The truth is always comes out, chapter 43

Cora sat next to Edith in the cab, Mary had taken the front seat. It had upset Cora, but she knew that Mary and Edith never had had a good relationship with each other. And it did not help that Edith was grieving, Mary did not understand why she was grieving. For her Michael was just Edith’s employer, nothing more.

She heard Edith take a deep breath; Cora placed her hand on top of Edith’s. Without a comment and briefly, just to let her know she was there for her.

Saying farewell to Robert had been equally awkward. He kissed her on the cheek and lifted her suitcase in the car. They had not said much. What was there to say? She wanted to say that she loved him and missed him. But that stadium had passed. The papers were signed months ago. She was glad they were talking again, but a way back was not in sight. Did she genuinely want to go back? Or was this a longing for something that had been in the past? And was she only holding on to the past? Was she still scared to let go and go on? Would she ever be able to love somebody else? Did she want to love somebody else?

A deep sigh left her body, while she stared out of the window. Rain was pouring down, it was a perfect reflection of the mood inside the car, gloomy. It was Edith who placed her hand on top of Cora’s now.

Cora turned her head towards Edith and gave her a soft smile. “I am alright.” She said softly, so Mary would not hear her.

“Where do you sleep tonight, Edith?” Mary had turned around, looked down towards Edith’s hand on Cora’s and arrogantly wrinkled her nose.

Edith looked at Cora. “I was hoping to sleep at Mama’s house.” Her voice unsure.

“No, you cannot. I am sleeping there tonight. You have to go to your own house or go to Aunt Rosamund.”

“Mary!” Cora let out, in a surprised angered voice. “The three of you have a room in my house. I especially searched for a bigger house so you could all stay at the same time. Edith had as much right to stay there as you have.”

“Compared to Downton it is a small house.” Mary bitched.

Cora swallowed; she did not want to fight with Mary.

“I will go to Aunt Rosamund, Mama. If that makes Mary happy. It is her special day tomorrow, together with you.”

Cora gave Edith a thankful look. “Only when, you are sure?”

+++

Robert stepped into Cora’s old room, he walked towards the door to his dressing room. He put the key in the lock, it needed to be on Cora’s side he thought. She was the one controlling it.

To be fair, he was not expecting to ever see Cora back in this room. The way they said goodbye did not predict they would ever be together again.

Was she able to go on? Did she ever think about him? Did she miss him like he missed her? He inhaled deeply through his nose; Cora’s scent was still present in this room.

Suddenly he saw her fighting for every breath again. How she was moving her arms and legs in an attempt to lift her body, hoping to get air in. He shivered; he did not want to think back at that time. He made the biggest mistake in his life.

He walked towards the door and glanced at the bed. He tried to recall a happy memory. It was one where Cora was holding Mary right after her birth. She was glowing while nursing the baby in her arms. Robert was so incredibly proud; he had been with her every step of the way. His mother had not liked him being in the room, but he had insisted, and Cora wanted him close. It had taken a long time, but she was so strong. He could see in how much pain she was, but she never complained, not one bit. She endured it like the true fighter she was. He had seen the sorrow in her eyes, when the words: “Congratulations, it is a girl.” were spoken. She had looked at him and without words she had said sorry. But there was no reason to say sorry. A boy had been wonderful, and it would have settled his title with a lot more ease. But in these modern times a girl could also inherit the title, there was a bit more paperwork involved.

“Milord?” Bates stood in the hallway.

Robert quickly closed the door, embarrassed he was seen in Cora’s room.

“Tom is downstairs waiting for you.” Bates said.

This made Robert raise his eyebrows. “Did he say what he wants?” Robert did not feel comfortable meeting Tom alone. Why was he here, he should be with Sybil and Sybbie.

“He did not Milord. He is waiting in the drawing room.”

Robert went downstairs and greeted a clearly nervous Tom. “What brings you here?”

“Sybil has asked me to come here and ask you a question.” He stopped and looked at Robert. “We want to Christen Sybbie, and we hope you and Lady Grantham, uhm, Lady……” Tom started stuttering, not knowing how to address Cora.

“You can call her Lady Grantham, that is alright.” Robert said, unsure himself what her title would be now. Probably no title at all, and it would be just Cora Levinson.

Tom nodded. “Sybil and I hope you want to attend the Christening.”

Robert’s eyebrows grew together, there was a reason, why Tom came by to ask this question. But what was it?

“It will be a Catholic Christening.” Tom said.

Aha, there it was. Catholic, he could have known, Tom was Irish and Catholic. “Does Lady Sybil agree with that?” He asked.

“We married for the Catholic church; she agrees.”

Robert grinded his teeth but forced a smile on his face. “I will ask Lady Grantham, but I think we will be there.”

Drabble – Oh, just one more thing. The dog

The four of them looked at the door. Dr. Clarkson, Isobel, Cora, and Robert were in the middle of an argument when Mary entered. Cora’s eyes shot fire when she looked at Isobel.

“I’m sorry. Are you in the middle of something?” She asked, holding an envelope and letter in her hand.

Dr. Clarkson was the first one to speak. “We’re discussing the arrangements.”

“Oh, good” Mary said. “we’ve had a letter from Evelyn Napier. He’s in a hospital in Middlesbrough and he’s heard that we’re a convalescent home now, and wonders if he can come here once he’s released.”

“Of course, he can come here.” Cora said with a compassioned voice. Evelyn Napier had been an old family friend and he should come here as soon as he was able to travel again. She was sad to hear he got wounded. So many dear young men were getting killed and injured.

“Well, now, just a minute.” Dr. Clarkson started.

“There’s no question of him coming here.” Isobel finished.

Cora let out a gasped. “What?”

“The Middlesbrough General will have their own arrangements for where their patients convalesce.” Isobel continued.

Dr. Clarkson said: “I’m afraid Mrs Crawley is right. Downton must function as part of the official system, or it cannot function at all.”

Cora had turned towards Robert with a desperate plea in her eyes. What were they thinking. Isobel was barking at her like a sergeant major and she gave orders to her servants. And now they were not even able to say who would stay here at their house?

“Now, I think perhaps I should make one thing clear.” Robert’s voice was terrifying low. “Downton is our house and our home and we will welcome in it any friends or relations we choose. And if you do not care

to accept that condition, then I suggest you give orders for the nurses and the patients and the beds and the rest of it to be packed up and shipped out at once!” He shouted the last words.

Cora felt a smirk around her mouth, she tried to control it. She loved Robert so much, especially when he stood up for what he cared for. And even though just before he was going to defend Isobel, she could hear it in the way he said: ‘Cora, I’m sure…’ But it did not matter. He was setting both Dr. Clarkson as Isobel in their place. They should understand that this was their home, and it was up to their goodwill that it was now a convalescent home.

Dr Clarkson looked at Isobel and after a slight hesitation he said: “Thank you, Lord Grantham, for making your position so clear.”

Cora was still trying to hold back her smile, she gave both Dr. Clarkson and Isobel stern looks, although inside she felt joy. Robert was irresistible when he was like this.

