The truth always comes out, chapter 37

Cora sat next to Edith; she finally had fallen asleep. She worried about Michael, Cora had not realised before, but Edith was in love with Michael. She knew Edith liked him, but it was more than just liking. Softly she brushed Edith´s hair, how she wished it was possible to protect her girls from the harsh world. She and Robert were not helping with providing them a safe place to come home to. They now had to make a choice. Cora bent over and kissed Edith on her forehead before heading back down.

With a cup of tea, she sat down in the living room, the two letters in her hand. Debating which one to open first. The smallest she decided, the handwriting was from her mother-in-law. Inside was a short letter, indeed from Violet.

‘Dear Cora, please come over for tea. Looking forward to your reply. Violet

Cora let out a sigh, why did she need to come over for tea and especially, why did Violet order her to go back to Downton. Did she not know how Robert treated her the last time she was there. She did not want to go and was already looking for an excuse. Last time Violet had showed her, that she did not pick a side, but was that still how she looked at the situation? Or was Cora in for a good scolding and an order to stay at Downton. Obviously Violet saw how Robert suffered, but that was all to his own. He had messed up and kept messing up. Cora was not going back, she would not except another humiliation by Robert and a lecture from Violet was also not something she wanted to endure.

Cora looked at the other letter, she got up and put the letter in her desk. She was not ready to open that one, not tonight.

+++

“Did you hear the news.” Carson stormed into Mrs. Hughes office.

“Calm down Mr. Carson, calm down.” Mrs. Hughes looked up from her papers, Mary had given her the list of people who would stay over after the event. She needed to arrange the rooms and a schedule to clean the rooms. The guest would stay for three nights. It was the first multiple day event that was held at Downton. It reminded Mrs. Hughes of the parties Robert and Cora held. It must have sparked Mary’s interest to start a business as event planner with Downton as the location.

“Elsie, it is incredible.” Carson never used Mrs. Hughes first name.

Mrs. Hughes gave him a funny look. “Now, come on, tell me your news before you burst.”

“Matthew asked Mary to marry him. They are engaged.”

A wide smile rose on Mrs. Hughes face. Mary had always been like a daughter for Carson, she could do no wrong in his eyes. And now the apple of his eye was going to marry. “That is wonderful news. His Lordship and her Ladyship must be over the moon.”

Carson’s face clouded and Mrs. Hughes could slap herself. Carson was not dealing well with the divorce; he was to old fashioned to understand that a marriage sometimes did not work, and it was better to separate.

+++

“I heard Mama has ordered you to come to Downton.” Rosamund said, while they were walking in a nearby park. “She did not receive your answer yet.”

Cora nodded and sighed. “I do not know why she wants me to come. I thought she was alright with the divorce, but it seems like she wants to mend things. But Rosamund, they are not mendable anymore. He has hurt me too much and he is blaming everything on me. He says I took the easy way out by leaving. But God knows, this is not the easy way. There is no easy way, not with the way he is behaving. I thought we had a decent conversation about the divorce papers, and we agreed on the divorce, but then during dinner.” She felt silent.

Rosamund looked at Cora. Robert had gone too far that evening. His life was crumbling down, and he was helping by taking away the centre blocks. She had hoped it would ease up between them two, at least so they could stand next to Mary as proud father and mother. But this way they would have to build a wall between those two to keep them from fighting. “Did Mary and Matthew settle on a date already?”

“May next year.” Cora said with a frown. “Is that why Mama is asking me to come over? Oh, no that is not possible, he had not asked her when I received that letter.” Cora straightened her back. “I will write to Mama that I will come over, I also want to see what Mary has done for the next event. It is a multiple day wedding, that is so exciting. Mary is doing incredibly well on her own, I am happy that she at least is flourishing.”

“Sybil, is also glowing, being pregnant suits her.” Rosamund added.

Cora smiled. “It does, my baby is getting a baby. 3 more months.”

Rosamund saw the look on Cora’s face, she had so much love for her girls.

“Only Edith………..” Cora’s smile faded. “She is not having luck in life. The moment it looks like she will be happy something tragic happens. I hope they will find Michael soon; Edith needs closure.”

“You think he is dead?” Rosamund asked surprised.

“I hate to say it, but it is the feeling I have. If he would be alive, he would have been found.”

“Edith told me you started backing and cooking?” Rosamund suddenly changed the subject.

A laugh escaped Cora’s throat. “I try, but I am failing miserably, I have never been a good chef and at Downton I was more than happy we had Mrs. Patmore. If I had to do the cooking, we would all starve to death.”

“I do not think you can be worse than I am. Without my staff I would be nowhere. I admire you living on your own without any staff.”

Cora chuckled. “I have to admit, I quite like doing the things myself and I am learning slowly. Are you coming for dinner? I can show you how bad I am.” Cora laughed.

“I am coming, but I already know that you will blow me away with your cooking skills.”

Cora hooked her arm in Rosamund’s. It was a blessing to have her as her sister-in-law. She had a good friend in her and they could talk about everything.

The truth always comes out, chapter 36

“Rosamund?” Robert started when she picked up her phone. “How is Cora doing?”

He heard Rosamund’s frustrated sigh. “When will you learn to control your temper?”

Robert stayed quiet. He could hear in Rosamund’s voice that he had hurt Cora badly this time. “Rosamund, is there a way I can send Cora my apologies? Maybe flowers? Or chocolate?”

Rosamund’s laugh sounded. “You truly think flowers can solve this? Oh Robert, you have a very strange look on the world. No, of course you cannot send flowers. I am not sure if there is a way to mend this. You messed up big, and you have to figure this one out yourself.”

Robert put the phone down, and Rosamund was right. He truly messed up. Cora had come to Downton, she even stayed for dinner. And then he lost control. Why did he react in that way? Tom was not bad for Sybil, and if one day Matthew would take over, he needed to let go now. Mary was serious about him, and he was expecting Matthew to ask for Mary’s hand any day now. He would agree. There was no doubt in his mind about that. Mary and Matthew belonged together. The same as he and Cora did. A very deep sigh left Robert’s body. They did belong together, and they still did. Only if there was a way to fix what he had broken.

