A/N - Hi lovies! So, the "multimedia" version of this longer chapter is over on Medium ( / abbymnorman/bc406878603d) - in case you missed my experiment on Tumblr.
This is my last update for a while because I'm adopting a dog and this week is all about pup-proofing my home before she arrives next weekend! But, I couldn't leave you hanging too much. . .this is a major chapter for Chelsie + Cobert, so I hope you like it!
Two weeks later: October 5th, 1895
Carson was sitting at the downstairs kitchen table when he heard the scream.
At once, he threw down the shoes he'd been polishing and immediately bolted up, trying to determine where the sound had come from. He raced out of the room and into the hallway, and heard another muffled screech from behind one of the doors.
Elsie.
He ran down the hall and threw open her door without knocking — and found her standing unevenly atop her bed.
"Miss. Hughes, I heard a scream — are you alright?" Carson said, shutting the door behind him.
He looked up at her incredulously, "Whatever are you doing?"
Elsie blushed, "Oh, Mr. Carson, I'm so embarrassed. I didn't mean to make noise, really — but there's. . ." her face pinked even more, "in the corner, there, a field mouse."
Carson tried not to laugh. "A mouse, Miss. Hughes?"
Elsie saw that he was trying valiantly not to poke fun at her, and she straightened her back, looking down at him. "Mr. Carson I'm not afraid of most anything- but I don't like mice."
"Oh, well, I don't imagine most people do." Carson said, "Now, where did you see him? I'll grab a broom and-"
"Oh, don't kill the poor thing!" she said, bringing a hand to her chest, "I don't want him dead, I just want him out of my room!"
"Very well then," Carson said, "I've got to find him first."
He took a few more steps into the room, his eyes pinned to the floorboards. He listened intently for the tell-tale squeaking, but saw nor heard not a peep. After a few moments, he knelt down and began to crawl under Elsie's desk, hoping he'd have better luck.
"Oh, Mr. Carson get up, you'll get dirt all over your nice trousers." Elsie said, stepping down from her bed to reach toward him, imploring him to stand.
"Miss. Hughes, don't move about — if we want to catch the mouse we can't well frighten him into a corner. Now, either get back up on your bed or get down here and help me look."
Elsie considered this a moment and, not wanting to give him reason to poke anymore fun at her outburst, took a deep breath and gathered up her skirts, kneeling down on the floor next to him.
"I'm sure I looked a right fool when you walked in," she said, a low chuckle escaping her throat, "Now you're in here tending to me on account of that footle. . ."
"I can't very well hear a lady's scream and not check on her, Miss. Hughes. Though I'm happy to know the source was only a small woodland creature and not something of a more pernicious nature."
Elsie smiled to herself.
They crawled about on the floor for a moment, searching for the little mouse until they'd both circled back to the foot of the bed. Carson's nose to the ground, he'd nearly run into her headlong. When they looked up, their faces only inches from one another, they both laughed nervously. He'd never been so close to her before and for the first time he noticed the hint of darkness in her eyes, the rosiness of her cheeks, the fullness of her cerise lips. She didn't break his gaze but, instead, held it — holding, too, her breath — which seemed to be resting anticipatory at her breast.
"Mr. Carson," she whispered, her voice lilting, "I think we've scared him off."
Carson swallowed — overcome with desire and a lust he didn't know himself capable of. She was so close to him, her words- he could feel her hot breath upon his lips, the faint, sweet smell of her perfume or, perhaps, a skin lotion. Her lips parted, a little smile creeping onto her face. Her eyes blinked, long lashes gracing against her cheekbones. He leaned in a bit closer, moving one hand in front of him to balance himself.
His other hand free, he reached up slowly, daring his thumb to gently stroke her lower lip. Her eyes widened, and before his lips touched hers, he heard her breath hitch, then all at once they were locked in a kiss.
He felt her pillowy lips part just slightly, her facing moving closer to him as she rose up onto her knees, her hand coming up to tentatively touch his face. Without breaking the kiss, he, too, felt his body rise — as he moved to lace his fingers through her hair, they were startled by a commotion in the hallway. He pulled away at once, his heart threatening to beat straight out of his chest
"MR. CARSON!" a voice cried. He looked at Elsie — helplessly, and she looked back at him, her breathing labored and her lips now bright red, as red as her cheeks which flushed with either embarrassment, desire or a combination of the two. They heard footsteps approaching the door and Elsie stood in a flash, turning her face away from him. Carson rose — a bit unsteady on his feet — and went to the door.
