Tere was an urgent knock on their bedroom door. Robert and Cora woke up to the nurse trying to get their attention. Cora could hear Edward screaming. "What's the matter?" She asked worriedly.

"He says his stomach is hurting terribly milady.

"Robert get up we should get him to the hospital!"

Robert took a moment to register what was happening and moved faster when he heard Edward.

Cora went to the nursery and leaned over Edward. "My darling," she said, brushing the sweat drenched hair from his forehead, " Mama is here." She picked him up and he curled himself into her arms as the nurse draped a blanket over him. Robert met her outside the nursery and they went to the great hall.

the Hall boy, Thomas, was at the bottom of the stairs, Holding Robert's coat. "Is there anything else I can do for you, Milord?" he asked.

"Just continue your duties, Thomas. No one need wait for us as we don't know how long we'll be."

He nodded and left, coming back with Cora's wrap.

Edward began crying again the moment Cora put him on the cot for Clarkson to examine him. Robert's arm around her waist was the only hing keeping Cora from falling to the floor at the fear she felt for her son, the little miracle who came into their lives during the war. 'It seems Master Edward's symptoms are pointing to appendicitis."

"Oh God," Cora gasped, clutching Robert's arm tighter. "Does that mean surgery?" she asked.

"We can drain the absess or perform surgery. the latter has now become safer with anesthesia as well as better ways to prevent infection. You shoould decide quickly because if it bursts, it could kill him.

Robert guided Cora to a chair as she suddenly felt dizzy. "I'll give you a moment," Clarkson said.

Robert should we really put him through surgery when they could just drain the abscess?"

He felt sick just thinking of their boy going through any of that.

Edward called for Cora so she immediately went over to him. "Yes my darling?"

He reached up to touch her face. "Mama stop my boo boo please?"

She kissed his forehead. The doctor will do that My little viscount. That's what doctors do. I'll be right here to help you. I love you so much."

Love you Mama!"

Clarkson came in with a nurse. He went over to speak with Cora and Edward. "Doctor, I'm brave. Like Papa!"

Robert smiled, patting Edward's leg. "You are, I am so proud of you!"

Robert was eating breakfast alone when Carson announced Violet arrived. He got up to meet her in the library. "I've come to see if there's been any word on my grandson.

"Cora said she would call when they're finished. Shouldn't be too much longer now.

As if on cue, Carson came to tell him Cora was on the phone. He rushed back a moment later. "Mama, there's been a complication, I must go!"

"Go on, Robert, I'll wait here." She frowned, worried about Edward.

Cora looked at Dr. Clarkson. "Did we take too long to make our decision?" She asked, eyes filled with tears.

He shook hid head. "No, No, of course not . we were able to drain it. He's sleeping comfortably right now and would be very happy to see his mother upon waking."

"Thank you, doctor," Cora said, waiting for the nurse to get her and bring her to Edward's side.

walked down the stairs and into the servant's hall. Her sister's had gone into Thirsk before the news of Edward's condition was known so she had been roaming listlessly around the house worried for her little brother. She sent a telegram to her Aunt Rosamund for Papa but didn't hear back from anyone. "Lady Catherine," Anna said. "Are you alright? Have you heard from His Lordship?"

"Not yet, ," She said with a frown. "I'm so scared, Anna. I love little Eddie. We can't lose him at such a young age! Mama would be inconsolable."

Carson came down smiling. "They've returned, Lady Catherine!"

Cora carried her still sleeping child to the nursery, laying him in bed. His Nanny was given all the appropriate instruction for the boy's recovery. She gave him a peck on his forehead and turned to face Robert, weariness showing on her face.

"Come along, my darling, you need to get some sleep. I'll have some tea brought up for you later."

Cora acquiesced and followed him to her room. He left so they could both get changed.

Robert headed to the pitch, Catherine behind him. He never saw her so happy. Mama wasn't pleased and Cora was worried she'd get hurt. Edward sat on her lap, excited to watch the game.

"Mama. how do you play cricket?" He asked.

"I'm sorry, darling. i don't know. They don't have this game in America and I didn't understand when Papa told me."

He smiled, looking up at her. i will learn when I get bigger and I will teach you!"

Cora sighed, sitting back to watch another game of Cricket she just didn't get. At least he reward was watching Robert run around in those tight white trousers. Hopefully they win and she would have a terrifically fun night and not a boring breakdown of why they lost.

Robert was up to bat and Edward was jumping up and down excitedly. Cora Knelt in front of him, trying to keep him still. "Darling, be careful, you're going to pull your stitches and hurt yourself. He finally listened, putting his hands on his side then began to cry. "Mama!" he cried.

"You silly boy," she said, hugging him.

Cora looked up at a cheer. Robert made a hit and the ball wasn't caught. Now Catherine was up. "Mama, I'm tired." She picked him up, took a moment to watch her daughter hit the ball further than Robert. She grinned, looking at Edward. "Mary, I'm taking Edward inside. I think he should go to bed. Please let your father know."

When Robert entered Cora's room she was sitting on her chaise pretending to read a book. She heard from O'Brien the house team won thanks to Catherine. She looked up at him, smirking. His cheeks were read with excitement as he moved closer to her. "Wait!" Cora said holding up her hand. Robert stopped, raising an eyebrow. Cora stood and that's when he received a full view of what was under her night gown, which was nothing at all. "So I heard you won, My darling. I have a present for you," she said, biting her bottom lip and untying the gown.

His breathing became faster and other body parts began to react once she removed it. "Cora..." he gasped.