It took you a year!, chapter 34

Cora gently pushed Robert back. When he woke, he had scooted closer to Cora. He had kissed her neck until she also woke up.

She gave him a faint smile, “Darling, I didn’t sleep at all. I am exhausted.”

Robert leaned on his elbows, “Cora? This isn’t the first time this week you didn’t sleep. What is wrong?”

Cora rested her hand on Robert’s. “Don’t worry. I fell asleep last night, but Nanny woke me. Mary was having a bad dream and she couldn’t get her to settle down. So, I sat with her for a while. And after, it was hard to fall back to sleep.”

“We need to tell Nanny, from now on she has to wake me, instead of you.” He snuggled closer and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her against him. He noticed he felt her hip bone. Cora always had a slender frame, but was she getting thinner? He kissed her. “Happy anniversary darling.”

Cora moulded her body against Robert’s. “3 years already. Happy anniversary.” She turned around and gave him a small present.

Robert opened it and saw white gold cufflinks by Patek Philippe from the Nautilus collection. The cufflinks were set with a black-blue Nautilus panel surrounded by a satin finish border. His eyes widened. “These are beautiful. Thank you so much.” He embraced Cora. Robert lowered his eyes and let go of her. “Now I feel guilty about my present for you.”

“You know, I don’t need much.”

“My present this year isn’t a thing. I….” He stopped. Cora squeezed his hand to encourage him to go on. “I asked John and Anna to take the kids for the day and I asked the staff to stay downstairs or take the day off. So, you and I have the day for ourselves and you can rest and relax as much as you want.”

Cora could cry because of this sweet gesture. “You are a darling. That is a wonderful present. I can use a day without any obligations.”

After a moment of silence between them, Cora said: “John and Anna? Our Anna?”

Robert smiled. “Yes, our Anna. She and John are seeing each other for a while now.”

“That is wonderful, they both deserve happiness.”

“It will give some complications. But we will figure it out.” Robert said absentmindedly.

“What do you mean? Complications?” Cora looked up at Robert.

“Or we lose Anna here in the house. Or we lose John in the London office.”

“You and John will figure this out. When are they coming?”

Robert looked at the clock. “30 minutes ago.” He smirked.

“They have already taken them?” Cora asked surprised.

“We truly have the whole day for ourselves.” Robert brushed her arm.

Cora laid back on her pillow and yawned. “Do you mind if I try to sleep some more?”

“No, of course not.” He bent down and kissed her cheek. When he returned from the bathroom, Cora was fast asleep. He saw her legs twitching. It was something he noticed her doing during the day, and he thought it was because of nerves. But now she was doing it while she was sleeping.

Cora kept insisting, nothing was wrong. But he worried, there was something.

+++

Cora had slept until late in the morning. Robert enjoyed his day browsing in the library. Just before lunch Robert woke Cora up.

“I am going for a walk after lunch, do you want to eat here?”

Cora swung her legs over the edge. “No, I am having lunch with you and then we can go for a walk together.”

“That would be nice.” He handed Cora his hand when she wobbled standing up. “You sure you are alright?”

Cora padded his hand. “I spend too much time in bed.” She smiled and walked to the bathroom for a quick shower. Robert contemplated joining her. But he decided to take care of lunch. Mrs. Patmore said there would be something in the fridge.

Lunch was wonderful, Mrs. Patmore really did her best.

Robert took Cora’s arm and hooked it in his. “Ready for an afternoon walk?” Isis was already jumping at the door.

+++

After dinner John and Anna returned with the girls. Mary was holding Edith’s hand, as they both walked inside. Edith had recently learned to walk. It was an adorable sight.

Cora picked up Edith. “Good job darling.” She brushed Mary’s hair. “Did you have a nice day?”

“Yes, mummy.” Mary looked up.

Cora could see how tired she was. “Come, we will go upstairs.” She turned towards the stairs.

She started climbing up, with Edith on her arm and Mary’s hand in hers. Midway she felt her legs going wobbly, but before she could grab the railing, she fell letting out a scared cry.

Both Edith and Mary started crying, Robert, John and Anna rushed over. Cora managed to not drop Edith.

John picked up Mary and Anna took Edith. They walked upstairs to the nursery. Mary cried: “Mummy?”

“Mummy will be alright, don’t worry.” John said. He looked at Anna and saw the same fear in her eyes. There was something wrong with her Ladyship.

Robert helped Cora to sit up. “What happened, did you trip?”

Cora’s legs were still trembling. Her voice was shaking. “I don’t know what happened. My legs just stopped working and I couldn’t hold myself up.”

Robert had his hand on her back and felt how warm she was. “Cora, something is wrong. Really wrong, I am calling Dr. Clarkson.”

Cora didn’t protest, she knew Robert was right. She was denying it long enough. She was constantly tired. She was eating more but kept losing weight and her legs kept twitching and trembling. “Can you help me up?”

Cora tried to walk, but her legs were trembling too much. Robert scooped her up and walked upstairs with her in his arms.

+++

“At this moment I can’t tell what is wrong.” Dr. Clarkson said after seeing Cora

Robert was holding Cora’s hand. “What are you thinking of?”

Cora squeezed Robert’s hand. “Darling let’s wait until Dr. Clarkson did all the tests.

“As her Ladyship says, we will have to wait.” Dr. Clarkson said. “For now, I don’t like your fast heartbeat and your temperature. I will take some blood and will send it in directly. In the meantime, stay in bed. We don’t want you to have any more accidents.”

+++

Robert let Dr. Clarkson out. “Thank you for coming this fast.” He then went back upstairs. Mary was sitting next to Cora.

“Mary? Why aren’t you in bed.” Robert said surprised.

“Let her, I scared her earlier.” Cora said, brushing Mary’s hair.

“You scared all of us.” Robert said sitting down next to Cora.

The bedroom door opened and there was Nanny with Edith. “I am sorry Milord, Lady Edith didn’t want to sleep.”

“Bring her in.” Cora said, stretching her arms out.

“Cora? You need your rest.” Robert said firm.

“I will rest, when our girls are settled down again.” She smiled at Robert. “I will be fine. Dr. Clarkson will find out what is wrong with me.”

Robert was fighting his tears. “What if?”

Cora reached out. “No, no, don’t think like this.” She brushed a tear away.

+++

Robert returned from bringing back the girls to the nursery. Both had fallen asleep on Cora’s lap.

Cora had already tugged herself in. Robert thought she was asleep, but when he got in bed, he felt her hand reaching for him.

“Come, sleep close to me please.” She said.

When Robert scooted close, he felt the twitching of her legs. “Do you think it will help, if I massage your legs?”

Cora shrugged. “I tried that before, nothing helps.”

Robert brushed her arm. “I wish you had told me earlier, you were feeling this way.”

“I wasn’t worried in the beginning, and later on, I didn’t want to worry you.”

Robert wrapped her in his arms. “It doesn’t matter, I am here for you now.” He started softly singing to her and felt her body relax under his touches.

 

It took you a year!, chapter 33

Robert handed the keys to the Valet driver and took Mary on his arm. With his free hand he took Cora’s hand in his.

“This is beautiful.” Cora said enthusiastically looking at the beautiful building. Her hand rested on Edith’s back, who fell asleep the moment Cora put her in her carrier.

Robert booked the Hayloft suite at the Woolley Grange near Bath. The hotel offered a family friendly stay. That meant that there would be everyday care for the children. A special baby program, but also one for toddlers. That gave Cora and Robert time to be together, for a spa treatment and dinner at night.

Robert booked several spa treatments, but also booked the nanny service several days, just so he and Cora could sit together and do nothing.

In every room there was a beautiful Christmas tree, all the Christmas lights gave a romantic feeling. Robert and Cora enjoyed each others company, without any obligations.

+++

Robert had gone down for a morning walk, Cora said she hadn’t slept very well and would love to lay in a little.

It took her a long time recently to fall asleep and the sleep she got, wasn’t very good. She was restless and was hot all the time. She wiped away the sweat on her forehead. It felt like she had run a marathon, in fact she only walked to the toilet and back.

She wasn’t sure why she felt this way, but she blamed the busy months and the stress surrounding the flower show and Robert’s mishap.

Edith had woken up and was crying. Cora gathered herself together and got up to go and get Edith. She heard Mary’s voice. Her talking was now changing in more than just words. It was most of the time heart-warming, but this morning, it broke Cora’s heart.

“Mummy mine.” Was what Cora heard her saying. “dith no crying. dith bad.” Mary could not say Edith and she called her dith.

Softly Cora touched Mary’s shoulder. “I am mummy of both of you, darling.” She said in a soft voice. “Mummy loves you both.” She kissed the top of her head and picked up Edith.

She sat down and gave her a bottle. Recently she started to combine breast feeding with bottle feeding. Edith only got breast milk in the evening, because then she slept better.

“Hello darlings.” Robert said when he returned in the suite. He kissed all three of his girls on the head but gave Cora a worried look when he touched her. “Are you feeling alright?”

