The truth always comes out, chapter 7

“Milord, you can go to sleep now. I will be here and watch her ladyship.” O’Brien said.

Robert looked up from his book. He was sitting next to Cora, who was finally sleeping peacefully. Her fever had broken, she was still wheezing, but it seemed as it was easier for her to breath. “Thank you, O’Brien, but I will stay with her tonight. I will ring when we need something. Can you ask Bates to bring my pyjama?”

He knew he could get them himself, but he did not want to leave Cora alone and this way Bates would see, he was trying. He had not said it with that many words, but Robert knew he was disappointed in him. God, he was disappointed in himself too, he did not understand why he let it go that far. He looked at Cora, he was so lucky she said yes, all these years back. She gave him three beautiful daughters, but most off all she gave him unconditional love. From day one, she had loved him with everything she had. He shivered thinking of the day he had to tell her what happened, he had promised Bates he was going to tell her. Bates had said:  “She will, for sure, never forgive you, if she finds it out herself.”  Robert knew he was right, although he was not sure if Cora was going to forgive him at all.

Too many people knew. He could trust Anna and Bates, but he did not know if Jane told other members of the staff. Mrs. Hughes knew, although, Bates was not going to tell her why Jane needed to be let go, he knew Mrs. Hughes was a smart woman. But also Mrs. Hughes would never tell a soul about this. Not even to Carson. He flinched; Carson would hand in his notice if he would ever find out. The moment Cora was well enough he would tell her, he had too.

There was a soft knock and Bates stepped inside, with his pyjama and robe. “Mrs. Patmore gave this for her ladyship and there is also a cup for you. It is ginger tea for her ladyship and earl grey for you. But I think I will take her ladyships cup down again.” He looked over at the sleeping figure of Cora. It was a relief he could report downstairs that she was a lot calmer.

“Just leave them both, thank you.” Robert took the tray and put it down. “I will see you in the morning.”

Bates said goodnight and left the room. Robert changed into his pyjama. Cora stirred, but only turned on her side. Robert decided to let her sleep, he drank his own tea and read some more in his book.

+++

“We should tell lady Sybil not to go into her mother’s room tomorrow morning.” Bates started when he met Anna downstairs.

“Why? What happened?”

“His lordship is spending the night in her ladyships’ room.” Bates said.

“Ah, I see. And they really need alone time. Is her ladyship better?”

Bates shook his head. “She is breathing easier, I think she is not critical anymore, but she has a long way to go, I am afraid.”

Anna raised her hand to his cheek. “You worry about her, do you?”

Bates rested his hand on Anna’s. Her warm skin against his skin was nice.

“Do you think he will tell her?” Anna looked around, to see if they were still alone.

Bates now kissed Anna’s hand. “He has too, there is no other option. Can you imagine living with that guilt?”

“Do not let this get to you to much, it is not your responsibility. I will go up to Lady Mary and tell her that his lordship is staying with her ladyship tonight.”

+++

‘You made a mistake by staying with Cora. You could have had this.’ Jane opened her blouse. Robert saw her bare skin underneath. Her body was that of a young woman still. ‘No, no, no I cannot do this. No, No, No.’

“Robert?” sounded exceptionally soft in the dark room. The fire had gone out long ago. “Robert?” Sounded again. Soft fingers stroking his hair. A familiar feeling. The fingers lowered to his neck. “Robert.” Once again, his name was spoken. This time Robert recognized his name. He moved, but his neck and back were stiff and hurt him. Slowly he got up. He was still in Cora’s room, but he had fallen asleep with his upper body on the bed. Lying in a very strange position.

“Come lay next to me, this is not comfortable for you.” Cora’s voice sounded again.

Robert shook his head, why was Jane still in his dreams.

“Do not be foolish, please lay next to me.”

It was only now that Robert noticed that Cora was speaking a full sentence without gasping for air. “Are you sure?” Should he tell her now? Was this the right moment? Would there ever be a ‘right’ moment?

Cora pulled the duvet down on his side of the bed and padded the matrass. “Before you lay down, can you bring me some water?”

“I can go down and make some tea?”

“Water is fine.” She gave him a soft smile.

Robert noticed Cora’s eyes were closing again, he saw her fighting to keep them open. He got up quickly and got back with a glass of water. He helped her up to drink. Her slender figure was easy for him to lift up. He laid her back down and got in on his side of the bed. He scooted closer to Cora, who immediately turned on her side and laid against his chest. The familiar feeling of her little puffs of air against his chest was soothing. The unruly feeling, he had over the last days calmed down. His Cora was going to survive this horrible sickness. This was not the moment to tell her, tomorrow, maybe tomorrow, were the last thoughts he had before falling in a peaceful sleep.

The truth always comes out, Chapter 6

Edith walked into her mother’s room, she saw O’Brien sitting next to the bed. Her hand on Cora’s hand. It was sweet how caring O’Brien was for her mother. She was only working for her, but this felt like a friendship, the way she was sitting there. When she got closer, she heard O’Brien say: “The fact is, I want to ask so much for your forgiveness.”

Edith made a sound, what made O’Brien jump up. “I am sorry Milady.” She uttered.

“I think I must say sorry for interrupting you. Although I am not sure how much her Ladyships is picking up. It seems like she is deteriorating, am I right?”

O’Brien nodded. “Her temperature is rising indeed. I do not know how to cool her down anymore.”

“I will ring for Dr. Clarkson, although I am afraid, they will take her to the hospital.”

“No one is taking Cora to the hospital.” The hard voice of Robert sounded.

“Papa?” Edith said surprised. “You know what Dr. Clarkson said and what is more important? That Mama is getting better or her wish to not going to the hospital?”

“Let Sybil be the one making that decision, she knows what needs to be done. Now can you two leave me alone.” Robert said.

Both Edith as O’Brien got out of the room quickly, giving Robert the space, he asked for.

