Gretchie! Thank you for burning my grammatical errors! And thanks to you, awesome reader for continuing to read and review this story, you make my day!

First of all I'm sorry you waited so long, but I'll make it up to you with this one... Or maybe you'll wish I didn't update. Secondly this is a long chapter! So grab a drink, snack and maybe a tissue too... I'm crossing my fingers you won't find this chapter too crazy! And please, don't hate me after this update ;)


CHAPTER XI

Farewell, My Love

If anyone desires a wish to come true they must first capture a butterfly and whisper their wish to it. Since a butterfly can make no sound, the butterfly can not reveal the wish to anyone, but the Great Spirit who hears and sees all.

In gratitude for giving the beautiful butterfly it's freedom, the Great Spirit always grants the wish. The wish will be taken to the Heavens and be granted.

~ Native American Indian Legend ~

It was a peaceful day at Downton. The weather was mostly cloudy, but a few rays of sunlight were peeking through the clouds. Everyone seemed to be calm. Robert, Evelyn and Mary went in the town. Anthony and Edith went riding horses around Downton and young Sybil stayed at home. Keeping, never boring, company to her mother.

They were sitting in the library. The walls of the high ceilinged room were completely covered by tall shelves which contained thousands of books. Sybil was standing high atop one of the library ladders, her eyes looking for a special title.

"Do you think Mary likes Evelyn Napier?" Cora questioned, sitting against soft pillows on the sofa. She raised her gaze from the book she held in her arms to look at Sybil, who was still trying to find a perfect novel.

"You know Mary. She's complicated, but for sure they look good as a couple!" Finally, Sybil found a book that caught her attention. She took it out and wiped away the dust.

"She has to marry someone...soon. I'd recommend she'd pick a man herself rather than have Papa do it." Cora smiled, knowing how horrible Robert was at making decisions. "But..." Cora continued with a grin on her face. "What about you, Sybil? Anyone on your mind?"

"No... No!" Sybil raised her hand. "Don't even start. You have Mary and Edith to marry off first. I'm perfectly happy by myself and I don't need any...one." Sybil looked down at her mother and smiled softly. She was still standing on the ladders, holding a book. The illustration on the book caught her attention. It seemed to be some kind of a monster. Greek mythology... Maybe? She didn't know, but it definitely wasn't her thing. Sybil frowned and placed it back on the shelf.

"Fine!" Cora made a face, looking at Sybil still high on the ladder. Cora distracted herself by immersing herself in the book Sybil had given her. Cora was beginning to be captivated by the novel when unexpectedly, she felt a poke in her womb.

The book in her hands slid down onto her lap when that little poke was followed by a swirl inside her. Her hands immediately flew to her abdomen. The sensation was too familiar, too shocking to be ignored... And she felt it again. She looked down at her stomach as her hands felt a new swirl. It felt like a little butterfly moving inside. It was the first time she had felt her baby move. The feeling was magnificent.

"Mama? Is everything alright?" Sybil asked, when she saw her mother holding her hands on her stomach, but she didn't get an answer. "Is the baby alright?" She instantly jumped down from the ladders and sat next to Cora.

Cora took Sybil's palm and placed it on her stomach. "Do you feel it? Or am I just imagining things?" She said still shocked and touched by the unexpected movement.

"Oh my goodness!" Sybil's eyes lit up. She have never felt a baby moving before. It was a special memory to her.

In that special moment, Jane entered the library to bring them tea. She was astonished when she saw them on the sofa, Sybil's hand still on Cora's belly. Jane felt anger coursing through her veins. Cora looked so happy it was disgusting. Jane lowered her gaze and fixed her eyes on Cora's belly. That baby is supposed to be mine. Mine and Robert's! She felt a single tear trailing down her face. She immediately wiped it away and got her feelings under control. It will be all over soon! Jane took a deep breath and smiled at her evil idea.

"What is he doing in there I wonder?" Sybil giggled and burst into happiness again, not noticing that Jane was approaching them.

"He?" Cora raised her eyebrows at Sybil. "Again Sybil... We do not know yet." Cora said with a half-smile. Her daughter was so convinced that it was a boy that it was getting really funny. Sybil was sometimes so stubborn.

Their conversation was interrupted when they heard Jane placing the a platter on the table. Cora turned her head, the smile on her face. It faded as soon as she saw Jane standing next to her.

