In Episode 3.03, Matthew offers to give the money he's inherited from Reggie Swires to Robert so the family doesn't have to move from Downton Abbey. Robert declines; however he does allow Matthew to invest in DA, thereby becoming co-owner. He tells Matthew, "If you don't agree, I will sell and it will be your fault." Matthew agrees, of course, and happily so. Everyone gets what they want--and more.
This scene encapsulates Robert's character for me. In many episodes, he is portrayed as someone who inherited his title, property, and money and never seems to question that environment. He is fair-minded but accepts change only when it is forced upon him. Yet he is also a master negotiator, and we see multiple examples of that skill throughout the series (such as when he buys off the blackmailers of both Carson and Mary). This is one of the reasons I admire Robert as a character and Julian Fellowes' writing of him.
What are your thoughts about Robert?