The Shake up

Untitled Part 2

Violet felt embarrassed by this turn of events. "How shocking! You are middle aged adults and still so intimate together? This is very irresponsible of you, Cora. You are risking your health and the health of the child! Let us hope we can avoid another miscarriage!"

"Mama!" Robert said as Cora ran from the room. "That was unnecessary. Why even bring it up. Everyone involved know the risks so please do not upset her. Not now."

Well Matthew and Mary are settled with George and now the two of you are going to mess that up again. She will be crushed."

"Messed what up?"Mary asked entering the library.  Neither spoke up. "Come on, I heard the two of you yelling from the door and saw Mama run upstairs. What's going on?"

Robert took a breath. "Your Mama is pregnant."

Of all the things he could say that was furthest from Mary's mind. "Really, Papa, Can't the two of you keep your clothes on?"

"Mary!" Matthew warned.

Violet shook her head but she agreed with her granddaughter.

Robert glared at her. "Not when we love one another, Mary. Being in love after so many years deserves a celebration and I cherish your Mama deeply."

"Robert, that's enough!" Violet said. "You have been married for far too long. You're acting American by saying such private things, to your daughter and son in law no less!"

Matthew was secretly enjoying this but it also disappointed him that Mary was acting in this way. It was the type of love he longed for. Not to be inhibited by the confines of society. He knew his mother wasn't too keen on Robert and Cora's public displays of affection but he rather hoped Mary had taken a shine to it but she was more like Violet everyday.

What Mary wanted to do was scream. Again her future was uncertain. Matthew may not be an Earl due to Mama's child.

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"Again?" Isobel said. ""Those two are like rabbits I swear!"

"Mother, don't be rude. i think it's lovely they still have such affection for one another after so many years."

"What does Mary say?"

"She's upset."

"Of course she is. They have no respect for anyone."

"That's not true and please don't upset Cora. She needs to get through this especially after last time.  Robert's probably nervous because of Sybil."

"And her age, no doubt! It's very irresponsible to bring a child into the world when it's possible you may not survive childbirth."

"Try not to be so negative, Mother. Be happy for Cora. She is, uh that is until cousin Violet and Mary started their snide remarks."

"You should speak to Mary, she may be very hurt by this."

"I will, trust me."

"I shall have to, I can't trust Robert or Cora."