“Oh, just one more thing. The dog.” Isobel had not given up her fight yet, Cora thought. “What should we do to stop Isis getting into the patients’ rooms?”

Robert had turned towards his desk, but at this question he turned back around. “I can answer that…” He stopped for a second to give his answer more dept. “Absolutely nothing!”

“Ah.” Isobel followed Dr. Clarkson and Mary out of the room.

Robert had again turned towards his desk and was moving papers. Cora knew he did not really look at them. She stepped closer and put her hands on his shoulders and back. Slowly she moved her hands up and down. She felt his body react, like she had hoped.

Cora started massaging his shoulders, she felt him slowly relax under her hands. She placed a kiss on his neck. She took his earlobe between her thumb and index finger and softly tugged on it, immediately placing a kiss on it. “Thank you. My love, my hero.” Her hands moved to his chest, and she pressed him against hers. Robert was too tall to be able to lay her head on his shoulder from the back, so she rested it against his shoulder blades.

Robert put his hand on top of Cora’s, he could feel her desire in the way she pressed herself against him. He took her hands in his hands and turned around. “This is our home.” He said seductive. Robert brought Cora’s hands to his face and placed a kiss on top of her knuckles. He then placed his hand on her cheek and brought her face up towards his, their lips met, and they crashed into a passionate kiss.

Cora pressed herself firm against Robert, she felt he stumbled back against the desk. This aroused her even more, knowing he had not expected this move of her. One hand on her cheek, the other on the small of her back. She moved her hand down and took him in her hand. This erupted a gasp from Robert, and she felt him getting stiff. Softly massaging him, she felt his kiss getting more intense. His tongue against hers. His hand had lowered from her cheek to her breast. And even though she was wearing a corset, she could feel his touch. A soft moan escaped her throat. Robert intensified his kiss even more. Cora was melting into a puddle of desire for him.

Loud laughter came from the drawing room, there was only a screen between the two rooms and abruptly Cora stepped back from Robert. She quickly glanced at the screen and door, but nobody was there. They had not been seen. Cora put her hand on Robert’s arm and gave him a more descent kiss on his cheek. “I will thank you in full tonight.” She did not wait for Robert to respond; she turned around and walked back into the great hall. Her back straight and full of confidence, she had won this battle with Isobel. To be fair, Robert had won it for her, but that did not matter.

The truth always comes out, chapter 42

Robert was sitting at the breakfast table; he did not sleep at all. Knowing Cora was so close, but at the same time far away. He had regret falling out to her over Molesley. She could not have known that Molesley had asked for a job, but Carson turned him away. Robert understood why, there was no need for another staff member.

Mrs. Hughes entered the breakfast room. “Here is the key you asked for Milord.”

Robert took the key from her. “Thank you. I hope I did not give you too much trouble finding it.”

Mrs. Hughes smiled. “You know Mr. Carson, everything that is in this house is in order. Even keys we do not use.”

This amused Robert, she was correct. Carson was very tidy with everything. Everything he did went in order. And apparently, he even had an order in the storage of spare keys. The key was for the door between his dressing room and her bedroom. He remembered the day Cora told him; she had removed the key. She did not want any barrier between her and him. If it had been up to her, the door had been removed. But Robert explained to her that the door could be very convenient. When one of them was sick or was snoring. They could sleep separate and close the door to block the sounds. They did also use it when they had a fight. It had not happened often, but it had happened that they slept separate due to a fight. Just like now, he thought. Only now there was more than just a door between them. There was a whole hallway. It had been tempting to see in which room Cora was staying, but he had kept himself from looking.

“Good morning.” Cora’s voice shook him out of his thoughts.

“Good morning. Oh, I am sorry, I forgot to ask Mrs. Hughes to serve you breakfast upstairs.”

Cora gave him a soft smile, while she sat down. “Do not worry. Mrs. Hughes had offered this herself, but I said I preferred to eat down here. I am not the lady of this house anymore, and I do not want to get that treatment.” She quickly lowered her eyes. Why did she make that comment, it was not necessary and even hurtful. “Sorry, I should not say those things.” her voice almost a whisper.

Robert scraped his throat. “That is alright. I understand what you mean. And I have to admit, that I like having breakfast together, if I had known, I had waited on you.”

Cora could not response, Carson entered the room with her breakfast plate. She had opted for a full English breakfast. She had always loved Mrs. Patmore’s breakfast. She managed to keep the greasy level low. “Are you going to Sybil and Tom today?” She asked, while buttering her toast.

“Do you think we can go again today? I would love to see little Sybbie again.”

“You did not hold her yet; you have to go. And I am sure Sybil will not mind, in fact, she would love to see you there again. I will go before I go back to London.”

Robert felt his stomach drop, Cora was already going back home. He had hoped she would stay a little bit longer. He forced a smile on his face. “Do you need to go back already?”

Her heart ached for Robert; she could hear his plead in his voice. Deep down she knew she wanted to stay here at Downton, close to Robert. She missed him terrible. Especially now he was back to his former self more or less. “I promised Mary to go dress shopping with her the day after tomorrow and Edith will need me.”

“Is Edith not coming here today?” Robert asked surprised.

Cora looked at Robert. “There is still no news about Michael, I am not sure she is coming.”

“Of course, I came. How can I not, my baby sister has a baby.” Edith stepped inside.

Robert almost jumped up and walked over, wrapping his arms around Edith. “How wonderful to see you.”

Cora saw the forced smile on Edith’s face and knew something was wrong. Did she hear about Michael?” She also got up and welcomed Edith, when she wrapped her arms around her, Edith collapsed.

Robert rushed towards them and took Edith from Cora and lowered her to the ground. Cora got on her knees besides her and brushed over her forehead.

“We need to elevate her legs to get the blood flow back to her head.” Mrs. Hughes said.

Cora had not noticed she had entered the room again, she also heard Carson s voice. She could only look at Edith’s pale face. “Wake up honey, please wake up.” She put her hand against Edith’s cheek and felt her stir. “That is, it. Good girl, wake up.”

Edith blinked rapidly against the lights and saw so many faces hoovering over her, but she calmed down, when she looked into her mother’s eyes. She felt tears stinging. Then two arms wrapped around her and pulled her against a warm chest. Those were her mother’s arms; she recognized the sound of her heartbeat. “Mama.” She said with a smothered voice.

“Ssstt. It is alright my darling. It is alright.” Cora knew instantly that she got news about Michael, and it was bad news. She looked up at Robert and she saw he knew it too. The world could be so harsh, yesterday they welcomed a new baby and now they had to say goodbye to another life. Edith’s body was jolting from her tears. Cora kept her close to her chest and brushed her hand over Edith’s back. She kept repeating calming words.

“What happened here?” Mary’s voice sounded irritated in the breakfast room.

Cora saw Robert getting up and guiding Mary out the room. Carson and Mrs. Hughes had already left. Cora was alone with her middle daughter. Her most troubled daughter, she thought. The one where it always looked like life was against her. Even when she was little. She could not get her dolls to do what she wanted and now in her young adult life, she still was walking into so many walls. Every time it looked like she was happy, something happened and ruined her happiness.