He sat down next to Cora and took her hand in his. “My darling Cora, please come back to me. I do not know how to go on without you. I need you in my life, and although I made an unforgivable mistake over the last couple of days, I love you and I need you.” Robert felt Cora’s fingers softly squeezing his hand. She had opened her eyes and it seemed she was aware of what was happening around her. Robert saw her chest rising and falling very faintly. She opened her mouth, but Robert laid his fingers against her lips. “You do not need to say anything, my darling. Do not waist your breath.”

“You… are… never… a waist… of breath…” She said slowly.

A tear rolled down Robert’s cheek, he felt Cora’s finger brushing it away. This gesture made him feel even more guilty. How was he ever going to tell Cora about what happened and how was he going to live with what he did. Cora was too weak to even brush the hairs out of her face and here she was using what she had left to comfort him.

+++

“Can I talk to you?” Bates asked Mrs. Hughes. “In private?

“Of course, follow me.” She walked into her office and closed the door behind Bates. “What can I help you with?”

“I know it is not my place to say this, but you need to let go of Jane.”

Mrs. Hughes sat down on her chair, without saying it, Bates confirmed Anna’s suspicion. Something happened between Jane and Robert. “Can you tell me why?”

Bates also sat down. “I am afraid not. The only thing I can say that it is better for a lot of people in this house, if she leaves this house.”

“I see, I see.” Mrs. Hughes said. “Do I need to write a recommendation letter?”

“That is already taken care of.” Bates could not tell Mrs. Hughes more, he knew she was a wise woman and knew what happened, or at least to a certain point. But he promised his Lordship to not speak about what he had seen. Robert wrote a letter for Jane already and put money inside the envelope he had in his breast pocket. “Can you give this to Jane.” Bates handed her the envelope, he knew Mrs. Hughes would not look inside. When Mrs. Hughes gave the envelope to Jane, it would look like she got a letter from her with her. Hopefully the rest of the staff would not talk about her leaving that much.

“Can you send her in? She is outside at the stables at the moment.”

+++

Robert was staring out the window, he saw the figure of Jane leaving. Why was he feeling like this, he should feel guilty yes, he ruined her future, just for his own pleasure. But he felt something else, why was there still that desire to have her close to him. He did not want to feel that, all of the sudden he got very angry at Cora. Because she was not paying attention to him, there was space for these feelings. If she not had started that business with Mary, they would not be in this situation. He felt his body trembling from anger.

“Dear brother.” A woman laid her hand on Robert’s shoulder.

“Rosamund?” Robert turned around, he tried to calm himself down again.

“Edith called and told me about Cora. I had to come, how is she doing?”

Robert lowered his eyes. “She is not improving, the oxygen is helping her breath, but she still has a fever, and it scares me.”

Rosamund did not say a word, she only rested her hand on Robert’s arm.

“Oh, Rosamund, what do I do. She is too young to die.” Robert’s voice broke, but he tried to keep it together.

Rosamund pulled him close and brushed his back. “It is alright to cry. Cora is a fighter, she will also win this battle. Have faith.”

“Thank you.” he said timid.

“Can I go to her?” Rosamund asked.

“Yes, of course.”

+++

Rosamund was taken back to see her sister-in-law in this state. White as the sheets. Her, always styled to perfection hair, stuck to her skin. Mary sat next to her mother, cooling her down with a wet cloth.

“She is worse, then I was expecting.” Rosamund whispered to Robert. At that same moment, Sybil entered the bedroom with Dr. Clarkson behind her.

+++

“She can stay at home, her lungs are clearing up. Although I would have preferred to see her fever gone or at least her temperature lower, but I will give her one more day.” Dr. Clarkson turned towards Sybil. “I trust you to give me an honest report tomorrow afternoon!”

“Of course, Dr. Clarkson. Thank you.” Sybil answered.

 

The truth always comes out, chapter 5

“Mrs. Hughes? Do you have a minute?” Anna asked.

“Come in.” Mrs. Hughes closed the door to her office behind her. “What is it?”

“I think we need to give Jane different things to do. More things downstairs or outside the house.”

Mrs. Hughes raised her eyebrows. “What happened? Has this to do with the used bedroom?”

“I think so, yes. I am not sure how to tell you, but I think something happened between Jane and his lordship.” Anna said timidly.

“I see.” Mrs. Hughes knew enough. She was suspecting something had happened. Jane asked for too many upstairs jobs that involved being in the same room as his lordship. “Thank you for warning me, I will keep an eye on her.”

+++

Her couch rattled in her chest. Cora tried to lift her upper body. She was still incredibly weak. Since Dr. Clarkson gave her the oxygen she felt better, but she still had a fever, and her lungs did not improve that much.

Two strong hands helped her sit more upright. Cora opened her eyes and looked into the eyes of Robert. Every morning, he sat at her bedside. She was grateful to have such a caring husband.

When the coughing stopped, she took Robert’s hand and softly squeezed it.

“Good morning. How are you feeling? Your cough doesn’t sound as if it is improving.” Robert put his other hand on her forehead. “You still have a fever.”

Cora nodded; her eyes wanted to fall shut again. She forced them open. She wanted to look at Robert. His blue eyes were full of worries. On his forehead, there was a frown. “I will…… get better….” her coughing started again.

Robert held up a bowl. She was coughing so hard that she started to retch.

“Do you want to eat something? Or drink?” Robert asked, once she rested back into her pillow and adjusting the oxygen tube.

Cora was not sure. She knew she was throwing up from coughing and not because she was sick to her stomach, but only thinking about eating made her tired.

“Here, have some toast. You need to eat to regain your strength.”

She let Robert help her sit, even more upright, and took the toast he offered her.

“I am glad seeing you eat.” Dr Clarkson’s voice sounded in the room. Together with Sybil, he stepped inside her bedroom.

Robert wanted to get up, but Cora did not let go of his hand. He bend down and kissed her cheek. “I am not going anywhere, but Dr. Clarkson needs to examine you.”

Reluctantly she let go of his hand. She needed him close for her comfort, but she also felt incredibly guilty. She did not deserve this attention of him. She treated him badly the last weeks, even months. She neglected him.

“Take a deep breath.” Dr. Clarkson said.

