Blue dress

Robert glanced at the door, where was Cora it took her a little bit longer than usual to come down. What was she doing? He tried to listen to the conversation that was going on.

Carson walked towards him. “All the guests are in the drawing room, is her Ladyship coming?” He asked.

“Thank you, Carson, as soon as her Ladyship joins us, you can announce dinner,” Robert answered. He looked at the door again, but there was no sign of Cora yet.

“Papa? Where is Mama?” Mary had walked towards him. “Something wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong, dear.” Robert answered. “Your mother will be down soon.” He waited for Mary to start a conversation with the chap that was standing next to him. The door opened, that must be Cora he thought. And as always he felt his heart flutter, even after all these years of marriage he still got excited seeing her. She appeared in the doorway in a stunning blue dress, her blue eyes lit up, when she saw him standing in the back of the room. Robert was mesmerized by her appearance and needed a minute to soak in her beauty. She had worn this dress only one time before. They were in London, for Rose´s wedding. The dress was royal blue, covered in a kind of lacey fabric. Robert never knew the correct terms when he tried to describe Cora´s dresses. He remembered the back of her dress, it showed of her shoulder blades, without showing to much skin. He realised he was staring at her and quickly walked towards the door to greet her.

Cora was looking at Robert, she was relieved to see him walking towards her. Even after all these years she still got nervous walking into a room full of guests. She could not wait to go back upstairs with Robert. After a busy day entertaining, there was nothing better than to crawl into his arms and settle down for the night. Unfortunately they still had to entertain their guest for a couple more hours. Robert had reached her and softly put his hand on her hip and kissed her cheek.

“You look mesmerizing, my darling.” He said, while he kept his lips a little to long on her cheek.

Cora’s hand went to his upper arm, his strong arms, that were always there to protect her. She forced herself to let go of them and think of something else. They were in company and should behave.

“I am glad, you decided to wear this dress again.” Robert said softly, so only she could hear him.

Cora felt her cheeks colour. “You remember me wearing this one?”

Robert stepped back a little and said semi indignant. “How could I not.” He then stepped back towards her. “You always look stunning, but this dress.” He run his hand over her back. “This blue makes your eyes shine and the way the dress moves around your legs.” He stopped. “I do not know how to describe it, but you look stunning my darling.” His hand still running over her back.

Now Cora’s cheeks were bright red. “Stop it.” she said softly, without sounding to harsh. She glanced around the room, but everybody was engaged in their own conversation and nobody was looking at them.

Robert took her arm in his. “Milady, are you ready for dinner?”

Cora leaned in on him. “I am Milord.”

They both looked at Carson, who nodded in agreement.

Cora turned towards the guests. “Dinner, everybody.”

The drawing room started to empty, it was a big dinner with a lot of guests and it took a while for everybody to leave the room. Robert stayed still, with Cora’s arm still in his, his hand on hers. She nodded at the guests while they walked passed. Mary and Edith were the last ones to leave the room. Cora stopped Edith. “Darling, after dinner I will not stay to long can you make sure all the guests have what they need?”

Robert gave her a concerned look. “What is it?” he asked.

Cora padded his hand. “I am just a little worn down, nothing to worry about. A good nights rest will help.”

“When you are sure?” His eyebrows were drawn together, he was worried Cora was hiding something for him.

Cora got on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “I promise, there is nothing wrong. These days have just been busy with the hunting and everything. I am not your blushing bride that could go on for days on end.”

Robert checked the room and it was empty. He pecked Cora’s lips. “You are still my blushing bride.” He brushed his hand over Cora’s cheek, that coloured the moment he said that. Robert chuckled. “You see, you still blush. Come my dear, the sooner we sit down for dinner, the sooner you can retrieve in your bedroom.”

Cora’s heart swelled from the love she felt for this man, she was the luckiest woman alive.