Robert was walking in the gardens with Isis. He needed some alone time. Cora´s words from last night hit him. The guilt was building up, he wished he had never been so foolish. Why did he need to almost loose Cora, before seeing what he a gem he had married. How en when was he going to tell her, he had to tell her. He still agreed with Bates, there was no other way. Cora deserved the truth, even though he did not know how she would react to it.

"Robert?"

He turned around, annoyed he was disturbed. It was his sister Rosamund.

"Are you alright?" She asked.

He shook his shoulders. "I think so, why."

"You were awfully quiet at breakfast this morning. Cora is getting better, isn't she?"

"Thank the Lord she is indeed."

"What else is bothering you?"

"Rosamund, there is nothing, I think I am just tired of all the stress from the last days. Sybil running away with that Tom, Cora almost dying."

"Sybil seems happy with Tom, why do you not give him a change. He could surprise you."

"Please, not you too. Why can nobody agree with me on this? Why are you all not seeing what is happening?" He sighed.

"You should have more faith in Sybil's judgement. Did you recently check in on Edith how she is doing. Does she have somebody she likes?"

Robert frowned. "Edith is happy as she is. She is giving me the least worries."

"Well, I think you should open your eyes and look better. Your middle child is struggling, I can see it."

"So, now you are going to pretend to know how to raise children? Rosamund, you do not even have children of your own!"

Rosamund's jaw tightened. "I know, as you often remind me of the fact."

"Mama, you asked for me." Mary walked into her mother's room. O'Brien left the moment she stepped inside. "How are you feeling?"

Cora pulled herself up, she was clearly feeling better, but very exhausted still. "I am better, could use a shower, only I do not have the energy yet. But I asked for you because in three days we have that event. And on the day, I fell ill, we still had a lot of things to prepare. How are things now?"

Mary blushed. "I have to admit, I did not do much."

"I suspected that already. You will have to learn to do more on your own darling." Cora said carefully, she knew how Mary would react.

"You do not think I had other worries over the last days? You were almost dying, and you expect me to work on a stupid event." Mary reacted exactly how Cora had expected.

She reached for her daughter's hand. "Darling, you know you did not do much before I got ill either. You are leaning on me too much. I am more than willing to help you, but we started the business because you wanted to do something. I am only here to help, but the last six events were all arranged by me. Please tell me if I am wrong."

Reluctantly Mary let her mother hold her hand. "No." She said, her eyes low. "I found it very convenient that you did all the work."

"Maybe it is time to change things?" Cora said softly.

It stayed silent for a little while, and when Mary looked up, she saw her mother had her eyes closed. Carefully she pulled her hand back and walked out of the room. She met Sybil in the hallway. "Mama is asleep again."

"How was her breathing?" Sybil asked.

"Much better. She was not using the oxygen; her coughing is also less harsh. Should we help her take a shower this afternoon? She mentioned it."

"I am not sure, maybe we better ask Papa to help her."

"Papa? You really think Papa is capable of doing that?" Mary raised her eyebrows.

Sybil chuckled. "Papa hates anything medical, but helping his wife take a shower is something else. And do you think Mama will like it when we help her?"

"Hmm, maybe you are right. It is also a bit weird indeed. Helping O'Brien, changing her clothes was different, she was mostly asleep when we did that. But yeah, maybe..." Mary's voice trailed off.

"I will ask Papa when he and Rosamund are back. For now, it is good, Mama is sleeping, she needs to regain her strength. Can I help you with the event of next week?"

"Are you not going to Tom this afternoon?"

"He can wait." She giggled. "He will have me for the rest of my life, so no, I am not going to Tom, I am going to help my big sister."

Robert walked upstairs; Mrs. Patmore gave him Cora's lunch. When he opened the bedroom door, he saw her sitting upright in the bed. "You are looking a lot better, dearest."

"I feel better, thankfully."

"Mrs. Patmore made you some sandwiches. And when you finish them, I will help you take a shower."

Cora's face brightened. "Would you have time for that?"

With just two big steps Robert was next to Cora. "For you I make time. Now do you first want to eat, or first that shower." His eyes gazing into hers.

Cora chuckled. "I am afraid, this will be a boring shower for you." Softly she stroke his cheek.

Robert rested his head against her hand, soaking up her attention, how long would he get that from her. Once she would know what he had done, this would be over. Was he going to lose Cora over what he did?

Cora saw sadness cloud Robert's face. "Darling? What is troubling you?"

Quickly Robert pulled his face straight again. "Never mind, darling. Now, let's eat your sandwiches, then I will help you with that shower."

Once Cora finished her plate, she pulled the duvet down and carefully put her legs over the edge.

"Let's not waist to much energy." Robert said, while scooping her of the bed. "I will carry you."

Cora rested her head on his shoulder. This was the safest place she could be, she thought. In the arms of her loving husband.

"I filled the bathtub, I figured that would cost you less energy. The warm water will be nice on your skin, and it is easier for me to help you wash your hair."

Her heart overflowing with love for Robert, Cora pressed her lips against Robert's skin. Her hand playing with the hairs in his neck. "I love you." she whispered.