Cora tried to inhale as deep as she could, but she had to suppress her cough. “Your lungs are not improving, and I find it worrying that you still have a fever.”

“Her ladyship is much more awake during the day, so I think she is improving, but not as fast as we would have hoped.” Cora heard Sybil say.

“If she does not improve more by tomorrow, I am strongly advising to bring her to the hospital, there we can give her antibiotics via IV.” Dr. Clarkson said. He picked up his bag and left.

“Papa, I will not be home this afternoon, but you can manage with Mary and Edith, right?” Sybil said to her father.

“Where are you going? Not to that boy I hope?” Robert said angrily.

“I am seeing Tom today, yes, and you cannot stop me.” Sybil walked out; Robert wanted to follow.

“Robert?” Cora said softly. “Let her go.”

Robert sat backdown next to her. “I do not understand you.” He said. “He is not right for her, and you know that.”

Cora shook her head. “Trust her.” She tried lying down again but needed Robert’s help. She could not keep her eyes open any longer. She felt Robert’s fingers brushing her hair.

+++

Robert went outside with Isis, he needed to clear his head. Why was Cora not fighting against this relationship between his Sybil and Tom. Tom was not born in the same class as she was. As a chauffeur he would never have the finances to give Sybil the life she was used to. Cora had suggested that they could raise her allowance once she was married, but he did not want to do that. Her husband should be the one bringing in the money, not he as her dad. He did not like this Tom guy at all.

He walked on, why was everything so complicated at the moment, Sybil and Tom gave him a headache. Mary needed to find a man to marry, Matthew seemed like a perfect candidate, he did not know why nothing was going on between the two of them. The new business kept Cora incredibly busy, and he did not know how to deal with that. She normally was home for him to ask about his day, but more often she was busy in her office with phone calls and sending emails. His mother had always said that his wife should help with the hospital, because they were the biggest investor, but Cora and his mother were not the best match. Although that was not Cora’s fault, his mother was to strict.

Robert sighed, he wished she would be busy with those phone calls right now. It scared him that she was not improving and the blood she was coughing up made him feel unease. What would he do without his Cora. From the day they met, Cora was his lifeline. She grounded him, made him look at things from a different angle.

In the distance he saw a familiar figure, it was Jane walking with a big bag towards the house. He knew he should be wiser, but he stepped up and got closer.

“Can I help you with that?”

He startled Jane, who dropped the bag and oranges rolled over the floor. They both got on their knees to grab them. When he looked up, he looked into her eyes. His hand moved to her cheek. Why was he attracted to her, he loved his wife. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, but Jane put a spell on him.

“Milord.” Jane said softly, putting her hand on his. “Are you sure?”

This shook Robert out of the dream and quickly he got up. “I am sorry, I should not have done that. Please forgive me.” Quickly he walked back to the house, where Bates was waiting for him.

“Bates, good to see you, I need to talk to you.” He knew he could always count on Bates wise words. He would not judge, he hoped.

 

The truth always comes out, chapter 4

Mrs. Hughes saw a door open. She looked inside and was surprised to see a bed that was used. Who slept here tonight? She thought. She walked on towards her Ladyship’s bedroom, and she passed the guest bedroom. The door was open, and this bed had also been slept in. Dr. Clarkson had gone home, and there were no other guests.

When she reached Cora’s bedroom, the door slammed open, and Mary flew out of it.

“Mrs. Hughes, please call Dr. Clarkson, or better yet, call an ambulance. My mother is coughing up blood.”

“Dr. Clarkson is enough. As long as there is not more blood, we do not need an ambulance.” Sybil stepped out of the room. “We need clean towels and fresh cold water. Can you also bring a bowl with boiling hot water?”

“Hot water? What ever is that for?” Mary asked, surprised.

“I hope the steam will clear up the mucus a little bit. So Mama’s coughing can slow down.”

“Girls!” Robert’s panicked voice sounded. All three women rushed back into the room. Where Robert was standing next to Cora. His hands and pants were covered in blood and vomit.

Cora was hunched over to the side of the bed, still coughing and retching.

“Sybil? What is happening?” He asked, his eyes big from fear.

Sybil got to her mother’s side and held a bowl under her. Softly, she padded her mother’s back. “Do not worry, Mama. Everything will be alright. Do not worry.”

With the help of O’Brien, she lifted her mother back onto the bed, into her pillows.

Cora was working hard to get air into her lungs. “Dr. Clarkson will probably bring some oxygen to help you breathe.” Sybil said. She looked at Mrs. Hughes. “Is he coming?”

“He is. He should be here soon.” Mrs. Hughes said. “Is there anything I can do?” She had brought fresh cold water and a bowl with hot water, as Sybil had asked.

Sybil dipped a towel in the cold water and dabbed her mother’s forehead with it. “We can not do much.”

“Sybil, you should take a rest. You and O’Brien have been with Mama for hours now. Let us take over for a while.” Mary said.

“Not now, I will once, Dr. Clarkson has seen Mama.”

+++

“For now, the extra oxygen should help. But I would prefer to transport her Ladyship to a hospital.” Dr. Clarkson concluded.

“As long as you can treat her here at home, she is staying home.” Robert said brisk.

Dr. Clarkson raised his hands. “I know, it is her own wish to stay at home. She told me multiple times before. She has seen too much to be comfortable in the hospital, but when her symptoms are not improving by tomorrow, she has to go.”

+++

“Anna? Do you know who slept in the room around the corner?” Mrs. Hughes asked Anna when they were cleaning the guest bedroom for Robert.

“We did not have any guest, I don’t know. Did his lordship use the wrong room?”

Mrs. Hughes paused. “Then, who slept in this room?”

“Good point.” Anna said. She had seen Jane come up early in the morning. Did she sleep down here? But why? She wasn’t sure if she should tell Mrs. Hughes this. Or ask Jane herself.

+++

Robert sad down next to Cora. She was, for the first time today, relatively calm. Robert rested his hand on Cora’s and softly brushed over the back of her hand. He saw her breathing was very faint, but it was clear the oxygen was helping. He felt incredibly bad, while Cora was fighting against this pneumonia, he had been fooling around. Would he really have persevered if Sybil hadn’t called him? He did not know, and that made him feel even worse. How could he betray Cora in this way. She did not deserve this.