"Oh, there you are Mr. Carson!" a voice said in time with racing footsteps, "Have you seen Miss. Hughes? Her Ladyship's bell's been ringing for ten minutes straight!"
It was the new cook, Beryl Patmore, her face red to match her hair and a stern, but fretful, expression hovering over her brow.
"She'll go up at once, Miss Patmore. Thank you."
Miss. Patmore gave the valet a quizzical look but, being far to new to the staff to question him, simply nodded hastily and then carried on down the hallway. When she'd left, Carson shut the door and slowly turned back to Elsie, who had not moved from the wall-facing corner in which she stood.
"Elsie," he said — but then stopped. She turned to him, tears in her eyes.
"Mr. Carson," she said firmly, "You will call me Miss. Hughes — and only Miss. Hughes." she wiped her eyes clear and strode past him, "If you'll excuse me I've got to tend to her Ladyship."
As she moved past him, Carson turned, crestfallen. "And the mouse. . ." he asked, a small laugh escaping him. He so hoped to somehow remedy what he'd done, having lost himself.
Elsie turned to him sharply, her voice low, "After that display, Mr. Carson, I'm sure the poor thing has given up the ghost."
Without another word, she left him standing there. How could he ever be so undignified? So presumptuous? Riddled with disgust for himself, he quickly reached for the doorknob, only to be stopped just as he stepped across the threshold — by the unmistakable squeak of a field mouse.
Cora stood in the middle of her bedroom, shaking violently.
She hadn't felt splendid when she woke, but at this stage in her pregnancy she wasn't surprised by feeling a bit run down. She knew that the baby would arrive by the end of the month, but it was only the first week of October. It was far too early for the baby to come and yet, she had been uncomfortable all morning, and as she stood to ring for Hughes, she felt a release of fluid between her legs, drenching her from the waist down. The surprise of it made her freeze, and, too frightened to take even a step, that's how Elsie found her.
"M'lady, are you alright?" Hughes gasped, running to her. Cora shook so badly she could hardly speak.
"It's too early," she whispered, "Hughes, you've got to help me. It's too early."
"What happened?" Hughes said, looking down at Cora's damp skirts, "Oh, m'lady, come now, let's get you back into bed and I'll run and call for Dr. Clarkson."
Carefully leading her back to her bed, and setting her gently down, Elsie began to wring her hands nervously. Cora's water had broken, no doubt about that, but she was right — it was early yet for the baby to come.
"Hughes, you've got to find Robert." Cora said, "I need him here."
"Where is he?"
"Out on the estate — he took Hathor out to run and I -" she stopped, her hand going to her stomach. She looked up at Elsie fearfully.
"Stay put, m'lady. I'm going to ring for Dr. Clarkson and then I'll find his Lordship." she looked at Cora, her eyes softening. "I'll take care of you, don't worry your pretty head about that."
Though she didn't respond, Cora nodded, tears streaming down her face.
Racing from her room and down over the stairs, Elsie's heart began to beat so fast she could heard it resounding in her ears. She rounded the corner, running into one of the maids, a young girl from Essex named Charity.
"Oh, never been so happy to see you, girl!" she said, breathless, "I need you to run and call on Dr. Clarkson. Her Ladyship's unwell-" she lowered her voice, "it's the bairn."
The young girl's eyes widened in fear, "Oh my," she said, "I'll run as fast as I can, Miss. Hughes." she said, setting down the bucket she'd been carrying and racing out the door. Elsie gathered herself for a moment and then, not knowing what else to do, went downstairs to find Mr. Carson.
Sitting in his room, feeling too humiliated to sit at the table to shine his Lordship's shoes, lest Elsie return downstairs, Carson wondered how it was that he had lost himself in such a moment with her.
He'd never been a man to be overpowered by his desires, his emotions, his fears. Why now, had things suddenly turned out so differently? Was he getting older, less in control? He sighed. He worked so hard at Downton, to work his way up in the ranks, someday maybe he'd even run the house as butler. . .but would he throw it all away, throw away his hard earned reputation for simple lust? For some woman he'd hardly known a year? He pondered these dark realities deeply, and was surprised at the forceful knock upon his door that pulled him from these thoughts.
"Yes, come in." he said, setting the shoes aside. He couldn't hide the shock on his face as Elsie appeared in his doorway. She was as white as a sheet and just as flimsy.
"Mr. Carson, I need you to find his Lordship at once. It's urgent." she said, her voice clipped. Carson stared at her a moment.
"Is it. . ." he started, rising from his seat.
