When life interrupts, chapter 25

“You will be happy in your new house, together with Patrick and Robert.” Martha said, kissing Cora’s cheek.

They were standing at the airport. It was time for Martha to go back home. Cora felt already lost, although the relationship with her mother had always been strange, she felt better with her around. Especially now she and Robert were in a weird place. They bought the house, but Robert wasn’t really present. He spent a lot of hours in the office. When he came home it was late and he went straight to bed. He said Cora could make all the design choices.

Her mother had found the house, and Cora was surprised her mother knew what she liked. The area was perfect, and the house was something she could only have dreamt of. But why was she feeling this uneasy about everything. Cora let out a deep sigh and looked at her mother. “Thank you for coming. I truly appreciate it.”

“I am sorry I have to miss Rosamund’s wedding. It would have been fun being present at a real English wedding.”

Cora raised her eyebrows. “I am not sure you would have been invited.”

“Oh, I know, but I would have invited myself. Well.” Martha took Cora’s hands. “Take care and don’t forget to communicate with that dreamy man of yours.” Martha now proceeded to brush Patrick’s cheek, who was in his carrier. “Be nice for your mummy, alright. I have to run, to not miss the flight.”

“Thank you, Mama. Have a safe flight.” Cora watched how her mother was passing security and when she was out of side.

+++

“Can we talk?” Robert stepped into his mother’s living room.

Violet looked up from her paper. “Robert, come in.” She put her paper down and looked up with a question mark in her eyes. “What do you want to talk about?”

“Cora.” Robert said short.

“Oh”

“She and Patrick are coming with me to Barcelona in the first two months of my stay there.” He paused for a second to see his mother’s reaction. “Then she will move into our new house. Before I leave, I will sell my apartment, and we will wait with Cora’s house until I am back. She and Patrick need a place to live. I will not stay longer than the 6 months we agreed on, whatever happens, I am going home after that.” Robert saw his mother open her mouth, before she could say anything he continued. “I want you to show respect towards Cora. I love her, and I regret how things went, but she is the mother of my child and I want her in my life.”

Violet let out a deep breath. “Well, this is the first time you dared to speak to me in that manner. I am not sure what to think of it.”

The door to the living room opened and Patrick stepped inside. “Dear, I heard what Robert had to say and I think we have to respect his wishes. Cora is a darling girl, she has a good background and treats Robert with respect. She gave us a wonderful grandson and heir, what else could we wish for?”

Robert gave his father a thankful look.

“A good background? A good background you say?” Violet was steaming. “She is American, her mother is loud and doesn’t have any manners and her father was a Jew.”

“Ho, Ho, now you are making things up. Martha was indeed louder than we are used to, but she has manners, maybe different than ours, but we cannot compare the English culture with the American. Darling Cora is a great mix and has adapted splendid to our ways here in England.”

“Thank you, Papa, and now I will leave. Cora will be back home soon and I want to be there when they come home. I spend way too much time at the office worrying about Barcelona.” He got up, kissed his mother on her cheek and shook his father’s hand.

+++

Cora heard music coming from the living room, when she opened the front door. She got out of her jacket and shoes and walked towards the living room. Robert was standing by her record player, he had put one of her records on it. She recognised the song Pavane from Gabriel Fauré. She walked towards him and softly laid her hand on his lower back. “I did not expect to see you here.” She said.

Robert turned towards her, he quickly kissed Patrick’s head, he was very content hanging in his carrier against Cora’s chest. “I have been distant last week. And I am sorry for that.”

Cora looked up at Robert but did not say anything.

“Barcelona kept me occupied and the way Mama is treating you.”

Cora laid her hand on Robert’s arm. “There is also, something else, isn’t there?”

Robert swallowed; Cora knew him too well already.

“It has something to do with your title, you shut me out as soon as we started talking about it.”

“The reason we are only left with a title and no estate anymore is my fault.” Robert started, he took Cora’s hands in his, but did not look at her. He knew he would not be able to finish. “My father wanted me to take over the estate, the software company was just a side business. But I had more interest in the company then the estate. I made some bad investments, and we lost the estate.”