Cora looked up and smiled. “I do, just feeling a bit flustered, that’s all.”

“Did something happen?” Robert asked, kneeling down in front of Cora, looking up in her eyes.

Cora wished she had a free hand to touch Robert’s cheek. He looked so adorable, sitting there looking at her.

“There is nothing, truly.” She leaned forward and Robert understood her hint, got up on his knees and answered her kiss.

“What are the plans for today?”

“We are going to meet a very special person at the end of the afternoon” He winked at Cora. “And we will go there in a horse carriage.”

Cora changed Edith’s position, her bottle was empty, she patted her back to help get rid of the air inside. “That sounds wonderful. Mary, do you hear that, we are going to ride with horses?”

Mary had pressed herself against her father and now smiled at Cora.

+++

The ground was covered in snow. It was a cold day, but Cora had put on warm clothes on both girls. She made sure Robert was also packed in warm clothes. Inside the carriage there were blankets to cover their legs. Robert sat close to Cora, with Mary on his lap. Edith was in the carrier close to Cora’s chest for warmth.

Robert’s arm was wrapped around Cora’s waist, while he pointed at all the beautiful decorations along the way. Mary’s face was full of wonder the whole trip.

Cora felt a squeeze on her hip and looked up at Robert. He had startled her. “Wake up, darling. We arrived.” Cora’s head rested on Robert’s shoulder, she hadn’t noticed she fell asleep.

“I am sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”

Robert tightened his grip on her. “Don’t you worry about that. We are on this trip so you can rest.” He kissed her temple very softly.

“Mummy, mummy. Look!” Mary pulled on Cora’s arm and pointed to a reindeer sled.

“That is really beautiful. Do you know who rides that?” Cora asked.

Mary’s eyes got wide: “No” she shook her head.

“It’s Father Christmas.” Cora said.

Robert got out of the carriage and took Mary out. “Let’s see if he is inside.” He gave his hand to Cora to help her out.

+++

Mary had loved meeting Father Christmas and, on the ride, back home couldn’t stop talking about him and her presents. She got new winter gloves with princes Merida on them. One day Cora had put ‘Brave’ on and since that day Mary was intrigued. Cora was amazed by how smart Mary was. She was almost two, but sometimes it felt like she was older.

The relationship between Cora and Mary was difficult. Some day’s Mary wanted her mother for everything and the other day, she pushed her aside and ignored her. The same with Edith, although the moments she was sweet towards Edith, were very rare.

Cora watched how Robert read Mary a bedtime story. She was feeding Edith. She felt exhausted, Robert said this afternoon, that this trip was for her to rest, but she felt more worn out with every day. Only if she could sleep at night, that would help a lot.

“Cora?” Robert touched her shoulder, what shook her out of her thoughts.

“Sorry, I was miles away.” Cora looked up and smiled.

“Do you want me to run you a warm bath before dinner?” His thumb rubbed her shoulder.

Cora felt all warm inside, from his gentle touch. “That’s sweet, darling, but I am afraid I will fall asleep in the water.”

“I can cancel our table and the Nanny service and we can order room service?”

“No, no.” Cora got up to put Edith down in her cot. She turned around and put her hands on Robert’s waist. “You deserve a nice dinner with your wife.” She kissed him tenderly.

+++

“What did your mother say, when you told her we weren’t at home during Christmas?”

It was boxing day, and Cora and Robert sat outside in the hot tub. The nanny service had come and picked up Mary and Edith for their children program. Cora rested her body against Robert’s.

“Oh, you know Mama! She was furious. But I told her, we would visit the Christmas service in a church, here in Bath and that there was no obligation to be with family during Christmas.”

Cora chuckled. “In a way we are with family.” She turned her head and tilted it slightly, inviting Robert to kiss her.

Robert didn’t need another second, his mouth discovered Cora’s. He loved her taste. His fingers trailing over her cheeks, slowly lowering to her breasts. When he broke the connection to get air he said: “Did you enjoy this holiday?”

“I did. It was wonderful, it’s sad we have to go home in two days.” Cora kissed him again.

Robert pulled back. “Only you don’t seem to be more rested?”

“We just did a lot. My mind is rested. Please, darling. I really enjoyed our time together.”

Robert let go of his thoughts and indulged on Cora’s willingly body. He discovered her whole body as if it was new and he had never traced all her lines with his fingers. Softly he bit her earlobe. “I am in heaven with you.”

 

It took you a year!, chapter 32

Months had gone by, Cora planned Robert’s birthday party. He said he didn’t need a real party, but Cora invited the Nelson Brother’s, and they would play some songs that Cora wrote.

She was a bundle of nerves, because it would be the first time she would perform in front of an audience. Rosamund was the only one who knew what was going to happen.

+++

The band started playing and Robert looked around to find Cora. She wasn’t in the room it looked like. “Rosamund? Have you seen Cora?”

“Maybe she is talking to someone in the back? Ssst. They are saying something.” She pointed at the band.

“Welcome everybody and a special welcome to Lord Grantham. We have a special singer tonight, give her a warm applause.” Simon said.

“Cora should be here right now, she is going to miss it.” Robert said to Rosamund. When he turned back to look at the band his mouth dropped to the floor. There she was, his Cora. Standing in front of the microphone.

She started singing her songs and Robert was stunned. He loved the sound of the songs, and Cora’s voice was wonderful. He could see how much she enjoyed being a lead singer. He knew she could sing, but he had never expected this from her. She looked like a badass rock chick.

After the songs, the band played on, and Cora walked towards Robert. She was stopped several times and got praise. It took some time before she reached Robert, who was looking at her with nothing than pride in his eyes.

“Oh, my darling.” He kissed her on the cheek. “What a wonderful surprise.”

Cora blushed. “I hope you liked it.”

He wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “More than that, darling, more than that.”

Cora softly took Robert’s arm of her shoulders. She got on her tiptoes, kissed him on the cheek. “You can thank me later, people are watching.”

Robert’s hand moved to her lower back, he whispered: “Oh I will thank you tonight.” He winked and walked away to talk to Lord Flintshire.

+++

“Milady?” Nanny entered the room.

Cora was talking to Mr. Bamford. “Yes, Nanny?”

“It’s time to feed Lady Edith, Milady.”

Cora excused herself to Mr. Bamford and followed Nanny. Violet who had watched the scene, went to Robert.

“Robert, you really need to get Edith on bottle feedings.”

Robert looked at his mother in surprise. “Why?

“It isn’t proper to leave a party you host to breastfeed.”

Robert laughed. “I guess, it is also not proper to play in a band when you host a party. Well guess what Mama, we live in these modern times, and this is what makes Cora happy.

Violet huffed and turned around, looking for Rosamund.

+++

“Did you enjoy this evening?” Cora asked when Robert came out if his dressing room.

He sat down on a lounge chair. “I did, you were wonderful, and the party was wonderful. You are turning into a real hostess.

“I guess, your mother didn’t like it that much?”

“She didn’t say much about it.” Robert looked at his feet.

Cora pulled the duvet open. “Come to bed, darling.”

Robert got a smile on his face and crawled in on the foot end. Leaning over Cora he looked down at her. He gave her a soft kiss.

Cora put her hands on his lower back. “Not tonight, darling.”

Robert pouted. “But I said, I would thank you tonight?”

“I know, darling, but I am worn out.”

Robert laid down next to her, putting his hand on her belly. “We will put another one in there another day.”

Cora’s eyes widened. “Edith is just 7 months old?”

“I know.” Robert’s fingers trailed over Cora’s abdomen. “But Mary was 5 months old, when you fell pregnant with Edith, it is possible.”

Cora put her hand on Robert’s. “I would love to feel like myself again first. And I don’t want to do the throwing up and breastfeeding, at the same time, again.” She turned on her side to face Robert. “You don’t mind, do you? If we wait a little bit longer?”

Robert put his hand behind Cora’s head, and pulled her in, for a kiss. “We can wait. We will have fun another day, without trying for another one.”

“Thank you.” Cora kissed Robert’s lips, softly, but long. “Sleep tight, my dear.”

+++

Cora woke up, feeling anxious, her heart was racing, and she was sweaty. She reached next to her, Robert wasn’t there. Slowly she got up, she had to sit on the beside for a while, before she felt steady enough to stand up.

Wrapped in her bathrobe, she headed to the stairs, but she never reached them. Her world got blurry and dark, her legs gave out and she fell. Unconsciously she laid in the hallway.

“Milady?” Daisy said in a high-pitched voice. “Mrs. Hughes! Mrs. Hughes. Please come and help.” She shouted.

“Daisy, stop making all this noise, her Ladyship is still slee……… oh my!” Carson exclaimed when he saw Cora on the floor. He didn’t think for a second, he grabbed her off the floor and carried her back to her bedroom. “Go and find Mrs. Hughes.” He urged Daisy.

