33I just got into this show and love it. I have written other fanfics for another show, but this is the first one for anything different. I have not made it all the way through the show, so I am writing a prequel. And I like Robert and Cora's characters so this will be a multi-chapter. Also, I took some artistic license and have Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes working at Downton. It might be told later in the series, but I like them being with the Crawley's from the beginning.
The Beginning
Chapter 1
Early 1888
Robert Crawley studied the documents his father showed him. Few people understood the costs of maintaining a place like Downton. Not to mention, paying servants fair wages, charitable donations, and maintaining the lifestyle that his mother and sister liked to maintain. There had been a financial downturn and some investments had suffered.
"So, what are we going to do, Papa?" Robert asked. He had just turned twenty-one and had been learning the estate from his father for several years.
"We only have a few options and the most desirable one is going to put you out." His father, Lord Patrick Crawley explained.
"What are the options?" Richard asked.
"We can be…more forceful where our tenants are concerned. Not be as generous or do the repairs that they need." Patrick explained and Robert made a face. "I don't like that option, either." Patrick admitted.
"What's the next option?" Robert asked.
"We could mortgage Downton and Grantham House." Patrick said, speaking of their London residence.
"I don't particularly care for Grantham House but do not believe it should be mortgaged." Robert stated.
"So, our next option and the one that affects you the most is that you marry; to someone with a large dowry." Patrick stated.
"Papa, most of our friends are in the same situation as we are; so, they don't have dowries for their daughters. Not to mention, I haven't even attended any of the London balls. I have no idea who has come out into society." Robert argued.
"I…stepped in. There are Americans with new money who want their daughters to marry into…titles. I have arranged something." Patrick said.
"Papa, what have you arranged?" Robert asked. He adored his father and knew that his own father would not be suggesting this unless it was dire. He had not married for love and was not happy. Patrick had told Robert once that he hoped the Robert and Rosemund would marry for love and not for money or title.
"I have arranged for you to marry a young woman. She's only seventeen and her parents made their money after the American Civil War. They have sent me a photograph of her. She isn't unpleasant looking." Patrick said as he handed Robert the picture. Sure enough, she was pretty, but she was not Robert's choice.
"What if I said no?" Robert said as he stood up and started pacing.
"If you want to save Downton Abbey, you won't. Son, I am sorry; but your choices are few. Do not think of me as a cad, but there are brothels that you can visit if she doesn't please you. A lot of men in our situation do that." Patrick said.
"Do you do that, Papa?" Robert asked.
"It's a suggestion that is better than turning your attentions towards a maid. That never ends well. A discreet woman…its less than ideal and my hope for you is that you and Miss Cora will enjoy one another's company. She does do a lot for charity and she is well-educated. She particularly enjoys art, history and architecture. I wanted you to have a mate that would have similar interests to your own. My understanding is, her library will rival yours." Patrick stated.
"What does she get out of this?" Robert asked.
"A title. Her requirements are few. She must bare you an heir, preferably a son; she has to not be an embarrassment and learn our ways and she has to learn to be a Countess. Once you are earl; you will understand the need for a helpmate to assist you with this estate. She will take care of the house and you will take care of the estate; and together you will take care of the servants and tenants. Something your mama has failed at." Patrick said.
"When do I meet her?" Robert asked.
"She arrives this afternoon, with her mother; Martha Levinson. Her father is in New York attending to business. The wedding will be tomorrow." Patrick said as he stood up.
"I get no option? Maybe I can find another solution?" Robert asked.
"There are no other options. Don't worry, my son; in time you will come to care for Miss Cora. You will need to bed her to produce an heir, but you can visit a discreet brothel and I do ask that you treat her with morsel of respect." Patrick said. He walked by Robert, patted his shoulder and left Robert alone. Carson, Robert's valet walked in and gave him a sympathetic look.
"It's the way men in your situation do things. Write to your cousin, James and see if you and he can visit one of those places in a month or so. That will give you time to spend with your young bride. You might enjoy her." Carson suggested. Robert hated the idea of visiting brothels; but like most men of his social standing, it was not terribly uncommon. James visited them more frequently than Robert. Robert didn't like using woman in that manner. But, wasn't he doing something worse? Marrying for money?
There might be some errors in this that I haven't found the answers to, since I only just started watching the show. I also know, in that time period, in the aristocracy; men visiting brothels was common and even encouraged. Thanks in advance for any reviews.
