Prompt: Edith wants to come home at the end of her second pregnancy
Set between movie one and two.
I have the marchioness of Hexam on the telephone for you my Ladyship," Carson announced, entering the room.
"Thank you Carson," Cora smiled in gratitude as she stood from her seat at the table.
"I wonder what she wants," Mary's brow furrowed in curiosity.
"Give her my love," Robert instructed as he wiped the corner's of his mouth.
"I will, Cora turned giving him a flash of her smile.
Cora gone from the room Robert begin inquiring about what was on Mary's docket for the day, "will you still be going to check on the new tenants progress rebuilding the barn?"
"Yes the aftermath of the fire really put a halt on the productivity coming from the field. I also have to go into York and discuss the dates of the meeting for the estates revenue," Mary detailed her plan for the day.
"Better you than me," Robert raised his eyebrows in knowing. "I certainly don't envy you."
"Have faith Papa, it's not all that bad. I have a feeling we shall start to see great progress," Mary replied taking a sip of her tea.
Robert nodded and gave her a look of approval, "with you behind the wheel I'm sure of it."
The door opened giving way to Cora who wore a surprised facial expression. "Apparently her and Bertie are coming to stay, they will be on tomorrow's afternoon train," she informed taking her seat at the table.
"In her condition?" Mary gawked momentarily. "How long are they staying?"
"She didn't say, " Cora tilted her head in uncertainty, "but something tells me she needs a break from the people and responsibilities at Brancaster. Poor dear. Im afraid Bertie is driving her rather mad in his concerned state" Cora giggled.
"First time fathers," Robert chuckled.
"From what I can gather it's Bertie's mother who is the real problem, I'm still not sure what I make of Mirada," Mary chimed in. "While she and Edith have made peace I sense they have no strong love for one another."
"Whatever is bringing them, I'm glad," Robert added. "Are they bringing Marigold?"
"Knowing Edith, she'll worry to much if they leave her at home," Cora offered her thoughts.
"She's braver than I," Mary begin. "I learned my lesson with George. I had never regretted a decision more than when I chose to go the highlands."
"I'll be happy to see my granddaughter and I'm sure Sybbie and George will be thrilled to see their cousin," Robert added placing his napkin down on the table.
"I just hope she doesn't regret it," Mary smirked
"She still has a month," Cora stated slashed prayed there was still time.
"The second always comes sooner than the first," Mary alleged her doubtful thoughts.
"And this is my cue to leave you ladies to it," Robert kissed Cora on the cheek. "I'm taking Teo for a walk."
"Alright darling," Cora acknowledged him leaving but found herself unable to think about anything other than the that fact this Edith's second child and not her first. Her gaze shifted to her eldest, worry creeping into her features. "I'm just desperate for things to go right for her this time. The last thing she needs is this going differently than she has planned. Not to mention Bertie, lord only knows how he would react."
"You can't plan when you are going to give birth,"Mary tilted her head down stating the obvious.
"Yes but you can't tell her that," Cora said sarcastically.
"She should know this, she has had a child after all," Mary voiced stating the obvious.
Cora's face darkened at the statement and her gaze fell to her hands which sat gingerly on her lap. "Yes she has, hasn't she?" the corners of her mouth twinged upwards in a saddened smiled.
Mary looked away briefly realizing her mistake and the sore subject she had touched. "I'm sorry Mama, that was rather insensitive of me to say."
"Mary, you said nothing wrong I just-" Cora's voice broke and her eyes watered. "Wishing for things to be different than they are will not make them so. I just can't help but wonder how things would be now had I been made apart of things the first time around."
Mary let the silence linger, unsure of what to say or if she should say anything at all. "How right you are Mama," she formalized. "We must look on the bright side. She is here this time."
Cora's eyes welled with unshed tears as she managed a small nod in response. Pushing her seat back, she cleared her throat, "if you'll excuse me, I have a few things to attend too." She didn't leave room for anything else to be said and exited swiftly making her way to the stairs.
Flash back
Edith had arrived at Downton a few days prior to the arrival of King George and Queen Mary. While she hadn't wanted to admit it, she had not been feeling herself for the last few weeks and while she wanted to deny what she was feelings, she had felt them before. She knew all too well the symptoms and what caused them. Unlike the last time she was pregnant, there was someone she wanted to tell.
"Mama," Edith knocked peeking her head into her mother's library.
"Hello darling," Cora turned from her from her study giving Edith a welcoming smile.
