Here it is, Chapter Two! Long awaited and long overdue. I made it long in hopes to compensate a bit for how long you all had to wait. I hope you enjoy it, I know I enjoyed writing it. There is a bit of everything in the chapter as I know everyone reads for different relationships. Please review and let me know what you think and if you would read chapter three.
Alright, readers start your engines. -lovelyladylavender
Chapter Two
They walked no faster than the waves that rolled in. Slowly. Observing everything and breathing it all in. It was late February and while the weather was no longer hostile, there was still a nip to the air that called you to seek the comfort of a sweater. It was cloudy in an inviting way, a way that provided cover from the sun so their eyes could see the detail of the landscape but did not loom, threatening to pour at any given moment. The wind, which smelt solely of fresh salt, whistled by their ears intertwining with the call of the seagulls as they strolled along the seashore. As far as their eyes could see down the curved coastline, they were the beaches' only inhabitants. Nature surrounded them completely, dwarfing them in her majesty as the England cliffs towered parallel to the shore.
"Are you warm enough?" Cora inquired taking note of Edith's arms wrapped tightly around herself.
"Yes it feels rather nice if I'm being honest," Edith smiled warmly at her mother as the breeze pushed her curls in different directions. "With Marigold, I felt cold most of the time, oddly, but with this one-" she reached down gently cradling her stomach, "-I seem to feel overheated most of the time."
It was different this time around, Cora noted taking Edith in as she was. This time she was here...with her. Cora didn't get that the first time around. She didn't get to watch Edith experience pregnancy for the first time. She didn't get to fuss over her or share in the excitement of welcoming her grandchild into the world. Cora had missed everything. Every milestone, every struggle, and every joyous moment she should have been there for, she wasn't. It was something she couldn't change but something she could make right this time. This time Edith wasn't hiding the pregnancy and was safe to do so. This time Edith was where she was supposed to be, with her.
"Are you alright Mama?" Edith asked slowly coming to a stop as she noticed Cora's mind had drifted somewhere else.
"Hmm?' Cora hummed as she too stopped turning to face her daughter.
Smiling softly Edith tilted her head in questioning, "I asked if you were alright..."
"Oh yes darling, I'm quite alright," Cora replied reaching out, gently rubbing Edith's arm in assurance.
"Something was clearly on your mind, is it something I can help with?" Edith's brow furrowed.
"I was thinking about how glad I am that you are here...with me," Cora smiled changing the position of her hand to Edith's cheek giving her a warm smile.
Edith smiled in return linking their arms as they begin to once more walk alongside the coast. "Sometimes I still can't believe things have turned out this way. "If you would've told me 2 years ago this is where I would be in life I'm not sure I could've believed it. It still feels too good to be true."
"Well, it's time you start believing it. You deserve happiness Edith and as your mother, you don't know the peace it brings me to know you finally have it," Cora expanded as she soaked the moment in. "Now we better be getting back, the last thing we need is Bertie on our case.
Edith chuckled nodding in agreement, "how right you are. "
Almost two weeks had passed since Edith and Bertie had arrived at Downton and in the time they had been there, Cora had done her best to mitigate the interactions the two of them had. At least when she was present for them. While Cora understood Bertie's concerns, she also knew what the stress of Edith handling those concerns could do to her. She couldn't have asked for a better Son-in-Law, but she was a mother to Edith first, and understanding the fluctuating moods that were ever present for Edith, she tried to buffer Bertie's blows she was hoping to spare them both. As much as Bertie loved Edith, he had never been pregnant before and he wasn't Edith's mother either, with experience of having known her since the very moment she was born.
As they were all around the table for luncheon, Bertie was called out of the room for a telephone call leaving only Tom and the Crawley family members present in the room.
"Tom, would you mind accompanying me to the Longfield Farm today?" Mary questioned leaning back slightly in her chair.
"No, not at all," Tom answered, taking a bite of his food.
"Oh where would I be without you," Mary smiled grateful for his willingness.
"You give me too much credit," Tom shook his head. "And not enough to yourself."