“Is he angry at you for that?”

Robert shook his head. “Not my father no.”

Patrick started fussing. “I will nurse our little one and put him to bed.” Cora said, hoping to start the conversation later on again.

+++

When Cora came back down, Robert was still in the living room, he was standing next to the window staring outside. Cora wrapped he arms around his waist and laid her head against his shoulder blades. She swayed to the music of Arioso – Robert Schumann. She felt Robert was moving with her, he turned around in her arms and faced her.

“My mother is disappointed in me.” he said very softly, while resting his head against Cora’s

Cora kept moving on the music, she moved her hands towards his shoulders, but did not say anything.

“She had dreamed from the day I was born, I would be the next Lord of Grantham, owner of Downton Abbey. And I ruined it. Her only hope was for me to marry into money and being able to get the estate back.”

“And now you are being stuck with me, with a child out of wedlock.”

“I am not stuck with you.” Robert stopped his movements and pushed Cora back. “I mean it, I am not. I love you.” He touched Cora’s chin with his fingertips, he than laid his whole hand on her cheek and kissed her. “You make me happy and that is all that matters.”

When life interrupts, chapter 24

Patrick was in his carrier against Cora’s chest. Robert hadn’t said where they were going. But here they were in the tube. Martha had also come along, and it seemed she knew what they were going to do, and it irritated Cora that she had no clue. She didn’t like surprises and especially not right now. They needed to figure out how to arrange the Barcelona story. She could join Robert in the first months. She had two more months left of her maternity leave. She could go with him.

“Next stop is ours.” Robert touched her shoulder

Cora shook up from her musings. Her hand rested on Patrick’s back. She loved this feeling. Patrick was always so calm when he was in his carrier. She moved her hand and brushed over his head. What made him smile. Cora smiled also and kissed the top of his head. “I love you.” She whispered. In the corner of her eye, she saw Robert and Martha getting up, and she quickly followed them.

“Robert, can you please tell me what we are going to do here?”

Robert wrapped his arm around her waist. “You will see that in a couple of minutes. We should go this way.” He started walking while putting his hand in his pocket.

Cora sighed. She regonized the area. It was Hammersmith, or already Chiswick. She could not figure out why they were there and why her mother had to come too. She hooked her arm into Robert’s and followed next to him.

They stopped in front of a house. “What do you think?” Robert asked.

“What should I think? I do not know why we are looking at this place.” Cora answered.

“Let’s go inside.” Was Robert’s answer, and he walked to the front door.

Cora reluctantly followed. She would have loved to know if they were visiting someone. She would have brought something for them. But when Robert opened the door, she got even more confused. “Why do you have a key to this house?” She asked.

Robert stepped inside and turned around. “Welcome home.” He said with a big smile on his face.

“Home? Oh no, Robert, do not tell me you bought this house.”

Robert stepped closer. “Technically, it isn’t home yet. But it could be after today. Your mother found this place.”

Cora looked at her mother. “Why didn’t you tell me about this?”

Before her mother could answer, Robert said. “What do you think? Come let us walk further in and explore.”

“Let me hold Patrick while you two go in.” Martha offered

It was a 5 bedroom house. A big entrance hall with a spacios reception room, living room, library, and kitchen on the ground floor. On the first floor, there was the masterbedroom, with a walk-in dressing room and ensuite bathroom with a steam shower. There was also a guest suite on the same level. On the second floor were three bedrooms, one was also ensuite and a family bathroom. Outside was a large fenced parking place, dubbel garage, and a well maintained large garden.

“What a beautiful house.” Cora said softly when they were back in the entrance hall.

“Do you see yourself living here?” Robert sat down on the grand staircase.

Cora sat down next to him and nodded. “This is a very peaceful place, and yes, I can see ourselves living here. Are you sure we can afford this?”

Robert chuckled. “You will not have one day in your life where you will have to worry about money. There is enough.”

Cora looked at him. “My father made sure I would never have to worry about money, but buying a house this big is of a different caliber.”