+++

“I heard your mother was back at Downton?” Violet said to Mary.

They were in Violet’s garden, the day was warm, but the trees gave a nice shade, and it was lovely to sit outside. The bees were buzzing over the lavender.

Mary looked at her grandmother. She was not sure if she was looking for a fight or to trash talk about her mother or just making conversation.

“Papa had the divorce papers ready and they needed to sign them.”

“They could have done that in a lawyer’s office?”

“Papa asked Mama to come to Downton, and she agreed. At first, it was nice to be with all of us together in the dining room. I miss Mama at home.” Mary surprised herself by saying that.

“At first?”

Mary could hear in the way Violet asked this question, that she knew more. But as always, her grandmother loved getting her nose further into things. “Papa acted stupid, and Mama left the Abbey in an quite upset state. I am not even sure if she ever will come back. Papa did say some hurtful things.”

Violet hummed. “Your father has not learned a lot since your mother left him. But enough about your parents. How are you and Matthew coming along?”

“Papa had a hard time excepting him into the running of things. And I know we are not married yet, so Matthew does not have a say in anything. But I thought Papa would welcome him with more open arms, or at least not this hostile.”

Violet thought for a minute. Robert was not thinking clear. She knew, but she had hoped that Matthew would be a good distraction. Violet had to admit that Cora was a good influence on him, and she could get him to soften towards Matthew. But now Robert was on his own, and Robert left alone was not the best option. He needed Cora’s soft side and more reasonable eye she had to admit, much to her own annoyance. She never saw why Robert wanted to marry Cora, but in the course of time, Cora had proofed to be a strong woman, but most of all, she was capable of getting through to Robert. Should she reach out to Cora?

“Your Papa will welcome Matthew eventually. Do not worry about that. Now, is there already a wedding date?”

Mary shook her head. Not yet, Grandmamma, but I do not think it will take much longer. I can hardly wait to walk towards the altar and become his wife.

Violet smiled.

+++

Cora was busy peeling apples. She was going to make an apple pie. She had never done that before in her life, but it was something she always wanted to do. How hard could it be, she thought. So she went to a local farmer, who sold his produce. She let him inform her what apple she needed. She went to a bakery to get flour and other ingredients. Everything she bought from small local stores. She loved going into small shops instead of the bigger supermarkets. This way her food was fresh and she learned a lot from the shop owners. The doorbell rang. Cora brushed her hands against her apron and opened the door.

“Edith?” She said, surprised when she saw who was at the door. “Did you forget your key?” Cora stopped when she saw Edith’s face. “What is wrong, darling?”

“Michael is missing.” She said very timid.

“Oh darling, come in. Come in.” Cora brushed her hands against her apron to get the juice of the apple off her hands. There was a paste on her fingers from the apple juice and flour. It didn’t come off, so she brushed with the back of her hand over Edith’s cheek. “How long is he gone?”

“He went on a holiday three weeks ago to Berlin, but nobody has heard from him since.” She looked up to her mother.

Cora was still trying to get the flour paste of her hands. “You like Michael, do you not?” She asked

Edith only nodded, and Cora saw tears in her eyes. She gave up trying to get her fingers clean and wrapped Edith in her arms. “Do you want Papa to send out somebody to search in Berlin?”

Edith shrugged her shoulders. His frim already did that, without any luck. “What if something terrible had happened.”

Cora put her hands on Edith’s face. “No reason to despair yet. We need to keep hope. Maybe his phone just died, and he is not able to contact home?” She knew this was, of course, madness, but she saw the despair in Edith’s eyes. When she lowered her hands, she saw a trace of flour on Edith’s cheeks. “Go and give your face a quick rinse, I will make you a nice hot cup of tea. She saw Edith walk towards the stairs. Then she noticed two letters on the doormat. She recognised the handwriting.

 

The truth always comes out, chapter 35

Cora brushed the tears away, but they kept coming. They did not stop. She was in a cab on her way back to London. She did not want to go on the train in this state. Luckily, the driver wanted to drive her all the way up to London. She looked at the envelope next to her. The papers inside were signed with two signatures. But against her expectations, it had not gone smoothly. Her visit to Downton ended in Robert shouting and her holding back, tears and frustration.

It started with the part that Cora did not want his financial support. She was not married to him for his money, and she did not want to lean on him financially after their divorce. But as Robert pointed out, it was simply her right because of their marriage. There had been some other minor things, but they agreed in the end and signed the papers.

To Cora’s relief, everything had gone in a civil way, and Robert did not try to get her back. Of course, she saw the look in her eyes when he thought she was not watching, but she was convinced she had that same look herself. Robert was incredibly attractive, and her body still longed for him.

Robert asked if she would stay for dinner, and Cora agreed. Mary, Edith, and Sybil would be home too, and it was a good opportunity to see them all together.

Mary had been mocking at the dinner table, Cora tried to get her to talk just before dessert was served. She felt a tension between Mary and Robert. It was their when she arrived earlier at Downton, and Mary greeted her. Something was off.

“Mary? Can I help you?” She asked as soft as she could.

“Mary does not need us!” Robert said.

Cora looked at Robert, surprised he sounded angry. “Mary? Robert? What is going on?”

“That is not what I said, Papa, and you know that.”

Cora saw frustration on both their faces. Sybil and Edith stayed quiet at the other end of the table. “Can one of you explain what is going on?”

“As if you care? You do not live here. You did not want to be part of this family anymore.” Robert threw in front of her.

Cora felt an iron fist around her heart. What did Robert just say? “You know that that is not the reason I left. This is not fair.” She had to fight not to cry.

“Papa?” Sybil’s voice sounded. “Can we please not fight, not tonight?”

Robert’s eyes shot towards Sybil, and the way he looked at her scared Cora. “Did you tell your mother what happened with you and that chauffeur boy.”

“His name is Tom. And yes, Mama knows.”

“Let me guess, you support them two? Do you not?” Robert turned towards Cora again.

