And so we have it, Chapter Four everyone. By far one of the most memorable chapters I have written to date. I had so much fun writing this chapter and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Without further ado... "The Future Marquess of Hexam"

-lovelyladylavender


"Oh thank goodness you're here," Mary's shoulders dropped as she sighed in relief upon seeing Bertie's face come through the front door of the Abbey. "I was beginning to think you weren't going to make it."

"I didn't miss it then?" Bertie's face picked up a bit, as a look of happiness joined the worried expression he wore.

"No thank, God but we better get you upstairs straight away," Mary started back up the stairs ushering him to follow. "I'm afraid there isn't much time."

"Take me to her," Bertie followed as quickly as Mary would allow, his heart beating out of his chest the whole way. 'Was this staircase always this long?' He thought. The train ride felt much the same, he noted. Maybe, they weren't longer but this was the first time he had truly seen time as an obstacle. The word torture came to his mind. He had felt unspeakable pain since the news first reached him. All he could picture on the journey here was imagines of Edith suffering all alone. He did not like to see Edith cry let alone endure physical pain. It broke his heart to think of her that way. To think about what she was going through bringing their child into the world and he wasn't even there for most of it. How could she forgive him? How could he forgive himself?

Finally, he was brought to clarity as he realized they had reached Edith's room and Mary was turning the knob on the door. He was about to see his wife. His heart. As soon as the door turned he could hear her laboring and raced into the scene before him. There she was. Cora was sitting next to her, holding her hand which Edith gripped tightly as her feet dug into the mattress.

"Mama," Mary spoke bringing her attention to who had arrived.

Cora looked up at them and her face fell in relief. "Edith darling, look who is here," she said in an encouraging tone as if the answer would be what got her to the finish line. And it was. Cora knew that it was.

Edith weakly lifted her head as she panted heavily. Her eyes were dazed, almost as if she couldn't focus on anything past the pain she was feeling but then...then she saw him. Her husband. "Bertie..." her voice cracked as she breathed his name. His name had fallen out of her mouth pitifully. Like a plea to save her.

Bertie thought his heart would break as their eyes locked and he heard her say his name. He saw the tears pool in her eyes as she looked at him in desperation. "Oh my darling, I'm here now," he closed the distance between them, his hand extending to cup her face. As she felt the safety of his touch, a sob escaped her throat and she leaned forward falling into him. Pressing her head into his chest, she cried harder. In response, he leaned down, placed a kiss on her head, and whispered the phrase a second time. "I'm here."

"I thought you weren't going to make it-" Edith breathed shakily, the words feeling almost struck in her throat.

"Can you possibly forgive me my darling?" He murmured stroking her hair. "How foolish of me to have left, I shouldn't have gone." He was berating himself feeling so incredibly stupid for leaving.

"I shouldn't have told you to go," Edith pulled back slightly looking him in the eyes as she grabbed a hold of his hand tightly. "I'm afraid we were both rather foolish."

Her brow was covered in perspiration, bits of her hair were stuck to her face as the rest was pulled back loosely in a ribbon and yet Bertie could not recall a time where she had looked more beautiful to him. "You could never be such a thing. Never in my eyes," He smiled at her lovingly as he reached out stroking her face gently. "In my eyes, you are perfect in every way. Beautiful beyond comprehension."

A small smile graced her lips as she looked at him, "If I didn't love you so much I would give you a good whack for flirting with me at such an inappropriate time. Especially when I am certain I must look about how I feel... which is positively dreadful."

"Nonsense you look beautiful and I am allowed to say so. You are my wife after all," he chuckled seeing the small smile and glint of strength return to her eyes.

"Yes but just don't forget we are English...at least, don't forget while we are in public," she informed as she pushed back from him slightly her voice dipping into a low tone as her body begin to remind her exactly what was happening at the moment. Her grip tightened on Bertie's hand and her vision drifted to Dr. Clarkson and the nurse who were preparing things for the birth.

Cora noticed her expression change first and she kneeled back down on the bed, taking hold of her hand. "It's alright we are with you," she stated calmly as Edith's chest begin to rise and fall rapidly as the contraction heightened. Edith admitted a low moan and tilted her head down trying to breathe through it.

"I hate seeing you like this," Bertie expressed he as too held her hand. "I wish there was something more I could do."

"Just be here," Edith tried to smile but her expression contorted in pain as she threw her head back against the pillows. "That's all I need. Just be here."

"Of course my darling," Bertie scooted closer, a look of longing to help plastered on his face.

"Good God!" Edith cried out loudly. Her knuckles turned white as one hand clung to Bertie's and the other pushed against her thigh as she pulled her knees up to brace herself.

"Isn't there something you could give her for the pain?" Bertie fixed his gaze toward Dr. Clarkson, feeling helpless as he had little knowledge of how this worked.

"I"m afraid not," Cora frowned as she leaned over Edith to wipe away the building sweat on her forehead. With everything else, the last thing Edith needed were the beads dripping into her eyes causing them to burn.