"Quite right," Robert agreed with him. "But you both have been a vital part of restoring Downton to its former glory."
"I couldn't agree more," Cora added smiling at them both. "How nice it to know our beloved Downton is in such good hands."
Noticing Edith hadn't chimed in Mary turned to her, "I know it isn't quite as tedious are running an estate like Brancaster but still, it comes with quite a heavy load."
Looking up from her plate Edith gave her sister a nod of approval. "Oh please, Bertie does all the running of things, I simply manage him," she chuckled as did the others around the table. "Papa and Tom are right...you should be proud of everything you have accomplished."
Tom looking between the two sisters had a smile plastered on his face, "Was that a compliment from Lady Edith paid to Lady Mary? Why I never thought I would see the day. Since when did this newfound resolution begin?"
Mary turned glaring at him playfully, "I hope you refrain from digging yourself any deeper Tom."
"Yes do put down the shovel," Edith smirked at him joining in with her sister. Though they were all enjoying the normalcy of the banter they had all missed Edith and Mary shared a silent look with one another finally appreciating the peace that had grown between them.
Cora beamed noticing the unsaid look between her two daughters' sharing in the understanding that had formed in their relationship. As their mother, she couldn't ask for more than knowing that they both had someone in each other. By no means were they the best of friends but still a friendship had blossomed and that pleased her.
It was at this point in time Bertie made his entrance back into the dining room nodding to Thomas as he did so as he stood holding the door for him. He made his way back to his seat alongside Edith taking his place at the table once more. "I apologize for the interruption, some things can't be avoided I'm afraid," he spoke noticing all eyes were on him.
"No need," Robert smiled at him. "I can only imagine how much is required from you in managing a place like Brancaster."
"A great deal I'm afraid," Bertie nodded his lips tightening in an uncertain half-smile. "In fact, it seems I'm needed back at Brancaster as soon as possible," he turned to Edith desperately to convey through his looks how apologetic he felt. Edith had come to hopefully have one last peaceful family trip before the baby was born and they were thrown into all craziness a new baby would entail. Especially for her, but this was supposed to be a time for them to be together and with her family as well. her expression was unreadable as he met her gaze, "Could you possibly forgive me for leaving my darling? It will only be for a short while and then I will be back and we can travel home together..."
Edith now realizing all eyes had switched to her, snapped back into reality hoping to hide her feelings, and gave Bertie an understanding smile affirmed him with a gentle hand squeeze. "Of course I can my love, it was a fool's dream to think you'd be able to stay this long and not needed back," she stated using her free hand to cradle her stomach.
"Are you sure you will be alright?' Bertie asked for confirmation.
"Go," Edith spoke confidently this time. "I'll be fine...I promise."
"You are too good to me," he smiled leaning in to kiss her before he stood. "I'm going to catch the next train out of Yorkshire. I will be back as soon as a can."
Making the movements to stand as well Edith grabbed his hand for support as she stood. "I will walk with you," she stated wanting to accompany him until he left. "If you will excuse us," she turned to her family sitting at the table.
"Of course," Cora nodded in understanding knowing they would most likely want a private moment alone before he left. Smiling she farewelled him, "Safe travels Bertie."
Together the couple exited separating themselves from the group. As they walked hand in hand to the entrance doors of the estate a silence settled among them as he waited for his valet to load the rest of his things.
"You'll give Marigold my love for me?" Bertie asked as she turned to face his wife getting as close as he possibly could.
"Of course, I will," she smiled softly her head tilting slightly as she looked up at him. "Lucky for us though, you won't be away too long."
"Wild horses couldn't keep me away...not from my best girls," he beamed sweetly, reaching his hand up to caress her cheek. "I love you, Edith."
"I love you too," she all but not whispered as he leaned capturing her lips in a tender kiss. Reluctantly they parted slowly keeping their faces incredibly close to one another's. "Bertie?'
"What is it my darling?" he asked hearing the shift in her voice.
