The truth always comes out, chapter 13

Cora said goodnight early. Robert, Mary, and Edith stayed behind in the drawing room; they were still playing a card game. She was tired to the bone and called it a day.

In her room she was met by O’Brien who handed her a letter.

“Milady, Anna asked me to give this to his lordship, but I do not think I will see him tonight, can you pass it to him?” O’Brien handed Cora a letter.

“Why does Bates not give it to his lordship?” Cora inquired surprised.

“He and Anna are out for the night. His lordship will change by himself. And it seemed urgent that he got this letter back.”

Cora put the letter on her dressing table. “I will give it to him, thank you.”

Once O’Brien was done undoing her hair, she put the pins down on her table, knocking the letter on the ground. “I am sorry, Milady.” O’Brien picked up the letter and placed it back on the table. She gathered Cora’s clothes and left. Cora stared at the letter, she could see the top of the letter inside the envelope and the words: ‘Dear Robert’. Who was writing a letter that started with Dear Robert? She decided that it was not her place to read the letter. She pushed the letter back down in the envelope and put it on Robert’s bedside table.

Cora got in on her side and wrapped herself in the duvet. Even though it was a warm day outside, inside the house, it was still cold. The fireplace was burning, which gave a nice warmth. She felt herself shiver and decided not to go down in the morning. She clearly needed more rest. The fire was spreading a nice glow in the room. Cora turned on her other side and closed her eyes. Trying to get some much-needed sleep.

It only took 5 minutes before she opened her eyes again. That letter bothered her. Who started a letter like that? It was not something Rosamund did. Hence, she did not even write letters by hand. Who else could it be? His mother called him ‘dear boy’, her own mother never used ‘dear’ in letters, not even to her. And why was Robert this upset about losing it?

She turned on her other side and closed her eyes again. ‘Let it rest. It is probably nothing’, she said to herself. With a deep sigh, she opened her eyes again. This was not going to work. She wished Robert had come to bed already, so she could ask about the letter.

Her chest rumbled, her lungs were improving, but especially in the evening and during the night, the mucus bothered her. Cora got up and turned on the lights. She went into the bathroom to drink some water. When she walked back, she saw the envelop again and decided that she needed to know what was inside. Robert would be mad, but the way he acted made her anxious.

‘Dear Robert, I know you said you made a mistake, but I know you did not. All the words you spoke. You said them with so much passion. I saw it in your eyes. Cora does not give you what you need, you said so yourself. Why did you doubt your heart? You cannot tell me that evening meant nothing to you. I will be waiting for you. Love J.’

Cora read the words over and over. Robert cheated on her? She knew there was something wrong between them, but this? Why did he not come to her, and who was J. Tears started to well up in her eyes, her Robert, cheated on her. He told another woman she was not enough.

The door to his dressing room opened and Robert appeared in the bedroom. “Oh, hello darling, you are still awake.” Robert froze, when he saw Cora sitting on his side of the bed with a letter in her hands. “What do you have there?” He inquired.

Cora looked up; her lower lip trembled. “Who is J?”

Robert felt cold and hot at the same time. It was Janes letter. How did Cora get that letter, and why did she read one of his letters? “Where did you find that letter?” He said, instead of answering Cora’s question.

“O’Brien asked me to give it to you. Anna gave it to her.” Cora looked up at Robert, his face had drained all its colour.

“And then you thought it was a good idea to read my letter? Because, if I remember correctly my name is on the envelope and not yours!” Robert said angrily.

“Wait a minute, you have more explaining to do, than I at the moment, I figured.” Cora’s voice was cold as ice. “Who is J? And what did you do with her?”

“It is a letter from Jane.” Robert almost whispered.

“A letter from who?” the words flew out of Cora’s mouth.

“I… Jane wrote that letter.”

“How long has this been going on?” Before Robert could answer, Cora continued. “Do not lie to me.” her eyes pierced into his.

He felt his legs go weak. “I have been talking with her for a couple of weeks now, but only one night we met in a room.”

“You are talking about Jane one of our housemaids? When did all this happen?” Cora started breathing heavily.