"As difficult as it is," Clarkson begin as he dried his hands having just sterilized them. "She is too close to have her senses dulled now. Her body needs to feel the progression."

Bertie looked back to his wife starting to feel a sense of guilt as he was the reason she was in this situation. "So you can't do anything for the pain is what you are telling me?"

"I'm afraid so," Clarkson confirmed.

"How terribly inconvenient for me," Edith breathed heavily as her head listlessly rolled side to side on the pillow.

"Poor dear," Cora fretted as she could see the tiredness etched into every inch of her face. "Not much longer now and then this will all be over."

"Her Ladyship is right about that Lady Edith," Clarkson added as well. "This baby will be here in no time."

"Would you like a moment alone with Bertie? Hmm?" Cora gave Edith a small smile, knowing it wouldn't be long till Bertie would have to leave the room.

Edith nodded weakly as she took hold of Cora's hand. "Thank you, Mama," she mumbled.

"No need my darling," she bent down kissing the top of Edith's head. "I won't be long."

With that Cora and Dr. Clarkson exited the room leaving husband and wife alone for the first time since Bertie's departure.

"Bertie?" Edith called nervously as she struggled to find the much-needed breath as her body felt tense beneath the weight of the pain.

"What is it?" he answered, concern evident in his voice.

"I know you think it's going to be a girl-"

"Don't worry about that now my love. I shall be overjoyed no matter what, whether I have a son or daughter," he interrupted. "This is our child, I shall be a very lucky man simply because I will be a father..."

"It's not that, Bertie," Edith grimaced, shaking her head.

"What is it then?" his brow furrowed in question. "I really shall be happy whatever it is."

"It's not that! We haven't picked a name yet, well not for a boy that is," Edith explained, though she still was pushing through the discomfort.

"Oh..." Bertie pondered what she had said and realized that his wife was indeed right. "Golly I didn't think about that. That wasn't very thought through on my part I'm afraid."

"I know you didn't, but I have," Edith did her best to hold her focus and meet his gaze. "I believe I know what his name should be."


Robert and Cora

"How is she?" Robert asked softly as he pulled Cora into his arms having not seen her at all for the last few hours.

"She is tired," Cora spoke not knowing what else to say not wanting to give Robert too much detail as he never handled it well. "Bertie is with her now. I figured they could use a moment alone seeing as it will be the last time they see each other before the baby is here and they have their hands full."

"How right you are," Robert smiled briefly remembering the times in which he had done the same with his wife before each of their daughters was born. "Is she alright? Are there troubling symptoms?"

"No," she shook her head as she rested her hands against his chest. "Thank heavens."

"How good it is to hear that. I'm afraid I have been rather nervous," he admitted which was unlike him.

"Of course, you are," Cora touched his face gently. "It's only natural after what you have been through...what we both have been through."

They both shared a silent look of understanding as they thought about their youngest daughter who had been so tragically taken from them.

"She will be alright...won't she?" Robert wandered even though he knew they had no true way of knowing until Edith and the baby came through it together.

"I pray she will be..." Cora's voice cracked. "She has to be," the mother whispered as her head moved forward, seeking the comfort his proximity brought.

"God willing, we will have a new grandchild and our daughter will be doting on them," he tried to picture things the way they should be, should everything go right. "She deserves a happy ending with all she has been through. All I want is her happiness."

"Can a parent truly want anything else for their child? I wish it for her and Mary both," Cora spoke as she begrudgingly exited his embrace. "I should probably go...I told her I wouldn't be gone long."

"Of course," he smiled keeping a hold of her hand. "I will come with you and keep Bertie company. I'm sure he could use a stiff drink and I wouldn't mind one myself."

"I'm afraid you might be right," Cora chuckled as they walked hand in hand back towards Edith's room.

Mary met them both at the door with a look of relief on her face. "Thank goodness! She started asking for you a few minutes ago," Mary focused in on her mother.

Cora nodded as she moved forward into the room, quickly resuming her place next to Edith on the bed. "I'm here now darling," she comforted smoothing her hair back.

"I can't do this mama," Edith shook her head as her tears flowed freely and she squeezed Cora's hand tightly. The pain barreled over her. Over and over again like the waves in the ocean that would not cease to let you up for breath. It was agonizing. Wholly consuming pain and she felt as if she was going to succumb to it. She was out of breath and beyond weary.

"I know it feels like that poppet," Cora empathized understanding what it felt like to reach this stage and feel like there was nothing left to do but give up. "It will be over soon, I promise. Dr. Clarkson?" she turned looking at him for an update.

"Quite right my Lady," Clarkson affirmed as they did the final set of preparations for delivery. "This baby is on the move and quite ready to say hello." He looked in Bertie's direction who was sitting on the edge of the bed looking rather paralyzed now that the moment was here.

"Bertie, I'm afraid that means it's time for you to go," Cora gave him a small smile as she briefly looked up at him, her hands never ceasing in the task of aiding her daughter. "Mary your father is waiting outside the door."

"Are you sure I shouldn't stay?" he looked back his whole body pulling towards his wife as Mary led him to the door.

