took a deep breath. “I am happy when we are back home, so I can go lay down.” Cora said.

Robert dropped his book and rushed over, guiding her to the nearest chair. “Darling, we can cancel our dinner reservation and just stay home?”

“No, no, I will be fine.” Cora smiled and brushed her hand against his cheek. “Changing clothes is just hard work these days.” She sighed and leaned back into the chair for a moment “Can you help me put on my shoes? I left them in the bedroom.”

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Dinner had been delicious, but Robert had told the waiter, without Cora hearing it, not to delay it too much, he didn’t want an evening long dinner. Cora had shown signs of discomfort during the taxi ride to the restaurant, and Robert wasn’t sure it was a good idea to be there.

He had helped her out of the car when they got home. Took of her shoes and dress and supported her with getting into their bed. He bent over, kissed her forehead: “Try to sleep darling, your body needs rest.” He walked to the kitchen to get her a glass of water.

Walking back, he was thinking about how she could still walk on high heels, she balanced her body perfectly, but it must be hard on her feet.

Cora was still awake and was reading a magazine. “I can’t sleep, the baby is restless she said, and my feet and legs are hurting.” She said breathing in deeply.

“I can massage your feet; do you think it will help you?”

Cora sighed, “I definitely know it will help, maybe you can also try to rub my back, it is killing me today.”

Robert started on her feet and legs, rubbing in the massage oil deep into her skin. Cora had turned on her side, so he could reach her back. While he was massaging her, he felt her body tense and she grabbed the sheets. Inhaled deeply and moaned softly. “Cora, Cora are you alright?”

“I, don’t know, I think… no, I don’t know. The pain is slipping aside, please don’t stop.” Cora said sighing. But before she could relax, her body tensed up again. She moaned: “I think it has started.”

It took Robert a moment to realise what had started, the baby was coming. It was a month early and her contractions where close to each other.

Follow your heart or family, chapter 17

After a very long day in their car, they finally arrived in Edinburgh. Robert had suggested to go by car, he loved the idea of a road trip, and with both of them driving, it would take about 9 hours and this way they could fully enjoy the change of the scenery.

The hotel was situated in a lovely big old house, their suite came with a view over the hills and city.

Cora had seen that there was a bathtub, and she couldn’t wait to soak her body after all these hours in the car, her back was aching.

Robert opened the door of their suite: “Welcome to our honeymoon.” He scooped her up. „I forgot to do this when we got home last night.” And he carried her inside.

Cora laughed and gave him a quick kiss. “Robert, do you mind if I get in the tub first? And then we can go out for dinner later?”

“Well, I was thinking of ordering room service and not going anywhere tonight, we have two weeks here, so why not take it easy?”

Robert watched how Cora got undressed, she truly had the perfect body, she was very slim, but her muscles made her extremely sexy. The rounding of her hips and small breasts were all in right proportions.

While Cora soaked in the tub, Robertwas laying on the sofa, ordering their dinner, and reading a magazine. He got up, walked over to Cora, and kneeled besides the tub. He rolled up his sleeves, picked up Cora’s washcloth, and started to rinse her body.

Cora’s body reacted on his touches, although she was in the hot water, she got goosebumps. Robert felt it and got encouraged. He let the washcloth go, and roamed around her body with just his hand. He moved from her calves to her thighs and turned inwards. He slipped his fingers inside her, and she started moving her hips. He felt she was almost there, when there was a knock on the door: “Room service” Cora moaned and Robert answered. “Just a minute.” Cora opened her eyes and said smiling “Never mind it now.”

Cora had wrapped herself in a fluffy bathrobe and they enjoyed the perfectly cooked lobster. The rest of the evening they had cozied up on the sofa watching a television show.

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The next two weeks they spent as real tourists. Visiting every museum, church and interesting place, dining in the most luxurious restaurants, and smallest pubs. They had three days left and Robert said: “You know what I always wanted to do?”

Cora looked up from her book: “No, darling, tell me.”

“There is a mountain in the Highlands, called Ben Nevis, and I want to climb it. Friends of mine have walked the West Highland Way and they closed it off with going up that mountain. The pictures they send me, where incredible. The weather forecast for the day after tomorrow is amazing, we could go their?”

“And you want me to climb that mountain with you?”

Robert saw the scared look in Cora’s eyes and started laughing: “It is a normal path to the top and back, no rock climbing, just hiking.”

Cora sighed relieved, “Oh, I can do that.”

“We could spend one night there, it is about a 3-hour drive, and that’s a bit much to do on one day, because going up that mountain will take us at least 6 hours. When we go there tomorrow, we can go up that mountain the day after?”

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Cora was putting on her shoes, Robert had bought a backpack, so they could bring water and food for their hike. “I am ready, are you?”

She looked up at Robert, he was a little bit pale, and his breathing was heavy. But he looked adorable with that backpack on his back, all hyped up to go. They had stayed at a small B&B, it was very cozy, but Cora noticed she was spoiled with her lifestyle and missed the luxury of a hotel room. All hotels were fully booked, and the B&B owner had said they were lucky, he just got a cancellation before Robert had called.

It was a hard climb up that mountain, but once they arrived on the top, it was worth every swear word and drops of sweat. It was a very clear day, and they could see so much of the beautiful highlands, Scotland was so incredibly beautiful. Vaguely they heard bagpipes playing and a local hiker told them that every day, the bagpipes were played at the banks of Loch Linnhe. They ate their lunch and started their walk down.

They decided to stay in Fort William a little longer. Cora’s feet were hurting, but she followed Robert around in the town. They ended their day in a local pub, enjoyed some bangers and mash, and drove back to their hotel in Edinburgh.

Cora had fallen asleep and wasn’t waking up when they arrived. He carried her to their suite (,) put her under the covers, after taking of her shoes and watched her for a while. He loved it when she fell asleep before he did. Her face all relaxed, her chest rising and falling. She had the cutest little snore; she was just perfect in every way.

He took some paracetamol, because he was having a headache and hoped the tight feeling in his chest would go away. He undressed and laid down next to Cora, he fell in a deep sleep and had the weirdest dream.

Robert was sitting on the front porch of a home, Cora was doing gardening work. Children were playing. Cora got up, and Robert saw her belly, she was carrying another child. She wobbled over and lowered herself next to him, sliding her arm in his. He saw a dark shadow, it hovered over the children and they were disappearing one by one. With each movement of the shadow, a child was gone. He didn’t feel Cora’s arm anymore, the shadow had reached him, and he got cold as ice…….

“Robert, darling, wake up, you are having a bad dream” Cora brushed his hair and kissed his forehead.

He opened his eyes and saw Cora sitting next to him. The sun was already shining bright. He glanced at the clock it was noon. He shot up, but instantly laid back down. Sharp pains were shooting through his head and his lungs were burning. He felt Cora’s hand on his shoulders gently holding him down.

“Just lay down darling, you are burning up. I already rang for a doctor, just lay still.” She dabbed his forehead with a wet cloth.

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Cora had woken up, and when she turned to crawl up to Robert, she felt his body heat and that he was all clammy from sweat. He mumbled something about a shadow and children, she didn’t understand.

She had called the front desk, and they promised to ring for a doctor. They also confirmed she and Robert could stay in the suite, it wasn’t booked the upcoming nights.