The truth always comes out, chapter 41

Cora walked towards the village. She was not sure what the people would think or maybe even say. Since the divorce she had not been into the village, except for the train station. Would she be able to have a normal dinner at the pub?

Gathering all her courage, she walked into the pub, it was quiet inside, only a couple of local people, she recognized. She greeted them and walked over to the bar. “Molesley?” She said surprised. “I did not know you worked here.”

“Good evening, Milady. How wonderful to see you again. This is only temporary, I hope. I hope to find a house where I can work again, soon. But for now, I am happy with this job. How can I help you?”

“Do you have a table for one, a little bit in the back?” She knew Molesley would not ask any questions, and he indeed guided her towards the back of the pub.

Joseph pulled a curtain aside. “This area will not be used tonight. If you want, you can eat here.”

Cora gave him a warm smile. “Thank you so much.” She walked over to one of the tables and sat down, taking the menu that Molesley handed her.

“I will come to take your order later; you do not have to come to the bar.”

This was a relief to Cora, in this pub she knew people ordered at the bar, but it was good she did not need to show her face anymore then she already did. There would be talk in the village after tonight. Everybody knew they were divorced, but her being back was food for gossip. “Molesley?” Cora said, when he wanted to walk away. “Is there a room available for tonight?”

“I have to look in the book Milady, I will let you know.”

+++

Molesley came towards her table. “I hope everything was to your liking?”

“Oh, more than that. It was delicious. It truly was.”

“Thank you. Your room is ready upstairs, if you want, I can show you via the backdoor the way upstairs. It is normally the route the cleaning ladies take, but this way you can go up without being disturbed.”

Cora was grateful she had encountered Molesley tonight. He had always been good for the family, she felt sorry that he was not working for them anymore. He would be a wonderful addition to the household. But she knew Robert did not need more staff, especially not now he was alone. With a sigh she followed Molesley. Had she made the right decision to not sleep at Downton?

“Here is your key, just ring downstairs when there is anything you need, Milady.” Molesley handed her the key and left her alone.

Cora walked inside the room. It was a small but nice room. She put her bag next to the bed and sat down on the only chair in the room. Would she be able to sleep tonight?

+++

Robert looked at the liquor cabinet. He would love a drink, to celebrate the birth of Sybbie. But he withholds himself from it. Instead, he rang for Carson. “Can you bring up some tea, please.” He said, when Carson walked in the drawing room.

“Of course, Milord”

Robert sat down in front of the fireplace, waiting for Carson to return with the tea. A cold draft made him look up, and he thought he was dreaming. In the doorway there was Cora. He shook his head and closed his eyes. When he looked up again, he suspected the door to be closed. He was hallucinating. But when he opened his eyes again and looked at the door, Cora was still there. Quickly he got up and stepped towards the door. “Come in, please come in. Excuse me for my behaviour, I thought I was seeing things.”

“It is alright. I did not announce myself. But.” She stopped and now looked down herself. “It did not feel right to sleep at the pub. Can I stay here at Downton?

At that moment Carson appeared in the drawing room. “Milady, I did not hear the doorbell, my apologies.”

“That is alright, I arrived at the same time as Thomas. I did not ring the bell, he let me in.”

Carson grinded his teeth, Thomas was pushing his luck recently. Entering via the front door was not behold towards the staff members. He would tell him that later. “I only have one cup for the tea, I will bring you another one directly.”

Cora had walked inside and got closer to the fireplace. She had always loved spending the evening here. When they were younger together with their girls all wrapped up in the pyjamas and robes. Listening to the stories Robert was telling them. “I hope you do not mind, me being here.”

Robert’s eyes grew big. How could he mind. This was what he was longing for, Cora back at Downton. And this was a first step towards healing, he thought. “I offered you a room earlier tonight. Did you have dinner?”

“I did. Molesley took care of me tonight. He is working in the local pub.” Cora said.

“Please do not tell me, you want me to offer him a job. I do not have anything for him.” Robert said defensive.

“I did not ask you anything, did I?” Cora did not want to bicker with Robert, not tonight. Not after this wonderful day. She felt a smile move around her mouth thinking of Sybil and Tom with their little one. How would they be doing? She thought. The first days with a newborn were always nerve wracking.

“Mrs. Hughes prepared a guest bedroom for you, Milady. I will show you with one, when you go up.” Carson said, while handing her a cup filled with tea.

“A guest bedroom? Cora you can sleep in your own room. It is still your room.”

Cora shook her head; she did not want to sleep in that room. To many memories and she was not the lady of the house anymore. She should not sleep there. “I am perfectly happy in one of the guest bedrooms” She quickly emptied her cup. “I will see you in the morning. Good night.”

Robert stared at the place she had just been standing. It still felt like a dream. Was she truly here, was she going to stay the whole night? He would not get a minute of sleep, he knew already. Having Cora this close, but not being able to wrap her in his arms, would be torture. But he was more than willing to undergo that torture. He needed Cora in his life, although it would be like it was now. No physical thought when not needed, but it did not matter. She was close to him. He smelled her sent lingering in the air.

The truth always comes out, chapter 40

The story is evolving further than I was initially planning, but I am going with the flow. I still am on my way towards the ending that I planned, but as a lot of times with my stories, I do not know what will happen in between. It feels like I am moving towards the end. The reviews and feedback you are all sending me is amazing, and I cannot thank you all enough for it.

---

2 months had gone by. Robert was working with Matthew. He was a fast student, he had noticed. It was amazing to see how, with much enthusiasm, he started everything. Robert was thankful for Cora. She had made him see what he was doing wrong. And even though after that afternoon at his mother’s he had not seen her. He knew they were at good terms. This gave him a spring in his step. She had accepted his apology.

He was looking at his phone, Tom had called this morning to say that Sybil’s contractions had started. He would call once the baby was born. Sybil was having the baby at home.

Robert gave them a cottage on the estate. Tom and she were still searching for a more permanent place, but Tom was renting a room from a landlady. There was no room for a baby. For now, this was the best way. It was a small house, with two bedrooms. Sybil had turned one of them in an adorable nursery. It made him think back at the time Cora was pregnant with Mary. She had turned one of the rooms into a nursery. But that room had been as big as the whole house of Tom and Sybil were in now. He had always loved living at Downton. It was his third parent and fourth child. But he could see the appeal in a smaller house. It was much cosier than their big rooms. Cora definitely made her own bedroom a sanctuary of peace, and the nurseries were cosy and warm for the girls. But when they went downstairs, they always were surrounded by big empty spaces due to the size of the house.

“Maybe we should call it a day.” Matthew’s voice sounded.

Robert looked up. He had not realised he was daydreaming. “I am not sure what is more nerve-wracking. Seeing your own wife in labour or having to wait and know your daughter is in labour.”

Matthew smiled.

