Pain and Comfort

Despite their wonderful anniversary celebration, things at Downton were still tense, and Cora wished they could resolve the problem with the servants once and for all. They'd made their decision to sack their two footmen official, and Thomas accused Bates of stealing a bottle of wine. O'Brien suggested to Cora that it should be the 'thief" who should be sacked, rather than Thomas, but Robert still wouldn't hear of it.

And Carson's argument that Thomas was only accusing Bates because he was cross for losing his position made some sense, Cora had to admit.

Still, it was no surprise that the tension burst one evening in the dining room, when Robert learned Sybil had attended a political meeting in Ripton. "I wonder why it didn't occur to you to ask me first?" he said, his voice too loud for proper dining.

Cora understood the tension in their home was intense, not to mention his frustration with Sybil, but it grated on her that he assumed he was the only parent in this house. "I gave Sybil permission to go to Ripton," she said, turning to his still scowling face, trying to sound calm, but firm. "She needed some new things, so I asked Branson to take her." With that, she munched on her glazed chicken.

Unfortunately, her calm voice and rational words didn't soothe his temper as it normally did. Instead, he scowl deepened and his voice grew louder. "I see! No one thinks it's appropriate to tell me anything."

"Now hold on a moment," Mary said, sounding even more calm and rational than Cora had. Cora smiled at her eldest daughter despite the tense room. Mary was truly maturing, clearly doing her best to defuse the situation. Mathew had a wonderful influence on her, and she couldn't help but smile fondly at her son-in-law as well.

"Are you going to be political, too?" Robert said instead, not at all impressed with Mary's maturity or Mathew's influence now.

Sighing, Mary said, "I was only going to say that Sybil is intitled to her opinion." Then she took a sip of wine, as if nothing was the matter.

Mama, who was surprisingly quiet until this moment, stared at Mary in shock. "No, she isn't. She has no opinions until she is married. Then her husband will tell her what they are." Cora couldn't help staring at her, confused as she remembered her father-in-law being less stubborn than Mama. "I suppose you are no longer interested in being presented, either."

"Why wouldn't I?" Sybil said, staring at her Granny, clearly just as confused. She munched on her own glazed chicken.

Mama shook her head. "Since you are interested in new governments, I thought you may not be interested in meeting the king."

"It doesn't matter," Robert said, scowling and shouting so much, Cora thought his face may change color. "She won't be going back."

Cora wondered how she would spend the rest of the evening with this much tension in the air. Her chicken looked less and less appetizing. But Mama obviously loved it, as her eyes gleamed while she ate her dinner.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

The tense evening finally over, Cora retired to bed. "I suppose I owe you an apology," Robert said as he settled into their bed himself.

Cora had known it was coming; one thing her husband had always been good about was apologizing when he'd behaved improperly. But she couldn't help but shake her head in frustration. Didn't he know how uncomfortable it was for her to be shouted at in front of the servants, and even worse, his mother? "Next time you want to treat me like a naughty schoolgirl, you might do it in private, not in front of the servants. I suppose it made your mother's week." Mama loved to find fault in Cora; for Robert to do it for her clearly made the situation even better.

Robert sighed, not disputing her comments. "I just don't know what to do with Sybil; are you certain she's ready to be presented?"

Cora moved closer to him, her annoyance disappearing as he voiced his true problem. Once again, Sybil was eager to embrace the new world and wished to change everything a bit too quickly. It was all rather frightening, especially for Robert. And the immature way she handled things today didn't help. "I know we need to speak with her a bit more about these things, but she's definitely growing up and is eager for her season, Robert. She deserves to be presented this year, after waiting for the last few years."

Robert shook his head. "But she doesn't understand, Cora! Those meetings can become dangerous especially with all those young revolutionaries wandering about." He shuddered, showing how truly worried he was, and Cora's heart went to him.

Wrapping her arms around him, she said, "I understand, darling; I'm worried about her, too. That is why we need to speak to her again, but it shouldn't affect her presentation. And Mary is so excited to go this year, both to help with Sybil and to attend with Mathew."

