Two Rows, a Prison, and a Compromise

Over three weeks later, and Robert hadn't been able to bring Bates home. He spent a lot of time with Murray, both in person and even on that telephone, to find a way, but it was as if Scotland Yard were a brick wall, every time Robert and Murray tried a new tactic return Bates to Downton.

Apparently, Scotland Yard believed Bates would leave England the moment he was released from prison, as the man apparently had family in Ireland. The very idea that Bates would do something so cowardly and dishonorable was absurd, but the authorities wouldn't listen to Robert. All the respect and privileges he had as an earl seemed to be disappearing before his eyes.

Gripping the morning newspaper tighter, Robert fumed again at the situation.

Ireland appeared more and more unstable, according to the news. The Irish still insisted on this foolish "independence," and had even begun their own, inferior version of parliament. Naturally, that was why Scotland Yard claimed they couldn't allow Bates release.

It seemed all of Robert's problems began and ended with Ireland.

He took a sip of tea and ate a piece of bacon, even though he was still cross. Far too cross to say anything to Mary or Edith at the breakfast table this morning.

"It's so nice to have sugar for tea again," Mary said, breaking Robert's thoughts.

"Is that really what's important right now?" Edith said with a sigh.

Robert took another sip of sugared tea. He already had so many troubles, why must he listen to his daughters bickering all the time as well? Turning his attention to the morning mail, he hoped for some good news for once. Perhaps something that could help Bates?

There were a couple of bills, and a request for a tenant who had served in the war to return to his farm.

And there was an invitation to Sybil's wedding in Ireland. Robert stared at it, in horrified fascination, even though he wanted nothing more than to get rid of it. He'd sort of thought that Sybil had realized how ridiculous her plan was, especially considering in the weeks since she'd left, she hadn't written or said anything about her wedding plans.

But now here it was, in black and white.

It was written on a simple piece of paper, a little better than a scrap, rather than a piece of proper Downton stationary, saying plainly that Sybil's wedding to the Fenian would be in another three weeks, on the second weekend in June.

In her handwriting that normally made Robert smile, Sybil had added that the wedding wouldn't be in the normal church, but in the back, and there would be no procession.

A fresh wave of rejection hit Robert square across the face, and before he knew it, he crumbled the invitation into a ball and threw it across the table. "Bah!" he couldn't help shouting.

Then he attempted to finish he breakfast, trying to savor the taste of the bacon.

Unfortunately, Mary didn't let him do so. She picked up the crumbled invitation and read it quietly. "Oh," she said with a sigh. "I had hoped…" she shook her head. "I don't like it either, Papa, but I'd like to make certain Sybil will be all right."

Robert shook his head, the fresh rejection still stinging. "She forfeited that right when she left with Branson. I did everything I could to make her see reason, but she refused."

Mary sighed. "I know, but no matter her irresponsible choice, she's still my sister, Papa. I don't want her to be miserable just because she's so stubborn… I'd like to go to her wedding and see."

"I would as well," Edith said, stopping Robert's anger for a moment as he listened to Mary and Edith agree to something.

But his fuming quickly returned as he digested what they both said. They wanted to go to Ireland. "Absolutely not! Ireland is becoming more and more unstable all the time. I cannot allow you to set a foot over there." Fear gripped Robert as he thought about all three of his daughters in a land where he couldn't protect them.

"But Sybil is already there, Papa," Mary said firmly, as if she were trying to remain calm but not quite succeeding.

"I know," Robert said with a huff. "I tried everything to keep her from doing so, but she wouldn't listen. But I'm certainly not allowing my other daughters to go there as well."

"Papa, I think – " Mary said, but Robert couldn't hear anymore. The walls were closing in around him, taking everything from him.

Standing up, he shouted "Enough!" and grabbed the crumbled invitation before Mary and Edith could discuss it more. Then he slammed his chair into the table and left the room, a half – eaten breakfast still on his plate.

He needed to see Cora.

In the last week, Cora had begun deliberately seeking him out again, especially after dinner. He desperately hoped she might understand him now. He couldn't stand being cross all the time.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Robert stormed into Cora's room, barely giving himself a chance to see anything except his wife's face.