Cora was waking up and she was slightly aware, she was in somebody’s arms, but not Robert’s. She heard Carson’s familiar deep voice. “Don’t you worry, Milady. All will be well.”

She felt she was laid down on something soft, it must be her bed.

Mrs. Hughes entered the room and saw Cora white as the sheets lying there. “I rang for Dr. Clarkson. His Lordship is out for a long walk with Isis. I have sent him a message. What can we do?”

Baxter entered the room with a was bin with cold water. She put a wet towel on Cora’s head. “This will cool you down.”

Cora started to protest, but Carson’s voice shut her up. “Dr. Clarkson is on his way Milady. You will be fine.”

“I am feeling fine.” Cora said. “I must have fainted, but I am alright.” She tried getting up, but two big hands pushed her back into her pillows.

“Keep calm, Milady. Dr Clarkson, is almost here and he will examine you. For now, please stay in bed.”

+++

When Robert returned, he saw Dr. Clarkson coming down the stairs.

“Is everything alright? Is her Ladyship ill?”

“All is fine. Her Ladyship had fainted, but there is nothing wrong at the moment.”

“Can she be pregnant?” Robert asked, before he realised, what he had asked.

“Your wife is having her period, so that is not likely. She is just tired and need some rest.”

“I will take her on a nice Christmas holiday, thank you dr. Clarkson.”

Upstairs he found Cora sitting on the chaise longue. “You scared some people this morning, I heard.” He kissed Cora’s temple.

“I must have gotten up to fast. I am perfectly alright.” She put her hand on Robert’s cheek.

 

 

It took you a year!, chapter 31

Robert walked into the music room, where Cora was playing on the guitar. He had Edith on his arm and Mary followed him.

Cora stopped playing when she saw him entering.

“Please, don’t stop. We are here to listen.” Robert said smiling.

Cora blushed. “I am not good enough, darling.”

“Don’t doubt yourself that much. You are good and I love your singing voice.” He sat down, Mary walked over to Cora and sat down at her feet.

Cora brushed her hair and sung:

‘Down by the Salley gardens, my love and I did meet.
She passed the Salley gardens with little snow-white feet.
She bid me take life easy, as the leaves grow on the tress.
But I, being young and foolish, with her I did not agree.’

When she looked up, she saw Mrs. Hughes and Baxter in the doorway listening.

“I am sorry Milady, we listened in.” Mrs. Hughes started to apologise.

“Her Ladyship has a wonderful voice, I fully understand you wanted to listen.” Robert said.

Cora got up, picked Mary up from the floor and said: “Dinner will be ready soon. I am going to bring this one to bed.” She tickled Mary, who giggled.

+++

The next morning, Robert got up early. He had arranged with Mrs. Patmore that there would be a breakfast tray. He put down a small box from Van Cleef & Arpels next to the plate. He walked back to their bedroom, Cora was still sleeping. He put down the tray next to her and kissed her forehead.

“Happy birthday darling.” He brushed her shoulder, softly waking her up.

Cora stretched and put her hand on Robert’s arm. “Good morning.” She said smiling. “What smells so nice?”

Robert leaned down and kissed her lips. “Me?”

Cora chuckled. “I smell breakfast.”

Robert picked up the tray and gave it to Cora. “A special birthday breakfast.”

Cora’s hand moved to the box on the tray. She opened it and gasped. Inside was a watch from the Snowflake Fleurette collection.

“Do you like it?” Robert asked.

“Oh darling, this is beautiful. But this is too much.”

“Nothing is too much for my angel.” I am getting Mary and Edith, so they can wish you a happy birthday too. He gave Cora a quick kiss.

Cora felt unsure. She knew why Robert was this generous. He felt guilty and so he should. But this didn’t make up for it. She put on her smile when she heard Robert return with the girls.

+++

They had a quiet day, Cora was reading a book and Robert worked from the library. In the afternoon Violet and Rosamund came for Cora’s birthday.

“We should go for a walk.” Rosamund said to Cora after a while. “I bet Isis wants to go out.”

Robert looked up. “Wait, I will finish this and then we can all go together.”

“In fact, dear brother, I want to walk with your wife alone. I miss her since you two moved to Downton.” Rosamund smiled at Cora and offered her, her arm.

Once they were far enough from the house. Rosamund started: “Do, tell me what is wrong?”

Cora didn’t look at Rosamund and stayed silent.

“Does this have to do with you visiting last month?”

Cora didn’t know what to say.

Rosamund continued: “You said it was to visit The Nelson brothers, but what else happened.

Cora felt tears stinging. “Robert almost cheated on me.”

“Almost?” Rosamund stopped walking and looked Cora in the eye.

“He didn’t kiss her, he wanted too, but he stopped, he says.” Cora lowered her eyes again.

“No wonder you are upset. How could he!”

“Please don’t tell him you know.” Cora took Rosamund’s hand.

“Who is this woman? Do I know her?”

Cora shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t think you know her, it was one of the maids.”

“WHAT!” Rosamund exploded, “a maid. I do hope she is fired?”

“Robert asked her to leave, immediately.”

“How did you find out?” Rosamund asked wrapping her arm around Cora.

“I overheard Daisy, the kitchen maid, talking to Carson and Mrs. Hughes.” Cora felt her cheeks burning.

“Robert can be so incredibly stupid, first he doesn’t love you for over a year and now, he is cheating on you.” She pressed Cora against her chest. “I will support you if you want a divorce.”

“That is the thing, I don’t want that. I can’t explain it, but when I was with you, I missed Robert so much I felt physically ill. I know we didn’t start in the right way and him cheating is the worst thing he could do to me, but I love him.” Cora looked up at Rosamund. “Despite everything I love your brother.” Cora smiled. She felt something inside her when she said that. She wasn’t the person to express herself like this. But it felt good to talk about what happened. It also settled her disquiet. She had chosen to stay, so she would stay, leave behind what had happened. A smile traced her lips.

“Cora?” Rosamund looked at her in surprise. “What is happening?”

Cora smiled. “Thank you for this talk. I needed this, even though he hurt me, I love Robert and want to spend the rest of my life with him.”

“Good, I am happy I could help.” Rosamund put her arm in Cora’s, and they walked back to the house with Isis running in front of them.’

+++

Rosamund and Violet had both gone home, Rosamund would stay at the Dower house for the night. Robert put on ‘Liebestraum – Franz Liszt’ when Cora returned in the library, after putting Edith and Mary to bed.

He offered her a box.

“Darling, I already got my gift this morning?” Cora said while opening the box.

“That was just a part of it.”

Inside the box were a necklace, earrings and a ring from the same collection as the watch. Cora’s eyes grew big. “Oh my, this is truly too much, darling, you don’t have to do this.”

Robert pulled her close and rested his hands on her lower back. “I want to spoil you and today on your birthday it is the best day to do that. Do you like it?”

Cora kissed Robert, putting the box down so her hands were free to rest in his neck. “I love you.”

“I have missed you.” he murmured.

“I am back, I truly am.” She moved her hips on the music and Robert moved with her.

“I don’t deserve you….” Robert started.

Cora pressed her lips against his, to stop him from talking. “We will let it rest. It doesn’t help to keep reminding ourselves of it. We will leave it in the past.” She pressed her body against his, her fingers under his shirt.

Robert took her head in his hands. “You are irresistible.”

“I am not resisting.” Cora whispered.

Robert lowered her on the sofa and scooted her dress up. He kissed her calves, his hand moved to her inner thigh. It was months since he had touched her in this way.

+++

Robert carried Cora upstairs, both sweaty and out of breath. He lowered her on the bed and laid next to her. When Cora shot straight up.

“What?”

“Our clothes are still downstairs.”

When Robert carried her upstairs, he had draped his jacket over her body, the rest of the clothes leaving behind. “We will get them in the morning.”

Cora was already standing up. “I don’t want Mrs. Hughes finding them again.”

Robert started belly laughing.

“That’s not funny, I still feel the embarrassment from when we stayed here the first time.”

“Alright, you stay here, I am going to get them right now.” He kissed her and got out of the bedroom, wrapped in his bathrobe.

Once he came back, he found Cora sound asleep. He pulled up the duvet and tugged her in. He looked at her and counted his blessing, before falling asleep himself.

 

It took you a year! Chapter 30

Robert watched Cora with Edith on her arm and Mary at her legs, talking to Mr. Molesley. The flower show would be tomorrow. He was incredibly proud of all the work Cora did. The flowers that were already in the room, were amazing. The smell inside was divine.

Cora must have felt him staring, she turned her head and smiled at him.

“You better ask Lord Grantham that.” She said to Mr. Molesley.

Robert saw him walking towards him, Cora went on to the next stall owner. Mary walked over to her father, when she saw him. Robert got on his knees. “Hello, darling. Do you like the flowers?” He looked up at Mr. Molesley.

Just before lunch time Cora said to Robert: “I will go home to put Edith to bed, and I think this girl can use a midday sleep too.” She squeezed Mary’s side, who started to giggle. “I will be back in the afternoon.” She kissed Robert on his cheek.

