When life interrupts, chapter 19

“I hope this room is alright for you?” Cora showed her mother her guest room. The room doubled as her study. She had a spare bedroom, but she turned it into Patrick’s room. And now she was only left with her study. It was big enough to also fit a bed.

“You should start looking for a bigger house,” Martha said while stepping into the room. “I can help you with that, I always told you, that when you need financial help, you can ask.”

“I want to do this on my own, until now my house was perfect for me alone.” Cora was surprised by this offer, mostly because her mother cut her allowance the moment she started teaching. She would ask about that later.

“But you aren’t alone anymore.” Martha said giving Cora a stern look.

Cora suppressed a yawn. “Can we talk about this tomorrow? I put some towels on the desk, and the bathroom is the second door on your left. Good night.” She stepped closer to her mother and kissed her on the cheek. She felt her mother’s hand on her arm, briefly.

“Good night. One more thing, before you go.”

Cora turned back around. Her mother’s tone had changed.

“I hope you and Robert aren’t putting up a show for me. I saw you sitting in the kitchen and it looked like you two had a serious conversation, the whole evening I felt some tension between you two. Is everything alright? I thought he was back in your life, but it doesn’t feel that way.”

“Oh Mama.” Cora sighed. “It is all so complicated. All of the sudden he has a kid and he has responsibilities. Besides that his mother doesn’t like me at all.”

“His mother can go fly a kite. You also suddenly have a kid and a lot of responsibility.”

Cora sighed again. “Mama, I could get used to that idea for 9 months. 8 to be precise, Patrick came early. For him, it was just a couple of hours. But please can we talk about this tomorrow. I am so incredibly tired and Patrick will come soon for his feeding.”

“We will talk tomorrow. Good night.”

+++

Cora found Robert already in bed. She changed into her pyjama and crawled in on her side. She turned towards him and looked at his features, she could see in the moonlight, that came in through the window. She forgot to close the curtains, but she didn’t mind. This way she had a better view of him.

She shifted a little bit closer to him, resting her hand on his, and closed her eyes. She needed to sleep, but there was so much going on inside her head, it was hard to fall asleep.

Suddenly she felt Robert’s hand taking hers. “Try not to worry, let everything go and relax. Breathe in and out.” He moved his hand to Cora’s cheek. “It will all work out, I promise. But now you need to sleep.”

She felt the bed move and his lips kissing her forehead. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. Cora rested her head on Robert’s arm, his scent filling her nose. He had clearly taken a shower before he got into bed. He smelled like lemons. She noticed her heartbeat slowed down and her body started to relax. The warm sensation of Robert’s hand moving over her back did wonders. And soon she drifted off into sleep.

Robert also relaxed, he felt Cora’s puffs of air in his neck. How could he have walked away from her, they fitted perfectly together he thought. Except they didn’t know how to communicate. He forced himself to stop thinking. Pulled Cora even closer against his body and fell asleep himself.

+++

Early in the morning, Cora got back into bed after the last night’s feeding of Patrick. She made a habit to pump the other breasts once he was finished, she had already a decent amount of breastmilk in the fridge. This way the switch to bottle feeding would be easier, and this afternoon it was quite handy that she had done it. Rosamund had fed Patrick while she slept.

Robert moved when she pulled up her duvet. “Are you awake?” She said softly.

“I can’t seem to fall back asleep.” He said, turning towards Cora.

“What are we going to do now?” Cora asked.

Robert let out a very deep sigh. “I honestly don’t know. This house is too small and my house is not the type of house you want to raise a family in. There is no garden, there isn’t even a playground in the area.”

“We made a mess, a very big mess.” Cora sighed.

Robert moved his hand over Cora’s upper arm. “We did, but I am happy we are at least now talking. I have missed you all these months.”

Cora smiled. “I have missed you too. I feel so stupid for not trying a bit harder to find you. You had the right to know about the pregnancy.”

Robert’s movements stopped for a second. “What had you have done, if I had not bumped into you the day of the birth?”

“I would not have gone into labour.” Cora joked, but when she felt Robert’s grip on her arm loosen, she quickly followed. “I don’t know, I honestly don’t know. I didn’t even know you were back in London.” She stroked his cheek with her hand. “But here you are.” She felt him smile.

“Yes, here we both are.” From the room next-door they heard Patrick crying. “You just fed him, he can’t be hungry.”

“Maybe he has a dirty diaper again.” Cora was already getting up when Robert stopped her. “I will go. I will change his nappie and bring him back to snuggle with us.”

Cora sunk back into her pillow. She felt happy, although there was a lot to figure out still, she was happy Robert was back.

“He wanted his mummy.” Robert’s voice woke Cora up, she had fallen back to sleep.

Cora pulled back her duvet and Robert laid Patrick on the matrass. Before he walked to his side of the bed he kissed her. Cora moved her hand to his neck and kept him close to intensify the kiss. Robert let himself rest on his knees on the bed and discovered her mouth with his tongue as soon as she granted him excess.

This was the best feeling in the world. Cora thought while playing with his hair. His warm body rested lightly on hers. She noticed he was trying to keep himself from leaning too much, afraid to crush Patrick. One of his hands rested on her hip and she felt heat coming from her skin as a reaction to his touch. She moaned in agony.

Robert stopped his kisses and pushed himself up. “Am I hurting you?”

“No.” Cora moaned again. “I want you so badly, but we cannot.”

Robert proceeded to kiss her neck. “Why not?” He said with his hot breath against her skin.

“We are not alone in the house and it is too soon. Patrick is only one week old.”

Robert grinned. “But there are other ways to please you, we don’t have to go all the way.” He disappeared under the covers and Cora felt him pull down her pyjama bottom and started kissing her thighs, his hands moved over her hips and belly. She had trouble keeping her voice down. Robert pulled her shirt up and proceeded with his kisses all over her body. Once he was back at her mouth he murmured. “Patrick is too young to remember anything of this.”

Cora glanced at Patrick who was peacefully lying next to them. Robert shifted himself so he was still touching Cora but didn’t lay on Patrick. He looked at the clock, it is only 05.30 in the mourning, we could sleep some more?”

Cora chuckled, it was weird, even though he didn’t bring her to a real high, she was still satisfied, she promised herself she would give it back tonight. She heard Robert was already snoring and also Patrick was asleep. She closed her eyes herself, just a couple more hours, was what she needed.

When life interrupts, chapter 18

Robert was staring at the sliding doors, he had seen on the screen that the plane landed. Why did he get himself into this. How was it that he was picking up Martha, why didn’t they just send a cab? He had left Cora’s room as soon as she was asleep. That was very quickly, without saying a word, Cora had gone into bed and closed her eyes. Before he realised it, she was snoring. He loved that sound, it was so adorable he thought.

He promised himself to have a conversation with her once he was back and could have her alone for a couple of minutes. But first, he was on the lookout for Cora’s mother. The problem was, he didn’t know how she looked like, so he made a paper with her name on it.

So there he was standing with a paper in his hands with ‘Mrs. Levinson’ on it. He had no idea what to expect, but he didn’t expect this lively woman, who walked towards him. He recognized Cora’s curls, but this woman was a redhead and used more make up than he had seen on Cora.

“You must be my cab driver.” The woman said in a loud tone pointing at the paper in Robert’s hands.

“Uhm, hello, I am Robert.” He stuttered.

“What a coincidence, that is the name of my grandbaby’s father. Must be a popular name here in England.”

Before Robert could say a word, he got a bag and suitcase in his hands. Martha didn’t stop talking. Before they arrived at his car he knew all about her flight and the people who were sitting next to her. Even in the car, she kept on talking, Robert tried to tell her, he wasn’t a cab driver, but there was no way of interrupting her.

Once back at Cora’s house, he got out of the car and opened the door for Martha.