Robert nodded, his deep blue eyes gazing into hers. "Do you ever notice we never seem to talk about Edith?"

Cora sighed, turning her head back around, but leaning against his side. "I had hoped Edith would find a match last spring, after Mary left." Without her oldest sister around, Cora had been certain Edith would receive more attention, but she'd still received no offers. "But I'm afraid Edith might be the one to care for us in our old age." She pictured their middle daughter as a spinster, with no love or purpose except her aging parents.

"What a ghastly thought," Robert said, as if he saw the same horrible image himself.

OOOOOOOOOOO

But to Cora and Robert's surprise, Edith soon caught the attention of Sir Anthony, a baronet only slightly younger than Robert who had visited Downton last summer and had recently returned from Europe. He'd taken her on a couple of drives already, and they clearly enjoyed each other's company. Perhaps their horrible image of 'Edith the spinster' need not come true, after all.

Thomas and William also left Downton; William apparently found a position at a stable, as he had a way with horses, but Cora had no idea what would happen with Thomas. Meanwhile, their new footmen, Christopher and Samuel started out well enough.

Cora finally agreed to hire a new lady's maid as well. As much as she hated to lose the first lady's maid she'd hired since becoming countess, Mama was correct; she couldn't put a price on Mary's wellbeing. And as both Carson and Robert were eager for O'Brien to leave their service, she placed an ad in the Lady for a new maid.

Still, Cora was grateful that O'Brien was still serving her until she chose a new maid, especially as she needed to take a bath. The tub was filled with warm water exactly as she liked it, especially on such a chilly morning, and Cora washed all the lingering tensions away from Downton.

Until she dropped the soap.

"Don't worry, milady," O'Brien said, quickly coming to Cora's rescue. "The soap is right on the side, when you are ready."

"Thank you, O'Brien," Cora said in relief as she rinsed. It's too bad Cora had already agreed to hire a new lady's maid, because this one was such a treasure.

But as she climbed out of the tub, somehow Cora slipped. Suddenly she was in the air, desperately reaching for something to break her fall.

But all too quickly, she hit the floor, and she tried not to scream despite the pain in her leg.

OOOOOOOOOO

Dr. Clarkson examined Cora in her own bed, declaring that her leg was indeed broken. He administered some pain relief and then set to work on a cast. "You will have to stay in bed for several weeks, until it is healed, Lady Grantham," he said after he was finished. His calm voice with a gentle Scottish brogue was comforting through the haze of the medication. "And you are welcome to take aspirin, if you feel pain."

"Thank you, Dr. Clarkson," Cora said, wondering what the big deal was. Everything seemed grand.

OOOOOOOOOOO

But everything wasn't grand when Robert discovered she was hurt.

He rushed into her room; his eyes wide as he stared at her. "Cora, how is this possible? A broken leg? Are you certain that's all it is? You need to be more careful," he said with a huff. Then he began to pace room, still shaking his head.

His shouting snapped Cora out of her medicinal haze. "I don't know how it happened, Robert," she said confused herself. "I climbed out of the bath, just as I always do, and suddenly I was on the floor. I do not appreciate the implication that this was my fault," she said, shaking her own head. Ordinarily, Cora had a high tolerance for Robert's temper, especially as she knew it came from fear, but being blamed for her injured leg was a bit much.

Especially with all the extra stress already in the house, with hiring new servants.

Robert stopped pacing within a few moments and stared at Cora again. "I'm sorry, darling." He took a deep breath, approaching her but clearly unwilling to sit on their bed with her. "I heard you were injured, and I panicked." His eyes glazed with unshed tears, although he tried to blink them away. "I loathe to see you hurt and in pain. Can I get you anything? A book? Needlepoint? Tea?"

Ordinarily if she wished for one of those things, she'd ring for a servant, but Robert was clearly desperate to do something to help her, and Cora loved him for it. "I'd appreciate a new book. Bring me one of my favorites."

Robert sighed with relief, despite blinking back more tears. "Of course, darling."

