The end of the summer was a lusty one - it almost seemed unusual for the English countryside to stay so warm well into September. Though the estate was abuzz with preparations for the newest Crawley, who was expected the next month, Cora had all she could do just to get out of bed in the heat which plagued her with fatigue and made her irritable. At the recommendation of Nanny, she only saw the girls in the afternoon for nursery tea, and not in the morning, which had long become part of the girls' routine. While she did feel a bit guilty- and could almost feel Mary's coolness toward her when they did spend time together with Edith in the afternoon- she could hardly see any other way around it. She couldn't do anything to risk the health of the child who could, at long last, become Robert's heir to the title.
On one such particular morning, when the temperature had already climbed to an uncomfortable and stifling degree in her bedroom before she'd even so much as thrown back the covers, Cora startled awake - a regular occurrence the last week. This child she was soon to bear was simply unlike the other babies she'd had- she could tell that straight away just from the way it- or he, she pleaded silently- tumbled about inside her. It was as though this child knew already the high stakes of their birth - and though Cora couldn't have really been persuaded to care more about the baby's gender than their health, every time the child wiggled away within her, she was reassured that at least, the baby would be born strong. She knew all too well that this was not always the case - even for women of her station. Wealth could not afford anyone the promise of an unperilous birth. She stretched, arching her back against the mattress - it had been sore but at least she had long been freed of her corset, which was a luxury she didn't take lightly. Sitting up, her eyes adjusting to being awake, she noticed that the door to Robert's dressing room was open just a crack. She cocked her head, throwing back the duvet and stepping out of bed. Padding across the room, she rapped lightly on the door and then gently pushed the door open.
"Robert?" she said, her face appearing in the doorway. Robert was seated in his dressing room, reading the newspaper, and having his tea.
"Good morning, my darling." he said, lowering his newspaper, "Did you sleep well?"
Cora narrowed her gaze at him, "Robert, why aren't you having your breakfast downstairs?"
Folding the newspaper and setting it on the side table next to his chair, Robert uncrossed his legs and moved to stand, "I thought perhaps I would start taking my tea up here in the morning- just to be sure that you're well upon waking before I head onward to take on the day." He walked over to her and kissed her on the cheek, one hand resting on her stomach, "I wouldn't want to miss anything."
Cora gave him an impish grin, "That's very sweet of you, Robert. But it's just as likely that the time will come and you'll be across the estate or in Ripon - as it will that it could happen when you're here, having your tea."
His hand at her lower back, Robert guided her out of his dressing room and back into her bedroom, "Yes, but surely if the time is imminent you would have a bit of warning?"
Cora sighed, "A little warning, yes, though I wouldn't wager much - each time it happens a bit more quickly." she laughed, "God willing!"
She returned to her bed, lowering herself down carefully. The light streaming in from the window was nice, but it quickly became more than she could stand against her skin. She hadn't even been awake ten minutes and already she was sweating.
"But you're feeling well this morning, yes?" Robert said, sitting down next to her on the bed, "I was thinking perhaps I would take the girl's to London to visit Rosamund. It's likely the last time we'll have the chance to before the baby comes. I think we would stay the night-"
"I take it I'm not invited to come along?" Cora pouted.
"You need your rest. Besides that, I think it would be nice for me to spend some time alone with the girls - before their lives change entirely."
Cora nodded. She had to agree. She only wished she felt well enough to accompany them.
"You'll have to give my best to Rosamund," Cora said, a small yawn escaping her, "And Marmaduke, of course.
Robert sighed, "Oh yes. Mr. Painswick."
Cora's eyes widened, "Do you still not approve of your sister's husband, Robert? They've been married nearly six months!"
"I'm coming round to him, I suppose. Don't tell Mama I mentioned it - she's only just begun to accept the idea of us."
"But she has?" Cora asked softly, "She has finally gotten to like me a bit?"
"Oh, my Cora." Robert said, taking her hand, "Mama loves you in her way. She does. But it will likely always be difficult."
Cora though a moment, then, "Even if this one's a boy?"
Catching her gaze and letting it linger a moment, Robert swallowed, "Do you suppose - suppose that it might be?" he asked.
"I couldn't be certain, of course - but I daresay there is something just so entirely different this time. I feel different." A small smile creeped onto her lips, "I would of course love to think that it's because it's a boy - all the rumble-tumble."
He smiled at her and she held his hand against the side of her belly.