"What's wrong, Robert?" she said softly. He attempted to cling to her sweet voice, which normally had the power to soothe his tensions.

But this was too much. Sybil, Branson, and Ireland were all too much. And if that wasn't enough, Mary and Edith thought they should attend Sybil's wedding! He was so cross he couldn't even speak. He simply handed the crumbled-up invitation to Cora.

Cora studied Sybil's words for several moments, sighing as she did so. "It will certainly be different. Goodness no procession down the aisle!" She shook her head, as if such a thing didn't truly matter, while Robert felt another wave of reject pass over him that he was being denied the chance to walk one of his daughters down aisle, even if he'd thought of attending the wedding.

"I know," Robert said, finally speaking with a grumble. "Sybil is taking everything away from me. And now Mary and Edith wish to attend the wedding, too. Such foolishness."

"Now, Robert, I know Sybil has made an unusual choice, but I don't think it's foolish for Mary and Edith to wish to go to the wedding," Cora said in her soft voice again. "She's still a part of our family, and according to this invitation, she wishes her family to attend her wedding." She paused and took a bite of her toast, as if it were perfectly acceptable to eat breakfast after making such a statement.

Robert shook his head. "Sybil didn't just make "an unusual choice"; she made an inappropriate choice. I can't watch her ruin her life, and I certainly can't allow the rest of my family go to Ireland!" How could Cora even imply such a thing?

Cora swallowed her toast and looked at him with an expression he didn't recognize. "Whatever choice she made, she's still my daughter, Robert, and I have every intension of going to her wedding. I thought this struggle was over when you allowed her to leave with your motor and even gave her a small dowery. But Mary, Edith, and I will go to her wedding if you refuse to do so."

Robert stared at Cora for several moments, wondering if he'd ever been so cross before, least of all at her. "How could you defy me like that?" He said, his shout reaching all over the house. "Let alone agree to take Mary and Edith into such dangerous territory. Ireland is becoming more unstable all the time. I can't allow it."

Cora placed the rest of her breakfast off to the side. Then she stared back at him, her works clipped. "But Sybil is already living in that "dangerous territory," and it scars me. As a mother, I need to make certain she will be all right."

Robert fumed, feeling even more control slip and his family reject him completely. "I did everything I could to protect Sybil, including giving her the use of the motor and a dowery which most of my peers and my own father would say was terrible parenting, because I couldn't change her mind. I can't do anymore than that." More hot anger pulsed through his veins as he thought about Ireland once again. "I refuse to subject the rest of my family to it."

Cora shook her head. "You don't understand. Watching Sybil leave was one of the most difficult things I've ever done, but I did it knowing that I would see her wedding soon." Her voice became shorter and colder. "I will go to her wedding, and I'll bring Mary and Edith with me. There is nothing you can do to stop us, Robert. I'm certain O'Brien can get us all the information from the bank about money and tickets."

Slamming the door, Robert left that room as quickly as possible. He'd never felt so angry and betrayed in his life. Not even when Sybil insisted on leaving with Branson. As much as he loved Sybil, he and his youngest daughter had different ideas about life and had rows constantly. But Cora had always supported him, even when she clearly disagreed with him. She'd always understood his anger and pride and had the ability to peal through to his vulnerable fear and the love he possessed through everything.

But not today. Today Robert didn't count at all. He'd come up to visit Cora after his row with Mary and Edith, only to have another, much more painful row.

Robert had thought their marriage was improving recently. Cora had made a point to seek him out more and talk to him. But it seemed as if now their marriage had crumbled into dust.

Feeling something wet on his hand, Robert saw Isis licking his hand. "I'm all alone, Isis. My family has rejected me." He felt another wave of anger and betrayal as he said that. "But you'll stay with me, won't you?" He patted the dog.

Isis licked his hand again.

OOOOOOOOOOO

After taking Isis for a walk, Robert decided to visit Bates today. He needed some control in his life and was desperate to speak to a human who wouldn't reject him.