OOOOOOOOOO

Robert visited her a couple of times a day as Cora recovered, asking if she were feeling better and if he could get her anything, or even just to speak to her. He still refused to sit or lay on their bed, during the day or at night, much to Cora's disappointment, but he wouldn't compromise on her health.

Her daughters visited as well; Cora's heart melted every time Mary brought Grace in to visit. The little girl was able to sit on her Granny's lap with her adorable face and coo. Meanwhile, Sybil gave her news of her latest charities and her plans for her season, and Edith discussed Sir Anthony.

Dr. Clarkson visited her once a week, informing Cora that her leg was healing well, although she heard Robert's loud voice speaking to the doctor after he examined her. Of course, he was scared and that caused his temper to snap again. She just wished he would be confident enough to lay with her again soon.

Meanwhile, Cora sorted through the applicants for her new lady's maid, eventually settling on a Miss Baxter. Her heart ached to let O'Brien go, but Cora supposed it had already been decided. And Baxter appeared to be a capable maid, although not as quick to chat as O'Brien.

OOOOOOOOOOO

One morning, Cora munched on her breakfast, which she was delighted that now included orange juice as well as toast, eggs, and fruit. Perhaps Baxter would suit better than Cora had originally thought.

She'd just swallowed another drop of the delicious orange juice when there was a light knock on the front door, and Robert peeked his head. As usual "How are you feeling today, darling?" he said, trying to keep his voice soft, but she could hear the edge in his voice that singled his constant panic since she'd been injured.

Cora sighed. His worry was endearing, but she wished he wouldn't stress himself so. "I'm fine, Robert; come inside, please." She took a bite of buttery eggs.

He entered the room, slowly, and she drank in his handsome face and deep blue eyes, although he still refused to sit anywhere on the bed. "Are you certain your leg isn't bothering you today? Or are you warm and need some ice?" His eyes studied her closely, searching for signs of problems.

Smiling at him, she shook her head. "It's rather itchy, but other than that, it's no problem." At the mention of the itch, she attempted to scratch her leg inside the cast, but couldn't quite reach. "And I'm not uncomfortably warm now that I have orange juice with breakfast."

Robert managed a small smile, which lifted her heart. "That's good. I'm glad your new maid is working out well. You received a letter from your mother." He stepped closer to her, to toss the envelope next to her breakfast tray, but Cora grasped his arm, wishing for more of his touch.

He froze for a moment, but then she said, "thank you, darling," and Robert immediately softened. "I miss you," she dared to say after that.

Robert sighed, his deep eyes staring straight into hers. "I do too; you know how I loathe sleeping alone, but I cannot let anything worse happen to you. Dr. Clarkson claims your cast will come off in another two weeks, anyway."

Cora sighed at the thought of two more weeks alone.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

After Cora finished her breakfast and Robert left, she opened Mother's letter.

Dear Cora,

I'm sorry, but I don't understand how you could possibly misunderstand Mary's situation last year that much. When you first wrote to me, you made it clear that Mary had disgraced herself and you were desperate to support her anyway. Now you claim that none of it was Mary's fault. I know you can be naïve, but you must take a step back, and think about this objectively

Cora paused, hurt by her mother's words. She already felt terrible about how what her own naivety cost Mary, why must Mother make it worse? Then she sighed, remembering how much Cora had blamed herself for poor parenting even as she'd been seeped with anger at Mary when Mary had told her about the Turk.

No doubt Mother was blaming herself for poor parenting for this mistake even as she lectured Cora in this letter.

Nevertheless, it is good to hear you are hiring some new servants. I think many of them are developing big heads, and it would do them well to find new positions. And it is certainly possible that some of them may be partially to blame for Mary's mistake. I do wish this had occurred to you earlier, of course.

Once again, her mother's words stung, but Cora reminded herself that Mother had to be blaming herself as much as Cora.

I do plan to attend Sybil's ball after all, although I will only stay in London, rather than Downton and London. Please be certain to prepare for my arrival for the end of Apirl. I look forward to seeing Sybil dressed in her gowns and greeting me with her friendly smiles, and better yet, warm hugs.