“She was indeed one of our housemaids, but she is gone now. She did not want to understand, that it was a mistake and that I only love you. Cora? I need you.” Robert stepped towards Cora and got on his knees in front of her, grabbing her hands. “Cora, truly, this is the biggest mistake I ever made. I was lost, and Jane gave me comfort. I know, I know it was wrong, but.”

Cora pulled her hands back. “You are making excuses for yourself. Why did you not come to me? Why did you not talk? And why did you keep this letter?” She waved the envelope in front of his eyes. “Why Robert, why?” Her whole body shook when her cough started, she folded in half and had trouble catching her breath again. Robert padded her back, helping her to get the mucus out. Once the coughing stopped, she asked again. “Why?”

“I had not read it yet, I did not know what to do with it, I am sorry.”

“If you truly mean, that it was a mistake, you would have thrown the letter away. But you know it was not a mistake, you wanted another woman. A younger woman, God, Robert, she could had been your daughter.”

Robert looked down, not knowing what to say. Jane was older than Mary, but she was indeed a lot younger than he and Cora were.

It stayed silent, Cora was fighting against her tears and Robert too ashamed to say anything.

“Cora?” He started very softly, not daring to look up to her.

When Cora did not react, he looked up and saw her bottom lip tremble. He took her hands in his. “Cora, it was a mistake. I only love you; Jane was a mistake. I am sorry.” He pressed her hand against his lips.

“Can you leave?” her voice almost inaudible.

Cora stared in front of her, she did not look at him. Tears shimmering in her eyes.

Robert got up and left Cora’s bedroom in silence. Was Cora able to forgive him? How did she get that letter? And what made her read it, it was not something Cora did, reading his letters. Did O’Brien know about him and Jane? Did the whole staff? He leaned against the wall and slid down, resting his head in his hands. “He should have told Cora immediately the day she asked for his forgiveness.

The truth always comes out, chapter 12

“Edith?” Cora stopped her middle daughter when she got downstairs.

Edith just crossed the great hall. “Mama? I thought you would stay upstairs today. Papa told us at breakfast.”

“How can I stay inside when the weather is this nice. I will rest, but outside. But that was not why I stopped you.”

“Well, let’s first go outside and get you on a chair.” She hooked her arm in her mother’s. “Carson, can you bring the cushions outside and some drinks?”

“Of course, Milady. Good to see you downstairs again, Milady.”

Cora gave Carson a smile. He was a hard-working man. Having a butler was something Robert insisted on, and Cora had to admit that in a house like this, it was easier to have certain staff. Mrs. Hughes made sure the maids did their jobs. There were too many rooms to clean herself. Especially when the girls were younger, she was glad about all the help. And now she was so used to having all these people in their house that she did not even notice.

Edith made sure Cora sat down on the lounge chair. She heard about her fall last night, and she wanted to be sure she was comfortable.

“So, now we are finally alone again.” Cora started after everybody had left again. Carson had made sure they had enough drinks and food. “Can you tell me what is going on in your life?”

“What do you mean, Mama?” Edith asked.

“Well, I know Sybil is seeing Tom, Mary is going out with Matthew, but you never tell me anything about boys you are seeing.”

“There is not much to tell.” Edith brought her glass to her mouth.

Cora cleared her throat, what made Edith turn her head.

“Mama, your lungs are still not clear, are they?” She said with a worried face.

Cora stretched her hand towards Edith. “This will take time, but my lungs do not hurt anymore, this cough will also go away.”

“Well, this has been nice, but I have some letters to write.” Edith got up and kissed her mother on her cheek. “I will see you at dinner.”

Lazily Cora stretched herself, the sun was nice and warm. She rested her head against the chair and closed her eyes. Just for a minute she thought.