+++

The chauffeur dropper Cora off with Edith and Mary. She walked directly upstairs to the nursery. Edith had nursed already, and Mary got a lot of food from the people in the village , so she could put both girls directly to bed. Nanny wasn’t in the nursery, so Cora decided to go downstairs. She heard the voices of Mrs. Hughes and Carson. Something in their conversation sparked her interest and she stayed quiet and listened.

“Daisy, can you tell that again?” Carson said.

“What do you want me to tell?” Daisy answered.

“Go on, Daisy, you know what Mr. Carson means. You were talking to one of the kitchen maids.”

“I was in a room, when Jane and his Lordship entered.”

It felt silent for a minute and Cora felt her heartbeat go up.

“I couldn’t see properly, but when his Lordship walked away, he was saying: This is wrong, this is wrong. And then the next day Jane was gone. So, we were wondering what had happened.”

Carson scraped his throat. “What ever happened, this isn’t our business, and I don’t want you to ever talk about it again.”

Cora heard Carson’s door open, and she didn’t know where to go. She decided to walk further down and when she saw Mrs. Hughes, she put on an innocent face.

“Milady, I wasn’t expecting you home already. Is everything alright?”

“Yes, everything is alright. I just brought Mary and Edith back home and was looking for Nanny.” Cora tried to keep her face neutral.

“I will send her up Milady. Anything else we can do?”

“No, thank you, that is it. I must be going back now.” Cora turned around and with big steps she got back upstairs.

+++

The chauffeur brought her back, and before Cora entered the building, she stopped. She took a deep breath and calmed herself.

“Darling, there you are.” Robert took her hand and pulled her with him. “Look at this.” He showed her something on a stand, but she didn’t follow everything. She kept repeating that conversation in her head. What did Daisy see. What had Robert done? Did he cheat?

The whole afternoon went by in a blur. She focussed on the show and making sure tomorrow would be perfect. She wanted to talk to Robert but knew she should wait until tomorrow after the show.

+++

That evening in bed, Robert curled up against her. He took her breasts in his hands. “I love your full breasts.” He gave them a little squeeze and she felt him grow.

“That hurts and not tonight. Tomorrow will be a long day.” She pushed his hands off her and pulled up the duvet. She tried to sleep but wasn’t sure if she could.

+++

‘How lovely you are. Where have you been all this time.’

Robert stepped closer and pulled her against him. He lowered his head and kissed her. A long and passionate kiss. His hand roaming over her body. Discovering every inch of her body. His kisses moved to her neck and collarbone. With his fingers he brushed over the brim of her breasts. He kissed where his fingers just touched.

‘You are so sexy. Come upstairs with me!’

Cora woke up covered in sweat. She looked next to her, Robert was fast asleep. Was that something Robert would do? or could do? She didn’t know. A very soft knock on the door and Nanny entered with Edith, who was crying. Cora got up and followed Nanny into the hallway.

“I will feed her in the nursery.” Cora said. It was the best excuse to leave the bed. She couldn’t lay still next to Robert, not knowing what happened. What if he did cheat on her, what was she going to do.

Cora sat down with Edith in the rocking chair and before she knew it, she fell asleep with Edith on her chest.

+++

Robert woke up to an empty bed. That was weird, normally Cora would do the morning feeding in bed. He got up, took a shower and changed into his clothes. He walked over to the nursery to find Cora sleeping there.

He kissed her forehead and took Edith of her chest. “Darling, it is time to wake up.”

Cora looked up and for a second, he saw a dark shadow on her face, what changed quickly in a faint smile. “I will go and change for the day, can’t let your mother down.”

Robert couldn’t help but notice the tone in her voice. “What do you mean?”

“Your mother would love for this day to be a disaster.”

“Cora stop that. My mother isn’t the bad guy. You remember the day Edith was born. I went back in to tell her you were in labour. She wanted to leave the meeting for you.”

“For what? To tell me how to deliver a baby?”

“Enough! You clearly woke up the wrong way. I am going downstairs.”

+++

The flower show turned out to be amazing. There were hundreds of beautiful flowers and Violet did an amazing award ceremony. Cora had to admit. Seeing Robert and his mother in this village and in Downton, made clear they belonged here. It also made clear she didn’t, maybe it was a good thing Robert cheated. That was a good reason to leave everything behind.

“Cora?” A soft touch on her arm shook her out of her thoughts.

Robert offered her a drink. She was sitting in the library and had tried to read a book, of course she didn’t read a word.

“Can you tell me what is wrong?”

“You are asking me what is wrong?” Cora shouted.

Robert took a step back, he had never seen this much anger in Cora’s eyes.

“Did I do something?”

“Don’t try to deny it. I know what happened.” Cora’s eyes shot fire.

Robert sat down and took Cora’s hand in his, but she pulled back.

“Why did you do it?” Cora asked. “Wasn’t I enough. Is she going to give you a boy?”

It dawned on Robert what Cora meant, but how could she know.

“And did you know that the reason I am getting girls, is because you aren’t giving me the right chromosomes!”

“No, no. No Cora, you have it wrong. I never had sex with Jane.”

“So, you admit it. You cheated on me!” Cora got up and walked away from Robert.

Robert lowered his eyes. “Almost. And I am very ashamed of that. I didn’t cheat. I never kissed her.”

“But you wanted too. What stopped you? Why didn’t you do it. Was it because somebody else was in that room?” Cora was steaming.

Robert stayed seated. “There was one reason why I stopped and did not kiss her.”

Cora looked at him.

“The moment I smelled her I was reminded of you. How I love your smell. No, not just your smell. How I love you. Cora, I love you with everything I have. Please Cora, this was a mistake, a very big mistake. But I kept myself from doing it. Please.” Robert had tears in his eyes.

“Can you sleep in your dressing room tonight?” Cora turned around and walked out of the library.

+++

Cora had fallen asleep sobbing. Her sleep had been a restless one. Was Robert telling her the truth?

She got up and opened the door to his dressing room. The rooms were connected. Robert instantly sat right up. His eyes showed he didn’t sleep at all.
“Please tell me everything that happened.” Cora said softly sitting down on the chair in the room.

Robert told her what happened, how he felt lonely after Edith’s birth and how Jane had listened to him and showed interest in him.

“So, it wasn’t just one moment?” Cora said with wide open eyes.

“I almost kissed her twice. But never really kissed her.”

Cora heard their bedroom door open and got up. It was Mary walking into their room.

“Good morning darling, did you sleep well.” Robert noticed how Cora’s voice changed when she talked to Mary. “Come, we will put on some nice clothes and make this a fun day.”

+++

Robert had tried to talk to Cora, but she made sure to be surrounded with staff the whole day.

At the end of the day, he finally managed to have her alone in a room. Cora tried to leave immediately, but Robert took her hand. “Can you please listen to me?”

Cora gave him an annoyed look but stopped walking.

“I know, what I did was wrong. And I should not have done it. Thinking about doing something like that is already wrong. And I hope you can forgive me. I don’t know what got into me. You being absent isn’t a reason for me to cheat on you. Because I realise, however I didn’t kiss her, this was cheating. I should have made a better effort in understanding what was happening with you. Instead, I run into somebody else’s arms.”

Cora had sat down during Robert’s words, she looked up at him and he couldn’t tell what he saw in her eyes. She let out a deep sigh.

“I don’t know if I can ever forgive you for this.” She got up. “And now I am off to bed.”

+++

Days turned into weeks, Robert still slept in his dressing room. Cora wasn’t avoiding him anymore, but she didn’t let him touch her. She couldn’t stop thinking about that maid and what he did. She knew she wasn’t herself after the birth of Edith, but that didn’t give him the right to kiss another woman.

“Robert, I am going to Rosamund for a few days.” Cora said when entering the breakfast room.

“Why?” He looked up from his newspaper.

“I need some time to think about everything.” Cora said looking at the ground. “I will bring Edith with me, Mary can stay with Nanny. It will be good for Mary to have some alone time.”

“Cora, I said, I was sorry. What do I need to do more?”

“You don’t understand, do you? You truly hurt my feelings and in a way I wish I didn’t find out what happened. But I did and I need to find a place to put it. I can’t do that, while being here.”

“Are you going to tell Rosamund?” Robert said softly.

“I am not planning on it. Robert, please let me go. I need some time, alright.”

“I won’t keep you from going.”

Cora looked at him, got up from the table and walked out of the house with Edith.

+++

“Where is Cora?” Violet asked.

“She is with Rosamund for a few days.” Robert answered while pouring his mother a cup of tea.

“That’s very sudden, something happened?”

“She just needed some time away after all these busy months. She took Edith with her, we also think that is good for Mary.”

“Mary needs to learn she is now a big sister.” Violet said brisk.

+++

“Hello, little one.” Robert took Edith out of her car seat. “Did you have a good time in London?”  Robert asked, while handing Cora his hand.