“Thank you, young man.” Martha said and handed him some money.

Before he could protest, the front door opened and he saw Cora standing in the doorway. She had little Patrick on her arm. “Mama, you are here.” She said.

Martha walked towards her and wrapped both arms around her. “You look tired, my dear. Now let me meet my grandbaby and upcoming son in law.”

Robert saw Cora’s eyebrows raise. “You have met Robert already.” She glanced at Robert, who lifted his shoulders helplessly.

He got the suitcase and bag out of the trunk and walked towards them. “As I tried saying before. I am Robert.”

Martha turned towards him. “Yes, you said, my cab driver. Now let me get in and see my beautiful grandchild.”

Cora looked at Robert, who gave her a helpless look and he mimed. “I am sorry.” Cora chuckled, it was so like her mother, not giving him a chance to explain himself.

He followed them inside, and put the suitcase at the bottom of the stairs, before proceeding to walk inside. He was expecting to see Rosamund, she had still been there when he left for the airport. But she had seemed to have gone home.

“I already paid you young men, why are you coming into the house.” Martha asked Robert.

“Mama,” Cora said before Robert could answer. “There has been a misunderstanding. This is Robert, mine……” she swallowed, not sure what to say. “The father of Patrick.” She said instead.

“Oh my dear boy, I am so sorry. You look like you could be a cab driver in these fancy clothes.” She patted his chest.

Robert was confused, he wasn’t wearing fancy clothes. He had chino pants on, a dress shirt with a nice jacket. “Nice to meet you Mrs. Levinson.” He said.

Martha turned around to Cora, Patrick had started fussing in her arms. “And this must be Patrick.” She squeezed his cheek, which didn’t help with his fussing.

“I think it is time for his feeding?” Robert said.

Cora gave him a thankful look. “Indeed it’s time. I will be back soon.” Cora turned around and walked out of the room.

“She did not have to leave. It is not the first time I see a baby being breastfed. Is she sleeping?” Martha asked Robert, while she sat herself down.

“I.” Robert wasn’t sure how to answer this question, but he didn’t have to because Martha already continued.

“Is there any food? I am starving, the food on the plane came way too early.”

“I can make you some sandwiches.” Robert offered, he hoped Cora would have bread.

“That would be lovely.” Martha opened a magazine that was lying on the table.

Quickly Robert left the living room. He found Cora in the kitchen, feeding Patrick. “Thank you for picking her up from the airport. I could use the sleep.”

“You clearly needed it, you were asleep the moment your head touched your pillow.” Robert smiled.

Cora stretched out her hand. “Thank you for coming back.”

Robert felt his cheeks colour. “I am sorry for leaving. I was so confused after my parent’s visit. I left you all alone with Patrick and your worries.”

“I should have called you and let you know I needed you. We both need to learn how to communicate, this is not working out this way.” She squeezed his hand.

Robert sat down on the chair next to Cora. “What are we going to do now?”

Patrick was done drinking and Cora moved him up on her shoulder to burp him. “Let’s start by moving in together.”

Robert leaned closer. “Are you sure?”

Cora rested her forehead against Robert’s. “We need to start somewhere.” She felt his thumb rubbing over the back of her hand.

The door to the kitchen opened. “There are the love birds.” Martha’s voice sounded. “I got worried you had left.” She looked at Robert. “How are the sandwiches coming along?”

Robert jumped up. “I am sorry Mrs. Levinson. I totally forgot.”

Cora also rose to her feet and handed Patrick to Martha. “I have something better, Rosamund prepared a mince pie, it needs 20 minutes. We can all eat.” She looked at Robert. “I guess you haven’t eaten either?”

 

When life interrupts, chapter 17

Robert was sitting in Cora’s living room. She had gone up soon after dinner. His parents stayed for a while, but he had asked them to leave just before dinner. He didn’t want to stress Cora more than she already was. His mother had ignored her in a way that he didn’t like. Luckily his father had talked with Cora about her interests.

Was he supposed to stay another night, or should he go home? He didn’t know what to do. Cora had not said much during dinner. He saw a lot was going on in her head, he wished she would talk. He emptied his glass and walked upstairs. He found her in bed.

For a second Robert stood still, not sure if he was doing the right thing. He stepped closer to Cora and kissed her cheek. “Sleep tight, see you tomorrow.” He felt her hand on his and her voice sounded.

“Do you need to go?”

It confused him, during dinner it seemed she didn’t care he was here, but now she was asking him to stay. What was he supposed to do?

“I think it is better if I go home.” He felt instant guilt leaving Cora alone to take care of Patrick, but he needed time to think and sort things out.

Cora pulled her hand back and folded it under her pillow again. “Oke.”

Robert kissed her temple and left, leaving Cora now also confused.

Cora heard the front door close and let out a deep sigh. Did she push Robert out? She had not said much during dinner. She did not know where to start. The way Violet had reacted to her, was exactly what she was expecting. Even though it had hurt her, she knew she was not good enough for Robert. He came from a rich family and probably had a title to pass on. She wasn’t the spouse, Violet had in mind for him, even though her family was wealthy to.

She let out a deep sigh and tried to fall asleep, she needed her rest. Patrick would come soon for his feeding. How she wished she and Robert talked better. How was this going to work out? She loved him, she truly did, but they had been separated for months and now all of a sudden he was back. How was she supposed to deal with that?

Finally, after what felt like hours she fell asleep, to be woken up soon after, by Patrick’s hungry cries.

Exhausted she pulled herself out of bed and walked to his room. Picked her little one up and offered him her breast.

+++

“Robert? I was just about to call you.” Rosamund said through the phone.

“Well, then let me hear what you have to tell first.” He answered.

“Marmaduke asked me to marry him,” Rosamund said and Robert could hear her smile through the phone.

“What wonderful news, that is amazing Rosamund,” Robert exclaimed. “I was waiting for this day.”

“I can hardly believe it. I am so incredibly happy with him.”

“And I am happy for you.” Robert tried to sound as enthusiastic as he could, but it was hard with his worry about him and Cora.

“But you called to tell me something. How is Cora doing? Did she let you in the delivery room? I didn’t hear you after our last call. Is the baby healthy? Are you really the father?” Rosamund said enthusiastically.

Robert sighed, he loved his sister, but she was so different than he was. “She let me in and I witness the birth and I can congratulate you, you are an aunt and have a nephew.”

On the other side of the line, it stayed silent for a second, then Rosamund said:, “That is wonderful, is everything alright?”

“I have been with Cora during the birth, it was wonderful and horrifying at the same time. She gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, we named him Patrick Isidor, after both of our fathers. And yes, I am convinced I am the father. Patrick is now four days old, and I have been with her, until two days ago. Mama and Papa visited and well, that did not go as I had wanted.”

“Oh no.” Rosamund said softly.

“Mama treated Cora horribly. Luckily Papa could repair some of the damage, but it left Cora feeling very down. And now I am not sure what to do.”

“Robert, why did you leave? Don’t tell me you left Cora in this state alone?”

Robert was already feeling bad, and now he felt horrible. He should have stayed, Cora even asked him to stay, but he had left. He had acted out of selfishness. “I did.” He said very softly.

“Well, I want to meet her, so why don’t we go together to her? I can watch Patrick while you talk with Cora.”

“Rosamund, I can’t show up with you on her doorstep. Not after Mama. And besides that, her mother arrives today.”

“We are going right now. I am picking you up. You need to fix this before her mother is here. Robert, you made an even bigger mess than it already was.”

+++

Robert rang the doorbell, but there was no reaction. “Maybe she isn’t home.” He said.

“I hear a baby crying, so she is definitely home. Do you have a key?”

Robert raised his eyebrows. “Of course I do not have a key.”