"Just-just promise me you'll be here when our child comes into this world I couldn't-" her voice broke as she looked down at her belly. "I couldn't bear the thought of doing this without you. Of doing this alone, not again."
"I'll be here my love, I promise," he fervently assured as he enveloped her in his arms. "I will be with you no matter what."
"Just make sure of it," she whispered as a lone tear made its way down her cheek. "Now go, before you miss your train."
She stood there silently as she watched his car disappear from the Downton Drive hoping to god that he came back quickly and more importantly that this baby stayed put until they had both made it home together.
Cora had noticed Edith still standing out there from the doorway after they had concluded luncheon and knew she needed to check on her having sensed Edith's hesitation in the dining room at Bertie's announcement. Walking up behind her she gently placed her hand on her daughter's back, "Are you alright?' she asked softly.
"Mama," Edith turned to face her slightly startled as she tried her best to wipe away the remnants of her tears. "Yes, I'm fine." Cora's silence spoke volumes as her features changed giving her that motherly look of 'I know you're not'. "I mean it," Edith tried to give her a small smile. "I'm alright, I just can't seem to control my emotions very well.
"He'll be back..." Cora stated as she gingerly stroked Edith's cheek with the pad of her thumb removing any traces left of wet tear stains.
"I know he will," Edith nodded but the way her voice wavered Cora knew there was more she wasn't saying but Cora had a feeling, this wasn't the time to push her.
"Are you sure you alright?" Cora asked once more just to be sure.
"I'm sure," she nodded. "I think I'd like to lay down for a while..."
"I will walk you up," Cora spoke pulling Edith into her side as they walked back inside.
It was the afternoon after Bertie had left and so far things had been uneventful but that was not the way things would stay for long. They were all in the library for teatime enjoying the slow afternoon as they waited for Nanny to bring the children down
Tom and Robert were standing discussing this and that as Mary sat on of the settee and Cora and Edith on the other. "Would you like more tea?" Cora asked Edith as she stood to refill her own cup.
"That would be lovely, thank you," Edith replied handing her mother her cup.
"Now I want to know once you settle in after the baby is born, how long till we can come to visit you?' Mary asked smiling at her sister. "I don't want my face to be thirtieth once my new niece or nephew sees. After all, they will be my godchild for I know you won't choose someone over me..."
"Now I feel extremely hurt I wasn't chosen for this role," Tom chimed in playing along.
"I haven't chosen anyone yet, Bertie and I haven't even discussed it yet and I'm afraid we aren't telling anybody till he or she is born," Edith declared looking between them both as she moved her hand in circles over her stomach.
"As that is your right," Cora added her opinion as she sat back down handing Edith the cup of tea and beginning to sip her own. "Now don't be a pester, both of you," she said with a smile on her face as she looked between Mary and Tom both. As silence fell the library door opened and in came running Sybbie and George as Mrs. Hughes carried little Caroline.
"Hello children," Robert beamed at his grandchildren.
"Hello, Donk," George and Sybil replied in unison.
"Mrs. Hughes, where's Nanny?" Cora asked confused.
"And Marigold?" Edith sat forward slightly, nervous about her child's absence.
Mrs. Hughes sat Caroline down with Mary and turned to face Edith and Cora and felt the room looking at her. "I'm afraid Miss Marigold is quite upset, Nanny is still upstairs with her as she is refusing to come down."
"Is she alright?" Edith's voice was laced with concern.
"I'm afraid she won't speak to anyone, Nanny asked if I would bring the children down and see if it would be possible for you to come and speak with her..." Mrs. Hughes informed.
"Of course!" Edith spoke as Mrs. Hughes took the tea cup from her hand. Scooting to the edge of the seat grunted trying to push herself up.
"Here let me help," Cora stood offering her hand.
"Thank you," Edith muttered as she placed her hand on the small of her back and headed for the door quickly or, at least as quickly as she could.
"Do you want me to come?" Cora asked uncertain of what was wrong.
"No it's alright," Edith turned around. "I'm sure it's nothing." At least she hoped it was nothing.