It was a bit strange to have Stark drive the motor instead of his normal driver, but that was another thing out of Robert's control. He needed to see Bates.

The prison was just outside of York and resembled a formidable old castle. Robert studied the unpainted stone building and the ancient drawbridge, wondering if they wished to replicate the Tower of London. It was a horrible job if that was the case, but either way, it was no place for Bates.

"I'm Lord Grantham," Robert said to the warden, snapping quite a bit. "I need to see John Bates."

To Robert's relief, the warden immediately nodded. "Of course, Lord Grantham." At least his title was still worth something occasionally. Still, he shouldn't have snapped at the man like that. Would he ever be able to control his temper again?

Turning around to face the warden, Robert said firmly, "I apologize for speaking in such a way; it was unbecoming for an Englishman."

"I accept Lord Grantham," the warden said automatically.

He was led to a simple stone room with one table. Bates appeared, wearing a grey prison uniform, that made Robert sad and angry once again. His friend didn't deserve any of this. This was a man who not only took care of all his personal items at Downton but dragged Robert all over South Africa and at one particular time, actually threw himself on top of Robert just as the bullet passed.

Shaking his head, Robert sighed as Bates sat down. His friend's face looked so old and worn and his dark hair looked unkempt. He appeared worse than the day they'd both spent the entire day in the swamp in South Africa. "I'm trying to get you out of here, Bates. I've offered to pay the bail. Both Carson and I promised to give character witnesses. But" Robert scowled again. "It's been proven more difficult than it should be."

Bates nodded. "I appreciate that, milord." He studied Robert's face for a moment before he finally said, "I'm concerned about what might happen to Anna." Robert nodded in understanding, remembering Bates and Downton's head housemaid were engaged. "I know she's strong. Stronger than I'll ever be. You know she even insisted on getting married, just because I was worried there might be trouble with my ex – wife's death." He shook his head, but Bates's voice showed how much respect and love he had for Anna.

"She'd say she doesn't need any protection. In fact, when she visited me last, she told me not to worry about her. But I can't help it, milord," Bates sighed. "I hate that I dragged her down into my mess. And" he paused and stared at the ground. "It troubles me greatly what might happen to her if this goes badly."

Robert bristled at the mere thought. "Don't say that, Bates," he said sharply.

"Sorry milord, but I just can't help it. It seems my lot, to be unlucky in love," he said, grumbling a little. "For a moment, I though I might be given…you know," he looked directly at Robert, his meaning clear. Countless conversations both in South Africa and at Downton made it easy for them to understand what they couldn't say in words. Bates wished to have the kind of marriage Robert had.

"But that hope faded almost before it began," he said, shaking his head.

Robert's entire body tensed at that. How could Bates wish for a marriage like his now with Cora's betrayal this morning? Brushing the thought aside, he tried to focus on Bates. "Don't say that. I'll get you out of here."

Bates nodded. "Quite. But I hope Lady Grantham has recovered. She seemed to have been doing better when I left." Robert nodded, his anger disappearing momentarily as he remembered how terrified he'd been when Cora had been ill. "And I know things were," Bates sighed and shook his head. "between you two," Bates looked directly at Robert again, and another flash of understand passed between them. He supposed he shouldn't be surprised Bates had been aware of the emotional distance between him and Cora in the last few months. Was it possible his valet had even been aware of his dalliance with the maid? Was Bates interruption more than a coincidence the night Robert had almost taken it too far?

Suddenly Robert felt disgusted with himself once again. How could he complain about Cora's betrayal today when he'd betrayed her far more severely?

"But your relationship is still something to admire," Bates continued, as if none of what he'd just implied mattered. Robert wished that were the case. He'd never find another woman like Cora.

He wished they had the solid relationship they used have. That people like Bates admired. But how was that possible after the way he'd behaved?

"But now I just hope Anna will survive what is to come," Bates said, returning their conversation back to his new marriage. "I know she has more courage than I'll ever have, but I wish…"

"Quite," Robert nodded, understanding only too well how important it was for a man to protect his loved ones. "I'll do whatever I can to protect Anna, and she can always count on my assistance."