When he started to squirm around, she had woken him up, he was having feverish dreams. Yesterday in the pub he had said to have a headache, but Cora had not given it much attention. It wasn’t strange to have a headache after their long day hiking. She felt guilty for falling asleep in the car. Robert never complained about a headache, or any other discomfort he had, she should have realised he wasn’t feeling well.

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Robert started coughing, the sound worried Cora. She had heard him cough yesterday, but thought it was because of the straining to get up that mountain. He sounded really congested now and his breathing was wheezing.

The doctor had arrived and after some tests said, Robert got early signs of pneumonia. He should stay in bed for a few days. He described some medicine, to get his breathing to be a little bit easier. But there wasn’t more he could do. Cora needed to make sure he would drink enough. And to be prepared, his lungs were going to get worse, especially during the night. She should ring if he started coughing up blood, or his temperature would rise.

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Robert had slept the whole day, only waking up from his own coughing. Cora had made sure he got enough fluids, and had asked the front desk for clean sheets, Robert was sweating so much, the bedding needed to be cleaned. The staff was incredibly helpful, bringing up lunch and dinner, without her ordering it.

As the doctor had predicted, during that night Robert got worse. At one point she was scared he would stop breathing, he was coughing so hard. She had scooped him up in his pillows and that seemed to help him breathe a little easier.

Rosamund arrived early in the morning, Cora had called her, she didn’t know what to do. Once Robert would feel better, he wasn’t able to drive home. And she didn’t know how long they could stay here. Rosamund had jumped on the first available flight to help Cora.

It took Robert two days before he started to feel better, his breathing got easier, and the wheezing stopped to Cora’s relief.

“Robert, do you want some toast?” Cora was sitting next to him. Rosamund had just helped him into clean clothes. He was exhausted from that exercise.

His voice sounded hoarse: “I would love that, I am famished.” He tried to get up.

Cora was so relieved to hear his voice. “Darling, just stay in bed. Don’t strain yourself.” Gently pushing him back in his pillows.

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Rosamund had helped Cora to bring the bags to the car, Robert was sitting on the sofa in the lobby. He felt confounded, he didn’t want their honeymoon to end this way. Cora appeared in the doorway: “Are you ready to go?” Cora looked at his face: “Darling, what’s wrong? Are you feeling worse?” Cora asked worriedly.

“No, I am not feeling worse, not health wise, but I am so sorry, I ruined our honeymoon.”

Cora had a puzzled look on her face: “Robert, I had the best honeymoon I could wish for. Walking around with you in this city, visiting all these places, watching the lights in the city. You didn’t ask to get pneumonia. Things like this can happen. I am relieved you recovered, that’s all.”

“But this is the second trip I ruined, first Paris and now this.”

“Robert stop this foolish talk, wrap your arm around me and we will walk to the car. I love you and you didn’t ruin anything.”

Cora had bought some pillows and a blanket, so Robert could sleep on the backseat.  She took turns driving with Rosamund. They joked about having a girls road trip, with a hitchhiker in the backseat.

Follow your heart or family, Chapter 16

It was only four in the morning, but Cora had been awake for at least an hour. Falling asleep had been hard, but stayin a sleep proved to be an even harder task this night.

She was in her old room in her mother’s house. Full of nerves she had gone to bed, and with more nerves she was laying awake now.

A knock on her door startled her. She must had fallen back to sleep. Her mother opened the door, she was holding a cup of coffee. “Cora, it is already 8 o’clock, you should get dressed.

Her mother was wearing a bright orange dress with green accents, her hair was pinned up under a dark wide hat, she liked her mother’s style. She always wore what she liked, not bothering if it was in fashion or not.

Martha helped her in her dress and then the circus started, hairdressers, make up artist walked in en out. But finally she was ready to go.

“Before we go.” Martha said: “I want you to have this bracelet, it belonged to my mother, she gave it to me on my wedding day, now I want you to have it.” She put a beautiful circle linke diamond bracelet around Cora’s arm.

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Rosamund helped Robert with his suit. He looked handsome she thought. “Ros, will you make sure mama, will support Cora today?”

“Mama, loves you Robert, although she is giving us tough love, she loves us and she is happy for you, you can be sure of that.” She handed him his jacket.

Violet stepped in the room, wearing a light purple dress. In her hands she had a small flower, wich she put behind the pocket square in Roberts jacket. She cupped his face and said: “I am proud of you.” Kissed his cheek and said: “we should go, you will be late.

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Robert was standing in the ‘Victorian Grand Hall’ of the ‘Battersea Arts Centre’ waiting for his Cora. There were around 300 guests, family members, friends, but also a lot of business relations. Violet had insisted on inviting them, and Robert had gave in, under the conditions, there would be business relations from ‘Levinson and son’.

He didn’t mind the first rows were only family and friends. He saw Susan with James, she looked happy. That was something new he thought. He didn’t know where to put his hands, and felt sweat on his back, Cora could walk in any minute. The string quartet played soft some classical music.

Everybody got up, the moment the musicians started playing Ave Maria from Bach. Robert’s hard started to beat faster, the doors opened and there she was, his beautiful bride.

Her dress moved perfectly around her body, showing off all her small curves. The lights in the room reflected on the stars in her hair. She looked like she just stepped out of a fairytale. The satin white of her dress, made her light skin tone, radiant. He needed to restrain himself, he wanted to run towards her. But he waited while she walked down the aile on her brothers arm. Right before Cora, his mother and Martha had walked down, and both gave him an encouraging smile.

Finally Cora arrived on his side. She took his hand in hers and they turned around to the registrar. She looked at him sideways, and couldn’t believe she was standing here. He was so incredibly handsom in his china blue suit, his blue eyes were bluer than ever. She could she his upper body muscles tensed, she squeezed his hand.

The ceremony started and when the registar said: “If there is any person here present who knows of any lawful impediment to this marriage, then they should declare it now.” Robert gave a quick look at his mother, but she sat there being silent.

The registar went on:

“Before you are joined in matrimony, it is my duty to remind you of the solemn and binding character of the vows that you are about to make. Marriage in this country means the union of two people, voluntarily entered into for life, to the exclusion of all others.“

“I am now going to ask each of you in turn to declare that you know of no legal reason you may not be married to each other.”

“Are you Robert Crawley free lawfully to marry Cora Levinson?”

Robert answered: “I am.”

“Are you Cora Levinson free lawfully to marry Robert Crawley?”

Cora answered: “I am.“

“Now that you have both declared that you are free to marry, we have come to the part of the ceremony where you take each other as husband and wife. Please repeat after me:

“I, Robert Crawley, take you Cora Levinson, to be my wedded wife.”

Robert repeated these words.

“And now: I, Cora Levinson take you Robert Crawley, to be my wedded husband.”

Cora also repeated the words.

They exchanged the rings and than finally the registar said: “It therefore gives me great pleasure, to pronounce you are now husband and wife. Congratulations! You may now kiss each other!”

Robert lifted her veil, took Cora’s face in his hands and kissed her passionately. Her hands were gripping his shoulders to not lose balance.