“With your own wife, you at least are present and can hold her hand. Now I have to wait here and cannot do anything.” Robert smiled at Matthew. “One day, you will know what it is like being the helpless man at the bedside. Seeing your wife in so much pain but not able to give her any form of relief. And you know that you are the reason why she is in so much pain.”

He saw a nervous smile on Matthew’s face.

“I am sorry, my dear chap, too much information.”

“I first need to marry your darling daughter Mary before we can even try to come to that stage.”

“Quite right, quite right.” Robert agreed.

+++

“You are doing wonderful, my darling.” Cora had just arrived at their cottage. Tom had asked her to come directly to their house. Sybil had asked for her, he had said. She brushed the hair of Sybil’s forehead. She was in labour for several hours now, and the midwife had said she was eight centimetres dilated. “Just 2 more centimetres, hold on. Breath through them as best as you can.”

Sybil squeezed her mother’s hand when another contraction started. “Thank you for coming.” She said once the pain slipped aside.

“There was not a single moment I thought of not coming. I am your mother and will always be here when you need me. Now, focus on your breathing. In and out, good girl.”

Cora stayed with Sybil until she started pushing. Tom needed to be next to his wife. This was something they should do together. She remembered the birth of her girls and how wonderful it was to share that with Robert. She saw the same proud look now on Tom’s face.

Tom asked if she could keep Robert updated, so she sent him a text message. It was weird after everything that had happened but that afternoon at Violet’s had improved everything. Although after she had gone, she had not seen or spoken to him, she knew the tension between them had gone.

‘Hello Robert, I wanted to let you know that the baby is almost here. I think it is time to come over.’

+++

Robert was extremely nervous. He did not know Cora was already at Sybil’s house. He could have known, of course. Sybil had wanted to have her mother close to her. Something Cora never had, he was convinced that Cora had been hands-on with their girls due to the fact her mother was so far away in America. She could not rely on any advice from her.

He was nervous to see his little girl become a mother herself. Where did the time go. It was like yesterday that she was riding on his back. That he had lifted her up so she could put the carrot in the snowman’s face. That he had sheltered her between Cora and him during a thunderstorm in the middle of the night.

Her little hands on his arm, her big eyes wide from fear, pleading to please sleep in their bed. She had snuggled against her mother as soon as he had lifted her onto the bed. Cora, who had not woken up from the storm, curling up and wrapping Sybil in her arms.

He let out a sigh and opened the door to the small living room. Cora was standing at the sink, filling up the kettle. Robert made a noise, low in his throat. He was not sure why he used that register because he knew Cora went weak on hearing it. Immediately reprimanding himself, he did not want to give her an uncomfortable feeling. He followed with a higher: “Hello”

Cora had put the kettle down and turned it on. On hearing Robert’s low rumble, she had to force herself to keep her back straight. She turned around when he said hello. Cora smiled and stepped closer, with one hand resting on his arm, she kissed his cheek. “Hi.”

Robert said. “Are you as nervous as I am?” He looked up to the ceiling with a worried face.

This question made Cora smile. He had been a ball of nervousness when Mary announced herself. While she was only having mild contractions at that moment, Robert had run around like a chicken without its head. He had calmed down a bit when her contractions got stronger. He had not been better with Edith and Sybil had been the worst. But to be fair, her birth gave him all reason to be nervous.

“She is doing wonderful, it will not be long before Tom will come down I think. You can be proud of your little girl.”

“We can be proud. We have wonderful daughters.”

The sound of a crying baby came from upstairs. Cora smiled at Robert. “Congratulations grandpapa.”

“We are grandparents.” Robert wrapped his arms around her but stepped back as quickly as he had stepped towards her. “Sorry.” He mumbled.

Cora ignored what had happened and walked towards the hallway. Tom appeared at the top of the stairs.

“Come up and meet you granddaughter” he said.

+++

Sybil handed the little baby, wrapped-up in a blanket, to her mother. Cora cradled the bundle against her chest and softly brushed over her forehead and nose. “Welcome to the family little one.” A warm and soft smile lingering on her face.

Robert stepped closer towards Cora, to look at the sweet little baby girl. “What is her name?” He asked.

Tom looked at Sybil: “She will be named Sybil, but we call her Sybbie.”

Robert moved his hand towards the girls hand, her little fingers wrapped around his finger. “Welcome to the family Miss Sybil Branson. Our darling, Sybbie.” He felt nothing then happiness at this moment. Smelling Cora’s sent, being close to her and admiring his brand new granddaughter.

Cora looked at Sybil, who was visibly tired from the birth. She handed Sybbie over to Tom. “You did marvellous, my darling. I am so proud of you. We will let you rest now.” Cora kissed Sybil’s cheek.

Robert followed Cora out of the small bedroom. “When do you need to go back to London?”

His question made Cora realised she had not thought about that. She had left her house the minute Tom called her, but she had not thought about where she would go tonight. She did not want to go back directly. “The pub in the village, has rooms. I can stay there.” She did not know if they had a room available.

Robert weighed his thoughts. “There are enough rooms in the house.” He said unsure.

“I am not sure if I am ready to sleep at Downton already.” She said in all honesty. “But, I promise, if the pub has not a vacancy, I will ask Mrs. Hughes to prepare a room for me.

Drabble – Hope we can still get tickets on the Blue Train

Cora took a deep breath, and her hands moved from Robert’s shoulders to his hands. “Now… we must make an early start tomorrow.” She squeezed his hands and gave him a soft smile. Her eyes were still beaming with love for him. “And it’s hours past my bedtime.”

Robert chuckled. “Oh, dear.” He dabbed his eyes with his handkerchief. He had not realised how tired Cora must have been this whole trip. He had been too occupied with himself, and now he felt guilty.

“Hope we can still get tickets on the Blue Train.” Cora said while sliding her arm in Robert’s.

Robert put his handkerchief back in his pocket and rested his hand briefly on Cora’s. They walked back up the stairs towards the house. He looked at Cora, who achieved holding a posture like nothing had happened. He still felt the tears on his cheeks. His entire world had broken down in just a minute time. Losing his mother, his name, and now also his everything, his Cora. They arrived at the top of the stairs, where the guests were still on the dance floor. He saw Edith dancing with Bertie, and Tom was holding Lucy in his arms. Two youngster who were at the beginning of their lives together. They had so much to look forward to.

He felt Cora’s fingers tightening around his arm. He looked at her. How could she be so strong? He felt terrible, and it was written on his face. Cora notched his shoulder with hers. He looked at her again. He understood what she wanted to say. He straightened his back and guided her alongside the dancefloor back into the house. He smiled and said goodbye to several guests. He felt jealousy looking at the dancing couples. He should be there too with his Cora, twirling her around. His Cora in his arms. They were like one once they were on the dance floor. It was one of his favourite activities to do with her.

+++

Cora sat down on the chair in front of her dressing table, with a painful face. This night had exhausted her to the bone. This trip had taken a toll on her but telling Robert had worn her out completely. There was no energy left inside her to stay strong. She sat there with her shoulders bent forward, waiting for Baxter to enter. She had not said anything, but Cora knew that Baxter knew something was wrong with her. She was grateful for the way she had taken extra care of her.

