Aftermath
Chapter 17
The day before Robert and Cora were to begin their journey to Switzerland, Cora met Rosamund for lunch and a little shopping. She had missed the friendship while she and Robert were separated. Rosamund had sent her notes asking her to tea or dinner, but Cora never felt right about accepting. Now she didn't have that excuse. As she and Rosamund sat down for lunch, Rosamund struck up a conversation.
"So, any second thoughts?" Rosamund asked.
"About what I purchased? No. I needed some warmer items for Switzerland. Its spring, but the nights will be cold." Cora said.
"No; you and Robert working things out? We are all glad for it, but it did take us by surprise." Rosamund said.
"What did you imagine happening if we didn't work things out?" Cora asked.
"I hoped you would, but if not; I figured it would be a long-term separation. Not a divorce. Eventually, Robert would have taken a mistress, to have a companion." Rosamund said.
"And me?" Cora asked.
"I imagined that you would go to America." Rosamund said.
"I didn't want to. I wanted to stay on in England. I wanted to stay with Robert, but I didn't see it happening." Cora responded.
"I can see that. So, now that you're working things out; any regrets?" Rosamund asked.
"Just concerns. I am worried that we won't ever be the same again." Cora said.
"You won't, but you can be stronger. I've always felt your marriage, while good; was built on shaky ground. It was essentially an arranged marriage, but you and Robert made a go of it. You fell in love with each other, when so many couples in your position never did. I was able to marry for love, but Robert had to marry out of duty. That will always be at the base of your relationship, but you've written a beautiful love story, if you will. My advice is, keep writing and stop overthinking everything. You and Robert both made mistakes, but no marriage is perfect. You and Robert have enjoyed many years of happiness, and I don't see why that can't continue." Rosamund said. Cora was shocked by all that she said. Not because it was untrue but because it was Rosamund saying it. It was unlike her.
"I never thought about it like that. All I can see now is the embarrassment I caused Robert and the family." Cora said.
"You stepped out of line when you allowed that man in, but Robert also did. The difference is, its acceptable for a man. It isn't for you. He went further than you and admits he would have made a mistress out of the maid, but thankfully; that didn't happen. Robert's conscious and love for you got in the way." Rosamund continued.
"I'm not certain he'll ever forgive me though. We both know that it is acceptable for a man like Robert to take a mistress. He never did, and I've always loved his loyalty. My question is and will remain, did he love Jane? I suspect he did and that will always worry me." Cora said.
"But he loved you first and most because he came back to you. I am not sure what the attraction between them was, but it was never carried out. Whether he loved her or not is a question you have to ask, but before you do, is it worth it now? What could be gained?" Rosamund asked.
"I understand, but I think its one of my major concerns and I don't want it hanging there for the rest of our lives. I just need to know." Cora said.
"So, ask him. Cora, I don't think he ever loved her and if he did, it was never in the way he loved you. Robert was not the same man without you. You are the half that makes him whole. Don't degrade your standing." Rosamund said.
"There was so much that I failed at though. Not having a son, the money is gone, and…" Cora argued but Rosamund shook her head.
"All things beyond your control. The one thing you controlled was blown out of proportion and my dear brother is impulsive. He should have given you a chance to defend yourself, before throwing you out into the night. What you did is forgivable. What he did can be forgiven, if you so choose. I think you have already, but it does need to be addressed. Until then, you're stuck." Rosamund said. Their food had arrived, and Cora desperately wanted to change the subject.
"Are you visiting your mother soon?" Cora asked.
"Yes; while you and Robert are away, I will be going to stay with her." Rosamund said.
"That is good. I never thought I would say this, but I've missed her a great deal." Cora said.
"She would never admit it, but she has missed you as well. I had a letter from her today, and she is just thrilled that you and Robert are going on this trip. Do not worry about her. She'll be fine." Rosamund said.
"I am sure. Please give her my love. I hope to visit her when we get back." Cora answered.
They ate the rest of their lunch and visited about gossip. Who was marrying who, who had had a baby or died, the latest fashions and Robert and Cora's grandchildren. For Cora, it was a welcome change to all the lonely lunches she had while she and Robert were separated.