"No!" Edith all but not growled out as she fought through the pain and looked at her mother. "Not like this Mama." She had done this before. She knew the reality of birth and as much as she loved Bertie she did not want him to see her like that.

"Quite sure," Cora turned from Edith to nod at him, encouraging him to go as she tried to keep Edith as relaxed as she could. She understood where her daughter was coming from. She most certainly would never have wanted Robert present when she was having the girls. Husbands most certainly had their commodities but they did not lie in being helpful in the birthing room.

"She is in capable hands Bertie," Mary placed a hand on his back, easing him out of the room and to the hands of her father. "I will come to fetch you as soon as you can come back up." And just like that, husband and wife were separated as the door closed between the two parties.

"Come on old chap," Robert patted his back. "It is the duty of the men to face hardest task of all this. To wait... patiently." And so with that, the men went to the library to share a drink as Robert would do his best to give Bertie a few pieces of sage advice about fatherhood. They would do their best not to think about what was going on upstairs. Tom eventually joined them in their waiting. He tried to distract Bertie who was beginning to wear the carpet thin as he paced back in forth but soon he too, alongside Robert, fell silent. The only noise in the room came from the grand clock standing tall in the room.

He was going to be a father. It felt surreal. He had always dreamt of having a family and here he was, his wish about to be granted. His wife was upstairs bringing their child into the world. Their child. Edith, the most beautiful, the most intelligent woman he had ever met was his wife and they were about to start their family. The person he was going to share the rest of his life with was building their life on this very day. She was building their future. Their legacy. While it was hard for him to part with her, he knew his prayers were more useful to her than his worry and concern being present in the room. It was his deepest desire to be by his wife's side but he knew it was better that he do as he was told and stay downstairs to hope for the best. And so he did. He prayed and asked god to favor him on this day and bring his wife and his child safely through the delivery. He prayed for a happy ending to be granted to him and his small yet expanding family.

...

"One last push and you will have your baby in your arms!" Clarkson pushed Edith on seeing the inability to keep going taking over every muscle in her body.

"Come on darling! Do not give up now!" Cora girded her up as she sat partially behind Edith helping to hold her weight up.

Edith shook her head in disagreement against Cora's chest as she felt the pain and exhaustion pulling her under. "I ca-can't," she cried breathlessly.

"You can!" Cora smiled as she nodded trying not to show Edith any doubt. "You must! For the sake of your child, push Edith!"

And so she did. Gathering the last of her strength she sat up and bared down one last time, praying to god that this would all be over soon.

"Keep pushing, you're almost there!" Clarkson reassured as he held the baby's upper body. "And there we are!" he exclaimed as he caught the baby and immediately set to work on clearing the baby's airway.

Her chest heaving, Edith collapsed against Cora as the relief finally came and her eyes shut momentarily.

"Well done my darling!" Cora breathed a sigh of relief as her arms held Edith close, her hand stroking Edith's head. She tilted her head down, placing a kiss on the top of Edith's head. "It's over now."

This is when they both heard it. Edith's eyes popped open as a strong resounding cry filled the room. Her baby's cry. "Dr. Clarkson?" Edith called her body tensing as she set eyes on her child who was still in his hands.

"Not to worry Lady Edith," Clarkson smiled as he clamped the chord and started walking towards them. "It's over and you have a strong and healthy son to show for it"

"A son?" Edith whispered in awe as she subconsciously extended her arms, her gaze fixed on the baby as Dr. Clarkson lowered him into her arms.

"A son," he smiled and gently placed the fussing baby boy on her chest. "With a very good voice box, I might add."

"Oh Edith," Cora choked as she looked over her daughters' shoulder, her eyes glistening at the wonder of seeing her grandson in her daughter's arms.

"Shh shh shh it alright now, mummy's here," Edith gently cooed as she cradled him to her chest. Like clockwork, his wails softened soon ceasing to exist as he instantly settled sensing he was in his mother's arms. Edith smiled as the world seemed to fall away, almost as if this moment solely consisted of the two of them and nothing else. After nine months and hours of labor here he finally was. In her arms, the safest place he could be. She was absolutely absorbed as she studied every inch of her child's face. Looking him over to count his finger and his toes making sure everything was as it should be. She remembered this part as well from when she had Marigold. The love that swelled in your heart, giving off the sensation it might burst at any moment from how full it was. It was an all-consuming love that flooded every part of her body and left her feeling overjoyed in its wake. Her eyes welled and she let out a soft laugh through her tears, "Hello little one."

"Edith he's perfect," Cora beamed with pride as she watched mother and son experience their first face-to-face meeting.

"Yes you are- aren't you?" Edith smiled ear to ear at the little boy unable to take her eyes off him.

"May I meet my nephew?" Mary joined the trio taking a seat on the edge of the bed.

"Of course," Edith pulled her eyes from him and met her sister's gaze as she gave her a watery smile.

Mary peered over and carefully pulled the blanket down to see his face better. Resting her hand near his face, she brushed his cheek with the tip of her index finger, "Hello there..."

"Meet your godmother... Mary," Edith spoke to him before looking at her sister.