"Thank you, Jane." Sybil's cute voice spoke.

"It's my pleasure." She answered. "Do you want anything else, Lady Grantham?" Jane smiled at Cora.

"No... No. That will be all." Cora managed to say, but the smile on Jane's face killed her inside and she was sure that was Jane's intention from the beginning. The tension between Cora and Jane could be cut with a knife.

"If you need anything, just ring." With that Jane left the room. She didn't want her anger to show. She couldn't give Cora that pleasure, could she?

"She's so sweet." Sybil picked up her cup of tea.

"Indeed." Cora frowned. "Sybil! Don't drink that. Put it down." She commanded.

"What? Why?" Sybil looked at her mother, confused.

"Just don't drink that."

"Alright." Sybil was surprised at her mothers reaction. She slowly put the cup of tea on the table. She didn't know the reason, but she had to obey.

"That's better." Cora smiled at her.

"What's gotten into you?" Sybil raised her eyebrow.

"Better to be safe than sorry." Cora explained to her youngest daughter. "Do you know when will Papa come back?"

"He said that he might be late for dinner." Sybil still looked at the cup of tea. Sybil had always yearned for what was forbidden.

"Don't look at that." Cora focused her eyes on the book and was lost in the romantic novel.


"Where did she put it?" Jane muttered to herself. The kitchen wasn't her usual territory so she didn't know where anything was. "Where is it?" Jane hissed.

"Where is what?" Mrs. Patmore stood behind her. She was looking at the young woman. Jane had already made a mess in the kitchen.

"I'm trying to find a bottle olive oil. Can you help me?" Jane made an angelic face.

"Of course, but why do you need it?" Mrs. Patmore reached out and opened one of the many cupboards in the kitchen.

"Oh... Just for... Well... I..." Jane scratched her neck. That was her habit when she lied to someone. "I cut myself and I heard it's good to put an olive oil on the wound."

"Hm... Interesting." Mrs. Patmore handed her a bottle.

"Thank you Mrs. Patmore! You definitely saved me." Jane exclaimed.

"Oh, sure I did." Mrs. Patmore gave her a smile.


O'Brien was standing by the window. She was waiting for his Lordship to come back from town. She had to do something about Jane. They were in danger. Cora was in danger and the baby, oh... As much as O'Brien wanted to help Cora, the baby was a bigger priority. Sarah have never had a child of her own, so maybe that was a reason she felt that she must do something to protect Cora's. Especially after the last incident.

This was the first time O'Brien wasn't thinking only of herself, but of others too. She could just let them die. She had already saved someone's life and that had fulfilled her. But this time, Sarah had an earnest desire to help.

Her eyes saw bright lights. A car was approaching and she could tell Lord Grantham was a passenger. Sarah went upstairs, unnoticed by her colleagues. Of course she tried to avoid Jane as much as possible. That woman was a devil. Pure evil.

Upstairs in the hallway O'Brien waited for his Lordship. Finally, she saw him coming.

"May I have a word with you, my lord?" O'Brien asked kindly.

"Of course, O'Brien. What's bothering you?" He stood in front of her, waiting for a response.

"Jane... It's Jane." O'Brien looked at the tall man.

"Jane?" Robert was confused. "What about Jane?"

"I know it's not my place to say this, but I think you should have her leave." O'Brien hoped that Robert would understand her. It wasn't easy to say. She couldn't just tell him that Jane wanted to poison his wife and unborn child. He'd kill Jane. Sarah wanted Jane out of the house, but she didn't want her dead.

"Yes, you're right! It's not your place to say." With that Robert went upstairs to see his wife, leaving O'Brien behind.

I knew he wouldn't listen, but at least I tried! Sarah was disappointed. She thought maybe, just maybe, he would listen to her, but unfortunately that didn't happen. She didn't want to, but she had to choose between Jane, or Cora and the baby. She couldn't save them all. At the end of the day someone would have to pay the price.


A loud knock on the door forced Cora to turn around. She saw him. The love of her life.

"I'm home." He said when he saw her. Cora was sitting on their bed. Her palm was pressed against her forehead.

"Are you alright? Cora!" He immediately sat next to her, taking the hand that was resting on her lap.

"Just a little dizzy," She chuckled. "You know... It's completely normal." Cora didn't want to worry him.

"I really hope so. You would tell me if something was wrong, right?" He kissed her hand.

