i've given my life to downton.

       “i do wish MARY and EDITH would get on.” robert sighs, reclining in cora’s bed. it’s their bed; they’ve been sharing it for years. still. it is her room, after all. “how was your day, my darling?” | @corawlee gets a surprise starter.

    “not you, too, TOM.”  robert sighs, eying his son-in-law. “from mary and edith, i expected this. from you? not at all.” and then, the seventh earl of grantham is pouting. “why must you all team up against me?” | @ahopefulbunch

     “sybil, darling!” it hurts to even exclaim so joyfully, but he brightens at the sight of his youngest. “i hope you didn’t rush all the way here just to see me. your father is strong -- a burst ulcer can’t take me out. it is not my time yet.” he smiles tiredly, pleased to see her. it’s been too long; he always feels the DISTANCE between them when she and tom are in ireland. | @crawlshee

      “i don’t suppose i have any SAY in this, do i, mary?” he sounds as tired as he looks. robert’s gaze doesn’t quite reach his daughters -- not initially -- but finally he regards her. “i am proud of your confidence, but i daresay... i am beginning to feel irrelevant.” | @ahopefulbunch