The deep Abyss

Untitled Part 6

Cora pretended to be reading when the bedroom door opened. It was Robert, as she expected. he wanted to return to their bed but she could barely manage to look at him since Sybil...

"Cora,"

"Robert," she said, annoyed by him. "I can't.

"You listened to Clarkson and so should I have done, But I want to be there for you. The thought of you going through this alone frightens me."

She didn't pretend not to understand his meaning. After all, it crossed her mind the few moments she sat with her baby. Tears stung her eyes again as she defaulted back to that familiar feeling of sadness. She loved her daughter and her son and wanted to go with them, but she thought of Mary and Edith and, yes, even Robert.

She did loved him but couldn't see a way to forgive him for taking her baby from him. He and that arrogant Sir Tapsell! And the way they treated Dr. Clarkson was disrespectful and rude. He accepted her apology kindly but Cora didn't feel as though she deserved it, She was not worthy enough to see all of her children grow up to be amazing people.

"Do you think I don't miss her?"

"I should think you miss her more since you blocked any chance to save her!" Cora told him, immediately regretting her words. She felt wretched so she wanted him to feel that way too. She briefly thought about going after him and apologizing. How could either of them get through this without the other? She knew Sybil would ask that question if she was there to ask it.

So Cora threw off the blankets and went to the hall. Robert's hand was on the doorknob about to turn it. "Robert, I am sorry. Please come back once you're changed."

He looked up at her and nodded, slipping into dressing room.

Cora wrapped her dressing gown tighter around her feeling a chill suddenly, and vaguely wondered if she was coming down with something, She felt sick to her stomach lately and a constant headache had been plaguing her for days. She thought it had to do with all the crying, but she wasn't so certain as her throat was very sore and it was hard to swallow. She admitted to herself that perhaps she hadn't been taking much care. She barely ate , barely slept. She just barely cared about anything except the loss of Sybil.

Cora was so lost in thought that she didn't realize Robert entered until he sat beside her and took her hand. She stood knelt in front of him, her hands reaching up to caress his cheek as tears welled in his eyes. "Robert, I am sorry for how I treated you. You are not to blame for what happened. I understand if you can't forgive me for all the horrible things I said. You have a right to miss Sybil just as much as I do my darling."
Robert ran his hands through her hair as it hung in lose stands. She looked up at him expectantly. "Robert? May I show you how much I love you?" She asked, reaching up to unbutton his shirt.

He laughed, the first proper laugh he had since Sybil, getting up, he lifted Cora then swung her around and onto the bed. He soon joined her on his knees he looked into her eyes, shining up at him, full of love again. he pressed his lips to her. "I love you, My Cora"

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Cora felt sick to her stomach as she watched Robert rush outside. "But this can't be," she whispered as tears fell.

"Mama?" She turned to face Edith. " What's wrong? Is Mary alright?"

"She is, for now. in a few hours I'm not so sure.

"What do you ,mean?"

"Matthew was in a car accident," she said. "He.... he didn't survive."

"What?" Cora sank onto the settee and cried. Edith sat beside her, putting her arm around her.

"Milady!" Carson called, rushing into the room. "Dr. Clarkson is asking you go to the hospital for Mrs. Crawley."

Cora stood, clutching Edith's hand and headed to the front door.

Cora was quiet on the drive to the village. it took longer than usual as they had to go around the back way because of the accident. Upon arrival she saw Robert on the stairs, his eyes red and face pale.

She got out and went up to him, taking him inside so he could cry in private.

Dr. Clarkson showed them to a room and shut the door while Edith went to see Isobel.
Robert pulled Cora into his arms as he sobbed into her shoulder. She rubbed his back feeling the same heart ache he was. They  lost another son.
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Isobel cried as Edith held her hand. " leave me be!" She cried getting up and running away.
Edith wanted to talk to Mary Burt decided this news would be better off coming from Mama.
She looked up when she heard footsteps and sniffles.  Her parents looked absolutely dreadful. They couldn't talk to Mary like that!
"Mama!" She said, perhaps you should go to the washroom before you meet your grandson? You too ,papa." They looked at one another and nodded in understanding.
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Mary looked down at George with a huge smile on her face. She never thought she could be so happy but now she wondered where her family was. They should have been there by now. She looked up when the door opened and greeted her parents. They looked so serious and that worried her. Her smile faltered as Mama sat down beside her peering at the bundle in her arms.

Mary handed George to her as Papa came to the other side. He took her hand, "My darling Mary," he began. "There's something I need to tell you. Robert takes a deep breath, glancing at Cora for strength.  "Matthew.."

"Matthew what?  Is he trying o cut in line to hold his son again?" she asked with a chuckle. Neither of her parents even cracked a smile. Cora looked at George and Robert shifted uncomfortably on his feet.

"What about Matthew?" she asked, getting worried. Tell Me, Papa!"

"he was in a car accident."

"Oh my God! is he ok? where is he Papa?"

He sat on the edge of the bed. "I'm afraid he was killed."

"WHAT? NO Papa! Don't lie like that," she exclaimed pushing him to the floor. Robert's knees hit the floor hard.