A deep sigh left Cora’s body. She could not manage to lift up her head to look at herself in the mirror. She knew already what she would see. An old, tired face with wrinkles. Deep lines around her mouth and dark circles under her eyes. The door opened, but she still could not lift her head up. She did not have the energy. She heard footsteps and knew they were not those of Baxter. It was Robert who came in. He had changed quickly, she thought. Or had she been sitting her for longer than she realised. With a lot of effort, she lifted her head and turned towards Robert.

His face had gotten older, too. And it seemed like he had aged 10 years in this last hour. She was the reason he looked like that, and she felt guilty. She should not have told him. Why did she feel the need to tell him now. It was Edith who had encouraged her, and deep down, Cora knew it was better. Robert deserved to know, but she wanted to protect him from this.

Robert stepped closer and put his hand under Cora’s chin. He lifted her head and very softly brushed his lips against hers. “Let me help you.” He said.

He started with her necklace, and then he carefully took out her earrings. He looked at the dress she was wearing and searched for a zipper.

“It is two pieces.” Cora said soft.

Robert got on his knees in front of her. Very carefully, he lifted her feet one by one and slipped off the shoe. His fingers softly glided over her ankles and feet. He then moved on to remove her stockings. He unclipped the garter clips that attached the stockings to her girdle and rolled down the stocking. As he had seen her done multiple times before.

Then he got up and found Cora’s nightgown and slippers. He helped Cora put her feet in the slippers. He put his hands under Cora’s arms and lifted her to her feet. He got scared when he noticed how light she was. How did he not notice that before. She was a slender woman, but now it was like nothing was left of her.

He looked at her bent forward figure. There was nothing left from the strong Cora he knew. There was not an inch of energy inside her. “You need to help me with your dress, I am afraid.”

“The skirt is attached with hooks.” Her voice a whisper.

Robert’s fingers searched and found the hooks. Once they were unhooked, he could lower the skirt. Leaning heavily on him, she stepped out of the skirt. She lifted her arms so he could pull the top up.

When he had undressed her fully, he slipped the nightgown over her head.

Cora sat back down, her eyes met his, through the mirror. She was lucky, she thought. He had not loved her from the start, but love came, and they had been happy. So incredibly happy.

Robert unpinned her hair. Her chestnut brown curls started cascading down her back and over her shoulders. He tried to put them together with a ribbon, but he had never done that before. Baxter always made a braid, but that was a skill he was lacking.

Cora removed her gloves and rubbed creme on her hands and arms.

Robert rested his hands on her shoulders once every pin was lying on the dressing table. He pressed a kiss on her jawline. He helped her out of the last pieces of underwear that she did not wear to bed and slipped her nightgown over her head.

Cora was standing still like a doll. She lacked energy to help him with her night ritual. Once she was standing in her nightgown, ready to go to bed, she leaned against him. Cora rested her head against Robert’s shoulder. She inhaled his smell while she pressed her nose against his skin. Her arms rested on his hips.

Robert put his arms under Cora’s legs and carefully carried her towards the bed. Ever so careful, he put her on the matrass and pulled the duvet over her tiny figure. He could feel her pelvic bone when he put her down. It scared him that he had not seen her lose this much weight.

Quickly, he walked over to his side of the bed. He put his robe on the chair and scooted closer to Cora. He wanted to pull her in his arms, but she was lying so still that he was not sure what to do. Was she hurting? How did she feel? What was she feeling, and where did it hurt? He had so many questions he wanted to ask.

“Please hold me.” Cora’s voice was barely audible, but Robert heard her plead. He felt the bed move when Cora turned towards him and curled up in his arms. Her hand rested against his chest. He pressed a kiss on the crown of her head.

+++

Sun beams tried to light up the room. The curtains were not fully closed, Robert saw. He felt as if the world had done a spin and tried to throw him off. Cora was still lying against him. Her face had an angelic, restful look, he thought. He brushed a curl of her cheek. He had not done a decent job with her hair last night. Cora’s face lost that peaceful look, and he saw her brows furrow. He scolded himself. He had woken her up.

Robert pressed his lips on Cora’s forehead. “Good morning, my love.”

Cora managed to get a soft moan out of her throat. Her body ached, and she pressed her hands against her stomach when she felt the well-known cramps. She felt Robert’s strong hand on her upper arm, and it gave her strength to look up to him. “Thank you for last night.”

“Cora? What type of cancer do you think it is?” Robert needed to know, and he could not wait any longer with his questions. He felt Cora sigh. He did not let her answer and asked. “What symptoms do you have? How long do you feel like this? Have you seen Dr. Clarkson already? Why do you think it is cancer?”

Slowly, Cora pushed herself back a little so she could see Robert’s face. “Darling, please do not panic.” She put her hand on his face and kissed him. “I will freshen myself up a little bit and will answer all your questions.”

Robert saw Cora walk towards the bathroom. He also got up. He opened the curtains to let the sunlight in, and the room got a golden colour due to the sun. He fluffed up Cora’s pillows and put them up so she could rest against them once she was back. He walked over to her dressing table and tried to put his unruly hair back in place. His fingers glided over the gloves that were still on the table.

Cora came back, Robert did not know how she did it, but she looked refreshed, although when he gave her a second look, he saw the deep lines. Her eyebrows were drawn together, and the skin between them wrinkled. She sat back on the bed with an exhausted sigh.

“Are you still tired? Do you need more sleep?

“Darling, I am constantly tired. I have been tired for weeks now.”

How did he not see this? How was it possible that Cora had been this ill and he not seen anything? Was he so selfish?

It was as if Cora could read his mind. “Please, come sit next to me. You have not noticed anything because I hide it from you. I did not want to worry you.”

“Sweetheart, you should not have to deal with this alone. I am your husband.” Robert sat down next to her.

Cora padded his hand. “I did not know what we had to worry about, so I thought it would be best to first find out and then tell you. But this trip to the south of France had cost me so much energy that I am getting worried. It is more serious than I thought.” She raised her hand to Robert’s jaw when she saw his hopeless look. Softly, she brushed his skin with her fingers.

Robert rested his hand against hers. “Can you tell me what you feel?”

Cora contemplated for a minute, Robert never liked medical information, but he was asking her. She could not tell him about her soft bowel movements, her strange menstrual bleeding, and her bloating. He was her husband, but there was a line in what she could tell him.

“I have a constant heartburn. When I stand up too quickly, I feel lightheaded. I lost my appetite and am losing weight quickly. My stomach hurts all the time, and it even spreads to my back and pelvic.”

Robert’s face got white. “How did I not notice anything.” He said softly, shaking his head. “You have been feeling like this for weeks, and I have not seen you suffer. I did not notice you lost weight.”

“As I said, I hide it from you. I put on a smile and carried on. But coming here showed me I can no longer do that.” Her voice got caught in her throat when a soft sob escaped her mouth.

