Coming of Age Book 2: James

Mother's Pain

Robert watched as the men gently lifted James from the pigpen. He felt sick when he remembered what happened. James and the men Mr. Billings hired were in the pen filling two troughs when five of the pigs broke free from where they  locked away. the hungry animals charged, knocked over, and trampled James. He glanced down at his clothes, an awfully muddy mess, but Robert didn't care. All that mattered now was James. 

"Would you like a ride to the hospital, Milord?" Billings asked.

"I would appreciate it, thank you."

******************

"Milady," Andy said. "His Lordship is on the telephone."

Cora frowned, wondering why he was on the phone and not at home then went to talk to him. 

Andy stood there,  watching. "What is it Andrew?" Carson asked.

"It seems that Master James was trampled by the pigs."

"What? Find Pratt and have him bring the car around for her Ladyship!"

"Yes Mr. Carson. "

The Butler looked over to see Lady Grantham holding on to the table for support. He went over to check on her. "Milady?"

When she looked up at him, all the color had drained from her face. "They can't wake him up yet," She said quietly."

"He's strong, Milady, and he may not wake up right away after the trauma, but he will. For you and his Lordship."

Cora was silent as she got into the motor. She was so lost in thought she hadn't heard Mary calling her name until her daughter was seated beside her.

"Mama," she said, taking Cora's hand. James will be fine. He's stubborn like Papa."

*****************

Robert was pacing in the hall when Cora and Mary arrived. She immediately went to her husband. "How's James? May I see him?"

"Clarkson is still examining him and we can see him when he's finished.

The doctor came up to them, a grim look on his face. "How is he?" Cora asked, her voice cracking nervously. Robert placed an arm around her noting Doctor Clarkson's hesitation upon answering.

Finally, he spoke up. "Master James has a serious head injury. and a broken arm. When he wakes up there may be some problems with his memory.

A nurse rushed over. " Doctor he's waking up."

"Right," he said, "Would you both care to join me?" He asked.

Robert had Cora sit in the chair beside the bed. James' eyes were open but he was looking around in confusion and pain. 

He was confused the nurse said she was getting the doctor but three people came over and he recognized only two of them but he wasn't sure who the third was. "James, how are you feeling. "Horrible, Papa. Like I was run over by a car."

Cora reached over to take his hand but he moved it away. "Who are you?"

Tears formed in her eyes. "Darling, I'm your mother."

"No."

"No?"

"My Mother died years ago."

Robert frowned, looking at Clarkson. "She did not, this is your Mama,"

"He's right, Master James," Clarkson replied. "Go home with Lord Grantham and see if you can't jog your memory."

Cora got up and went to wait out in the waiting area with Mary. The eldest Crawley daughter was concerned by the tears in her mother's eyes. "Mama? Is everything all right?"

"Everything except James doesn't know who I am."

"Oh, Mama! We'll help him to remember you, I promise." 

"Mary!" James said as he came out with Robert. Cora felt sick because James remembered Mary, but why didn't he remember her?

"My darling, brother, mucking about with the pigs. I suppose you gave Papa a heart attack."

"Very nearly," Robert replied. "But let us go home. Your sisters are probably wondering what's keeping us and Mrs. Patmore might be throwing a fit.

Cora sat in the front since James seemed rather uncomfortable with her.