+++

Robert was on his hands and knees in his dressing room. Where was that letter! He had it in his hands last night, he dropped it when he ran to see what happened in Cora’s room. He scolded himself for not being more careful and at the same time he got mad that Cora had interrupted him. He needed to find that letter, he needed to know what was written inside, but most of all, what if somebody else read it? That would be a disaster, even though he did not know what was inside, he could guess the contents. Robert let out a deep sigh, this mess was getting bigger and bigger. He rested his back against the wall.
How could he betray Cora in this way? Why did he not just talk to her, about how he felt. She would have understood, exactly how she understood right now, without knowing what was wrong. She thought he was mad, because of her lack of attention. Oh, she did not even know half of what happened. And yet she was trying to calm him down, her words of affection last night. Just thinking about her warm body against his last night, made his body tingle.

This morning when he opened his eyes, she was still laying close to him. Her top had crept up, showing her waist and belly. Softly had followed the lines on her skin with his finger. She turned fifty but still as beautiful as she was when he married her. They were both so young, she twenty-one and he twenty-four. He himself had gotten a bit chubbier and the grey hairs were present. But his Cora was still the raven-haired woman who he had met all these years back, he even dared to bet, she would fit in her wedding dress.

He shook his head, no time for daydreaming, he needed to find that letter. He got up and looked in the drawer again, but it was still not there. One more time he got on his knees to look under the bed.

“Milord?” Bates voice sounded. “Can I help?”

Robert shot up. “Yes, you can. Did you see a letter on the ground in this room?”

“I have not milord, but when I came in here, the room was already cleaned. Should I ask one of the maids?”

“I will do that myself.” He walked passed Bates and rushed downstairs.

+++

“Who cleaned my dressing room this morning?” Robert asked Mrs. Hughes.

“Milord?” Mrs. Hughes was standing with her back towards Robert, but quickly turned around. “I did not hear you come downstairs. Can you repeat that?”

Robert let out an annoyed sound. “Who cleaned my dressing room today?”

“Oh, it was either Anna or Daisy. Why? Is something not, right?” Mrs. Hughes ignored his rudeness.

“Where is Daisy?” Robert was too short, he knew that, but if Daisy had the letter, it was a disaster, she knew Jane was the sender.

“I saw her go outside; I think she is picking up some vegetables for dinner tonight.”

+++

Cora woke up from a hard voice. She recognized Robert’s voice.

“Where is that letter, Daisy.”

“I do not know Milord.” Daisy’s voice was shaking.

“Do not lie to me. I know you have cleaned my room, so you must have found the letter.”

“I haven’t Milord, honestly, I do not know where your letter is.” Daisy was almost crying.

Cora got up from her chair and walked towards the noise.

“Daisy, I will give you one more change, before I fire you. What did you do with the letter.”

“You need to ask Anna.”

“I am asking you and not Anna, tell me!” Robert was now shouting.

“She cleaned your room, Milord; I did not go into that room today. I do not know where it is. Please, Milord, I cannot afford to lose this job.”

“You are not losing your job, over something his lordship lost, Daisy.” Cora interrupted.

Robert’s head shot towards where the sound came from, and his heart froze in his chest. Cora had heard this conversation. He should have known better and talk with Daisy inside.

“Daisy, you can return to what you were doing. Can you ask Anna if she has found a letter?” Cora’s voice was awfully steady, Robert thought. She then turned towards him. “What is wrong, darling?” She stepped closer and he let her tough his arm. “Why are you so upset about a letter?”

Was this the moment to tell her? He looked up and saw Cora’s weary face and knew this was not the right moment. “I am sorry, I should not have reacted like this. The letter is not that important.” He lied. “I will go and apologize to her right now.”

Cora’s grip on his arm got stronger. “You better wait, the girl is to shaken up right now.” Her other hand rose to his cheek. “Can you tell me what is bothering you?”

“You know what is bothering me, that Tom boy is. Sybil is going over there for dinner tonight and I do not like it at all. He has never shown his face at our dinner table.”

Cora sighed. “Darling, I do not think, he thinks he is welcome at our dinner table. The last time he was here, you practically shoved him out of the front door.” Cora felt sorry for Robert, he was really upset about this, but with this behaviour he was scaring Tom away and Sybil into his arms. “Did Mary tell you about Matthew?” She tried to change the subject.