Rosamund rang the bell again and then proceeded to bang on the front door. Finally, the door was opened and Robert saw a very pale skinned Cora, with a hysterically crying Patrick in her arms. When she saw Robert she started crying. “Why did you leave?” She sobbed. “I can’t do this. I am not a good mother.”

Robert closed the gap between them and wrapped his arms around her. He put his hand on the back of her head and made sussing sounds. Patrick cried even harder and Robert stepped back. He wasn’t sure what to do, Cora was visibly exhausted.

“Hello Cora.” Rosamund’s voice sounded and she stepped closer. “I am sorry we meet like this. I am Robert sister, can I help with something.”

Through her tears, Cora stared at Rosamund. She shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know. I am sorry for my state.” She brushed her tears away.

“Let me take Patrick for a while.” She suggested and to her surprise, handed Cora the little boy to her. She felt him settle down immediately and realised Patrick was reacting to Cora’s stress level. “Did you sleep at all the last two days?” She asked.

Cora shook her head. “Not much.”

“Robert, why don’t you bring Cora upstairs? I will take care of Patrick. Do you have any formula for when he gets hungry?”

“There is breastmilk in the fridge and freezer. Thank you.” Cora willingly let Robert guide her upstairs. Patrick was for the first time in two days, calm and she trusted Rosamund with him. Suddenly she stopped walking. “I can’t go to sleep. My mother is coming.” She turned towards Robert, who had put his arm around her shoulders.

“What time is she coming?” Rosamund asked.

“Her flight will land around 18.00 o’clock.” Cora answered.

Rosamund looked at her watch “Robert can pick her up. You need sleep. It is now 11.00 o’clock, so you can easily get 7 hours.” Rosamund saw the shock on Cora’s face. “Your mother will be alright with Robert picking her up, and he will be alright too, she can’t be worse than our mother.” She gave Robert a stern look.

“Come, I will stay with you until you are asleep.” Robert said pulling Cora a little bit closer and walking towards the stairs.

 

When life interrupts, chapter 16

I am sorry for the delay in this chapter. I have rewritten it multiple times, I couldn’t find the right pace, but I think I found it. Happy reading.

Cora woke up from Isidor’s cries. She felt a heavy weight on her, it took her a minute to realise it was Robert. After Janet had come, she asked Robert to stay a little bit longer.

Robert had tried to get intimate with her, but he got embarrassed when he realized Cora’s body was, of course, still healing, he had apologised and wanted to leave.

Cora had grabbed his arm and forced him to kiss her. “I may be healing down there, but that doesn’t mean, I don’t want you next to me tonight.”

“Are you sure?” He had asked insecurely.

“100%, your arms around me make me feel safe, so yes please stay.”

Now she was trying to get out of his embrace. Softly she brushed his arm and kissed his cheek. “Robert.” She whispered. She was amazed he did not wake up with Isidor’s cries. She thought about his name and should talk with Robert about it. She wiggled herself out of his arms and saw him curl up in a ball. She bent down and kissed him softly on his head.

+++

Robert stretched his hand out, but only touched cold sheets. He opened his eyes and saw Cora’s side empty. He got up, used the bathroom and went to Isidor’s room. He knew he would find Cora there, and he was right. There she was, sitting in the big armchair with Isidor on her chest, both fast asleep.

He picked up a blanket and draped it over Cora and Isidore. He looked down at her and couldn’t believe his luck. He was back with his Cora and she had said she loved him. What more could he wish for.

A dawning feeling came over him, they needed to tell his parents about Isidor. Oh my, Violet would flip, and he wasn’t sure about his father’s reaction. He had a son out of wedlock and both his parents strongly believed in things being done in the correct order. He sat down and stared at Cora.

He was still staring at her when Cora opened her eyes. “Robert? Everything alright?” Slowly she sat up, to not wake Isidor and touched his leg.

Robert blinked a couple of times, before he answered. “We have to tell our parents about Isidor.”

“We have to tell your parents. My mother knows and will arrive here in London in two days.” Cora said.

“Oh” Robert looked at the floor.

“Robert, my mother knew I was pregnant and I called her last night during one of the feeding moments with Isidor to tell her about his arrival.”

“Of course, your mother knew. I am sorry, I didn’t realise that the whole pregnancy was different for you. How did your mother react?”

Cora got up and put Isidor down in his crib. She walked over to the chair Robert was sitting in and sat down on the armrest. “She was happy you showed up again and she said she can’t wait to meet you.” Cora put her hand on Robert’s arm. “Robert? Why did you name Isidor like this?” Cora said in one breath.

Robert looked up, his eyes big. “What do you mean? I named him after both of our fathers. I thought you would appreciate that?”

“Oh, do not get me wrong. I love that fact but aren’t we sending him into the world to become bullied in his life with this name?”

Robert swallowed. He had not thought of that, he had acted on a whim. And he wanted to honour Cora’s father mostly because she had lost him. “It is too late now.” Robert looked down again.

“You haven’t gone to the register office yet, so his name isn’t set.”

“What would you like to name him?” Robert looked over at the crib, where Isidor was peacefully sleeping.

“Why don’t we switch his names? Patrick Isidor. This way his name will be Patrick, but he is also still named after my father.”

Robert turned his body towards Cora. “That is a wonderful idea.” He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her onto his lap and kissed her.

+++

“Take a deep breath.” Robert said while placing his hand on Cora’s lower back. She was standing in the living room, with Patrick in her arms. Waiting for Violet and Patrick to arrive. “They won’t bite.” He joked.

Cora’s eyes pierced into his. “You are not funny.” The rest got cut off when the doorbell rang, Robert went to open the door.

Cora felt nerves flutter through her body. She was going to meet his parents for the first time, but this setting was all wrong. It should not be in her house and she should not look the way she did. Cora had changed into chino pants and a blouse, but she would have preferred to stay in her sweats. She gave birth two days ago and was not yet feeling normal again. She looked down at Patrick’s sleeping face. “You caused me a lot of pain, but I am happy to have you in my arms.”

The door opened and Robert entered again, Violet and Patrick followed. Cora saw the same sweet expression on Patrick’s face and she knew that Robert took after his father. They had she same eyes and mouth.

“Hello Cora, how wonderful to meet you.” Patrick stepped closer and kissed her cheek. Cora felt his warm hands on her shoulders and she lowered them in relief. “Is this our grandson?” He brushed his finger over Patrick’s cheek.

“Do you want to hold him, sir?” Cora asked, handing him his grandson. She saw his eyes twinkle when he took Patrick in his arms.

“Are you going to say hello?” Patrick turned around to Violet.

Violet stepped closer to him and looked at her grandson’s face. She turned back to Robert. “It’s a darling boy.”

Cora saw Patrick whisper something in Violet’s ear and she turned towards her. The way Violet looked at her gave her chills. “So, you are the one forcing my boy into marriage?”

“What? I, I.” Cora searched for Robert’s eyes for help, but she saw he was frozen. “We haven’t talked about that yet.” She said timidly.

“Darling, you promised me something,” Patrick said very softly to Violet, handing her the baby.

Cora saw Violet’s eyes soften, when Patrick was laid in her arms.

“I can use a cup of tea, what about you?” Patrick looked at Cora.

She was relieved he tried to calm down the situation. “I will make some immediately.” And she walked towards the kitchen.

“Why don’t you help her in the kitchen?” Patrick said.

+++

“Your mother doesn’t like me.” Cora said when they entered the kitchen.

“My mother is just upset, she had planned my future differently.” Robert was hurt by his mother’s reaction. He knew she was stuck in the traditional ways, but he hadn’t expected her to be this cruel towards Cora. He watched while Cora put water in the kettle and prepared the tea cups. He was relieved to see her use a kettle. He stepped closer and put his hands on her hips. “Even if my mother will not like you, I like you and that is all that matters.”