Love,

Mother

P. S. Harold and I had a lovely Christmas, and I am delighted that Grace likes her new teddy bear.

Cora smiled, glad to finally read some good news. Now of only her leg would heal so she could resume her life. She was normally a very patient person, but this was a bit much.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOOO

"… and I think you may need to go to Ripton to help Sybil prepare for her season," Mama said with a sigh. Her leg was still propped in a cast on the end of the bed, and Mary sat at the opposite end. Papa still appeared to panic every time he saw Mama's broken leg, but Mary didn't see any reason to worry, and neither did Mama, beyond her inability to leave the bed.

"I had hoped to be healed enough, but we cannot put it off any longer." Her voice sounded much cheerfuller than one would expect as Mama also held Grace in her arms.

Mary nodded. "I will be happy to do so." She looked forward to Sybil's season and it would be wonderful to help her choose some of her materials. Could she be persuaded to buy silk fabric? Which shade of fabric would Sybil prefer for her coming out gown?

"Thank you, Mary," Mama said, as Grace babbled and played with her blouse. Mama smiled at the baby and said "that's right. Yes, it is," in a high, silly sounding voice. Mary resisted the urge to roll her eyes at her mother's behavior because Grace obviously adored it, babbling and giving gummy smiles in return.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Mathew didn't return home for dinner that night, and Mary tried not to let that bother her, as he'd told her in advance, he would have some busy periods right before the Season. But she didn't visit Grace in the nursery as had become a frequent tradition for them lately or see any of her baby's gummy smiles. What was the point without Mathew?

And Sybil was missing as well, apparently spending her time on one of her charities. Papa, Mary, and Edith attempted to have dinner civilly, speaking about the upcoming season. Edith also droned on about Sir Anthony. Mary wondered how long either of them would be keen on each other, and why Papa indulged it so.

"What about Sybil's gowns?" Mary said, finally having enough of Edith's chatter. "Mama asked me to take her to Ripton today." She couldn't keep the superiority out of her voice.

OOOOOOOOOO

And yet after dinner, Mary had nothing to feel superior. Only fear. Branson appeared at the door; his eyes wide. "Milady, please come with me to Crawley House. Immediately!" he said, pointing towards the motor.

"Of course," Mary said quickly, relieved to hear her voice sounded neutral. But her heart galloped, wondering what had happened to Mathew.

OOOOOOOOOO

Yet, when Mary arrived at Crawley House, it wasn't Mathew, laying on Isobel's settee with his head bleeding, but her youngest sister. "Sybil!" Mary said, still full of fear, but her heart not beating quite so fast. "What happened?"

"There was a bit of a scrimmage today when," Sybil flinched as Isobel washed her wounds. "When I attended the vote-count."

Mary shook her head, both in disappointment at her sister's recklessness and all the blood. "But certainly, she will be all right?" she said to Isobel. If something were truly wrong, no doubt Sybil would be in hospital.

"Of course," Isobel said, her attention all on Sybil's injury. "Head wounds look worse than they are, because they bleed so much." Sybil flinched again as Isobel pressed a cloth against her head.

Mary shook his head, thinking of Papa's reaction. "Nevertheless, Branson is out of a job." She wished they didn't need to hire another servant, but perhaps he deserved being sacked for placing little Sybil in danger.

"No!" Sybil said, lifting her head to look straight at Mary despite Isobel's pressing against her head. "This isn't Branson's fault! I lied about where I wished to go; when he realized what it was, he wanted to leave." Mary didn't answer, uncertain at how her sister's naivety affected her view.

"Careful Sybil," Isobel said, gently steadying her head.

"It's true, Mary" said Mathew's voice, coming behind her. "I saw the exchange when I was coming out of the office, and Branson clearly wished to leave when he realized why Sybil wanted to be there."