“I think you already suspected it, but there is a title attached to my name. My father is a lord, and I will inherit his title.” He looked at Cora. She was fidgeting with her fingers, but she didn’t react. “Our Patrick will also inherit once I die.”

This elicited a response from Cora. She inhaled sharply. “Let’s not think about that and stay in the present.”

“With my title comes a large sum of money. Also, the company is doing extremely well, so yes, we can definitely afford this house. That is, if you still want to move in together?”

“Oh Robert, you know I want to be with you. We will have to face what is coming to us together. And we need a proper house. One where we have enough space for our little one.”

Robert scooted closer so his hip touched Cora’s. He moved his hand to her abdomen. “Maybe, one day, we will have another one growing in there.”

Cora chuckled. “I do not think that will happen soon, I want to feel more like myself again. And especially not with you moving to Barcelona..”

Robert pulled his hand back and looked down at his shoes. “Don’t remind me of that. I wish I did not have to go. How can I leave you and Patrick.”

“Maybe there is a solution?” Cora started.

“Really?” Robert asked in surprise.

Cora took Robert’s hand in hers. “I have two more months left of my maternity leave, Patrick and I can join you.”

Robert closed his fingers around Cora’s hand. What did he do to deserve such a wonderful woman as Cora. She was willing to go with him. “But Cora, I am not sure if I can go back home after two months. And are you sure you just have two months. Isn’t it more like three?”

“I will need some time to prepare for the lessons. I can’t go back to teaching without proper preparation. But why do you think you can’t come back with two months?”

“Brussels took about 6 months before everything was settled enough for me to leave. And I had John and Anna helping me there. I don’t think John will come to Barcelona this time.”

Cora squeezed his hand and got up from the stairs. “Well, let us talk about that later. Patrick will need his feeding soon, and I want to know more about your title. Do I need to call you Baron from now on?”

Robert also rose to his feet and chuckled. “I am surprised you know about titles.”

“What do you mean by that?” Cora said annoyed.

“I didn’t mean that in a condescending way. I just know that titles are not a thing in America. But I will become an Earl once I get my title. We are higher ranked than a Baron. In the past, we had an estate, but times changed, and we are only left with the title.”

“You just said the title was attached to money, so it is more than just a title.”

“Let’s not talk about that. It isn’t important. We have enough. Well, let’s go home and make sure we get this house.”

Cora saw Robert walking towards the door. Why was he getting defensive the moment she talked about money? She shrugged her shoulders and called out for her mother. Martha walked out of the kitchen, and Cora stretched her arms to take Patrick from her. She needed his body against hers. Something in Robert’s demeanour upset her.

When life interrupts, chapter 23

Robert took Cora’s hand in his. They had sat down on the couch opposite of Rosamund. He saw her hands tremble. He let his leg lean against hers, and then he felt her leg was also trembling. Softly he closed his fingers around her hand.

Cora wrapped her fingers around his hand but did not look at him. “Rosamund, can you please tell us why you are here?”

“Of course. Papa called me this morning and told me about last night. First I want to apologise for my mother’s behaviour.”

“You don’t have to.” Cora said timidly. “It is not your behaviour.”

“Rosamund, I know you mean well, but please tell us what Papa told you.” Robert glanced at Cora; her jaw was tight with tension. He hated what was happening. These first weeks after a birth should be different. He said it before, but they made a mess of everything and now his mother was adding to it.

“Mama’s plans for you to go to Spain, are not just plans. We cannot back out of them anymore.”

“What do you mean, we cannot back out?” Robert said annoyed. “I can always say no.”

“Well, that’s the thing you cannot anymore. If you say no, the company will lose a lot of money.”

Robert raised his eyebrows. “What did Mama do?”

Rosamund sighed and gave an apologetic look. “Mama bought a building already and has hired staff members.”

“Then she can hire someone to replace me.” Robert said firm. “I am done that Mama is controlling my life. She knows Cora cannot go to Spain, and I am not leaving her.” He looked at Cora, who looked down at her legs. Softly, he squeezed her hand, which made her look up.

