This one is just a bit of fun.
I do spell and grammar checks and proof read but bound to miss some. If that bothers you too much maybe think about reading something else.
I hope you enjoy it, they are free and they are just stories.
Best Wishes, Satin.
***
The whole household was beyond excited at the thought of a royal visit. The King himself was due to arrive at Downturn Abbey, everyone from the Duke to the lowliest gardener had been preparing for weeks. It was a challenge, given the extensive royal entourage. The logistics were mind boggling, everything had to be perfect, the royal standards were beyond exacting.
The Crawley family were rich by any standards, but securing the finances of a large estate in modern times was precarious. Country homes were being sold and demolished at an alarming rate by the 1920s. A lot depended on the visit, the titled and landowners were still dependent on royalty for their grace. Any family who fell out of favour would soon find themselves on the brink of financial ruin.
Robert and Cora were the Earl and Countess of Grantham; they hoped their eldest daughter and heir to the estate Mary, might be considered as a match for the Prince of Wales, he was due to arrive a day or so later. He, like his father before him had a reputation for bedding women; but a marriage to him would set the whole family up for life. Even if the Prince was beyond there station for a match, there were a vast array of royal relatives with high standing that could provide the same ambition. Many of those would be attending as part of the royal court.
One of the King's many cousins also attended: Princess Alice. Robert was surprised at how down to earth the Princess was; she seemed to be the polar opposite of most of the royal party. He found her by accident in the gardens, she insisted he call her Alice.
"I am a forty year old grown woman after all and well beyond being called a... Princess!"
Robert got the distinct impression that the Princess has only just stopped herself from swearing; an unforgiveable act, at least in public.
They talked frankly, Alice apologising for the disruption they must be causing and how ridiculous the size and expense of the royal entourage was.
"You give the distinct impression of not wanting to be here?"
Alice smiled; Robert thought she looked quite radiant. "I am on the royal tour, so my cousin can marry me off to some duke or earl. An unmarried spinster princess is somewhat of an embarrassment that he intends to resolve. They would love to palm me off to some rich widower on this tour."
"You know, not all of us lords and earls are that bad! You must have had many suitors with your beauty and status, have none of them been a good match."
Alice laughed heartily, "Why my dear Earl, did you just say I was beautiful... you're a married man, how delightfully inappropriate! And in answer to your comment most are mindless buffoons... entitled, arrogant; some are bigots and the good ones are already married."
Robert wasn't sure if that was a compliment or criticism, but he was certain she was teasing him, "Well, being a married Earl, I can hardly disagree with your final point... Alice."
Alice nodded in delight at his use of her first name and Robert's quick wit, "It is beautiful here Robert... so tranquil."
"Thank you, you are more than welcome here, and I can promise there are no suitors hiding in the bushes... lords, buffoons or otherwise."
***
Cora had certainly prepared for the royal arrival. She and her three daughters all invested in a new wardrobe of couture gowns from Paris. Her more daring choices were allowable as a married woman, that made her daughters Mary, Edith and Cybil somewhat jealous. Mary as the eldest and prettiest of the three in particular hoped to catch a royal eye, but recent debutants were expected to show decorum. Their mother was allowed to show slightly more of her lithe figure and alabaster skin.
Cora noticed the King's interest toward her; she was an experienced woman and knew 'that look'. She didn't avoid it, the King's approval was important. Even in the modern age, the King only answered to God for his actions, all else in his realm were below him.
The King wasted no time in broaching his intentions with Robert after lunch.
"The Countess is a fine woman; I'd like her to attend me."
Robert was perplexed, "Sorry your Majesty, what do you mean?"
"Come on man, it's very simple, I as your King will be taking your place in the bed chamber tonight with Lady Grantham.
"You can't be serious... I object, she is my wife!"
"Really Robert, you would sacrifice everything? All you own is by royal approval; it evaporates quickly without my support. This isn't an unusual arrangement and happens all the time, many view it as a privilege. The royal retinue will move on in a few days, our support and your future assured via a long list of royal patronage... any liaison will quickly be forgotten.
"This is beneath you and ungentlemanly, I'll take it to the press or the House of Lords."
The King stifled the thought that they only thing beneath him would be Lady Cora.
"Now, now Robert, don't say anything you will regret, that action will see you thrown into the tower for treason, we do still use the tower you know, for royal prisoners. I am already disappointed with your attitude, but if it troubles you so much, I will allow Lady Cora to make the final decision. She seems like a sensible woman... why don't you ask your wife before doing anything rash."
A shocked and confused Earl did exactly that, the response he received wasn't the one he anticipated.
"Well he is the King!"
"You can't possibly mean to go through with this Cora."
"I don't see that we have much choice, other than ruining our reputation and finances... we'd lose everything."
"I can't possibly allow it; it's an obscene abuse of privilege."
"I don't disagree, but it's the reality of the situation. It will only be for a night or two, he moves on quickly and I'd rather it is me than one of our daughters. We need to save their chastity to ensure good matches for marriage."
"But I can't have you doing that, you are my wife... intimacy should remain between man and wife."
"Don't worry, I will be fine Robert, I am an experienced woman and can serve the King's needs easily enough. It's nothing more than a brief transaction for the good of everyone involved."
"But it's not right! The status and money aren't worth it; there has to be a way out of this, you shouldn't be put in this position!"
"It's been happening for centuries; Henry VIII bedded just about every wife who attended court. They were unlikely to get an invite unless their wives or daughters were young and pretty. Even if there was a way out, we have little time to do anything. You could see this differently Robert... it's an opportunity for advancement. And the King, who could have anyone in the realm, wants you wife... it's quite the compliment. As long as you are willing to accept me back, I am content with the arrangement."
Robert was shocked by Cora's response, she barely hesitated before accepting her fate, there was little attempt to avoid the 'liaison'; he sensed her pride at being chosen. Could he accept his wife back... afterwards, perhaps if it was discreet and could be kept quiet, they could emerge somewhat unscathed at least publicly, privately was a different matter.
***
News of the arrangement quickly spread throughout the household, it was inevitable given the support needed for dressing and preparing rooms. The maids were excited for Lady Cora; it was such a privilege to be bedded by the actual King. And his reputation proceeded him, it was rumoured he had been tutored from a young age in the art of making love by courtesans from Asia; and that he fathered half of the children in the royal household.
While the maids were excited about the illicit affairs of nobility, there were some dissenting voices, mainly from the family butler whose opinion and position carried weight. He was concerned about the impact for the man he served, the Earl was a good man after all.
Anna the pretty blonde lady's maid drew her Mistress a hot bath complete with oils and scents, then selected her best gowns for her to choose from.