'What?" Mary looked up at her, surprise evident in her expression.

"Bertie and I talked it over and we both decided we'd like you to be his godmother...that is if you'd like too?" Edith raised her eyebrows in question. Much had changed between them. They had always been family but they hadn't truly been sisters till recently. For years they had been at each other's throats but now a peace had settled between them and a mutual respect had formed. It surprised even her that here she was asking Mary to be the godmother of her child when their relationship had been rocky for so long but life was always full of surprises.

"You surprise me, dear sister," Mary smirked in amazement.

"I surprise myself sometimes," Edith gave a weak chuckle as she softly kissed the little boy's tiny hand.

"And this is what you and Bertie would like?" Mary asked seeking confirmation.

Edith nodded slightly, their eyes locking once more. "It is," she spoke quietly as a tear slipped from her eye.

"Then of course I will be his godmother," Mary leaned forward kissing Edith's cheek. "It would be an honor."

Cora sat watching the scene before her and she felt her own heart swelling with love. Never in a lifetime could she have expected she would live to see the day where her two daughters would become friends and yet here they were and Cora couldn't be more proud of the women they had become. It was a gift that far exceeded her expectations and left her feeling the strongest sense of pride. Especially after so much loss, there were days where she thought the voids those losses had left would never be filled but when she witnessed moments like these she marveled as she felt them being mended. She felt tears begin to make their way down her cheek as she stared at her girls. "You both have made me proud...so proud," she sniffled as she reached out to take both of their hands in her own.

Edith squeezed Cora's hand in love and Mary chuckled as she tried to hide her own tears beneath her quippy remark. "If you are going American on us I think I will take my leave," she joked.

"Oh Mary," Cora chuckled as she playfully swatted at her.

"I don't mean to interrupt, but Lady Edith is going to need her rest. It would probably be best if we finish getting things settled," Dr Clarkson spoke up as he and the nurse wrapped things up.

"Quite right," Cora affirmed as she turned and smiled at the bundle in Edith's arms. "Besides I believe someone has a very anxious father waiting to meet him."

Edith nodded and looked at Cora in agreement, "I would like him to come up before I am incapable of coping. I want him to meet his son."

"Of course you do," Cora smiled as she cupped Edith's face. "Mary...I think it's time you fetch Bertie."


Mary burst into the library room with a smile plastered on her face as found the men waiting for news. Bertie was standing by the hearth accompanied by Robert, Tom, and Henry. The expression Bertie wore was one of uncontrollable nervousness mixed with worry shining through his orbs. "You can breathe now," Mary clasped her hands together. "She did splendidly!"

"They are both alright then?" Bertie heaved a visible sigh of relief as his eyes brightened.

"A perfect visual of health," Mary confirmed with glee. "And both are anxious to see you."

"Oh thank god," Bertie exclaimed as he turned to Robert smiling in disbelief.

"Congratulations my dear fellow," Robert gently patted his shoulder and shook his hand, overwhelmed with relief at the prospect that his daughter was alright and he had a new grandchild.

"Quite right," Henry joined in, seconding Robert.

"You are going to be a wonderful father, Bertie, congratulations," Tom grinned as he congratulated his friend.

"We should hurry up there," Mary stood still, her hands back on the door frame as she waited for Bertie to follow. "It won't be long till Edith needs her rest and you won't have any luck getting through Dr. Clarkson and Mama once she is I'm afraid."

Mary reached Edith's room and she turned to motion Bertie in but he had stopped and was looking at her hesitantly. "Mary I- I'm afraid I feel rather nervous."

"Of course you do," Mary smiled at him in understanding. "That's how every new parent feels when they are about to meet their child."

'Really?" he asked almost as if he wanted to be sure she wasn't fibbing.

"Really," she chuckled as she reached and touched his arm. "Now I think it's time you went in, you have a baby who is eager to meet you and an even more eager wife ready for you to meet your child."

He nodded, gulping nervously as he brushed his palms against his legs and straightened his jacket. Proceeding, he followed Mary into the room. Then he saw her. He saw them both. Edith was sitting propped up in the bed and in her arms was their child. Edith looked up at him, their eyes locking as they shared a silent look of adoration for one another. Her smile brightened and she gleamed up at him as he made his way to her side "Would you like to meet your son?"

"A son?" he beamed as he felt himself becoming teary-eyed at the sight of his wife and his child.

Edith nodded at him, her eyes expressing the warmth she felt. "Come here," Edith grabbed his hand pulling him down and he carefully sat next to them both. "Meet our son, Peter Pelham...the future Marquess of Hexam."

He looked at her in awe and then turned struck by the overwhelming love he felt as he delicately took hold of his tiny hand. "Hello little chap..." he choked as his wonder and joy seemed to override his every function. "I am your Papa and I am so very pleased to meet you..."

Cora was standing beside Edith and she looked down at him and gave him a motherly smile. "Congratulations Bertie...Congratulations to you both," she reached down gently caressing Edith's cheek.

