Aftermath
Chapter 19
Switzerland hadn't changed a lot and the chalet where they had stayed three decades before had only been modernized. There was running water and electricity. It had all the modern conveniences and some that Robert and Cora were not used to.
The cook and maid that had helped them years before was American born. She had lived in Switzerland with her husband since she was eighteen, but Mrs. Smith was a breath of fresh air. If she had read any of the headlines about them, she never let on. Instead she stocked the icebox with meals and other things. Cora was capable enough in the kitchen to warm things up, make tea and cook basic meals. Robert built a fire and they settled in.
"This place has hardly changed. I'm glad you telegraphed to let the children know we had arrived." Cora said. They were both admiring the view of the Alps.
"Of course. I think I feel more relaxed than I have in years. We should have come here more often." Robert said.
"We got busy. Raising the girls, managing the estate, the war, Sybil dying, all the drama with the girls, and the list goes on. I think we forgot to include each other in our…I don't know." Cora said.
"Decisions and plans. We didn't talk anymore. When's the last time we went for a walk? We used to do that every morning. We still slept in the same bed together, but we didn't talk like we used to. I just pray we don't fall back into those habits." Robert said. He pulled Cora close and she put her head on his chest.
"You know, after your ulcer burst; I swore I was going to do better. Be more attentive. Pretty immediately, I become President at the hospital and was rarely home. I was alright with it because I felt I had no meaning at home anymore. I had raised my children. I only had to plan occasional dinner parties and Mrs. Patmore certainly doesn't need me to come up with a menu. I found fulfillment at the hospital. But I forgot about you." Cora said.
"Once we arrive back home, will you go back to the hospital?" Robert asked. He probably didn't even realize it, but he tensed up slightly when he asked.
"I haven't decided." Cora answered simply.
"Cora, I was proud of the work you did. I know you found fulfillment there. Perhaps, I wasn't as supportive of it. I should have been, but I rather like having you at home too. We have plenty of time to work things out. Just please don't think that I would not allow you to return there." Robert said. He was gently massaging Cora's shoulders and she raised up to look at him.
"Thank you. I am just not certain I will. Even though I am innocent of what Simon Bricker claimed, I did commit a social crime. It might be better if I just stay on at Downton. I know that life and I was the lady-of-the-house for many years before everything. But, of course; that all depends on Mary." Cora said sadly.
"I wouldn't worry too much about Mary. I will support whatever you choose to do. I miss those days of you being the lady-of-the-house and organizing charity teas, but I am also proud of the strong professional woman you have become. You created your own identity outside of mine. You had the courage to do so. I was always a bit jealous of people that have a profession. They have a purpose. I was born to be Earl of Grantham and in doing that, I never studied to be anything and never had the fulfillment of a real career. Perhaps, I was jealous of those that had that. And its too late now." Robert said.
"Why do you think its too late?" Cora asked.
"I'm in my fifties, and as time has gone by, I've had less to do with the running of Downton." Robert complained.
"You still have a lot to teach. Mary was not brought up to run Downton. She was taught to organize charity teas, to make calls, and to marry a man who ran a place like Downton. You need to teach her, so she can teach George to carry the torch. They need to learn fairness with the tenants, and to be an advocate for the villagers and tenants. That is what you can do." Cora said.
"Thank God for you." Robert said before giving Cora a soft kiss that quickly turned passionate.