Aftermath
Chapter 23
Robert bringing up his return from the war brought back memories for Cora. It had been a hard time. Robert had been gone for two years, and in that time, his father's health had gone downhill. He had only been home a week when Patrick died. Robert had barely been able to process what had happened during the war when he was thrust into being the Earl of Grantham. It was a role he had been prepared for his entire life, but it came at the worst possible moment.
It didn't help that he and Patrick had been incredibly close, and that Patrick was one of the few people that understood what Robert was going through since he too had been to war. Since the World War, Cora was a bit more aware of the stresses of war then she did as a young wife.
Robert rarely brought the war up and had been quite depressed that he wasn't sent to fight the World War. Cora had thought at the time that he was being self-involved and was glad that he wasn't sent. He was too old and despite their issues at the time, Cora didn't want him hurt. Robert had just felt useless.
Robert was reading a book and Cora sat down in the chair opposite his to work on some needlework, but her mind was not on it, instead; she thought about his return from South Africa and their first trip to Switzerland.
Cora's lady's maid didn't say anything at the sight of the bruises on Cora's throat the next morning. She helped her into a high-collared dress and asked if Cora needed to see a doctor. Cora told her no and asked her not to say anything.
Robert was out of the house by the time Cora came downstairs. Cora was worried about her husband, who had never in their marriage laid an abusive hand on her. Even when they were first married and were trying to fulfill their duty to produce an heir. She had gone into her marriage young and inexperienced, and her husband had more experience but a lot of patience.
She had a meeting that day in regards to the local flower show. After the stressful meeting, where Violet continuously corrected and scolded her, Cora only wanted to go home and spend time with her young daughters, but Violet insisted on visiting with Cora.
"Cora, I noticed…there's a bruise behind your ear? Whatever happened?" Violet asked and Cora broke down into tears, something she normally refused to do around her steely mother-in-law.
"I…know you don't approve, but I had missed Robert so much. I begged him to sleep in my bed with me last night. He gave in but had a bad dream. I woke up and he was trying to strangle me. He was still dreaming, and…I have no idea what to do. He is not himself. He barely spends time with the girls, and he doesn't sleep and…I don't know." Cora said. Violet handed her a handkerchief and let Cora dry her tears.
"Battle fatigue. His father had it as well. Didn't sleep, didn't eat. Paced every night for hours. Wouldn't touch our children." Violet reminisced. She led Cora back to one of the tables and sit her down. She sat down in one of the chairs next to Cora and patted her arm.
"So, what can we do?" Cora said.
"Well, his father and I went to Italy for a time. It took his mind off it and allowed him to rest and learn to cope." Violet said.
"But we can't do that. The girls, and the estate and…" Cora started but Violet held a hand up.
"Let me arrange something. Maybe not to Italy, but somewhere away. Nanny will care for the children, and the estate can be run by the agent. Its not harvest time so Robert can get away for a while. I will either back in to supervise or check in regularly. You go on home, and remember, Robert loves you and he would have never done this to you in his right mind. I don't speak of the heart frequently, but this I understand. Do not let it destroy your marriage." Violet said.
"I won't but how will we convince Robert? He takes his responsibility to Downton very seriously." Cora asked.
"Don't you worry about that. I'm his mother and still have some authority. I'll have something arranged in no time. You'll be on a ship to somewhere before the end of the week." Violet said.
"Thank you. I really tried to hide the bruises." Cora said as she tugged at the hot lace collar.
"I can tell." Violet said. What shocked Cora was as they stood up, Violet pulled her into a hug, something completely out of character for her. Violet rarely showed affection to her own children, and never to Cora. They parted ways and Cora went home.
Three days later, Violet appeared in Cora's sitting room. Robert had barely spoken to her since his dream and the girls were missing their papa. The bruises were fading but the nightmare that it had caused had not.
"I just spoke with your lady's maid and Robert's valet. They are packing the trunks with your winter clothing. You and Robert are going to Switzerland. A Swiss chalet, alone. No servants other than a cook that will come in daily and fix your meals and clean what needs to be cleaned. She can act as a lady's maid as well. Best part is she is American so there will be no communication difficulties." Violet explained.
"It sounds lovely, but Robert may not agree to go." Cora warned.
"If he is a smart man, he'll listen to his mother." Violet said mischievously. Carson appeared with a tea tray and served them both before leaving the room. Just as he left, Robert walked in.
"Mama, are you here for tea?" Robert asked. He didn't look like he had slept or shaved in a week.
"Yes, I am. I was just telling Cora about Switzerland in the winter. So beautiful." Violet said. Cora could have sworn she saw her wink but decided to just stay quiet. Let the formidable Violet handle Robert.
"I imagine so." Robert said, stepping into Violet's trap.
"Oh, you don't have to imagine it, my dear. You and Cora are leaving at the end of the week from Liverpool. You will love it." Violet said firmly. Robert gave Cora a worried look and then focused back on Violet.
"We have the estate and the girls and…" Robert started arguing.
"I spoke with the agent. He will come to me with any issues. I helped your father run this estate for thirty years. I can well handle a month or so while you are gone. As far as the girls are concerned, I spoke with their nanny and governess. They can handle them, and I've hired a local girl that has helped over at the Merton's. She will help and I will pay. You are to go, rest and enjoy the time with your wife." Violet said firmly.
"But…" Robert started but Cora stood up.
"But nothing. We will go. We will both rest. We cannot go on like this. I love you with all my heart. Please do this for me? Please?" Cora begged. She had taken both of Robert's hands in her own and squeezed them. She could feel the tension coming off his body and the way his jaw was tightening up.
"Oh, alright. One month. That is all." Robert said before walking away and out of the room.
"That went better than I planned. Robert can be rather childish when he is of a mind to be. I would have sent him up with that frightful nanny of yours." Violet said with a laugh.
"Thank you. You didn't have to do this." Cora said.
"I am only doing for you and my son, what my mother-in-law did for me and my husband." Violet said with a rare smile.
"I didn't think you liked her?" Cora asked.
"I didn't. She was a frightful woman, but she loved her son and I respected that." Violet said before drinking her tea.
Cora smiled at the memory. Violet was a difficult pill-to-swallow, but she did love her family in her unique way. Twice, she had sent Cora and Robert on a trip to save their marriage, and twice it had worked. The first time, it took Robert longer to give in, but it had been a very happy time in her marriage and she and Robert were returning to that happiness.
In the 1800s-early 1900s, PTSD was often called battle fatigue. The show touched on it when discussing World War I, and Robert's valet (not Bates). Thanks for the reviews!