Now Robert’s face lit up. “No, she has not, is there finally something happening between them two?” He asked hopeful.

“There is, he asked her out on a date.” Cora hooked her arm into Robert’s and started walking towards the front of the house.

The truth always comes out, chapter 11

“You did wonderful, my darling.” Cora said when Mary helped her up the stairs.

“It was better than I expected.” Mary answered. She looked at her mother, her skin was very pale, and Mary knew, she asked too much of herself. “Matthew asked me on a date before he left.”

Cora stopped. They arrived at the top of the stairs, and she needed a minute to catch her breath. Mary’s announcement was a perfect timing. “He did? That makes me happy.”

Mary blushed. “I think this can be more than just a date.” She padded her mother’s back. She had still a nasty cough Mary thought. “You did too much today, didn’t you?”

Slowly Cora started walking towards her bedroom. She smiled at Mary. “But this day is over, and I can rest now.”

“I hope you will stay in bed tomorrow, or at least do not do too much?”

“We will see how I feel tomorrow. Do not worry too much.”

---

Robert was sitting on the bed in his changing room. He had heard Cora in her room, but he was not ready yet to join her. He had sent Bates away. He was holding Jane’s letter in his hands. He turned the envelope round and round. He should throw it away without reading it. But something inside him wanted to know what Jane had written to him. He thought of his beautiful Cora, sitting opposite of him in her stunning turquoise dress. He was happy with her, so why did Jane still pop up in his head. Could they have had a future together? He could not run away from Downton with her, and staying in Downton was also not an option. Once again, he turned the envelop around and he stared at his name on the front. With his thumb he stroked over the letters.

All of the sudden he was shaken up by a lout thwack, the sound came from Cora’s room. He jumped up, dropping the letter while he rushed into her room.

Cora was on the ground next to a side table that had fallen over on hands and knees. Robert rushed to her. “Cora what happened?”

At that same time Sybil stormed into the room, when she saw her mother on the ground, she grabbed the oxygen and offered it to her mother, although she did not seem to have trouble breathing. Robert lifted her into an armchair.

“Mama? Do you want me to call Dr. Clarkson?” Sybil asked.

Cora shook her head. “I am fine.” she said slowly.

“What happened?” Robert asked again.

“I was wondering where you were and got up to see if you were already in your changing room. I got dizzy and stumbled over that table.” She pointed at the knocked over side table.

Sybil pressed her hand against her mother’s forehead. “You do not feel warm. I will take you blood pressure to make sure it is not too low.”

Cora padded her hand. “I ask to much of myself today. Nothing is wrong. I need to be more careful.”

“Yes, you do. You scared me, Cora.” Robert said with a deep voice.

Cora heard anger in his tone, and she could not blame him for it. “Tomorrow, I will do nothing, I promise you.”

“When you are sure you are alright, I will go back to my room. Mama, Papa.” Sybil greeted them.

Robert bent down to help Cora out of the chair. Cora put her hand on his cheek. “I am truly sorry for this. I did not realise that walking these few steps would be too much after today. I am sorry. But how wonderful was tonight. This event was fantastic, and we can be so proud of Mary.”

Robert nodded. Mary did indeed splendid, better than he had expected, and at the end of the evening he had seen her and Matthew together, so he hoped that meant good news.

“Come, let us lay down and get some sleep. Are you staying tonight?” Cora asked.

This request surprised Robert. “Do you feel well enough for that?”

“I do not understand why you went back to the guest backroom after that night you stayed with me. I am not sick anymore, only recovering. I miss you next to me. I also do not understand why you are using the guest bedroom and not your dressing room?” Cora looked at Robert, she was not sure what she saw in his eyes. Was he still cross with her. “Darling. I truly will give you more of my time. I am sorry for the last weeks. Mary is taking control of the company.”

Robert’s guilt grew in his chest, why was Cora still apologizing, she did not do anything wrong. It was her right to do things she loved. He needed to tell her about Jane, but he did not know how. He looked into her eyes; he saw so much love in them that he felt even more guilt. Suddenly he pulled her close to his chest. “Thank you darling.”