“Robert, please. Do not be foolish, you know we cannot send anybody else. Your face is needed, and the only way to make a success in Spain is when you are there.” Rosamund answered.

“I am not going.” Robert got up and started pacing around. “Mama is blackmailing me. She cannot do this. Why didn’t Papa stop her? Or you? Rosamund, why did you let her do this? ” He was steaming.

“Robert.” Cora’s voice sounded softly. She looked up at him and pleaded him with her eyes to calm down. “Rosamund isn’t the bad guy here. Don’t get mad at her.”

Robert abruptly turned around. “You want me to go to Spain? Oh, and Rosamund, where in Spain are we talking about?”

Cora’s eyes grew, and she now looked up at him, shocked.

“We are talking about Barcelona. Please, I do not want to see you two fight over this. We will find a way to solve this.”

Robert started pacing again. “There is no solution, is there?”

There was a soft knock on the door, and Martha appeared. “Cora, darling.”

Cora turned towards her mother, and at the same time, she heard Patrick’s crying.

“Cora, he isn’t accepting the bottle. Can you….”

Cora was already next to her mother before she finished her sentence. As always, her breasts reacted to his cries. She turned towards Rosamund and Robert. “I am sorry.”

“Don’t be silly, go.” Rosamund smiled.

+++

Cora walked to Patrick’s room and sat down to feed him. Martha had followed her. “Is there anything I can help with?”

“Oh Mama, I don’t know. It is all so complicated. I do not know why, but Violet does not like me and now she is sending Robert away again.”

“Why are you not going with him?” Martha asked, while sitting down.

Cora looked at her. “I am not willing to give up my job. I love what I do, and I worked had to get this job at the university.”

“I guess you are right, but are you sure Robert will come back?”

Cora took a shaky breath. “I hope he will.” She quickly looked down at Patrick, who was peacefully drinking, to hide her tears.

“You and Robert will figure this out. I am going to pack my suitcase.”

Cora brushed a tear away. “I totally forgot that you are leaving tonight.”

+++

“Rosamund, you do understand that I am in an impasse at the moment?”

Rosamund had managed to get Robert to sit back down. “Of course I do, but do you really think Cora will not wait for you?”

“I do not know what she will do. I cannot expect her to wait forever, who knows what Mama will do next.”

“Oh no Robert, this is the last time Mama is pulling a stunt like this. I threatened her, she will not be welcome at my wedding day if she keeps doing this.”

“Rosamund!” Robert exclaimed.

“Papa agreed with me, he is angry with Mama.”

Robert rested his head in his hands. “So, now also Papa en Mama are fighting?”

“You know they do that often right? You always think they have the perfect marriage, but sometimes you can be so blind for things. They are not the happily married couple you think they are, they are alright, but do fight regularly.”

“I hope you and Marmaduke are. Or did I also see that in a brighter light?”

Rosamund now smiled. “We are definitely very happy with each other, I love him with everything that I am.”

“I am so happy to hear that.” Cora’s voice sounded. “I hope you will have your wedding day before Robert leaves for Barcelona?” She walked over to Robert and put her hand on his back.

Robert now looked at her in surprise. Cora did not say anything, she softly brushed his back.

“I will leave you two, there is a lot to discuss.” Rosamund got up. “Oh, Cora, to answer your question. Yes, we will. We kept it a secret, but next week we will say: yes to each other.”

“Next week? Rosamund? Why have not you told me that sooner. What if Cora and I cannot come.”

“Oh, but you can. You have that event booked in your agenda next week, right?”

Cora started to laugh. “You are kidding me. We went out dress shopping for that event, but that is your wedding day?”

Rosamund smiled. “We wanted to keep it a bit of a secret to surprise you all. But yes, that day is our wedding day.”

“This is something only you could do dear sister.”

Rosamund still smiled. “And now I am off.”

+++

Cora walked around the sofa and sat down next to Robert. Quietly she took his hand in hers and rested it on her leg. It was silent for a couple of minutes. They were holding each other’s hand but did not look at each other or say anything. Robert was the first to speak.

“Are you sure I should go to Barcelona?”