 

 

When life interrupts, chapter 15

Robert opened the door for Cora, who stepped inside. Robert’s heart melted seeing Cora with their little boy in his carrier on her chest. “Welcome home.” He said bending towards Cora to kiss her, but she turned her face, so he kissed her cheek.

He was not sure what to do next, he closed the door and lingered in the hallway, while he saw Cora walk towards the living room.

“Are you coming in?” Cora asked, she was not sure how to behave. She wanted Robert next to her, but at the same time she felt uncomfortable. It was a little bit weird having him back around her after all these months. She was also angry at him, he had just left, thinking she was that type of woman who just went from one guy to another. Even though he knew she had been single all her live before she met him.

“Can I get you something to drink?” Robert asked, watching while Cora put Isidor down.

“A cup of tea would be wonderful.” She forced herself to smile. Why was she feeling like this. Just after the birth she had kissed him and felt so much love and now…… She did not know what to feel. She was happy he was back, but how was this going to work out? She sat down staring at the crib Isidor was lying in, when she felt a hand on her back.

“Here you go. Do you want me to leave?” Robert handed her a cup.

Cora looked up in Robert’s face and she felt instant guilt. He was so caring; it was not fair to push him out. Isidor was his son too. She sighed. “I would want that.”

“Oh, alright.” Robert said.

“But I also do not want that.” Cora continued. “Robert, I do not know where we are standing at the moment. I only know we have a son and that we have to work things out for him.”

Robert sat down next to her, looking at his shoes. “I behaved badly, thinking you were with another man. I know I was not being fair, but I could not help feeling that way. I have thought about contacting you while I was in Brussels, I knew were you work so I could have easily contacted you, but I never did.”

“I am not sure, if you would have found me, I do not work at that school anymore.” Cora said, sipping her tea.

“You do not?” Robert raised his eyebrows. “What happened?”

“I quit my job at that local school, I remember you telling me I could do so much more with my studies.”

“Do not tell me you are a professor now at “Royal College of Art’?” Robert got excited; she had pursued her dream job.

“I am indeed not telling you that.” She saw Robert’s face drop. Why was he so adorable? She thought. “I am a professor at ‘Regent’s University,’ and I work at the ‘National Gallery.’

“You are kidding?” Robert embraced Cora. “I am so proud you made the move.” He said kissing her cheek. He quickly leaned back to his own side, not sure if Cora was upset by his reaction.

Cora took Robert’s hands in hers. “You are the reason I had the nerves to take the leap and it is the best decision I made over the last year. Thank you.” Softly her thumb stroke over his hand. She looked into his eyes; they were intense blue today. She had noticed it before, that it seemed that they slightly changed colour, according to his mood. Yes, she was angry, but she herself did not do a very good job in trying to reach him either. She leaned towards Robert and kissed him. It felt heavenly, she deeply missed being with him. The way her heartbeat calmed down when she was with him. They both had the wrong impression, but now they were here sitting in her living room, with a sleeping baby.

Robert took her dace in his hands. “Stop thinking.” He kissed her again. “Let’s forget the world for a moment.” he whispered.

Cora leaned into his shoulder, pressing her nose in the crook of his neck. She kissed his skin and noticed he got goosebumps. She moved her hand over his chest, trying to open the buttons.

“Your hands are so much softer than….” He stopped his sentence. He should not say this, why was he comparing Cora to that one evening with Caitlin.

Cora stopped her movements, what did he say? “Sorry?” She tried.

“Never mind.” Robert moved his hands over her shoulders down over her back, but he noticed Cora did not react.

“What did you say?” Cora now leaned back. “My hands are softer than? Than who?”

“I, I slept with someone. I went out and got very drunk and well, I ended up in bed with her.”

Cora brushed his hands off her back. “And here you are thinking I was with somebody else, and all this time you were the one?’

“Cora! No, it was just one night. And all I could do was think of you.” Robert felt incredibly stupid, he made that comment. Why at this moment. If he had felt it was necessary to tell her about Caitlin, than this was the worst moment to do so.

“But you blame me for drinking coffee with another man, and you went to bed with another woman! How can you think that is all right. And no, it is not a compliment you were thinking of me, while you were having sex with another woman. It is not a compliment!” Cora noticed she raised her voice. She glanced at the crib where Isidor was sleeping, but his eyes were still closed.

“Please, it did not mean anything. We were not together, and I got drunk. Cora, please.”

“Can you leave.” Cora turned away from him. She felt her whole-body trembling. She knew she was unreasonable mad, but she could not help it. Why was he not allowed to be with somebody else, they were not together. He did not know she was pregnant, because she did not enough to tell him.

Robert put his hands on Cora’s shoulders and turned her towards him. “Cora, please, let’s not fight.” He saw a tear role over her cheek. Gently he wiped it away with his thumb. “Cora, we both have not tried very hard to find each other and I do not know why we did not. We went on with our lives, all though you were not able to do that fully because of our Isidor there. Let us not waist any more time with silly arguments. I slept with another woman, while you staid faithful to me, even though you did not have to. Can we please, just start over. I love you and want to be with you.”

Cora’s eyes grew. What did he just say? Did he say he loved her? Tears started streaming down her face now, she could not stop it and her whole body shook with sobs. She felt Robert’s arms around her, and she willingly leaned into him, crying on his shoulder. “I am sorry, I do not know why this made me angry.”

“Hormones, darling. You just gave birth; your hormones are wild.” Robert said softly while rubbing her back.

Cora wrapped her arms around Robert and pulled him even closer. “Thank you for understanding. Oh, and Robert.” She said while pulling herself back a little. “I love you with everything I am.” She than kissed him with full passion, until Isidor’s cries made them stop.

Robert got up and took him out of his crib. “What is wrong my little one?”

“I think he his hungry. I should try and feed him. And we also should straighten ourselves, Janet will be here soon.”

Robert laid Isidor in Cora’s arms and kissed her forehead. “This is the best thing I ever have seen in my life. You look radiant.”

Cora smiled up, while opening her blouse to give Isidor her breasts. This was everything she ever wanted. A man who loved her and he also gave her a child.

Valentines day

Robert was sitting at his desk, trying to write his card. But what was he going to write. This was their first Valentine’s day as a married couple. She was upstairs feeding Mary. He knew how hard it was to live here at Downton for her. Far away from her family, in a foreign country. And now she also did not give him an heir. He loved his little girl and didn’t mind she was a girl. Of course he had hoped for a boy, just to settle things down, but they both were young and could try another time.

He had to admit, that he started to love spending time with Cora. At first he had gone to her bed just to perform and make sure he did his duty, but over the last year he was starting to grow fond of Cora. She was caring and very loving towards him. Every time he looked in her eyes, he saw her burning love for him and he felt guilty for not loving her back. At least not the way she loved him. He was starting to need her in a way, he had never excepted it. He married Cora for her money, and it was a nice bonus that she was very pretty. He remember his mother’s word clearly: “You are only marrying her for her money, she is American and will never be a good countess for you. Make sure you know what you are doing.”

Boy had his mother been wrong. The moment Cora stepped in her role as countess she did wonderful. Everybody loved her, and how could you not. She had the sweetest face on earth and knew how to entertain people. She even carried her duties far into her pregnancy. Even when she was overtaken by nausea in the first months, she never had failed to be present.

He looked down at his card again. There were just three words: ‘My dearest Cora.’

He was really stuck for words and decided to go out for a walk. “Ra, come.” He called his dog, who directly got up and followed, always in for a walk. Ra was a gift from Cora for his birthday 26th birthday. he was a yellow Labrador and followed him everywhere in the house, if it was up to him, he would sleep in Robert’s room. But that was one step to far for Robert. So every night Ra was taken to the dog house at the back of the house. Carson handed him his jacket and head. “Thank you.” he said, while stepping outside. There was a light breeze, and you could feel that spring was coming, although winter was still waiting around the corner, he knew.

