Cora heard the familiar click of the knob turning on her bedroom door. Smiling at the gown clad man getting in; she turned the blankets down while he took off his gown and crawled next to her in his pyjamas. She learned the hard way not to take these moments for granted.
"So how was today?" she asked, she saw him looking a bit preoccupied at dinner as he exchanged glances with his mother as if they were having a secret conversation.
"All right, I guess. Mary and Tom are handling the estate well I only needed to sign some formalities. The strangest thing happened though…Doctor Clarkson could be leaving us. " he sighed.
"What?!" she sat up so that she could look her husband in the eye. was the man who helped her deliver her two youngest daughters, would have saved Sybil had her husband listened to him and was there to help all of her family and staff whenever there was an injury or an ailment.
"Why? Did he receive a better offer?"
"I don't know. He claimed personal reasons in a letter he sent me and my mother this morning. I must admit I'll miss him when he's gone."
Robert looked at his wife and he knew he was in for a sleepless night. Damn, he should have told her in the morning. "Why are you being like this Cora?" he said as he watched her facial expression change in distress and her hands started fidgeting. She always fidgeted when something upset her it was endearing but tonight it meant he was going to retire back to his old room if he was getting any sleep.
"I don't want to lose him, Robert. He is my doctor – our doctor. He is the only one I know apart from cousin Isobel who speaks his mind no matter what, never lies or beats around the bush and he has always been there for us – all of us. I don't want another doctor…I want him!"
Robert put his arm around her and she cuddled up to his side "Well, you have a formidable ally if my mother's reaction was any indication – she won't have any of what he wrote in the letter, she's determined to get to the bottom of it."
Cora looked up at him "Really?"
"Really."
Violet sat at her writing desk. Holding an unfolded paper in her graceful hand, reading the perfect fountain penned handwriting in the light provided by a flickering candle on the ornate oak surface
Dear Madam President,
I am writing to formally tender my resignation from my General Practitioner/Chief of surgery position at Downton Cottage Hospital. I know this might come as a surprise given the many years I have occupied said position. However, I am afraid I can no longer fulfil my duties for personal reasons. It would perhaps be better if a younger doctor with more modern techniques should take over. I have done my research and have a number of doctors I can recommend and will do my utmost to ensure the transition will be as smooth as possible. While thanking you for your professionalism throughout all my years working at Downton, I leave, confident in the hospital's future as I leave it in your and 's capable hands.
Sincerely,
Clarkson MD
I know, not my usual cup of tea but I'm asking for a chance here :) Please tell me what you think - constructive criticism always accepted :)