Cora opened her eyes, she looked at the clock, it was one o'clock at night. Why did she wake up? She had only gone to bed two hours ago. She had tried to write, but all she managed to get on paper did not look like something she could put in her book. She turned around and closed her eyes again, but then she heard why she had been woken up. Remarkably familiar sounds came through her open window. She felt her heart skipping a beat and quickly she got up. She wrapped her nightgown around her and sat down at her desk.
The piano player was back, after weeks of silence, he was back. She felt the same urge as she had felt the first time that music came through her window. Words were coming up like an erupting volcano. After what felt like only five minutes, the music stopped.
Cora looked at her desk, and a big pile of paper had formed next to her. She looked at the paper that was under her hand. Was this it? Did she finish her book? No, it could not be. She had struggled so much and now she just finished. She browsed through the just drafted papers and indeed she had managed to finish her story.
The piano music had silenced again, next time the music would sound, she was going to search where it came from. Her book was finished, so she could go and explore.
With a happy sigh, she stretched. She did it, she finished her book. Finally, she had two more days left to get her writing digitalised. It had given her the nerves that she had not finished her writing yet and by magic there the music was. She was relieved that she left her window open, otherwise she would not have heard.
She looked at the papers again and smiled. Time to get more sleep, tomorrow she would start typing. But now she deserved a good night's rest. One without the weight of her book on her mind.
"Robert, you need to come home." Violet's voice sounded on Robert's voicemail.
He slowly stretched and looked at the clock, eleven in the morning. Oh no, he had overslept. He had planned to be back in Westminster in the morning. But his late-night playing made a mess of those plans. He quickly took a shower and put on clean clothes. He called for a cab and hoped that the city would be slow in traffic. He did not want to explain why he was late after already missing five calls.
He arrived later than he hoped, but his mother did not pay attention to that detail. "Your father needs you. Why weren't you here this morning?" Violet said disdain when he finally entered the house.
"Mama, I told Papa that I would be back tomorrow morning. I did not know he wanted me today already. I thought he needed some time to acclimate at home."
"This is not our home, and you know that."
"Mama, I know Downton is your home, but for now this is your house too."
"Correct, our house. It is not our home."
Robert sighed. "Is Papa in his office?"
"He is still in bed. He did not feel well enough to get up."
This surprised Robert. His father never stayed in bed, how bad he felt, he always got up. This stroke did truly hit him hard. Robert took the stairs with two steps at the time and knocked on his father's door. A soft yes sounded. When he opened the door, he indeed found his father sitting upwards in bed. He had some documents spread around him. He did not look well, Robert thought. The curtains were still closed, so after a quick greeting he started to open them.
"Can you keep them closed, please? I have a headache." With one hand he covered his eyes.
Robert got alarmed, a headache? Again? "Papa, are you alright?"
"Do not start son. Come close the curtains and sit down. We have a lot to discuss."
Robert did as was told, but instantly sent a text to Rosamund that she needed to come.
Robert left the bedroom about thirty minutes later. He noticed that his father was tired. He was slurring his words again. And the little movement that he had in his left hand was gone.
"How is Papa?" Rosamund asked when he closed the door.
"I am not sure. He seemed more tired than yesterday, but maybe he had a bad night. He was complaining about a headache." Robert answered, wringing his hands. "Do you think something is wrong?"
"He had a stroke recently, so there is obviously something wrong. But do you think he could have another stroke?" Rosamund looked at Robert with worry in her eyes.
"Is that possible?"
"I do not know."
"What are you two hoovering around in the hallway." Violet's voice sounded from downstairs.
"We were just talking," Rosamund answered. "Please go check on Papa in a couple of minutes." She sad softer to Robert.
"Rosamund, can you come quickly." Robert texted his sister. He was standing next to his father's bedside. He had a grey skin tone again and his mouth was drooping.
"We need to call an ambulance, right now!" Rosamund said when she entered the room. "Papa?"
Patrick did not react; he was staring in front of him.
"Papa, do not worry. The ambulance is coming. Everything will be alright." Rosamund said to her father.
"Everything is, clearly, not alright," Robert said under his breath. "Where is that ambulance." He said louder.
"We called them five minutes ago; they will be here soon."
"Patrick?" Violet's voice sounded. "What is happening?"
Rosamund got up and walked over to her. "Mama, it looks like Papa has another stroke. We called the ambulance already.
"This cannot be."
"Your husband has incredible luck. The bleeding was small this time. But he needs to keep more rest and he needs to take the medication on time. I cannot guarantee that he will survive a third time." The doctor looked at Violet. "He needs to be at a place where it is quiet and calm."
"Downton. We need to go back to Downton." Violet said. "There it is quiet and very calm."
"I think that is a perfect idea." The doctor agreed.
Robert sighed softly. This would mean he had to go to Downton too. It was too far from London to go to Richmond for the night. Like he did last night. He would not be able to play, but the worst part was that he would not be able to see Cora.
That woman had a magic effect on him, and he could slap himself, why did he not ask for her number? He had been too afraid of her rejection. But she was sending him signs that she was interested. Did she not? When she touched his arm, the last time he saw her. It was as if electricity was sent through his skin. Her slender, soft, and warm hand on his arm, felt natural. And her smile. Oh, her smile. It was mesmerizing. When she smiled it was as if the sun peaked through the clouds on a rainy day. Her eyes were blue like a beautiful lake. He wanted to stare into them and drown in them.
"Robert!" Violet's angry voice woke him out of his daydream.
Startled he looked at his mother. "I am sorry Mama. What did you say?"
"I said that I expect you to come to Downton too. I will arrange for a nurse to help your father at home. You can drive us; your father brought the Bentley. We are leaving now."
"I think it would be best if your husband got some rest here before you take him to Downton. Let him stay here for the night, so we can keep an eye on him. If tomorrow his vitals are still in the ok, he is free to go." The doctor said gently.
Robert was surprised at how well that man was able to guide his mother in the direction he wanted. "I think that that is an excellent idea. We can pack the bags and we will leave tomorrow after rush hour. Thank you doctor." Robert got up.
"Rosamund, can you help Mama with her bags?"
"Me? Why me? Where is Sofie?"
"Sofie?" Robert asked surprised.
"Mama's lady's maid." Rosamund now looked surprised at Robert. "Do not tell me you never met Sofie?"
"I know Maud, but I thought Maud was also Mama's lady's maid. But I have never heard of Sofie."
Rosamund sighed. "Well, now you know. Sofie will help Mama pack. You will need to pack your own bags, since it will be a while before you return back here in London."
That prospect made Robert sad. He loved London and not just because Cora was in that city. He loved the buzz, but mostly he loved the convenience of a big city. He would ask John to look after his house in Richmond. The concierge of his Westminster apartment building would look after his apartment there. And Rosamund also had a key.
"Right. I will go home and pack." He turned towards Violet. "Mama, I will pick you up around ten in the morning and then we drive here." He made a gesture with his arm. "To the hospital and pick up Papa."