Elsie nodded, "The bairn. It's early yet but. . .it's time. I've sent Charity to run for Dr. Clarkson."
"Oh dear," Carson said, beginning to pace, "I'll find his Lordship. You'll stay with — ?"
Elsie nodded, "I won't leave her side 'till it's through." she said, rather grimly. They stood there a moment, a bit awkwardly, and finally Carson moved a step toward her tentatively.
"I'm deeply sorry about earlier, Miss. Hughes. I don't expect you to forgive me for my indecency."
"Mr. Carson it hardly matters now. We've both a job to do." she said, giving him a small smile, "We're all second-fiddle to current events."
She lingered in the doorway just a moment more, then, turning on her heels raced upstairs. And Carson grabbed his hat and headed outdoors to find Robert.
"Try to keep your wits about you, m'lady." Elsie said, giving Cora's hand a squeeze.
Cora, propped up with pillows in her bed, looked frightfully at Elsie, who had pulled up a chair next to her Ladyship and was holding her hand. Cora squeezed it occasionally when the pain grew too much.
"I'm so afraid, Hughes." she said, "I can't lose this baby."
"You said so yourself, m'lady- this bairn's different. Strong as an ox."
Cora winced, "Yes, well, that would seem to be the case now." She exhaled sharply and turned to Hughes, "If I sit forward slightly, could you press your fists into my lower back? With Edith, the midwife did that and I recall now that it helped a bit."
Elsie nodded, eager to help. "I'll do whatever you need, m'lady. You've only got to say the word."
Cora sat forward and Elsie stood, balling her hands into fists and pressing them into her Ladyship's back. Cora let out a low moan and Elsie looked at her expectantly.
"Is this alright, m'lady?" she asked.
"You're doing a fine job, Hughes. Thank you." Cora turned her head back to Elsie and gave her a small smile, "Don't be so nervous, this might be your first baby but it's certainly not mine." There was a knock at the door.
"Oh, that must be Dr. Clarkson." Elsie said, leaving Cora momentarily to open the door. Indeed, bag in hand, Dr. Clarkson stood smiling in the hallway.
"A little early aren't we, m'lady?" he said, striding over to the bed, "And where is his Lordship? Not out to Ripon, I hope."
"No, he's out on the estate with the dog," Cora said, "Carson's gone to fetch him." She hung her head, another moan escaping her, and Elsie raced back to her side, resuming her stance from before.
"Are you certain your labor has started?" Dr. Clarkson said, opening his bag.
"My waters let go about a half hour ago," she said, "And I can feel — well, it's happening fast. Much faster than before."
Dr. Clarkson studied her a moment, rustling the bedcovers as he moved his hands beneath. Cora raised her knees in anticipation of his exam and Elsie watched, somewhat amazed, as Dr. Clarkson conducted the entire exam without even looking in the direction of his arm.
"Well, you weren't mistaken, Lady Grantham. And it won't be long now." he looked at Elsie sternly, "Miss. Hughes, I need you to call upon a trusted maid, someone who can boil some water for me and fetch some clean linens. I'll mind Lady Grantham until you return. And do, please, try to fetch His Lordship, if you can."
Elsie nodded, "Straight away, Dr. Clarkson" she turned to Cora apologetically, "Don't worry, m'lady, everything's going to be fine."
"Thank you, Hughes." Cora breathed. She turned to Dr. Clarkson, "I can't lose this baby, Dr. Clarkson. I can't." Elsie had almost reached the door and Cora called out to her to wait. "Hughes, before you go — I need you to hear this." she locked eyes with Dr. Clarkson and made her words crystal clear, "Dr. Clarkson if it comes down to me, or the child, I need you to save the child. If it's a boy, it will be Robert's last chance at an heir to the title."
"Oh, m'lady…" Elsie whispered.
"Dr. Clarkson, I need you to promise me." Cora said, the tears starting up again. A sob caught in her throat, and the pain swelling up from within her, she began to cry freely, "I need to know that you won't let this baby die."
Dr. Clarkson swallowed, looking down at his hands. "Lady Grantham, I will do everything that I possibly can to save you both."
Elsie was torn — she wanted to go to Cora now, but she knew she needed to get what Dr. Clarkson had requested. She pardoned herself and shut the door behind her. As she reached the top of the stairs, she was startled to run into Mr. Carson, Robert in tow.
"Hughes — is Cora alright?" Robert said, "Has Dr. Clarkson arrived?"
Elsie nodded, "He's with her now, m'lord." she turned to Carson, "Mr. Carson, you know the staff better than I do, who would be the best maid to call upon to help Dr. Clarkson — he needs linens and towels."