"I want you to know, Cora, that even if it is not a boy, I would never be angry with you for that. I know that Mama may have words about it, but all that matters to me is that the child is healthy." he sighed, "We know that some others in our situation are not so fortunate. To have three children, even three daughters, would be perfectly acceptable to me so long as they are happy, healthy and cared for."
Cora sighed, the anxiety that had been tensing her shoulders finally letting go. She let her head fall back in reprieve and a small, relieved giggle escaped her. "I'm so happy to hear you say that."
"Did you ever think I felt differently?" he asked, a bit in disbelief, "What kind of a father would I be - more concerned about the entail than the well-being of my children?"
"Oh, my darling, I never thought you so exacting. But I know that it weighs heavily upon you - the matter of the title."
"Cora, it will weigh heavily upon me until I take my dying breath." he said, kissing her sweetly on the lips, "Now, on to most important matters: what shall I bring back for you from London?" He moved to nuzzle at her neck, but they both jumped at the sound of a knock at the door.
Robert furrowed his brow at Cora who shrugged, but nodded.
"Come in," Robert called, rising to see who might be at the door. It opened, rather slowly at first, and after a few moments a small form appeared in the doorway. The dark-haired, cunning, Mary Crawley.
"Mary?" Robert asked, going to her, "Have you managed to slip away from nanny?"
Without betraying her cool exterior, Mary turned her back to her father just long enough to shut the door. Cora had to laugh. She knew that Mary was Robert's favorite- even if he didn't quite know it himself. Perhaps because she was the first born- as he was, or perhaps too because Mary was already so much like him in temperament; she was unabashedly English and unusually poised for a child. Cora wouldn't have admitted it out loud, but she often feared that Mary may grow up to be a rather intimidating young woman- one that perhaps would not think very highly of her mother who, after all, was not titled by blood.
"Papa, are we going to Aunt Rosamund's?" Mary asked.
"Of course, if you'd like to." Robert said, kneeling down in front of her. Mary smiled, rocking back on her heels.
"Good. I was afraid the baby was coming today."
From bed, Cora gave a small huff, "A few weeks off yet, poppet." Mary looked past her father, somewhat warily, at Cora. Edith wasn't quite old enough to understand the implications of a new baby- to her it seemed to be more the prospect of a toy, a dolly for her to play with. Mary was just at the right age to feel her place threatened. Robert lifted her up into his arms and brought her over to the bed to join Cora.
"Now, your Mama needs her rest so just a kiss hello, then back to the nursery with you." he said, giving Cora a small smile. She leaned back against the headboard and rested her hands atop her belly. Mary crawled up next to her and, though at first she seemed hesitant to relax, needed only a few moments of having her hair soothed to sigh contentedly and snuggle up against her mother. Robert sat at Cora's feet, his hand reaching down to massage one foot which was brushing up against his thigh.
"Are you excited to visit your Aunt Rosamund?" Cora said, running her fingers through Mary's still baby-soft hair.
"Yes," Mary said, "I hope we can go to Hamley's."
Hamley's, the most lush toy store in London, was any child's favorite spot. But for Mary it was perhaps most beloved because of her deep sense of wonder - and, of course, her already well-defined appreciation for all the finer things in life.
The baby shifted positions and Cora reacted by adjusting her upper body so that she moved just out of reach of Mary for a moment- the sudden absence of her mother's warm body against her made the girl sit up, disoriented.
"Did I hurt you, mummy?" she said, scooting away from Cora.
"No, no - you didn't, my darling. I'm sorry. Come here," she opened her arms to Mary, who hesitated before shifting back over to retake her previous cozy position in her mother's arms. As she settled against Cora's bosom, she tentatively placed one finger against her mother's stomach - somewhat curious if not also a bit frightened.
"Is this baby going to be a boy?" Mary asked, giving Cora's tummy a brave poke. When the baby responded- seeming to almost poke back - Mary squealed.
Robert gave Cora's foot an affectionate squeeze, "We won't know until the baby is born, Mary. But it could be."
"I hope so," Mary sighed, resting her head where the baby had moment's ago kicked her hands, "I'm tired of sisters."
Elsie was finishing up the last of her tea when she heard Carson's familiar footsteps approaching her from the kitchen. She turned around, teacup in hand, and smiled up at him.
"Mr. Carson, what are you doing down here? Is everything alright with his Lordship?"
Carson sat down at the table and helped himself to a cup of tea and a bit of scone, tearing off a bite as he spoke,
"Well, it won't be long now - the baby and all - so his Lordship will be taking his tea in his dressing room while her Ladyship sleeps in, and then. . .well, he'll ring for me once he's made sure that she's in good shape to face the day."