"I'm not pestering you, am I?" Edith asked, hesitantly walking closer to her mother.
"Not at all," Cora rested her arms on the back of the chair, focusing her attention on her daughter. "I'm happy you interrupted, I've been trying to catch a moment alone with you since you got here."
"Oh?" she offered up a small smile as she swallowed nervously and took a seat on the stool next her mother's desk.
"Has Marigold settled in alright?" Cora asked scanning Edith over, reading her body language. "I know she hasn't been away from here that long but still change can be difficult when you are that age."
"Wonderfully, she quite enjoys being with other children her age," Edith took a breath relaxing slightly talking about Marigold. "As much as she adores Bertie and I, we adults after all, are not quite as much fun as her cousins."
"And you? Cora reached out brushing Edith's cheek bone softly. "How are you settling in?"
Edith hiccuped momentarily as if she wanted to say something and stopped herself. Deferring she chuckled softly and shifted her gaze out the window. "Well to my advantage I have lived most of my life here. Not much settling in for me, especially since you put us in my old room. Which thank for you that, I'm sure Mrs. Hughes asked you where to put us. It would have been rather odd to stay in this house but not in my room..." her words fell out much too quickly.
Cora looked at her only smiling at first as she took note of Edith's rambled answer, "I always have Mrs. Hughe keep it open and ready for you, you might not live here anymore but this will always be your home," Cora laid her hand atop Edith's.
"Thank you mama," Edith said sincerely as she laid her hand over her mother's now. "How thoughtful of you..." her voice wavered as she struggled to keep her eye contact.
"It only made sense," Cora's features softened "but I meant, how are you settling in to your new life... how are things with Bertie?"
Feeling her chin begin to quiver Edith averted her gaze and cupped her hand over her mouth, fearing what was trying to escape. "I'm sorry mama," Edith spoke emotionally as she gently rested a hand over her stomach hoping to calm herself. "I'm afraid my emotions have been a bit all over the place. Brancastor has been harder than I anticipated."
The older woman paused watching carefully. Cora noticed Edith's hand resting protectively over her stomach and her motherly instinct tugged at her in knowing. "I remember when I first left home to come here. Change is change and it was hard. And your granny certainly didn't make things any easier," Cora spoke recalling the early days of her marriage. "Especially when I was pregnant..." she left it linger in hopes she had guessed it. She held Edith's eye contact waiting for her response.
Edith could feel her eyes swelling with tears and a painful lump building in her throat threatening to come out. "Is it that obvious?" Edith barely breathed.
"Am I right?" Cora asked pushing herself closer to Edith. She wanted to hear her say it.
"The last time I wanted to speak these words to you-" Edith shook her head. "-I couldn't. I was too afraid to."
"This does seem rather familiar doesn't it?" Cora asked understanding why she had the since she had experienced this before. "That's what you were trying to tell me that day...was it not?"
Edith nodded slightly as she tried to take a deep breath. "I came to you not long after Michael's disappearance, in this very room. If I'm honest with myself I had hopes that you would've guessed it that day. Talked me out of what I was doing but I-I couldn't bring myself too. Oh Mama, I was so foolish to not tell you back then," she choked trying to wipe her tears away.
"Shh shh shh," Cora soothed taking over the job of wiping away her tears. "You are telling me now...that's all that matters. Have you told Bertie?"
Edith's light complexion paled even further at her words and the entirety of her body rose as she inhaled deeply. "No," she answered her voice barley above a whisper. "I haven't told anyone; I haven't even been able to bring myself to utter the words."
"Oh Edith," Cora exhaled heavily seeing Edith clearly struggling. Pulling Edith into her arms she kissed her head softly, "and how do you feel about this?" Why she herself felt immense joy over being the first to know and the idea of having another grandchildld around, she was empathetic with her daughter's mixed emotions.
"I'm terrified," Edith admitted. "Do not get me wrong. A part of me is thrilled at the prospect of carrying the chid of the man I love. Overjoyed actually... but a part of me also can't help but remember the way that things were with Marigold. It was so very hard mama and while I do my best to not let those memories cloud things now, it's not easy. I was so terribly, terribly alone," she sniffled as she extricated herself from her mother's arms. "Now I know I'm married to a wonderful man who would never leave me and it is something I don't have to hide this time-" she leaned into her mother's hand "but I can't seem to shake the feeling that I will be alone when it truly comes down to it. Just like the first time."