“Darling” Cora turned her body towards Robert, she did not let go of his hand. “We do not have a say in this. And this is the best option, to just follow what you mother wants. We are not fighting her, that is exactly what she wants. We are going to show her that we are stronger.”

Robert laid his hand against Cora’s cheek, his thumb softly rubbing her cheekbone. “I do not know what I did to deserve you.” He felt her smile against his hand. “Whatever happens, I am not letting you go, and I will fight for this relationship. I need you and Patrick in my life.”

Cora nestled herself against Robert, she pulled her legs up on the sofa, her head in the nook of his neck, her arms around him. “We will survive this.”

Robert wrapped his arm around her shoulders to press her even closer to him. He buried his face in her hair. “Thank you.” Softly he placed a kiss on the top of her head. He felt Cora sigh deep and her body relaxed against his. He could sit here forever he thought. “And now, we have to go.”

“Go?” Cora stretched her neck, so she could see Robert’s face, without leaving her warm spot under his arm. “I did not know we had to go somewhere?”

“It is a surprise. Can you go and get Patrick?”

 

When life interrupts, chapter 22

Cora softly brushed over Patrick´s head. This feeling was so wonderful, she thought. This little boy was depending on her, but she needed him too. His warm little body against hers, gave her peace. Every time he latched on; she felt her heartbeat calm down. She took a deep breath, what was Violet trying to do? What did she do wrong? It bothered Cora that Violet was so openly against the relationship between her and Robert. She was glad his father was a lot more welcoming. Patrick was a wonderful man, who gave her the confidence that everything would work out in the end.

“Cora?” Martha’s voice sounded soft when she opened the door. “Is Patrick already asleep?”

Cora looked down and saw his eyes wide open. “He is not done yet, so you can talk normal.”

“How are you feeling?” Martha asked.

Cora raised her eyebrows. Her mother never bothered about her feelings. “I don’t know.” She said softly.

Martha sat down next to Cora. “I wonder why you are taking this beating from Violet. You should stand up for yourself more.”

“Oh Mama.” Cora sighed. “It doesn’t help. I hope she will one day see that I am not that bad person she thinks I am.”

“She will see that soon enough; I will make sure of that.” Martha said.

This shocked Cora, she knew her mother was always standing up for herself, but she never really did that for her, and she wasn’t sure she wanted a clash between her mother and Violet.

“Cora and I will figure this out together, we don’t need our mothers to fight for us.” Robert, walked into the room.

Martha looked up at Robert. “I guess you are right. But Cora is my darling girl, and I will protect her when needed. Now, I say goodnight, I will see you two in the morning.”

“Cora!” Robert walked closer to Cora. “I mean it, we don’t need our mothers to speak for us. We are adults and can figure our lives out, ourselves.”

“I can only agree with you, but the fact is, your mother hates me.”

“She doesn’t hate you!” Robert said.

“It seems like it.” Cora got annoyed that Robert was defending his mother after what happened this evening. “The way she treats me is horrible and I don’t know if I can take much more of it.”

“I will go and have a chat with her, because you are right. She should not treat you the way she does. I want to spend my life with you, and she doesn’t have a say in that.”

Cora got up to put Patrick in his crib, she bend down and kissed him goodnight. She felt Robert standing next to her. He also kissed Patrick goodnight. Cora leaned in on Robert. “Did you mean that?”

“I will definitely go and talk with my mother, do not worry about that.” Robert answered.

She tangled her fingers in Robert’s. “I didn’t mean that part. She turned to look at Robert, who was looking at her with a puzzled look. “I meant the part that you want to spend your life with me.” She felt Robert’s grip on her hand getting stronger.

“With every fibre in my body.” He raised his hand to her chin and stroke with his thumb over her lower lip. “Cora.”

“Sssssst.” Cora kissed Robert’s thumb. “Let’s stop talking.” She got on her tiptoes to kiss him, but just before her lips touched Robert’s, he playfully pulled back. Cora tugged on his arm, to pull him back. But again, just before her lips touched Robert’s he turned his face, and she kissed his cheek instead. “You are torturing me.” She moaned.