"You stay with Lady Grantham," Carson said, "I'll go downstairs and find someone up to the task."
"Thank you, Mr. Carson." Elsie said, locking eyes with him a moment. She broke away and led Robert down the hall to Cora's room. As soon as Cora saw him in the doorway, she reached out unabashedly.
He went to her, forgetting himself in her suffering so much so that he hardly noticed that Dr. Clarkson was in the room, arranging his tools atop Cora's vanity.
"Cora, my darling- what's happened?" he asked, sitting at the foot of her bed.
"Robert, I'm so frightened." she said her face hot with tears, "It's too early."
Looking perforce at Dr. Clarkson, Robert loosened his cravat. "Dr. Clarkson will the baby be alright?" he took Cora's hand, "Will Cora?"
Turning away from his makeshift table, Dr. Clarkson sighed, "M'lord, I haven't any reason to anticipate complications but I will take every effort to assure both her Ladyship and the child are delivered safely. It is early yet, but, with proper precautions and attention—."
Cora cried out and the color drained from Robert's face. He never had been much good at this. He was thankful that, in the next moment, Hughes appeared at Cora's bedside, a cool cloth in her hands. She pressed it wordlessly to Cora's forehead, and hushed her gently.
"Robert, don't leave me." Cora pleaded. Hughes brushed her hair back out of her face and looked at Robert anxiously.
"I don't know what to do," he said, resting a hand on Cora's knee. "My darling, men — well, other than doctors — are not properly educated on how to handle these times."
"Lord Grantham, if you would like to stay I would not be opposed. It's become far more commonplace in recent years. I suspect Her Ladyship would be keen on your comfort. Especially if you are expecting an heir this time."
Robert seemed to consider this. He bit his lip, deep in thought, and Dr. Clarkson appeared beside him, a peculiar looking tool in hand.
"I wouldn't want to frighten you unduly, m'lord, but there is an off chance this may be your last opportunity to do so. Her Ladyship is in what we call pre-term labor. The rupture of membranes happened several weeks ahead of schedule — meaning there's no stopping now. The baby will arrive today. Probably by this evening, in fact, if things continue to progress so efficiently." he looked down at Cora, "I have seen this in other women and, not always but often, it leads to subsequent complications in later pregnancies. I could not say for sure but, given that this will be your third birth in the matter of five years, your body may not be able to withstand another." he turned back to Robert, "And should that be the case, m'lord, this will have been your last chance."
Cora sniffled, taking Robert's hand. "Stay here." she said.
Hughes took the cloth from her forehand to rewet it. As she wrung it out, Robert cleared his throat and spoke to her,
"Hughes, I daresay we will both experience a first tonight. I hope that you will be comfortable as an ally not just to Cora- but to me as well."
Elsie smiled, relief washing over her face. Though, she was too plagued with some trepidation. "Certainly, m'lord."
As they settled in, Charity — the young maid — came up with water and clean linens. Elsie caught a brief glimpse of Carson standing somewhat dejectedly in the hallway. She set down the cloth a moment and stepped out, hoping to catch him before he made his way back downstairs.
Closing Cora's bedroom door behind her, she called to him just as he was stepping off onto the first stair.
"Mr. Carson-" she said, wiping her damp hands on her skirt. Carson turned back to her, not quite comfortable looking at her head on.
"How is Her Ladyship?" he asked, gripping the bannister.
"Well enough." Elsie said, "Won't be long now."
Carson nodded solemnly, "Is there anything else I can do — does His Lordship need anything?"
Elsie chuckled, "An ounce of courage wouldn't hurt." she said. Carson didn't quite understand, so she stepped toward him, clapping her hands together, "He's going to stay."
Carson's eyebrows leapt up, "For —"Elsie nodded, "Dr. Clarkson said, you know, this might be his last chance. The bairn, it might be the last one."
Carson nodded, "Well, you may send Charity down to let me know what I can do to help." he stepped off the step and Elsie felt a pull toward him — her heart tugging defiantly at her chest. With quick steps, she went to him, putting her hand on his shoulder. He turned toward her, his eyes searching her face.
"Mr. Carson," she said in a whisper, "I'm sorry- about earlier.""You needn't apologize," he said, "I behaved appallingly — unforgivably."
Elsie softened, "Not so bad as all that, Mr. Carson." she took a deep breath, holding on to what she really wanted to say, not sure if now — or ever —would be the proper time to elucidate. He waited patiently for her response, his brown eyes wide and welcoming. "You've to understand something about me, Mr. Carson — this job is all I've got. My sister and I, we struck out on our own so young, all we've got is our work. It's all we can put our faith and trust in."