The guest were applauding. The string quarted started playing ‘The arrival of the Queen of Sheba’ and Robert and Cora walked outside as husband and wife. Once the left the ceremony room, Robert stopped, turned to Cora and said: “You have made me the happiest man in the world.” Before he could kiss here, the guests were flowwing out the room.

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The wedding planner made sure, Cora and Robert were on the right places, they had to get their photos taken, in the mean time a small part of their guest would go to the ‘All Saints Church’ for the religious ceremony. Robert was Anglican, Cora her father was Jewish, but Cora’s wasn’t, so they decided to go for an Anglican ceremony.

Only their real friends and family would attent this ceremony. Back at the wedding venue their was a lunch served for the remaining guests and there would be music the whole afternoon.

After the ceremony they all went back, for dinner, Robert had arranged that although the location was enormous and all 300 guest where getting dinner, there was a small part of the room set aside for their dinner with just family.

The day ended with a big dance party, Robert had learned that Cora was a really good dancer and he loved dancing with her. They started traditionally with some classical dance styles and ofcourse they opened it together, dancing a walz, but soon the band started playing modern music and all the guest were having fun.

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Somewhere around 23.00 o’clock, Cora and Robert had left the party and went to Robert’s place.

Back in their bedroom, Robert carefully helped Cora out of her wedding dress, he let his hands slide against her body. He realised this was the first time he was going to feel her.

Cora’s breathing got a little bit faster when she felt his warm hands on her hips. She started unbuttoning his shirt, and when they both were finally standing there naked, Robert couldn’t hold it any longer. He scooped Cora up and pressed her against the wall, kissing her lips, moving down her neckline to her breast. Cora wrapped her legs around him and kissed his neck.

Robert had moved her to the bed and her head was resting on a pillow, she looked up. Robert was sitting on top of her, carefully discovering her belly and breast with his hands. Her own hands rested on his hips. He bent down and whispered: “Are you ready for me?” She couldn’t be more ready.

Robert moved his body, and carefully entered her, he moved slowly, while kissing her neck and cupping her small breasts. She moved her hips so he had better access and moved along with his movements, they got faster and faster. She arched her back when she was on her peak and came. Robert moved slower and finally he rested next to her body and murmured: “That was heavenly, my darling wife.” He kissed her and said again: “My wife.”

Feeling Robert’s hot breath and hearing him say this, made she wanted more, she got on top of him and let him enter her. Slowly she moved, making him move with her. “My husband, I am yours”

+++

Both heavily breathing they laid next to each other. Cora was all rosy and started to fall asleep with her head on his chest “Thank you darling, for letting me be your first.” But Cora never heard these words, for she was fast asleep.

Follow your heart or family, Chapter 15

Cora had told her mother and brother everything about the proposal, during dinner on boxing day. They were both so happy for them. Robert had looked at her that evening and was filled with love, she looked so happy, telling her mum about Vienna.

Harold gave him a slap on his shoulder: “so, we are going to be brothers in law?”

Robert just nodded and smiled he couldn’t wait to call Cora his wife. He was eager to go home, the trip had exhausted him, but he also wanted to be alone with Cora.

+++

The next day they had lunch at Violet’s, Robert had invited Rosamund and Marmaduke.

He sensed that Cora was nervous, he gave her hand a little squeeze: “Everything will be alright, I am with you.” He was also feeling nervous, he had not told his mother he was going to propose. Rosamund was against that idea, but he went on with it.

Robert kissed his mother on her cheek, but her attention was not at him, but at Cora’s hand. There wasn’t a thing she didn’t notice.

“What a beautiful ring you have here, Cora.”

Cora’s face turned red, and she looked at Robert for help.

“Mama, we have some news,” Robert started. “I proposed to Cora, and she said yes. We are going to get married.”

There was a dark shadow hovering on Violet’s face, but she forced a smile and congratulated them.

+++

After lunch, Rosamund had taken Cora to her mother’s library to show her a painting. Rosamund had felt her mother wasn’t really happy and she wanted to save Cora for her harsh words.

+++

“So, you really think this is the path you want to follow, Robert.” Violet started when Cora had stepped out of the room.

“Mama, you know I love Cora she is my world and she makes me happy, what do you want more for me?”

“I want you to be with someone who will keep up your standards, someone who you can represent yourself with at events.”

“So, you are saying Cora doesn’t have class? Mama you said you were ok with our relationship, you even said you were starting to like Cora. Cora has more class than, for example, Susan. Mama, everywhere I go with Cora she brightens up the room and everybody loves interacting with her. But most importantly, she makes me happy, I never felt so happy in my life. Isn’t that what you want for me?”

Violet sighed: “My son, I hope you know what you are doing.” She walked out of the room.

+++

Rosamund was showing Cora a painting from Piero Della Francesca, it was in their collection for quite some time now. Cora was admiring the painting when Violet stepped in the room.

“Cora,” she started, “I want you to know that you have my blessing to marry Robert.”

Violet said the words, but Cora felt there was something behind it. But she didn’t care, she got Violet’s blessing, she was going to be married to Robert. Cora walked over to Violet and gave her a hug.

Violet felt Cora’s arms around her and was too stunned to react. Rosamund had watched, with a twinkling in her eyes, Cora didn’t know yet, that Violet wasn’t the hugging person. Giving Cora her blessing was already an exception.

Rosamund helped the situation by saying: “Welcome to the family, Cora. I can’t wait to call you, my sister-in-law.”

+++

The planning of their wedding had started with deciding on the date. They both wanted it to be the 16 of February, because that was (the date when they had) their first date. But Robert wanted it to be this upcoming 16th of February, but Cora insisted she needed more time. It was too stressful to plan a wedding in less than 2 months. When the wedding venue they both liked was booked for this year, but had an opening for next year, it was decided.

Robert had taken her to ‘Battersea Arts Centre’ they had fallen in love with the place. It was the perfect place for a wedding, historical and very romantic. There was enough room for all the guests, but at the same time it felt cozy. There was a spectacular ornate stained-glass dome, perfect for pictures.

+++

Cora had an appointment with couturier Phillipa Lepley, she was going to design her dress. Martha, Rosamund and Violet had come with her for this experience. Cora was delighted Violet wanted to come.

She had tried so many dresses, but finally found the one for her. It was a fitted A line silhouette, with a sweetheart neckline. It followed the curves of her body before flowing into a softly rippling hem. The body was made of silk, and the overlay out of tulle. Sheer tulle straps followed the neckline, to finishing out on the very edge of the shoulder. Fully made to her body, she couldn’t wait to see the finished product.

+++

Robert had taken Harold to Anderson & Sheppard’s, for a tailored suit. He had gotten a piece of fabric from Cora; it was the fabric used for her dress and the correct color. He wanted a shirt in that same color.

He decided on a Single-breasted lounge suit, Notch lapel with horn buttons and straight pockets with flaps. Single-breasted waistcoat with step collar and horn buttons. Trousers with side tabs. It would be china blue and made of Irish linen, all the buttons would be the same color and the pocket square would be the same fabric as Cora’s dress.

+++

Everything was arranged, wedding invitations had gone out weeks ago, flowers were arranged. The seated meal menu was decided and the music the band would play was spoken through.

It had cost Cora a lot of stress, but with Rosamund’s help, it would be the perfect wedding. Everything was planned, and Rosamund had hired a wedding planner, so the day would go smooth.