Edith moved up the stairs (more like waddled) using the banister for support. Her mind was racing. Rationally she knew nothing could be seriously wrong with her daughter but her heart was racing from the unknown and being pregnant it was quite hard to be rational. Especially when it came to her children. Marigold had always been an easygoing child. She was quiet, well-behaved and, hated when attention was drawn to her. Meltdowns were an unfrequent occurrence but as she opened the door to the children's room she found that today maybe they weren't.
Marigold was sitting on her bed holding the doll she had brought from home with tear tracks running down her face and Nanny was sitting next to the bed silently looking helpless as she watched the little girl.
"My Lady," she greeted as she stood from her chair and walked closer.
"What's happened?" Edith asked looking between her daughter and the older woman.
"I'm not sure my lady one minute she was fine playing with her cousins and the next thing she was sitting with the weight of the world on her shoulders. I tried to console her but I'm afraid it didn't help," she explained.
Walking forward she got closer to Marigold who looked up at her briefly before looking back down at her doll. Her eyes were red-rimmed and her hands were fidgeting with the doll's hair. She looked pitiful sitting there somehow she appeared more than she already was. She sighed as she took a seat beside her daughter trying to remember the last time she had looked this upset. "Marigold..." she spoke softly waiting for the girl to look at but she didn't. Using the back of her hand, she gently rubbed the side of her arm probing her with a calm voice. "My darling girl, what's the matter?" And for a second time, she received no acknowledgment. Tucking the girl's blonde silk curls behind her ears, she tried once more, desperately hoping she would get an answer this time. "Won't you speak to me, my love?"
This time, the girl shook her head reaching up to wipe her nose, still refusing to speak as she looked up at Nanny nervously. Edith realized the girl's hesitance and turned her attention toward the nanny. "Would you mind giving me a moment alone with her?" she asked hoping that in her absence Marigold would reveal what was wrong.
"Of course your ladyship," she answered leaving the room quickly.
Now it was just the two of them. Edith reached out, gently cupping the girl's chin and turning her face toward her. "My dearest Marigold please tell me what's troubling you..." she encouraged tenderly. Marigold looked at her, her big brown eyes filling once more with unshed tears and her chin began quivering as she pulled away. Once more her gaze fixed on her doll that sat in her lap. Edith watched as the tears fell, landing on the doll's clothing leaving two wet stains that marked it. "Oh, my little one..." Edith breathed heavily as she sucked air through her teeth. "Nothing could be quite so bad now, could it? Please talk to me." Edith all but begged with her last statement as she saw Marigold's shoulders begin to shake as her crying intensified. Edith felt helpless as she saw how scared her little girl looked.
Finally Marigold raised her head, choosing to look at Edith on her own accord. "Are you my real mummy?" she whispered so quietly Edith had barely caught it but caught it she did and the question stole the air right from her lungs, leaving her feeling breathless and shaken. Shaken to the core.
"What?" she asked looking at her daughter her eyes searching Marigold's features.
"Are-are you my mummy?' she asked once more she too searching Edith's face for the answers.
Edith slightly shook her head as she reached out grabbing hold of Marigold's hand. "Of course, I am your mother...whatever makes you ask such a thing?" Edith's brow furrowed.
Marigold turned meeting her orbs as her head tilted slightly, "so I'm not an orphan?"
Edith saw the genuine need for an answer written on Marigold's face. She was still young and her innocence still shone through in her behavior now. There wasn't anger behind her eyes or even accusation but more simply a desire to understand who she was but it pained Edith to see for the last thing she had wanted was for this to ever be a question in the girl's mind. Marigold was her daughter, and she hated that her baby didn't know that. She and Bertie had discussed having a conversation with her hoping to explain things to the little girl but here Marigold was having clearly made her own discoveries and was in a storm of uncertainty. "No my darling you're not...far from it," she spoke softly feeling tears stinging her eyes.
"Then-then why did gran call me that?" her voice cracked as she referred to Miranda, Bertie's mother.
"Gran? When did you hear her say that?" Edith inquired as she wiped one of the stray tears from Marigold's face.