"I understand completely, Miss. Hughes. I think I lost my wits. I've since recovered them."
They both startled as a shrill screech emanated from Cora's bedroom. Elsie tensed, letting her hand slip from Carson's shoulder.
"I ought to get back," she said, "But I'm not angry with you, Mr. Carson. I just want you to know that."
"Thank you, Miss. Hughes." Carson nodded, "I am deeply appreciative of your kindness."
Robert watched, somewhat in horror, from the corner of Cora's bedroom as Dr. Clarkson did what seemed to be his fifth exam in so many minutes.
He tried to avert his gaze, but he couldn't take his eyes from Cora, whose face had worn a permanent grimace for the last several hours. Hughes had sat next to Cora's bed without moving a muscle, except to fetch water, and Robert was grateful for her stoicism. Having finished, Dr. Clarkson removed his hand and replaced the duvet, tucking Cora's legs back under it. He turned to Robert,
"Lord Grantham, may I speak to you for a moment?" he said, his voice low.
Robert nodded and the two men stepped into the hallway. He could hear Cora panting as he shut the door, "Hughes, what is it— what's the matter?"
"Lord Grantham, I'm going to call for a midwife. I need an extra pair of hands." Dr. Clarkson said, wiping perspiration from his brow, "I'm concerned that the baby will be early, and that the labor will be a difficult one."
Robert swallowed, paling "But she'll be alright?"
"I'd feel a lot better having a midwife to assist me. If there are complications for Lady Grantham after the baby is delivered, I will need to focus solely on her and a midwife will be able to tend to the newborn."
"I understand," Robert said, "Have Carson call for your midwife."
Dr. Clarkson made his way downstairs and Robert returned to Cora's bedchamber. As he stepped in, she was in the midst of a contraction. She had rolled over on to her side and Hughes was kneeling down next to the bed, gripping her hand tightly and pressing a cool cloth to her face. Cora tensed and gave a rather low, choked moan.
"There you are, m'lady." Hughes said softly. Hearing the door click shut, Hughes looked up and smiled at Robert.
"Anything I can do, Hughes?" Robert asked, shifting uncomfortably next to the door — as though suddenly he were desiring to run back through it.
"We're a bit sixes and sevens at the moment, m'lord." she smiled, "But why don't you come have a sit on the bed. You can give my poor daddles a rest!"
Cora exhaled and released Hughes' hands, which Elsie then scrunched into fists and extended, working out the kinks in her sore joints. Robert approached the bed apprehensively and sat down on his side, turning so he was facing Cora. She rolled over toward him and sighed.
"Oh, darling. Perhaps this is too much." she said, her eyes apologetic.
"It's alright, dovey. It's only hard to see you in pain and know that I can't do anything to alleviate it." he reached over and stroked her cheek, "I feel rather a useless fool."
Cora reached up and wrapped her fingers around his, "Having you here makes all the difference," she said, giving his hand a squeeze.
Dr. Clarkson returned, a fresh basin of water in hand.
"I've called for a midwife — the best one in Yorkshire. She'll be attending the birth with me just as a precautionary measure. She's en route now and should be arriving shortly." he set the basin down on the table and returned to Cora's bedside, "Now, m'lady, let's have another look shall we?"
Robert cleared his throat, feeling terribly awkward as he watched Cora's legs spread apart beneath the covers and Dr. Clarkson's hands slide unselfconsciously beneath them. He knew, of course, the man was only doing his work — but he was terribly unsettled by the whole affair and was thankful when he saw Dr. Clarkson's hands emerge once again from beneath the bedcovers.
That was, until he saw the look on his face.
"How are your pains, Lady Grantham?" Dr. Clarkson asked tentatively, "Are they coming much more quickly now?"
Cora nodded. Elsie looked at the clock on Cora's night table, "The last few were about three minutes apart," she said.
Dr. Clarkson furrowed his brow, "Well, I think things are going to progress a lot quicker than I anticipated. There is already a great deal of blood." He stood and gestured to the basin, "Miss. Hughes, if you would assist me until the midwife arrives, we're going to need to prepare."
Elsie stared at him, mouth agape, "I beg your pardon, Dr. Clarkson?""Miss. Hughes I'm going to need you to sterilize your hands."
Cora cried out, her hand clutching Robert's. At the sound of it, Robert felt is entire body stiffen. He looked at Hughes anxiously.