He raised her hand to his lips and said: “I have been a fool, and I do not know if you ever can forgive me.”

Cora’s fingers wrapped around his hand. “Thank you for being here,” she said. Her voice was almost inaudible.

Robert felt a stab in his heart. When he looked at her, her eyes were closed again. Her fingers loosely around his hand. He lowered their hands, not letting go of hers. His other hand brushed over her cheek. Even ill like this, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

“Papa.” Edith’s soft voice sounded. “It is late. You need to go to bed. I will stay with Mama for a while.”

+++

When Robert left the room, Sybil had entered. According to the bowl in her hands, she was following Dr. Clarkson’s instructions: helping Cora get rid of the mucus in her lungs. He had heard him say that there was a risk of fluid behind her lungs.

He was glad he could leave because the sounds that came from her room were awful. He knew Sybil was helping Cora, but the feeling Cora was choking scared him.

Despite this, he stood still with the door ajar. He heard Edith say: “That’s it, Mama, take a deep breath. That’s it.”

Relief crept up into his chest. There was no panicked sound in Edith’s voice. He walked on towards the guest bedroom.

He felt a small hand on his lower back. He turned around and saw Jane.

“Jane, what are you doing here?” He hissed.

“I know that what you said this morning was coming from fear. I know what is happening between us, and it is not a mistake.”

Robert felt the blood drain from his face. “You have to go. We can not go on with this. As I said this morning, it is a mistake.”

“Robert?” Jane cried, but Robert stopped her.

“If you cannot hold your distance, you cannot work here.” He did not want to fire Jane. She was a widow and had a little boy, but this needed to stop.

“Milord?” Anna stood behind them, and Robert was relieved he wasn’t holding Jane’s hands. It was enough that Bates had seen them together. This reminded him that he should have a chat with him. This whole situation had turned into a mess. The love of his life fighting for her life, his youngest daughter wanting to marry down, and now this, why had he followed his lust and not his reason?

“What is it, Anna?” Robert turned his back to Jane, and he hoped she would just leave.

“Where do you want to have your breakfast tomorrow?” She tried not to look at Jane, but she had a weird feeling about what was happening here.

“The same as this morning, some toast in her Ladyship’s room is enough. Can you ask Bates to come to the guest bedroom?”

Jane was still standing in the hallway when he turned around. Without looking at her, he went into the bedroom.

 

The truth always comes out, chapter 3

“Papa, where were you?” Sybil said once she spotted her father.

“I…..” Robert stopped his sentence. “What is it?” He said instead.

Sybil gave him a strange look. Why was her father’s dress shirt missing buttons? “Dr. Clarkson is on his way, Mama is getting worse. She has trouble breathing, and I don’t know what is wrong with her. You need to come, she is asking for you.”

Quickly, Robert followed his daughter. The moment he stepped inside her bedroom, his heart got cold. It was a horrible sight, Cora was twisting in bed, fighting for every breath. He heard her wheezing and rasping every time she took a breath. He sat down on his side and took Cora’s hand in his. With his other hand he brushed her cheek. “What can we do?” He looked up to Sybil.

“We will have to wait for Dr. Clarkson.” She answered.

O’Brien changed the cloth on Cora’s forehead. “This will cool you down Milady.”

Robert looked at O’Brien, he had never liked her. But Cora liked her and she always said, O’Brien was fond of her. He wasn’t so sure about that. But Cora was leaning on O’Brien a lot and as long as she was happy with her, it was alright. But there was something about that woman. But now she was taking care of Cora with such dedication.

“Robert?” Cora’s voice sounded very soft, her eyes searching for Robert’s.

He looked back down. “ssssst, do not talk. I am here, we will take care of you. Everything will be alright.”

“I am sorry.” she murmured and closed her eyes again.

This confused Robert, why was she saying sorry. Did she know what he did? No of course not, that was not possible. Maybe she said sorry for her behaviour over the last months? He lifted her hand and pressed his lips against the back of her hand.

The bedroom door opened, Mary and Edith entered with Dr. Clarkson behind them. Robert stood up from the bed and also O’Brien stepped back, giving the doctor some room.

Robert was wringing his hands, while Dr. Clarkson examined Cora. Can you help me turn her ladyship on her side? He looked at Robert. Robert looked at Sybil with pleading eyes. She was better in those things. Sybil understood his question and stepped closer.

“It looks like she has pneumonia, an infection in her lungs. I will describe an antibiotic. This should help with 2 or 3 days. Do not hesitate to call when her symptoms get worse. She should improve very quickly with the medication.” Dr. Clarkson said when he was done with his examination. He looked at Sybil. “You know what signs to look for, right?”

Sybil nodded. She did not want to repeat them in front of her father. He would see them directly.

“I will let you out.” Edith said.

“That is not necessary, I know the way.” Dr. Clarkson answered. He touched his hat, nodded at Robert, and walked out.

“We should make a schedule so somebody is with Mama the whole night.” Mary said.

“Girls, I am sleeping here tonight, so I will be here.”

“Papa, that is not a very wise idea.” Sybil said timid. “Pneumonia can be contagious and we do not want you to get sick too.”

“I can sleep on the settee.” Robert said. He did not want to leave Cora alone.

“I take the first shift. “Mary said. “Papa, you need your rest, and Mama needs somebody who is awake in the room.”

“Milady, is it alright when I stay here? You all can go to bed.” O’Brien said.

“I will relieve you in two hours,” Mary said. “Sybil, if you take the one after that, so you can check how she is doing. Edith, you will relieve Sybil and Papa can come in the morning.”

Robert still protested but let Edith guide him out of the room.

+++

“Drink this, Mama.” Cora heard Mary’s voice, and she felt her upper body was lifted. This movement made that she started coughing. Her whole body jolted. And it took a while before it stopped. She grabbed the sheets, trying to lift her upper body more, in a desperate attempt to get more air in her lungs.