“And you do not longer have to.” Robert wrapped his arms around Cora and pulled her against his chest. “Oh, darling, my darling Cora.” He felt how she leaned against him, her hands on his back, moving up and down. He wanted to hold her close forever. He wanted to protect her from this, although he knew he could not. “It is cancer. Do you think it is cancer?” He forced himself to ask this question, even though he did not want to know the answer.

“Ovarian cancer, probably.” Cora said, defeated. She had seen it before in the hospital, and a lot of women lost the battle against it.

A knock on the door made them sit back up. The door opened slightly. “We have tickets for the Blue Train in three hours.” It was Edith’s voice. She did not step inside the room.

“Thank you, darling. We will be ready.” Cora answered. She leaned towards Robert and kissed him, a long and deep kiss. Once they broke the connection, she said: “We have to face the world again.”

Robert kissed her again. “Do we have to?”

Cora chuckled. “Let’s make the best out of it. I love you and hope to be your everything for a long, long time.” Cora’s lips found Robert’s again.

The truth always comes out, chapter 39

“Come in, come in.” Violet said, when Cora was let in by her butler.

Unsure she sat down and accepted the teacup she was handed. Cora was not sure why she came; Violet had not told her. With a question mark in her eyes, she looked at Violet. As always, she could not read her.

“I hope that your trip up here went easy.” Violet drank from her tea.

Cora nodded. “It did. The train was right on time and your chauffeur was waiting at the station. Thank you for sending him.”

“Of course, I would not let you go in a cab.”

Cora heard the undertone and knew her mother-in-law was reprimanding Robert’s behaviour. He had let her go in a cab, back to London the last time she was up here. She looked at her watch, depending on why Violet wanted her here, she could easily make the last train back tonight.

“You are late for something?” Violet said.

She startled Cora who immediately sat straight up. “I am sorry, I did not mean to be rude.”

“Well, are you?”

Am I what thought Cora. Violet must have seen her confused look because she said.

“Are you late for something?”

Cora felt her cheeks colour. “I am sorry Mama; no, I am not. I was thinking about the last train back to London tonight. But I can take a cab if I cannot make that one.”

“You are going back tonight. I see.”

+++

Robert decided to walk towards his mother’s house. He did not know why he needed to come and why he could not come tomorrow. It irritated him, that his mother never explained things. But he had learned to just follow, it was easier that way. He glanced towards the plate with letters on his way out, no letters arrived today. He felt a slight pain, did Cora read his letter? Or had she thrown the envelop away when she recognized his handwriting? And if she had read it, was she going to accept his apology. He let out a deep sigh, he had reached his mother’s house in the meantime.

Her butler opened the door and guided him towards the sitting room. He heard voices and for a minute he thought it was Cora’s voice, but that was not possible. He was imagining things, but when the door opened, he recognized her instantly. The way her curls fell over her shoulders. They were in a half up do, but some strands had escaped and cascaded down. The sun that came in through the window, made them light up. She was wearing a light blue blouse; he had not seen that one before. It was decorated with small white flowers. She was sitting towards the door with her back, so she had not seen him yet. He gave his mother a strange look, he wanted to greet them, but his voice was stuck in his throat.

“My dear boy, you are right on time.” Violet said.

Robert saw Cora’s shock; she did not know he was coming. That was clear from how she stiffened up. He knew exactly what look she had on her face. She did not turn towards him. Robert got his voice back. “Mama, I did not know you had company, I will come back another time.” He said, his voice unsteady and a bit hoarse.

“Please, come in.” Violet said, ignoring his hesitation.

Robert stepped further into the room and kissed his mother on her cheek. Hesitant he turned towards Cora. She was looking at him, with her big eyes. Her eyebrows slightly raised. She tried to control her breathing, but he saw it was fast. He knew her heart was raising, as was his. “Hello Cora.” He managed to get out of his mouth.

“Hello.” Her voice was as unsteady and hoarse as his was.

The butler stepped back inside. “Milady, I am sorry, but Mrs. Bird is asking to have a word with you.”

Violet said: “I am back soon.” and she left.

Robert was still standing in the middle of the room; he saw Cora was looking down at her hands. He saw her fidgeting with her handkerchief. It was one he gave her, her initials where embroidered in one of the corners. He had them made for her, he did not remember the occasion. Nervously he scraped his throat. “How are you doing.” He did not dare to ask about his letter.

Cora looked up. “Good.” She saw Robert sit down in the chair his mother just sat in. He was as confused as she was. Did Violet let them both come here so they had to talk. Did she know Robert had send a letter to her? No that was not possible, Robert would not be this surprised to see her. Should she start about that letter, she had meant to write him back, but she could not find the courage to start.

“How wonderful that Matthew finally asked Mary’s hand in marriage.”

Typically, in Robert’s fashion, he started a random conversation. It was his go to strategy when he did not know how to manage a situation. It was or random talk, walking away or getting angry. She was relieved he chose random talk this time. “It is indeed wonderful. She already made an appointment to go dress shopping in London.”

“Our second daughter who will be a wife. Soon we will be grandparents for the first time and who knows Mary will follow soon.”

Cora looked at Robert, was he genuinely happy to become a grandparent? Had he really changed his mind about Sybil and Tom. Was he accepting their choice? “Did they find a house already?” Cora stopped her question, when she realised, she only knew about the house because of the letter.

Robert’s mouth formed a smile, but he tried to hide it. She had read his letter; she must have read it.

“I meant to write you back.” Cora started. “I did not know how and where to start.”

Was she going to say she accepted his apology or was she going to reject him. Robert could not read her face. Cora’s face had never been a mystery to him, he could see everything on it. She was like an open book to him. During many of their grand dinners, he had only looked at her to know if she was enjoying the night or not. The many stolen looks they gave each other from across the room, without words, they told each other a lot.

“I have to thank you for sending that letter. It was the first genuine thing you did in months.” Cora knew she was sounding harsh, but she could not help it. She saw Robert’s face go from relief to a painful look. “I accept your apology and have to give you mine too.” She saw hope on Robert’s face. “You are not only to blame in this, I also made……”

“Cora, I am to blame.” He stopped her. “I treated you badly the last time you were at Downton, and you did not deserve that. We both made a mess, I agree, but the last months is fully on me. You had every right to ask for that divorce. I damaged you.”

Cora had to fight to hold back her tears. This was the Robert she had known all these years. He could be impulsive in his reactions, sometimes it was in an effective way and sometimes it was not. But he never stayed angry for long. The last year had been a rollercoaster and it felt like the cart finally came to a stop.

Robert saw Cora’s eyes shimmering from tears. Everything in him told him to get up and sit next to her, but he was not sure if that was what Cora wanted.

“We both made mistakes. I think we can agree on that.” She forced herself to push her shoulders back. She drank the last sip of her tea to make the lump in her throat go away.

Robert saw her determination come back and he knew the chance to sit next to her had gone. But it was alright, this was a first step he thought. They were at least talking to each other again.

Drabble -Is that so difficult to believe?

