It was a rainy autumn day. Cora was sitting in Rosamund’s living room. The fireplace was lit and it gave a nice glow in the room. She and Rosamund had just come back from a long walk and now they needed to warm up.
Cora took a sip of her tea. “I need your help with Robert’s present.”
“He is not that difficult. He likes a lot.” Rosamund answered.
“That doesn’t help me much. I don’t want to give him a boring gift.” Cora frowned.
“And what do you consider to be a boring gift?”
“Chocolates for example, or whiskey.”
“Darling Cora.” Rosamund chuckled. “You really need to learn a lot!”
“Why?” Cora sat up and tucked the blanket in around her legs.
“Whiskey is never a boring gift. There are so many varieties. And Robert loves a good Whiskey.”
“Maybe, I can take him to a Whiskey tasting?” Cora’s eyes lit up.
“Now, that’s a good idea.” Rosamund got up. “Are you staying for dinner?”
“Is Marmaduke alright with that?” Cora asked unsure.
“If he wouldn’t be, that would be his problem. But no he doesn’t mind, he already adores you.”
Cora’s cheeks coloured. “He doesn’t even know me.”
“He knows you well enough and he feels things like that very fast. He knows when somebody can be trusted. He will also explain to you the situation with Downton and the hospital.”
Cora sighed. “That would be amazing, because Robert doesn’t want to talk about it. He is shutting me out as soon as I mention Downton. He doesn’t even want to explain how the nobility works.” She turned around and saw Carson in the hallway. He had walked with them, on a polite distance, but close enough to step in, if something happened. Cora felt at ease with him nearby. The only time Carson had time off, was when she was together with Robert. She hadn’t heard or seen Anthony, but she couldn’t believe he had given up.
“What’s on your mind?” Rosamund touched her arm.
Cora shook her head to come back to earth. “I was thinking of Anthony and how happy I am with Carson to protect me.”
“Is he still bothering you?” Rosamund’s grip on her arm got tighter.
“No, no. I haven’t seen him since Robert sent him away.”
“Good. Just be careful. I don’t want to lose you as my sister-in-law. Better yet, I don’t want to lose you as my friend.”
Cora wrapped both arms around her. “Thank you, you are my first real friend in this city.”
+++
“I am sorry Carson, I made it very late.” Cora said while hooking her arm in his.
“That’s alright. But maybe we better go by cab back home?” Carson said with a frown.
Cora looked up, instantly worried. “Why, what is wrong?”
Carson didn’t say a thing, but kept looking around.
Cora got chills all over her body. “Carson? Can you please tell me what is wrong?”
“Anthony was spotted around your house tonight.”
Cora grabbed Carson’s arm a bit firmer. “And where is he now?”
“We don’t know, that’s why I don’t want to walk. We need to get you home as soon as possible.”
“Should I go home? Isn’t it safer if I go somewhere else?”
“We don’t know if Anthony knows Robert’s address. But you could sleep there. I will stay with you until he is home.”
+++
Cora had gone up, the restaurant was fully booked and normally that meant Robert wouldn’t be home early. Carson was downstairs waiting on Robert. Cora needed to be at the office in the morning, so she decided to go to bed. Hopefully she would fall asleep. Knowing Anthony was searching for her again made her anxious.
‘No, please leave him alone. It is me you want.’ Cora stepped in front of Robert. Anthony pushed her aside. She fell hard on the ground.
‘He is the one who is keeping you away from me!’ Anthony growled. But don’t worry you are next.’ He hit Robert on his head and she saw him fall to the ground.
‘Robert!’ Cora exclaimed and tried to rush to him. Anthony wrapped his arms around her waist and stopped her. He pulled her close.
‘Why are you with him?’ His mouth moved over her neck. ‘We had so much fun together.’ He moved his hand over Cora’s breast. She shivered under his touch.’
‘Please.’ Cora cried. ‘Please don’t.’
“Cora, Cora wake up. Cora?” A warm hand was shaking her awake.
Cora opened her eyes and looked into the worried eyes of Robert. He was sitting next to her on the mattress. She hid into his chest and started sobbing.
Robert moved his hands over Cora’s back and made sussing sounds. “Did you see Anthony tonight?”
Her face still pressed against Robert’s chest she shook her head. “No.” She said very softly.
“Did Carson tell you, he was spotted around your house?”
“Yes.” Cora said softly.
“He shouldn’t have.” Robert frowned.
Cora pushed herself back a little. “What reason should he have given me then for sleeping here and not in my own house?”
“That is a valid point.” Robert still frowned. “I wish I had been home earlier, I am sorry.”
“You are here now.” Cora pressed herself against Robert’s chest again. “Are you coming to bed?” She asked.
Robert placed a kiss on the top of her head. “I will take a quick shower and then I come to bed.” He was already getting up, when Cora took his hand, with a cheeky smile on her face.
“What?” He asked clearly knowing what she was saying without words. “Cora!” He played innocent. “You have to get up early in the morning.”
“A warm shower will help me relax, the same as some exercise.” She threw the covers off, swung her legs over the edge of the bed and pushed Robert towards the bathroom. Her hands roaming over his stomach.
Robert was exhausted after this busy day, but feeling Cora’s warm body pressed against his back, her hands on his front, aroused him. He turned on the shower. Abruptly he turned around and picked Cora up. She let out a giggle, what aroused Robert even more. He pressed her against the wall and kissed her neck and chest. They were both still dressed, he in his chef’s jacket and she in her nightshirt. Her breasts were shining through her shirt, he looked at them, rising and falling with her rapid breathing. “How beautiful you are.” He murmured.
Cora giggled, her hand was playing with him. Suddenly there was a lot of noise downstairs and the clinking of glass. She pulled her hand back and froze. “What was that?” She said out of breath.
Robert jerked back and turned around.
Downstairs there was more and more noise. They heard voices. Cora recognised Carson’s low voice and then the voice that would haunt her forever. “Anthony is here.” She whispered.
Robert ran downstairs. “You stay here!” He quickly turned around, when he noticed Cora was following him. “Stay upstairs!” His eyes shot fire and Cora knew to obey him. There were more voices and through the windows Cora saw the blue lights of police cars.
Verhalen van Traan 