Epilogue: Men and Boys
Cora spooned some strawberries onto her plate, a piece of toast, a scone, and finally some scrambled eggs before sitting down at the breakfast table with Sybil. She took a sip of tea, desperate to wake up a bit more; it was still rather early for her to be out of bed. Then Robert entered the room, her man dressed handsomely in his uniform making her more alert than anything else.
"Hello," he said, meeting her eyes with mischief. "You're up early."
Cora smiled back at him, glad to still have lighthearted moments even during the war. He was quite aware of her preference for sleeping late and eating breakfast in bed. And every time she had to eat breakfast downstairs, he never failed to tease her.
"Cousin Isobel and Mama are coming soon to help prepare for the concert, and no doubt they'd love to have me still in bed," she said as Robert chose a plate and his own food. Isobel appeared to tolerate Cora better now that Mary and Mathew were married, but sometimes she yet implied Cora was a bit dim. And Mama still thought everything Cora did was wrong.
Robert nodded as he sat down. Then he sipped his own tea. "The mail, milord," Carson said with a bow, and Robert thumbed through several envelopes.
"Here's one for you, darling," he said to Sybil, who had been eating quietly for a change, instead of clashing with her father. Unfortunately, their peaceful morning didn't last. As soon as Sybil opened her letter, she jumped up in shock, and left the table upset.
Cora rushed through her breakfast, needing to see what was wrong with Sybil and comfort her. But she nearly choked on her strawberries when Robert said, "Great news! The North Riding Volunteers wants me."
"What does that mean?" It couldn't mean what it sounded like, could it? Cora had been horrified when he'd announced his plans to return to the army after Edward was born, but it turned out she'd worried for nothing, as they deemed him too old for service.
"It means I'm back in the army!" Robert said proudly, uncharacteristic excitement gleaming from his entire face.
"Surely they can't change their mind like that," Cora said, much sharper than her gentle voice normally was, but she couldn't help it; she was extremely hurt.
"Of course, they can," Robert said in the same proud, excited voice, not caring about how hurt she was at all.
"I think I'll see what's wrong with Sybil," Cora said, leaving her breakfast unfinished. She couldn't be near him right now, less she'd say something she'd regret.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Sybil had just received another letter that another of the young men she'd been corresponding with since her season had died. And her youngest daughter had such a tender heart, so she was overwhelmed with sadness, even though they weren't officially courting.
"Tom Ballias, Mama," Sybil said with tear-stained eyes, sitting on her bed. "He made me laugh out loud."
Cora sat on her bed and wrapped her arms around her, hoping to surround Sybil with the safety of her love. "I'm sorry, darling; I know this is difficult." Internally, she tried not to wonder what she'd do if she ever received such a letter for Robert. Her man did a lot more than cause her to laugh out loud. From Robert's letter this morning, that was a possiblity.
"Now clean yourself up; Granny and Cousin Isobel will be here soon for the concert," Cora said, trying to force herself to stay cheerful. After all, right now Robert was still safe at Downton.
Sybil stood up and nodded. But before Cora left, Sybil said, "If only there were more than a concert." What did she mean by that? Certainly, she knew how important the concert was to help the hospital's funds and in turn, the wounded men.
OOOOOOOOOOO
Of course, Mama insisted on taking care of the flower arrangements for the concert when she arrived, never mind that Cora had finished them yesterday. Nevertheless, Cora barely paused for luncheon as she oversaw everything from servants setting all the chairs for their guests to making certain the music could be heard through out the hall.
Still, she and Robert, and even Isobel and Mama took a break for tea, as they were all eager to see the children.
"Grandmama," Grace said, her eyes widening as she let go of Nanny Wilson's hand and ran to Isobel, who was seated on the library settee.
"Hello, darling," Isobel said, immediately placing the two – year old on her lap.
"Papa," Edward walked, much less steadily, as he hadn't been walking for as long as Grace. But Cora's heart melted as Robert immediately balanced their redheaded son onto his hip. She adored the attention Robert gave Edward, and it made her heart swell to see her man and her boy together.
Would Robert truly leave them for the army?
"Mathew has written that he should be home later today. In time for the concert," Cousin Isobel said brightly, still cuddling Grace in a way that probably caused Violet to grimace that the little girl was spoiled. But it made Cora ache to cuddle a little one again.