"I never thought I could be so happy," Bertie chuckled as a tear slipped from his eye and he turned to Edith. He looked at her with all the love in the world as if she was his breath, the very thing that kept him alive.

Seeing the way he was looking at her, Cora smiled in understanding. She had seen the look before. It was the way Robert had looked at her after each of their girls were born and the love between them would only grow stronger. While the young couple had not been married long it was clear to her that they were hopelessly in love. The type of love that lasted a lifetime. "We'll give you a moment alone. That is if Dr. Clarkson agrees everything is alright?" Cora turned looking at him.

"Perfectly," he nodded as he closed his medical bag and the nurse carried the last out the last of the remaining delivery items. "I will leave Nurse Wilson behind to keep an eye on things and I will return in the evening to check on her but for now everything looks splendid. I just ask that you, Lady Edith get some much-needed rest."

"I'll make sure of it," Cora spoke as she looked down at Edith giving her a 'you heard him' look.

"I will," Edith returned with a look of 'I couldn't dream of fighting right now'.

"Glad to hear it," Clarkson smiled and took his leave from the room.

"I will leave you now," Cora's hand slowly left Edith's shoulder and she begin heading for the door but before she closed it she turned to look at them, her eyes bursting with pride at the scene of the happy family. Her family. Content at the sight of father and mother enjoying their first moment together with their child, she eased herself out of the room and quietly closed the door.

"Oh, my darling..." Bertie whispered lovingly as he looked between them both. "You have made me the happiest man in the world."

"Do you really mean that?" Edith's chin quivered as she looked into his eyes. She was overwhelmed by the feeling. The feeling of being unconditionally loved and supported by the man she loved. She hadn't gotten that the first time around with Marigold. There had been no one else to share in the joy of her child's arrival, and even more so she had found it hard to be joyful knowing that she would have to let her daughter go. Having a child was not new to her but this moment with Bertie was.

"With every fiber of being," Bertie reached out and gently cupped her cheek. "I have never loved you more than I love you right now in this moment. I did not know a person could love anything as much as I love you. I did not think it was possible."

"Oh Bertie," Edith placed her hand over his that was resting on her cheek. "I don't know what I did to deserve you.."

"Don't be foolish. It is I who should be wondering that...not you," he countered softly. "I am the luckiest man alive and that is because you have made me so my love. I would be lost, hopelessly lost without you. Living in a world of darkness with no light in sight. It would be a life of bleakness, but it's not for you are by my side and I believe that will always be where I draw my strength. From you and now our child and the life we will build together."

Tears rolled down Edith's cheek and he wiped them away tenderly, "How could I not love a man who says such things?"

"How could I not say such things with you as my wife?" he smiled as he kissed her hand.

"Kiss me..." she whispered delight taking over her features. "I believe I have earned that."

"You most certainly have," he agreed as he leaned forward capturing her lips between his own. It was deep, passionate, and filled with the very essence of their hearts. All things that were said and unsaid about the love they shared was conveyed now through the act of affection. Slowly their lips parted and Edith leaned back, smiling contently as she looked down at their son. "Can you believe it? We have a son Bertie..."

"It feels like a dream," he grinned. "The most marvelous dream my darling. My heart feels fit to burst."

"Yes it does, doesn't it?" she spoke out as she stared at her child's sleeping face. "It's strange how you can love them so much and yet you have only just met them. It's the strangest feeling, being a parent."

"I only hope I can be a good one. A father he can be proud of...that Marigold can be proud of."

Edith's head turned quickly and she looked at him in amazement. She had never asked him to love her daughter, he simply had. He simply stepped into the role of being her father and had done a spectacular job of it. Marigold loved him dearly and the two had become close, close enough that anybody who didn't know who they were would assume from the outside he was her father. Edith loved him even more for this. For choosing to adopt her daughter and give both her and Marigold the highest level of security. "Bertie...you already are," she whispered.

The two sat there for a good while, soaking in the moment and soaking in their newborn. It was a perfect time and a memory they both would never forget and though there was a desire for it to never end Edith was feeling the toll labor had taken begin to swallow her. She leaned back against the pillows wincing slightly as she did. "Bertie?" she spoke his name, her voice clouded in exhaustion.

"Are you alright?" he asked concern slipping into his voice.

"I'm alright...just tired. Would you mind fetching Mama?" she asked.

"Of course my darling," he stood hesitantly trying to make sure she was truly alright.

"And Bertie?" she called his name once more. "Would you check on Marigold? I'm worried about her and I don't want her to think we have forgotten her just because the new baby is here."

"Is she alright? Did something happen while I was away?" he asked his brow furrowing.

"Yes, she is alright... at least I pray she is but I will fill you in later. For now, I would just like to know one of us has checked on her and assured her everything is well," Edith explained as her eyes fluttered her eyelids feeling like weights.

"Of course, I will my love," Seeing it wasn't the time to have things expounded upon he nodded and leaned down to kiss her forehead. "You have my word," he confirmed.

"I love you," she stated with a small smile as she reached up to touch his face.

"I love you too," he said passionately. "Now I'm going to get Cora...I'd rather not be on your mother's bad side and I will be if I keep you from resting any longer."


