Disclaimer- In case no-one has realized, I do not own Downton Abbey or any of the characters,
Chapter 3- Too Late
Gone.
The one word that tore Robert's world apart. Everything he loved…gone.
He would never see those sparkling blue eyes; never again hear the laugh that never failed to make him smile.
She was gone. Carried away by the Spanish flu. Taken away from him forever.
All because of him.
He knew she'd heard him and Jane. Yes, he had felt horribly guilty afterwards but he never thought he'd lose the one person dearest to him. Robert gazed at the silent figure of his wife. Her eyes were closed and she was completely still. He grasped her hand, willing that she would open her eyes and smile her delicate smile at him, but he knew, however much he wished, nothing would bring her back.
At least he'd been with her during her last moments. Robert recalled, for the hundredth time, her exact last words she said to him….
Robert looked fearfully upon his wife. Dr Clarkson was barking orders to the servants, to fetch this, fetch that. Mary and Edith were clasping their Mother's hand, fear clearly evident in their expressions.
Cora opened her eyes briefly, pain etched on her flushed face.
"Robert…" She murmured.
Robert was by her side in an instance. Mary and Edith moved away and left the room to give the two of them some privacy. Each had already said goodbye to their mother.
"Yes, my darling, I'm here," He clasped her hand, and felt his heart break as he watched her attempt to entwine their fingers. Clearly, she was too weak and gave up.
Cora looked up at him, her blue eyes dull and full of pain. "Robert…whatever happens…"
"…Nothing is going to happen." He'd interrupted firmly, trying to keep his voice even.
Cora sighed. "Stop pretending, Robert. It's obvious I'm…" She trailed off, her breathing coming out in short and ragged gasps. "Whatever happens, take care of Downton. Take care of the girls and yourself. But most importantly, take care of the one person you truly love."
Robert stared in shock at his wife. "Cora, I…. what do you mean? I love you, no doubt about it!" His voice was beginning to break, as the full reality of the situation made itself known to him. She knew. She thought he didn't love her. She had given up fighting because of him.
Cora gazed up at him. "Just...be…happy." She took one last breath. Her hand became limp in his.
"No…." Robert watched his wife, begging, praying she had slipped into unconsciousness. But he knew better. "No! Cora, please! Don't do this! I beg of you…"
It was then that Robert knew he was too late.
A/N- Hola ya'll :) I know, I know…this was NOT what happened in the series. I'm glad it didn't. But I wanted to explore how Robert would feel…oh what the heck, I wanted to make him SUFFER for what he did to Cora. Im also trying to improve my angst/hurt/comfort writing. Please look past the whole death part and enjoy it. I have an English assessment coming up so any writing tips would be greatly appreciated! Oh, and please review and add to fave's/follow if it met your standards :)