Her eyes immediately fell on Mary and Mathew's son, George, who was about six months old, and she took the baby from Nanny. "Hello, there," she said softly to her grandson, who looked at her with Mathew's clear blue eyes. His darkish hair was also beginning to lighten, and Cora wondered if he might someday be as blond as his father.
"That's wonderful; we'd all love to see Mathew again," Robert said, although he still held Edward close. Cora's heart ached at the possiblity of him going to France, but thinking more, could she really judge him for doing the same thing Mathew was doing? It was his honor and loyalty to king and country that made him wish to serve, and Cora reminded herself of how much she loved him for that.
Still, she cuddled George a bit closer, his fresh baby scent making her feel better.
Out loud, she focused on good news. "Mary will be coming up from London on the train as well."
Isobel nodded. "I believe Mathew has said something of that nature; he and Mary correspond regularly you know." Her voice was happy, but it had a slightly condescending tone, as if Cora knew nothing of what was going on with Mary.
The comment stung a bit, as Cora struggled for years to understand her eldest, and sometimes wondered if she ever knew what was going on with her. But Cora was used to that sort of thing from Mama. So, she smiled brightly at Isobel and said, "We are all simply looking forward to the entire family reunited for the concert."
Cora felt Robert's warm hand on her shoulder as she spoke, and her heart swelled again at his nonverbal support, especially as physical affection always meant more to her than words.
"Quite," Cousin Isobel said.
"I just hope they don't meet on the train," Mama said with a small sigh. "I realize they haven't seen each other in a long time, but a public train is no place for excessive affection."
Cora bristled, thinking of the times she'd greeted Robert with "excessive affection" on a train when he'd returned from South Africa. If he did go to France soon, she would certainly do the same, no matter what Mama said.
"Mathew has decided to drive to Downton in the motor, so I don't think that will be a problem, Violet," Isobel said," her tone now disproving to the other woman. Cora had to smile that for all their differences, neither she nor Isobel saw anything wrong with a couple in love showing a bit of affection.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
OOOOOOOO
Mary stood in their decorated hall, full of guests both villagers and peers. Her heart pounded, anticipating Mathew's arrival. She wished they could have ridden up together, giving them the opportunity to show plenty of affection, but their letters and telegrams made it clear that although they would both be at Downton tonight, he must leave in the motor before she arrived on the train.
Instead, she stood in an elegant black dress, with just enough lace on the sleeves. Meanwhile, Mama and Isobel wore red velvety dresses, and Papa dressed in his red ceremonial uniform. Edward clung to Papa's heals, as always, her brother toddled after their father everywhere.
It stung, seeing how much more attention Papa paid to Edward than he'd ever given to Mary and her sisters, only proving what Mary had always known. Papa had always wanted a son more than the daughters he had.
But Mathew's obvious, unconditional love for Mary and their children, clear in his letters, soothed her in a way Mary hadn't expected.
"Mathew my boy!" Papa's voice said, interrupting Mary's thoughts, and she turned and there he was. Her husband, dressed in the same formal uniform as Papa, but looking like the most handsome man in the world. Mathew smiled at Papa, his expression showing how happy he was that Papa still called him "my boy" even though Edward existed.
Mary supposed that warmed her a bit, but nothing compared to the way she felt when Mathew turned his face to hers. His eyes almost devoured her, and she desperately wished they'd found a way to be alone together in London. "Hello, darling."
Mary chuckled, hoping to keep things appropriate. "Well, Mathew what do you think of me? After spending over a year in the trenches, who knows what you think of me now."
His eyes still devoured her, but he chuckled as well. "Well, I don't know Mary, what do you believe I think?" Mary couldn't stop her grinning, that their playful verbal challenges still existed even after all this time.
"I think your expression is making what you think obvious," is what Mary wished to say, but she couldn't say something so directly sensual in front of so many guests. Instead, she walked directly to Nanny Wilson and gently picked up George. "This is your son," she told him with a smile that went from ear to ear.
"Hello, little chap," Mathew said, overjoyed to hold the baby himself. "I'm so glad to be able to see him; I feel as if I've swallowed a box of fireworks!" Mary's heart warmed at the sight of her man and her boy together finally. "And of course, this is Grace," he said, his eyes falling on the two-year-old girl close to Nanny.
