Chapter 3
So here we go… please rewview! I kinda wrote this after the stories my grandmother told me about my grandfather's departure to WWII. Hope you like it.
Shortly before his departure, Robert took Carson aside. „Mr. Carson I hope I can rely on you watching for my daughters and my wife. You know all oft hem and if anything serious happens please do not hestitate to write to me.", Robert lay a hand on Carson's shoulder, which surprised the butler very much.
Then Robert went tot he hall where all the rest oft he staff had formed a guard of honor. It reminded him a bit of spectators making place for the convict to be executed but of course he knew it was not meant that way. At the end, right at the opened front door his family was waiting. Cora was dressed as he had thought she would see him off at the station. His daughters would wave their good byes here at the house. When he passed the servants and looked into the eyes of some them they nodded slightly .
Then it was time. His girls tried hard not to cry but he could see tears in their eyes. Cora stepped aside knowing wellt hat her time to say good bye would come soon enough. Again nobody said a word and again all three girls fell around his neck at once. He had trouble to keep his balance. He hugged them back tightly not caring about the servants seing all this. He perfectly knew that it could be the very last time he saw his daughters. Then he broke o fand kissed each of his daughters on the forehead before turnig around to Cora who smiled at him. However it was a sad smile. Then they linked arms and went to the car. He helped her in and turned around one last time tot he house, the servants and his beautiful daughters, trying to inhale every detail.
Branson who was driving the car looked into the back mirror from time to time and realized his Lord and Ladyship holding hands. Normally they would never do this in public but htis was not a normal situation. He knew that they would have to say goodbye shortly and both oft hem seem to know that this could be the last time they saw each other.
Then they arrived at the station and Branson opened the door. Her Ladyship out first but she nearly fell as her knees gave in. Branson caught her and said: „you allright?"
At the same moment his Lordship hurried around the car: „Cora, are you sure you want to do this?"
„Yes Robert I am allright, I just stumbled.", then she went on very stiffly as if she had to concetrate on her steps.
„Branson after I have left take her to my mother no mather what she says. I know they do not get on too well, but I have the feeling that they could comfort each other in this situation.!
„Very well sir.", Branson said. „Ah and sir it would be my pleasure to come for you tot he station at your next leave." Rbert smiled at him knowing what the chauffeur meant with thease wird's. Then he turned around and hurried to his wife who was waiting in some distance.
The train was already there but the train staff was giving soldiers some minutes to say goodbye to their families.
Robert took Cora's hands and kissed them. Then they looked in each others eyes knowing each other so wellt hat no words were necessary. Then Cora tried anyway: „Robert….I….you…", but she could not create any sentence. „shhhh honey I know." Then he hugged her first and kissed her on her lips afterwards. He did not care that half the village could see them. He did not care about the gossip. He was simply asoldier now who kissed his wife goodbye. From her reaction she did not care either. She hugged him back and returned the kiss, clinging to him not letting him go. He smelled at her hair her skin, trying to inhale the scent of her parfume as i fit would help him remembering her. Though he knew htat he could never forget her face. Then he cut off the embrace and borded the train. She gave him her handkerchief. Then the train took off. He looked out oft he window back tot he station as long as he could see his wifes's figure, that got smaller and smaller, till it was gone.