August 1920 – Deep Loss
Nicholas got up from bed. He had a rough time getting to sleep after he wretchedness of last night. He couldn't believe Sybil was gone. He ate breakfast then went to the library to take care of some things for Papa and help Mary with the funeral arrangements as Mama was beside herself. Carson opened the door. "Lord Downton, Her Ladyship is in the drawing room." "Thank you , Carson," he said. He went in and gave her a kiss. "We're you able to get some sleep?"
She sighed. "Very little, darling." He frowned. "Would you like me to ask Dr. Clarkson for something to help?" Cora pat his hand. Nicholas has been her savior in all of this, The only one who tried to get Robert to give her opinion merit since he though he knew better than the woman who birthed 5 children and the man who brought them all into the world and cared for them all their lives.
Marrying off Children
Cora had no idea that months after the death of Sybil, she would be marrying off her three eldest children. Mary to Matthew, Nicholas to Flora, and Edith to Michael. At Edith's idea, the were married in age order and they all seemed okay by this. Mary and Flora were pregnant on Edith's wedding. Nicholas and Flora refused to share their personal life and what they decided. Cora agreed that was fair but Mama insisted on knowing who fathered the heir to Downton while Robert did not care. All Nicholas said was "I did," one evening, Cora was up late with Flora and Nicholas when they chose to tell her. We heard of a physician named John Hunter who, in 1790, was able to impregnate a woman with her husband's sperm**." Cora nodded remember hearing such a wild tale just before she was married. "I suppose he was successful then? Flora nodded and when I read about it, I searched for a physician who would perform such a procedure, spoke to Nicholas, and here I am 7 months pregnant!" she finished with a grin. "Extraordinary! May I tell Robert?" "Oh please go ahead," Flora said. 'We will be telling my parents after Edith's wedding."
Father and Grandfather
Cora was all smiles when Robert entered the room. Baxter was long gone and Cora was humming to herself while applying lotion to her hands. He smiled to himself then went to stand behind her. Moving her hair to the side to kiss behind her ear. "What are you so cheerful about? What did Nicholas have to say?" She stood up. "Flora's pregnant!" He stared at her. "Pregnant? They made their decision then? I didn't think Nicholas was going to…" "He did, but not in the conventional way." Robert sat down. "What other way? Is Flora a mistress?" Cora chuckled. "No, darling, there is a procedure that has been done for years and they had it done and it worked so you'll be a grandfather." He grinned. "With a on year old child."
"Yes, we're very blessed, dear," she replied, kissing his lips.
Happy Christmas
Eleanor hopped down the last two steps then turned to face Cora. "Ma! Treeeee!" she said excitedly, pointing at the very tall tree with all the tempting shiny balls and lights
Cora smiled and swooped down to pick her up before she started pulling off the ornaments.
Cora looked at her daughter. It was so nice having a young one at Christmas. She thought those days were over and even though she wished she could have shared those days with Nicholas when he was little, she was happy to have him back in their lives. "Why don't we sit in front of the fireplace and read a book, my darling?" She set Eleanore down on the floor and the little on Toddled to Robert who was writing letters at his desk. "PA!" she called. "well, hello little one. Aren't you a bit early to be in the library? Where's Nanny?"
"She requested some time off to do some Christmas shopping," Cora explained. "Ellie and I are gong to read the new book Grandmama sent her." "sounds fun!" He replied poking her nose .She giggled, her gums showing white points trying to poke out. "May I join you, Ellie?" Elenor nodded ,clapping her hands as Robert picked her sat down holding a blanket and the new book as Robert sat beside her, Eleanor grinning happily.
Carson entered with tea. He paused when he saw them. "I beg your pardon, Milord, Shall I wait?"
"No it's alright , Carson. Perhaps some warm milk for Miss Eleanor?" He nodded, set the tray down then disappeared. Cora opened the book, showing Eleanor the first page.
"Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there…."
John Hunter 1790 (first case)
William Pancoast 1884 ( second case)
** wiki/Artificial_insemination