+++

Cora looked out of the window and saw Robert walking down the lawn. He was a handsome man. He was quite tall, she herself was not short, but Robert was taller than she was. His dark brown hair was getting a bit long, she loved how it started to curl up in his neck. She should ask Carson to bring a barber to the house though. In two days they would have their anniversary, she knew he was taking her out for dinner and she wanted him to look the best he could. People in the village loved to judge, she noticed. Although she was greeted with smiles whenever she was in the village, still she felt their eyes on her back, when she walked on.

She looked down in the crib where Mary was sleeping peacefully. She brushed over her hair and bend down to place a kiss on her forehead. “Sleep tight my darling.” Cora walked downstairs, it was almost time for tea and she didn’t want to be late. Violet would scold her she just knew.

She was halfway down the stairs when Violet’s voice sounded. “I thought you would never come down. You spoil that girl too much, she needs to learn to sleep on her own.”

“Mama, I was just feeding her.” Cora said with red cheeks, from embarrassment, there were a lot of maids listening in. And she saw Carson’s disappointed look on his face.

“You need to speed that process up a little bit next time. She needs to be a strong independent woman.”

“If Mary is anything like her grandmother, she will be.” Robert’s voice sounded.

And Cora let out a sigh of relief, now Violet’s attention would not only be directed towards her.

“Cora, is taking care of Mary the way she thinks is best.” Robert stepped closer to Cora and kissed her on the cheek.

This surprised Cora, he rarely showed her affection in front of his mother. She cherished this brief moment. Cora looked up into Robert’s eyes and said without words. “Thank you.”

Robert briefly wrapped his arm around her waist. “Always darling.” Then he offered her his arm and walked towards the sitting room.

+++

Cora had gone to bed a little bit earlier, she needed to wrap Robert’s present for their anniversary. She bought him new slippers, she had seen that the ones he was wearing were getting quite old. She didn’t know what else to buy for him. She realised that she didn’t know him that well yet. Even though they were married for a year now. He came to her bed quite often, but she wasn’t sure if that was out of love, or just lust.

She had decided that she did not care. She was happy, he was coming to her bed and not searching for it somewhere else and giving her some disease. She had heard ladies talk about that during the countless tea parties, Violet dragged her too. It seemed that men didn’t have to be faithful, to their wife’s. Cora hoped that Robert was faithful to her, it seemed that way.

O’Brien came in the room to help her undress. It was the best time of the day, when she was taken out of her corset. Especially with her, still, heavy breasts it was very painful to wear. During her pregnancy she was allowed to wear a special altered one, but now she was expected to be back in the tight ones. That there was no room for her chest, that did not matter, clearly. She had one moment during the day where she got some relief of her corset, in the early afternoon, she was allowed to take some rest in her room. O’Brien changed her corset for just a bodice during those hours.

“Thank you, O’Brien.” Cora said, when she helped her into her nightrobe. She waited for her lady’s maid to leave the room, before picking up the present and hiding it under her side of the bed. Robert would never come there, so it was a safe place. She wondered if he would come to her room tonight. Since Mary was born, he was back in her room more often. During the last months of her pregnancy, he didn’t come at all, what had hurt her. She knew it would not have been easy to give him access, with her big belly, but she was sure, there would have been a way.

There was a knock on the door, for a moment she didn’t know from which door it was coming from, but then the door between her room and Robert’s dressing room opened. And he entered, already changed and wrapped in his nightrobe. She looked at his feet and saw the worn down slippers. She chuckled, she had the perfect gift for him in two days. Then she noticed that he was lingering in the doorway.

“Are you not coming in?” She asked.

Robert hesitated. “Did Mary already have her last feeding?”

Cora nodded. “She will not come for the next couple of hours.” She felt embarrassed to talk about these things with Robert. She didn’t know why, because he was her husband and knew perfectly well, she was breastfeeding their child. He had even commented on her full breasts. ‘I hope you will never stop breastfeeding.’ He had murmured one night, while he was playing with one of her breasts. She had understood why he said that. She did not have much, but they had started growing during her pregnancy and he loved that. Sometimes he was a little bit too rough, but she did not tell him, too scared to scare him off.

“Alright.” Robert got in and closed the door behind him. He walked around the bed towards Cora’s side. This surprised Cora, he never did that. Immediately she was scared she did not push the gift far enough under the bed.

Robert sat down next to her. “Darling, do you know what day it is today?”

Cora’s cheeks flushed, it was not the 16th yet, she had checked the date with Mrs. Hughes this morning. What else could be today?

He leaned in and kissed her on the lips. “Hmmm, what did you put on your lips?” He asked.

“Some beeswax, Rosamund brought me the other day.”

“I like it. It taste sweet, just like you.”

“Oh Robert.” In a way, it always hurt Cora when Robert was like this. She never knew if he did this because he cared for her, or because he thought he needed to.

“But, you did not answer my question yet, so I think you do not know what day today is.” He paused and took her hand in his. “Today it is the 14th of February, the day of love.”

“Valentine’s day.” Cora breathed out.

“Yes, my dear. Valentine’s day. It is our first valentine’s day as a married couple.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. He looked over her hand into her eyes.

It hit Cora that there was an unusual look in it. He was looking at her with so much adoration, she had not seen in his eyes over this last year. She saw him reach in his pocket and handed her a card.

There was a little angle on the front, with an arrow in one hand and a heart in the other. “Turn it around.” Robert urged her.

Cora turned the card around and read.

‘My dearest Cora,

When I look into your eyes,
I see a lake, calm and still.
When I listen to your voice,
I hear the wind rustling through the trees.
When I lay next to you in bed,
I smell the fresh flowers blooming in the early spring.
When you touch my hand,
I feel the sun, shining bright.
When I kiss your lips,
I taste freshly picked berries.

You warm my heart, every morning you greet me.
You fill my heart, with more love than I could ever imagine.

Yours always.

R’

With tears in her eyes, Cora looked up at Robert. “Do you mean that?”

“Oh, my darling Cora.” Robert pulled her close. “I do, and I feel stupid for not seeing all this earlier. I love you, my darling.”

Cora pulled herself back and looked into his eyes. “Do not say that if you do not mean it.”

Robert did not say anything, he took Cora’s face in his hands and kissed her passionately. He felt she separated her lips to give him access. The kiss turned into the best one they ever had. They both had to gasp for air when they broke the connection. Robert was still holding her face in his hands. “I cannot wait to see what the future brings for us.” He kissed her again, long, and soft.

When life interrupts, chapter 14

Thank you for the lovely reviews I am getting. It is a pleasure to be able to share my stories with you. I hope this chapter will bring what you were looking and relieves some of the agony I stowed upon you guys.

“Take a deep breath, I will now examine you.” The voice of her obstetrician had a calming effect on Cora, who felt her panic calming down.

Robert had called for a cab and brought her to the hospital. Where she was admitted. Her obstetrician was called in.

“You are 4 centimetres, dilated already.”

“No, no, no, no, no.” Cora’s panic came back in full force. “That is too early. I have a month left. This cannot be happening.” Cora felt tears streaming down her face.

“Try to stay calm, you have indeed about three weeks left, but there is no danger when the little one comes today. You need to focus on your breathing now.”

“This is all my fault.” Cora cried. “I overdid it and now I brought my little one in danger.”

“Breath in.” Robert’s voice sounded. He took her hand in hers and rubbed with his thumb over it. “You are doing fine and the baby is alright. Focus on your breathing.”

Cora felt another contraction and squeezed Robert’s hand. She had not realised it, but she must have been having labour pains since this morning. And there she was thinking it was just ligament pain. She was so stupid, and she was expected to take care of a baby soon. She could not even take care of it while she was carrying it.

“Cora. Focus.” Robert said.