Cora moved her hands over his back in a soothing way. Softly producing sussing sounds. He must have been so scared these last days. “Let’s get some sleep.”

Robert scooped her up and carefully laid her down on the bed. He pulled the duvet cover up and quickly got in on his side. Cora had turned on her side and was watching him. As soon as he got closer to her, she stretched out her hand and rested it against his chest. Robert pulled her into his arms, he felt her sigh, her head rested on his arm, he knew they could not sleep like this, his arm would go numb. It was as if Cora read his mind, she shifted, so he could move his arm.

Cora lifted her chin “I am lucky to have you as my husband.” She puckered her lips and Robert pressed his lips against hers. The sensation made all signals go off in his body, but Cora was still recovering, so he ignored the feeling in his groin, he felt heat creep up in his body. The little hairs were rising on his back when he felt Cora’s hand slide over his side and back. She found her favourite spot and rested her hand where the curve of his hip started. He pressed a kiss into her hair and soaked up the feeling of her body against his.

The truth always comes out, chapter 10

“Cora, how wonderful to see you downstairs.” Rosamund said when she saw Cora enter the drawing room.

Robert jumped up and rushed towards her. He offered her his arm. “Darling, why did you not tell me you wanted to come down? I could have helped you.”

While taking Robert’s arm, she padded his arm. “I am well enough to walk the distance between our bedroom and here.”

“Milady, it is good to see you back up again.” Carson said.

“Mama, I was not expecting you downstairs already.” Sybil entered. “Is it smart with the event tonight?”

“As long as I can sit down right now, I will be.

It was as if Robert woke up from a trance. “Oh, my sweetheart, sorry, I did not realise.” He walked with her to the couch. Do you want something to drink?”

Cora let out a sigh when she rested against the backrest. The walk from the bedroom downstairs had cost more energy then she wanted to admit. “I see Carson brought in some tea, which would be nice.”

With his finger Robert caressed Cora’s cheek. “Coming right up.”

Mary came inside with a bundle of papers and walked towards Cora. “Mama, can you please take a look. I think I have a good seating plan, but I am not sure.”

Cora wanted to take the papers, but Robert interfered, he was sitting next to Cora and took the papers from Mary. “Your mother needs rest, it is wonderful that she is downstairs with us, but let’s not wear her out.”

Cora tried to hide her cough, her lungs were clearing up, but the cough was still lingering. She looked at Robert. “Robert, I will look at the papers, it will also give me some peace knowing more about tonight.”

Robert clenched his jaw, it was only three days ago that he had to help her into the bath, because she was to exhaust. And now she was already forgetting about her promise. She said she would direct more tasks to Mary and give him more of her time. If that meant, being in the same room as him, but still working on different things, it felt like an empty promise.

Knowing her husband for so many years, she knew he was getting angry. Or at least upset with her. She leaned in on his shoulder, her hand moved towards his hand that was resting on the couch. She curls her little finger over his. “I am keeping my promise.” She said very softly, so only Robert could hear her.

---

“What jacket do you want to wear tonight?” Bates asked.

Robert was not paying attention, he looked down at the table next to his dresser. There was a little note in the drawer, Jane wrote it on the day she left. Daisy had brought it up. ‘Jane asked me to give you this.’ She had said. He had not looked at it but put it down in the drawer of this table. Why he did not throw it away, he did not know.

“Milord?” Bates voice sounded again.

This time the sound reached Robert’s ears and he looked in Bates direction. His mind was still with that little note, what was written inside it? He shook off the thoughts. “Can you repeat your question?”

---

Robert gasped when he stepped into Cora’s bedroom. He loved that they still had so many customs from back in the day. He changed into the little room, conjoining Cora’s room. They also still called this room Cora’s room. Although they always were together in it. It was done like this one hundred years ago and they liked the tradition of it. “You look amazing darling.”

Cora was wearing a long turquoise evening dress. The dress followed her curves perfectly, with the high up neckline it gave her a classy look. She turned around on her heels and looked at Robert.