This morning the dress had arrived, and she had her final fitting. Cora had gotten her jewelry out of Vienna, she wanted to honour the place where Robert had asked her hand. She ordered stars made of diamonds and pearls at a Vienna jewellery, Köchert and Pioté. For in her hair, like empress Elisabeth had for her wedding day.

+++

The day before the wedding, Robert and Cora were sitting at ‘The Roseberry Lounge‘ for a cup of tea.

“Are you ready for tomorrow, my love?” Robert asked.

“I think I am. Are you?”

Robert smiled at her. “I was ready a year ago.” He bent over the table and gave her a kiss. “I just got the confirmation from ‘The Dunstane City’ in Edinburgh, we will get the ‘the Dunstane suite’. They admitted they had made a mistake.”

“Darling I told you I would also be happy in ‘the hoy suite.”

“Nothing than the best for my love.” Robert smiled. “Darling I can’t wait to wake up tomorrow and have the best day of my life.”

“I will sleep at my mother’s tonight.” Cora said, much to Robert’s surprise.

He whispered: “we aren’t going to sleep in the same bed tonight?”

Cora gave him a teasing smile: “Not tonight. You will have me next to you, for the rest of your life, but not tonight. Mama told me this morning, Harold arranged to move the last stuff to your place, while we are in Edinburgh, so we can really start living together from the moment we will come back. There isn’t much left, almost everything is at your place already.” Cora smiled.

Robert looked at the twinkle in her eyes and couldn’t believe he was this lucky.

Follow your heart or family, chapter 14

Robert watched Cora getting ready for the day, it had taken weeks before she aloud him to sleep over. She was still a little bit distant. He had missed watching her in the morning, but mostly he mist smelling her hair, when she was resting her head against his chest. He knew he had to work hard to regain her trust.

Cora deliberately was very slow with getting dressed this morning, she walked around in one of Robert’s shirt that he left months ago, it showed of her long legs, but just hide enough to give Robert something to dream about. She knew she was teasing him, but she couldn’t help herself. A part of her wanted to forgive him fully, but the other part still needed something more of him.

+++

They were going for tea at her mother’s, Martha had fallen in love with Robert the moment she met him. She was a little over enthusiastic, but Cora told Robert, that was her American blood, she couldn’t help it. And he should just embrace it and go with the flow. Robert always joked how Cora was right in the middle of her mother and Harold her brother. Martha being very present and Harold almost invisible. Cora had told Robert, that Harold was an exact copy of her father. He figured Cora was the perfect mix, she was present, but knew when to be in the background. She fitted perfectly in the British upper-class.

“Cora, at what time are you and Robert coming on Christmas morning? Harold will be here also.”

Robert answered before Cora could: “Well, Cora and I will be away for Christmas, we will be back on boxing day. Robert tried not to look at Cora. He hadn’t told her about their trip. But he remembered the request she made.

“And when were you going to tell me.” Cora asked semi indignant, but she was giving Robert a sneaky look.

“I had hoped to keep it a secret for a little bit longer, but we are leaving on the 24th and will be back on the 26th of December. Sorry, Martha that means we can’t be here on Christmas morning.”

“I can live with that, will you be here for dinner on boxing day? And were are you going?”

“That, I will keep a secret, even for you Mrs. Levinso'” Robert teased.

+++

Robert and Cora decided to walk back home, they walked arm in arm.

“You aren’t going to tell me? Where we are going?” Cora asked.

“As I said, I will keep it a secret, you just wait and see” he stopped and kissed Cora. She resisted a little, but realised it wasn’t working, Robert had a magical effect on her.

+++

Robert arrived at ‘Levinson and son’ he knew Cora would be out with friends, so it was safe.

“For what do I owe this pleasure?” Harold asked.

Robert scraped his throat: “You know I love your sister very much, and well, as her, and of course your father has died, there is just one man in her life, I could ask this question.” He paused a minute, to work up the courage. “Harold, I am asking for your sisters hand in marriage.”

Harold clearly had not expect this question, but he recovered himself fast and answered: “I will give you the hand of my sister, but you need to realise, I know where to find you if you ever hurt her.”

+++

Robert had planned this trip to the littlest detail, he wanted this to be perfect. He had Cora told what kind of weather she could expect, and that they would be in a city. She would need some formal evening wear, but also clothes to walk in.

Cora had packed her bags, she never had so many problems deciding what to bring. Where was he taking her? When she arrived at Robert’s place he was looking at her with a cheepisch smile, and she just loved him for who he was.

How could she keep him at distance until now, that was over, no more distance between them. Without saying a word she gave him a very passionate kiss, he was a little bit startled by it, she noticed. It was weeks ago they had shared a kiss like this, but it felt like the right moment to let him know she was fully his.

“I have a surprise before we go.” Robert turned around, and when he turned back he was holding a beautiful sparkling black dress. “Tonight we will have a special dinner and I wanted you to feel special, so I bought this dress for you, do you like it.”

Cora touched the fabric, and exclaimed: “Robert, I love it, really I do.” I need to get my black heels for tonight then.

Cora felt quite nervous, on their way to the taxi, Robert was holding her hand and softly rubbing with his thumb over the back of her hand. It didn’t matter where he was taking her, she would love it, just because they were together.

+++

At the airport Robert had told her they were going to Vienna. The flight had gone smooth and at arrival a taxi was already waiting to bring them to the hotel. Robert had booked the Presidential Suite in ‘Park Hyatt’ and enormous room, there was a grand piano in the middle of the room. Cora sat down and to Robert surprise she was very good at it.

“You never told me you played?”

“That’s because I don’t really do it anymore, it is a long time ago, I had my last lesson.” She stopped.

“Please don’t stop, I really like it, is this the only instrument you play?”

“At the moment yes, but I would love to learn to play the guitar one day”

The day went by, and when it started to get dark, Robert said they had to go back to the hotel to get changed. At the hotel Cora changed in to the black dress, it fitted like a glove. She was surprised he had managed to buy this without her being present. Robert had told her his secret, he took one of her dresses to the store and they made the dress specially for him in that exact size. He himself was wearing a black tie. He looked handsome Cora thought.

In front of the hotel a carriage was waiting for them, Robert held out his hand to help Cora inside and said: “Here you go my princess.” Cora smiled at his reference. The carriage took them to Schloss Schönbrunn, Robert had said there was a special dinner here tonight, she didn’t know dinners were hold at Schönbrunn. There was a red carpet, which they followed in side.

Cora was amazed by the beauty of this castle, she had read about it and had seen pictures, but in real life it was even bigger than she had imagined. Robert excused himself, he needed to go to the bathroom. He left Cora alone in the big entrance hall. After a few minutes, a staff member walked over to her and said: “They are ready for you my lady.” And he offered her his arm.

“My partner just went to the bathroom, can we wait a minute please?”

“I will go back for him, but first I will guide you to your place.”

A bit resistant Cora took his arm and followed, she could hear a waltz being played. “Tonight you will dine in the Great Gallery my lady” the staff member said. Cora was impressed, how had Robert arranged a dinner here. It must be with a lot of important people, how ever, she didn’t see any other attending guests. She wanted to ask about it, but they arrived at two big closed doors. The member of staff said: “Just wait here for a minute my lady, I am going to get your partner.” And he left.