“I did. It was good to be back, but it is a funny thing. I missed this home.”

“Only this home?” Robert asked.

Cora looked at him, she was very aware Andy was listening in on the conversation. “Come, we will go inside.”

Robert had followed her to the bedroom, Cora wanted to unpack.

“Robert, I want you to know that I wasn’t planning on coming back.”

Robert was silent and only looked at Cora with a question in his eyes.

“I wanted a divorce.” Cora said.

Robert looked at her in shock. “You wanted what?”

Cora stayed silent

“What made you change your mind.” Robert asked with an unsure voice.

Cora pulled up her shoulders. “I am not sure.”

Baxter knocked on the door. “Do you need help unpacking Milady?”

“Yes please.” Cora was happy this conversation was over. She didn’t want to take the girls from Robert and to be perfectly honest she had missed him in London, but he had hurt her badly.

+++

“Mary! Stop that!” Cora exclaimed and rushed over to take her of her sister. Mary had grabbed Edith’s arm and was biting her. Edith was crying hysterically. Cora picked up Edith and tried to comfort her. “Mary, we don’t do that! You cannot hurt your sister!” Mary started crying too, because of the angry voice Cora had.

Mrs. Hughes rushed in. “Should I call for Nanny?”

Right behind her was Robert. Mary immediately wanted to be picked up by him and he did. “Darling, what’s wrong. Why are you crying?”

“She is crying, because she doesn’t want to feel the consequences of doing something bad.” Cora was rocking Edith and checking if everything was alright. Mary was a strong girl, she had already noticed that earlier. “She needs to learn that Edith is her sister and she needs to accept that she will not go away.”

Cora finally calmed down Edith. She just finished feeding Edith, when Robert returned, he had gone up to bring Mary to her room. They weren’t sure putting her in her room would work, but they didn’t know what else to do.

“Cora? Mary is only 1,5 years old. She will learn.”

Cora looked up. “She is very wise, and she knows exactly what she is doing.”

Robert bent down and took Edith in his arms. “Your sister will learn to love you. The way your Mummy and I love you.” He rocked her around in his arms and started humming the song. ‘Can’t help falling in love’ to her.

Cora stood up and walked over to Robert. She leaned her head on his shoulder.” The girls need us to be united.” She wrapped her arms around Robert, she realised in London, she wasn’t going to be happy without Robert close to her.

“Can you promise me one thing?” Cora asked Robert.

Robert turned around to face her.

“If you ever feel neglected by me. Go talk to John or somebody, but never, and I mean never do this again!”

“Oh Cora, I would starve myself before I would do something like this again.”

+++

Soon after Cora gone upstairs that night, Robert followed, he knocked on their door.

“May I sleep in here?”

Cora pulled back the duvet. “You may.”

“Can I ask you something?” Robert said sitting on the side of the bed

“Hmmm.” Was Cora’s only answer.

“Did you mean that, what you said a few weeks ago, about having a boy or a girl.”

Cora leaned over and brushed his back. “Dr. Clarkson told me. But it doesn’t mean we will never have a boy. We are just more likely to get a girl.”

 

It took you a year! Chapter 29

Robert softly opened the door to the nursery. Cora had gone up, to nurse Edith, but that was already a while ago.

He found her in the rocking chair, with Edith on her chest, both sleeping. Robert didn’t want to wake her up, but there would be a meeting about the school board this afternoon.

He brushed her hair and said very softly: “Cora?”

She opened her eyes. “Oh no, I must have fallen asleep, did I miss the meeting?”

“Not yet, darling. I came to warn you the meeting is in an hour.”

Cora got up, put Edith in her crib and followed Robert downstairs. He took her hand. “Are you alright?”

Cora gave him a little smile. “I am.” But she pulled her hand back.

+++

“I think it is a good idea if only Lady Grantham joins the board.” Cora addressed the people who were sitting around the table. “First of all, Lady Grantham, knows far more about the history and the importance of this school and second, she has more time, to give you full attention.”

Violet looked at her, and Cora couldn’t tell if she approved.

At the end of the meeting, they all agreed, Cora would not join, but Violet would.

Once everybody was out of the house, Cora said. “I have to feed Edith and check on Mary.” Before Robert could say something, she walked off.

“Robert? Is everything alright with Cora?” Violet asked.

“I don’t know Mama. She is different since Edith is born. She shuts me out. And on top of that Mary is rejecting every contact with Edith.”

“She needs to adjust to having a second baby, I think.” Violet said, while standing up to leave. “And Mary is a typical toddler.”

“You are not staying for dinner?”

“Not tonight.”

+++

Cora went to bed early, when Robert entered, she pretended to be asleep, but Robert knew her to well.

“Cora?” He didn’t get a reaction. He put his hand on her shoulder and tried again. “Cora?”

“Hmmmm” was the only answer he got.

“We need to talk.” He started. “Something is bothering you.”

Cora was still facing the wall. “I am a disappointment, that’s all.”

“What?” Robert exclaimed.

“Admit it. Your mother didn’t say it with so many words, but me having another girl was a huge disappointment. And you can say you love our girls, I know you want and need a boy.”

Robert heard the tears in her voice. He scooted closer, but Cora pushed him off.

“Cora, darling. Mama didn’t say it, because she doesn’t think it.”

“Don’t lie to me, Robert. Don’t lie!”

Robert sighed, of course Mama was disappointed and although she didn’t voice it to Cora, she did to him. “Mama, would love to see us have a boy. But the moment she saw Edith, she loved that little one.”

“Maybe, you should think about marrying someone else.” Cora said very softly.

Robert couldn’t believe his ears. “What did you say?”

Cora stayed silent. Robert forced her to turn around, by grabbing her shoulders. “Never say that again. I love you and the girls!”

In the hallway they heard crying. A knock on the door and Nanny entered with Edith. “It’s time for her feeding Milady.”

Cora sat up and latched Edith on her breast. “Thank you, I will bring her back when she is ready.”

Once Nanny left the room, Robert tried to start the conversation again. But Cora was babbling to Edith, avoiding further conversation.

+++

Robert felt lonely, Cora was avoiding him and spent a lot of time in the nursery with Edith and Mary. Mary wasn’t happy to be a big sister. She was begging for Cora’s attention every time she did something with Edith. They had to remove her from the room, when Edith was feeding.

At night Cora stayed on her side of the bed and didn’t want Robert to touch her. They didn’t really communicate anymore.

In the evenings he stayed very long in the library, drinking his whisky, avoiding lying down next to Cora. He wanted her affection, he needed affection, but she was rejecting him.

This evening, he knew he should not take that extra glass, but he did. He just sat down again when a maid entered.

“I am sorry, Milord, I didn’t know you were still in here.”

Robert looked up and saw a sweet young face. “Hello, I haven’t seen you here before?”

“I am one of the new maids, Milord.”

“I keep forgetting we still have maids in these days. Do you like it here?”

“I do, Milord.” She got closer to Robert, pretending to clean something of the fireplace.

“Don’t call me Milord. You can call me Robert, what is your name.” He said with a double tongue.

Jane walked past him, touching his leg. “I am Jane.”

Robert felt something stir inside. He got up and stood behind her, smelling her neck. Jane didn’t move, she stood there and let Robert touch her.

He touched her neck with his lips, but before he really kissed her skin, he pulled back.

“I am sorry”, he uttered and walked away.

+++

Cora was in the music room, working on some songs. Mary was next to her. With her 1 year and 2 months, she was a clever girl. Her dark brown eyes looked at Cora and there was so much going on in that little head of hers. Cora was still amazed by her eye colour. Both her and Robert had blue eyes.

She put her guitar aside and picked Mary up. “What’s wrong darling?”

“Mama? Play? Dog?” Mary started talking and it was the most adorable thing in Cora’s eyes.

“Of course, we can. We will go outside.” Cora stood up with Mary on her arm. “Isis?” She called out and a happy dog came running in.

Cora brushed her head. “Are you coming for a walk?” She put Mary down and took her hand. When she walked through the great hall, she saw Robert watching her.

She ignored him and walked outside.

+++

Robert took in a deep breath and went back to his study. He couldn’t focus on his work and walked around the house. He saw Jane, looking at him. She waved and got into a room, he followed her. He checked if nobody saw him, then closed the door behind him.

He stepped towards her and put his hands on her shoulders. She leaned her head back a little. And put her hand on Robert’s arm.

He leaned in to kiss her, but a sound by the door, made him jump back. He looked at Jane and shook his head. “This is wrong, this is all wrong.” He uttered. “I am so sorry, but this is wrong. I can’t do this, I love my wife, I made a vow to her.”

He took Jane’s hands in his. “I am sorry, but I have to ask you to leave this house. You can’t work here.”

Jane lowered her eyes. “You are missing something, and I can give it to you.” She looked up at Robert. “I can give you everything you want.”

