Her Shattered Heart

Part title

Robert noticed that Cora was crying. He put an arm around her and pulled her close not caring that Stark could see them. He was worried about Cora and that was more important than the chauffeur. To lose one or both of their remaining daughters would kill her.

Cora lifted her head when the car came to a stop. Robert helped her out, but kept her close as they entered the house. He spoke to Carson as Rosamund took Cora aside. "They're bringing Lady Mary to Downton hospital and will call when she arrives Could you have Anna get some things together and see if Mrs. Patmore can put together some soup and sandwiches for Her Ladyship? I'll take to her room."

"Certainly Milord, but Mrs. Drewe is here to speak with the both of you. She says it's urgent."

"Very well, I will speak to her. Rosamund, could you take care of Cora? I'll be right back."

"Of course, Robert."
+++++
Robert headed upstairs trying to figure out what to say to Cora about the Drewe situation. Edith had used them badly and he'd been embarrassed. And Rosamund! They all been kept in the dark. He wasn't even sure Cora knew!

"Rosamund what in the bloody hell happened with Edith!?"
"How should I know? I was with you remember?"
He stood his full height. "You were but I  spoke to Mrs. Drewe and she  said you went there to meet Marigold. My granddaughter whom you've known about and neglected to tell Cora at least.
"What is this?" Cora asked standing in front of her bedroom door.
"Cora," Robert began.
She shook her head. "No Robert. Tell me about our other grandchild. Now!"
Rosamund stepped towards the stairs but Robert grabbed her hand. "I'll allow my sister to tell you her tale since she has known it all from the start."
Cora nodded and invited them both into her room.
"There you are, Edith was told her child would be taken away!" She stood. " now I want to check on Mary then after I'm going to London to find my daughter.

Robert knew he couldn't stop her so he told Carson what they were planning and followed her down to the library where Mama was. Apparently she knew about Marigold as well. He was furious that they kept it from both of them. Cora's face was red with anger and he was worried she was going to have a heart attack.

"I don't know how you think I'll ever trust you again," Cora spat, leaving the room.

"She didn't mean that Mama," Rosamund tried to reassure, but Robert was sure she did.

"That was the most honest thing she's ever said to me," Violet replied.

Robert sighed. "We're going  to check Mary then going to London."

Cora quietly sat beside Mary, holding her hand while Robert spoke to Clarkson. 

She looked up when Robert put his hand on her shoulder. "what did he say?" she asked with a shaky voice.

"Mary May wake up soon. They witnessed some small movement in her extremities when she arrived. He thinks we should speak to her, Maybe bring George in to talk to her."

"Let's see what we can do first. I'm hesitant to let him see his mother like this," She said gesturing. Mary's face was covered in awful dark bruises and abrasions. She felt Mary's hand squeeze hers. "Mary, darling?"

Her eyes opened and she tried to process what she saw and where she was. "Mama?"

"Yes, darling. I'm here."

"what happened? Why am I in so much pain?"

"You rode in the point to point and the saddle wasn't strapped properly so you fell off," she explained choking up. "And were trampled."