July 1914

The relentless rain eventually woke Robert Crawley from his deep sleep. Robert didn't want to get up, frankly he never did. All he wanted to do was lie beside his wife for eternity, but he couldn't. With that thought in mind, he tossed over and tried the go back to sleep and cherish the few moments he had with his wonderful wife. Robert tossed and turned but couldn't find sleep and he found himself staring at Cora's face as she slept. She was so beautiful. From the way her eyelids fell over her sparkling eyes to her beautiful ivory skin, she was flawless. I'll miss you so much my love, the last thing I want to do is leave. It was only a few days after England had declared war on Germany that he had received his appointment. He wouldn't be on the front lines, but he was still going to war. Robert's eyes began to sting with impending tears at his thoughts of war. He didn't know how long he would be gone, he solely hoped he could be spared months away from his beloved family.

Still staring at her face, he reached his left hand out and brushed the hair off her face. She stirred under his touch and Robert smiled has her bright eyes opened to look at him.

"Good morning darling" Robert whispered.

"Did you sleep well. It's going to be a busy day for you," Cora responded softly. There was a hint of worry in her voice.

"I did actually. Considering how late we were up last night." Robert chuckled quietly as he thought back to the previous night. He and Cora said their first of many goodbyes, but the loving conversation escalated into more. Their kisses full of love and passion and they found comfort in each other. Their last act of love ended with their bodies becoming on twisted in a heap of sheets. Cora crying softly into his chest.

"Oh Robert..." Cora's voice snapped him out of his memories. He focused back on her eyes and noticed the wetness there. "I will miss you so much. And please, do be careful." She was begging to him. She couldn't imagine what she would do without him. She needed Robert like she needed air.

"Cora. I promise, I will make it back. I will be here for you as long as you live." Robert made a promise to himself long ago that he would never leave her alone. That she would never have to be unbearably sad. Yet here he was. And he felt so guilty leaving her to go to war once again. He couldn't see why the army would want him, but they gave him his offer, and there was no way he could turn it down.

The rain outside intensified as the couple cuddled in silence. The only sound to be heard were Cora's muffled sobs into his chest. Robert had to leave quite soon and unfortunately he had to lift Cora's slim body off of him.

"I'm sorry dearest, but I must be getting ready.

As much as it pains me to do so."

"Go ahead and ring for Bates then, I'll ring for O'Brien."

"I'll see you downstairs then." With that Robert disappeared into his dressing room. And Cora was alone. Hopefully, this emptiness wouldn't be endless.

"Good luck Papa. And don't take your time coming back." Sybil wasn't old enough to remember when her father left for South Africa, so she never knew how it felt to watch him leave. She now experienced this painful feeling. She gave her father, her protector, a hug and her gave her a light kiss on the cheek, as he did to all of the girls.

"Do be careful Papa." It was Mary who spoke now. Her voice strong and confident as usual. However on the inside, she was quite the opposite. She always hoped that she would never have to see her beloved Papa leave again, yet here she was. Mary watched her Papa say goodbye to Granny. She seemed to whisper something in his ear, but only for the two of them to ever hear. Even Granny seemed to show some emotion, which Mary found quite surprising knowing her nature.

Robert then turned to Cora, his beautiful Cora. The rain cascades off her umbrella, creating a veil around her emotionless face. It hurt him to see his wife so dreary, but he knew she had support from her family. Cora's piercing blue eyes met his soft ones, and they both seemed to get lost in each other's gaze before Robert took her hands in his and gave them a tight squeeze. Her long, slender fingers intertwined in his much larger ones. Their hands soon pulled apart as he walked towards the car. Goodbye my darling, please come home safe. Robert took one last look up at the abbey, then his family and he sunk into the car. The door was quickly closed behind him and the next thing Cora noticed was her husband disappearing into the countryside. The sounds of the car grew distant and they soon disappeared. Everyone went back inside, except for Cora and Carson, who was holding her umbrella now. The foreboding atmosphere around her only heightened her emotional level and she stared blankly down the road the car had been on only a few minutes ago. Robert was probably on the train now, or at least at the station.

"Milady, perhaps we should go inside? It is a bit chilly today."
With that Cora returned inside, the big doors of the abbey closing behind her.