Robert pulled back his hands and looked at her in disgust. “I love my Cora! She gives me everything I need.” He turned around and walked away.

+++

Dr. Clarkson made a house call. Robert had called him and told him Cora was behaving differently and he worried about her.

“Milady.” He started when Carson let him in the drawing room, where Cora was sitting.

“Dr. Clarkson! I didn’t know you were coming.”

“I wanted to check on you and baby Edith” he said.

“We are both alright. She is growing fast.” Cora said with a forced smile.

“Milady, you can be honest with me.” Dr. Clarkson said.

Cora felt tears sting behind her eyes and turned her head away. Dr. Clarkson stayed silent and just waited a second.

“May I tell you something.” He started. “I recently read a book about how the gender of a baby is determined. Did you know that the father’s chromosomes decide if it will be a boy or a girl?”

Cora looked at the doctor. “Is that true?”

“It is, Milady. This doesn’t mean that you will never give birth to a boy, but if Lord Grantham carries more X than Y, or the other way around, chromosomes, you are more likely to give birth to a girl.”

A tiny smile formed around Cora’s mouth.

“Stop blaming yourself, Milady.”

+++

“Robert?” Cora asked, popping her head around the corner of the library. “I am going up, are you coming soon?”

Robert didn’t know what he heard. He put down his whisky and followed her directly.

Back in their room, Cora started. “I am sorry, for the way I behaved the last weeks.”

“Nothing to be sorry for darling.” Robert sat on a chair, watching Cora take out the pins of her hair. He loved helping her, but he was scared Cora wouldn’t let him.

Cora’s fingers stopped and she looked at him. “I neglected you, and I am sorry for that.”

Robert felt his cheeks colouring. “You needed time. I am glad you are feeling better.” He saw her struggling to get the pins loose. “Can I help?”

“Yes, please.”

Robert’s fingers went through her hair, softly touching her. This was his home, with Cora. He was glad he pulled back in time. He would never forgive himself if he had truly kissed Jane. He kissed Cora’s neck, he tasted her familiar taste and the rumbling he had felt in the last weeks settled down.

 There will be no chapters this weekend. I will upload again on Monday. 

It took you a year! Chapter 28

“Mama, I hoped you would want to do the award ceremony?” Cora asked, while she and Robert paid her a visit.

“The people would love that, Mama.” Robert said. “I heard you always did that.”

Violet started glowing. “Indeed, when you father and I lived here at Downton, I was the host of this event.”

“You and Patrick started a lot of traditions is it not?” Cora asked.

“No, that’s not quite right. We continued a lot of traditions. Robert’s father loved traditions.”

“Just like you, dear.” Cora smiled at Robert.

“How are you feeling?” Violet asked looking at Cora.

“I am ready to meet this little one.” she moved her hand over her belly. She felt enormous, in 2 weeks she had her due date. “But other than the normal pregnancy problems, I am feeling alright.”

“As long as she keeps herself from doing too much.” Robert said. He got up and put his hand on her shoulder. “We should go. John is coming this afternoon and I want you to take some rest.

+++

A few days later Cora woke up feeling off but didn’t tell Robert. She was invited to a board meeting of the local school, together with Violet.

Robert was already up, Cora was glad. Now she could move as slow as possible. She took a long warm shower, hoping she would feel better.

She had wrapped a towel around her and was brushing her teeth when Robert entered. “Good you are up.” He walked over, stood behind her and wanted to lift her belly as he did quite regularly the last weeks.

However, Cora pushed his hands of. “Not now darling, my belly feels very tight.”

Robert put his hand on her arm. “Are you alright? Is it time?”

“I think my body is preparing, but this isn’t labour yet.”

“Should you go to that meeting?”

Cora turned around. “Your mother would love it if I don’t go” she sighed. “I only have to sit there, I can handle that.”

“What is the meeting about?” Robert asked, helping Cora dry her feet. She couldn’t reach so low anymore.

“I don’t know, I think they are in need of new board members. And I am afraid, they are going to ask your mother or me, or both.”

Robert frowned. “You are allowed to decline, darling.”

Cora smiled at him and kissed his cheek. “I know. Can you ask Baxter to come and help me?”

Robert shook his head. “I can help you, my dear.”

+++

Robert drove Cora and Violet into the village, he had some business there too.

The meeting, turned out, to be about them joining the board. There was a presentation, about the school and the history.

Cora was feeling worse and worse and wished she had stayed home. During a coffee break she went to the bathroom and texted Robert, to come and collect her.

It didn’t take 10 minutes and Robert walked in. He rushed over to Cora, who was sitting on a bench in the hallway, with a lady next to her. He saw her taking deep breaths.

“Did it start?” He asked softly.

“I think so yes.” Cora said.

“I told you not to go.” He saw Cora’s face and swallowed the rest of his words. “Come, I will bring you home. Can you walk?”

“Just walk slowly.” Cora took his hand and got up. She almost squeezed his hand when she got a contraction. Robert put both hands on her waist to steady her, it was a mild contraction, but he wanted to help where he could. “Does Mama know?”

Before Cora could answer, the lady  who was sitting next to her said, she would inform Lady Grantham.

“If you don’t mind, I like to tell her myself. What room is she in?” Robert asked. “Just wait a second, darling, I will be right back.” He knew Cora would understand why he was going to tell his mother himself.

“What did Dr. Clarkson say about a home birth?” Robert asked when he managed to get Cora in the car.

“He said, that it would be fine. I don’t have complications. He said to give him a call, once my labour would start. So, I guess that is now.” Cora smiled.

“I don’t get how you can joke about this.” Robert said annoyed.

Cora still smiled. “Darling, this will take a while. It has just started.”

“I know, but they say a second birth is always faster than a first one. And your first one just took a day. So, who knows how fast this one will go.

Cora put her hand on Robert’s leg. “The contractions I have right now are 10 minutes apart, so nothing to worry about yet.”

+++

“Do you want to go upstairs, Milady?” Baxter asked, when she walked in. Cora got a contraction, when Carson opened the door and she had to grab on to him. Robert was parking the car. Carson had looked at Cora with bewildered eyes but gave her both his arms to grab onto.

“Thank you, Carson.” Cora gave him a smile. “I think it is the best option to go upstairs now, before I can’t manage the stairs.”

“I will help you, Milady.” Carson offered her a steady arm, and with one hand on the railing and the other on Carson’s arm, she climbed upstairs. She had started to hate the stairs in her last month of this pregnancy.

In her bedroom, Cora sat down on the chaise longue. Trying to catch her breath again, Robert rushed in. “Dr. Clarkson is on his way, and he is bringing your midwife. Can I do something.”

Cora was breathing away a contraction, once it slipped aside, she said: “Darling, you would help me by calming down.” She smiled at him.

Robert sat down and put his hand on her belly. “I am sorry. It is just so exciting.”

+++

Dr. Clarkson arrived with Cora’s midwife. Robert went down. He left Baxter with Cora, her contractions were closer together now and quite painful. They had just helped her taking a shower, it meant he had to change clothes afterwards, but he didn’t mind. It had helped Cora to relax and that was what counted at the moment.

Dr. Clarkson did a quick examination on Cora. “You are at 6 cm’s, you are doing great.” He encouraged her. Cora was now having contractions every 2 minutes

She still wanted to walk around, it helped with managing the pain she said. Robert looked at Dr. Clarkson, he nodded and said she must do what feels right for her.

Cora paced over the corridor, grabbing on to Robert every time a contraction hit.

Dr. Clarkson had gone down, only the midwife was present. She asked Cora to lay down, so she could examine her. She was at 9 cm’s. “Almost there Milady.”

Cora breathed away another very strong contraction. “You said this would go faster.” She said through her teeth.

Robert looked at his watch. She was working now for 7 hours. In the last hour or two with very strong contractions. “I read that, darling. I am sorry. Can I do something.”

She shook her head while breathing away another contraction. “Just stay with me.”

It took her several more hours, but finally with a big last push Dr. Clarkson laid down a tiny baby on her chest.

“Congratulations, you have a girl.” Dr. Clarkson said.

Cora felt the same pain when Mary was born and instantly searched for Robert’s eyes. She didn’t see anything else in it, only adoration.

The midwife handed him the scissor to cut the umbilical cord. Then she picked up the little baby and did a quick check. She handed the crying bundle to Robert.

“Welcome, Edith Josephine.” He said smiling and brushing with his finger her little cheek. With Edith in his arms, he bend down to kiss Cora. “I am so incredibly proud of you darling.”

Cora had streaming tears.

“Are you in pain?” Robert asked and the midwife and Dr. Clarkson were directly standing at her side.

“No, yes, no. It is just.” She sobbed. “Why can’t I give you a boy.”

Dr. Clarkson understood the delicate and pulled the midwife back, to give them some privacy.

Robert sat down next to Cora, staring at Edith. He laid his hand on her cheek. “Darling, don’t you cry. You gave me a wonderful miracle, for the second time. I am blessed with you in my life, and now two daughters.” He kissed away her tears and then softly he kissed her lips.

