Aftermath
Chapter 26
It was an exhausting journey. Switzerland to Paris, Paris to Calais, a ship from Calais to Dover, England. Then a train to London and then from there, Robert and Cora finally made it to Downton Village. Not knowing any more information, they went to the Dower House. Spratt let them in and led them to Violet's bedroom. The entire time, he never spoke to Cora and only answered basic questions. Violet was still alive and had rallied slightly when she heard that Robert and Cora were returning home.
When they walked into the bedroom, Edith was sitting next to Violet's bedside, reading a book to her. Violet was sitting up, awake but looked very weak and tired. As soon as Edith saw them, she jumped up with a massive smile on her face.
"I am so happy you made it home. It seems we were a bit premature in sending for you." Edith said as she gave Cora a hug and then gave Robert a hug and kiss. Robert immediately, sat down in the chair that Edith had vacated. Cora was not sure what to do.
"How about we give you two some privacy?" Cora suggested as she took Edith's arm.
"Thank you, dear. I am so glad to see you. So happy." Violet said weakly. Cora leaned over and gave her a kiss on the top of the head and tucked her blanket closer.
"I am happy to see you to, Mama. I really am." Cora told her. She leaned back over and patted Robert's knee before she and Edith left the room. Robert took Violet's hand in his own and squeezed it.
"I'm glad you are doing better, Mama." Robert told Violet.
"I really wanted to see Cora again. You too, as well, but I really wanted to…apologize for all I ever said. I have been terrible to her." Violet admitted.
"She understood." Robert said.
"She shouldn't have had to understand. I should have been nicer to her. Taught her the intricacies of the British higher-classes, taught her to be a wife and mother; rather than her figuring it out for herself. Despite everything, she did well; though." Violet said.
"She did, Mama. She would probably love to hear you say it though." Robert said as he rubbed Violet's hand.
"Probably. I am also so glad that you two are working things out. You have been so down in the mouth the last several months!" Violet said.
"I've missed Cora a lot, Mama. More than I cared to admit." Robert confessed.
"We all realized that, even Mary. She and Cora have things to work out, and I won't live to see it, but Cora loves her children unconditionally. I've learned that from her." Violet admitted and then began coughing.
"Learned what, Mama?" Robert asked after the coughing fit ended.
"I was not as good of a mother as what Cora is. Even from the start, she had it all figured out and didn't need a nanny. I was taught early on that I was to bare you and Rosamund and then hand you to the nanny to raise. You and Rosamund deserved better." Violet said. Robert stood up and sat down on the bed next to Violet.
"Mama, you did what was done during that time. When we needed you, you were there. Remember when I had pneumonia when I was fifteen? You could have allowed the servants to care for me, but you and Papa were right there, day and night. And that wasn't the only time. When I came home from South Africa? When Rosamund discovered she couldn't have children? When Cora had that miscarriage?" Robert reminded her.
"But it wasn't day to day." Violet said.
"Don't you worry about that. Where's Mary?" Robert asked, wanting to change the subject. Violet had not been entirely attentive, but it was the standard of the day.
"She went back to Downton to rest. She stayed with me all yesterday and last night. The girls have been sleeping in that chair." Violet explained.
"Now that Cora and I are back, we will be involved. We're not going anywhere." Robert promised Violet.
"You must be so tired, though." Violet said.
"We are, but we still aren't leaving. Now, would you like me to send Cora in?" Robert asked.
"Yes, I would very much like to speak to her. I love you, Robert. I know I've not said it nearly enough, but I always have." Violet said.
"I love you too, Mama and I always knew that you did." Robert said as he gave Violet a kiss on the forehead before leaving the room. He was glad he had made it home in time. Violet, as always; had a lot to say.