A/N: This is an extremely short chapter only because I literally have no time to write. This coming week is the week before finals and I will be studying at every opportunity of free time I get. I will be resuming normal updates after the 14th of June (when I get out of school). Please excuse the hiatus, but I have to really focus on my school work.

Love you all!

Xx Kate

"What is it Papa?" asked Sybil hesitantly.

Robert had gathered his daughters and his wife in the library and was planning on telling them the news of the drafting. Cora, who already knew, was beginning tearing up. She tried to hide it but it was near impossible to bottle up her sentiments when she was already feeling naturally emotional.

Robert was just gathering his courage when there came a knock at the door.

"Yes?" He called; clearly irritated that he had been interrupted.

Carson appeared at the door, "The Dowager Countess, my Lord," he presented.

Violet then appeared, "Cease whatever it is that you were about to say, my boy, because it's no longer necessary," she said plainly, waving her hand in dismissal. Her entrances were always somewhat dramatic.

Cora withdrew a breath.

"What do you mean Mama?" Robert asked, clearly confused.

"You won't be going to war, of course," she replied directly.

"W-wha- but how?"

"Never mind how, the fact is your wife is having a baby and you won't do her any good miles away at the front!"

"You were going to war, Papa?" Mary asked. Edith and Sybil were stunned to silence.

Cora stood abruptly and everyone watched as she made her way to the Countess and encompassed her in a lengthy embrace. Violet reeled in shock but Cora's bright blue eyes shining with tears, her relieved smile, and the way she trembled in her arms, made the Countess soften, and so she embraced in return.

"Thank you so much, Violet," she cried into her shoulder.

"Oh my dear, you are very welcome," she replied, a smile playing at the corners of her lips.

"Papa I am so glad you won't be going," Edith gasped, running towards her father. The three girls enveloped him, grinning and weeping with happiness.

They separated and it was Cora's turn. Time seemed to stand still as they looked at each other from across the room. Cora smiled lovingly and ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck; he twirled her around with joy.