"Before we left-" her chest heaved from crying making it harder for her to talk. "I w-went to show Daddy my drawing and him and Gran were-were fighting."
"Shh shh shh," Edith hushed as she pulled Marigold into her side. How dreadful this all was. She couldn't imagine why on earth her mother-in-law would've said something like that especially given how she had taken to Marigold. It didn't make sense. Whatever her reason was there was a price for such words and here was Marigold paying for it. "It's alright my love, it's alright. You are no orphan sweet girl, you are my daughter, and no matter what you heard Daddy and I love you so very very much."
"But Sybbie said an orphan was a-an orphan was somebody who didn't have a Mummy or Daddy-" she cried harder confused by the whole situation.
"Sybbie?" Edith pulled back her hand cupped behind the girl's head as she stared at her.
"I didn't know what that word meant-and so I asked Sybbie and she told me-" she tried to explain but Edith just pulled her back in.
"Oh, my darling..." Edith cooed feeling overwhelmed at seeing the heartbreak in her daughter's eyes. "You have a mummy and she is right here. You are my daughter Marigold and no matter what you hear anyone else say you are not an orphan. You have a mummy and daddy who love you very much," she assured fervently feeling as though her heart was breaking. She had never seen Marigold this upset and she never wanted to again. The toll it was taking on her was high and she knew she needed to do her best to stay calm for Marigold and for herself. She could feel the baby moving constantly sensing she was upset.
"Is daddy my daddy in the way that Uncle Tom is Sybbie's daddy?" Marigold asked softly underneath her sniffling.
Oh, how smart this girl was Edith thought. "Not quite...You see it is all rather hard to explain my love," Edith paused trying to understand how to go about this. "You know how Sybbie's mummy isn't around but Sybbie calls Aunt Lucy mummy?" Receiving a nod Edith continued. "You see Sybbie's mummy, her real mummy, my sister Sybil, she went to heaven when Sybbie was very little, and so did your father. You see... but just like Uncle Tom was quite lucky and found Aunt Lucy who he married and she became Sybbie's new mummy, I found your daddy. Bertie. I married him and so he became your new daddy. So even though he isn't your daddy in the way that Uncle Tom is Sybbie's daddy, he loves you like he is. He loves you with his whole heart and nothing could change that. You are his little girl just as you are mine," she finished praying to god Marigold would understand.
"So my first daddy went to heaven like Sybbie's first mummy?" the girl questioned slowly pulling out of Edith's embrace.
"Yes," Edith replied playing with Marigold's curls as she could tell her breathing was leveling out. "His name was Michael...and if he was still here he would love just as much as I do but I think he sent Bertie to make sure you knew a daddy was still looking out for you. You are so very special poppet and mummy and daddy are lucky to call you our daughter..." Feeling Marigold's breathing had leveled out and her tears were starting to dry she rubbed soothing circles on her back hoping they had made it through the emotional moment. "Marigold?"
"Yes, mummy?" Marigold looked up at her.
"Do you understand everything I have just said to you?" Edith asked as she gently stroked the girl's cheek.
"I think so..." she replied her features returning to their once carefree appearance even though her coloring was still quite rosy, especially against her fair complexion.
"If you ever feel upset like this or don't understand something you can always come talk to me my love or daddy and we will do our very best to help you ok?" Edith spoke looking deeply into Marigold's eyes wanting to see some confirmation that maybe there was still trust between them.
"Ok mummy," Marigold answered with a small smile and leaned upwards wrapping her little arms around Edith's neck.
"I love you so very much my darling," Edith exhaled a breath of relief as she too wrapped her arms around Marigold's waist holding her as close as she possibly could.
"I love you too mummy," she said gently patting Edith's shoulder. "Can I go play with George and Sybbie now?"
Edith chuckled relieved to see the girl's mind was back to her normal thoughts. "Of course, you can!" she nodded as she helped the little girl stand up. "I'm sure they will be happy to see you."
"Are you coming too?" Marigold looked at her.