“We cannot change what happened. Sybil and Tom got married and will have a baby. Is there something wrong with Matthew, too? You always spoke to highly of him and was looking forward to embracing him in the running of the estate.” Cora said.

Robert snorted. “That boy wants to take over the whole thing. He knows no boundaries.”

Cora had to take a minute before she could react. Now Matthew was also downgraded as a boy. What had happened, she needed to know to understand the situation. She saw how hurt Robert was, and although she did not like his temper at the moment, she understood where he was coming from. He was scared, she realised he was simply scared. “Girls.” Cora scraped her throat. “Can you three leave your dad and me alone for a minute?”

Mary and Sybil left without saying anything, Edith walked past Cora and whispered: “Are you sure?”

Cora padded her hand and smiled. She waited for Edith to leave the dining room before she got up and sat closer to Robert. “Are you scared; Matthew will do better than you?”

Robert did not react.

“Are you scared?” Cora stretched out her hand and touched Robert’s hand. This had an effect, but not the one she had hoped for.

Robert jerked back. “Everything is a mess. Everything.”

“I am sorry.” Cora started.

“Are you? Are you sorry? You leaving us did not help at all. Sybil is now pregnant and married. Matthew is stepping in my place, and they are not even married yet.”

“Do you blame this on me?”

“You left. Cora, you left! You took the easy way out and left.”

Cora had walked out after these words and waited outside for the cab.

Robert was hurt she knew she was part of that. But he did cheat, and he betrayed her trust. How dared he blaming it all on her.

+++

Robert sat in the big chair in Cora’s old bedroom. Why did he do that. He had hurt Cora with his words. He knew he did hurt her immensely. Again. He rested his head in his hands. Oh, why did he do that. Cora did not deserve this. She did not. If there had been a change, she would come back to him. He had now ruined that. He let out a deep sigh. He was messing everything up. Was Tom really that bad for Sybil? And was Matthew overstepping?

He looked at the vanity mirror. There were still some things that belonged to Cora on the table. He should send them to her, but she probably did not miss them since she never asked for them. He picked up the small bottle with hand lotion, opened the lid, and smelled it. Cora always had subtle fragrances, never too much, just enough to make him turn his head when she approached him from the back. Or leaving a hint of smell behind in the room she just was in.

A soft knock on the door made him put the bottle back. Edith stepped inside.

“Papa? Are you all right?”

Robert straightened his back, but he let his shoulders drop the same minute. “I am not sure.” He admitted.

The truth always comes out, chapter 34

“Yes.” Cora answered here phone, she did not look at the caller ID, because she had to run from the garden. She loved being in the garden, at Downton they had staff that took care of everything. She only took regular walks, but never really cared for the plants. Now she was the one finding out when which flower blossomed and when she should cut or not.

It stayed silent on the other side of the line.

“Hello?” Cora said. “Who is this?”

“It is me.” Robert’s voice sounded.

Cora felt her stomach flutter. Robert’s voice still had an effect on her, although she tried to not let it happen, when she was not prepared to hear his voice, she could not help but react. “Oh, hello.” she said, as casually as possible.

“I am sorry to bother you, but I received some papers that we need to look at.”

Cora hated it when Robert said that he did not want to bother her. He did that a lot when she was at Downton. Then it was more along the lines that it was nothing to bother her with. But this gave her the same feeling. “What papers?” She tried to hide her annoyance.

“About the divorce, we should finalize it. Do you want me to come to London, or do you want to come here? Or we can meet somewhere in the middle?”

She did not want to go back to Downton, but she also did not want him in her house. This was a Robert free zone; she had declared to herself. “I can come to Downton.” Cora walked towards her agenda and saw her weekend was free. “How about this Saturday?”

“That is perfect, see you then.”

He had hung up before Cora could say goodbye. Robert was probably still very hurt and maybe angry about her leaving. He had never been good in managing his emotions. Edith had told her, that he had stopped drinking, it was a huge relief to know that. She was scared he would drink himself to death. But Mrs. Hughes was keeping him in order. Cora let out a deep sigh, Mrs. Hughes was a wonderful woman, and Robert was lucky to have her and Carson to look after him. She turned on the kettle. Who was there to look after her? She had Rosamund who came by regularly, but that was it. She should try and make some friends. It was also time to find something to do. Her parents had left her with a wealth that made it possible to never work a day in her life, but she wanted to do something. All of the sudden Cora felt a tear running down her cheek. She wished she could call her mother, but both her father and mother had passed away.

+++

“Can you please stop that pacing around, or do it outside?” Mary said annoyed looking up from her book.

Robert stopped abruptly in his tracks; he had not noticed he was pacing. Cora could be here any minute now. “I am sorry.” He murmured.

“Papa, sit down and take a drink.” Mary saw her father’s eyebrows rise. “No, not that kind of drink. A cup of tea I meant.”

“I know, I know.” Robert frowned, of course he knew she did not mean an alcoholic drink. Cora would smell it on him from miles away. The door to the drawing room opened and Carson appeared. Directly behind him was Cora.

“Thank you, Carson.” Cora said, clearly uncomfortable, that she had to be escorted towards the drawing room by the butler.

“Mama, lovely to see you.” Mary got up and walked towards her mother to kiss her on her cheek.

Cora touched her arm briefly. “Thank you darling.”

“I am off.” She looked at her father and walked away.

Cora walked towards Robert and kissed his cheek. His smell made her weak in her stomach. She felt his bristly skin, he had not shaved in days. But she had to admit, he was good looking with a beard. Quickly she stepped back when she noticed she was holding his arm a bit too long. Her cheeks coloured and she averted her face.

Robert closed his eyes the moment Cora came so close to him that she could not see his eyes. She looked lovely, she had gained some of her old weight back he noticed. It was a relief to see, she had lost so much weight while she was sick, and he had been scared she would not regain it. But she did, did that mean she was happy? He thought. Every fibre in his body, wanted to pull her back when she stepped away from him. He wanted to put his noise in her hair, which was in a low ponytail on her back. Some curls escaped in the front, and he wanted to put it back behind her ear.