Cora turned her face towards Robert and it felt like she only now registered that he was in the room with her. “What are you doing here?” She pulled her hand back. “I don’t want you here.”

Robert raised his eyebrows, but ignored her words and took her hand again. “Cora, I can help you through this.”

“I could do the whole pregnancy on my own, I can deliver on my own. I don’t want you in the room.”

“Cora?”

“Sir, you heard her. Please leave the room.” A nurse said, while taking Robert’s arm and guiding him towards the door.

Cora saw him leave, and she followed him with her eyes. She could not have him here, while she was in this vulnerable state. He should understand it. She grabbed the sheets when another contraction hit.

“Take deep breaths and slowly breath out. You are doing great.” The nurse waited for her contraction to slip aside. “Are you sure, you don’t want your husband in the room?”

“He is not my husband.” Cora said through her teeth.

“I am sorry. I assumed because he was with you when you came in. Can I call your husband for you?”

Cora looked up, tears in her eyes. “I am not married. He is….” She did not know how to say it. “Well, he is the father.”

+++

“Rosamund?” Robert asked, when she picked up the phone.

“Dear, brother, what can I help you with today?” Her kind voice sounded.

“You remember Cora?”

“Of course, I do remember her. I told you she came looking for you in the office.”

Robert sighed, why was Rosamund always like this. “Did you notice something when she was there?”

“How do you mean that? She was nervous, but I would be that to, if I was standing in front of our mother.” She joked.

“Can you stop joking.” Robert said annoyed. “This is serious.”

“I am sorry.” Rosamund said apologetic. “There was nothing that stood out to me, why?”

“Well, I have run into her in the street, and she is.” He stopped and took a breath. “I had to bring her to the hospital because she was in labour. No, I say that wrong, she is now in labour. Or uhm……” His heart was racing, and he couldn’t form his sentences.

“Robert. Calm down. So, you are now at the hospital with her? Did you call her boyfriend already?”

“That is the point, she says she does not have a boyfriend and that I am the father.”

On the other side of the line it stayed silent.

“Rosamund?”

“Yes, I am still here, I am sorry, but she is pregnant, and you are the father? But you have been away for a couple of months.”

Robert could see Rosamund’s face in front of him, all worried and surprised. “We had a couple of dates as you knew, before I left for Brussels and I got her pregnant. But then I acted like a fool and thought she had somebody else. Oh Rosamund, I made a mess. A real mess.”

“I cannot deny that. But I think the both of you did, you are not the only one to blame in this story. Are you there with Cora now?”

“No.” Robert sighed. “She kicked me out of the room.”

“Hmmmm, I think I understand why. It is quite intimate, but you should try and get back in. I think she can use some support. Just promise her you won’t look or something?”

“You really think so?” Robert asked. He wished he could be next to Cora, hold her hand and coach her through this. He was the reason why she was in this situation, and she should not be alone.

+++

“I cannot do this.” Cora cried out when she was at the top of another contraction. “I cannot do this on my own.” She was having heavy contractions for hours now.

The nurse who never left the room, took her hand. “Try to keep breathing, you are doing great. Is there really no one I can call for you?”

Tears streamed down Cora’s face, from pain, but also from the realisation, that she had send away the only one she cared for. “No.” The rest of her sentence got lost, when she needed to breath away another contraction.

The nurse looked at the obstetrician and said very softly. “This is going very fast for a first birth and her contractions are already so strong.”

+++

Between two contractions Cora asked the nurse. “Do you think, Robert would want to come back?”

At that same moment there was a knock on the door and Robert pocked his head around the corner. “Cora, I promise not to look. I will only hold your hand, nothing more. Can I please come in.”

Cora stretched her hand towards him. “I cannot do this.” she cried again.

Robert rushed to her side. “You can do this. Squeeze my hand, I am here, we are doing this together. You are not alone. You are not alone.” He kept repeating that last sentence in a whisper against her hand. She had battled these contractions on her own for hours now. She must be exhausted he thought.

Cora grabbed his hand a little bit firmer. “Thank you.”

Robert felt his hand getting mangled when she was having another contraction. He looked up at the nurse, who had a worried look on her face. Was there something wrong? He didn’t want to know and turned towards Cora again. Her face was bright red and he saw sweat dripping down her temple. He took a washcloth, dipped it in the bowl with water and dabbed it over her forehead and cheeks.

Cora looked up, she was happy he was back in the room. She needed support and he was the only one who could give it to her at this moment. She had felt so much relief when she saw his face again, this afternoon. Cora looked at her watch, it was already morning again. She wished they had more time to talk, before this baby would announce itself, but here she was: In the hospital giving birth to his child. If she had not sent him away, they could have talked, but now the contractions did not seem to stop. She felt that she started smiling. His child, she was giving birth to his child. She loved the idea, that he now knew that the baby was his and that he did not run away. He was here with her, to support her.

“Cora?” Robert suddenly saw a smile on Cora’s face. “Are you alright?”

Cora could not answer, the contraction was to strong. “I need to push.” She cried out.

The obstetrician did another exam and gave her the green light to push.

After what felt like an eternity, a little boy was laid down on her chest.

“Oh, my darling, you did splendid.” Robert exclaimed and kissed her on her temple. He surprised himself with his darling, but he did not pay attention to it. Cora just gave birth to his son. He had a son.

Cora put her hands around the little body on her chest. She pressed her lips against his little forehead. “Hello little one.” She murmured. That same moment she felt Robert kissing her temple. She looked up into his blue eyes. Was it love she was seeing? She hoped it was.

+++

Once the nurse cleaned the baby boy and wrapped him in a blanket, she wanted to give him to Cora, who pointed at Robert. “No, let his father meet him first.” She said with a soft voice.

“Are you sure?” Robert said, insecure.

“Most definitely. You are his father and are entitled to meet him.” She smiled up at him, she did not know where they would go from here, but at the moment it didn’t matter. She gave Robert a son, they had a son!

Robert took the bundle in his arms and brushed with his finger over the little boy’s cheek. He was looking up at him, with his dark eyes. Robert sat down on Cora’s bed, still looking at the boy. “Welcome to the world, Isidor Patrick.”

Cora moved her hand to Robert’s arm. “Are you sure?” She had not thought about names at all. She had blocked those thoughts, but now Robert just came up with one and it was the most perfect one he could have chosen.

“Named after both our fathers.”

Cora sat up and leaned towards Robert. “Thank you.” She kissed him on the lips. “Thank you.” She then leaned back into her pillows and closed her eyes. She was exhausted.

 

When life interrupts, chapter 13

“Thank you Janet.” Cora touched her arm briefly. They stepped out of the restaurant they had lunch. Cora had asked Janet to help her setup the baby crib. And she had offered to help with the last things she needed to buy.

“I am glad you asked me.” Janet said. “I wasn’t sure if you liked me.”

Cora smiled at Janet. “How we can have the wrong impression of another person. I always thought you were alright with having lunch with me during work hours, but nothing more.

“Well, we cleared that up. You have gained a friend. I have to run now, see you soon.”

“I will see you tomorrow?” Cora said unsure. “At work?”

“No, you won’t. Even if you show up. Charles will send you home. Girl, look at yourself, you are about to give birth to that little one. It is time for your leave.”

Cora felt tears stinging her eyes. It was a long time ago, somebody cared for her in this way. And now even her new boss was concerned about her.

“But I can’t miss out on the money.” Cora protested.

Janet chuckled. “Don’t you worry about that! Maternity leave is mandatory here in the UK. 11 weeks before your due date you are allowed to stop working. You will receive 90% of your average salary.”

Cora’s eyes grew. “I didn’t know I would receive payment.” She moved her hand to her back and stretched. “Not that it would had matter, I had no reason to stop working. It would only add to the stress of raising this little one on my own.”

“I still don’t understand why you didn’t try to reach Robert again.”