"Why don't you run along with Nanny and I will come to find you shortly. Ok?" Edith instructed with a smile to assure Marigold.
"Ok, mummy!" Marigold confirmed as she opened the door and took Nanny's hand who had been waiting outside the door.
"Do you need assistance my lady?" the elder woman asked seeing Edith was still sitting on the rather low bed.
"No I will be fine, Miss Marigold is quite anxious to get to her cousins if you don't mind?" Edith explained as she pushed herself off the bed holding a hand under her stomach.
"Of course my lady," she nodded in response and began walking Marigold down the stairs. "Come on Miss Marigold!"
Once the two were out of ear shot Edith let out a shaky breath feeling the weight of the moment that just passed. She felt her heart racing and her own breathing had now become unsteady as she left the nursery. "It's okay," she whispered as she rubbed circles feeling her baby kicking around unhappy with it's mother state. "We're alright." The statement was more said for herself than her baby she didn't feel it had been very convincing. She felt as if she was standing on unstable rocks everything felt uncertain. A part of her had always known that the day would come when Marigold begin questioning things but she had foolishly thought she had more time before that day came and now that it was here...well she was questioning herself. Had she said the right things? Had she scarred Marigold's childhood by trying explains things too soon? Or had she waited too long? This wasn't how she had wanted things to go. First off, Bertie should've been have been there. He should be here she thought. None of this was right. She shook these thoughts from her head or at least she tried remembering she had told Marigold she would be down shortly. Taking an unsure step forward she headed back down the stairs to the library.
"There you are you," Cora smiled as Edith walked back into the room. "I see Marigold is feeling better." Cora's smile faded though as moved her sight from Marigold playing to Edith's eyes that were filled with worry. "What is it dear?" Cora asked extending her hand to Edith's arm stopping her from walking further into the room.
Edith looked startled at Cora's touch almost like she hadn't noticed her before, "Oh," Edith looked away nervously realizing she had been unable to keep herself in reality. "Everything's fine Mama." She lied and Cora could tell.
"Is something wrong? Is it Marigold?" Cora asked quietly not believing her as she could see how tense Edith was.
Edith shook her head knowing she couldn't talk about it, not now. Not with Marigold present. She wasn't going to fall apart. "No, she's alright, we both are," Edith gave Cora a half smile. It was at this moment before Cora could further question things, little Marigold spotted her mother and came running over with a paper airplane.
"Look mummy!" she spoke excitedly tugging on Edith's dress. "Donk helped me make it!"
"It's wonderful darling!" Edith tried to join her in her enthusiasm, feeling relieved she had gotten away from her mother's questions as well. "Why don't you go make another one for me hmm?" Marigold ran off with a new mission.
"Edith-" Cora begin in a tone that said 'I know you aren't being honest with me' but Edith cut her off.
"Mama please," Edith held her hand up her eyes glistening as she tried desperately to keep her tears at bay. "I can't talk about it. Not right now at least or I'm afraid I will come quite undone and I can't do that. Not in front of Marigold."
"Alright," Cora nodded knowing Edith was right to some extent. Edith wanted to protect her daughter and she understood that but Edith was also her daughter she was worried for her. She didn't know what had transpired between her daughter and her granddaughter but she knew whatever it was had clearly taken a toll on Edith and now she felt the need to protect her just as Edith wanted to protect Marigold. "Just promise me you are alright?"
"I promise," Edith answered even though she wasn't. She was far from it. "I think I just need to sit down for a while."
The evening had passed and so had dinner and Cora was beyond worried about her daughter. Even though she had said she was fine everyone had been able to see during the remainder of tea that she was shaken and had taken to her room after saying she needed to lay down but had failed to come down to join them for dinner. Carson alerted them that she was having dinner in her room and it had taken everything in Cora to not leave the table then and there to go check on her. She had anxiously sat through dinner and drinks waiting for her moment for her to excuse herself claiming she was going to have an early night when in all reality she headed straight for Edith's room.