“You said, you received some papers?” Cora said, waking Robert from his daydreams. She had recognized the look on his face, he was fantasizing, the same thing that happened in her mind the moment she laid her eyes on him, just when she entered the drawing room. The physical affect he had on her, was jarring.

“Yes, Murray finished all the details and I think he made a good settlement.”

Cora swallowed; with these papers it would be defined. There was no way back after signing them. “Can I read them?”

“Of course, do you want to take them with you and come back later or?” Robert stopped; he did not want to push Cora in any way.

Cora took the papers from Robert; it was not too much she noticed and would be able to read it today. “I will read them right now, if that is alright?”

Robert nodded. “Of course, can I poor you a drink?”

“Some tea would be lovely.” Cora had seen that there was tea and some biscuits waiting on the table. It was something she missed in her home, everything she had to do herself and although she really liked living this independently, it was sometimes very convenient to have people do those things for you.

+++

‘Cora got up, without saying a word and threw the papers in the roaring fire. She stepped closer towards Robert, who was still sitting on the sofa opposite of her. She reached with her hand towards his chin, and she lifted his head, so he was looking at her. Slowly, very slowly she came closer. Her hair was loose and was now falling forwards. It gave her an angelic look. Her nose brushed his and he felt her breath on his skin. “We should wake up.” She said very softly.’

Robert felt a hand shaking his shoulder and a voice saying. “Wake up.” His eyes snapped open. Cora was standing in front of him, but her hair was still neatly in that ponytail.

“I am sorry to wake you, but there are somethings we need to discuss.” She pointed at the papers in her hand.

Robert tried to shake off the dream he just had. He felt stupid for falling asleep in the first place, but he could have known he would dream about her. He dreamed about Cora every night, she came back to him every night, again and again.

The truth always comes out, chapter 33

“How am I going to tell this to Papa?” Sybil asked Tom.

“Or your mother?” Tom said.

Sybil looked at Tom. “I am not worried about her reaction. Mama will understand, she will be hurt……..” Sybil stopped. “Oh no.”

Tom took Sybil’s hands in his. “What is it?”

“Mama is still healing from the divorce, and now I am adding even more hurt on her.”

“She is a strong woman.”

Sybil let out a deep sigh. “We do not have a choice. We need to tell them. Let’s start with Mama.”

+++

Cora watered the flowers in the garden. She had found a cosy home in Richmond. Close to the river Thames, where she made daily walks. Although she was on her own, she was happy here.

All three girls had their own room, something that was especially important for Cora. They did not use those rooms a lot, but she needed them to have their own private place.

She walked towards her front door when the doorbell sounded. “Sybil darling, Tom, I did not know you were coming?”

“We did not tell you. Can we come in, or are you busy?” She looked at her mother’s clothes. She was wearing dungarees with a simple t-shirt underneath. She had never seen her mother like this before, but she liked to see her free spirit come out. She had always known her mother was like her.

Cora brushed her hands over her clothes, to get the dirt off them. “I always have time for you. Come in. Tea?”

They sat down in the garden. It was lovely spring weather.

“We have some news.” Sybil started.

Cora looked from Tom to Sybil. “You are pregnant?” She stated.

Sybil coloured.

“Oh darling, that is wonderful.” Cora jumped up and wrapped her arms around her.

“We have more news. We are also married.” Sybil held out her hand and showed her ring to her mother.

Cora took her hand without a word. She did not know how to react to this news. “I think I have to congratulate you two with your marriage.”

Sybil wrapped her fingers around Cora’s hand. “You are not upset?” She asked.

Cora looked up and contemplated for a second before she answered. Of course, she was upset that her daughter got married without her mother present. Cora had always dreamed of her girls’ wedding days. But Sybil and Tom must have had a good reason to marry in secret. “I am not upset, darling. I would have loved to be there. But no, I am not upset.”

“We thought it was best not to have a big wedding because of his Lordship and your situation.” Tom said, putting his hand on Sybil’s knee.

“You can call him Robert. There is no need for you to be formal. And please also start calling me Cora. I am your mother-in-law now.”

“Do you mean that, Mama?” Sybil asked.

“Darling, I understand and agree that it was not the time for a big wedding. I also understand that you two wanted to be married well before this news will announce itself.” Cora put her hand on Sybil’s belly. “How far along are you?” She felt a slight bulge she thought.

“I am well into my fourth month and am starting to show a little already.”

Cora kissed Sybil’s cheek and got up to hug Tom. She kissed both his cheeks. “Welcome to the family, Tom.” She looked at Sybil. “And do I need to call you Mrs. Branson now?

“May I present to you, Lady Sybil Branson née Crawley.” Tom said with a wide smile.

+++

Robert put down his pen and looked at his watch. He got an instant smile on his face. Mary would come soon with Matthew. She was spending her days more at his place, then at home. He could not blame her, since Cora had left, he was not the nicest person to be around. He did not drink, he knew Mrs. Hughes did keep track of his drinking and he was thankful. Being drunk would not improve anything about the situation. He had to accept that Cora was gone and would never come back. According to Rosamund´s reports she was as happy as she could be in Richmond. He saw pictures of the house she found, and he was surprised by the size. He had thought she would buy something bigger. But there was exactly enough room for the four of them. Cora and her girls. He felt a lump in his throat. it would never be them and their girls anymore. Of course, he was happy Cora was able to go on with her life. He only hoped she would miss him too, as he missed her incredibly. There was not a day that he did not want to walk to her sitting room or walk into her bedroom. Since Cora had left, he let one of the guest bedrooms remodel, to a room for him. He could not sleep in his dressing room, and he tried sleeping in Cora´s old bedroom, but those nights he did not got a wink of sleep. He was tossing and turning and reaching for her hand. He still smelt her smell on the pillow. Although he had not been in her room for weeks now, so he was not sure her smell would still be there.

“What are you dreaming of?” Mary’s voice sounded.

Robert shook up. “Good to see you Mary, Matthew.” He got up to shake his hand. “Ready to dive into the world of Downton?”

Matthew nodded. “Very much ready. We should start with the books?”

“Books? What do you mean by that?” Robert asked.