Elsie nodded knowingly, "Ah, you mean, that he hasn't missed out on the big event."
"Precisely," he said, "This scone is quite good."
Elsie nodded, "Yes, I believe the new assistant cook's recipe."
"Oh, yes - what's her name, Rushmore?"
"Patmore," Elsie laughed, "She's very nice. I think she'll do well here."
Carson finished the last of his scone, downed his tea and stood - just as the bell from Robert's dressing room rang.
"Impeccable timing, Mr. Carson." Elsie smiled, standing as well - no sooner had she that her Ladyship's bell rang as well. Carson raised his eyebrows,
"Likewise, Miss Hughes. Perhaps we can walk upstairs together - looks as though we're headed in the same direction this morning."
Elsie blushed. She had grown a bit sweet on Mr. Carson. Of course, how could she not? He was really the only friend she had at Downton. She certainly wasn't looking for anything more than a friend- or, perhaps she was, but she still wasn't quite over the first, and only, man she'd ever loved.
Joe Burns.
She shook her head to shake the memory of him from her mind. No, quite enough of that. There was work to be done.
The two of them headed upstairs. It was quite balmy for so early in the morning, and by the time they'd reached the grand staircase, Carson had taken out his handkerchief and was dabbing his forehead.
"It's awfully warm in here, is it not?" he said, turning to Elsie, "I fear this summer may never leave us."
"Careful what you wish for, Mr. Carson" Elsie teased, "Come December you'll be lusting after the warmth."
At her choice of words, Carson's face pinked up. Almost immediately Elsie felt her own face's blush deepen to a beet red. Oh, my wicked tongue! She thought as they climbed the staircase in silence. When they had reached the top - Carson headed for Robert's dressing room and Elsie to Cora's. There was a ever-so brief moment where they just stood, a foot or so apart from one another, the heavy heavy between them not with humidity, but feelings left unsaid. Carson took a cautious step towards her.
"Miss Hughes, I hope you don't think me presumptuous - and certainly I would only extend the invitation in the nature of friendship - but would you care to join me this evening for something -for something a bit more than just a game of cards?"
"Oh, Mr. Carson, I-" Elsie said, wringing her hands nervously.
The door to Cora's bedroom opened and revealed her Ladyship, her hand holding Mary's. She looked surprised to see Carson and Hughes lingering in the hallway and gave them a slight cock of her head.
"Mary, my darling, head on back to nanny like a good girl." Cora said, not taking her eyes off Hughes. Her lady's maid lowered her gaze bashfully. "Hughes, when you're ready-" Cora said, a half-smile on her face. Disappearing back into her room, she left the door ajar.
Flustered, Elsie smoothed her skirt and didn't look up at Carson. He gave her a moment to regather her composure and then, when he still heard no response from her, he balled his hands into nervous fists and turned on his heels away from her.
"I'm terribly sorry, Miss Hughes." he said, lowering his head, "Forget I mentioned it."
Before Hughes could protest, he had disappeared at the speed of light behind the door to his Lordship's dressing room. She let out a painful sigh and pressed her hands against her flushed cheeks. No, no time for such thoughts today. She told herself.
She rapped slightly on Cora's door, just to let her know she was indeed on her way inside. Cora was alright sitting at her vanity, still in her dressing gown of course. Her fingers were dancing tiny circles on her belly, somewhat absentmindedly. Hughes cleared her throat softly to announce herself.
"How are you feeling today, m'lady?" she said, walking up behind her. Snapping out of her reverie, Cora looked at her in the mirror.
"Fine, Hughes. Thank you."
There was a moment of quiet between the two women until, either because her curiosity had gotten the best of her or she just couldn't to feel Elsie's nervous hands running through her hair, Cora spoke.
"Do you get on well with Mr. Carson?" she asked.
"I think so, m'lady." Hughes said, "He's an excellent valet, always does more than his fair share of work, never makes a fuss." she smiled to herself, "He's a good example to us all."
Cora nodded, "Well, that's good to hear. I know Robert thinks especially highly of him. You know our butler, Anderson?"
Hughes nodded, "I do, m'lady."
"Well, don't tell the rest of the staff but - he'll be leaving, retiring that is, after the holidays. And Robert was thinking he would like to ask Carson to take his place."
"Oh, m'lady, I think that's a wonderful idea. Mr. Carson would make a most wonderful butler for Downton."
"I agree, Hughes. But - I wanted to find out from you. . .do you know if Carson has . . . a special person in his life? Someone he might want to put ahead of a most promising career in service?"