Grace folded her arms and looked at him with an expression that reminded Mary remarkably of herself when she was cross. "Grace, this is your Papa," Mary said firmly. "Say hello."
"Hello," Grace said, but still stood next to Nanny with her arms folded, wearing the same expression.
"I suppose she's going to be trouble," Mary said with a sigh, wondering if she could handle a child that was so much like her.
"No, darling," Mathew said as he sat down, preparing to watch the concert, still holding George. "She's going to be a challenge. Just like her mother." Mary had to smile at that, despite her worry about the trouble Grace would certainly be.
Just before the concert began, a group of village women entered the hall, full of righteous indignation. "Everyone should know there are cowards among us," they said, as if these simple villagers had the right to speak at the Abbey. With that they began handing white feathers to every man who was of age and not serving in the military.
Papa immediately stood, outraged. "The only cowards among us are you! You must leave, immediately." Mary stared at her father, a bit surprise at the intensity of her father's fury. She knew those women had no right to speak, but as a firm British patriot, she thought a part of Papa would agree with them. Mary certainly didn't like the idea of men staying home while Mathew risked his life in France.
As the music began, Mary wondered if Papa had thought of serving in the army himself again. Had he offered his services and that was why he was so cross? Certainly not. He had to know he was too old, because the idea of worrying about both the men she loved in France was far worse than seeing Papa dote on Edward every day. Still, Edith's husband was only a few years younger than Papa, and he was in France…
Mary forced those thoughts out of her head and focused on the music and her Mathew in his uniform.
OOOOOOOOOOO
Luckily Mary didn't need to watch Papa dote on Edward at dinner. Instead, everyone focused on Mathew, looking proud and strong like he should. Better yet, Mrs. Patmore had made ham glazed with brown sugar in celebration of Mathew's return to Downton. And with her husband still looking at her in that way, nothing could spoil Mary's mood.
"Branson said I should be ready for the road soon," said Edith, her sister's annoying presence at their dinner table not even bothering her that much. Ever since Anthony had gone to the front, Edith had chosen to eat dinner here more and more, claiming that Lockley was too lonely by herself. Edith was clearly never satisfied unless she had something to whine about, as even after she married, she couldn't stop asking for pity.
She had also asked Branson to teach her how to drive, as Anthony had learned to drive himself before they were married, they had no chauffeur at Lockley, and that was what she chose to drone about tonight.
"That's not what I've heard," Papa said, firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. Despite how annoying Edith could be, Mary felt for her sister. Papa was still horridly overprotective even with Edward to focus most of his attention, and he didn't all his daughters to do barely anything they wished.
Still, Mary kept her eye on Mathew, her eyes sparkling as he took a bite of ham.
"Oh, Sybil, I have great news," said Isobel, brightly. Mary wondered if her mother-in-law were deliberately changing the subject, but either way, she appreciated the chance to discuss her favorite sister. "There's an opening in a course in York." Mary took a sip of wine, batting her eyes at Mathew, while Isobel spoke.
"A course in what?" Mama said calmly but asking the question they all wished to know.
"Cousin Isobel has gotten me a spot in training course for nurses," Sybil said eagerly, her innocence showing that she didn't understand what that job accurately entailed.
"Absolutely not," Papa said in the same firm voice he'd just spoken to Edith. But in this case, Mary agreed with him. Sybil was so sweet with her big dreams, but she couldn't handle things as well as she thought. Mary's mind flashed back to Sybil trip to the vote-count, injuring herself and Mathew, and Mary knew that incident more than proved her point.
Mary glanced between her youngest sister and her husband, as she chewed a bite of ham, desperate to protect them both in different ways.
"What is wrong with Sybil trying to make a difference in the war?" Isobel said, sounding surprisingly naïve for a strong, mature woman.
"Nothing," Mama said, in her calm voice. "It's just that Sybil might be a bit overwhelmed. She has such a tender heart."
Mary and Papa both nodded, agreeing with Mama.
"All the more reason why I need to make a difference," Sybil said, raising her voice as usual when she couldn't have her way.
Mary sighed and took another sip of wine, watching Mathew's sparkling blue eyes as his sipped his.