"Mathew, darling, what are you doing up?" Isobel said, immediately discarding the cloth to run to her son. "You're supposed to be laying down upstairs." Mary's heart began galloping again as she realized Mathew had been hurt as well.

Mathew shrugged but sat down in one of the armchairs. "I'm fine, Mother, and I will be returning home with Mary and Sybil soon." He smiled at Mary and her heart danced that he'd referred to the Abbey as "home."

Isobel studied his face carefully, although Mathew clearly found her behavior uncomfortable. "Are you certain that is a good idea? You told me you were punched in the stomach and felt nauseous. I think I should keep an eye on you."

Mary's own eyes switched from Sybil to Mathew. Papa's panic over Mama's broken leg made a bit more sense now.

"Mother, I can lay down at home with Mary as easily as I can do so here," Mathew said with a sigh. "Besides, I feel I should vouch for Branson when Robert hears what happened today."

Mary realized that just like her, he disliked being fussed over when he was poorly. "I think it would be best for him to return home with us," Mary said carefully, her ears still ringing that he'd used that word.

Isobel sighed but returned to tending to Sybil's wounds.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Mary glanced back and forth between Sybil's head wound and Mathew's face as they drove home. She'd discretely instructed Branson to drive slowly, and he did so, but Mary's heart still beat too fast as she thought about their injuries.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Papa exploded when he saw Sybil had been injured. "How could you be so irresponsible!" he said, his words thundering all over the Abbey. Mary stayed silent, but she felt like snapping at Sybil in agreement. Her recklessness had hurt Mathew as well. "And what of your mother? She doesn't need to worry about you, too, Sybil, when she's already poorly herself." He scowled.

"Papa, leave Mama out of this," Sybil said as she sat in a chair, as Isobel had instructed her to do so.

"And Branson will have to go," Papa said, walking around a bit. "I cannot believe I thought it was a bit humorous to have a revolutionary chauffeur." His hand flew.

"It's not Branson's fault!" Sybil said, her own hands flying despite Isobel's concern about stressing her injury. "He didn't know, and he tried to convince me to leave."

Papa scoffed, believing Sybil's story less than Mary did.

"If Branson is sacked tomorrow, I will run away!" Sybil said, shouting as loudly as Papa.

"Oh, where would you go?" Papa said, with another scoff.

"It's true, Robert," Mathew said from the settee. Did he appear paler than when they'd climbed into the motor? Why must Sybil's naïve schemes cause so many problems? "I saw it from the office, and it was clear Branson wished to leave."

Papa sighed and shook his head. "You stay away from politics!" He paced around the room again.

"I have opinions, Papa!" Sybil said, as if that justified her behavior. Her hand flew again. "And Branson will keep his job."

"Will you please come upstairs and convince your mother you are all right?" Papa said, finally standing in one place. "She'll worry all night otherwise."

Sybil looked like she wished to argue about Branson again, but instead she sighed and headed for the stairs along with Papa. At least her wound was no longer bleeding.

"Would you like some ginger tea?" Mary said to Mathew after they'd disappeared, trying to make her voice causal, but still studying his face. Ginger tea had helped her sickness when she was pregnant, after all.

Mathew shrugged. "Perhaps, with a sandwich. I'm afraid I didn't eat dinner. But Mary," he sighed and moved closer to her, his blue eyes gazing right into hers. "I truly am fine. I was nauseous after being hit, as I told Mother, but it's disappeared now."

"I understand," Mary said with a nod, ringing for the tea and sandwiches. She understood that Isobel had panicked a bit and made his injury sound worse than it was, but Mary also knew how easy it was to downplay discomfort when you wished no one to fuss or cause you to feel weak.

Mary would take care of him tonight, just in case. She even planned on Mathew spending the night in her bed, although they would clearly not be doing anything other than sleeping.

Ever since they'd finally been intimate, there had been a struggle between them about sleeping arrangements. Mathew insisted he should spend the night in her bed, while Mary maintained he should return to his own room as was proper. The result was that sometimes he stayed and sometimes Mary persuaded him to leave.

Tonight, Mary would persuade him to stay.