“Matthew, maybe you should Papa be the lead in this?” Mary was not sure her father would like Matthew’s approach.

“I am sorry, I am so eager to start, that I want to go to fast. With the books I mean the records off how the financial status of the estate is. But Mary is right, you are the expert here and I will follow.”

Robert frowned; he did not like it when other people messed with the numbers. He had everything in order according to himself and he did not need anybody to help him. He took a deep breath because he knew he needed to learn to let things go. In the end, Matthew would see the numbers. If he really intended to share the running of this estate. But for that there must first be a marriage he thought.

Drabble – You remember lady Ingleby’s pearls

Robert tried to hide the small box in his jacket, but it was too big. He decided to just hold it behind his back. The change was there that Cora would not really look the moment he stepped inside her room. He heard her talking to Baxter. This was the moment he said to himself and entered.

As he had hoped, Cora looked briefly at him, gave him a soft smile, and turned back to her mirror so Baxter could pin the last curl up. Robert would love to see all those pins back on the table, and Cora’s chestnut brown curls cascading over her shoulders and back. If he got lucky, he would see that tonight just before they went to bed.

He saw how Cora took the gloves, Baxter handed her, and then he watched Baxter leave the room. He stepped closer towards Cora, who was trying to get her hands in the gloves. He lowered himself and kissed Cora’s cheek. She smelt heavenly. “Do you have a new scent?”

“It is still Lanvin Arpège.” Cora kept her focus on her glove, that did not want to go on her hand. Her fingers got caught in the fabric of the glove. Annoyed, she pulled the whole glove off. Straightened the fabric before trying it again.

Robert pressed another kiss onto Cora’s skin, this time a little bit lower, in her neck. He felt Cora’s reaction, exactly as he hoped. This made him lower his kisses even more, up to the point his lips kissed her colour bone. With the tip of his finger, he followed her colour bone.

Cora felt heat deep down in her core, her insides gone weak. Robert always knew where to touch her to het her rowled up. She forced herself to focus on that damn glove that still did not want to slide on her hand and arm. Her light sweating that Robert caused did not help. A deep sigh left her body. She would love to leave them on the table and go downstairs bare-handed.

Robert noticed that Cora was still struggling with her gloves. He had to refrain himself from going lower with his kisses and make her struggle even more. He knew she would keep trying while also trying to ignore her tightness deep down. Once he felt Cora let out a deep sigh, he stopped his caressing of her skin and sat down on the chair next to her. He knew he needed to stop, before he would start growing himself.

Finally, Cora managed to get one hand in her glove. Before she started with the second one, she half turned towards Robert. “Well, that did not help.” She joked. She batted her eyelashes before putting on the other glove. This one slid up a bit more easy.

“You cannot tell me you did not like that.” Robert said with his voice low in his chest. He knew Cora went weak when he did that. And he saw exactly that on her face. She struggled to keep her composure.

“Stop teasing me.” She moaned, pressing her hands in her lap.

Robert got up again and stepped behind Cora. “I am sorry, I will leave the rest for tonight.”

Another moan left Cora’s mouth. “That doesn’t help much containing this feeling.” She stretched her neck so her head fell back. Cora puckered her lips, and Robert answered.

“I have something for you.” He said when they broke the connection.

Through the mirror, Cora looked at him. Robert’s hand was firmly on her shoulder, so she could not turn around. She heard something open and Robert’s voice. “Close your eyes.” She did as instructed. The waves of unanswered pleasure were still rushing through her core.

Suddenly, she felt something cold on her skin, and her hand reached up to her neck. Her eyes shot open. “Pearls? Robert?”

“I know we do not have something to celebrate or any other special occasion. But do you remember when Lady Ingleby was here?”

All the heat that was still in Cora’s body left instantly, and she lowered her hand and head. Of course she remembered that evening. Robert had just walked into her room when Mr. Bricker had forced himself in. Robert was so angry that evening, even Violet had noticed something was wrong between them. She also remembered trying to keep the conversation going between her and Robert, so she commented on the pearls Lady Ingleby was wearing. She said something along the lines of being jealous.

Robert pressed her lips on Cora’s temple. “You do not like them?” Both his hands rested on her shoulders.

“Oh no, I love them.” Cora said, unsure. “But I did not expect you to remember that comment.”

“I know. I had been unreasonable mad at you, but I did hear everything you said that evening. And because you only deserve the best, I bought the best pearls you can get in London.”

“Oh Robert.” It was almost a sob coming from Cora’s mouth. She got up and wrapped her arms around Robert’s neck. “You did not have to do this.”

“I know, but I wanted too.” He could not finish the rest of his sentence. Cora pressed her body against his and her mouth crashed on his. Robert moved his hand to her lower back and pressed her even closer to his chest. When Cora leaned back to get some air, Robert continued his kisses on her jawline and neck. one hand rested in her neck and massaged the base of her scalp.

Cora tried to wrap her leg around Robert, but her tight skirt prevented her from that movement, so she leaned even heavier on him. This made Robert scope her up and press her against the wall. Cora tried to pull up her dress as far as possible so her legs had more room to move. She managed to wrap them around him. Robert pressed his manhood against Cora’s core and grinded against her. She could feel his stiffness. Her breathing got faster and she almost ripped his dress shirt of Robert’s chest. Robert’s hand was moving up in Cora’s hair. A pin dropped to the floor and this made Cora realise, they were preparing for dinner. Robert’s mouth was on her chest, just where her dress line started. He could not reach her breasts due to the fabric. She forced herself to lower her legs and push Robert off her.

He was like a dog that wanted his toy and he looked at her panting. “Why are you so irresistible.” he moaned. “Can we skip dinner?”

Cora tried to fix her dress and put the pins back in her hair in front of the dress mirror. It looked like a whirlwind had gone through it. She needed Baxter to fix this mess, but how was she going to explain this disaster. She looked over her shoulder at Robert, who also was trying to fix his clothing, he still saw a bulge in his pants and she quickly looked up. Seeing his excitement did not help settling down her own heat. “I will go up early tonight with a headache.”

Robert gave her a concerned look. “Why did you not tell me you had a headache, I would not have…..”