Bates entire face relaxed at that statement. "Thank you very much, milord."

"But I'm still going to get you out of here soon," Robert said firmly as he stood up.

It was time to return to Downton.

OOOOOOOOOO

Normally, seeing Downton made Robert proud and content. But today, Robert's stomach ached as he viewed the tiers in the distance from the motor. How could he ever apologize to Cora for what he said this morning?

Carson greeted him at the door as the motor stopped. "Hello, milord," the butler said as his head bowed in respect.

"Do you know where her ladyship is?" Robert said as he stepped into the house. He hoped that sounded more causal than he felt.

"I haven't seen her today so, I don't believe she has come downstairs," Carson said as he closed the doors. Robert wondered whether that meant she was too upset to leave her room or if she were currently planning her trip to Ireland with the girls, and which one would be worse.

"I hope your journey was as pleasant as possible, under the circumstances," Carson said, still with his head down in respect.

Sighing, Robert said, "I was glad to see Bates, but I hated to see him where he is. It's so wrong." Bristling again, he wondered why Bates couldn't still be at Downton, even if it were just on bail. An image Bates in that prison uniform and his face worn flashed through his mind. His friend didn't deserve any of that.

Carson nodded and removed his coat.

Suddenly Robert recalled his promise to protect Anna for Bates' sake. And it would be so much easier to speak to the sweet housemaid than face Cora right now. "Carson, will you tell Anna to come to the library?"

"Yes, milord," Carson said bowing as he disappeared.

Entering the library settled Robert a bit. The red furniture and the walls of books felt familiar in the middle of this uncomfortable time. He sat down in the red armchair to wait for Anna.

Within a few moments, a rather short, blonde housemaid appeared. "You wished to see me, milord?" she asked softly.

Robert nodded. "Yes. I've been trying to get Bates out of prison," he said, deciding to explain this slowly.

Anna smiled and nodded. "Quite. Carson has said as much. I hope you know how much I appreciate it."

Nodding, Robert said, "Well, I visited him today, hoping to make it clear that I'd get him out soon, but it seemed he couldn't stop worrying. About you."

Shaking her head, Anna sighed. "I wish he wouldn't. He's worth it." Her eyes shinned with sincerity and love as she spoke of her husband.

Robert's stomach ached again, as he wondered if he could ever be worth the same to his own wife again. But he pushed that thought firmly aside. He was supposed to be easing Bates worries by helping Anna. "Quite, but I want you to know that no matter what happens in the future, that you will always have a place at Downton. And even should you leave, and have need of me someday, you are welcome to ask."

Anna nodded. "I appreciate that milord. I truly do, but I cannot think of anything further than Mr. Bates being released from prison."

Robert sighed. "I understand completely, and hopefully he will be released soon."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOO

Meanwhile, Cora had spent the day upstairs feeling betrayed by Robert. Several times, while O'Brien was dressing her, Cora had opened her mouth to tell her to prepare for her trip to Ireland, but she hadn't been able to get the words.

How could Robert forbid her from attending Sybil's wedding, especially if Ireland was as dangerous as he claimed? Her mother's heart ached to see her youngest daughter again. To make certain she was safe and share Sybil's happiness if she was.

It had been easier to forgive Robert for his…dalliance with the maid than for this. Cora knew she bore responsibly for his interest in another woman, as she'd neglected him for so long. In fact, she'd made a point of sitting with him and speaking to him after dinner for the past week to make up for it.

But Sybil was their daughter and had done nothing wrong.

And if Robert could stop being an earl for one moment, he would realize that, too.

She refused to be just the "supportive wife" on everything anymore. Running the convalescent home had given her much more confidence, and Cora now understood how to make her own wishes known.

Cora almost rang for O'Brien again as she felt Robert's betrayal from this morning, as he'd said, "I refuse to subject the rest of my family to it," and slammed the door as Cora had tried to explain that she would attend the wedding, anyway.

How could he?

But instead, she sighed and laid down on her bed, knowing her hair was already in disarray from an earlier bout of crying. In fact, she'd had luncheon upstairs in her sitting room today, so people wouldn't see her unbecoming appearance.