This one is a request drabble. I hope it is as you had hoped.
I am open for request on scenes, or missing scenes.

Cora closed the door behind her. Tears were stinging behind her eyes. How could he be so cruel. She did not know he was planning to come to London. She would never have accepted Bricker’s invitation to go out for dinner. A dinner with Robert at Claridge’s had more appeal to her than a dinner with Mr. Bricker. Although she had enjoyed today and tonight. Walking around London with Mr. Bricker had been fun. He was genuinely interested in her and what she had to say. Something Robert never did. He never asked her opinion about anything and when she tried to learn more about things, he brushed her aside or ignored her.

Mr. Bricker made her feel young again and appreciated. She was not Cora the Countess of Grantham, she was not Cora the hostess, she was not Cora the mother. No, she was just Cora, Cora Crawley née Levinson. She could express what she saw in a painting, but also, he was genuinely interested in her story how she came to England.

When she came back at Rosamund’s place, and she saw Robert she had been so happy. Seeing her husband had made her heart flutter from love. Her face was beaming from love and happiness, but then she saw his expression and heard his words. ‘Bricker was interested in discussing the pictures with you?’ He said it with so much disdain. He made it even worse when he said: ‘That an art expert would find your observations on the work of Piero della Francesca impossible to resist? Yes. It is hard to believe!’ There had been anger in his voice. Her face had dropped, she did not want to show him that she was hurt, but she knew it was all over her face. He must have seen that.

There was a knock on her door. Cora had a bit of hope it was Robert, but it was her maid Baxter.

+++

Robert sat back down; he got up when Cora said she was going to bed. He had tried to stop her, but she said. ‘It is quite all right. You said what you think, and you have every right to do so.’ and she left. But he had indeed every right. She was his wife and there she was dining with another man. And not just a man, no that sleazy man or an art dealer Mr. Bricker. Why was he so interested in Cora, did he not see her wedding ring. Why was Cora not stopping him? She was encouraging him in his behaviour, did she like getting attention from another man? Was he not enough for her?

He poured himself another drink, Rosamund had good whisky he thought when he chugged his glass. He poured himself another one. That one also was a one sip drink, so he poured himself one more. He already felt he was unsteady on his legs, but he did not care, he poured himself one more, he said, one more cannot hurt. When he put the bottle back, there was not enough left for a full glass, so he emptied the bottle.

Then he started his way upstairs. They had stayed in Rosamund’s house countless of times, so he could find Cora’s bedroom in the dark, or when he was drunk like he was now. He opened her door and wanted to go inside when a hand on his shoulder stopped him.

“Milord, I have your clothes ready in your dressing room.”

Rosamund had given them their own rooms, Robert’s dressing room was, as in Downton next to Cora’s room. He looked at Bates. “Can you stand still, please.” He asked Bates, who was swaying in front of him. He did not realise it was he himself who was not standing still.

Bates did not answer but guided him towards the dressing room and helped him out of his clothes and into his night clothes. Then he directed him in the small bed that was prepared by Mead in this room. Baxter had asked for a bed outside of her Ladyships bedroom. Bates could only agree that in this state, his lordship should not go into her ladyship’s bedroom.

+++

The train drive home had been awkward. Robert had not said anything while helping her into the carriage and the minute the train started moving, he had left. Cora was happy he was gone; she could not face him. She was so angry at him, how dared he talk to her in that way. He basically said she was a nobody who could not have any interesting thoughts in her head. She knew Robert was old fashioned, but this was another level, she had never encountered with him before.

The care ride had even been worse. Robert clearly wanting to talk to her, but she kept focussing on her book. She did not even know what book she was holding, and not a letter was read, but she did everything to not look at Robert.

Once they were back home, she had gone up without saying a word. It was not strange for her to go up directly after coming home. It was a standard ritual, to go and take of her hat. For now, she was more than relieved with that custom, she needed some time to compose herself, before facing all the guest that could arrive any moment. She also needed to confirm to Baxter, that she could stay. Yesterday she finally told her everything, but Cora knew she did not steal out of greed. She was much too fond of her to let her go.

+++

Cora made sure her posture was perfectly straight and her shoulders were back when she walked down the stairs. She forced a smile on her face and walked towards Robert. He was standing there all smiles and clearly proud of what they had prepared. Had he forgotten what happened last night. Did he step over it so easily?

“Have you seen what we’ve dug out for the Ruskies?” He greeted Cora. “I say ‘we’, of course it was Pattinson who did it.” He gave her a proud smile.

Cora’s face did not give away anything of her anger. She smiled at the staff that was working in the great hall. “Does it matter? We both know you place no value on my opinions.” She quickly looked at Robert, but then averted her face again.

“Cora, I was cross. I had travelled the length of England to spend the evening with you, and you had gone out. Aren’t I allowed to be cross?”

“You’re allowed to be cross, but you’re not allowed to be unjust.” She still had that forced smile on her face and kept looking around. “Now, would you excuse me? I think they’re here.”

The truth always comes out, chapter 38

‘My dear Cora,

sitting here at my desk, it is hard to form the words that need to be said. I realise my behaviour has been extremely unacceptable, and you do not deserve that treatment. It is not enough for me to say sorry; I realise that. But I hope that you want to accept my apologies. These last months have been hard for both of us. I added on your load by blaming you and saying you took the easy road out.

I have said this many times before, I deeply regret what happened with Jane. And I had never thought I would be so foolish to throw everything I had away. Because that is what I did. I let my head rule and never thought about my actions. And I continued with that even when Jane was already gone.

You came to Downton to sign the divorce papers and were so kind about everything. But I messed up again that night. I do not even know why I get so upset about Sybil and Tom and Matthew taking over the estate in the future. You tried to calm me down that evening, and I pushed you even further away.

Cora, I can understand when you want to cut me out of your life completely. After all that I have done, I could not blame you for doing so. But I plead you to please accept my apologies. I promise to do better. I promise that I will accept Tom into our family and will give Sybil and him everything they need. I heard Sybil say to Mary that they needed a bigger house, to offer the baby his or her own room. They will get a house from me. I should say, from us, because it will also be from you as you are her mother.

Cora laid down the letter. She needed a minute before she could read further. Robert was never so outspoken and open about his emotions and thoughts. She noticed that reading Jane’s name did hurt less than a couple of months ago.

She chuckled. He wrote that he was letting his head rule instead of thinking about things first. It was exactly how Robert was. So many times, she had to remind him that he was too impulsive. Cora had grounded him over and over, and now he had nobody to do that. Except for Rosamund. But she was here in London and did not see everything that happened in Downton. Cora was also not sure if he would tell Rosamund as much as he told her.

She looked at the letter again. Cora missed the late-night talks with Robert. After a long day, when they finally were next to each other in bed. Many nights, they talked about the things happening during that day or about things that were going to happen.

Cora felt a blush coming up when she thought about the nights they did not talk. The nights that were only theirs, no talk about other people. Only them two in that room. She shivered when she remembered the first time Robert used his tongue. She had been surprised by the sensation but was quickly washed away in all the pleasant feelings he erupted in her.