She was not getting enough air, she needed more air. Went through her mind. She felt Mary’s hands on her back. It helped to get the mucus out of her lungs. Finally, she felt the cough slowing down, and she sunk back into her pillow.

Mary offered her a cup. “Mama, you need to drink. You will like this.”

The only thing Cora wanted was to sleep, but she let Mary help her drink from the cup. She had to admit, the warm drink was nice in her throat.

She tried to lay back down, Mary helped her, and she gave her a faint smile before her eyes fell shut.

+++

Robert woke up with an arm on his chest. For a second, he thought it was Cora. But the same moment he realised that wasn’t possible. He jurked up and saw Jane next to him.

“What are you doing here?” He uttered.

“I thought you needed some comfort tonight.” Jane answered.

“Get up, please get up. This can not be happening.”

“But, I thought you wanted me. It is what you said multiple times over the last weeks. And the way your hands roamed over my body last night is enough proof, you want me.”

“I made a mistake.” Robert said, trying to put on his clothes. “A big mistake. I thought I needed you, but I need my wife. And she needs me, especially now.”

“But.” Jane got up and walked towards Robert, putting her hands on his chest. “All the secret kisses we shared? The words you said to me. You made me believe you wanted more.”

Robert took Jane’s hands in his and kissed her fingers. “Jane, this can not be. I am married, and I love my wife. I should not have seduced you. It is not fair to you or Cora. We can not do this.”

“The day I started working here, I saw you and I knew there was something. The way you looked at me.” She reached her hand to his cheek.

“No.” Robert stepped back out of her reach. “No, this has to stop. This will stop here. We are not meant to be. Cora is the love of my life, and I need to go to her now.”

There was a knock on the door, and before he could tell the person to stay outside, the door opened, and Bates stepped inside.

His eyes grew when he saw Jane in her nightwear in the room. “Do you…… I have….. Edith is asking for you. Do you want breakfast here, Milord?” He said while turning back around.

Robert looked at Jane and back at Bates. What now, what now!

“Can you bring some toast to her Ladyship’s room? I will eat there.” He said, trying to ignore the whole situation. Jane slipped out of the room. Onces the door was closed again. Robert said. “Please, forget what you just saw, never talk about this with anybody.”

The truth always comes out, chapter 2

“Here you go, Milady, Mrs Patmore made you a ginger tea.”

Cora was just getting in bed. Undressing had cost her all the energy she had left. She wanted to let out a deep sigh but felt she would start coughing when she did that. She leaned against the headrest, taking the cup from O’Brien’s hands.

“Is there anything else I can do for you, Milady?”

‘Sending Robert to my room,’ Cora thought. She had not reacted to him sleeping in the guest bedroom. But she felt rough and would love to have him close for comfort. Robert was rejecting her lately, and she could not figure out what was wrong. “No, thank you.” Was her answer instead.

“Just ring when you need anything.”

“You can go to sleep, I will not bother you during the night.” Cora said.

O’brien noticed her Ladyship was having trouble breathing. She would tell this to his lordship, just in case. “I don’t mind if you wake me up. When you need me, I will come directly.”

Cora nodded. She didn’t have the energy to answer. Cora tried to place the cup on her nightstand, O’brien took the cup from her and put it down. Thankful, Cora slit down under the covers and rested her head on the pillow.

+++

“One day, I will learn to play cards like you, grandmamma.” Sybil said, kissing her grandmother on her cheek. “Goodnight.”

“Just keep up what you are doing, and you will indeed be a good card player.” Violet took her jacket from Carson and walked outside.

Sybil wanted to walk upstairs when O’Brien stepped closer. She looked around before speaking to Sybil.

“Milady, I don’t want to worry you, but her Ladyship is worse than she is telling you. I tried to tell his lordship, but I could not find him. I am sorry to bother you with this.”

“No, no.” Sybil put her hand on O’Brien’s arm. “I was already planning on looking into her. Since when is she like this?”

“This morning, when I was fixing her hair, I felt how warm her skin was. Before I didn’t notice anything, but you know how her Ladyship is, she never wants to bother anybody.”

“Did you give her something?”

“Only a cup of ginger tea and a paracetamol for her headache.” O’Brien answered.

“Thank you, O’Brien. I will go directly to her room.” Sybil rushed upstairs.

+++

Without knocking, she opened the door. The light on her mother’s bedside was still on. “Mama?” Sybil said softly, not sure if she was awake. There was no reaction.

Her mother lay on her side, Sybil saw sweat on her forehead. It was obvious that her breathing wasn’t good. Cora was wheezing. Sybil put her hand on Cora’s forehead to feel her temperature. Cora stirred.

“Ssssst.” Sybil said. “It is alright, just sleep, you need it.”

Cora took Sybil’s hand. “Where is your father?” She said very weakly.

“I will ask him to come in soon. Don’t worry, try to sleep. I will put another pillow under you, so it will be easier to breathe.”

Cora closed her eyes again. Sybil was a sweetheart, but she needed Robert. She needed his reassurance. There was something wrong. She felt it. Should she ask Sybil to call Dr. Clarkson? She felt Sybil lifting her upper body, and she tried to help but was too weak. Sybil knew what to do. The second pillow helped. It was a little bit easier to breathe.

“Now rest and get some sleep.” Sybil kissed her forehead.

Cora would have loved to raise her hand and brush Sybil’s cheek, but even for that motion, she lacked the energy. She looked up in her beautiful eyes. Sybil had her eyes, she thought. Cora tried to take a deep breath but started coughing right away.

“I am going to call Dr. Clarkson. Don’t you worry, Mama, everything will be alright.” Sybil padded her mother’s back.

+++

“I prepared a different room for you tonight.” Jane said when Robert pulled her in the guest bedroom.

Robert raised his eyebrows. “Why?”

“There is so much risk being here together. Mrs. Hughes know you sleep here. If somebody sees me coming out, we are in trouble.” Jane said, softly brushing Robert’s arm.