Cora entered the room quietly, followed by the Nanny. She found Edith in bed drifting slightly as young Peter rested in her arms, content to be with his mother. She walked to the side of the bed and gingerly took a seat as she reached out stroking Edith's arm. "Edith?' she stirred her calmly.

Edith's eyes fluttered open and she momentarily looked at Cora in confusion before everything came back to her as she felt her son in her arms. "Mama," was the only thing she spoke.

"I'm sorry to wake you," Cora gave her an apologetic smile. "Bertie came and found me, he asked me to tell you that he was going to check on Marigold now."

"Oh good," she sighed in relief beginning to feel more at it.

"How are you feeling?" Cora asked as she gently reached out tucking Edith's hair behind her ear.

"Tired," Edith mumbled as she shifted the baby in her arms but struggled to do so.

"Why don't you let Nanny take him for now?" Cora offered knowing Edith needed time to regain her strength.

Edith nodded in agreement as Nanny stepped forward and carefully took him from her. She instantly hated the feeling of her arms being empty and the thought of him being with someone that wasn't her. "I just nursed him but please bring him to me when it's time for his next feeding," Edith instructed as she met the woman's eyes and conveyed the importance of her words.

"Of course Lady Hexam," she nodded before leaving the room.

Cora observed Edith watching them leave and she noticed how worry darkened Edith's features as her eyes watched her child disappear behind the closing door. After everything that had transpired with Marigold when she was first born it was no wonder Edith felt anxious at the idea of her son not being in the room with her and this Cora understood. "He will be just fine," Cora assured seeing the emotions play out across her face. "You are safe and so is he. It's all alright poppet."

Edith nodded as she tried to shake the thoughts from her head. "You're right," she gave her mother a half smile. "I feel so tired Mama..."

"Of course you do," she smiled but it did not quite reach her eyes. That was what Sybil had said before...well before everything went wrong. While realistically she knew how exhaustion plagued one after childbirth, she couldn't help but recall the awful events of that night and worry whether or not Edith would face the same. "Can I get you anything? Would you like some water?"

"I think I would just like to sleep," Edith spoke her voice hazy with tiredness. Edith tried to reposition but stopped almost instantly as the pain shot through her body, quickly reminding her of just how recently she had given birth.

"Careful darling," Cora fussed as she raced to help her ease down into the right position. "Are you sure you are alright?" she smoothed Edith's hair back and carefully positioned the pillows correctly behind her. Cora's hands worked diligently as she tucked her in and continued to fuss over her, her concern evident in her features.

Now it was Cora's turn to be the worried mother and though she tried not to let it show Edith could see it plain as day. "I am fine Mama...really," Edith gently took Cora's hands in her own, stopping her from continuing in her anxious fiddling. "This is quite similar to how I felt after Marigold."

Cora's gaze fell momentarily as she realized Edith was trying to assure her. How different things were once your children grew and no longer needed you in the same way. Edith was a mother now and while she would always be her little girl, she had matured into a wonderful woman who now sought to bring her own mother comfort. "Was I that obvious?" Cora's eyes glistened as she ran her thumb along Edith's hand that held her own.

Edith's head tilted to the side as she looked deeply into her mother's eyes, recognizing the unsaid fear that Cora held. "Only slightly," she whispered with a smile as she gently firmed her grip on her mother's hand. "It's impossible not to think about how very differently things could've gone. I miss her too, terribly so, but I have been very fortunate. I am alright, Mama...there really is no need to worry. I promise."

"I'm your mother, it's my job to worry about you," Cora gave a small chuckle as she extended her hand to softly touch her face. "But how sweet you are nonetheless."

Edith leaned into the warmth of her mother's touch, comforted by the feeling of having her so near. "I couldn't have done this without you...truly mama," Edith stated her tone softening. "Thank you for everything... you have been so terribly good to me. Having you near has made me realize just how much I missed not having you there the first time."

"You don't need to thank me," Cora refuted as she took Edith's face in both her hands and leaned forward, placing a loving kiss on her forehead. "There is nowhere else I'd rather be my darling."

"How nice it is to know that," Edith's eyes drooped, sleep pulling her like the ocean pulled the tide back in.

"Now get some sleep," Cora smiled seeing how childlike Edith looked as she fought sleep and tried to keep her eyes open. It took her straight back to when Edith was a child and she still tucked her in at night...when Edith still needed to see her as she fell asleep. It had been a long time since this had occurred and yet it still felt so natural to Cora the act of lulling your child to sleep. So much had changed over the years but some things remained and this one of them. "You have earned it."

"Alright," Edith slurred as her eyes began to close, finally letting sleep take her but not before she let out a tiny whisper that Cora barely caught. "I love you, Mama."

"I love you too baby," a tear slipped from the corner of Cora's eye and she reached out, gently twirling Edith's loose curls around her finger.