Robert lifted her chin and smiled at her. “I know.” He lowered his face and kissed her where her neck touched her chin. His thumb slowly runs down her neck. This gave Cora chills all over her body.

She looped her arm around Robert, she loved that he wasn’t all muscles, she could feel he was a little bit chubbier. She softly squeezed his side, which resulted in Robert scooping her up from the floor. Cora let out a giggle, and at the same time she felt Robert’s mouth on hers.

“You will wake Patrick.” He murmured against her lips.

Cora’s lips curled up in a smile. “So, I have to make noise to be kissed by you, got it.”

Robert softly bit on her lip. “Don’t you dare.” But he said it with a smile and walked out the room, with Cora still in his arms.

+++

Robert poured a cup of coffee for Martha.

“Cora still asleep?” She asked.

“I think she will be up by now, but I let her sleep. I fed Patrick, so she could sleep in.”

Martha had a playful smile on her face. “I guess she needed some extra rest after yesterday evening.”

Robert realised; Martha had heard them. He knew it was risky to please Cora in the hallway, instead of walking directly back to their room. His cheeks coloured.

“Nothing to be ashamed off. Do you have some more of those delicious eggs?”

Robert made eggs benedict for Martha. “I can make some more, if you want.” He was relieved with the change of subject. At that same moment Cora walked into the kitchen, she was still in her morning robe.

“Good morning, did you sleep well.” Martha inquired.

Cora’s cheeks instantly coloured, the look on her mother’s face let her know, she knew what they had done. The doorbell rang, and Cora walked out.

“Saved by the bell.” Martha said under her breath.

+++

“Rosamund?” Cora exclaimed. “I did not know you were coming. I would have been dressed. I am sorry.”

Rosamund stepped inside and kissed Cora on her cheek. “Do not worry about not being dressed, I did not tell you I was coming, but Papa called me, and I wanted to talk to you right away.”

“Oh.” Cora felt her stomach sinking.

“Where is Robert?” Rosamund asked, while taking of her shoes.

“He is in the kitchen with my mother. Rosamund can you please tell me what is wrong.”

“I want to talk to you both, can we sit down in the living room?”

“I will go and get Robert. Do you want a cup of tea?”

“Yes, please.” Rosamund answered.

 

When life interrupts, chapter 21

Robert walked into the kitchen, Cora was standing at the stove. He stopped and watched her movements. It amazed him how she got back into her figure so fast, after Patrick’s birth. He was now two weeks old, and you could hardly tell Cora had given birth. He had to admit he loved her still fuller breasts, but he knew they would go back to their normal size and he didn’t mind. Cora was perfect the way she was. He stepped closer and put his hands on her hips, he wanted to kiss her cheek, when he saw how tense she was. “Cora? What is the matter?”

Cora shook her head. “Never mind me, this is just nerves.”

“Nerves? For what?”

Cora turned around, Robert’s hands were still resting on her hips. “Your mother is coming over tonight.”

Robert was confused, why was Cora so nervous, just because his mother was coming? Then it dawned on him, Martha and Violet would meet. Robert moved his hands to Cora’s shoulders. “Sweetheart, don’t worry too much. It will all go well tonight.”

Cora shook her head again. “I am not so sure about that. Your mother will criticise me, and my mother will react to that.”

“You forget that my father is also coming, he will calm Mama down.”

Cora chuckled, she put her hand on Robert’s cheek and kissed him. “We will see what happens. Now let me finish this Beef Wellington.” She turned back around.

Robert kissed Cora’s neck. “All will be fine.”

+++

“How do you feel about your daughter living in London?” Violet asked Martha.

Martha was filling her plate with mashed potatoes and stared at Violet. “What should I feel about that?”

Cora tried to catch Robert’s eyes, he was sitting opposite her and was chatting with his father. Nervously she watched what was brewing between her mother and Violet.

“Well, I know I wouldn’t like it to see Robert move to America.”

“You would not?” Martha said.

“No. Every time I meet up with an American, I’m reminded of the virtues of the English.”

“You do realise, my American” Martha empathised the word American. “Daughter granted you with an heir?”