Robert felt his body tingling. He looked down. Jane was a lot shorter than he was. She looked up at him with pleading eyes. He moved his hand to her chin and softly moved his thumb over her jawline. He lowered his face and kissed the tip of her nose. Then, he rested his forehead against hers. “Where is the other room?” He said.

“Around the corner, the second door. That room is hardly used. I will go first, and then wait for you.”

Jane started to walk away, but Robert pulled her back. He planted his lips on hers. “Let’s stay here, I can not wait any longer.” His hand moved over her back, pushing her against his body.

“Milord, we better go to the other room.”

Robert bit in Jane’s lower lip. “I don’t care, I want you, and I want you now.” He felt her body relax. He reached under her skirt and pulled her stocking down. His hand went to her wet spot, and she was more than ready for him. “Good.” He said, stepping back and looking at her. “Now let’s see what you are hiding underneath your clothes.”

Jane’s cheeks coloured bright red. “We first go to the other room, and then you show what you are hiding.” She left his room.

Robert waited a couple of minutes before following her.

Once, he was in the same room as Jane, her hands reached to Robert’s dress shirt, and she started unbuttoning. Very slowly, she moved her hands over his chest.

Robert felt his manhood grow. He put his hands over Jane’s and ripped the shirt open. “You are taking too long.” He lifted her up and laid her on the bed. Turning her on her stomach so he could zip down the dress. Once she was out of it, he turned her back around and he stared at her body. It was the body of a young woman. Her small breasts were still firm, and he moved his hands upwards to feel them.

“Papa.” A loud voice sounded in the hallway.

Robert stiffened. That was Sybil! Why was she looking for him?

Robert shook his head and looked down, his hands still resting on Jane’s body. He jumped up as if he just realised what he was doing. “Put on your clothes.” He said short while pulling up his own pants and trying to fix his dress shirt.

Jane got up and put her hands on Robert’s stomach. “Maybe we can finish this later?”

Robert brushed off her hands. “Stop this. Go.”

“Papa!” Sybil’s voice sounded again, and he could hear some urgency in it.

“I will stay in this room and wait until you are gone.” Jane said, kissing Robert’s cheek.

Robert stepped outside. “Sybil?”

 

The truth always comes out, chapter 1

We meet Cora (50) and Robert (53) living at Downton in modern times. Cora and Robert are at a bumpy road in their relationship, then Robert slips up, will Cora ever find out? (Using the Spanish Flu episode as a reference)

Cora let out a deep sigh. She felt weird all day and now she was also light headed.

“Are you alright?” O’Brien asked, while zipping up the back of Cora’s dress.

Cora gave her a smile. “I am alright, thank you. I am just a little warm.”

“I can help you change your dress?”

“No, thank you, I will be fine.” The thought of changing her dress made her even more tired. She smiled at O’Brien. She was very fond of her, Robert had insisted on getting a ladies maid, years back. Although Cora thought it wasn’t something that was used in these days, she could not deny how easy her life was with one.

“Are you ready to go downstairs?” Robert turned around. “That is a nice dress.” He said. He noticed Cora’s cheeks were a bit red, she still got embarrassed when he made a comment about her appearance in front of their staff, he thought. Was this a sign, they were growing back together. There was something off between them, Cora had been busy with the new event business, she and Mary started. He felt left out and missed the attention Cora usually gave him.

Cora scraped her throat. “Can we not talk about Tom tonight during dinner?”

“You want that simpel boy to come to our house and date our darling girl Sybil?”

Cora lowered herself on a chair, she felt dizzy. “Robert, you know you are being ridiculous. Tom is a nice boy, and we cannot control who Sybil is seeing.”

“I am going downstairs, we will not discuss this any further. You are way to easy in this. Sybil needs a good man, who can support her. How is she going to maintain this lifestyle with a chauffeur?”

“Robert, I may look at it differently, because I am not raised in this British way of thinking. But is her happiness not more important, then having a rich husband?”

“I am going down.” He closed the door behind him and left Cora alone in the bedroom. She got up from the chair and slowly walked towards the door. She was not sure, if it was smart to eat downstairs. She really felt unwell, but she knew Robert would be incredibly mad if she would stay in her room. They had guests and mama had come over. Suppressing a cough she got to the stairs, When she was half way, she almost lost her balance, she could grab the banister, just in time.

Mrs. Hughes appeared next to her. “Milady, you should stay upstairs. I can bring you your dinner.”

Cora forced a smile and turned her face towards Mrs. Hughes, she had been the housekeeper for many years now, and she had developed a special bond with her. “I will be alright, thank you.”

+++

“Mama?” Mary tried to get her mothers attention. “Mama?”

Sybil turned from the conversation with her father and grandmother. She looked at her mother, who didn’t look to well at all. “Mama.” Sybil touched her arm. “Mary is asking you a question.”

“I am sorry.” She smiled at Sybil and turned towards Mary. “What is it dear.”

“I asked if you already made seating arrangements for the event next week.” Mary was a little bit anxious over this event. Matthew would come, and she hoped he would finally ask her out, or at least notice that she liked him.

Cora shook her head. “I did not have time for that, can we look at it tomorrow?” She used her napkin to dap off the sweat on her forehead.

“Mama, I do not think, you should be down here, why are you not going to bed?” Sybil said with a worried tone.

“Cora, is there something wrong? Do you want me to call a doctor?” Robert asked, now also paying attention to what was happening.

Faking another smile, Cora shook her head. “I just need to lay down and get some sleep. I will feel better in the morning.”

“I will sleep in the guest bedroom.” Robert quickly said, glancing at Jane, who was serving tonight.

“That is alright. I will see you in the morning.” Cora got up and walked out of the dining room.

“Papa, I think you need to check on her later this evening. Mama’s breathing sounded different.”

“Nurse Sybil knows best.” Mary sneered.

“Maybe because she is a trained nurse.” Edith joined the conversation. “Papa, I agree with Sybil, Mama has been acting weird all day.”