Through the turning of the day, the sun had once more begun its descent into the darkening night sky and the house of Downton Abbey had grown quiet. While by no means was this the usual time everyone settled for the night, the day had been long and not just for Edith. Cora had risen in the middle of the night and Mrs Hughes and Carson were the ones who sounded the news of Baby Pelham's coming arrival which meant the servants weren't woken much later either. The family had all been going since the early hours and now with the waiting over and news of the thriving mother and child, everyone under the roof was thankful for the night being called to end prematurely.

Some servants took advantage of this, mainly the younger ones who stayed awake for a card game or two and Mrs. Baxter who was mending an article of clothing but other than that, very few had not already retired to their rooms. Dr. Clarkson had come and gone again and Edith had settled for the time being while Bertie stayed with her, wanting to be close to his wife. He was hoping this would give Cora a chance to rest as well. Cora's body might have felt fatigued by the events of the day but rest was not the first thing on her mind. It was her husband.

"I was hoping it would be you," Robert smiled warmly as his wife entered the room.

Cora wasted no time on her words, she simply closed the distance between them. Pulling the covers back, she climbed into bed next to him. "Scoot over," she whispered, her voice laced with a need to be close to him.

"Won't Baxter be coming in?" he asked slightly puzzled as he moved over slightly, making room for her.

"I don't know and I don't care. I just wish for you to hold me, Robert," she answered her words spilling out desperately.

He didn't speak, he simply heard her words and responded by wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. "What a day it's been," he stated calmly.

"You can say that again," Cora sighed in exhaustion as she nuzzled into him.

"Are you happy though?" he asked softly.

"Of course I'm happy," Cora answered as she looked up at him puzzled. "How could I not be? Edith is happy and we have a new grandchild...what more could I want?"

Robert nodded slowly, evaluating her words but more so that which lay behind them. "Then what is bothering you, my love?" He had known her long enough, loved her long enough to know when something was eating at her. Sitting on her shoulders and weighing her down.

At this, Cora turned away and sat up abruptly. "I don't know what you mean," she avoided as she stood, walking over to her vanity and taking her jewelry off.

"Cora, I have known long enough to know when you are unsettled," he said with a smile but in a matter-of-fact way.

"It's been a rather long day and I'm quite tired," she spoke as she began to struggle with the buttons on the back of her dress. "I'd prefer to not talk about it now."

Robert smirked seeing her get ruffled as she attempted and failed to undo the dress. "Let me help you," he offered as he too stood up from the bed.

"Please," Cora huffed as she was becoming increasingly frustrated.

"Shouldn't Baxter be doing this?" he pondered softly as he began unfastening her dress with a delicate touch.

"I didn't feel like waiting," she sighed in defeat as her arms fell and hung loosely by her side. "And I have you to help...I'm sure you don't mind undressing me."

He laughed seeing the playful glint in her eyes. The term hot and cold came to mind. "No, no I don't," he answered as he undid the last button and slid it off her shoulders.

Her arms extended picking up the robe that was laid out and she slipped it on, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Good," she stated as she turned towards him. "I'm sorry for pushing you off Robert, I-I-" she stopped her voice cracking the moment she tried to be honest.

"Won't you tell me my darling?" he asked as stepped closer to her and gently stroked her cheek.

Her eyes welled and she averted her gaze as she whispered, "I don't know what it is."

"Is that really the truth or are you just afraid to say it aloud?" he spoke ever so softly. Her gaze shot up to meet his and she looked at him with big blues eyes that were pleading to shed their tears. Pleading that perhaps he could see through her, that maybe he did know her and she would not have to voice it, and he did. "You are afraid you still might lose her..."

At this, her eyes closed and her tears escaped, marking her cheeks in their tracks. "Robert I-" she stopped as soon as she had begun as the words caught in her throat for the second time.

"Understandably, you aren't convinced of her safety," Robert reached out gently wiping her tears away. "We were convinced Sybil had made it through just fine.. and we were wrong."

At her daughter's name, a sob escaped Cora's mouth and she melted into his grasp, "I can't but remember her lifeless body and I lose my breath, Robert."

"Oh my darling," Robert whispered as he pulled her closer to him. "She is alright Cora. She is well and sleeping peacefully."

At this, Cora pulled back slightly looking up at him. "But how can we be certain? We went to sleep thinking all was well with S-" she stopped unable to say her name. "And then it wasn't. The thought of sleeping only brings nightmares of waking to find the same has happened again. To picture Edith that way-Robert I can't do it again." She shook her head at the image and backed away from him. "I can't. I can't live through that again."

His head drooped as he too thought about having to live through that pain again and to be completely honest, he wasn't sure he could either. No one should have to bury their child let alone two. She was right, it was terrifying but he had to remind himself Edith was alive and well. There were no worrying symptoms beforehand this time and no concerns afterward either. Edith was strong and had come through it splendidly but that did not mean it was easy to forget how different things could be. "I know it's impossible to ask you not to worry and so I won't," he stated he as walked forward and wrapped his hands around hers. "I do however ask you to have faith Cora...only time will ease our fears and though I doubt it will erase the wound Sybil's death left I have to believe it will heal it. For now, we must focus on the fact that Edith and her child are both alive and being cared for by people who love them and will look after them. I certainly know you will."