"Edith my love," the raven haired woman whispered softly. "It's only natural to have mixed feelings. I won't tell you, your fears aren't valid because after all you endured they very much are..." she voiced fervently "but if there is one thing I can assure it is that you will not be alone. I can't change that I wasn't there with you the first time, no matter how badly I wish I could but I can promise I'll be by you every step of the way this time."
End Of Flashback
"Edith she means well!" Bertie exclaimed giving a huff of confusion as he didn't quite understand why Edith was so upset with him and his mother. He had heard of the trials of pregnancy and how they can affect one's mood but hadn't truly grasped what they were like till now. One minute Edith sweet on him like she never was before and the next, furious with him. So irritated with him she wouldn't even stay in the same room as he was.
"I don't care if she means well, she is driving me mad!" Edith's head whipped around to face him as she blindly stuffed her clothes in the bag her emotions feeling much bigger than she could control. "In fact you are both driving me mad!"
"Darling in your condition though, you really shouldn't-"
"In my condition?" Edith stopped him her tone lowering in a way that made Bertie visibly gulp.
"I've done it this time, haven't I?"
"I'm pregnant Bertie, I'm not glass I would prefer if you stopped treating me as such!" she stepped closer to him her eyes pleading him to understand.
"But you get worked up like this and I can't help but worry. I can't possibly believe it's good for either one of you," he spoke gesturing to her stomach.
Edith's jaw clenched in frustration as she backed away from him; his words aggravating her further. "Because you say things like that! The constant hovering, it's more than I can take Bertie!" sighing she pinched the bridge of her nose wishing they weren't fighting. "I'm sorry I shouldn't bark at you so...I just wish you wouldn't treat me like your mother's china, cracking and falling apart."
Sighing heavily Bertie nodded knowing Edith's on a heightened state of alert and emotions were unpredictable, he just knew he didn't want to be fighting either. "Fine. We can will go but only on the condition that if we do go, you must promise me to be honest with if you think something is wrong. And don't do more than you should."
Edith rolled her eyes playfully, pretending to still be annoyed still, which she was but it was hard to be upset when she could see how much he loved her. It was always there like a line running out to her. Under all the worry that infuriated her, was a man who loved her very much. She stared at him trying to hide the smirk she felt tugging at her lips. "If you promise to try not to worry. Actually enjoy yourself instead of fretting over me. You really shouldn't worry about me."
"How on earth could I not worry?" Bertie looked up at her as he sat on the bed.
"I simply mean I could do with less fussing over. I'm not the first woman to be in this condition you know?" Edith smiled warmly as she stretched out her hand lightly stroking the side of his face.
Bertie gave it a moment of thought and after reflection he looked at her, understanding shining through his gaze. "My god I've been acting preposterous haven't I?" he paused placing his hand over her's. "My dear it is only that I love you so...do you despise me?" Bertie brought her other hand up kissing the inside of her palm.
"Something I can't very well hate you for, now can I?" Edith probed lightly as she leaned in slowly, placing a kiss to his lips.
The following day came and Edith and Bertie arrived on the afternoon train. It was a sunny day and the weather was accommodating in the sense you were neither hot nor needed a coat. The family stood out front as the couple came down the Downton lane, their car kicking up the dust as it moved along. Finally it came to a halt and Andy and Mosley begin pulling their luggage of the back.
Cora stepped forward greeting Bertie as he emerged from the motor car first. She couldn't help but notice a shadow of distain lingering behind Edith's pregnant glow as she leaned forward excepting Bertie's hand as she stepped out.
"Careful dear," Bertie guided her down and out in concern.
"Aren't I always careful?" Edith spoke perturbed as she let go of Bertie's hand.
Cora read between the lines. The scene before her spoke a thousand words. She sympathized with her daughter remembering what Robert was like while she was pregnant with their girls. "Oh Edith, my sweet girl, you must be aching for a chance to freshen up," Cora gave her a knowing look.
"Thank you mama," Edith exhaled as her mother stepped closer linking their arms. "I am."
"You must come with me and I will see to everything," Cora smiled as she turned to walk in.
"I could come along in case I'm needed," Bertie spoke up.
"Darling I'm fine, really," Edith insisted as she leaned away from her mother to give Bertie a quick peck on the cheek.
"You would only be bored to death anyways." Cora teased. "I promise to bring her back." Bertie took the hint and complied giving Edith a kiss back.