"Hughes— what do I do?" he asked breathlessly. Cora's other hand reached blindly for him as she shut her eyes, another shrill cry rising up from her throat.
"Just hold her hand, m'lord." Elsie said, following Dr. Clarkson over to the vanity, "Sooth her hair, tell her she's doing a fine job."
Robert looked at Cora, somewhat helplessly. Her eyes opened and looked at him pleadingly.
"Don't leave, Robert. Please. I need you.""I'm right here, Cora. I won't leave your side."
"Now, Miss. Hughes — this water is scalding, but you're going to need to submerge your hands, then, use this disinfectant. It might sting."
Elsie swallowed nervously, dipping her hands into the steaming basin.
"Oh, sweet Jesus." she said under her breath, her fingers burning. Dr. Clarkson touched her arm and gently lifted her hands out, giving her hands and wrists a rub with a bar of terrible smelling soap.
"Sorry for this wretched stuff," he said, "In the city hospitals, though, they've found it has greatly reduced the incidence of puerperal fever."
Not sure exactly what he was alluding to, but wanting to focus as intently on his instructions as she could, Elsie just nodded.
"Now, keep your hands away from your skirts and don't touch anything." Dr. Clarkson warned, "I have a feeling that this baby may arrive before the midwife does — and if that's the case, you'll need to step in."
"Oh, Dr. Clarkson." Elsie breathed, "I don't know the first thing about bairns. The only bairn I ever knew was my sister, Glenna— and I was a just a lass when she was born."
Dr. Clarkson looked at her kindly, "Not to worry, Miss. Hughes. Just listen to me and do precisely as I say."
He returned to Cora's bed side and threw back the covers. For the first time, Robert saw the state of the bed's sheets and felt his stomach flip. He'd certainly seen blood on the sheets before — sometimes after they'd been intimate, or when Cora had her monthlies, but he'd never seen this much blood before. Her bed had become a battleground.
"Should. . .should there be so much blood?" Robert asked.
"Not to worry, m'lord." Dr. Clarkson said, "Just keep your eyes on the lovely Countess."
Robert didn't need to be told twice to obey Dr. Clarkson's command, and he turned his gaze back to Cora, who had grown gravely serious. It was almost as though she no longer knew any of them were in the room. She had an almost murderous look of a determination and intent upon her face.
Dr. Clarkson positioned her legs, careful to drape a sheet down over her for modesty, and his hands began to work again. Cora cried out again, and Robert felt his hands begin to shake with nerves.
"Lady Grantham," Dr. Clarkson said, looking up at her, "If you feel as though you can start pushing—"
He didn't even have to finish his sentence and Cora sat up, gripping Robert's vest and bore down hard.
"Alright, ease off it a bit." Dr. Clarkson said. He turned back to Hughes, "This baby's coming quickly. See those linens there, next to the basin?" he said. Elsie looked back over her shoulder, spotting them. "Take the one off the top there — it's alright, you can touch them. They're sterile. Now, open it up — don't let it touch your skirts or any of the furniture. Then, come stand here, next to me."
Elsie felt as though her knees might give out from under her, but somehow, in a brave trance, she managed to do as Dr. Clarkson said. Standing next to him, she looked down at Robert, who was whiter than the linen in her hands.
"Hughes," he said, his voice unsteady, "What do I do?"
"Oh, m'lord. You're doing just fine."
"Robert!" Cora cried, throwing her head back.
"Yes, my Cora, I'm here." he said, brushing her hair from her eyes.
"Something's wrong— this doesn't feel right." her breathing was fast, "Dr. Clarkson—" gripped with another sudden pain, her entire body pitched forward.
"No— Cora, I need you to relax. Don't push." Dr. Clarkson said sternly.
"What's the matter Dr. Clarkson?" Elsie said, the linen laid across her open palms. It shook right along with her arms.
"Miss. Hughes — are you ready?" Dr. Clarkson said,
"This baby will be out on the next push — it's coming too quickly and I can't control the bleeding. I will need you to take the infant and rub its chest and back vigorously. The color will pink up and the baby should almost immediately begin to cry. Use your clean fingers to help clear the airway—"
"The airway?"
"The mouth and nares— the nose," Dr. Clarkson said, speaking rapidly. He positioned himself against the bed, bracing his leg against it and turning back to Cora, "Lady Grantham, easy does it now. . ."
She gave a good effort, but as she let out one more shrill screech, all the color drained from her face and her lips began to tremble.