Cora heard the music coming true the door, she was admiring her surroundings when the doors opened. A beautiful painted room, with golden accents presented itself, she looked around but besides the musicians there weren’t any guests in the room. The member of staff who had guided her earlier ofered again his arm and guided her inside. Cora wanted to ask where Robert was, but then she saw him. He was standing in the middle of the room. She was guided towards him.

When she stood before him, Robert took her hands. “Cora, I know we only met at the beginning of this year, but I know I want to be with you for ever. I have done some stupid things , but I will never hide anything from you from now on. Cora, my love, that time I almost smashed a door in your face, was when I knew I wanted to get to know you. We had some ups and downs last year, and I know, it just has been a year but.” He got down on one knee and held out a little box. Cora gasped.

“Cora, darling, will you be my forever princess, will you marry me.”

Happy tears were welling up in Cora’s eyes: “Yes, yes, yes. Yes I want to marry you.” He took her hand and carefully put the ring on her finger. She took his face in her hands when he got up, and kissed him and again and again. “Oh, Robert, you don’t know how happy you made me.”

“Cora, you can not know how much you have changed my life, I will be forever yours” he picked her up and twirled her around.

+++

Cora woke up, a little bit dazed. She had the most wonderful dream, she moved her hand and felt a ring on her finger. It wasn’t a dream, it was real, Robert had proposed. He had proposed! She rested her hand on Robert’s chest, carefully not to wake him, she was playing with his chest hair. He inhaled deeply and mumbled something, she moved her body, so she was resting against him. She kissed him carefully, “Good morning my darling”

“Good morning, my fiancée. Hmmm that feels good to say, my fiancée.” He smiled foolishly and took her hand where he had placed the ring on. “Do you like the ring dear? I can’t tell you how long it took me to find it.”

Cora, looked at it, it was shimmering all over, there was one bigger stone surrounded with smaller ones, it was really beautiful. “I love it and I love you.” They shared another kiss.

+++

The had spend the morning laying in bed talking and did some more sightseeing. Before they knew it, it was Sunday morning, time to go home. “I can’t wait to show my mother my ring.” Cora chatted enthusiastic while they got their snacks served in the plane. “I wonder what Harold will think of this.”

“I know he approves my dear, I asked your brother for your hand. I couldn’t ask your father, so I went to the most important man in your life, your brother.

Cora started to tear up: “I really appreciate that you did that. Thank you so much, I miss my father so much.” He wrapped his arm around her and let her cry. He kissed the top of her head.

The rest of the flight Cora had talked about all the wonderful memories she had with her dad and Robert had shared his memories from his dad.

Follow your heart or family, chapter 13

Cora tried to carry on with her life. She didn’t know what to do, she was so mad at Robert. Why did he ruin their weekend away? He was absent that whole week, and she had hoped he would come back to her that weekend. It had only worked for a few hours.

She knew Robert loved his job, but he never had been so obsessed by it. She just felt something was wrong, but she could also be stubborn! Robert needed to come to her, otherwise it would be over. It was two weeks already and she didn’t hear anything from him.

Just thinking about going on with her life without Robert gave her an empty feeling, but if this was how Robert dealt with stress, she couldn’t be part of it.

She threw herself at her work at the office, so there wasn’t much time to think about him, but every night she crawled in bed without him next to her made her feel lost.

+++

Harold had heard rumors about Abbey Advertisements, there was a bad investment, and it threatened the company. He was thinking about, telling Cora, but he decided not to, he had other ways.

He had a meeting with Robert, Harold made it very clear to Robert, that Cora wasn’t going to know about this.

“So, tell me, where did it go wrong?” Harold prompted.

“You know ‘Johnson and Johnson’?” Robert asked.

Harold started laughing. “Those con artists? I have heard about them; don’t tell me you did business with them?”

Robert fell silent and had to admit he did. He did a big investment in their company, it would payback double, but it turned out, all the money was gone. He had used a lot of money from Abbey Advertisements, and now he was on the brink of going bankrupt, he couldn’t pay his debts.

“Do you have that investment deal on paper, with their signature?” Harold asked.

“I do, we signed a contract. But they say that I didn’t read it properly and there is a clause that makes, I won’t get the money back.”

“We will see about that, I have some friends in the court system, just give me a copy of the contract and I will get your money back. Oh and please go apologise to my sister once it is resolved.”

+++

Robert was sitting in front of the fireplace at Rosamund’s place. They just had a wonderful dinner. Rosamund had hired a new cook and wanted to show him her cooking skills. Rosamund had gone outside with Marmaduke for a little walk.

It was a nice dinner, but the meals Cora makes are made with love and you can taste the difference. He scolded himself for thinking this. Cora was really mad at him, he was just looking at her text: don’t try to come back with a lame excuse, you really hurt me that weekend in Paris, and I don’t know if I can forgive you. Cora.

No kisses, or love. It was a cold text and Robert fully understood where she was coming from. He had been too much of a coward to text her the days after they got back home. He had hurt her really bad. How could he go back, it was too far gone already. Although Harold had saved his business, ‘Johnson and Johnson’ had paid back his full investment, but he didn’t call Cora as promised. He didn’t know what to say to her. How could he apologise to her? How was she going to trust him again?

Rosamund was watching Robert for a while now. He was sitting there, opening his phone, reading something and closing his phone again, and after a few seconds he did the same ritual. Her heart went out to him, he was lost without Cora.

“Robert, how can I help you?” Rosamund asked softly, sliding next to him on the couch.

Robert just looked at her and didn’t say anything, but she could see the hurt in his eyes.

“What happened between you and Cora? You two were so happy, but that weekend changed everything. I also noticed you leave your office door closed, you did that about a week before Paris, please tell me.”

“Rosamund I almost lost the company, but I did lose Cora and I have to accept that fact.”

“Robert!” Rosamund scolded “Cora didn’t write she wanted you to stay away! She is asking you to apologise sincerely, you need to tell her everything, you owe that to her, and afterwards she can decide to stay or go.” She went on: “Please don’t tell mama about this investment, it would kill her. Since Marmaduke stepped in the business, she doesn’t look at the numbers anymore, so she isn’t going to know.”

+++

“Did you hear from Robert?” Harold asked when he got in the office. Cora had arrived early, as was usual since Paris.

Cora didn’t even look up from her screen and said softly: “No.”

“Cora, can you come in to my office, I need to tell you something.” Harold told her everything, from the scheme to saving Robert’s business.

Cora was silent, why didn’t Robert tell her this. Was he too ashamed to take her in confidence about this.

“You know, Robert is a very proud man, and as I learned a very stubborn man, but darling little sister, he loves you, he made that very clear over the last year. Don’t throw away your life’s happiness!” He kissed her cheek and said he was going out for dinner.

+++

Cora had sat in Harold’s office for a while, contemplating what his words meant, and she decided she was going to be the bigger man. She got in a taxi and went over to Robert’s place.

He wasn’t at home, but she still had his keys, so she let herself in. She decided to leave him a note. While she was writing it, the front door opened, and Robert was just looking at her, with a dumbfounded look on his face.

“What are you doing here? I didn’t know you were coming.” Robert exclaimed.