OOOOOOOOOOO
Mary spent the rest of the night listening to Papa and Sybil argue as usual with Isobel supporting her sister's view a bit too much for Mary's comfort. Mama, of course tried to keep the peace between all of them. But most of Mary's attention was focused on Mathew, whose eyes still sparkled and burned in her direction.
Finally, the time came to go upstairs, and Mary instructed Anna to quickly undress her and help her into her a lacey, bright red nightdress. "Hello, darling" Mathew said, eventually entering the room in a simple union suit.
But the fire in his eyes, even more intense now that they were alone, compelled Mary to kiss him. Deeply, with her hands in his blond hair, as she'd been fantasizing for months. He immediately responded, his tongue exploring her mouth just as ardently as her did, and his hands pressing their chests closer.
"Oh, Mathew," she said, gasping when they withdrew, loving how he made her feel brighter than a fire. She tugged at his plain union suit, needing to see more of his skin, while he guided her to the bed.
"I love you in red, Mary," Mathew said, playing with the lace on her nightdress as they fell back onto the soft mattress. "Did I ever tell you that?" His fingers on her skin make her tingle in a delightful way.
"I thought you might," she said, reaching to tug away at his union suit again. "By the way, I wish your mother wouldn't have suggested that Sybil be a nurse. My youngest sister is too sheltered for such things; she won't be able to handle it."
"Mother is kind of eager for another member of this family to persue nursing," Mathew said with a shrug, his hands still pulling at her nightdress. "But I don't think Sybil needed much encouragement from her; she's obviously determined to do it, no matter what."
Mary shook her head. "That's typical of Sybil to be eager for a new cause, not realizing exactly what it means for her to be involved. Look what happened to her, and to you when she tried to become involved in politics." She caressed his stomach, where he'd been hurt by Sybil's naively a couple of years ago, while she used her other hand to finally expose his firm chest. "She's too young, Mathew; remember she has only had one season."
Mathew's lips leaned closer to hers and things exploded again, even more as he rained kisses all over her neck and shoulders. "I love that you are so worried about your sister," he said as his lips touched her skin. "You have a bigger heart than anyone realizes." Then his clear blue eyes gazed directly into hers. "But I also know a lot of people will do things they aren't ready for and learn on the way. I certainly wasn't ready for battle when I signed with the army, and I know motherhood overwhelmed you when you were pregnant with Grace."
Mary stared back at him, amazed that he was willing to admit he wasn't ready for the army at first, and even more that his comment about Mary's struggle with motherhood didn't bother her.
She could be real with her husband, and it no longer scared her.
"But we have done well with both, and Sybil should do well with nursing, too," Mathew said, finishing with a triumphant grin that he always used when he'd thought he'd won an argument.
"I still think it's a bad idea for her," Mary said, unwilling to give in to him, but covering his chest with kisses as Mathew finally removed her nightdress completely.
OOOOOOOOO
"Oh Mathew, that was wonderful," Mary said, still caressing his naked chest after they came back to Earth.
Although his blue eyes were soft, Mathew's grin was a little too smug at Mary's words. But when his lips touched hers again, she didn't mind so much. "Thank you for keeping me keen before I return to France," he said when they withdrew.
"Mathew, must you speak of that now?" Mary loathed to darken their joyous bed with thoughts of France, the trenches, and war.
He sighed. "As a matter of fact, I would like to discuss what will happen when the war is done." He kissed her again, although this time on the cheek.
Mary brightened a bit. She'd barely allowed to daydream what life might be like when Mathew returned to her and their family for good, but now that Mathew had suggested it, she was intrigued. "I'm not usually one for dreaming, but that's an idea I could consider." She pictured Mathew sleeping her bed every night and teaching George how to play catch. Certainly, Mathew would dote on their son as much as Papa did Edward.
A warm feeling that Mary was almost unafraid of swelled inside her at the thought of her man and her boy together. Even Grace could go walking with Mathew around Downton.
Mathew nodded, as smile spreading from ear to ear. "It's a wonderful idea, isn't it? And I think it would be nice if we found our own home for our family as well."
Mary's smile faded. He couldn't possibly be taking Downton away from her, could he? "I don't think that's a good idea at all. We already have a nanny here, Mama and Papa's support, and all the servant's assistance." She pushed herself away from Mathew to the edge of her pillow. "And Papa has already told me we might be able to stay here longer, even though you are no longer the heir."