“You do not look bad yourself either.” Her eyes glancing over his body.

O’Brien had put Cora’s curls up into a beautiful updo. “Thank you, O’Brien, that is all for tonight. I will see you tomorrow.”

“You do not need help tonight?” O’Brien inquired.

Cora chuckled. “I will manage perfectly fine by undressing myself. I love all the work you do for me, but for tonight you have done enough. Thank you.” She sunk back on a nearby chair, standing still for too long was still exhausting.

Right before Robert stepped inside, she wanted to ask O’Brien if something she remembered was a fever dream or that it really happened. She remembered O’Brien asking for her forgiveness and saying she made a terrible mistake. But was it really a memory or a dream? She did not know and in a way she did not like embarrassing O’Brien by asking. If there was truly something she would tell her.

“What is on your mind?” Robert had stepped closer and put his hand on her shoulder, softly massaging it.

Cora raised her hand and covered Robert’s. “O’Brien said something to me while I was ill, but I am not sure if she really said it, or if it was a dream. And I do not know if I should ask her about it?”

Robert was glad he was standing behind Cora and that she could not see his face. “What did she say to you?”

Cora sighed. “I am not 100% sure, but she made a terrible mistake and needs my forgiveness.”

The colour drained out of Robert’s face; she thought O’Brien said that.

Cora’s grip on his hand tightened and he saw she was looking at him. “Everything alright? Please do not tell me you are getting ill now?”

Robert shook his head. “No, I am not ill. Do not worry, I am just shocked that there could be something O’Brien should ask forgiveness for. You know I never liked that woman, what did she do? Did she steal from you. Did you check your jewellery?” He was glad he could come up with this so quickly.

“I do not have to; O’Brien is not a thief. Come, let us go downstairs. The guests are coming any minute now.” A large part of the evening would mean that she could sit down, and for the rest she would use Robert a s crutch, she was looking forward to this night. Seeing what Mary had done and how it would all work out.

The truth always comes out, chapter 9

Robert was walking in the gardens with Isis. He needed some alone time. Cora´s words from last night hit him. The guilt was building up, he wished he had never been so foolish. Why did he need to almost loose Cora, before seeing what he a gem he had married. How en when was he going to tell her, he had to tell her. He still agreed with Bates, there was no other way. Cora deserved the truth, even though he did not know how she would react to it.

“Robert?”

He turned around, annoyed he was disturbed. It was his sister Rosamund.

“Are you alright?” She asked.

He shook his shoulders. “I think so, why.”

“You were awfully quiet at breakfast this morning. Cora is getting better, isn’t she?”

“Thank the Lord she is indeed.”

“What else is bothering you?”

“Rosamund, there is nothing, I think I am just tired of all the stress from the last days. Sybil running away with that Tom, Cora almost dying.”

“Sybil seems happy with Tom, why do you not give him a change. He could surprise you.”

“Please, not you too. Why can nobody agree with me on this? Why are you all not seeing what is happening?” He sighed.

“You should have more faith in Sybil’s judgement. Did you recently check in on Edith how she is doing. Does she have somebody she likes?”

Robert frowned. “Edith is happy as she is. She is giving me the least worries.”

“Well, I think you should open your eyes and look better. Your middle child is struggling, I can see it.”

“So, now you are going to pretend to know how to raise children? Rosamund, you do not even have children of your own!”

Rosamund’s jaw tightened. “I know, as you often remind me of the fact.”

+++

“Mama, you asked for me.” Mary walked into her mother’s room. O’Brien left the moment she stepped inside. “How are you feeling?”

Cora pulled herself up, she was clearly feeling better, but very exhausted still. “I am better, could use a shower, only I do not have the energy yet. But I asked for you because in three days we have that event. And on the day, I fell ill, we still had a lot of things to prepare. How are things now?”

Mary blushed. “I have to admit, I did not do much.”

“I suspected that already. You will have to learn to do more on your own darling.” Cora said carefully, she knew how Mary would react.

