Aftermath
Chapter 14
Mary had left for town that morning before Robert and Cora got up. Initially, Cora was disappointed until Bertie had explained that Edith had gone with her and they would be back soon. They hadn't mentioned going into town the night before, but Cora was just hoping to see Mary before she left.
She was so looking forward to her time away with Robert. It had been years since they went on a trip together, alone. They had spent the night talking and planning. He wanted to go on a wine-tasting tour in the South of France, and she wanted to tour the art museums in Paris.
Finally, about eleven, Edith and Mary arrived back at Brancaster. Cora stayed in the bedroom she was now sharing with Robert, working on some needlework. Robert was Bertie, and Cora was shocked to see Mary appear at the door.
"May I come in?" Mary asked.
"Of course." Cora answered. She noticed the boxes that Mary had in hand but decided not to mention them. It looked like a dress box, a pair of shoes and a hatbox.
"The thing is; I knew you didn't have a lot of clothes here. I wanted to get you a new outfit for your trip. I know that you've lost some weight so Baxter said she would stay and make the alterations. I'll go on back to Downton and she will follow after you and Papa leave. I think you'll like it." Mary said as she sat the boxes down on the bed and opened the first box. It was a mauve colored dress with intricate stitching.
"Oh, how beautiful." Cora said.
"There's more. I got you a pair of shoes and a hat to match. There's also an evening coat, purse, and…oh this is embarrassing but Edith insisted." Mary said. She had opened a box of what looked like lace and silk.
"What is it?" Cora asked and then realized; it was lingerie as she lifted the first nightgown out of the box. She had always kept it fairly simple, with her nightgowns. Cora knew that younger woman preferred more elaborate items. It just shocked her that Mary and Edith had picked them out.
"I didn't figure I would be able to get the items in Northumberland. As you can guess, its for…anyway; enjoy." Mary said, obviously embarrassing herself.
"Thank you, Mary. I so appreciate this. Was this you or Edith?" Cora asked.
"Me but Edith helped me pick the things out and she knew where to go to find them." Mary answered.
"I am a bit shocked by that. Mary, I hope your father and I made it clear that we love you. That must trump everything. I just want to know why?" Cora asked.
"I don't know. I hope by the time that you and Papa come back that I'll have that answer." Mary said.
"Well, I hope so too, but regardless, we love you. Thank you for the clothes and thank you for letting me borrow Baxter. I hope you have a safe trip back." Cora said. She pulled Mary into a hug and kissed her cheek.
"Your welcome. I really do hope you and Papa have a splendid time. It does sound like a nice trip." Mary answered.
"I think we will but if you need anything, let us know." Cora said. Mary was at the door ready to leave and smiled back. She would out of the door before anything else could be said and all Cora could do was sit down in shock. Like Robert, Mary was a massive oxymoron that Cora could never quite figure out. Hopefully, someday she would get some clarity.