Cora squeezed her legs together. It was enough to think about those nights to get her all warm. But she needed to stop this. It was all in the past, Robert belonged to her past. At least that part of Robert and her.

She got up and made herself a cup of tea before sitting back at her desk. It irritated her that her body still reacted in this way on him. She started with the rest of the letter.

I promise that I will accept Matthew and tell him everything he needs to know. As soon as he asks for Mary’s hand, I will accept. Hopefully, he will come soon because I can see how happy he makes our Mary. Mary has grown into an exceptionally fine young woman. She clearly has your work attitude, and she is flourishing with the business. We, I better say she, have a multiple day event coming up. And I cannot express how proud I am off her. She has learned from the best. You.

Our darling Edith is finally finding her way in life. I even think she has found somebody she really likes. But most of all, she likes her job. Did you read her articles? I was surprised and had never realised we had a real writer in our family.

Oh, my darling Cora. How I wished I could erase everything I have done. To wipe out all the memories of the last year. To start over. I wish I had seen that you wanted Mary to do good with the business and that she needed you for that. I wish I had seen that you were supportive of Sybil and Tom because you knew they belonged together.

My dearest one, I am not asking you back. I know that stadium has passed, but I am asking you to please forgive my rude behaviour. Let us come to good terms for the sake of our darling girls. But I think mostly for the sake of ourselves.

I have loved you for so many years, and I still love you. Cora, I still love you, never forget that. You are the only one I want in my life. And I cannot bear the thought of never seeing you again.

For ever yours,

Robert.

Cora wiped away a tear. Robert had truly opened up in this letter. He had never been this open before, and it shocked her a little bit. Did he truly mean all this? Or was this his way to get her back?

No, she scolded herself. Stop looking for negatives. He had bowed down and accepted his mistakes. She should stop being stubborn. It did not protect her from being hurt. She had also made mistakes in the last year. She should have divided her attention better. As she had said to herself before. Both were to blame in this situation.

She looked at the letter again, and she felt warmth in her heart. In the beginning of their relationship, Robert had sent her small cards. He was such a romantic man, she thought. He had always been. He was not good at expressing his emotions, but he had known how to pursue her. Should she write back?

“Mama? Are you alright?” Edith’s voice made Cora jump.

“Oh, darling, I forgot you were still here.” She put the letter back down and turned towards Edith. “I am sorry. What can I do for you?”

Edith stepped closer. There was a strange look on her mother’s face, and she could not place it. Edith took her mother’s hand while sitting down next to her. “Are you sure you are alright?”

Cora smiled. It was obvious her girls were getting older, and she could not escape from their watchful eyes. “No need to worry, sweetheart. I am alright. How are you feeling? Did you hear from Michael?”

Drabble – I’ve spoiled the painting for you, haven’t I?

Robert looked around the room, everybody was sitting down and enjoying a drink. Cora was talking with Edith. Violet and Isobel with Rose, Tom and Mary were standing in the back of the room. He stopped next to Cora and Edith; he was facing Cora. “Since we’re all here.” He started and waited for everybody to look in his direction. “I have decided what to do about the cottages.” He looked at everybody, except Cora. “I’m going to sell the Della Francesca.”

Cora was looking up to Robert with a soft smile on her face, but the moment he mentioned the Della Francesca she felt her heart started racing, her face dropped. She wished Mr. Bricker had never come to look at it.

Robert continued. “I’ve been to Sotheby’s and they’re confident we’ll get a good price.”

“Are you sure, Papa?” Mary asked. “But you’ve always been so proud of it.” Her voice went one octave higher in her surprise.

Robert now looked down at Cora. “I don’t enjoy it as I did.” He saw sadness on her face, he wanted to brush his finger over cheek to reassure her, but he could not. Nobody knew what had happened, only he and Cora knew the painful story surrounding that painting. He walked away from Cora’s hurt.

Cora was looking back into his eyes, when Robert walked towards the liquor cabinet, she lowered her face. She heard Robert continue. “My Papa always said one should only sell for a purpose and I agree.” He would never have agreed on that if she had not ruined the painting for him if she had not flirted with Mr. Bricker. Only if she had seen why he was coming to Downton, over and over. She could had known it was not for the painting, of course not. She had been foolish.

“The good of the village can be that purpose.” Robert now looked at Tom and Mary.

Tom smiled. “I’m pleased. Now we can get on with the work as soon as we’re home.” He turned towards Mary and said: “Shall we?” Directing her towards the chairs against the wall.

Cora got up and walk towards Robert. She would have loved to disappear into the ground, she felt so much shame. Robert looked at her when she stepped next to him and took her glass “I’ve spoiled the painting for you, haven’t I?” Her eyes searched for Robert’s, but he was focussing on pouring the liquid in her glass. “With Mr Bricker.” Cora continued. “That’s why you’re selling.” Robert gave her back her glass and looked at her. Cora lowered her eyes immediately, she could not look at him, it was too painful. She stared at her glass and tried to keep her breathing under control, her heart was racing so fast, she was scared Robert could see it beating.

Robert kept looking at her. He saw how submissive Cora was and he wanted to pull her close to his chest. “Yes. But not in the way you think.” He turned his back towards the room, so he was only looking at Cora, who was still staring down. Her face was so full of worry, he saw all the lines that made her so beautiful when she smiled, but now they were all facing downwards. Her eyes full of sorrow and regret. He needed to word his words carefully to get his message clear. He wanted Cora to understand the meaning of them very well and there could not be a misunderstanding. Not as when Mr. Bricker was around, he should have been clearer, he should had understood that it was not Cora who was initiating the advances. She was being polite, as she was thought in all these years in Downton. She had been pushed into a curse life that she was following perfectly. Being the always welcoming hostess, she had not noticed his advances. When was the last time a guy made advances on her, it had been for ever. He knew many men that came to their house over the years envied him, but they never made advances on her. But this man, he felt his blood boil again, this man had the audacity to overstep his boundaries and ignored Cora’s request to leave her bedroom. “Every time I look at it, I am reminded that I didn’t trust you.” He continued, this made Cora look up. He locked his eyes into hers. “And I feel so angry with myself, I want to be rid of it.”

His last words made Cora’s heart flutter; she felt a smile form around her lips. Did he truly mean this? She looked into his eyes and knew that he meant every word. He was incredibly sorry and selling the painting was the best option. The smile on her face got wider. If the rest of the room wasn’t filled with her family, she would kiss him right there at that moment. But she would thank him once they were back in their own room. He was not angry at her about the painting, yes, she was the reason why he was selling it. But it was not because he was angry with her. She felt so much love for this man, it was almost scary. She reached for his hand and intertwined their fingers.

Robert softly squeezed Cora’s hand. He was one lucky man he thought, and he recognized the look in Cora’s eyes. It would be a long night if it was up to her. He would not protest; he was looking forward to finally make an end to all this and no better way than fooling around with her in the privacy of their room.