“You do not think I had other worries over the last days? You were almost dying, and you expect me to work on a stupid event.” Mary reacted exactly how Cora had expected.

She reached for her daughter’s hand. “Darling, you know you did not do much before I got ill either. You are leaning on me too much. I am more than willing to help you, but we started the business because you wanted to do something. I am only here to help, but the last six events were all arranged by me. Please tell me if I am wrong.”

Reluctantly Mary let her mother hold her hand. “No.” She said, her eyes low. “I found it very convenient that you did all the work.”

“Maybe it is time to change things?” Cora said softly.

It stayed silent for a little while, and when Mary looked up, she saw her mother had her eyes closed. Carefully she pulled her hand back and walked out of the room. She met Sybil in the hallway. “Mama is asleep again.”

“How was her breathing?” Sybil asked.

“Much better. She was not using the oxygen; her coughing is also less harsh. Should we help her take a shower this afternoon? She mentioned it.”

“I am not sure, maybe we better ask Papa to help her.”

“Papa? You really think Papa is capable of doing that?” Mary raised her eyebrows.

Sybil chuckled. “Papa hates anything medical, but helping his wife take a shower is something else. And do you think Mama will like it when we help her?”

“Hmm, maybe you are right. It is also a bit weird indeed. Helping O’Brien, changing her clothes was different, she was mostly asleep when we did that. But yeah, maybe…” Mary’s voice trailed off.

“I will ask Papa when he and Rosamund are back. For now, it is good, Mama is sleeping, she needs to regain her strength. Can I help you with the event of next week?”

“Are you not going to Tom this afternoon?”

“He can wait.” She giggled. “He will have me for the rest of my life, so no, I am not going to Tom, I am going to help my big sister.”

+++

Robert walked upstairs; Mrs. Patmore gave him Cora’s lunch. When he opened the bedroom door, he saw her sitting upright in the bed. “You are looking a lot better, dearest.”

“I feel better, thankfully.”

“Mrs. Patmore made you some sandwiches. And when you finish them, I will help you take a shower.”

Cora’s face brightened. “Would you have time for that?”

With just two big steps Robert was next to Cora. “For you I make time. Now do you first want to eat, or first that shower.” His eyes gazing into hers.

Cora chuckled. “I am afraid, this will be a boring shower for you.” Softly she stroke his cheek.

Robert rested his head against her hand, soaking up her attention, how long would he get that from her. Once she would know what he had done, this would be over. Was he going to lose Cora over what he did?

Cora saw sadness cloud Robert’s face. “Darling? What is troubling you?”

Quickly Robert pulled his face straight again. “Never mind, darling. Now, let’s eat your sandwiches, then I will help you with that shower.”

Once Cora finished her plate, she pulled the duvet down and carefully put her legs over the edge.

“Let’s not waist to much energy.” Robert said, while scooping her of the bed. “I will carry you.”

Cora rested her head on his shoulder. This was the safest place she could be, she thought. In the arms of her loving husband.

“I filled the bathtub, I figured that would cost you less energy. The warm water will be nice on your skin, and it is easier for me to help you wash your hair.”

Her heart overflowing with love for Robert, Cora pressed her lips against Robert’s skin. Her hand playing with the hairs in his neck. “I love you.” she whispered.

The truth always comes out, chapter 8

“Thank you, darling.” Cora smiled up at Sybil, who had woken her up. Robert was still sleeping. He had slept close to her the rest of the night. His hand was still lying on her hip. Sybil had come in and very quietly gave her, her medication.

“You are really feeling better? Aren’t you?” Sybil asked.

Cora nodded. “Due to your good care.”

“It was not just me.” Sybil protested.

Cora padded her hand. “You are allowed to take the credit, darling.” She scraped her throat, which resulted in a coughing fit. Next to her, Robert woke up from the sound and the shaking of the bed. He shot up when he realised she was coughing.

She felt his hands on her back. There was still a lot of mucus in her lungs, what needed to come out. The rhythmic beats on her back worked well to loosen it.