+++

Once the afterbirth was delivered, Robert gave Edith to Cora, so she could feed her and he went to wake up Mary.

Edith latched on perfectly, Cora was feeling rosy, but she needed to stay awake for Mary.

Robert entered the bedroom with Mary on his arm. He put her down on the bed and said: “Meet your baby sister Edith.”

Mary looked at Cora with the baby in her arms with a frown on her forehead, turned around to Robert and put her arms up. She fell asleep immediately on Robert’s shoulder.

“She will meet her in the morning. You both need your rest.” Robert said, smiling at Cora.

When he returned, Nanny had taken Edith and Cora was asleep. Robert tugged her in and watched her until he, himself fell asleep.

 

It took you a year!, chapter 27

“Do you want us to move the location of the flower show to Downton?” Mrs. Hughes asked. She gave Cora a worried look.

She had found Cora leaning against the sofa in the library, with a painful face.

“No, no, we will have it at the community building. I am alright, just having some normal pains.”

Cora was working at her desk when a sharp, shooting pain on the sides of her belly started. She remembered this from her first pregnancy, it would go away. It was because of the way she was sitting.

“I am going for a walk, will you tell his Lordship, when he comes home?”

Robert and John were out to another estate, Cora noticed it was a bit much for Robert. Managing the estate and the company back in London. More and more, he would let John call the shots in London.

“Do you need company, Milady?” Mrs. Hughes asked.

Cora touched the sweet lady’s arm. “I will be alright, I am not going far.”

+++

Cora had walked for a while, walking was, besides lying down, the only time she didn’t feel much discomfort. Her Braxton hicks settled down and also her back pain was less noticeable. She looked around and didn’t know where she was. She only saw fields of green and trees. No buildings in near sight.

She was getting tired and felt stupid, for wandering off so far. She reached for her phone, but she forgot to take it with her. She scolded herself for being this stupid. Walking way too far and without her phone. She sat down on a bench, giving herself some rest before starting to find her way back home.

+++

Robert looked for Cora. Around this time, she was usually in the drawing room or library. He didn’t find her there, he got upstairs and checked their bedroom and bathroom, no sign of her. He then checked the nursery, Mary made a happy sound, when she saw her father and stepped towards him. She had recently started walking.

Robert picked her up and cuddled her. “Hello, darling, did you see your mummy today.” He looked at Nanny when he asked the question.

“Not since this morning, Milord.”

With Mary still on his arm, he went downstairs to look for Carson. He ran into Baxter.

“Baxter, do you know where her Ladyship is?”

“Mrs. Hughes told me in the afternoon, her Ladyship went out.”

“Out?” Robert asked in surprise. “Where?” He wasn’t aware of any appointments.

“I am sorry, Milord, but I don’t know.”

“Thank you.” He had a slightly worried feeling.

He found Mrs. Hughes in the dining room. “Do you know where her Ladyship is?”

“She went out for a walk this afternoon.” Elsie looked at her watch and lost all colour in her face. “But that’s three hours ago. I knew I should have insisted on her taking company. She left her phone at home.”

“She will be alright. I bet she ran into someone she knows and lost track of time.” Robert didn’t believe his own words, he knew she didn’t have any sense of directions. “I will go look for her.” He handed Mary to Mrs. Hughes.

+++

It was getting dark, and Cora was feeling hungry. She was moving from bench to bench, but she had no clue in what direction she should go. With the darkness setting in, she was even more lost.

Finally, she saw a farmers cottage, and walked up to the front door. A friendly looking man opened the door and stared at her with his mouth open.

“I am sorry to disturb you, I hope you weren’t eating your dinner.” A lovely smell came out of the cottage.

“No, no, Lady Grantham. I was just preparing it. What can I do for you?”

“I am lost and would love to use your telephone to call my husband, Mr…….” she looked at the farmer with a question in her eyes.

“Mr. Mason, and please come in.” He noticed how tired Cora was and offered her a chair. “May I ask what you were doing so far from the house, on your own in your condition?” His eyes went to her heavily pregnant belly.

Cora blushed. “I needed a walk, but didn’t realise I was so far, and then I got lost.” She took the glass Mr. Mason handed her. “Thank you.”

“I will call up to the house, to tell Lord Grantham you are here.”

+++

Robert drove to Mason’s farm. He was incredibly worried, how did Cora end up there. Mrs. Hughes called him on his phone to tell, Mr. Mason had called.

He followed the farmer into the tiny living room. Cora was trying to get up from the chair she was sitting on, Robert offered her his arm. He thanked Mr. Mason and got Cora in his car.

The drive back home was in total silence. Robert wanted to know what happened, but he wanted to get her home first. He had asked Mrs. Hughes to make some sandwiches, so Cora would not have to sit at the dinner table and when they were almost home Cora said she wanted to go up when they were home.

He helped Cora upstairs, he helped her change her clothes and gave her a hand to sit down on the bed.

“That was stupid of me.” She said once Robert put enough pillows behind her back, so she was sitting comfortably.

“What were you thinking?” Robert said with an angry voice. “You could….” he stopped, when Baxter came in with a tray.

“Mrs. Patmore made some sandwiches, Milady.”

“Thank you, Baxter.”

“Can I do something else for you?”

“I have Ro…. His Lordship with me, I will be alright.”

Baxter left the room and Cora started eating the sandwiches, she was starving. Robert waited for Cora to finish eating.

“Don’t be mad, please. I made a miscalculation.”

“I try to understand. You are 8 months pregnant, and you decide to go walking on your own, without your phone and then wander so far off, that you get lost. What if something had happened, what if labour had started.”

Cora took in a deep breath. “Darling, I am truly sorry. I wasn’t planning on going far, but walking felt so good.”

“Until it didn’t feel good. You got me really worried.” Robert looked at her with teary eyes.

Cora took his hand. “Oh darling, I am so sorry.” She leaned forward, but Robert was faster and pushed her back into the pillows.

“Just don’t do this anymore.”

Cora put her hands in his neck and pulled him closer to kiss. He answered her kiss, passionately Cora felt her cheeks getting wet and pulled back a little. “Oh darling, you were really worried.” She put her hand on his cheek and brushed a tear away.

Robert snuggled close to Cora. “I was afraid to lose you, but I have you back.”

 

It took you a year!, chapter 26

Robert was visiting his mother at the dower house, she had moved in last week. Robert felt as if his life was almost complete. He was living at Downton again with his beautiful wife, and now his mother was also here. In about 2 months, he would know if Cora was carrying a boy. He prayed for it everyday. What a wonderful thing that would be. He would have an heir.

“If you have come here to just stare in front of you, you better leave.” Violet snapped at Robert, what shook him out of his thoughts.

“I am sorry Mama. I was just thinking about the baby and him being a possible heir.”

“I told you at the beginning of this pregnancy, you should have figured out the sex of this baby. You would have known by now.”

“Mama, we are not having this discussion again. I will love our little one, boy or girl. And yes, I admit, of course, I would love for it to be a boy. It would make things so much easier.”

“You know your cousin Patrick has a son.”

“Yes, I know.” Robert sighed, he remembered his mother’s words very clearly about ending this pregnancy. It hurts him still. He loved his mother, but she could be very cold.

“Did Cora already answer about that flower show? Will she be able to arrange everything, now she is getting closer to her due date?” Violet changed the subject.

“Cora is a strong woman, she can handle it. In fact, she already started. She asked Mr. Molesley to attend.”

“Is he still working?”

“He is, I heard his son is looking for a job.” Robert said.

“Why do you tell me?” Violet raised her eyebrows.

Robert stuttered. “You, well, you couldn’t take your butler. So, I was thinking. Maybe…. maybe Mr. Molesley could work for you?”

“Does he have experience?”

“He worked several jobs at the big house. I could ask Carson to train him?”

“Let’s see what Carson says about it.” Violet got up. “And now it is time for you to leave.” She worked Robert out of the door.

+++

Robert walked back home. He loved walking up the driveway and seeing his home appearing over the hill. When he got close, he saw Cora walking outside with Mary in her stroller.

It was a sunny winter day, and it wasn’t really cold outside. He walked a little faster to catch up with Cora and Mary. When he reached them, he wrapped his arm around Cora’s waist he startled her.

“I am sorry, I didn’t want to scare you.” He said apologetic. He bent down and brushed Mary’s cheek. “Are you out for a nice walk with mummy.”

Cora chuckled. “She was fussing, nanny said, so I decided to take her outside.”

“Were you giving Nanny a hard time today.” Robert smiled and pinched Mary’s cheek. Is it alright, if I walk with you ladies?” He looked up at Cora with a big smile on his face.

Cora smiled back at him. “Always, darling.”

Robert took over the stroller and Cora hooked her arm in his. Soon Mary fell asleep, and they walked until Cora said, she was getting tired.

