Coming of Age Book 2: James

Sacrifice

Cora did not sleep well and, in turn neither did Robert. She woke up in so much fear at one point and was shaking alot he thought she'd never fall asleep again, but she finally did by the time O'brien entered. Robert got up and headed to his dressing room.

"Are you well, milady?"

"Just had a rough night. couldn't sleep," she said not willing to admit her nightmare about losing James.  thinking that if sh did she would lose him for real.

"Would you like to wait on breakfast? sleep a bit longer?"

"That would be nice but Lady Hanestruck is dropping by this afternoon with big news that she wanted to share. I'll have breakfast in the dining room today."

*********

Robert just sat down when Carson entered. "Telephone call, Milord."

"Yes?" Robert said. His stomach dropped as he listened to the caller 

"Yes, of course. thank you for letting me know. I appreciate that." 

he hung up the phone but it was times as these that he hated being British. His son was dead and he must act stoic as though his son and heir were not important to him. how he wished he were in America right now. There he could have screamed, cried, carried on like a Banshee and no one would bat an eye. The only thing left to do was tell Cora. He thought he had time to prepare the right words but when he got back to the dining room there she was. She turned to face him. "Who was that on the phone, dear?"

He didn't have to  say a word it turned out, somehow she knew when he looked at her.  He also knew Cora wouldn't be able to be stoic so he glaced at Carson, who nodded and left the room.  he walked over to her as she stood, catchiing her as she fell into his arms. 'No! No my boy my baby!" Why didn't you try to prevent him from going?" she cried shoving him away from her. It's your fault, Robert! you!"  As long as he followed orders like a good soldier and his mother be damned! I Hate you!" She cried, hitting him with her fists.

Robert merely took the beating she gave him because he believed it was his fault as well. He hated himself. Now he lost two sons in one year. It was not meant to be.

CShe took a deep breath, shoved him away then left the room. Robert sank into his chair no longer hungry.