Mathew sighed. "I know, and I cannot thank them enough for their support. As long as the war continues, I know Downton is the best place for you, Grace, and George. But after it's over, Mary, I'd like to live simpler. Life in the trenches makes it difficult to accept all this glamor, especially as I am no longer the heir."
"So, you want our family to live in the trenches, just to satisfy your pride?" Mary said, practically spitting the words. Rage boiled inside her, and she prepared to ask him to leave her room. How could she have shared her body with him tonight?
"No of course not, Mary," Mathew said firmly, his blue eyes looking directly into hers to show how serious he was. "I'd never want my wife or children anywhere near that hellhole. But we could find a nice house for the four of us in Manchester, London, or even York if you wish. And we'd have some servants; I'd never expect you to live without a cook, a maid, or a nanny. But we wouldn't need servants to dress us, or footmen, for just the four of us. And maybe the children could eat with us, if we didn't have company."
His words soothed her rage, but she still sighed. A life without a lady's maid? Without Anna? With no walls of history and honor of her ancestors surrounding her? "I would still prefer to live at Downton."
"I know you do," Mathew said, his sly grin melting her even more, despite her annoyance. "I knew this would be a tough subject for you." He shifted his weight on the bed lean over and give her another kiss. "But we could visit regularly, especially if we took a house in York."
"But it could have more benefits for you than you realize. Mother says women's role in Britain will change drastically after the war. I think becoming a lawyer could be real possiblity for you, without worrying about becoming a countess or with your father's ideas breathing down your neck because we are living in the same house."
Mary stared at Mathew for several moments, remembering the first time he'd suggested she'd make a great lawyer. It had meant the world to her, proving that Mathew didn't think her weak or pity her as she'd thought for months. But she'd dismissed the idea of becoming a lawyer herself right away.
After all, women weren't allowed to study law or register for the bar. And she'd expected to become the next countess, so she'd have duties associated with that. But now, she wouldn't become the next countess. "I don't know Mathew," Mary said finally. "It's still too hard for me picture a female lawyer being accepted. But I appreciate the thought." Her hands caressed his naked chest again, enjoying his warmth and all her anger gone.
She loved that Mathew valued her intelligence, especially as she'd been told for years that men found that unattractive in a woman.
Mathew lips touched her cheek again. "But this could be your own position that you would earn yourself, Mary, rather than something given because of who you married."
Her cheeks flushed, both at how amazing that sounded and how wonderful it was that Mathew remembered how much she'd always wished for such a position. "I still don't know," Mary said, unable to be that optimistic.
"I could give you all my books and speak to anyone necessary to allow you to proceed," Mathew said, his eyes once again soft but his grin smug.
"Mathew let's just go to sleep; I'm tired," Mary said, still unable to agree to his completely wonderful, but unrealistic proposition. He nodded and they both settled on the bed.
OOOOOOOOOO
The next morning, Mary woke early, noticing Mathew had disappeared from her bed. She huffed and threw on her red nightdress and blue silk dressing gown, not even waiting to ring for Anna. Then Mary took the special item she planned to give him and walked quickly out the door.
Servants rushed around the house and Ivy prepared all the fires, but Mary only cared about finding Mathew. Finally, she saw his head disappear behind the main door, she increased her speed, needing to see him. "Mathew," she said as he prepared to climb into the motor.
His blue eyes sparkled as he saw her. "I never thought you'd climb out of bed this early."
Mary smiled, loving she could still surprise him, but pulling her dressing gown closer so that Branson wouldn't see her nightdress. "Perhaps we should speak over here." She walked several feet, so a large bush gave them privacy. "I know we discussed everything important last night, but I should've given you this." She handed him the brown stuffed dog. "It's my lucky charm. I've had it always. So, you must promise to bring it back without a scratch."
"Won't you need it?" Mathew said, clearly trying to be the brave soldier he was supposed to be.
She sighed. Why did he encourage her to be real with him, but he still put on a front with her? "You'll need it more, and we both know it." With that, Mary closed her hand around his, securing the little dog in his hand.
"I'll try not to be a hero, if that's what you mean," Mathew stared into her eyes, and she knew just how much he wanted to return to her and their children. Then he put the charm into his pocket, just as Mary had insisted.