“No silly.” Cora tugged on his bow tie to get it straight again. “But I need you to take care of me later tonight when I have a headache.”

The truth always comes out, chapter 32

Cora gave the room a last look. She felt tears stinging behind her eyes, she had loved this room. There were so many memories attached to it. And not only to this room, the whole house had so many memories.

She went back in her memorie to the first time she made love with Robert. She remember being incredibly nervous, they had waited for after their marriage. Robert carried her up the stairs as soon as everybody had left. That night was a wonderful start as they discovered each other more and more over the years.

She gave birth to Mary and Edith in this room. Sybil’s birth started at home, but due to some complications she had to go to the hospital. She still felt sadness, thinking about that day. Although they were holding their perfect little girl in their arms, it was not in their own home.

The fights she and Robert had here that always ended up in making up sex. The best one she ever had, she had to admit. But also the quite Sunday mornings, were they snuggled against each other hoping the girls would not storm in their room and disturb their peace.

Cora took a deep breath, she would take all the memories with her, the good an the bad.

“Mama.” A soft hand was laid on Cora’s shoulder.

Cora turned around and looked into the face of Mary. “Mary, darling?” Cora was surprised to see her, she had made it very clear that Cora was at fault in this divorce and she was taking her fathers side. Even though Cora was disappointed in Mary’s point of view, it would never alter her love for her oldest.

“Can we talk?”

Cora took Mary’s hands in hers and pulled her back in the room. She guided her towards the sofa at the end of the bed and sat down. “I am always here to listen.”

“I have to apologize I think.”

Cora padded Mary’s hand. “No need for that.” Everything Mary had said came from being hurt, she knew, and she could never blame her.

“I know it is not only you why Papa and you are divorcing. I know, but I….” Mary felt silent.

Cora put her hand under Mary’s chin and lifted her head. “Listen to me carefully. I do not blame you for your feelings, you are allowed to feel the way you do. I admit it did hurt when you ran out and blamed everything on me.”

“I should not have done that.” Mary tried to lower her gaze again, but Cora forced her head to stay up.

“There is a big responsibility on your shoulders as the oldest. And I am sorry for not pushing your dad more, to involve you.

“Papa, never really wanted me to step in his footsteps. He had wanted me to be a boy.”

Now Cora was the one lowering her gaze and she let go of Mary’s chin. “I could not give him a boy that he so desperately wanted.”

“Did you know, that it is mostly the men’s part that decides if a baby will be a boy or a girl?

Cora forced herself to look up again and compose her composure. “Mary, I hope that you know, that even though I am not in this house anymore, I am always here to talk to. And I am still more than willing to help with the business when you are stuck.”

“Thank you, that is good to know. But Papa is right, I need to do more on my own, I wanted this, so I have to work for it. But there is another reason why I got mad the evening you and Papa told about the divorce.

“Oh?” Cora’s mind started spinning, what else was there that could have upset Mary. What element did she overlook?

“I had some news to tell you and Papa myself, but because of the bombshell you two dropped, i could not share it.”

Cora looked at Mary with surprise and anticipation. The look in Mary’s eyes was a happy one. “Matthew has asked you out?”

Mary chuckled. “I sometimes hate you for how easy you can read me.” She took her mother’s hands in hers. She used the wrong words again, she realised. Mary heard a lot, that she could come over as a cold stone bitch and sometimes she meant it that way, but a lot of times, she did not. She should learn to better control what she said. “We are doing more than just dating.”

“Oh my darling.” Cora exclaimed. “Are you for real?”

Mary nodded and let her mother embrace her. “I am for real. We are officially a couple and are talking about our future together.”

“Your father must be over the moon. He does know, does he not.” Cora did not expect her to be the first to find this out.

“Papa, does know and he already talks about telling Matthew everything he needs to know about this estate.”

“I will talk with your father about that.” Cora did not like this approche of Robert. He was pushing Mary to the side, now that he finally had a boy, who he could see as his successor. Even though Mary had showed interest, Robert never saw it as real and now with Matthew he finally had his dream.

“Mama that is not necessary. I do not mind, truly I do not. I am over the moon with Matthew and I think I want to marry him.”

A knock on the door, made Cora and Mary sit back up straight, but as soon as Sybil and Edith entered, they relaxed again. “Mama, Aunt Rosamund is waiting downstairs. All your bags are in the van, Tom will drive the van to Belgrave Square. He offered to come back after and pick you and Aunt Rosamund up.”

Cora stood up, took Mary’s hand for a second in hers. Brushed Edith’s cheek and touched Sybil’s arm. “We will go by train, Tom does not have to drive all those hours more than once.

“He will have to do it twice.” Edith commented.

Cora smiled at her. “Of course, twice, to come back home to Sybil.” This made Sybil blush. “Now, let’s go down.”

“Mama, before we go down, can you please read a story to us in this room.” Sybil said all of the sudden.

This request surprised Cora.

“Oh mum, yes please, just like you did when we were younger. Sitting on the big bed, listening to you is one of the best memories I have.”

Cora smiled melancholic, those evenings were also among her best memories. “What story do you girls want to hear?”

Mary looked at Sybil and Edith. “The story of the three bears.”

Cora frowned, I am not sure I have that one in my memories at the moment.

“I will get the book, it is still in my room.” Sybil said.

Cora had already sat down on the bed, Edith and Mary were crossed-legged sitting on it, when Sybil returned and joined them. Cora started:

‘Once upon a time there were Three Bears, who lived together in a house of their own in a wood. One of them was a Little, Small, Wee Bear; and one was a Middle-sized Bear, and the other was a Great, Huge Bear. They had each a pot for their porridge, a little pot for the Little, Small, Wee Bear; and a middle-sized pot for the Middle Bear; and a great pot for the Great, Huge Bear.’ _{The Story of the Three Bears – An English Fairy Tale from Andrew Lang}

The truth always comes out, chapter 31

Robert walked to his dressing room. He heard voices coming from Cora’s bedroom. Edith was there. He was relieved to know Edith was talking and did not hide away in her room. Mary had come down to him in the drawing room. He was surprised when she walked in, but he had been thankful, nonetheless.