She hated fighting in general, and there were few things more painful to her than an argument with Robert.

If only he could think like a father and not like an earl. But she supposed that was unrealistic. Being an earl was too much of a part of who Robert was for him to be able to stop.

He'd never been fond of the Irish, but this was about Sybil. Their Sybil. An image of her, smiling as she left with Branson flashed through Cora's mind, and she burst into tears. Again.

As a mother, she needed to attend Sybil's wedding and couldn't imagine doing otherwise. And Robert had stabbed her in the heart when he told her she couldn't. She should ring for O'Brien now. Cora knew her lady's maid could give her all the necessary details.

But what would be the cost? Would their marriage ever recover if she did so? They were just barely being to find their way back to each other, after all. But did she want it to? Or had Robert betrayed her too much this time?

Cora sighed. That was a silly question. Of course, she wanted to be close to Robert again. Despite everything, she still loved him. But she thought of Sybil again, and tears streamed down her face.

Was her daughter in danger, living in Ireland? How could Cora know Sybil was all right, without seeing her? She wanted to plan for her trip right now.

But yet again, her hand stopped before she could ring the bell for O'Brien. Just because Cora refused to be just the "supportive wife" any longer didn't mean now was the best time to prove that to Robert. Cora had promised him she wouldn't make him feel neglected and unimportant any longer.

Sometimes a husband must come first. Perhaps now was one of those times.

But Sybil's face flashed through Cora's mind again, ready for her adventure, and Cora cried into her pillow.

OOOOOOOOOO

Cora was still fluctuating between crying, fuming at Robert, and wishing things in her marriage could somehow improve when she heard a knock. "It's me," said her husband's deep voice.

"Come in," she said, although she hadn't planned on letting him into her room again today. Certainly not tonight. She wasn't certain this was a good idea. Would they be able to speak rationally, or would they start shouting again, causing her even more pain?

Robert stepped inside carefully, as if he wasn't certain he had the right to be there. He wore his brown travelling suit, instead of the grey outfit he'd been dressed in this morning, causing Cora to wonder where he'd gone today. When had they become so separate that neither of them knew what the other was doing?

All at once, Cora knew she had to make the decision best for her marriage. Sybil would understand, especially if Cora wrote a letter explaining the unique circumstances of the situation. "I'm sorry about my behavior this morning and," she took a deep breath, wondering if she could truly say this. "I won't go to the wedding if it bothers you that much."

"Don't apologize to me," Robert said firmly, taking another step into her room. "And if it's so important to you that Sybil have her family with her," he took a deep breathe as well, "Perhaps Mary and Edith could attend the wedding, if we could find a trustworthy gentleman to escort them to Ireland."

Robert mended Cora's heart significantly with that statement and she finally smiled at him. She still hated that she wouldn't be going herself, but Sybil loved Mary and Edith, too. And her older daughters could tell Cora everything about the wedding and make certain her baby was safe.

"I think that's a marvelous idea," she said with a nod. Sir Richard Carlisle would be ideal, as he was engaged to Mary.

Robert nodded as well, looking more and more comfortable. Perhaps too comfortable for the given circumstances. "Shall we go downstairs for tea?" he offered her his arm, as if there was nothing wrong any longer.

Cora shook her head. "Robert I'm not presentable for tea," she gestured to her face, which she knew was red and blotchy from all her tears, and her hair, which was a mess after spending so much time laying in bed. "And there certainly isn't enough time for O'Brien to fix it."

Sighing, Robert nodded as his smile faded. "Quite." He reached his hand over to his face, as if her were going to stroke her cheek or wipe away any remaining tears. But then he changed his mind, withdrawing his hand and backing away.

Cora wondered if he no longer wished to touch her or if he didn't feel he had the right to touch her. Normally, she could read Robert's actions better than anyone, but it was obvious that wasn't the case anymore. What surprised Cora even more was she didn't know which option she preferred.

Robert shut her door more quietly this time, but Cora couldn't escape the sigh of relief that he was gone. He may have mended her heart, but it was far from healed.