Robert let go of his wife's hand, his whole body wracked with guilt.
"We are alright, Cora, and if we're not now, then we will be. You are my whole world. Don't ever forget that." He smiled at her.
"You look tired, darling. Have you been sleeping?" Cora asked him, concerned that her husband's face looked drawn and lifeless.
He took her hand again and held it to his cheek.
"I just want my wife back fit and well and ready to face the changing world with me." He moved her hand from his cheek to his lips and kissed her palm gently.
"I can't bear the thought of losing you."
Cora smiled as best she could given her weak state.
"I'm right here, Robert, and I don't plan on going anywhere."
She gave him a tender look. A look that told him she loved him, for all his faults, she loved him like no other person ever could.
The feeling of guilt lingered in his stomach, making him feel nauseous. He rested her hand back on the bed and smiled at her.
"And neither do I."
Cora wondered for a brief moment just what was going through her husband's mind but smiled and put it down to her near fatal illness.
"I'm glad to hear that, Robert. I'll need you to help me in the coming days."
Robert stood and moved closer to her.
"I'll do whatever I can to make you better, my love."
He leaned down and placed the gentlest of kisses on her forehead. Cora was just about to reach up to encourage him to kiss her properly when there was a knock upon her bedroom door.
"Mama? Can I come in?" Cora smiled at him as he stood up straight.
"Come in, Sybil." he said. Sybil entered the room and smiled at both of her parents.
"Dr Clarkson says that you should maybe try to eat something, mama. Shall I bring you some soup?"
Cora nodded to her daughter. "That sounds wonderful, Sybil. Thank you."
Sybil looked at her father. "And you, papa? You should eat something too."
Robert nodded as well. "I'll have some downstairs when I've helped your mother with hers. Thank you, darling."
He gave his daughter a heartfelt smile and watched as she closed the door. Robert perched very precariously on the edge of the bed, not wanting to disturb his wife. He rested his hand on top of hers and pressed it gently.
"We will be alright, my darling. As long as we are together."
He leant forward and kissed her lips before resting his forehead against hers. Cora, a little concerned at her husband's words, slid her arms around him and held on tightly.
"Of course we will be, Robert."