“Girls, your mother is a grown woman, she can perfectly address it, if she needs something from me.” The fact Cora did not argue with him when he said he would sleep in the guest bedroom worried him. Did she not need him anymore? He on the other hand was in need of physical attention. Cora was always so in tune with him and knew exactly when he needed something. He almost smiled thinking of the ways Cora pleased him. But it had been weeks since they had a proper evening together. Only very quick moments, but not what he really needed. He felt Jane’s eyes staring at him and he glanced down. “Now, if everybody finished their dinner, we can go through.”

Edith took Sybil’s arm when they started to leave the dining room. “Can you check on Mama later?”

“Papa, already said, Mama is a grown woman.” Mary interrupted, before Sybil could answer.

Sybil looked at Mary and then turned back to Edith. “I will indeed go and see how she is feeling before I go to bed. I don’t think Papa will do that.”

“I don’t know what is wrong, but they act different don’t you think?” Edith said.

“Oh, do not be ridiculous, Papa en Mama are married for ages, nothing is wrong. Mama is just busy with the business we started and Papa needs to get used to that.” Mary said. “Now can we go through, grandmama wanted to play bridge.”

When life interrupts, chapter 26

I am incredibly sorry for taking this long to come with this update. I wasn’t planning on ghosting this story, but there was simply no time to write. But here is the long awaited update and finish to this story. There is already a new idea for a next one in my head. And since I am back home, there is time again to write more often, so that story will follow soon.

‘Darling?’ Robert poked his head around the corner of the kitchen.

Cora looked up. “What is it?”

“I just got a call from the contractors. The house is ready.” Robert stepped inside the kitchen.

“Ready? But that would take at least two more months. How did they do that?” Cora answered.

“They started early on our house, so we can move in before we go to Barcelona.”

Cora walked over to Robert and wrapped her arms around him. ‘That is really great news. Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me. I didn’t do anything.”

“Well, you do. You make me a very happy woman, and that is what I am thankful for.” She got on the tip of her toes and kissed him. “But maybe we should not move before Barcelona. We are leaving in 10 days; I will not be able to pack everything up here and in your place and also pack for our stay in Barcelona.”

Robert frowned. He had not thought of that. “You think we should wait?”

Cora kissed Robert again. “I know we have to wait. It is for the best.” Cora smiled. “In two days, Rosamund and Marmaduke will get married, can you believe it? Dinner is almost ready.”

Robert looked at his watch. “That is early it is only 17.00 o’clock.”

“I promised Rosamund to help her tonight, and I have to be there at 18.30. She doesn’t know, but I am going to take her out on her hen-night.”

Robert’s face got white. “Did I have to organise that for Marmaduke too?”

Cora stepped back. “Robert! Please tell me you did organise something?”

Robert’s cheeks started to colour bright red, and he stammered. “I totally forgot about it.”

Cora touched his arm. “Well, I suspected that you would forget, so I arranged an evening.”

“You did?” Robert raised his eyebrows, and what if I had not forgotten?”

A loud chuckle filled the kitchen. “Robert, I know you.” Was all Cora said. She looked at her watch. “Now, can you get Patrick? I will feed him and then we need to eat. We need to change, and the sitter will be here soon.”

+++

“Darling sister, I hope you will have a wonderful honeymoon. And Marmaduke, I know where to find you when you hurt Rosamund.” Robert said, kissing Rosamund on her cheek and shaking Marmaduke’s hand.

“Marmaduke would never hurt Rosamund, don’t you worry about that.” Cora smiled. She was standing next to Robert. They were the last to say goodbye to Rosamund and Marmaduke after their wedding day.

“Have a safe trip to Barcelona.” Rosamund took Cora’s hand in hers. “And please make sure you two will come back to London.”

“Don’t you worry about that. We both want to live here, and Barcelona is only temporary. I quite like the idea of being away for 2 months, but I am also happy it is only 2 months. Now of you go.”

They watched Rosamund and Marmaduke get in the car and drive off. Cora’s hand rested on Robert’s arm. These last two days had been good. She felt at ease next to Robert. Even though Barcelona was coming, she was sure it would work out, and she was happy with Robert next to her. He was more present and involved with the new house. Tonight, when Violet made a snarky comment, when Cora left the dining area to feed Patrick, she heard Robert standing up for her. That brief moment made it clear he was choosing her and Patrick. Maybe Barcelona would even be good for them. Just the two of them and little Patrick. No Violet, Patrick, Rosamund, or Marmaduke to express their opinion.

“Earth is calling.”

Cora looked up; Robert was looking at her. “I am sorry, I was miles away.”

“That I noticed.” Robert smiled at her. He moved his hand to her chin and lifted it. “You don’t realise how beautiful you are.” He kissed her lips tenderly, but his kiss got more intense as soon as he tasted her. He pressed her against the wall and noticed Cora was not protesting. He moved his hand over her neck to her shoulders. His mouth followed his movements.

When he saw goosebumps on Cora’s skin, it was an encouragement for him to go even further. His hands moved to her side and hips, softly squeezing her, but his mouth moved to her chest. Cora was wearing a low-cut, long blue dress. The blue colour made her eyes pop, and the way the dress fitted around her body left nothing for his imagination. It followed her curves perfectly. It did not show everything, but he knew her body so well that he imagined her skin underneath the dress. His hand moved over her belly, and he traced the stretch marks there. They were not visible through her dress, but he knew where they were.

“Don’t.” Cora’s hand softly rested on his. She looked at him with hungry eyes. “Can we go home?”

Robert let out a low rumble. “We could do it here?” He looked around. They were in front of the venue, standing in a remote corner. All the guests had left, and it aroused him, thinking of pleasing his Cora here.

“Outside? Here?” Cora’s voice raised a couple of octaves. Out of excitement and surprise.

Robert started to lift the hem of Cora’s dress, his fingers slightly touching her skin through her stockings. He lifted her up and rested her on a ledge behind her. He felt her hands on his shoulders, pulling him close. Her left hand was playing with the hairs in his neck. He lifted her dress even further and pulled her stockings down. He bent forward and kissed her inner thigh. Cora shivered, Robert continued his kisses and got closer to her warm spot. He noticed Cora was getting ready. Her nails dug into his skin, and he heard her soft moaning that she was trying to suppress. His hand rested on her bum, and he intensified the movement of his mouth.