/
Cora closed the door behind them both and walked over to her side of the bed getting a pillow. Silently, she watched Edith, taking her in. The last time she had seen her, while you could tell she was pregnant, you couldn't truly see the extent of her bump having still been able to wear her girdle, but that had since changed. Her belly had popped and she was carrying much lower. Cora could tell the baby had grown and begun it's decent down for the final stage of the pregnancy. Edith's hands were resting on her back trying to support herself, most likely to bring relief to the constant ache that gripped one at this point of things. She could remember it vividly. The weight that felt it was breaking your spine and splitting you apart. "No long to go now hmm..." Cora stated aloud feeling sympathy for Edith as she watched her struggle to find comfort. Edith had hid it from Bertie upon their arrival but as her mother Cora could see the discomfort etched into her features.
"The way I feel now makes a month feel much to long," Edith sighed heavily as she moved one hand from her lower back to the front, resting it on her stomach.
"The trip here didn't help I'm sure," Cora moved closer motioning for Edith to take a seat.
"You can't say anything to Bertie, he'll never let me hear the end of it," Edith informed as she looked at her almost pleading Cora to not give her away, feeling it would be impossible to handle the fuss that would ensue. "But the train rather did shake me up..."
Cora put her hand out offering her help silently so Edith didn't feel incapable. "He only means well darling," she smiled as Edith accepted her hand and took a labored seat.
"You are not to supposed to take his side," Edith gave her a playful look of disapproval as she tried to get into a somewhat comfortable position.
"You know that's not what I meant," Cora gently swatted the air in front of her denying Edith's accusation. "I just mean first time fathers and pregnant woman, not the best pairing I'm afraid."
"Not the best pairing?" Edith quoted back with the twinge of a smile pulling at the corners of her mouth. "Try fire and fuel, a lethal pairing more like."
"Perhaps you're right," Cora chuckled knowing her daughters depiction wasn't far from the truth. Narrowing her gaze now paying close attention as Edith grimaced looking slightly downwards to her belly. "How are you really?" Cora asked laying her hand over the blondes'.
Edith's gaze moved up, meeting her mother's as she gently moved her free hand in rhythmic circles on her stomach, "I'm alright," she answered but Cora immediately gave her a questioning look that said 'that can't be all'. "I'm not fibbing! I promise...but I will say I'm older this time and this baby moves a lot more than I remember Marigold moving. He moves constantly," Edith smiled warmly looking down as she could currently feel the little feet kicking her rib cage. Cora beamed at her catching the statement. "What?" Edith asked seeing the look her mother was giving her her.
"You said he..." the older woman informed.
"Oh," Edith blushed unable to keep eye contact. "I know I won't know, I can't know but I just have-"
"A feeling?" Cora chanced finishing the sentence. Edith nodded in agreement her eyes filled with excitement.
"Strangely enough I had a dream, Bertie was playing with a little boy...but he had my hair, only slightly darker," she began. "When I woke I felt quite certain that my intuition wasn't wrong."
"I could feel it with each of you girls, a knowing, like I could see you and feel you long before you were here," Cora affirmed gently placing a hand on the side of Edith's face, tenderly stroking her cheek with the pad of her thumb. She reflected back looking at her daughter who was fully grown, a mother herself now. Many years ago Edith had been small. As small as Marigold. She was child who was quiet but oh so observant. Cora recalled just how observant she was. There was a time before Sybil, when she had thought she was pregnant but to her disappointment she wasn't and the realization took its toll. She wept and wept that day, staying in the dark of her room unable to find the strength to move or do anything really. She was devastated by the loss and worried that maybe she was unable to conceive again. After all it had been sometime since Edith's arrival. She was alone most that day. Mary was too taken with her latest addition of dolls to notice Cora's absence but Edith...Edith most certainly did.
"Mama?" The toddler called from door peering nervously into the dark room.
"Edith?" Cora sniffled confused as she turned to seeing the little girl standing in the doorway illuminated by the light from the hall. "Are you alright my darling? Where's nanny?"
"She said you weren't feeling well," the young Edith spoke troubled as she inched closer to the bed her chin quivering slightly.
Cora could hear the concern in her daughters voice and so she gently patted the space next to her beckoning her closer. Cora reached out a hand helping the little girl up as she struggled pulling the sheets for leverage. "Mommy's not sick my dearest," she smiled sadly pushing the girls unruly curls from her face.
