#simon bricker

My folks, is it believable? (hardly) I have written something!! I am alive (barely)

So first off, big shoutout and huge thanks to @bella-caecilia and @ohtobealady for arranging this, it's deeply appreciated and I love, love, LOVE these exchanges! Absolutely cannot wait to read all your contributions!

As for my part... well... I've had quite a lot on my plate and I must say that I had to somewhat rush this. (and one can tell, lol) The story leaves quite a lot of room for interpretation ORRRRRR I might add another chapter... We'll see. But I do understand it isn't Shakespeare.

My prompts were "imbroglio" and "I was such a fool" (hence, the title) and I've set it in S5E5. I've always wondered what could have been and, well, this is very much that. I played with the dialogue of the one and only JFells and tried my best to stick to the character's nature (hopefully). But please be aware that there is mention of SA, so if this story might not be for you, feel free to skip this one <3 I just couldn't stop wondering what might have been if Robert hadn't entered their bedroom so early.

The men stood in the hall preparing to go out for a hike across the grounds. For reasons unknown to Cora, Robert appeared to dislike Mr Bricker but he seemed most keen to get the other man out of the house. Worn out from entertaining him the night before, Cora was thankful for the reprieve. 

“Luncheon will be waiting,” Cora touched her fingers to Robert’s elbow and he turned to give her a distracted smile. 

“You are a marvel, Lady Grantham.” Bricker said, passing them by, and Robert’s brow furrowed.

“Don’t contradict him,” Cora warned, smirking and patting Robert’s arm. 

–

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” He said, gaze following Bricker’s retreating back. Something about that man just got under his skin. He glanced back at Cora and her lips were twisted sardonically. “You are a marvel.”

Her smile softened with real pleasure and guilt tugged at Robert’s chest. She’d done nothing but be a brilliant hostess and his Countess. Overcome, he caught her chin between his finger and thumb and leaned in, pressing his lips to hers. She sighed with pleasure and when he pulled back, her eyes sparkled

Oh, how he loved her.