Hughes thought a moment - in fact, she couldn't say really. Carson was a man married to his work and she admired him for it. She could only hope to rise in service at Downton with the same esteem that he had.
"I don't think so, m'lady. I think Downton's his mistress."
"And you?" Cora said, "Anyone dear to you?"
Hesitating, Elsie let her hands fall against Cora's soft hair. She had loved Joe. Really loved him. Figured maybe she'd spend the rest of her days with him. But when she'd had the opportunity to come to Downton - and he hadn't understood why she'd wanted to go- she knew that she couldn't marry him. They still wrote letters of course - and some nights she thought about him, missed him even. . .but then again, on those nights even, she could count on Carson and his cards and his sherry. . .
"No, m'lady." she finally said, returning to the braid she was working on.
Cora didn't seem quite satisfied with her answer, but before she could push her further, she nearly jumped out of her seat. A small giggle escaped her.
"Hughes, I'm terribly sorry. I must tell you this child is certainly keen on making its presence known."
Elsie felt a small tug in her chest. She wasn't too far gone- she could still have this for herself. She watched Cora's eyes close, her hands resting against the bump that she so tenderly caressed, and there was something so heartbreaking about it. Something that Elsie couldn't quite put a finger on, but something she knew she would only ever know if she were to feel it for herself. Sensing her longing, Cora's eye's opened and she turned toward Hughes.
"Do you want to feel?" she said, her eyes soft. Hughes felt some embarrassment creep up the neckline of her dress.
"Oh, m'lady, I wouldn't want to impose -"
Cora scoffed, "Hardly, Hughes. I only apologize that I didn't offer before."
She stepped to the other side of the chair and gave her hand to Cora, who took it from her and placed it on her stomach.
"Now, you might not feel it at first but-" then, a swift kick - Hughes instinctively pulled her hand back, clasping it over her mouth.
"Was that-" she looked down at Cora in excitement, "Oh, m'lady, I-"
"Here," Cora said, taking both of Hughes' hands and pulling her down until she was kneeling before her. "Put one hand here, the other here and -"
Watching her intently, Cora saw something peculiar pass over her lady's maid's face as she knelt before her, feeling the child within. She hadn't known Elsie Hughes all that long, but long enough to know that she was tender, kind and likely capable of a great deal of love. Why she hadn't anyone in her life to share it with - and no children- was something Cora was sure she couldn't understand. She thought, for a moment, she saw tears glistening at the edge of her maid's eyes -but almost as soon as she'd seen them, the dry air of the room had made them disappear. Hughes looked up at her, the child having calmed to her touch - or, perhaps, fallen asleep.
Taking her hands back and standing, Hughes pressed them to her chest.
"Thank you, m'lady." she said, "That was quite an experience to behold."
"Had you never felt that before, Hughes?"
Hughes stiffened at a memory- perhaps, yes, before her mother had her sister, Glenna. Perhaps then, as a girl she had but - so often she wasn't allowed to be near her. So often her mother was somewhere that Elsie couldn't get to her, couldn't be close - no, not these thoughts, not now.
"No m'lady. Can't say I've ever had the occasion to."
Cora - seeing some pain resonating deep in Elsie's eyes - smiled kindly at her and turned back to the mirror, "Plenty of firsts for you in the next few months, then." She picked up her hairbrush, handing it to Elsie. "I'm glad you'll be here. With me. I mean that, Hughes."
Taking the brush from Cora, Elsie let it linger in her hands a moment before she put it to work. "Thank you, m'lady. I'm glad, too."
"I think that will be all for now, Carson." Robert said, straightening his waistcoat, "Will you be ready to depart for London at noon?"
Carson nodded, "Yes, m'lord. I've already packed my overnight bag."
"I admit, I'm a bit nervous to leave Cora even for a night- with my luck the moment I leave something would happen."
"I think you're safe for a few more weeks at least, m'lord." Carson said.
"True - and I do feel better knowing she is in Miss Hughes' capable hands in my absence." Robert cleared his throat, "Tell me, Carson, what do you think of Miss Hughes?"
Carson felt his body tense. What did he think of her - of Elsie Hughes? Only that she was beautiful, kind, intelligent. . .
"Carson?" Robert said, studying his valet a moment - he seemed pleasantly lost in a memory.
"Yes, well," Carson puffed, "Exceptional, really. She's very capable and it seems that her Ladyship is pleased. I would say that the feeling is mutual."