Cora’s hands moved over his back, and she pulled him even closer. Then she heard a door open and voices coming out. Her whole body stiffened up, and she pressed her thighs together, squeezing Robert’s head.

“What are you doing?” He asked, surprised, while he stood up, but Cora moved her hand to his mouth to shut him up.

“Ssstt.” Cora did not say anything, only looked at Robert. Then he heard the voices. He started to pull up Cora’s stockings, but she stopped him and shook her head. Once again, she made the sussing sound. Then Robert understood, they were not visible. He felt her hands on his bum, pressing him against her. His manhood pressed against her pelvis, and he felt his excitement grow. The fact they could be discovered made his arousal even bigger. Cora’s hands slowly moved over his back, and she moved her hips back and forth. The voices were still in front, and they had to be silent. He almost let out a sound when Cora grabbed his front. He looked into her eyes and saw a playful look. She enjoyed this game a little bit too much, he thought. Her grip intensified, and he had trouble making no sounds. Her mouth found his, and her tongue slipped inside. Robert let out a low moan.

Cora moved her hand over his manhood. Suddenly, she pulled his boxer down and closed her hand around him. Moving up and down while still discovering his mouth with her tongue. With her other hand, she held him close.

Robert leaned back to get some air. He looked down into her eyes. Without a word, he scolded her. There was a smile playing around Cora’s mouth. Her hand did not slow down, the opposite. He saw the hunger in her eyes, and he could not believe his luck. He felt his body shudder. He was close, and Cora knew he was. She got down and pleased him with her mouth. Robert put his hands against the wall to steady himself.

Cora got back up, in between his arms, still with a smile on her face. She kissed his lips. “I think they are gone.” She said softly, biting his lip.

Robert lowered his hands and pulled her close. “You……” But he could not finish his sentence. Cora pressed her lips against his again. “Oh Cora.” Robert murmured.

“Don’t.” Cora said. “Let’s go home.” She rested her head against his chest.

Robert wrapped his arms around her and pressed his lips on the top of her head. “But what about you?” He asked.

Cora looked up. “We have the whole night for ourselves. We don’t have to pick up Patrick before the afternoon.”

“I love you. You know that don’t you?” Robert said, unsure.

“Don’t be silly.” Cora took Robert’s hand in hers. “Of course, I know that.”

+++

“Do you know for sure we have everything packed?” Robert asked Cora.

Cora had just put Patrick in his crib, she looked up. “What we don’t have we will buy.” She looked at her watch. “The cab will arrive soon.” Violet had arranged an afternoon with some business relations. Cora was not looking forward to it, but she knew it was important for the business. The day after tomorrow they would get in the plane to Barcelona. She could not wait to leave, Robert was tense, his mother was trying to control everything he was going to do in Barcelona. She clearly did not like it that Cora was coming with him. Cora wished there would come a day Violet just accepted her.

Robert took her hand. “Don’t be nervous, whatever Mama has planned, it will be alright.”

Cora squeezed his hand. “With you next to me, I can be strong.” The doorbell rang. “There is the cab, you gave the babysitter instructions, right?”

“I did.” Robert stepped back and looked at Cora. She was wearing a dark purple dress, which reached to the floor, it was flowing around her body when she moved. It looked incredible on her. He had chosen a tie in the same colour. He watched her go down the stairs. Quickly he padded his pocket, to make sure the item was there.

+++

“This isn’t the way home. Robert where are we going?” Cora asked. They got in the cab after the event ended. Violet tried to keep Robert busy, but he had kept Cora close. Introducing to everybody to whom he was talking. She really felt included and part of his world.

“You are correct, we aren’t going home yet.”

“I have to call the babysitter to make sure she knows we are running late.”

Robert took Cora’s hand. “She knows we are not coming home yet.” He winked at her.

Cora’s eyes grew. “Where are we going?”

“You will see.”

The cab stopped in front of the Old Royal Naval College. “Have you ever been here?” Robert asked.

“No, never, but it is on my wish list to see the Painted Hall. Are we going to see it?”

Robert chuckled, Cora’s eyes had lit up and made them even more beautiful. He was glad the surprise had this effect on her. He restrained himself from leaning in and kissing her. Instead, he got out and opened the door for Cora. She hooked her arm in his and they walked towards the entrance.

“Honey, it looked like they are closed?” She said, looking at the closed gate.

“They are, but not for us.” Robert answered.

They entered into the Painted Hall and Cora gasped. Inside there was a small orchestra playing ‘Hymne de l’amour – Édith Piaf/Marguerite Monnot’ She looked at Robert, at that same moment he got on his knee and held out a little box. “My darling Cora, I know our story didn’t go like the ones in fairy tales. But we found our way back to each other and our little Patrick is the prove of our love for each other.” He swallowed, the love that poured out of Cora’s eyes was overwhelming. “I cannot imagine my life without you in it and would love to call you, my wife. Will you marry me.”

Cora felt her heart started racing the moment Robert got on one knee. The orchestra was playing in the background, and in front of her, was the love of her life, asking her to marry him. She reached her hands to take his face in her hands. Bending down to kiss him she exclaimed: “Yes, I want to marry you. Yes, yes, yes.”

Robert got back up and put the ring on Cora’s finger. She kissed him again, softly, and tender. He put his arms around her and pulled her close. The orchestra started ‘Concerning Hobbits – Howard Shore’ He moved one hand to her back and with the other one he took her hand. He started waltzing and Cora moved with him. The way they moved over the dance floor was like they always danced together. There was no doubt Cora was a good dancer.

When the orchestra changed to ‘Gabriel’s Oboe – Morricone’ Cora leaned her body against Robert’s and rested her head on his shoulder. She kissed his neck. “Thank you. “She said very softly. “I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life together with you.”

Robert pressed his lips on her hair. His life was perfect. Barcelona would be easy, knowing he was going to marry Cora after the trip. And maybe they would be blessed with more children in the future. Whatever problems he would have to face, about his title and the business, with Cora on his side he would be able to overcome them.