"Just come back, safe and sound," she said, her eyes staring into his. All Mary truly needed was for Mathew to return alive. She could handle Papa constantly favoring Edward or even going to France himself as long as her husband came back. She might even be able to manage living somewhere other than Downton with Mathew by her side.
And then Mathew shattered the hope she was clinging. "Mary, if I don't come back – "
She wouldn't even let him finish the horrid thought. "But – "
"No," Mathew said just as firmly and interrupting her as well. "Just know how very glad I've had the chance to see you and Grace, and especially to meet George. I mean it. You send me off to war a happy man." Mary smiled despite the horrid topic, as she remembered him holding George for the first time yesterday.
What would happen to her boy if he had no Papa?
"Will you do something for me? Will you look after mother, as well as the children, if anything…happens?" Mary sighed, wishing he wouldn't keep discussing what would happen if he didn't return. She couldn't even imagine her world without him. "And I'll write to mother about assisting you with becoming a lawyer yourself. I know she'd be glad to help."
Unlike when they spoke of this previously, Mary's mind flashed to what that might be like. Lady Mary Crawley, lawyer. Would she have her own desk in a firm, just as Mathew did? Could she ever try a case in court? Inwardly she rolled her eyes. She'd been too influenced by Mathew's dreaming.
And it wouldn't mean anything if her husband were dead, anyway.
"Oh Mathew," Mary said, leaning over to touch his lips with hers.
"Goodbye darling," Mathew said when they withdrew. "I'd best get on or I'll miss the train." With that, he ran from behind the bush to the motor.
"Goodbye Mathew. And such good luck," she called as Branson started the motor. Mary stared after it for several moments as he left Downton. tugging her dressing gown closer to her body again.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
OOOOOOOOO
Everyone at Downton missed Mathew after he left of course, but Cora was more concerned about Sybil and Robert. Could Sybil truly handle being a nurse and watching men die under her care when she'd been so upset about the death of a young man with, she'd danced? And how much longer would Robert be here before he was sent to France?
And one afternoon, Carson showed Cora something that changed her mind about her Sybil. There stood Sybil, in the kitchen, not simply licking an empty bowl as she and her sisters had done when they were younger and Grace had begun doing now. Or playing hide-and-seek in the pantry like Robert told Cora he had done as a boy.
Instead, Sybil was cooking. She said she was baking a cake that she would give to Cora and Robert at tea. Sybil wore an apron, mixed, and poured batter, and even placed it in the oven just regular cook would do. Joy and pride welled inside Cora. Her Sybil was preparing herself for nursing and anything else she would handle.
And Cora couldn't wait to taste the cake.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Teatime arrived, although Mary wasn't here, having decided to spend the day with Mama and Isobel, no doubt handling Mathew's absence in her own way. But Cora sat on the red settee with a big smile on her face while Robert sat near her with his more stoic expression. When Carson arrived with the tea, Sybil followed, carrying her round cake with a bit of icing on the top. "Mama, Papa, I made this cake for you," she said, with a grin a large as Cora's.
Robert's stoicism immediately disappeared, and he frowned. "Why would you do such a thing, Sybil? We have Mrs. Patmore and Ivy to cook for us." He shook his head.
As always, Robert's temper fueled Sybil's. "I wanted to show you that I could do something worthwhile, Papa. So, you and Mama would allow me to go to nurse's training." Her voice grew louder as she continued speaking. "But I'm still going to go, no matter what." Her hands flew in the air in her frustration.
Robert's expression grew even stormier. "Don't be foolish, Sybil." His own right hand fidgeted, as if he wanted to shake it, but Cora gently placed her hand on his arm, steadying it.
"Robert, Sybil isn't being foolish because she wishes to do something worthwhile, and just because she has made us a cake doesn't mean she doesn't value the job that our cooks do," Cora said calmly. "Sybil, please don't be cross with your Papa just because he worries about you; it's just because he cares so much."
Both Robert and Sybil gave Cora a small smile but still shook their heads. "Now could we have some cake with our tea?" she said, hoping for them smile even more.
Sybil nodded eagerly and Robert sighed but stood. They each mixed their tea the way they wished and added a slice of cake as well. The cake was a bit dryer than Mrs. Patmore's, but just as sweet as their Sybil.
