The deep Abyss

Part title

Cora woke up to Mary sitting beside her, holding her hand. She expected and hope Robert would have been there but he was probably mad at her for losing the baby. Their son. How could she have misjudged her step when stepping from the bath?  She'd been careful but her feet slipped from underneath her. The pain she felt as she hit the floor was the worst she ever felt. She knew the moment she slipped that it was over. She killed their baby... their son. She insisted they name him. He deserved a name. Julian Robert would be remembered forever in her heart. "Mary, where's your father?"

"With granny. Do you think you're ready  to eat something or have some tea?"

She shook her head, tears falling. "Not yet, darling, I Just need to see him. Could you find him for me please?"

"Of course, Mama."

Cora got up, draped a Shawl around her and sat in the chair in front of the window. She was angry that the sun was shining while her heart was overshadowed by the death of her son. What had the point of her marriage been if she couldn't even provide an heir to the estate and title she helped to save? She was surprised Robert stayed with her all these years and wondered if he really was in love with her. 

"Cora, " Robert said quietly as he entered. She turned to look at him. "Darling, you should be in bed. Come along," he said, helping her to her  feet. She clung to his arm. "I'm sorry."

"No, don't do that dearest one. You have nothing to apologize for."

"I'm sure Mama hates me."

"She doesn't. She wishes you could have been spared this pain as do I." He helped her into the bed, covering her. A moment later he was removing his clothes and climbing in beside her. "Robert, what are you doing? It's the middle of the day and I thought you had a meeting to attend before tea. 

"I just want to be with you. Is that alright?" 

She turned to face him, cupping his cheek she smiled but it didn't reach her eyes.  "Are you sure? I've ruined your life again."

"No, there has never been nor will there been anyway you could have ruined my life, Cora," he said, moving closer to her and guided her to lay her head on his chest. She took a shaky breath and sighed. "Oh Robert."