Close Your Eyes, Try to Sleep
Robert had listened to what Rose had said. For such a young woman, she was terribly wise. Her perspective on the world was so different, despite the fact that she had been raise by his own cousins and in the same world as the rest of the family. But Rose was a spirited girl and took it upon herself to experience more of the world than was strictly proper to do. As a result, she was a breath of fresh air for the Crawleys. For Robert especially.
Thanks to Rose, Robert had paid closer attention to the work Cora was doing with the hospital. He tried to remember that this was good for her, to have something to do, to be able to contribute to the community in a useful manner. He missed having her at home whenever he wanted her, of course. But now having seen how magnificent she was at that meeting, Robert was so very proud of her. And now the time that they did spend together was all the sweeter for it. They could each talk about their days, and she would often ask his opinion on the work she did. It was all very nice.
But Cora had been working very hard. Perhaps too hard, in Robert's opinion. She was constantly at the hospital or in meetings, and when she was home, she was in the library reading things and writing things and preparing remarks for the next meetings.
Robert remembered what Rose had said, to support Cora and not make her choose. He wouldn't make her choose. Not at all. He saw the good work she did, and he did want to support her as best he could. But in wanting to support her, Robert saw what was happening. She was exhausted and running herself nearly ragged. Almost as badly as during the war. And that was ten years before, before age and grief had taken so much of the fight and energy from both of them. And seeing Cora work herself so hard was starting to worry him.
The problem was too much to ignore when, while having tea with the grandchildren, Cora was too engrossed in her notes to even sit down with the family. Donk played a game with George on the floor while Mary, now heavily pregnant, was busy pouring the tea. Cora was sitting at the desk.
"Granny, will you help with my buckle?" Sybbie asked, holding out her shoe.
Cora did not answer, too engrossed in her work.
Sybbie would not be dissuaded. "Granny!" she said more firmly.
"What!?" Cora snapped, turning around.
Poor little Sybbie had never been spoken to so harshly by her grandmother. And Robert had never heard her use that tone with any of the children. Sybbie started to cry, shocked and upset by Cora's tone. Robert hauled himself off the floor, telling George that they'd continue their game another time.
Robert picked up Sybbie and sat her on the settee, kissing her cheek. "Don't cry, darling girl. Come sit with your Aunt Mary and have your tea. She can help you with your buckle." He crossed over to his wife. "Cora, come with me, please."
She tried to protest, saying she had work to do, trying to apologize to the family, but Robert wouldn't let this stand for a second longer. He took her had and dragged her away. She resisted as they made their way up the stairs. "Robert, what are you doing, I need to—"
"No," he interrupted. "You are working yourself to the bone, Cora, and you need to stop. And before you try to tell me that I'm being selfish and trying to control you, I'm not. I'm doing this for your own good. You just shouted at our granddaughter, and you've hardly spoken two words to Mary in days about her pregnancy."
Her shoulders sagged as she followed him up the stairs. "I know you're right. I'll have to apologize to everyone later."
"Yes," he agreed. "Later. For now, I want you to lie down for a while."
"I'll call for Baxter," she said resignedly.
Robert pressed a kiss to her cheek as they went into the bedroom. "No need. I can help."
Cora smiled at that. It was nice to see her smile. And with it, the tiredness consumed her face. She had been working too hard, and she knew it.
They closed the door to the bedroom and Robert began helping Cora undress down to her chemise and unpinned her hair. He touched her gently, lovingly, pressing kisses to her neck and shoulders. "To lie down, darling," he murmured.
"Come with me?" she requested softly.
He happily agreed, taking off his shoes and jacket to join her on the bed. Cora rested her head on his chest, and he stroked her hair and massaged her scalp.
"Mmm, that feels so nice, thank you," she hummed.
"You need sleep," he whispered.
"Thank you, Robert," Cora answered sleepily.
"Close your eyes," he said, hoping to soothe her. "Try to sleep."
A moment later, her breaths were deep and slow. Robert continued on caressing her hair and thinking that he should write to Rose sometime soon.