Cora looked up at Robert, tears wetting her eyes. "Robert- I don't feel well.""Cora, my darling," he cried.
"Miss. Hughes," Dr. Clarkson said, "Here, steady now."
Suddenly, from under the sheet draped over Cora's legs, his hands emerged and there, bloodied and squirming, a baby. He snipped the cord and Elsie watched in awe as he placed the baby in her hands.
"Give her back a good rub, then." Dr. Clarkson said, his hands already back beneath the sheet.
"A little girl," Elsie said, looking down at the baby.
The bairn hadn't made so much as a peep, but she looked straight up at Elsie — her huge blue eyes intent and curious. "Come on then, love, let's hear your voice."
"I can't do it, Robert, I feel . . ." suddenly, Cora's eyes rolled back in her head and she fell limply against the pillow. Robert leaned down, shaking her shoulders.
"Cora? Cora!" he yelled.
Just then, the door to the bedroom flew open and in came the midwife, followed by Carson. He stopped in the doorway, averting his gaze from Cora's bed. He found himself facing Elsie head on as she stood by the window, holding the new baby, tears streaming down her face. She locked eyes with Carson and smiled, and then, out of the commotion in the room, came the lusty cries of a baby girl.
"You done a good job," the midwife said, taking the baby from Elsie, "Go on, have yourself a rest. I'll get her cleaned up."
Allowing the bairn to be taken from her arms, Elsie suddenly was overcome with worry— on Cora's bed, Robert was on his knees, attempting to shake her awake. Dr. Clarkson removed rag after bloodied rag from beneath the sheet. Elsie hurried toward the bed but felt arms stop her.
"Miss. Hughes, you look as though you're going to faint." Carson said, "Come, have a sit down."
"I have to go to her," Elsie said, "I promised her I wouldn't leave — not 'till it was over."
She pushed past him and went to Dr. Clarkson's side.
"Miss. Hughes, bring me more towels — and my bag, please."
Carson watched as Elsie crossed the room to retrieve the doctor's bag. She paused, noticing the basin was now tinged with blood. Not one to bark orders, but figuring an exception could be made, she turned back to him.
"Mr. Carson, can you bring up a fresh basin?"
"At once, Miss Hughes." he said, and quickly disappeared, shutting the door to Cora's bedroom behind him. Elsie returned to Dr. Clarkson's side, placing his bag on the bed.
"I need you to to find the vial that contains protamine sulfate, and one of the syringes."
Elsie found the syringe quickly, but the multiple vials of medication made her head spin. The sound of His Lordship's quiet tears made her shake even more so.
"Here — Miss. Hughes, you come round here and hold this— I'll prepare the syringe."
Passing the syringe to Dr. Clarkson and taking a blood soaked towel from him, she stood somewhat stupefied at Cora's feet.
"Press it against her, Miss. Hughes. Apply heavy pressure."
Elsie swallowed, reaching her hands and the towel beneath the sheet. She pressed in to Cora's body, and her wrist brushed up against the inside of her thigh, which had gone cold.
"Cora," Robert whispered,"Please, Cora."
Dr. Clarkson stood and in one swift motion, injected her with the drug. "This should help staunch the bleeding." he said, though no one in the room was listening. There were a few terse moments — he replaced Elsie at the foot of the bed and she stood, Cora's blood on her hands, and they waited.
The baby cooed across the room — still in the midwife's arms.
Cora's face began to pink up and her eyes fluttered open. Robert began to laugh, saying "Thank you, God" under his breath over and over again as he gently kissed her forehead.
Satisfied that things were beginning to improve, Dr. Clarkson exhaled at last. He looked up at Elsie, who had begun to cry.
"Excellent work, Miss. Hughes." he said, "Should you ever decide to leave service, I think you'd make a fine nurse."
"Now, don't try to get her out from under us, Dr. Clarkson" Robert laughed, looking up at Elsie, "We want Hughes to stay at Downton for a very, very long time."
He returned his attention to Cora, and she began to come to gradually. Elsie walked over to the midwife, who had taken a seat in the chair next to Cora's vanity. The baby, cleaned up now with good color, was swaddled in a clean blanket and looked ready to fall asleep.
"She's okay?" Elsie asked quietly.
The midwife nodded, "Fit as a fiddle." She looked past Elsie at Cora's bed, and saw that Robert had helped Cora to sit back up — positioning her amongst several pillows and tucking the blankets gently around her. Exhausted, but present, Cora turned her head slowly toward Elsie.
"Hughes," she breathed, "Is the baby okay?"