Cora scraped her throat; this was going in the wrong direction. Why didn’t Robert hear what his mother was saying? “Mama, Mrs. Crawley doesn’t mean it that way.” She tried.

“Oh, my dear, you are wrong. I do mean it.” Violet bitched.

This grabbed Robert’s and Patrick’s attention.

“Dearest, let’s keep it down tonight. We are here to enjoy a nice dinner with our son and darling daughter-in-law.” Patrick said to his wife.

Cora felt her cheeks burning up. This was even worse than what she had expected.

“She.” Violet’s eyes pierced into Cora’s. “Isn’t my daughter-in-law yet.”

“Mama!” Robert raised his voice. “This is enough. Cora never did anything wrong to get treated this way. I love and adore her, and I hope you can be decent enough to accept my choice. I am glad Papa seems to see how wonderful Cora is.”

“Well let’s see if she stays this time when you go to Spain.”

Cora’s head snapped towards Robert. “Spain? Are you going to Spain?” Why hadn’t he told her this?

“I haven’t agreed to anything yet, Mama. I did not have the chance to talk this over with Cora. And I do not appreciate, you trying to put a wig in between our relationship. Cora?” Robert looked in her direction. “I wanted to talk to you about this.”

“I think it is time to leave you two alone.” Patrick said, getting up from the table. “My dear, we stirred enough for tonight. We will go home.” He walked over to Cora and kissed her cheek. “You are welcome in this family.” He said very softly and squeezed her hand.

It was a relief to Cora that Robert’s father seemed to be a decent man, but how was she ever going to get accepted by Violet?

Martha quietly got up. “I will go up, I will see you two tomorrow.”

Robert also got up and sat down next to Cora. He took her hand into his. “Cora? I hope you believe me, when I say this Spain plan is all coming from my mother.”

“Oh, Robert. It doesn’t matter, your mother will never approve of me, she will do whatever she can to get me out of your life. I don’t know what I have done wrong. She disliked me before she even knew who I was.” Brisk, she wiped a tear from her cheek. She didn’t want to cry.

Robert raised his hand and softly stroke Cora’s cheek. “Darling, it doesn’t matter what Mama wants. I want to be with you. I can’t see my life without you and Patrick in it.”

Cora lowered her eyes. “But I can’t follow you to Spain. I finally have a good job here in London and I cannot wait to go back after my maternity leave.”

“I am not asking you to come with me. I am not even sure that I am going. I don’t know what Mama was thinking. And I am so incredibly sorry that she attacked you in this way. She perfectly knows she can hurt you in this moment, because of your hormones.”

“I am not weak Robert.” Cora said suddenly.

“I didn’t mean that, darling. I am sorry. Do you think Mama is only sending me to Spain to hurt us?”

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

Patrick started crying. “Right now, you are going to feed Patrick and I will clean up this mess. And we will talk about Spain later.”

Cora sighed. Every time it looked like they were finally starting a good conversation something interrupted them. She got up, put her hand on Robert’s shoulder and said. “We need to have that talk tonight.”

Robert put his hand on top of Cora’s and smiled up. “We will, once the kitchen is cleaned up, I come up.” 

When life interrupts, chapter 20

“Mum?” Cora asked while they were walking in a nearby park, she was pushing Patrick’s pram. This morning they had breakfast together, and soon after Robert went back to the office. Violet had complained that he was needed. Cora didn’t understand the need, but she kept her mouth shut. They finally had their first real talk that morning and she didn’t want to ruin what was building.

“Yes Cora?” Martha looked at her.

“You said last night, I could ask you for money.” Cora started

“I know what I said.” Martha interrupted.

Cora sighed. She truly loved her mother, but she was sometimes a bit too much. Since she moved to England it was more noticeable. “When I started teaching, you cut my allowance and made me very clear I should not count on your money anymore.”

“Things have changed. You have a decent job now and also, you found a man and have a baby. You are making something from your life now.”

