R
Aftermath
Chapter 11
Dinner and drinks after were a little tense, but not as bad as Robert suspected. He and Cora had both retired soon after to not cause problems with Mary. Robert knew a confrontation was imminent but hoped for Edith's sake that it would wait until after the christening.
He was uncertain how he was going to handle it. He dearly loved Mary, but her actions needed to be addressed. He in no way planned on disowning her or causing irreparable damage to their relationship. He preferred that she and Cora made amends and he knew that is what Cora wanted. Mary just couldn't go on treating people so badly, especially her own mother. He prepared for bed and answered Cora's knock as soon as she was at his door.
"Could I sleep in here again? I slept so much better last night." Cora asked hopefully. She was wearing her nightclothes and had her hair down in a loose braid.
"Of course. I was hoping you would." Robert answered as he allowed her in. They both took their robes off and climbed into bed. Robert immediately pulled Cora close and wrapped his arms around her.
"Robert; please be careful with Mary. I know you're angry and I'm hurt, but she is still our daughter and mother of your heir. I will not disown her. I just hope she learns how to treat people better. She has a heart, but she covers it up with a lot of coldness." Cora said as she peered up at him.
"I was thinking about that too. A confrontation is inevitable, but I will be more careful. I just don't much care for how she has treated you. I would like to wait to do or say anything until after Patrick's christening. Its only fair to him, Marigold, Edith and Bertie." Robert agreed.
"Exactly. She won't be happy when she finds that you and I are…what are we doing?" Cora asked.
"I hope we are working through things. Cora, I mentioned doing something after the christening. Bertie and Mama organized a trip for you and me. To Switzerland. Same chateau and same cook. I spoke with him and we can leave as soon as the christening is over. I just have to arrange passage. I know you've always wanted to go back in the spring, and it was such a nice gesture. I thought it would give us a chance to get away from everything, including Mary. Give us some time. We haven't done that since before the war, before Sybil, before everything. I think its time." Robert explained. He wasn't sure how Cora would react and was shocked to see the bright smile and the way her eyes lit up.
"Oh, I would love that! I loved that trip to Switzerland. That will be so nice." Cora said.
"Good. So, what I will do; after the christening, I will make it clear to Mary that I believe her behavior to you was inappropriate and mean-spirited. I will not force her to apologize and your forgiveness of her is entirely up to you. I will then tell her that you and I are going away for a while. Bertie has arranged for us to be in Switzerland for a month, but if we decide to be gone longer, Paris might also be an option. Once we return, we will do one of two things. If Mary has not had a change of heart, I will leave Downton and we will stay in Grantham House full-time. I hope she has a change of heart, but we have to be prepared if not." Robert explained. Cora propped herself up on her elbow and smoothed her hand over his chest.
"You would move out of Downton for me?" Cora asked.
"If it meant keeping you, yes; in a heartbeat. The reason that I hope to stay at Downton, with you; is because I don't want to estrange either of us from Mary or the rest of them; not because I prefer Downton to anywhere. I don't want to sacrifice the relationships, but I will sacrifice the home." Robert told her.
"I know how you love Downton, though." Cora argued.
"Not more than I love you, our children or grandchildren. Maybe I have been misguided about my affection to Downton. It's a house and a legacy, but it is not a home. My home has been with you for the past, almost forty years." Robert assured her.
"I am so proud of you." Cora said with tears in her eyes. She gave him a gentle kiss and then nestled back into his arms.
"You'll never have to worry about anything again and I think Mary will do the right thing." Robert told her.
"I hope so. More than anything; I don't want an estrangement with her. Tomorrow is bound to be tough. Why don't we go on asleep?" Cora suggested.
"That sounds like a good idea." Robert agreed, giving her another kiss.
"Goodnight, my darling. I love you." Cora said.
"I love you too. Rest well." Robert responded. Cora had settled back in and was quickly asleep. It took Robert a bit longer, because he was worried about how things would go with Mary. He could only pray she would accept her parent's decision.
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