"Then why did nanny say that," she asked confused still innocent enough to be able to grasp was what really going. "I wanted to see you but she told us we weren't allowed to." Reaching up, she fidgeted with the white ribbon that was holding back a section of her curls, causing the hair to loosen further.
Cora saw the frown and the confusion painted on Edith's face and she clicked her tongue not knowing exactly what to say. She could feel the tears building in her eyes and she knew there was no way to avoid telling Edith the truth. "The truth is poppet, is that I'm feeling rather sad today," she sniffled wiping her nose with her handkerchief.
Edith looked at her inquisitively, and Cora could see the wheels turning in her head as she carefully calculated what her mother had just said. After a minute Edith roused herself from her thoughts and looked at Cora, "I feel sad sometimes too mummy...especially when you and daddy leave. I don't like when you-when you aren't here." Without balance or formalities, Edith scooted forward on her knees wrapping her little arms around Cora's neck embracing her tightly as she patted her shoulder like Cora had done for her many times. "It's okay mummy."
The last phrase had been whispered ever so quietly in her ear she barely caught it. Returning the embrace, Cora's heart as mother stood still as she felt Edith's hand gently pat her in hopes to bring comfort. She was in awe of the child. Not only had she comprehended what Cora was feeling and said but was able to connect it to an experience of her own. Feeling the girl begin to pull away Cora reached up stroking her hair tenderly. Her nose was ever so slightly runny and her hair was in a side part causing the one side to rise higher then the other creating a little poof at the top. Cora's eyes glistening she looked at the girl in wonder. "How sweet you are...my most darling girl," she whispered back, gently tapping the girl's nose causing her to erupt in a giggle.
"Mummy!" she said playfully as she scrunched her nose.
Knowing Robert was gone and she would be alone tonight, she developed an idea. "Would you like to sleep with me tonight?" Cora asked looking at Edith with a beaming smile. "Just the two of us. How does that sound? Hmm?
"Really?!" Edith's eyes lit up in excitement as she stared at Cora hopefully.
"Mhmm, it will be a special night just for you and I," the mother returned the enthusiasm.
The memory passed before her almost as clear as Edith was to her now. Here Edith sat, all grown up and yet she couldn't help but see the little girl that had come to cheer her up that evening. The child who stayed with her that night, helping her forget the turmoil of the day.
"What is it?" Edith roused Cora from her thoughts.
Cora smiled her eyes watering as she looked down at Edith's hand in her own, it was no longer small enough to be enclosed by her own. "I was thinking back to when you were a child," she raised her gaze as she stroked Edith's hand delicately. The blonde didn't speak sensing there was more to come but instead listened more intently. "You were around four I believe, you snuck away from Nanny to come check on me...the look on your face when you peeked in, oh you were just so worried."
"Why was I worried?" Edith asked giving her puzzled smile.
"You hadn't seen me all day and when you questioned why, your nanny at the time told you I was unwell," Cora explained. "And it didn't take you long to come find me."
"I think I remember this, Papa was gone wasn't he? And you let me sleep in your room that night," Edith expanded as she felt her memory being jogged. Cora nodded confirming her account.
"When I told you I was sad and in fact not sick, you managed to do the most extraordinary thing..." Cora beamed reaching out to stroke her cheek. "You managed to make me forget how terribly sad I was. One moment I was a mess and then the next there you were all the sudden and all I could think about was my love for you...you had cheered me up. More than you knew I believe."
"I believe that was the first time I remember seeing you cry...I did not like it," Edith shook her head remembering how it felt to see her mothers red rimmed eyes. "Though I can't recall why you were upset."
"I never told you," Cora stated leaning her arm against the arm of the settee. "You were so young I wasn't sure you would understand it; you see Sybil had not been born yet and I was beginning to worry about my chances of having another baby. Let's just say it didn't seem promising at the time."
"No, I'm not sure I would've been able to understand that," Edith answered seeing the perspective she had not seen from before. "But I'm glad you told me now...and I'm glad that you are my mother. I remember being so happy that night as I laid with you, it felt like our little secret."
"And it was," Cora informed. "I snuck you back to your bed before your sister woke up so she wouldn't spoil it for you."
"Oh I thought I was so special!" Edith smiled reminiscing over the glee she had felt being apart of something Mary was not.
"You were," Cora spoke sweetly squeezing Edith's hand. "Just as you are now. My most darling girl."
Should I post a chapter two? Let me know what you think in the comments...
-lovelylavenderlady