Her mother’s words hurt her. Although she knew she had failed in her mother’s eyes. She didn’t understand why it was that important to her what she did. At least she was working, she had to admit, that this job at the university and the one at the National Gallery gave her more satisfaction. Look at her brother Harold. He was always in trouble, but her mother never said anything.

“Cora. Everything I do is to inspire you to do better. Come, where can we go and look for houses?”

“Now? Oh, Mama, I was hoping to go back home soon.”

“We can look online. You are right, you are still recovering. Where can we get a cab?”

“That is not necessary, from here it is just a 15-minute walk home.” Cora’s breasts were starting to hurt and she knew Patrick would wake up soon for his feeding. But she needed the walk, even though she knew her mother would not stop talking, it would help to clear her head and sort her mind.

+++

*Robert what time will you be home?* Cora texted Robert.

He called her back instead of texting. “I wanted to hear your voice. I am sorry, but I have to miss dinner tonight. Mama arranged a dinner meeting with a new client.”

Cora knew the moment he called there was something wrong. She sighed. “Your mother has the best timing.”

“Cora!” Robert sounded annoyed. “Are you saying my mother did this on purpose?”

Cora knew Violet had done this on purpose, she knew Martha was in London. But she kept her words in, it wasn’t helping to fight with Robert over this. “It doesn’t matter, I hope you will not be home very late?”

“I will do my best, can you give Patrick an extra cuddle from me? I miss him.”

Cora smiled. Robert loved his son so much. “I will do, see you tonight.”

+++

“Cora, it is late. I will go to bed.” Martha got up from the couch. Cora had made dinner and after they had retrieved in the living room.

Cora had hoped to see Robert back before 21.00 o’clock, but it was already 23.00, and still no sign of him. “I go up with you, it is almost time for Patrick’s feeding, he will come soon. I hope Robert is alright.”

“Oh he is, don’t you worry to much.” Martha kissed Cora on her cheek.

Cora followed her mother upstairs to her own bedroom, changed into her pyjamas and got under the covers. She picked up her book from the nightstand. She was reading Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. She wanted to stop thinking about what Violet could do to prevent Robert from being with her.

+++

Robert came home very late. He felt guilty for coming home at this hour. He smirked, home, yes this felt like home. Where ever Cora was, was his home. They should go looking for a place soon, but for now, this was his home. He put his coat on the coat rack and walked upstairs. His mother’s words still ringing in his ears.

He found Cora half upright against the head board, a book open in her lap, but she was asleep. He noticed the front of her shirt was wet. Quietly he walked over and kissed her forehead. Cora jumped up. “Oh I am sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you, but this can’t be comfortable. Did Patrick not wake up for his feeding?” He pointed at her chest.

Cora covered her chest and her cheeks coloured. “I must have fallen asleep, I haven’t heard Patrick. How upset is he?”

Robert put his hands on her shoulders. “Calm down, darling. Patrick is asleep. I think this is his first night sleeping through the night. Do you want me to bring you the pump?” He looked at her chest again and figured her breasts must be hurting. She had mentioned that before.

When he came back up, Cora had just freshened herself up. Eagerly she took the pump from Robert. “Thank you, darling. Will you check on Patrick?”

Robert walked to his bedroom and found Patrick asleep. He stayed for a couple of minutes, just looking at this little wonder. His face was that of an angel he thought. Softly he brushed over his head and kissed him goodnight.

Back in the room, Cora had finished and was already tucked away under the duvet, he crawled in and scooted closer to Cora. “I am sorry for coming home at this hour.” He whispered in her ear.

Cora turned around and wrapped one arm over him. “As long as you don’t do this everyday.” She briefly kissed him and rested her head on his arm. “Sleep tight.”

Robert breathed out, he hadn’t realised he was holding his breath. He was scared of Cora’s reaction. Coming home late, and his mother were bothering him. Although his father had said, that it was time to make his own decisions, it was still hard. He had always listened to his mother and done what she ordered. He should talk with John about this. He didn’t like his mother’s plans, they were made up to break him and Cora up. Was it only her American blood that was bothering her?

He felt Cora’s hand brush over his upper arm and heard her soft voice. “Go to sleep now, stop worrying, whatever it is.”