Aftermath
Chapter 2
Robert was thankful that Edith had invited him for the christening. He was tired of talking through an attorney and having to put their daughter in the middle, and he hoped that Cora was too. He was also thankful that the children had been battling common colds and would not be able to go to Brancaster. For whatever reason, Mary felt obligated to stay home and Tom and Henry were following suite. It gave Robert time with Cora, to possibly sort things out.
Six months before, he had made a huge mistake by throwing Cora out. He knew that Simon Bricker was a fraud, but he chose to believe him over Cora. And then Jane Moorsum surfaced and took her turn with the media. It only added fuel to the fire.
The train ride to Northumberland was long and tiring, but there was a car waiting on him to take to Brancaster. It was another long ride, and the closer he got, the more nervous he become. Finally, the driver pulled up in front of Brancaster and Edith came out to greet him.
"Hello, Papa. Its so good to see you." Edith said as she gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"It is nice to see you too, my dear." Robert said. The butler was gathering his bags and he put his arm around Edith.
"I wasn't sure you would be here after I told you Mama was here. I couldn't ask her to leave. She's been such a help with Marigold and Patrick." Edith told him.
"There will be events that we have to both be there for. This is just the first one." Robert responded.
"I hope you and Mama can work something out." Edith said. Robert stopped her and touched her cheek.
"I know, my darling daughter; but I am afraid we are past that point. I just want to get to where it isn't so painful for you and Mary." Robert told her.
"Mama really misses Mary and the children. Tom told her she could visit Sybbie, but Mary doesn't want her around George and Carolyn; so, she can't visit, and Tom is never in London with Sybbie." Edith complained.
"I'll see what I can do. She shouldn't be withheld from her granddaughter. Mary forgets sometimes that I am still Earl of Grantham. Downton is still mine." Robert said.
"I told her that I didn't think you'd permit it. Would you like to get settled?" Edith asked.
"Yes. I didn't bring Bates. I can take care of myself for a couple days. You'll tell me if my tie isn't right or help me with the cufflinks, though?" Robert asked.
"I will. We just don't stand on ceremony around here. You don't have to dress up for dinner, either; and sometimes Marigold joins us." Edith said.
"How Bohemian. What does your mama think of that?" Robert asked.
"She doesn't mind it. I think she is tired of all the formalities." Edith remarked. She was leading him through the house, presumably to his bedroom.
"I can certainly understand that." Robert said.
"Papa, I have put you in a bedroom across from Mama's. She wanted to be close to the nursery. I can move you if you'd like." Edith said nervously.
"It is fine. It'll force us to communicate. We should be." Robert said.
"I was hoping you'd say that. Would you like to meet your grandson?" Edith asked.
"Yes." Robert answered. As they neared the nursery, Robert could hear soft singing. He recognized the voice as Cora's. Suddenly, he felt very nervous. What did he say? Before he could backtrack, they were standing in the doorway of the nursery and Cora's head jerked up. Marigold was on her lap and she was holding the baby while sitting in the rocking chair.
"Hello, Robert." Cora said.
"He…Hello, Cora." Robert said. Marigold had jumped off Cora's lap and ran for Robert.
"Donk!" Marigold said as she ran into his arms. He had knelt down and was hugging the little girl tightly. She had made a very heavy moment bearable. Hopefully, her sweet innocence would help them.