"You know I'm a terrible liar." Cora looked at him.

"I know." Robert smiled at her and went in his dressing room to change for dinner. "Anything interesting happen while we were away?"

"No, not really." Cora pulled on her gloves. "Oh I forgot. Actually, something very wonderful happened!"

"What is it?" He raised his voice so Cora could hear him.

"I'll tell you when you come in here." She didn't want to yell so everyone in the house could hear their private conversation.

In just a few minutes he stood in their bedroom. He went in front of the mirror. His eyes travelled from the knot on his neck to the reflection in the mirror, seeking the beautiful woman sitting far behind on the bed. He lost interest in the tie and his eyes were glued to the image of his wife.

"Do you need help with that?" His thoughts were interrupted by her angelic voice. The amused look on her face opened his eyes to the horrible double knot he had made out of the expensive tie.

"I got it." Robert began to untie it, but Cora was already standing before him, her delicate hands talking over it. It felt nice to have her close again.

"There." Cora smiled at her efforts. "You look somewhat decent now." She brushed the top of his elegant shirt with both hands to smooth it. His hands cupped hers against his chest.

"There was something you wanted to tell me?" He looked at her closely.

"Yes. It was a pleasant surprise." She smiled when she remembered what had happened. "I felt our baby's first kick today. It was stunning."

"Dear Lord, I can't believe I missed that." Robert felt extreme happiness and sadness at the same time.

"Oh it'll happen a lot, don't worry." She comforted him. "You never know when it can happen. It was a surprise to me." Cora smiled a little, gently releasing her hands from his touch. "Let's go downstairs, we don't want to be late."


After dinner, Cora straight to her bedroom under the pretense that she was tired, leaving the rest of her family downstairs. And she was tired. She just couldn't stand the noise. Of course, Violet attributed it to her weak American blood. How sensitive Americans are!

O'Brien waited outside the dining room. She wanted to try and and talk with Robert again about what Jane tried to do and what she was capable of. She had thought about it and finally decided. Jane must leave. She turned her head and looked down the hallway when she heard a noise. It was Jane. Of course, who else could it be?

"What are you doing here?" Sarah slowly studied the woman's actions. Jane was holding a bucket of water and a broom.

"Not your business." Jane snapped at her and headed up the stairs.

O'Brien rolled her eyes. Jane is so...Urgh. It doesn't matter. In that moment the door opened. It was Robert. He had planned to go upstairs, but O'Brien stopped him.

"O'Brien?" Robert said, suprised. "You, again? I certainly hope you have something better to say than in our previous conversation."

"I do. I really do, but can we continue this conversation somewhere private?" She stood fearlessly in front of him. Sarah was determined.

"That doesn't sound very good." He moved from where he stood and headed towards the library, gesturing for her to follow.

"Believe me my lord, it's not." Sarah followed his steps down the hall.


Above them, on the second floor Jane was mopping and cleaning. She knew very well that after she had completed her task she had to disappear as quickly as possible. With the plan, she was going to have everything or nothing at all. There was no in between. To be quite honest, she was afraid, too. What if something goes wrong? What if someone thwarts my plan? After this night, what will happen with me? Jane had tons of questions going through her mind, but she didn't have an answer for anyone of them.

Her mind paused when she stood at the top of the stairs. So...this is it? The big ending huh? She sighed and shivered. Jane looked once again at the empty hallway. She leaned over the railing and looked down the stairs just to make sure nobody was coming up the stairs. If a nosy footman or maid came up, it would be the end of her plan.

Alright. Everything is clear, no voices, no echoes coming from anywhere. No sign of anybody. Jane slowly moved a bucket of water so it wouldn't make make any noise. She prayed to God that Cora wouldn't open the door to her bedroom, the bedroom that overlooked the stairs. Walking around very carefully, she knelt on the first step. Grabbing a cloth, she soaked it in the water and started to wet the floor.

I just hope somebody else doesn't slip on this. Jane continued mopping the floor. When she was satisfied with the amount of water, she stood up. Tossing a cloth away, she moved around it slowly, trying not to slip.

Jane pulled out a box from her apron pocket. In it, she had stashed tacks, bits of glass, and other sharp objects. The objects were small enough that they wouldn't be noticed under a pair of shoes, but if it touched skin it would be a different story. Jane scattered the pieces down the top half of the staircase.

