"We are not forcing you to go back home. I am only asking you to let Mama and Papa know where you are and what you are going to do." Sybil said.
"Papa will force me home." Charlotte said, playing with the paper straw in her hand.
"Mama is worried sick and they almost broke up, because they were so worried.
"They did not?" Charlotte looked up.
Sybil nodded. "They did, it is only since last week they are staying in the same house again."
"You said Mama is worried sick? Is she truly?"
"You know, how Mama reacts on stress. She had a migraine when we discovered you left and ever since she is walking around with a headache. And Mary told me, that when I went on this holiday, she got the worst attack in years. So yeah, Mama is worried sick."
Charlotte's skin was pale. "I never thought about how worried Mama would be and our parents separated? That's almost impossible."
"Not only Mama! Papa too and what about Mary, Edith and me! Charlotte, you got us all worried." Sybil took Charlotte's hand. "Luckily Papa and Mama have found each other again.
"Should I call Mama?"
"And what are you going to tell her? That you are coming home? Or………?"
"I think I want to go home." Charlotte said very softly.
Cora was busy in the garden when she felt a hand on her lower back. She looked up, it was Robert. He gave her a quick kiss. Cora brushed her hands against he apron. "Hi" she said smiling.
Her heart fluttered when Robert kissed her. She truly missed him, and it was good to have him home. It wasn't the same as before, but the fact he came to greet her felt good.
"Sybil is coming home tomorrow, do you want to cook something special?" Robert asked her.
"Hmm, we can also order food when she is back home. I can't wait for her to be back here."
"Darling." Robert's hand still rested on her back. "Sybil is coming home, you don't have to be scared about that. They texted that they are halfway already."
Cora let out a deep sigh: "You are right. But I think I will not be assured until she is back in my arms."
Robert pulled her close. "I know how you feel. I feel the same."
Cora pushed herself back a little to look into Robert's eyes. "You do?"
Robert had a guilty look on his face. "I do, but I didn't want you to know. You had enough worries."
"Oh darling, why didn't you tell me."
"We weren't really communicating, and now I am back, I didn't want to worry you anymore."
Cora wrapped both arms around him and hugged him so tight he had trouble breathing. His arms firm around her body. They stood there for a while
They were disturbed by the scraping of a throat.
Violet had watched them for several minutes, but when she realised, they weren't going to let go of each other, she interrupted.
Quickly Robert let go of Cora, he felt like a naughty schoolboy, which was nonsense, because he was married to Cora and was allowed to hug her.
"I have news." Violet started.
"Do you want some tea?" Cora asked.
Violet said down on the chair, Robert pulled back for her. "That would be lovely."
When Cora returned, she quickly sat down next to Robert.
"What is your news, Mama?" Robert asked.
"They have found the place where Kieran and Charlotte spent the last months."
Cora's eyes grew big, and Robert grabbed her hand. "What, are you serious?"
"I am, do I ever joke?" Violet said in the irritated voice she used a lot. "But they weren't there anymore."
"Oh no, do they know where they are right now?" Robert asked.
"That is the problem. They aren't together anymore. Kieran left alone, and people in the village have seen Charlotte get in a different car with two people in it."
"No, no. NO." Cora sobbed. "Where did he send her too? What did he do?"
Robert got Cora's hand firm in his hand. "Do they know where Kieran went to?"
"Unfortunately, not, but we suspect he is going to Ireland this time. We will set up a post in the area where his parents live." Violet said.
"So, we have to just wait and see what happens, again." Robert said. "Mum, do you want to have dinner here?"
Both Mary and Edith decided to eat at home, to be with granny. They loved Violet, and they werechatting for a very long time after dinner.
Cora was in the kitchen cleaning up when Robert walked in. "Why didn't you eat?"
Cora looked up.
"You think I didn't notice, but there wasn't much on your plate. Cora, you have to stop this. You need to eat normal again."
Cora lowered her gaze. "I am just not hungry."
Robert laid his hand on hers. "Darling, I know you are nervous, but we need you to stay healthy."
"I don't have an eating disorder. I am just not hungry." Cora's eyes shot fire.
"I am not saying that, but you must admit. You lost a lot of weight. And to be honest, there wasn't much you could lose. Darling." Robert put his hands on her shoulders." I am not saying this to upset you, but I can't handle this, worrying about Charlotte and also about you not eating."
Cora's head jerked up. "Oh darling, that's not what I want. You don't have to worry about me, truly. I will force myself to eat more. I will. Oh Robert, I am sorry. I am so sorry."
She took his head in her hands and kissed him. He answered passionately. She pressed her body against his and kissed him again. His hands firm on her back, her hands in his neck.
"How I missed you." Robert murmured.
Cora just smiled and kissed him again, longer this time until they both needed air.
They didn't notice, Violet coming into the kitchen to say goodbye. They didn't notice Mary and Edith both going upstairs. They just noticed each other.