Her news about Matthew had cheered him up immensely. Matthew could be his potential successor. He could see it in his minds eye, him teaching Matthew everything about Downton. He knew Mary had always been interested, but due to his own fault. She had gone in a different direction, and with Cora’s help, she started her own business.

He had made so many mistakes, so many. First, with his darling Sybil. Was Tom really that bad for her? As Cora had pointed out so clearly, they were not living in 1920 anymore. The class system was not that important. Of course, Sybil would have to learn to live a less luxurious life. But maybe she did not mind? She had never been the one to care for nice dresses or new shoes. To be fair, Mary was the only one interested in those things. He wondered where that came from, Cora had never raised them that way. They only got new clothes when needed, and Cora herself never bought very expensive things. Of course, she had a couple of designer dresses, but because of their title, they had to attend special dinners and events.

His Cora was known for her sustainability. She would wear dresses to multiple events, and she did not care about gossip.

He also made a lot of mistakes with Edith, even though she never gave him that feeling on purpose. He just knew she never really talked with him. It surprised him she was now talking with Cora. Was there a boy in her life? Or maybe a girl. He felt chills run down his spine. Would he be able to accept that? He did not know. He had to admit to his own shame that he always had been sure they would marry a man. He shook his head. That was not something he needed to think about now.

Bates entered his dressing room.

“Bates, I have to thank you .” He turned his back towards Bates so he could take his dinner jacket.

Bates raised his eyebrows. “Why, Milord?”

“I can understand when you want to go and work somewhere else.”

This made Bates laugh. “We are friends, are we not?”

Robert turned back towards Bates. “I hope we are. Of course I pay you and officially I am your employer. But I see you as a friend and these last weeks you have been an exceptional good one.”

“What will you do once her Ladyship has left this house?”

“I guess just go on with every day. I have to, there is no other option. This estate will need attending.”

Bates nodded but did not say anything.

Robert paused and looked at him. “Bates, please tell me what you mean.”

“Is Jane coming back.”

“What!” Robert said brusque.

“Are you sure you have not thought about that?”

“How dare you. Jane was a mistake. A big one that has cost me my life. I may be lucky if I do not lose my girls, too. That woman will never be back here. NEVER.” That last word Robert shouted.

Bates did not back down or step back. He had provoked on purpose. He needed to be sure Jane was history. “Good, Milord. I am happy to hear you say that.”

Robert sunk on his bed. “I am sorry, I should not have reacted that way.”

“I understand. Good night.”

Robert saw Bates leave. He should get in bed, but he was too restless to sleep. He needed a drink, he needed it badly.

+++

He had waited a while before heading down again. It took everything in him not to walk into Cora’s room and sleep next to her. It was so hard to know she was back home, but that it was only temporary. And what hurt him the most was that she did not see this house as her home anymore.

He had robbed her of her home. No! No, that was something she did herself. She could have forgiven him. But of course, she was being headstrong. He had always loved her strength to stand up for herself. The times she had defended herself against his mother without losing her temper. But now he had hoped she would accept that people made mistakes. He was a human being who made a mistake. Did she never do anything wrong? Her part in this debacle was maybe as big? He scolded himself. Her part was not as big. Her being distracted had started it all. But no, he was the one who strayed.

Before he realised it, he was standing in front of the liquor cabinet. He bent down to get the bottle of whiskey. Just when he wanted to poor his glass full, he heard a woman’s voice.

“Is that wise? Milord?”

Robert turned around in shock. Mrs. Hughes was standing in the doorway. He saw her walking over, and she put her hand softly on his arm.

“Why do you not go to sleep?”

“If I could, I would be asleep right now. Just one drink.”

“I am not the one to stop you, but I will advise against that one glass.” Mrs. Hughes took the bottle. Robert let her. “I will ask Mrs. Patmore to make you a cup of hot milk with anise. That should help you to fall asleep. Can I do something else for you?”

Defeated Robert looked at Mrs. Hughes. She was just 3 years older than he was, but he always had respected her immensely. She was a wise woman. Robert shook his head. “No, thank you.” He said soft.

“Good night.” 

The truth always comes out, chapter 30

“It would be strange without her Ladyship in this house.” Mrs. Hughes said. Mrs. Patmore, Carson and she were in her little office. As always, they ended the day there, just as a little wind down, before heading up to bed.

“It is something I never imagined happening. They were such a lovely couple” Mrs. Patmore said.

“They were indeed.” Mrs. Hughes answered.

“These days people are so easily giving up, I have to admit, I am disappointed in them.” Carson said with a deep frown.

“Oh, Mr. Carson. You can be so old fashioned sometimes. You know what happened, you want her ladyship to just forget about that?” Mrs. Hughes replied.

Carson hummed but did not answer.

+++

Edith walked towards her mother’s bedroom. Sybil had gone to Tom, and she saw Mary enter the drawing room where her father was. There was light coming under the door, Edith hoped her mother would still be awake. When she entered the room, she saw that the light came from the fireplace and her mother was in bed already. Her bedside lamp was out. “Are you asleep.” She asked, trying not to speak to loud.

Cora turned around when she heard Edith’s voice. When the door opened, she suspected it to be Robert, and she had quickly turned off her lamp. Now she turned to face the door. “What is it darling?”

Edith stepped inside and closed the door. She sat down on her father’s side of the bed. “I wanted to tell you that my articles are all accepted, and I got that job.”

Cora pulled herself up and reached for Edith’s hand. “Darling, that is wonderful news. Congratulations.”

“Thank you, Mama. It is so strange; I have a job now.”

“You are growing up so fast. I remember the day you were born as if it was yesterday.” Cora smiled.

“Were you and Papa happy when I was born.” Edith had pulled her hand back.

“What do you mean darling? Of course, we were. We were over the moon with such a perfect little girl. The most adorable thing was that you were born with so much hair already and it was so blond it looked red. Like your aunt Rosamund. You wrapped your Daddy around your finger, the minute I put you into his arms.”

“And were you and Papa happy together?” Edith ignored her mother’s words.