"It's a wonderful cake, darling," Cora said with a nod as she finished it.
Even Robert nodded. "I enjoyed it, Sybil," which caused their daughter to beam brighter than the sun. Cora's heart filled with joy at that.
"Robert, I wonder if Sybil is right about nursing training as well," Cora said as she sipped her tea. "I think she's more ready than we are willing to admit. She's always so brave and determined to succeed." In that way, Sybil reminded Cora a bit of herself. Cora wasn't at all prepared for life in England, especially with her mother-in-law's sharp tongue. But she'd been determined to succeed to please both her parents and the man she loved. And she had.
As she'd expected, Robert immediately shook his head. "She shouldn't have to bother with that, Cora."
"But if she wishes to 'bother with it,' than she should be given the chance," Cora said, looking straight into his blue eyes. "She just wishes to do her part for the war, Robert."
He sighed, unable to dispute that, as she knew how much he wanted to his part as well. In fact, tonight he would meet with the North Riding Volunteers to discuss his future in the army.
Just then, nanny brought the children down, and Cora grinned as her husband immediately went to greet Edward, his redhead bobbing a little as his unsteady feet wobbled toward Robert. She loved seeing her man and her boy together. "How would you two like a piece of Sybil's cake?" Cora said to Edward and Grace, while she cuddled George in her arms.
These adorable children were a perfect remedy from the terrible thoughts of war.
OOOOOOOOOOO
But Robert may very well be going to war soon, and that thought lingered in Cora's mind for the rest of the night, especially as she watched him leave in his formal regimental uniform. She did her best to keep calm, even as Baxter helped her undress and braided her hair.
What would Robert say when he returned? Would he be all smiles, discussing about when he would be sent to France and the trenches? How much longer would he be allowed to stay home and sleep in their bed? After Baxter left, Cora tried to relax against the bed, but it was difficult
Finally, Robert opened the door. He sighed, and removed his dressing gown much slower than normal, not even meeting Cora's eyes. "I just found out I'm not only a bad-tempered man, but a useless man as well."
"Well, we all knew that" Cora said with a giggle, trying to lighten the mood. She appreciated that her husband loathed his bad temper and no doubt felt terrible for unleashing some of it on Sybil this afternoon, but she also thought he was too hard on himself for it afterwards.
He sighed again and finally removed his dressing gown, then inched towards the bed. "You'll be pleased that I won't be going to France, after all. They think I'm only worthy of an honorary position, to take care of the army at home."
Cora's heart sang at those words. Her husband was safe! He would stay at home, with her and their family. But she also knew it broke Robert's pride. "I'm sorry darling, I know how much it meant to you to go." She reached for his hand, and he took hers as he settled on the bed himself. Squeezing his hand, she said, "But taking care of the army at home is certainly an important part of the morale for the war."
Robert still didn't smile. "Mathew has been fighting, and even our Sybil is preparing to help wounded soldiers, but what am I doing? Even Churchill is involved in the war."
Cora took a deep breathe, finding his stubbornness frustrating. "As I said, you are doing what is needed. Besides, Edward still needs his Papa." Her eyes sparkled, knowing Robert had clung to their son especially in the last year in a half as his most important purpose since the army hadn't accepted him.
Robert's eyes sparkled in response, and he finally smiled. "Edward," he said their son's name as if he were the answer to a prayer. His warm lips touched her cheek.
And he was. He was their son and heir after years of not conceiving of course. But Cora had a feeling her little boy might also save her man in some way. "Edward," Cora said as well, kissing him more firmly on the lips.
I know a lot of you are going to be disappointed, but my next multi – chapter DA stories will not be MM.
One will be called "1937 Struggles." It will include the lingering effects of the depression, Edward VIII's abdication, Ireland's new constitution, and Sybbie coming of age. It will be told from both Robert and Tom's POV, but CANON Parings for Tom and Mary. I hope to stary posting by the end of the month.
The other will be called "To Make a Good Match," and will be another Cobert prequel but will be written all from Cora's POV and focus heavily on her life in New York before she attends the London season. If you wish to read more about the Cora/Martha relationship, you may be interested in that story. I won't be posting this until April at the earliest.
That being said, I do have some ideas for one-shots for the CaC universe, some which will be MM, so you can look for those.