Aftermath
Chapter 16
As Robert and Cora got ready for bed that night, he considered Bates' words. He had made some good points, and painful points. Cora would always have family, but the media attention certainly complicated things. Someone else needed to have a scandal, although Cora's wouldn't be forgotten.
"It was so nice to see Sybbie and Tom. I've missed them." Cora said as she climbed into bed. Robert put his robe on the bench at the end of the bed.
"It was. Can…I ask you a question?" Robert asked.
"You're asking me a question about asking a question?" Cora teased.
"Its…is you wanting to work things out because you are scared of what might happen to you if we separate permanently?" Robert asked.
"Maybe partly. You don't really owe me anything, Robert. More than money, I know I would have no place. It wouldn't be proper for me to stay here at Grantham House. I don't want to put Edith in the middle again, so I wouldn't stay at Brancaster. Of course, Mother tells me I can go back to New York or Newport, but I am not certain I can handle her telling me that I failed. I don't know what I'll do." Cora said tearfully. Robert laid down next to her in the bed and pulled her close.
"What do you mean, failed?" Robert asked.
"The money is gone. I never gave you a son. I really don't want that held over my head." Cora said.
"Of course not, but its my fault the money is gone. Not yours. When we needed to, you saved us money. As far as a son is concerned, you gave me three beautiful daughters and eventually we had grandsons. You didn't fail. When I asked you that, I didn't mean I didn't want things to work out, I was just curious." Robert said and Cora nodded into his chest.
"I just wish Bricker had never gone to the media. We had worked things out and then he came forward and lied. It was unacceptable that I allowed him those familiarities and I will spend the rest of my life apologizing for them, but I never allowed him into my bed." Cora said.
"I know that. Maybe I didn't six months ago, but I know that now. You never ask about Jane much?" Robert asked.
"Robert, I was always taught that it was acceptable for the husband to have affairs. To take a mistress. I was only shocked it took you so long…unless she wasn't the only one?" Cora asked.
"I never took her to my bed. Had I not been interrupted; I probably would have. It was wrong of me. I know it is acceptable. I have many friends who have taken mistresses. I just never felt right about it. Cora, what happened with Jane was completely wrong. Most of the problems we had at the time were my fault anyways. I just hope someday you'll forgive it." Robert said.
"Forgive it yes, forgetting it will be harder, but I'll try. What bothers me is, I was in the next room; almost on my deathbed, and you would have taken another woman into your bed in the next room, had you not been interrupted." Cora told him.
"You are right. I wish I could deny it, but it would be pointless now." Robert answered. Shockingly, Cora was still laying in his arms, with her arm on his chest.
"I have no right to be offended though. As I said, it is acceptable for you to take a mistress. It was not acceptable for me to even invite Bricker back. I should have just bore your inattention until it got better. I knew it would." Cora said.
"Such a double standard. It is acceptable for men to take mistresses, but not appropriate for women to even have male friends. My darling, I love you so very much, but you must accept my apologies for my involvement with Jane, as well as my treatment of you for us to move forward. This simply cannot be because you wouldn't have a place. I would provide that." Robert said.
"I desperately want to move forward. I love you too, and I hate the embarrassment I've caused you." Cora said.
"You didn't. Two very vindictive people, wanting fame did that. It will do no good to place blame. I think if we do that, we will never move forward and like you; I desperately want that. Just know, you would have been provided for and I wouldn't have put Edith in the middle. I can't speak for Mary, but I wouldn't have just abandoned you. However, you won't find out for certain, because once we are done traveling, you will be going back to Downton with me, if you wish." Robert said. He leaned down and kissed Cora's forehead and smiled down at her.
"I do wish." Cora said.
"Good. Now, I am exhausted after all that. Let's sleep. You have a full day of playing with Sybbie ahead of you." Robert said.
"She wants her Donk to play with her too." Cora said with a yawn.
"I will. Just sleep, my darling and stop worrying." Robert insisted.
"You should stop stressing too." Cora remarked. She settled into his arms again and within a few moments, they were both fast asleep.