Aftermath
Chapter 25
"I think we need to get Mama and Papa back here. She isn't getting any better." Edith said as she sat down next to Violet's bedside. Mary had summoned her home the day before.
"Dr. Clarkson and Isobel says the same thing. I just hate to disturb them, and they wanted to go to Paris. They're still in Switzerland." Mary remarked.
"I think if you don't send for them, Papa will be really upset. He needs a chance to say goodbye and I think Mama does too." Edith argued.
"Alright. I'll send the wire. It maybe a week before they get here. I hope she makes it that long." Mary agreed. She left the Dower House and headed for the telegraph office. The attendant handed her the paper and Mary penned it.
"Grandmama very ill. Doctor thinks you and Mama need to come home as soon as possible. Hurry, Mary."
Mary paid for the telegraph to be sent and delivered to the chalet. She could only pray that her parents would arrive home in time. She didn't even mind her mother being back at Downton.
In Switzerland, Robert and Cora were reading a book together when Mrs. Smith knocked on the front door. She wasn't due that day and Robert greeted her.
"We weren't expecting you today. Is everything alright?" Robert asked.
"This telegraph came when I was in town and the attendant found me. Its urgent." Mrs. Smith answered. She handed it Robert and he read it quickly and then handed it to Cora.
"I can help you pack. I checked and there is a train leaving late this afternoon. It will take you to Paris and from there you can book passage on a ship or even a plane." Mrs. Smith said as she helped Cora collect things.
"Robert, why don't you go see about tickets for the train?" Cora suggested.
"Good idea. I'll be back." Robert said before taking his hat and jacket off the hanger. He gave Cora a kiss and tipped his hat at Mrs. Smith. He was walking down the pathway before Cora spoke again.
"He is torn up. It makes me wish we had never come here. He's lost time with his mama." Cora said.
"I'm sure you'll get there in time." Mrs. Smith answered.
"I just hope he doesn't blame me. He would have been back at Downton if it wasn't for me." Cora said.
"I'm sure he won't. Stop worrying." Mrs. Smith answered. She and Cora were putting the clothing in trunks and straightening things up.
Within a few moments, Robert was back to tell them he had arranged train passage to Calais and then a passage on a ship to England. It would be an uncomfortable trip, but it would get them there quickly.
Mrs. Smith arranged for a car to take them to the station, along with their trunks. Cora gave her a hug before they departed, promising they would come back. The trip to town and then the first hour on the train was mostly silent. Finally, Robert spoke up.
"I hope we get back in time. I know Mama will want to see you before…" Robert said quietly.
"She'll want to see you too. She loves you." Cora said as she squeezed Robert's hand.
"She loves you as well, even if you don't think so. I'm just glad that Mary telegraphed." Robert mentioned.
"I hope she is alright with me being there." Cora remarked.
"She'll have to be. I want you by my side. It is time for you to come home. I just wish it was for a better reason." Robert said.
"Me too." Cora said. She leaned over and gave Robert a kiss on the cheek, not caring that they were on a train. She also refused to let go of his hand until they arrived in Calais. She felt the need to comfort him.