Cora raised her eyebrows. Did they not show their daughters they loved each other over the years.

“I mean, after I was born, there were no children for a couple of years, before Sybil came.”

Now Cora blushed. “It was not because your Papa and I did not love each other enough, let us leave it that.” Cora did not want to go more into dept with her daughter about this subject. Her sex life with Robert was not something she wanted to discuss with Edith. She always said they could ask her anything, and she was more than willing to explain about the things. But there was a line. She could never tell Edith the ways Robert had pleased her, or how she had found Robert’s preferred positions. Suddenly Cora realised why Edith asked that question. “Please do not tell me you think, your birth was the reason for your Papa and me to fall out?”

Edith lowered her head and looked at the bed cover.

Cora wanted to wrap her arms around Edith, but she was not sure if Edith would want that. Her middle one was not always the cuddling one. Instead, she took her hand in hers again. “As I said at the dinner table, the three of you are not the reason your father and I are applying for a divorce. You three were the best thing that happened to us, and you made our marriage only better. Truly darling, you are a token of our love for each other.”

“Why do you not love Papa anymore?”

This made Cora think, did she truly not love Robert anymore? She was hurt by him, she was disappointed and betrayed, but she still loved him. “Sometimes there are things that happen in a relationship. A lot of things can be mended, but unfortunately this cannot. Darling, I wish I had something else to tell you, but you father and I cannot stay together.”

“When you move to London, can I come with you?”

Again, Cora was surprised by Edith’s question. “Of course, I will look for a place where there is room for all you girls. But are you sure you want to live in London?” Cora had never suspected that Edith was a city girl. Although she did not seem in her place here at Downton either.

“The magazine is located in London, and it will be easier when I am also in London.”

“I thought you could write from home and send your articles in?”

Now Edith blushed. “Michael, has asked me to help with more than just writing articles. He wants my opinion about the designs and so on.”

“Michael?” Cora asked, with a happy tone.

“I mean, Mr. Gregson. He is the owner, and he is looking for another editor.”

“Do you like that Mr. Gregson?” Cora tried to get more information out of Edith, it seemed that, this Mr. Gregson meant something to her.

Edith’s cheeks got even redder. “I am not sure if the feelings are the same on his side. But I like seeing him.” Edith looked up to her mother. “Please do not tell Papa?”

Cora could not think of a reason, why not, but it was not up to her. “If you want me to keep silent, I will. Of course, I will. Does anybody else know?”

“I told Aunt Rosamund.”

Cora chuckled, of course she had told her aunt. It seemed that Rosamund always knew more about Edith then she did.

“Are you mad, I told Aunt Rosamund and not you?” Edith had moved further up the bed and was now sitting cross-legged facing her mother.

“Why would I be mad about that? She is your aunt, is she not?”

“But you are my mother and ……”

Before Edith could finish her sentence, Cora wrapped her arms around her. She kissed her cheek. “My darling girl, you worry too much about everything. I love you; your father loves you and you are perfect the way you are. Now, I really need to go to sleep, I am exhausted.”

Edith was holding both her mother’s hands. “Can I sleep here tonight?”

Drabble – I am feeling pretty rough

Robert changed into his pyjama. He had a gnawing pain in his abdomen. It was getting worse every day. The whole hospital business did not help much. Tomorrow, Neville Chamberlain, the minister of health, would dine with them. He did not like the war that was going on between his mother and his wife. He was not able to choose a side. He knew he should support Cora. Of course, he should. But Violet was his mother, and he did not want his ears clipped by her.

“Is that all, Milord?” Bates asked.

Robert turned and nodded. “That is all, thank you.” He walked towards the dividing door, Cora sat in front of her vanity mirror. Baxter was just finishing up and walked out of the room.

Cora looked wonderful, especially in her night clothes. He loved the way her hair was down. Baxter always made a side braid for the night. He would love to see her hair down during the day. She had the most beautiful chestnut brown curls. But unfortunately it was not the fashion. The robe Cora was wearing gave her skin an extra glow, Robert thought. “I’m dreading this dinner on Friday.”

Cora turns half towards him and smiles softly. “So are we all, but we have to get through it.”

“I’m afraid Mama seems to see this argument as the last battle, the last big fight of her life. If she loses, there’ll be hell to pay.” Robert continued, untying his robe. The movement hurts, and he presses his hand into his abdomen.

Cora walks towards her bedside. Ready to get in and fall into a deep sleep. She wants to be well rested before that minister will come tomorrow. “Then there’ll be hell to pay.” This time, she is not backing out she thought. Violet needs to know that sometimes things need to change.

Robert breaths in sharply. The pain in his abdomen is bad tonight and says. “Added to which, I’m feeling pretty rough. I’m sure it’s only indigestion, but whether it is or not, I’ll be glad of a chance to put my feet up.” He sat down wearily on the chaiselongue.

Cora turns back around with a worried look on her face and steps closer to him. This afternoon, Robert also complained about some pain. This whole business needed to stop as soon as possible. Robert needed rest “It’s too late to cancel, but I’d be happy to manage the

Evening without you, if you’re ill.”

Everything inside Robert wants to grab the rope she is throwing him. But he knows that it is not an option. His mother would not accept him being absent. No, he just needed to battle through.

“Mama would only say I’d ratted on her. No. As you say, I’ll get through it and then take things quietly for a few days.

He heaves himself to his feet and walks to his bedside. He feels Cora’s eyes burning. He knows she wants him to stay in bed and take his rest. He also knows she will not press. She gave him a way out, but she would not press on him. He gets under the covers and waits for Cora to do the same before he turns off his light. With a slight groan, he turns on his back. He feels the bed move, while Cora scoots closer to him.

Carefully, she puts her hand on his abdomen and presses her lips against his neck. “Try to get some sleep. I hope you will feel better in the morning.”

“I love you, Cora. I love you.”

Her arm moves up and is now resting on his chest. Robert feels her head heavy on his arm, Cora is already asleep. He closes his eyes and tries to ignore the glooming feeling. He can only hope Cora knows how much he truly loves her.