“I.” Cora stopped, trying to keep her voice under control. “I don’t know either. But the vibe his mother gave me, made me back off. And if Robert wanted to stay in contact he would have called me.”

“Cora, I don’t know you very long, but I hadn’t expected you to be this clueless. He doesn’t know that you are expecting, please just try and contact him again.”

“No!” Cora said resolutely. “He made it clear when he blocked my number. He doesn’t want to have contact with me. I will raise this little one on my own.” Protectively she wrapped her arms around her belly.

“Well, it is your choice. Know I am here to help.” Janet said with a soft smile, kissing Cora’s cheek. Briefly she touched her belly. “Little one, just stay there for a little while.

“Thank you for everything. You are making this last stretch a little bit easier.

“Can we meet for lunch tomorrow?”

“My schedule is very full tomorrow. You will have to come to the university for that.” Janet said apologetic.

Cora stretched her back again but stopped when she felt a sharp pain on the side of her belly. “I think I will pass, my body is giving me signs to take a rest.” She said rubbing the painful spot.

“Do you want me to take you home?” Janet had a worried look on her face.

Cora smiled. “I will manage, thank you.” She started walking. The pain had taken her off guard, but she had the urge to walk. Maybe she could walk it off. Although her hips and lower back would be painful tonight, the walking helped her relax. It would be a 30-minute walk back home, with regular rest stops it would probably be more like an hour, she thought, but she had time. She moved her hand to her belly again. “Please stay there for a couple of weeks, alright? I am not ready yet.”

She stopped walking when she felt that sharp pain again. She put her hands on her back and stretched. Her head leaned back and she closed her eyes. Her doctor had warned her about these pains, she had them before. It was just ligament pain. Maybe she should better get on the bus to go home instead of walking, she thought.

+++

Robert left the office, to get some air. Since he was back in London he was restless. Why wasn’t he trying to find Cora? What was keeping him? He didn’t know. This whole business made him insecure. What if that Elinor Dashwood was indeed Cora, why would she not use her real name? But why was she asking for him? She never tried to contact him anymore, and she was the one who got angry.

His phone made a sound and he dug it up from his pocket. It was a message from John. He kept walking while reading the message and all of the sudden he bumped into someone.

“I am so sorry.” He started. “I wasn’t……” His voice got stuck in his throat when he looked up. The woman stared back at him, with her ice-blue eyes. He saw shock in them and disbelief.

“C. C. Cora?” He stuttered. He was too stunned to speak. Was this really, Cora? Then he looked down at her belly. You could not say, she got caught watching the paint dry, he thought. “I think I have to congratulate you?” Quickly he glanced at her hands, which she moved protectively over her belly. She wasn’t wearing a ring, so she wasn’t married. Or, he thought, her fingers were too swollen to wear her ring. He noticed her hands weren’t that slender any more.

“Your back,” Cora said breathless. The moment her eyes locked with Robert’s, she felt something stir inside her, but at the same time, she felt anger. How long was he back here in London?

“I am indeed, and you are pregnant.” Robert didn’t know why he said that last part. It was obvious she was and he already made a comment about it. He saw Cora had both her hands on her belly, it looked like she was protecting it.

“That wasn’t a hard guess,” Cora said short.

“It is good seeing you again.” Robert stepped closer to kiss Cora’s cheek. “Was it a happy accident?”

The moment he said that he felt Cora’s hands on his upper arms, pushing him backwards. “What are you implying?” Cora’s eyes shot fire. “Are you saying I slept with another man, while we were dating?”

Robert’s head started spinning. What was she saying? Quickly he did the math in his head, they started dating, about 10 months ago. He lost all colour in his face.

“Do you, really think this low of me? That I would sleep around with multiple guys at the same time. Don’t you remember, that you were my first?” Cora’s voice was deep and low from anger

“Well, you are pregnant, and I have been away.” Robert tried.

“Robert!” Cora exclaimed. “And how do you think that happened.”

Now Robert also started to get angry. “Are you implying that it is mine?”

“I am not implying anything! I am telling you.” Cora was steaming from anger.

“So, why did you never contact me?” Robert couldn’t believe what Cora was saying. If this baby was his, she had a lot explaining to do.

“That’s rich, coming from the one who blocked my number.” Cora bitched back. Deep under in her belly, she felt pain, that she tried to ignore. She should sit down, she thought, but she wasn’t going to show Robert any weakness.

Robert saw a shadow on Cora’s face, and her hand moved to the bottom of her belly. “I didn’t block your number.” Once he said that it dawned on him. “I dropped my phone in a river, the first day I arrived in Brussels.”

Cora was silent for a moment. Was he lying? She tried to see in his eyes if he was telling the truth. But another sharp pain made her eyes water. “Oooh” she let out a high-pitched sound.

“Cora?” Robert stepped closer again and wanted to take her arm, but Cora shook him off. What had he done? Why didn’t he ask Rosamund to go look for her? He could have easily found her. He knew where she was working, it was a small school, but he knew. He saw Cora hunch over, taking deep breaths. “Cora, what’s wrong?”

Cora couldn’t think. She was overtaken by pain and fear at the same time. What was happening, this was worse than the ligament pain she had before. This was lower and much stronger.

“Are you Elinor Dashwood?” Robert gasped when it dawned on him. “Why did you use a fake name? Cora, please sit down.” He took her arm and guided her towards a bench nearby.

“I don’t know why I did that,” Cora said when the pain slipped aside. “When I couldn’t reach you, I thought you blocked my number. Why did you never try to contact me?” She looked up to him. Robert was still standing next to her, with a worried look on his face.

“Before I left for Brussels, I saw you with a different man and I thought……” He stopped. “Well, I thought you had moved on and now seeing you pregnant confirmed my feelings.” He saw Cora’s eyes piercing into his. “I believe I was totally in the wrong.”

Cora felt another sharp pain and grabbed her belly with both hands. “Something is wrong.” She said very softly. “I have another month left.”

 

When life interrupts, chapter 12

“You should start thinking about taking your maternity leave.” The doctor said.

Cora pulled down her shirt and managed to get off the table. Her belly had grown enormously over the last 4 months. Although it felt like she was enormous, of course, her belly had a normal size for 8 months of pregnancy.

“But everything is alright with the little one, right?” Cora asked nervously. She had felt good during the last months, but she maybe overdid it the last month. Her doctor had told her a month ago that she should stop working. Cora had decided to wait. She wanted to save her time off, for after the birth. It would be hard enough to care for a baby on her own. This pregnancy she could handle, although she had hard days, but overall, she managed pretty well.

“Your baby is doing well, I am more worried about the mother.”

The doctor looked at her and Cora felt her cheeks flush.

“You should go put your feet up for a couple of days, try to give your body some rest, before you know it, this little one.” She pointed at Cora’s belly. “Will announce itself and you will need all your strength for that.”

Cora slowly moved her hand over her belly, she was greeted with a kick, and she smiled. “I am afraid there is not much time for me to sit down. The baby room is almost finished but, I need to put the crip together, and there are so many other things I still need to do.”

“Don’t you have somebody to help you with that?” The doctor asked.

“I am afraid not. I don’t have friends in this city.”

“You surely have somebody?”

Cora felt extremely alone by this comment. She had colleagues, but none of them she saw outside of her work. Maybe she could ask Janet, they had spent a lot of lunch time together. “I will try.” Cora said quietly.

“Good, now as long as you feel good, we will not see each other again for a check-up.” The doctor shook her hand and walked out.

Cora walked out of the hospital, next time she would be here for the birth she thought. Her hand moved over her belly again, she had never expected to be pregnant while she was single. She had it all planned out in her head. She would date for a while, than they would get married. Enjoy some time together and then start a family. It had all gone differently, she had seen Robert for, not more than, two months. She had broken her own rule, not sharing your bed before a real relationship was formed and now she had to live with the consequences. Why did Robert never react? She had gone to his office. The moment she had that thought she scolded herself, of course he had never reacted, how could he, he thought Elinor Dashwood had asked for him.