+++

Cora had gone up with Mary. Robert was amazed how she could carry her still, with her big bump.” He followed them and looked how Cora put Mary to bed.

“Cora?”

“Yes, darling.” Cora kissed Mary’s forehead and started to leave her room.

“I know you are pregnant and almost at the end, but I want to take you on a trip.”

Cora looked at him in surprise. She took his hand. “Can we first go down, before we talk more, I need to sit down.”

“Of course, darling. But isn’t it better if you lay down?”

She smiled at him. “Sitting is enough, I don’t want to fall asleep.”

Downstairs in the library, Robert helped Cora on the chaise longue. He took of her shoes and started rubbing her feet.

“We have our anniversary next week, and I booked a hotel for us. I want to take you to the Highlands in Scotland. We will stay at ‘The Five Arms’ in Braemar. I booked some spa treatments already.” He looked up, because Cora didn’t say anything. “Not a good idea?” He asked with a frown on his forehead.

“It will be the first time we leave Mary alone.” Cora said.

Robert moved and sat closer to Cora on the settee, he put his hand on her belly. “It is also the last time, we can go away, with just Mary as our child.”

Cora rested her hand on Robert’s. “You are a sweetheart.”

Robert leaned in and kissed her. “I love you, you know.”

Cora moved her hand to Robert’s neck and kissed him again. “I am blessed with you as my husband.” Robert leaned in and kissed her with more passion this time. They were interrupted by Carson scraping his throat.

Robert jerked up and Cora blushed. She still felt like a naughty schoolgirl, every time, Carson caught them kissing.

“Milady, Mrs. Patmore wants to talk to you. Can I send her in?”

Robert helped Cora up and move to the sofa. He put on her shoes and left the library.

+++

“Will you be good to Nanny?” Cora said to Mary who was sitting on Robert’s lap and kissed the top of her head.

“Mary is always good.” Robert said semi offended.

Cora didn’t say anything, just smiled at them.

Robert got up and gave Mary to Nanny. He kissed her cheek. “See you soon, darling.” He wrapped his arm around Cora. “Are you ready to go?”

Andy had already put the suitcases in the car. Cora stopped walking when they stepped outside. “Robert!” She exclaimed. “We didn’t need a new car.”

Robert pulled her a little bit closer. “I know, but this car is so much easier to get in for you.”

They were looking at a brand-new Bentley Bentayga Hybrid.

“Oh Robert, you just needed an excuse to get a new car.” She said it in a teasing way.

It was a 5-hour drive, and Robert made regular stops. Cora enjoyed the time with just Robert. No staff, no family, just them.

+++

Robert parked the car in front of the hotel. Cora had fallen asleep. He loved looking at her sleeping face. He got out and walked to her side, he softly kissed her cheek. “Welcome in Scotland, darling.”

Cora looked around. “What a magical place.” She said ecstatic. Robert helped her out the car.

They had a wonderful two-week holiday. The spa treatments were wonderful. They had a special program for pregnant women, with massages designed for a pregnant body. Robert enjoyed all the different whiskey’s he could try.

They visited a lot of places, Robert drove to Loch Lomond, they went to Fort William and many more places. With everything they did Robert checked if it wasn’t to much for Cora.

Cora was only feeling freedom and enjoyed everything to the fullest. No Carson, watching if she did things in the right order. No staff waiting to do something for her. She loved Robert with everything she had, but did she make a mistake by agreeing to move to Downton. It made Robert very, very happy, but was it making her happy? She wasn’t sure about it, maybe it would change once the baby is born. Her hormones weren’t helping.

+++

Robert put his nose in Cora’s neck. “Did you enjoy your time here.” He put his hand on her belly.

Cora turned towards Robert. “I had a wonderful time, thank you very much. I am fully relaxed for the arrival of this little one.”

“Oh my, keep that little one in, for a little while longer, alright?”

Cora chuckled and put her hand on top of Robert’s. “About two more months, you are right. I will be stressed out, towards that time. We will have Mary’s birthday soon.”

“Let go of these thoughts, and let’s enjoy this last day together.” He scooted closer and put his hand on Cora’s lower back, he kissed her intense. “Are you up to it?” He murmured.

Cora moved her hand to his manhood in her answer.

 

It took you a year!, chapter 25

Cora sat down on the chaise longue in the library with a deep sigh. It made Robert look up from his papers.

“Are you alright.” He asked

Cora moulded a pillow to her back and stretched her body. “I am glad the holidays are over, I am done in.” She rubbed her belly, with a painful face.

“Cora?” Robert got up and walked over to her. “What is wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong darling. I am just tired.”

“You look like you are in pain?”

“I am just having pregnancy discomfort.” Cora smiled up at Robert.

“You still have 3 months left, prepare yourself if this is already starting.” He said seriously.

Cora chuckled. “I have this pain in my back for two months already. I am almost used to it. These holidays were just busy and our little one is protesting a little bit.” Her hand moved up and down her belly.

“Why didn’t you tell me. I could have done something.”

“Darling, like what? Make the baby grow faster or something?”

“Of course not.” Robert said annoyed. “I could have given you regular massages on your back. He looked at her legs, she followed his eyes, you could see the swelling in her ankles.

Without a word, he took of her shoes and started rubbing her feet and calves. Cora leaned back and closed her eyes.

+++

Cora must have fallen asleep because she was awakened by a hand on her shoulder. Robert had draped a blanket over her, he was such a sweetheart, she thought.

Carson was standing next to her. “I am sorry to wake you up, Milady.”

“That’s alright.” She looked up.

“Lady Grantham is here to see you.” Carson said.

Cora shot up from the chaise longue . She could already hear Violet complaining that she was sleeping during the day. She looked around, but Robert wasn’t in the room anymore. “Tell Lady Grantham, I am coming, please?”

Cora needed a minute to fix her hair and compose herself. Baxter walked into the library with a glass of water.

“Here you go, Milady. This will help to wake up.”

Cora smiled at her. She was such a sweetheart.

+++

“And when were you going to tell me?” Violet started when Cora walked into the drawing room.

“Going to tell you what?” Cora really didn’t understand what Violet was talking about.

“That the village asked you to organise the flower show!” Violet almost shouted.

“I didn’t know I needed to tell you that. Mrs. Bamford organised the show until now.”

“And who do you think organised it before her?” Violet’s eyes shot fire.

“I guess, that was you.”

“How dare you take my place!”

“Mama! Cora isn’t taking your place.” Robert interrupted. He walked over to his mother and kissed her on the cheek. Cora gave him a thankful look.

“No? And what does this look like? She is asked before me!”

“Of course, she is! She is living here, and you are not!

Cora felt as if Violet and Robert, both forgot she was in the room.

“And when are you going to fix this!” Violet said.

“Mama, what do I need to fix. You love living in London. Don’t tell me you want to live at the dowager house?”

Cora couldn’t tell what she was reading on Violet’s face. She scraped her throat. “Mama, are you staying for dinner?”

“Of course, I am, I am not traveling all the way back!”

“I will tell Carson and Mrs. Hughes.” Cora turned around to walk away.

“They already know.” Violet finally sat back down. “Are we going to have tea?”

+++

That evening Robert went up the same time as Cora did. “I will help her Ladyship tonight.” He said when Baxter entered the room.

Cora looked at him in surprise and then nodded towards Baxter, that it was alright.

After helping Cora change into her nightwear, Robert started with Cora’s hair. Her beautiful dark brown curls were up in a bun. Softly he brushed with his fingers through her hair, to entangle it.

“Is your mother serious about moving?” Cora asked. After dinner Cora had gone up to put Mary to bed. She heard Robert talking to his mother when she returned. She took a little longer before returning to the drawing room, to give them time.

Robert’s hands stopped and moved to her shoulders. “Would you mind if she was living at the Dower house?”

Cora searched for Robert’s eyes in the mirror. “Darling? she lived even closer in London, why would I mind now?”

“She is going to interfere with how you are running the house and the events.”

Cora turned around and took Robert’s hands in hers. “Darling, she is doing that already, but from a distance. I don’t think it will make a difference. And you will be happy if she is living closer.

“Oh darling, Robert kissed Cora. “You know me so well” He started to scoop her up.

Cora protested. “I am way to heavy with the baby.”

He ignored her protests and laid her down on the bed. Took the duvet and tucked her in. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you.” He brushed her hair. Walked to his side of the bed and crawled against her.

Cora took his hand and placed it on her belly. “Our little one is active tonight, maybe you can settle him or her down.”

Robert started singing to her belly:

Lavender’s blue, dilly dilly, lavender’s green,

When I am king, dilly dilly, you shall be queen.

Who told you so, dilly dilly, who told you so?

‘Twas mine own heart, dilly dilly, that told me so.

Cora looked at him in surprise. Her eyes full of love. Softly she said: “I didn’t know you could sing.”

Robert smiled at her. “I am glad, I can still surprise you.” He kissed her.

Cora put her head against Robert’s chest and before she realised it, she was fast asleep.