Robert smiled, "I'm glad to hear it. I don't know what we'd have done if she hadn't worked out - especially with the baby coming. Do you know what her long-terms plans are? Do you expect she'll stay on with us?"
"I hope so, m'lord." Carson said, pursing his lips. Robert looked at him curiously, folding his arms knowingly across his chest and taking a step toward his valet.
"Have you made a friend of her, Carson?" he asked.
"Well, a friend, I don't know m'lord. Maybe I have." Carson said, looking down at his feet. He'd certainly like to think Elsie thought of him as more than just. . .well, a nobody.
"Glad to hear it, old boy." Robert said, patting Carson's shoulder. "The company of a pretty woman is to be treasured."
"Very well, m'lord. If you don't mind- speaking of occasions to be treasured - have you and her Ladyship considered any names for the newest Crawley?"
Robert chuckled - he'd known Carson since they were boys and normally the topic of the children wouldn't be one that mattered much to the domestic staff. But Carson had always been more than that. He looked out for the girls as much as any member of the family.
"Well, if it's a boy, of course- I suppose we'll go with Robert. And then my father's name, of course- so, Robert Patrick Crawley, the second." he beamed with pride, imaging his son and heir to the title.
"And for a girl?" Carson nudged. Robert thought a moment and then conceded that he hadn't thought much about it.
"Does her Ladyship have any favorites?"
Robert shrugged, "I daresay, we haven't seriously discussed it. I guess we're both hoping if we just don't invite the possibility of another daughter, somehow it will assure us a son."
Carson nodded, though both men knew that such wishful thinking could only lead to disappointment.
"Well, if that's all m'lord, I shall take my leave." Carson said.
"Very well, then." Robert said, but as Carson turned and headed for the door, he called out to stop him.
"Carson," he said, rather sheepishly, "Do . . . you have any suggestions for girl's names? I know you are a well-read man, one who enjoys literature. I see your name on the library ledger quite regularly."
Carson smiled, "I do frequent the library, m'lord. But I wouldn't want to impose my preferences on your family lineage."
"Oh, don't be silly old friend." Robert said gently, "You know you're very much a part of this family as far as I'm concerned."
Beaming, Carson felt his back straighten - pleased with Robert's response.
"Well, m'lord, I can't say that I have a favorite - however, in the book I'm reading at present, by Mr. Benjamin Disraeli*, is titled Sybil. It's a rather controversial political novel, providing a great deal of commentary on the disparities in society, particularly the working class. Young Sybil Gerard, the protagonist, is a very bright, sweet and honorable young woman. I admit I had never heard the name before. . ."
"Sybil. . ." Robert repeated, letting the name roll around his tongue. "I rather like that, Carson. I shall tell Cora about it before we depart for London. Thank you." He crossed the room, patting Carson in the shoulder, and headed to the connecting doors between his dressing room and Cora's bedroom. Carson smiled to himself. Sybil Crawley didn't have such a bad ring to it.
Cora had just sent Hughes downstairs when Robert came in from his dressing room. She was always happy to see him, of course, but she had been looking forward to having a few moments of quiet - to herself.
"Darling, what is it?" she asked, letting the book she had just opened fall against her chest.
"If the baby's a girl," he said, coming over to the bed excitedly, "What do you think of the name 'Sybil?"
"Sybil?" Cora said slowly, enunciating the two syllables. "Ooo, I rather like that Robert. Wherever did you come up with that?"
"Carson!" Robert laughed, sitting down on the bed, "He's read it in a book. I think it's quite pretty. Not quite so matronly as Mary and Edith. A name for the next generation!"
Cora smiled, "I like it - though, what about a middle name?"
"Oh, I'm sure we'll think of something, dovey." he said, leaning over to kiss her, "Now, I must skedaddle. I've got a letter to write before the girls and I leave for Rosamund's."
She watched him leave the room - a sweet little spring in his step. When he was gone and she was alone at last, she closed her eyes a moment, the book resting atop her stomach. She giggled softly to herself, and whispered "Sybil?"
And in response - a defiant kick.
* "Sybil" by Mr. Benjamin Disraeli, was published in 1845. It definitely would have been a book of interest to domestic staff (if they had any time to read, that is!) because it was quite a portrait of the working-class conditions of England. The main character, the daughter of a working-class man, was named Sybil. The book was quite popular and the name saw a surge too for baby girls born in the subsequent decades. A man of Robert's standing certainly would have known, or heard, about the book and likely the character's name. Or, at the very least, by the end of the century, the name would have been a bit more commonplace.