She let out a deep sigh, she made a real mess of her life. Luckily, she had her dream job at Regent’s university and the National Gallery. She never had thought she would be able to work there. It was something she should thank Robert for, he was the one who encouraged her to act.

+++

“Do you have everything?” Anna asked, while giving Robert his suitcase.

“I think I do, and if not, John or you can send it back to London for me. Thank you for staying behind with him and taking care of the office.”

Anna smiled. “There is no need to thank me, I love working here and I love working with John.”

“I also think you love John?” Robert teased.

Anna swatted at his arm. “You know I do, now hurry up, you will miss your train.”

Robert walked out of the office and got in the cab, finally after 6 long months he was going back to London. His mother had tried to keep him in Brussels even longer, but he needed to go back. And now Anna had agreed to stay and work in the office, he knew everything would be run in order. He could not stay any longer here in Brussels. He needed to see Cora, to see if she truly had moved on or that she was also still longing for him.

He got on the train and looked at the scenery. He was going back to his homeland, he thought. He had fun here in Belgium, but he had missed so much from England and London. He was really looking forward to a real English breakfast again. It would be the first thing he would do tomorrow morning, go out for a good breakfast.

+++

“Welcome home my dear boy.” Violet greeted Robert, when he entered his home.

Robert hadn’t expect his mother to be there, but he could have known, she needed to keep everything in track. “Hello Mama.” He kissed her cheek. “Where is Papa?”

“He is in the office, you should go pay him a visit and update him on Brussels.”

“I will do, tomorrow.” Robert put his suitcase down and poured in some tea his mother had prepared. He chuckled, he knew his mother hadn’t prepared anything. She most likely had brought her housekeeper with her to make the tea. He would be amazed if Violet even knew how the kettle worked.

“I want you to go this afternoon, Robert.” Violet said pinny.

“I know you want that, but I am tired from the trip and want to unpack. Work can wait until tomorrow.” He knew he should not look at his mother right now, she would be steaming. He rarely spoke against her, but he was tired from the trip and needed a good pint in one of his favourite bars.

“As you wish.” Violet turned around and walked out.

Robert picked up his phone and texted Marmaduke. He and Rosamund had started dating seriously, there was already talk about marriage. Robert was glad he had introduced Rosamund to him, she deserved all the luck and love that was coming to her.

 

When life interrupts, chapter 11

“Robert! You aren’t listening to me.” Rosamund sighed.

Robert looked at his phone, he had put it on speakerphone. What was Rosamund trying to do.

“Cora was at our office two weeks. I am positive about that.” Rosamund tried again.

“Mama told me, there was a woman called Elinor Dashwood asking for me. And now you are telling me, that it was Cora? Don’t be ridiculous.” Robert sounded annoyed.

“Does the name Elinor ring a bell?” Rosamund asked with a hint of joy in her voice.

“As a matter of fact it does. So she can’t be Cora.”

Now Rosamund started laughing.

“What is so funny here?” Robert asked.

“Ever heard of Jane Austen?”

“Yes, I am not a total airhead. Can we please stop this conversation? I have a lot to do. Cora wasn’t there and if she was, she is playing a game, I don’t want to play.”

“Oh, Robert.” Rosamund sighed. She knew it wouldn’t help to press him further. He had made up his mind. Cora was out of the picture in his book.

+++

“John?” Robert stepped inside John’s office. He needed a distraction after the phone call with Rosamund. Why had Cora visited the London office? What did she want from him? She had moved on, or was he mistaken, and had Rosamund been right all this time?

“Stop walking into my office, asking my attention and then not sat a thing.” John complained.

“Oh, I am sorry.” Robert realised it was indeed something he did a lot. “Do you have plans for tonight?”

“I do, but do you need me for something?” John was still looking at Robert.

“I was looking for a buddy to go out, but I will go on my own.” Robert pouted.

John looked at his friend. “I will ask Anna if she minds when you are joining.”

Robert’s eyes lit up. “Will you?” At the same time, he felt guilty bugging in on their date.

“I will call her.”

+++

“Thank you for letting me join.” Robert kissed Anna on her cheek.

“The more the merrier.” Anna replied. “I also brought a friend, Caitlin.” She pulled the woman next to her closer. “Robert, Caitlin. Caitlin, Robert.” Anna introduced them.

Caitlin was the opposite of Cora, Robert thought. A voluptuous woman, with wide hips and prominent breasts. Her hair was blond and straight, and her eyes were dark brown.

“Hello, Caitlin, nice to meet you.” Robert didn’t care that she didn’t look like Cora at all. It would make it easier to forget about her. He proceeded to kiss both her cheeks and he felt her hand resting on his hip.

He wasn’t the type for physical attention right away, but he wasn’t in London and could start all over and try something new.

+++

A couple of hours and drinks later, Robert opened the door to his apartment for Caitlin. As soon as she was inside, he pressed her against the wall and started kissing her. They had shared several kisses already, but now they had privacy. He let all his breaks lose, his hands were resting on her bottom, while his tongue discovered her mouth. With one hand he moved to her front and slipped into her panties. He felt how wet she was and it encouraged him to move further down.

Caitlin’s hands moved over Robert’s body, while she directed him towards the sofa. Robert let her guide him. He was too intoxicated to protest at all, and he was liking the fact she took the lead.

He felt her fingers opening the buttons of his shirt and got chills when her fingers reached his skin. The sensation of her long fake nails, was strange, but enjoyable. Something new, he kept repeating in his head.

+++

Robert lay with his head on Caitlin’s stomach. His hand playing with one of her breasts. Cora was more toned he thought. Her breasts were smaller, and her overall figure was slender. He must admit he loved that. Although Caitlin was a beautiful woman, she wasn’t like Cora. He felt Caitlin’s hand in his hair.

“Stop worrying and kiss me. Whatever is the matter, it is not hete now.”

Robert shook off the thoughts about Cora and moved his lips over Caitlin’s body up to her mouth. He made sure he kissed every part of her on the way.

“That’s more like it.” He heard Caitlin moan.

+++

Robert woke up with a pounding head, he needed a minute to figure out where he was. He was lying in his bed, but it felt different. Then he heard breathing next to him. Slowly, because moving hurt his head, he looked to his left. There was a redhead next to him. It confused him even more, what had he done? He didn’t remember much from last night.

He had gone out with John and Anna. And then it dawned on him. Anna had introduced him to Caitlin. The woman sleeping next to him. He must have been pretty drunk to bring her to his home on the first evening.

He felt Caitlin’s hand move over his chest. “Good morning.” She said. “That was a wonderful night.”

“It was something different.” Robert said quietly.

Caitlin sat straight up. “What do you mean by that? I thought you liked it.”

Robert pulled himself up. “Oh, I did. You can make miracles with your mouth, but…..”

“You consider me as a one night stand and regret not sending me home last night.” Caitlin got out of bed and started to dress herself.

Robert opened his mouth, but got cut off by Caitlin.

“Anna spook with so much adoration about you. But you showed me differently. Let’s not waist any more of each others time. Goodbye.”

Caitlin stormed out of the room and Robert heard the front door close with a bang.

“That stupid Cora, he thought. She even managed to ruin his life here in Brussels. Why was he still obsessed with her? She had moved on. Or did she? Rosamund was convinced she had asked for him in the London office. Oh, why was it all so complicated? What was he going to do? Cora kept popping up in his head. He had loved their time together and he was convinced that they had a future together.

He made a decision, there were only 5 months left for him here in Brussels. He would go looking for her as soon as he was back. For now he was going to focus on making the business a big success.