“I wasn’t sure I was coming here just an hour ago, but I wanted to let you know, I know what happened.”

“Oh.” Robert lowered his eyes. ” Harold told you.”

“Indeed, Harold told me everything, I don’t get it, why you couldn’t tell me, why didn’t you trust me?”

Robert didn’t have an answer to this question, he didn’t know why he did what he did.

“Robert, please step in, close the door and sit down, did you eat something?” Cora moved to the kitchen and started making fried eggs and toast.

Robert was looking at her and was amazed by the way this felt so normal.

Cora put his plate in front of him and sat on the other side of the table. “I want one thing to be very clear from now on, you are going to tell me everything, and I mean everything, about the company and private stuff. I don’t want to be an outsider, if we are going through with this, you need to promise me, you will let me in.”

Robert was eating his toast and eggs and just looked at Cora. He loved her so much, he would do anything for her.

“I promise you, from now on, no more secrets, I will tell you every little detail about everything.” He got up, stepped next to her and laid his hand on hers, “Cora, I truly love you, I don’t know why I did what I did, can you please forgive me. I was stupid and foolish, and I promise you with all my heart it won’t happen ever again.”

Cora smiled, he was looking so foolish, sometimes he acted like a donk, but he was her donk, and she loved him. She put her free hand on his cheek and just smiled. “I want one more promise from you.”

Robert gave her a surprised look, what could she want more.

“You are taking me somewhere special for Christmas, I want to feel like a princess this Christmas, can you promise me that?”

Robert bent down, whispered in her ear: “You are my forever princess”

Follow your heart or family, chapter 12

I gave myself some historical freedom in this chapter.

Cora was sorting out her clothes, she didn’t know what to wear for this lunch.

Robert was looking at her, sitting on her canapé. He had stayed the rest of the week at her place. Falling asleep next to her was the best feeling he ever had, waking up and hearing her breathing was like being in heaven. Whatever would happen at lunch, he was going to stay with her.

During the hours he had to be at the office, he was thinking of her. How she moved, how she looked and not to forget how good she was at cooking. He wasn’t a good chef but managed to make himself a proper meal over the years, but Cora, Cora was a magician in the kitchen. He never had a homecooked meal taste so good.

“Robert, are you even listening?”

Robert shook up from his thoughts, he didn’t realise Cora had been talking.

Cora turned around, “What do you think? Is this suitable?” She was wearing a dark blue chino pants, with an orange blouse.

“It doesn’t matter what you wear, darling, you always look beautiful.”

“That was not what I asked.” Cora sounded irritated. “Can I wear this to the lunch with your mother.” Her voice was a little bit shaking.

Robert stood up, took Cora’s head in his hands and said: “You look sophisticated, don’t worry too much, I will be at your side at all times. My mother won’t eat you up.” And he kissed her forehead.

“I am not so sure about that last part she would definitely eat me up when she gets the chance. But with you next to me, I think I can handle it” she slid her hand in his and said: “I am ready.”

+++

Violet was already sitting in the restaurant, she deliberately arrived earlier, so she could see them coming in. There they were, walking hand in hand. Violet had to admit she could see the connection between them two, but Cora was and would always be an American. Being rich didn’t make you classy, you were born into it.

“Dear mama.” Robert bent over and kissed his mother on her cheek, “This is Cora Levinson”

Cora put out her hand and Violet took it, “Welcome, sit down.” Violet said.

Robert sat down, next to Cora and laid his hand on her leg, he squeezed it encouragingly. It was mostly Robert talking when his mother asked questions, but Cora realised she needed to speak more. Violet must not get the impression she was simple and not worldly enough to hold a conversation.

“I read that the company you and your late husband started was the first one in this industry? How interesting.”

“That’s right, back in the days advertisements was already a thing, of course, but every company had to figure it out themselves, my husband figured he could help other companies with his knowledge and now we are here, with Abbey Advertisements, being the biggest and best.”

Robert smiled internally, Cora was a smart woman, she knew exactly how to trigger mama.

“It’s wonderful what Abbey Advertisements offers, Harold speaks highly of your work. He never had so many customers” Cora took a bite of her asparagus and gave a quick look to Robert.

Lunch had gone very smooth, and Violet had invited Cora and Robert for dinner this Saturday. Rosamund and Marmaduke would be there too. Violet was easing up on Cora.

+++

Months had gone by, Cora and Robert spent  a lot of time together, and were planning a trip for Robert’s birthday.

“Robert did you see this room in ‘Shangri-La Paris’, can we go there, from the bed we will see the Eiffel Tower, oh darling, can we go to Paris?”

Robert looked up from his laptop, “We can go anywhere you want darling.”

“I will book our train tickets right away, this weekend (is) still available in your agenda, we can leave with the early train at 08.00 o’clock, there are tickets available in Business Premier.” Cora said enthusiastic.

“Whatever you want darling, my agenda is empty from Friday till Monday, book what you want, I am a little busy right now, but everything you want is ok for me.” He looked up from his screen and gave Cora an encouraging smile.

Cora knew not to bother him anymore when he was busy like this, she booked the hotel, train tickets and for Saturday evening she made a reservation at ‘Pierre Gagnaire’, she was lucky there was still availability. She wanted Robert’s birthday to be perfect. She was already daydreaming about walking along the Seine with him.

She looked at the clock and walked over to Robert. “Darling it is already 11 o’clock, come to bed, you can work more tomorrow.” She tickled his neck with her fingers and kissed his temple.

Robert turned around, kissed her on the lips and said: “You are too good for me, you are right I can work again tomorrow” he closed his laptop and followed Cora to bed.

+++

Thursday arrived, and Cora had brought her suitcase to Robert’s place, so they could leave early in the morning.

Robert was working, as he was every night last week. He looked at Cora and said: “Can you check if we can change our tickets to the late train at 19.00 o’clock on Friday, I really need to go into the office tomorrow morning.”

Cora sat up she was laying on the couch reading a tour guide about Paris. “Oh, uhm yes I can check.” She said reserved.

“Can you also check if we can go back on Sunday evening? I really need to be at the meeting with ‘Johnson and Johnson’ on Monday.”

“Of course I can check, but darling, you said you were free this weekend, is there nobody else who can step in for you?”

“Cora, if that was an option, I wouldn’t ask you to change the tickets.” Robert answered curt.

Cora didn’t say anything, because it would only upset Robert, she changed the tickets, luckily with Business Premier, you could change as long as there was availability. She got up, gave Robert a quick kiss on his cheek and went to bed. Very late that night she felt Robert step into the bed, but he didn’t wrap his arm around her, he even faced the other way.

+++

Finally Robert arrived at the train station. “I was worried you weren’t going to make it.” Cora said while she gave him a kiss.

“Sorry, darling, it is just very busy at the moment, but I am here now.”

The train ride went very smooth, Cora had arranged a late check-in, and the hotel had a taxi service to pick them up from the station. Once they arrived, Robert got undressed and got under the covers. “Darling, I am exhausted, I am going to sleep.”

Cora looked at him, she felt a bit sad, he didn’t even take the time to look out of the window. She was standing in front of it, and saw the beautiful lights shining on the Eiffel Tower. Hopefully Robert would be in a better mood after a good night sleep. She also changed into her night suit and crawled up to Robert. He was already fast asleep.

