The Shake up

Untitled Part 1

Cora was unusually tired after the excitement of little George's baptism. So tired, in fact, she made an appointment with Dr. Clarkson for the morning. The signs were there and she knew them well enough but wanted the doctor to confirm it before she said anything.  After all this could go just as horrible as her last pregnancy. Her stomach gurgled and knew she was going to be sick, Making to the toilet just as Robert came into the room.

"Cora? Are you alright?" He asked kneeling beside her to rub her back as she retched. Once she finished she sat back against him as he wiped her mouth. "Are you ill? You don't feel warm?"

"No, just a bit tired and nauseous. I'll see Dr. Clarkson in the morning."

"Shall I come with you? Matthew is dealing with all the meetings on his own so I have time."

she placed a kiss in the crook of his neck. That would be lovely, darkling thank you."

++++++

"Where's Cora?" Violet asked.

"She hasn't been feeling well all day," Robert said. "I told her she overdid it with George's baptism."

"She always does. Very American of her so I'm not surprised."

"Oh, Granny," Edith said. "I wish you wouldn't say such things of mama. Being American is a part of her and I thought you would have accepted it by now. 

"But she's right. It was overload for Georgie as well. He didn't know what to do with himself."

"He had no idea, Mary," Matthew said with a chuckle. "Robert did you know Cora could sing? She has a set of pipes on her."

He smiled. "I did but she was never comfortable singing unless it was family and she only did because George was crying. She used to sing the girl's lullabies."

"I still think its unnecessary for a grown woman and Countess to sing like a lounge singer!" Violet complained.

The door opened and miss O'Brien came in. "Begging  your pardon, Milord, but I think it's best we call Dr. Clarkson for Her ladyship."

"What happened?' He asked getting to his feet as Carson went to place the call. 

O'Brien explained that Cora was feeling warm and wanted to get some air. The moment she stood, she became dizzy and fainted. She was stirring by the time Robert arrived and knelt beside her. "Cora?" He said, taking her hand to help her sit up.  "Are you sure you want to get up?"

"Yes, I'm fine, darling but the floor is uncomfortable." She leaned on him as he stood. She didn't look pale or ill. In fact it seemed as though she were glowing. Robert watched as she got into a more comfortable position, pausing when she realized he was staring at her.

"What is it?" She asked. 

He stood. "I'm not sure , there's something about you tonight. I can't put my finger on it."

Cora sat up straighter trying to ignore the nausea. She never thought he would work it out but he was getting closer.  he smiled, taking her hand and kissed it. finally he said. "I should go down to dinner. Clarkson will be here soon."

Perhaps not.

+++

Clarkson was still in with Cora by the time dinner was over and that worried him. He knocked on the door and sat down to listen to the diagnosis and Robert was thrilled and stunned at what he heard.

The doctor nodded. "I'll take my leave."

He looked at Cora. She had a huge smile on her face and the look he noticed earlier made complete sense, but the fear overcame him.  If she lost the baby as was possible at her age, even more so than the last time, he wasn't sure she would recover. He may not either. 

"Robert, say something please?"

"Is it safe, my darling? That is all I ask. I mean you can't expect me not to worry, especially after Sybil. We're 10 years older and I cannot lose you or another child." 

She took a shaky breath. "come to bed and hold me close, Robert lets sleep and dream of our future. Its not good to dwell on what ifs. And we should probably figure out how to break the news to Matthew and Mary. Who knows what Mama will say."

"She will be upset that we still have passion in our marriage. It's not as though we planned this, Things just happen."

"I know, but I think your mother will realize that more than mine."

"I'm sure."