Robert changed into his pyjama. He had a gnawing pain in his abdomen. It was getting worse every day. The whole hospital business did not help much. Tomorrow, Neville Chamberlain, the minister of health, would dine with them. He did not like the war that was going on between his mother and his wife. He was not able to choose a side. He knew he should support Cora. Of course, he should. But Violet was his mother, and he did not want his ears clipped by her.
"Is that all, Milord?" Bates asked.
Robert turned and nodded. "That is all, thank you." He walked towards the dividing door, Cora sat in front of her vanity mirror. Baxter was just finishing up and walked out of the room.
Cora looked wonderful, especially in her night clothes. He loved the way her hair was down. Baxter always made a side braid for the night. He would love to see her hair down during the day. She had the most beautiful chestnut brown curls. But unfortunately it was not the fashion. The robe Cora was wearing gave her skin an extra glow, Robert thought. "I'm dreading this dinner on Friday."
Cora turns half towards him and smiles softly. "So are we all, but we have to get through it."
"I'm afraid Mama seems to see this argument as the last battle, the last big fight of her life. If she loses, there'll be hell to pay." Robert continued, untying his robe. The movement hurts, and he presses his hand into his abdomen.
Cora walks towards her bedside. Ready to get in and fall into a deep sleep. She wants to be well rested before that minister will come tomorrow. "Then there'll be hell to pay." This time, she is not backing out she thought. Violet needs to know that sometimes things need to change.
Robert breaths in sharply. The pain in his abdomen is bad tonight and says. "Added to which, I'm feeling pretty rough. I'm sure it's only indigestion, but whether it is or not, I'll be glad of a chance to put my feet up." He sat down wearily on the chaiselongue.
Cora turns back around with a worried look on her face and steps closer to him. This afternoon, Robert also complained about some pain. This whole business needed to stop as soon as possible. Robert needed rest "It's too late to cancel, but I'd be happy to manage the
Evening without you, if you're ill."
Everything inside Robert wants to grab the rope she is throwing him. But he knows that it is not an option. His mother would not accept him being absent. No, he just needed to battle through.
"Mama would only say I'd ratted on her. No. As you say, I'll get through it and then take things quietly for a few days.
He heaves himself to his feet and walks to his bedside. He feels Cora's eyes burning. He knows she wants him to stay in bed and take his rest. He also knows she will not press. She gave him a way out, but she would not press on him. He gets under the covers and waits for Cora to do the same before he turns off his light. With a slight groan, he turns on his back. He feels the bed move, while Cora scoots closer to him.
Carefully, she puts her hand on his abdomen and presses her lips against his neck. "Try to get some sleep. I hope you will feel better in the morning."
"I love you, Cora. I love you."
Her arm moves up and is now resting on his chest. Robert feels her head heavy on his arm, Cora is already asleep. He closes his eyes and tries to ignore the glooming feeling. He can only hope Cora knows how much he truly loves her.