Rating: K+


Petite Pictures #9

Susan wrapped her dressing gown tightly around her as the drafty hallway caught her by surprise. She was hoping to speak to Cora before the maid brought in her breakfast tray. The topic, per usual, was Rose's future and she wanted it settled as quickly as possible. After mulling it over, Susan saw the benefit in leaving Rose in the hands of a capable family for her London season. Having presented the three Crawley girls without fail, she knew that Cora could not only handle the task, but rise to it. And maybe a gentler soul, such as Cora's, could settle Rose's wild spirit.

Susan was aware of the early hour, but the piper was already at it and she knew how impossible it was to sleep through his drone. Softly knocking while listening for a response, Susan held her breath. After a moment of quiet, she decided the lack of an objection was a good sign and turned the knob.

"Cora, I was hoping to–"

But the words that were to follow stuck to her throat, clinging to the sudden dryness that replaced them. Not often was Susan found speechless or, in this rare moment, incapable of looking away. Cora lay facing the door that Susan had opened seconds before and Robert's arm was draped lazily around her waist. The morning sun beams streamed through the windows and highlighted Cora's hand as it clasped Robert's and held it to her sternum.

She was frozen, unable to remember the last time she witnessed this sort of affection. To see her ever-so-proper cousin Robert in such a tender state caused her jealousy to flare. Of course they were going to sleep in the same bed. What had she expected? To walk in and find Cora alone at this early hour with the other side of the bed untouched? And what with Mary's sudden departure, she couldn't imagine that they had slept soundly.

Her lack of consideration prompted much self-chastising. But she couldn't help her staring. It just wasn't fair. After all these years, with the children grown, through Sybil's death, they were still active players in their marriage. It was foreign and improper for a couple to carry on this way. How dare they share such happiness when Susan lived in constant torment.

Cora shifted onto her back, still in the stupor of sleep, causing Robert to respond involuntarily by nuzzling his chin in her hair. Susan knew they'd be waking soon, so she slipped back through the door. If they heard it close, she hoped they'd think it had merely been the maid.

I suppose if Rose is to stay behind, she should be surrounded by love, Susan thought, retreating down the hall.