So I'm sure the water and tacks should be good enough, but better be safe. Jane took a few steps backwards and produced a bottle of olive oil. Opening it, she coated the top of the stairs and the edge of the railing in it. Dangerous combination. Jane smiled. I should get lost before anyone sees me here. So... let's hope this works.


"She tried what?" Robert yelled at O'Brien in the library. The glass of brandy in his hands sloshed over onto the floor as he paced angrily. "Do you know what you just said?" He repeated.

"I'm very well aware of my words, my lord." Sarah tried to maintain a confident look, but the atmosphere in the room was too intense to stay calm.

"You are blaming Jane for trying to poison my wife and my unborn child. Have you lost your mind?" He raised his voice once again, looking straight into O'Brien's eyes.

"I saved her Ladyship once, but I'm not always around. I'm simply saying that it's dangerous to keep her here. If this was her first move, only God knows what she'll try to do next. I don't anything bad to happen to her Ladyship." O'Brien took a deep breath.

"I'm sure there is a reasonable explanation. Jane is not like that!" Robert refused to believe that Jane would ever do anything bad. "Are you willing to say all of this in front of Cora and Jane?" He frowned at O'Brien, testing her.

"I will repeat every single word I said to you. I stand by my words. And if you doubt my truthfulness you can ask Thomas." Sarah crossed her arms. A wave of courage had suddenly hit her.

"Fine!" He nodded. "Let's call Cora and see what is she going to say about this preposterous story of yours." They both stormed out of the room and marched upstairs.

Everything was peaceful and relaxed, until Robert's harsh words ripped through the quiet. "Cora! Cora!" His voice carried through the house and echoed off of the huge walls around them. He had just reached the top of the stairs when he turned behind him to face O'Brien.

"You still stand by your story?" He questioned her.

"I'm not lying, my lord. I just want to protect them." Sarah looked at his eyes. They were normally a light blue, but then, they had turned to a stormy grey.

A moment later, Cora opened the door. She didn't step out when she saw O'Brien and Robert standing on the stairs. Judging by Roberts shouting moments before, she assumed they were arguing, about Lord knows what. To be honest, she was confused.

"Yes?" Cora raised her eyebrows, still clutching the doorknob from inside of the room. She was wearing a white nightgown that accented her curves.

"Cora. O'Brien has something to say to you." Robert exhaled harshly, trying to calm down when he saw her.

"It's not good news, I suppose." She gave a weak smile when she saw their face expressions. "Fine. I'm coming." With that Cora stepped outside her room and took a few steps toward the staircase.

Her foot touched the mixture above the steps. Before she could realize it, she found herself falling. Time seemed to slow, and she could see the confusion, and then panic on Robert's and O'Brien's faces. Before anyone knew it, she was halfway down the staircase. Cora dragged her hands up in front of her face to protect her. Her stomach churned over, slammed into a step, and she felt an incredible pain spreading rapidly through her body. Each bump she felt something sharp cut into her skin. She tumbled down half the flight of stairs before coming to a stop at the landing. Her body was screaming from the pain and she felt like she had been stung all over her body. She moved one of her hands to her stomach while she still had some strength in them. She felt dizzy and the room started to spin.

She saw Robert and O'Brien kneeling beside her, their faces blurry. Robert screamed her name, his hands cradling her head. O'Brien tried to position her body in the most comfortable position possible.

"Heavens!" O'Brien whispered when she removed her hand from Cora's motionless body. Scattered on her nightgown were steadily growing drops of blood from various places. But the biggest source came from her lower abdomen. She immediately looked at Robert's face. He first looked at O'Brien and saw her eyes filled with tears. Then he realized what was happening. He looked down at Cora's still form and saw blood coming from her pregnant belly.

"No! O'Brien call the doctor. IMMEDIATELY!" He screamed so loud the whole house seemed to shake. O'Brien disappeared in the blink of an eye. Robert was still holding Cora's head in his lap. Her eyelids were just barely open. "Cora! Stay with me, please." He begged her.

When she lifted her gaze to her husband's face, she saw him crying, tears running down his red cheeks. She wasn't stupid, she knew what was happening. "I'm sorry, Robert." Cora muttered, and her eyelids grew slowly heavier.


Any thoughts? Do you want to smash me like Cora wanted the grandfather clock? Oh, I hope you don't..