She woke up from the smell of coffee and croissants. Robert was sitting on her side of the bed, brushing her hair, he bent down and kissed Cora’s forehead. “Good morning, darling, Paris is waiting, and I ordered room service.”

After a very rich breakfast they went outside to explore Paris, they went to see all the highlights of the city they could see in one day. Cora had hooked her arm, in Robert’s and she didn’t leave his side, while they walked along side of the Seine.

They had stopped and were sitting on a bench for a while now, looking at the Notre-Dame. Cora was resting her head against Robert’s shoulder. “How sad, we never got to see the full glory of this magnificent building.” She said.

“I once went with my dad to Paris, when I was much younger, we went inside, but I don’t remember much of it, but I remember……” Robert got interrupted by the ringing of his cellphone.

“Please, don’t answer that, please let your work go just for this weekend.”

“I can’t, I need to answer this.” He picked up and walked away.

Cora went over to Robert and tapped his shoulder. “We have a dinner reservation in 45 minutes, we need to go”

Clearly not willing, Robert said, he would call back later, and turned to Cora. “Can we make this a quick dinner?”

She didn’t know what to answer and just nodded. The whole dinner was a fiasco, Robert was constantly on his phone.

The next day, he didn’t even want to leave the hotel room. Just one hour before they had to leave for the station, Cora got back to the hotel, she had walked around the city on her own, feeling very down, but everything was better than sitting in the hotel room with Robert. She wished he would tell her what was wrong. But he shut her out.

“We should soon leave, are you ready to go?” Cora asked tuneless. Do I need to pack your bags, or are they already packed?”

Robert didn’t even look up and said, it was already done, they could go to the station if she wanted.

“If I want? If I want?” Cora shouted. “What I wanted was a nice weekend together with you celebrating your birthday.  I didn’t even get the chance to give you your present, here you can have it.” She threw his gift at him, it was a nice watch, the one she knew he wanted for a long time but thought it was to extravagant. “Can we please go to the station I want to go home”

The train ride back home was awkward, Robert knew he messed up, but couldn’t leave his work, he was about to lose his business, if he couldn’t figure out what happened with his investment. How could he tell Cora that, he was about to go bankrupt?

Back in England, Cora got in a taxi, without saying a word to Robert.

Follow your heart or family, chapter 11

Cora looked at her phone, another message from Robert. She ignored it and went on with her work, she was ignoring him for two days now. Harold was planning to go to America tomorrow, and she had to arrange all his meetings there. It was a good thing Harold kept her this busy. She was heartbroken, she really thought she had found the man of her dreams. But with Violet there was no way, they ever could be happy together, she better stayed away from him. She even contemplated about changing her number, but it was too much of a hassle.

Cora got up and walked into Harold’s office: “Harold, would it be ok, if I went with you on your trip? I can use a change of scenery.”

Harold lifted just one eyebrow: “Sis, why are you running away?

“I am not, Harold, I just need to get away for a while, I need to forget Robert and go on with my life.

Harold sighed, “go check if you can book an extra seat.”

+++

Cora had managed to get another seat on the same flight with Harold. She packed her suitcase and was ready to go. They would meet each other at the office and ride in the same taxi to the airport. When Cora arrived at the office, she saw a very well-known figure standing in front of the building. She felt her stomach jumping, it was Robert! What should she do, she couldn’t turn around, Harold would never forgive her if they missed the flight, so she walked on. She saw Robert spotting her. His face lit up, but in the same instance turned dark again, when he saw her suitcase.

“You are leaving?” He exclaimed.

“No, not leaving, just on a business trip with Harold, why are you here.”

“Cora, why are you ignoring me? You keep denying my calls, and you don’t even read my messages. What have I done wrong?”

“You didn’t do anything wrong, but your mother made me very clear to stay away, I was so ashamed when she found me on your terrace, I (have) never been yelled at like that in my adult life. And I do not want to repeat it”

“Cora, my dear, my mother was way out of line, and I told her that. I wanted to tell you that, I told my mother I love you, but you never picked up your phone. She will have to accept the fact that I love you and will spent the rest of my life with you if you let me! Cora, I love you!” He let out a soft cry, and a tear was rolling down his face.

Cora dropped her handbag and closed the distance between them, softly wiped away his tear, and pressed her lips against his. He answered and put both arms around her. He held her tightly and whispered in her ear: “Please Cora, never leave me”

She kissed him again, pressing her body against his, soaking up his body warmth. When she heard a soft: “ahum”

Harold was standing next to them: “I guess this means I am going alone on this trip?

Robert was the first to answer: “No, this only means that Cora will have a reason to come back to London, am I right?” He looked at Cora foolishly smiling.

Cora was smiling from ear to ear and could only nod in agreement.

“I will talk with my mum, and once you are back you two are going to meet properly.” He gave her a final kiss and helped her in the taxi

+++

Cora had an amazing time in America, it was good to be back. She met up with some old friends. It was strange how she had changed in all those years in England.

Harold had told her not to do anything work related, and just enjoy her holiday. He didn’t have to say that twice. Once a day, she had a video call with Robert, she really missed him. She was still anxious about meting Violet again, but Robert reassured her it would be ok. He arranged for them to go out for lunch once shew was back in London. In public his mother would at least not yel.

Before she knew it, they were waiting to board the plane to go back home, these two months had gone by so fast and at the same time so slow. She had texted Robert what time her scheduled landing time was, and he had answered to be there to pick both her and Harold up, Cora had muttered it would be too late, but Robert had insisted.

+++

As promised Robert was waiting at the arrivals, every time the sliding doors opened his heart jumped a little, but it wasn’t Cora. Finally, after what had felt like an hour, he saw her walking through the doors. Her face angelic as always lit up when she saw him standing there. She ran towards him, and he barely managed to stay on his feet. They shared a small kiss and then she put her hand in his and they walked to the car. Robert rarely drives his own car, it was so much easier to get around in a taxi. But he wanted to take Cora for a special date if she was up to it.

They dropped Harold off, and Robert asked if Cora was too tired, or that if she wanted to go somewhere special?

Cora had to admit she was tired, but she didn’t want to disappoint Robert, so she said she wasn’t. Robert drove the car out of London, to a village called Kenley. Robert had rented the Norman Fisher Observatory, for a private star gaze experience.

“Happy belated birthday Cora.” He kissed her tenderly.

“How did you know yesterday was my birthday? Did you talk to Harold?”

“I will not tell you all my secrets” Robert smiled.

The stargazer was showing them where to look, Cora was sitting next to him, resting her body against his, and he felt her body go limb, her breathing slowed down, she was fast asleep.

Robert scooped her up, and carried her to the car, she was resting her head on his shoulder, she didn’t really wake up when he sat her down in the car. He buckled her up and drove home. He decided to drive to her home and lay her in her own bed. Her keys were in her handbag.

Robert carried Cora to her bed. He tried to help her out of her clothes, but it didn’t really work, so he just took of her shoes, and scooped her legs underneath the duvet. He wanted to leave the bedroom, when he heard: “Don’t leave, please stay” so he took of his pants and vest and got in the bed next to her. She turned around and wrapped her arm around him, her head resting against his chest.

