Coming of Age Book 2: James

War at home and on the front

Returning home after the season was just what Cora needed. She sent a message to Dr Clarkson to request a checkup. Ever since they left Yorkshire she's been feeling rundown and sick to her stomach. Rosamund tried to get her to see her doctor but Cora refused to make a fuss especially since Sybil did so well. Having more prospects than even Mary had after her first season. 

She went up to her room and removed her hat, taking a glance in the mirror. She was surprised at how pale and drawn she looked. Robert had questioned her on the train as she gotten up several times for air. There was a knock on the door and Mrs Hughes entered with the doctor.

"Lady Grantham, he said in greeting."Hello, Doctor Clarkson. Thank you for coming. He nodded but didn't speak up until Mrs Hughes shut the door. 

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Robert was in the great hall when he saw Clarkson coming down the stairs. "I didn't know you were here."

"Lady Grantham sent for me," he replied. 

"She's not ill?" He asked in concern.  She had seemed quiet and withdrawn the last few days of the season but she just said she was tired. It was a lot of work planning a season for one's daughter. He really didn't know how women did it. Just watching it all was exhausting.

"No, not ill exactly."

Robert didn't wait for an explanation and ran up, taking two steps at a time.Cora was sitting on the bed, her beautiful hair in a braid down her back. "Are you okay, darling?" He asked. She turned, smiling. "I am, but i need to tell you something."

Robert sat down on the edge of the bed. "Pregnant?" He asked, stunned. "Forgive me but you haven't been pregnant for 16 years!"

Cora smiled indulgently. "Well, i'm pregnant now." She was quiet before saying more. "You're pleased, though?"

He grinned, Pulling her into a hug. "Of course my darling!"

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Thomas  shut the door behind him, turning to face O'Brien. "That filthy ungrateful cow!" She said. "I know what must be done."

"Don't do anything stupid!"

"When have I done anything stupid? You know I always think my decisions through, Thomas."

He sighed as she left the room in anger. When Sarah arrived in her ladyship's room, her anger increased exponentially as the woman talked to her as if she wasn't planning to sack her. Asking Sarah's opinion on how long it took for a ladies' maid to settle in. 

Cora tried to relax in the bath but she noticed that O'Brien seemed distracted and even a little put off so when she dropped the bar of soap she felt bad. "I'm just going to sort out your clothes Milady," she said leaving Cora alone. 

Cora felt chilled so she carefully got up She realized too late that she wasn't standing on the floor and her foot slipped from under. She twisted to try and catch herself but ended up slamming stomach first into the edge of the tub. Crying out in pain she sank to the floor. It was then she realized that it wasn't water dripping on the floor, but blood. Cora gasped in horrible realization. She killed her baby. "Oh God no!" She whispered. "No!" She screamed, then laid on the floor, her eyes slipping shut.

"Bates, who had Been in his Lordship's dressing room heard the scream and went next door to see O'Brien frantically pulling at the cord for help. "Oh, Mr. Bates, find his Lordship. Her ladyship has fallen. Call for the doctor immediately!"

"Bates had never seen this caring and frantic side of O'Brien but he didn't waste a second to take action.

Robert was going the through the post when Carson rushed in. "Milord, Her ladyship slipped in the bath. Bates is calling for the doctor."