Knocking on the door before she opened it, she entered peaking her head in. "Edith?" she called softly seeing Edith was in bed reading
"Mama," Edith said surprised as she sat forward placing her book down and making the move to stand up but Cora held up a hand to stop her.
"Don't get up on my account," she smiled warmly as she made her way to the bedside. "May I sit?"
"Please," Edith stated politely gesturing for her mother to take a seat.
Cora sat on the edge of the bed next to Edith taking her in for a moment. Her curls were loose framing her face in the dim light of the lamp that sat on the nightstand and Cora could see the tiredness in the lines of her face. "I wanted to check on you since you didn't come down for dinner..."
"Oh," Edith muttered her gaze averting from Cora's momentarily. "I apologize for not saying something earlier I just did not feel up to it, the baby has been quite unrestful."
"Edith..." Cora sighed hating how on edge she seemed. She extended her hand placing it atop Edith's that was laid loosely on her belly. "My dear please don't apologize, I'm worried about you-are you alright?" Cora noticed Edith grimacing as she repositioned.
"Yes, I just can't seem to get comfortable and he doesn't seem to want to settle," she looked down as she referred to the baby.
"I think that might be because you are unsettled," Cora stated taking a chance hoping Edith would talk to her. "You were quite upset earlier. I hope you won't keep me in the dark as to why for too much longer..." She laughed slightly hoping Edith wouldn't hear her concern and feel like she was pushing but it didn't seem to work. Edith's features darkened as she remembered what had taken place and she swallowed nervously feeling her eyes immediately sting with tears. "Oh Edith," Cora spoke softly seeing Edith's reaction. Edith just shook her head and placed her hand over her mouth trying to stop the sob that wanted to escape. "My dearest one, come here." She moved sitting next to her now as she pulled her into her side.
"Oh mama," she whimpered turning into Cora's chest for comfort.
"Shh shh shh," Cora cooed as she ran her fingers through Edith's curls. "It's okay, it alright."
"Nothing is alright!" Edith pulled away agitated by the statement.
"Edith-" Cora started but was interrupted.
"No!" she snapped. "You have no idea what it was like mama!"
"You are right," Cora spoke calmly. Edith turned looking at her surprised. "I don't because you haven't told me what happened."
Edith looked away but not before Cora saw a flash of guilt in her eyes. "I'm sorry," she said quietly her voice cracking. "I can't seem to do anything right!"
And just as quick as the anger had appeared it disappeared and Cora could see the turmoil Edith was in. "Edith..." she breathed her name as she pushed her curls behind her ear so she could see her profile. "Talk to me, please." There was a moment of silence before Edith spoke.
"She asked me I was her real mother..." Edith said in a hoarse whisper as a tear rolled down her cheek.
"What?" Cora asked taken aback.
"She asked me if I was her real mother," Edith stated once more turning her head to face her mother. "She thought she was an orphan..." She let the gravity of what she said hang in the air. Cora sat there speechless as she now understood why Edith was so shaken. All but not knocked off her feet herself she broke for Edith now knowing what she had faced earlier today. "I had never seen her so upset Mama and it was all my fault."
This made Cora move into action and reached out taking Edith's hand firmly in her own. "Edith I'm sure that is not true, we both knew a day would come when Marigold would look for answers," she stated fervently.
"Yes but maybe if I told her the truth, assured her of who she was she wouldn't have heard it from someone else and been left wandering, I could've spared her Mama, and I-I-" Edith stopped as she began crying once more.
"What do you mean she heard it from someone else?" Cora asked her brow furrowing.
"Mirada," Edith choked out. "She overheard Mirada and for some unknown, god-forsaken reason she referred to her as an orphan! For heaven sake's mama, she is so young she didn't even have knowledge of what the word meant! She asked Sybbie! She didn't come to me! She didn't trust me. She probably thought I would lie about it and with every right to think so I lied about everything else!"
Cora was nervous seeing how worked up Edith had become, it couldn't possibly be good for her or the baby. Especially this close to delivery. "Edith take a deep breath, this isn't going to solve anything..." she tried to calm her but Edith just shook her head. "You didn't lie about anything."