He could lay here all his life he thought. Softly he brushed her hair, kissed her head, and closed his eyes.

Follow your heart or family, chapter 10

Cora woke up and for a second she didn’t know where she was. Then she heard soft breathing sounds and she remembered, she stayed the night at Robert’s place. He was so sweet, she knew he wanted more than just kissing, but she wasn’t ready for that. All her life she had wanted to safe herself for marriage, and now after what happend with Mr. Bricker she was even more adamant in it. She turned around and snuck out to the bathroom.

Robert felt Cora getting up from the bed. She was wearing one of his shirts, she looked incredible sexy in it. How was it possible that he was this lucky. He felt his hand, it felt bruised, and he hoped Simon would feel even more bruised. Anger swoll up in his chest, he would fight him again if needed. But he realised, that it hadn’t been a smart move. Maybe this had made him loose some clients, he needed to go the office today to calm everything down.

He got up, and laid sweatpants and a clean shirt on his bed. He wasn’t sure if Cora wanted fresh clothes, these would be to big for her, but it was the only thing he could offer. He went to the kitchen to make breakfast, normally he wasn’t good at eating a proper breakfast, but he made toast and fresh orange juice. He could hear the shower turning off, and before he knew it, Cora showed up on the kitchen, a towel wrapped around her head and she was wearing his clothes. She looked adorable cute in it.

“Good morning, did you sleep well? I made toast and juice, but maybe you just want yogurt? I can get that for you”

Cora walked over to him, kissed his cheek and said toast and juice was perfect. Robert could not stop staring at her, her face without make up, was even more angelic, and her hair trying to peak out of the towel, was adorable. “Cora, you can stay here for a while, but I need to go down to the office, I don’t know, but I think there will be a big mess after last days events.”

Cora stopped eating: “I am sorry……”

She couldn’t finish her sentence because Robert interrupted: “Sorry, sorry for what? You didn’t do anything. Simon is at fault and I just want to check if I will loose customers over this, but I would fight him again if I had to”

“Can you please call him Mr. Bricker, I hate hearing his name.” Cora sighed.

Robert got up, went over and took Cora’s face in his hands: “I will call him, that art dealer, from now on, we will not say his name anymore.” He kissed her forhead. “You can just close the door when you leave, I really need to go now” and he rushed out the door.”

+++

Cora cleaned the kitchen, tried to do her hair without any products, or a hairdryer, and decided to leave it be. She brushed it, and that was it. She straightened the bed, fluffed up the pillows and went back to the kitchen to make herself a cup of coffee. She didn’t want to leave yet, it was a nice spring morning, and she took her cup outside to sit and enjoy the view.

She must have fallen back to sleep, because she was rudely awakened by a women standing next to hear shouting: “And who are you, and where is Robert?”

Cora immediately knew, this was Robert’s mother Violet. Her cheeks went red like a lighthouse and she stumbled: “I, I, uhm, I am Cora, uhm, sorry, uhm, I am Miss Levinson, you must be Mrs. Crawley.” Cora got up and put out her hand to shake Violet’s hand. But Violet only looked at Cora’s hand, and made a sound as if she disapproved of everything she saw just now.

“So you are the woman for who Robert made himself look like a fool” she breathed like a dragon.

Cora’s eyes grew big.

“Don’t look at me like that, you really think I wouldn’t have heard what has happend? Susan called me this morning to announce she is engaged to be married to James Alastair. I think it is best if you now pick up your stuff, leave this home and never come back, I made myself very clear about this a few months ago, and here you are, wrecking my sons chance for a good marriage”

+++

Robert arrived at the office, Rosamund was waiting for him. “Where is mama?” He asked.

“Mama, just left to your house, I told her you would be here any minute, but she insisted”

Robert froze: “She is where? At my place, oh no, no this isn’t happening, Ros, you need to go there as fast as possible, I left Cora at my place, mama is going to make minced meat of her. I will explain later, but please go.” Robert tried to focus on his emails, there were a bunch of them, but not all were negative. Most of them applauded him for what he had done, and they wanted to come in contact to talk business. He checked his phone, but there wasn’t a sign of Cora, only a voicemail of Susan.

“I just called you to tell you about my decision, I hoped you would cal me yesterday evening, but you didn’t, I saw you leaving with that other woman and I made up my mind. I got a marriage proposal from James, I accepted it. I can’t wait for you to make up your mind, and I think I can be very happy with James. I wish you all the best for your life.”

Robert let his head rest in his hands and stared at his phone. Rosamund had promised to let him know what was happening at his place.

+++

Rosamund almost bumped in to a woman who was leaving Robert’s apartment. The woman had red eyes from crying, Violet was standing behind her, fuming. Rosamund had to think quickly, but she couldn’t stop the woman from leaving, and stepped aside.

Cora rushed to the elevator, glad to be away from Violet. She didn’t know what to do now, Violet made it very clear she was an unwanted guest, she didn’t know if Robert was able to change her mind.

“Rosamund, what are you doing here?” Violet asked.

“Robert left his agenda and asked me to go and get it.”

“You are not fooling me, Robert send you to protect that Cora woman, well tell you brother he was to late, no I will tell him.” Violet dug up her phone and started calling Robert. “So, you think fighting with Mr. Bricker and than afterwards sleeping with that Miss. Levinson is a good life decision?” She shouted through the phone.

“Mama, I didn’t sleep with her”

“Why was she on your roof terrace wearing your clothes” Violet spitted through the phone before Robert could finish his sentence”

“Mama, can we talk about this, I am coming home”

+++

Robert had cancelled all his appointments from that day and rushed home. He hoped Rosamund would had calm mama down a bit, but he was ready to be scolded. His mother could be like a dragon when something didn’t go as she had planned. He loved her dearly, but she should stay out of his love life. He felt protective over Cora, he wasn’t letting his mother treat Cora that way. His future wife, he was for sure now. They only knew each other for seven months, but he just knew she was the one.

Rosamund was sitting on the kitchen table while Violet pased around the kitchen, when Robert stepped inside.

“Start, explaining yourself, I am ready to hear your excuses” Violet ordered.

“Mama, I think Robert is entitled to make his own decisions” Rosamund tried. But she only got an ugly look from Violet.

Robert took a deap breath and said as calm as possible: “Mama, yesterday at the easter event a man was harassing Cora, I made him stop.” He hold up his hand to stop Violet from talking. “I agree, it wasn’t my smartest move, but I had to protect Cora. You know we are seeing each other for several months now, and I grew very font of her, she makes me smile. I know you want me to marry with somebody from the upper-class, but Cora is from the upper-class, I don’t know why people look down on her, just because she has American blood.” Violet tried to say something. “No mother, it is my turn to speak.” He continued. “I love Cora, I truly do, I never felt as happy as I am right now in my life, it would never had worked out with Susan, and you know that. I am asking you to accept Cora for who she is, and I want you to meet her properly, if she is willing after what just happened between you two”

Rosamund was looking at Robert with a proud feeling, this was the first time her little borther stood up fir himself against their mother.

Violet took a deep breath said: “I have to think about this, I hope you realise what you are doing?” She walked out.

Robert and Rosamund looked at each other, Rosamund just patted his shoulder and left with the words: “Go give her a call”