The midwife nodded at Elsie and handed her the baby — the gentle weight so sweet in her arms. She walked over to Cora's bedside, giving the baby's soft cheek a stroke.
"She's beautiful, m'lady." Elsie whispered, placing her in Cora's arms.
Cora looked stricken for a moment at the realization that she had not produced an heir, but as she took the baby from Elsie and held the little one against her breast, she was overwhelmed with love.
"My God," she breathed, "She's so extraordinarily pretty."
"I've seen a lot of babies in my day, Lady Grantham." The midwife said, picking up linens from the floor, "And I must say that baby has got to be the most beautiful child I ever seen."
The newborn looked up at Cora, suddenly wide awake. Her big, deep blue eyes so alert and ready for the world. She maneuvered a tiny hand out of her swaddling and clasped the lace of Cora's nightgown.
"Oh, Robert." Cora said, turning toward him. He had yet to speak, and instead, was staring with rapt attention at his daughter.
"What you've done, Cora." he said, "I never knew — I never knew it at all. All this time, I never knew this. Just a day ago I . . .I could feel this child, somehow, as I pressed my body to yours — and now," he began to cry, a small laugh of awe escaping him, "Now she's here and she's so brilliantly pretty," he reached down and offered his finger to the child, who grasped it tightly in her hand, "and so strong."
Elsie felt her own tears burning her eyes and throat, and she turned away from the bed. Giving a nod to the midwife, and Dr. Clarkson, who placed an appreciative hand on hers as she walked by, she headed for the door. As she put her hand on the cool doorknob, a voice stopped her.
"Hughes," Robert said. She turned slowly, unable to hide her display of emotion.
"Yes, m'lord?"
Robert held her gaze a moment, then offered his thanks. "Thank you for staying here. For saving her."
Elsie couldn't speak — she was too overcome. She only bowed her head and gave him, and her Ladyship, a smile. Then, she turned and left the room. As the door shut behind her, she leaned her weary body up against the dark wood. She closed her eyes, her hands coming to her face, and erupted into low sobs. She didn't even know exactly why she was so tearful.
"Miss Hughes?"Her eyes flickered open. Mr. Carson stood, basin in hand, at the top of the staircase. He looked at her wordlessly.
"Oh, Mr. Carson." she said, wiping her face quickly, "Thank you." She moved toward him to take the basin from him, but found that she couldn't stop the tears from coming. Bringing her hand to her mouth, she let go. Carson placed the basin on the long, hall table and went to her, placing his hands on her shoulders.
"Is everything alright?" he said, "With the baby and Her Ladyship?"
Elsie sniffled, "Oh, yes — the bairn's perfect. Beautiful. A lass. And Her Ladyship was a bit down for a bit, but all's tickety-boo now."
"Very good," Carson said softly, "And you, Miss Hughes. Are you alright?"
He looked down at her with those soulful brown eyes — as deep of his voice and with likewise timbre. She started to nod her head, but then, instead she felt herself crumble into him. She grabbed the lapels of his jacket and pressed her face into his chest. After a moment, she felt his arms envelope her — pressing her tightly against his body. One hand came up and stroked her hair, and she heard his breath shush against her ear.
"There, there." he said, "You're alright."
In Cora's bedchamber, the midwife and Dr. Clarkson had finished tidying up and were gathering up their things.
As they spoke quietly in the corner to one another, Cora and Robert spoke in hushed tones on the bed to their newest daughter. Robert held the baby, his big arms dwarfing her. Cora smiled sleepily next to him, her eyes heavy-lidded, but bright.
"She does look like a Sybil." she said, stroking the baby's cheek softly. "What about a second name?"
Without looking up from his daughter, with whom he was completely enraptured, he replied "What about Sybil Cora — after her beautiful mother?"
Cora blushed, "Oh, wouldn't you rather Violet — for your mother? Wouldn't she think us fast to give my name to her?"
"I'll handle Mama," he said, "This baby, Cora. . .she's your baby. She will be the last. I won't risk losing you."
"What about the entail?" she said quietly. The baby stirred, as if in response.
"I won't put it ahead of your life," he said, "I love, you Cora. More than I ever thought I could love anyone."
"I love you too, Robert." she murmured. He beamed at her and leaned in to kiss her gently on the lips. Between them, the baby began to squirm, her little feet wiggling in her swaddling — and a spirited whimper escaped her. Pulling away, Robert looked down at his daughter, chuckling. "You were right, Cora. She's certainly of a different breed," he glanced up at her, somewhat knowingly, "I think she's going to be a bit of a rebel."