"But I did!" Edith sobbed. "I didn't tell her the truth about who she was, at least not soon enough."
"That wasn't lying my love," Cora shook her head. "That was protecting her. She was too young, is too young. If she hadn't heard it from Mirada you would've told her when the time was right. When she was old enough to understand it all."
"This wasn't how it was supposed to go Mama," Edith put her head in her hands. "She's my daughter and I failed her."
"Edith you are being too hard on yourself, you didn't mean for this to happen," Cora desperately tried her best to get Edith to see reason.
Edith shook her head pushing herself to the edge of bed. "Whether or not I meant for this to happen, it still happened and Marigold was the one who suffered for it," she struggled trying to stand up.
"Edith please calm down," Cora stood as well trying to help her. "This isn't good for the baby."
"And Bertie!" Edith waved her hand anger flashing across her face. "He should've been there. He should be here! Of all the times to leave me, he chooses now. He left me all alone and according to Marigold, Mirada said those things about her to him! Why didn't he tell me or speak up for her?"
"Edith I think that's a bit unfair," Cora spoke as she stood in front of the bed as Edith paced with a hand on her lower back for support. "You don't know he didn't speak up for Marigold and you know he wouldn't have left unless he had to. He loves you and I know he loves Marigold. I have seen the way he looks at her...at you both."
Edith stopped pacing, rubbing her forehead. "I know I-I just," her voice cracked. "He was supposed to be there when we explained things to her. I needed him and he wasn't there."
"Oh poppet," Cora breathed as Edith looked at her helplessly. She opened her arms, "Come here."
Edith's chin quivered and fresh tears pooled in her eyes at Cora's words. She moved forward her own arms opening up as she fell into Cora's arms. "I was all alone mama and so was she," she referred to Marigold.
'No she wasn't," Cora whispered gently stroking Edith's hair. "She had you...and by the looks of things you did a wonderful job assuring her even without Bertie."
"How do you know?" Edith asked quietly as she sniffled.
"Because I saw the way she looked at you when she saw you after you came back," Cora said remembering the scene from earlier when Marigold had come running up to Edith with the paper airplane. "She had full trust in you my darling as you should have in her. You both have been through so much and that builds a bond that is hard to break. You are her mother and I believe she knows how much you love her. How much you both love her."
"Do you really?" Edith asked still holding tightly to Cora.
"I do," Cora answered with confidence in her voice. "And you should too." After a moment Cora felt Edith nod against her chest and sighed in relief hoping she had convinced her. "She is strong Edith just like you. You both are going to get through this. Together."
"Ok," Edith murmured her voice sounding so small and weak.
Pulling back slightly Cora lifted Edith's chin to meet her eyes, "and now you need to rest my love. You and baby both." Cora wiped her tears away as she smiled at her assuring her everything was alright. "It's been a long day. You need to think about the baby and try to take it easy, this is too much strain on your body being working up like this." Edith nodded knowing it was true. She felt drained and fatigued and everything hurt. Her body felt as if weighed a ton. Cora could see it too. The discomfort was etched into her features. "Come to bed my darling," she said as she pulled Edith into her side and led her back over to the side of the bed.
Edith accepted her help and sat with a grunt as her feet were no longer supporting her weight. "You were right," she muttered looking up at her mother. "I do feel rather terrible."
"I'm not surprised," Cora stated calmly but on the inside she was extremely worried about the repercussions of all of this. "Get some rest," Cora spoke as she helped Edith lay down and pulled the covers up over her.
"Mama?" Edith called as she gazed up at her.
"Yes?" Cora whispered meeting Edith's eyes with great love shining through them.
"Will you stay with me? Until I fall asleep?" she requested sheepishly.
"Of course I will baby," Cora answered crawling in bed next to her and pulling her close. Leaning down she kissed her head softly, "Now sleep, my love. I'm here."
And that completes chapter two, my friends. I hope you liked it as much as I did. Let me know in the comments if you'd like to see chapter three ;)
-lovelyladylavender