Sybil gave her the oxygen. She did not use it during last night, but it helped to catch her breath again. She felt Sybil’s hand on her forehead. “I think your fever is gone. Let me take your temperature.”

“I am going to take a shower.” Robert said quickly, kissing her cheek. Cora chuckled and let Sybil take her temperature.

+++

“Her Ladyship is finally feeling better.” Mary said to Anna.

“That is a relief, Milady.” Anna answered. “How is the event of next week coming along? Did you have time to work on it?”

Mary looked at Anna. She had totally forgotten about the event. “I, oh no. I forgot. We have 3 days left. I need to check what Mama….. I am sorry. Her Ladyship has done already. She said she didn’t make any seat arrangements yet.”

“I can help you with that. The people coming are all people we have had in this house before. I think I know who can sit next to who and what is wise.”

“Oh, Anna, would you do that?” Mary touched her hand.

“Of course, you can focus on the rest. But maybe you should not ask her Ladyship, and find out yourself what needs to be done from this point. I suspect there is a list inside her desk with all the things that still need to be done.”

+++

“What are you doing?” Edith asked, walking inside her mother’s office. When she walked past, she saw Mary going through her mother’s desk.

“Nothing that concerns you, Edith” Mary bitched.

“Mama doesn’t like it when we mess with her stuff. You know she hates it when we do that, so why are you doing it.”

“As I said, it doesn’t concern you, and you would not even understand. You never run a business or do anything in your life.”

“Girls!” Rosamund also stepped inside, closing the door behind her. “What is going on here?”

Mary rolled her eyes. “We have that event next week, and I need to finish some things for it. And I do not need her.” Mary pointed towards Edith. “Help with it.”

Rosamund sighed. Since the girls were little, they had been bickering. Rosamund wished it would have been different. Luckily enough, both girls had a good relationship with Sybil. The peacemaker, she had a very sweet character and knew how to make people feel better. Rosamund remembered when she was born, both Cora and Robert had been nerves, bringing another baby home. But since day one, she had been very easy, and Mary as Edith loved her.

+++

Cora opened her eyes. After O’Brien helped her freshen up, Cora had fallen asleep again. She was weak, what annoyed her, she knew her body needed time to recover. But getting up from the bed was enough to get in her in a coughing fit again. She could not even stand on her feet and needed to sit down while O’Brien changed the bedding. She was glad when O’Brien suggested not to shower but fresh herself up with a washcloth. Her hair needed washing, but she felt exhausted just thinking of walking to the bathroom.

She saw Robert sitting next to her. He had pulled a chair close, and his feet rested on the matrass. He was reading some papers and made notes. It warmth her heart knowing he wanted to be close to her. Even though he needed to work. She had not given him enough of her attention over the last weeks, and she felt they had grown apart. He deserved more of her, and she promised herself to redirect more work towards Mary from now on.

She watched how Robert’s forehead frowned. He was biting on his pen. His eyebrows moved down and up, and the pen started tapping on the paper. He moved it back to his mouth, his brows drew together.

“Difficult matter?” She asked.

This scared Robert. “Darling, did I wake you?”

Cora’s lips turned into a smile. “You have not, sweetheart. Do not worry.”

“Good.” He put his papers down on her nightstand and bent forward. He wanted to kiss her forehead, but Cora put her hand on his cheek and directed his lips towards hers. She felt him sigh, she thought from relief.

Robert looked at the clock. “It is almost dinner time, do you think you want to eat something?”

“As long as it is no chicken broth, yes, please.”

Robert laughed out loud. “You are not happy with what we gave you over the past days?”

“I do not think I was able to eat anything else, so I am not complaining, but something different tonight would be lovely.”

“I will ask Mrs. Patmore to make something tasteful.” He was getting up, but Cora grabbed his hand.

“Robert?” Her voice was all of a sudden, soft and unsure.

He stopped his movement. “Darling?”

Cora reached for his hand, and he took it. “We are alright, aren’t we? She asked. “Because I think I neglected you, and if I did, I am sorry.

Robert swallowed. “You do not need to apologise to me.” Softly kissing the back of her hand.