"You astound me still, after all these years," she looked at him, worry still in her features but now also a mass amount of love with it. "I know English men are not always known for their displays of love but all the sweeter it makes it that you do so anyways."

"Only for you and the girls," he chuckled as he smiled at her, hoping to convey his love. "Anyone else and they would think my head has completely left my shoulders."

"We wouldn't want that, now would we?" Cora smiled, some of the brightness returning to her orbs.

"Won't you come and rest my love?" he asked squeezing her hands gently. "You are quite deserving of it."

"I think I'd like to go back to Edith if that's alright with you...I'm not sure I'm ready to sleep yet, at least not so far away from her," she explained her eyes soft as she checked to assure her absence wouldn't leave Robert feeling overlooked. "Besides I doubt Bertie will be of much help with the baby at least, not yet that is."

"I have no qualms with that as long as it brings you peace," he agreed giving her the reassurance she was looking for. "That's all I want ."

"How I do love you, Robert," she tipped forward placing a kiss on his cheek.

"I would certainly hope so," he smiled playfully. "I will walk with you."

They walked arm and arm down the corridor, finding comfort in each other's presence and grounding from the strength of their love. They both knew many couples who had not been so fortunate when it came to marriage. Many had money but no love, others love but no money. Many had lost their heirs in the war and in turn, lost the will to keep their estates going. They knew of many who had fallen in love but had fallen right back out of it...this wasn't the case for Robert and Cora. They might not have begun their marriage in a perfect type of love but it had certainly grown into that. Cora had loved him from the start and one day he woke to realize he had fallen deeply in love with her as well. He had realized that he did not want to live a life where she was not in it and soon they had their three beautiful daughters and he could not have imagined life differently. They were blessed. Yes, they had experienced their share of loss, tragedy, and heartbreak but this had only strengthened their love. For having been through all life's trials together, they had shared too much to ever truly let something come between them. They had withstood the tests of time and now were privileged enough to experience growing old alongside one another. To enjoy watching their children build lives of their own, spoil their grandchildren, and neither of them wanted anything different.

"Thank you for walking with me," Cora smiled lovingly at him as they stopped outside Edith's door.

"Anything for a moment more with you," Robert grinned knowing he had done a good job with that line.

Cora's smile turned to a laugh as she saw how pleased he was with himself and she couldn't help but stroke his ego. "Keep that up and soon you might find yourself very lucky Lord Grantham," she placed her hands against his chest and tilted her head up to steal a kiss.

"Do you promise?" he smirked as their lips parted.

"Go, before I change my mind," she swatted at him as she started backing away slowly.

"Goodnight Lady Grantham," he bowed before backing away as well with a smile.

"Goodnight," she replied courtly. Their eyes stayed locked, an unsaid desire resting behind their poised parting, reminding her of when they were still courting. It made her feel like a young girl who was newly in love and and only he could do that to her. A smile still capturing her lips, she turned quietly opening the door and entering the room. She stopped momentarily enveloped in the scene before her. Edith was sleeping soundly and Bertie was asleep in the chair next to her bed, his hand resting on Edith's. How it filled her heart to know Edith had found love that was true. Bertie was a good man, a wonderful man, and Cora couldn't be happier knowing someone like him was going to be around to care for her daughter long after she was gone. She moved quietly as she made her way over to Bertie and leaned down gently resting a hand on his shoulder. "Bertie?" she whispered.

It took a moment before his head begin to move and his eyes opened. "Oh Cora," he acknowledged slightly dazed.

"I've had the room next to Edith's made up for you, why don't you go get some rest," Cora informed giving him a reassuring smile. "I'll stay with her."

"Are you sure?" he inquired seemingly doubtful as to if he should leave her. "I'm certain you need rest just as much as I do, if not more."

"Don't worry about me. Go," Cora encouraged him as he stood to his feet. As she walked him to the door, he turned around worry etched into his features as he looked upon his wife. "She will be fine...I will watch over her."

"You promise to wake me if she needs me or for anything at all really?" he asked looking at Cora earnestly.

"I promise," Cora quelled his fears. "Now go. She will be right here when you wake up." He nodded giving her a small smile as he walked out the door. "Oh and Bertie?" she called softly.

"Yes?" he stopped in the hall as he turned to meet her gaze.

"You are going to be a wonderful father," Cora tipped her head at him in knowing and he gave her a foolish, childlike grin before disappearing into the room next to her. Soon Cora had settled too. In the chair next to her daughter she felt her body relax and let go of the weight on her shoulders as she watched the steady rise and fall of her daughter's chest. Robert was right, only time would heal her wounds but she was assured by the color of life that rested on Edith's face and that for now, she didn't have to take her eye's off her little girl.


There we have it, Chapter Four! I absolutely loved the different scenes between everyone and I hope you did as well. We got to see quite a number of interactions that I can't always fit into one chapter alone. However, this chapter was special. Please let me know what you think in the comments and if you would enjoy seeing chapter five.

-lovelyladylavender