The painswicks

Part title

Lady Rosamund Louise Painswick met her husband during her second season. Marmaduke Painswick was a rather handsome man. She married him much to her mother's chagrin who would rather her daughter had married a tirled gentleman.  She and Marmaduke had two children, Cyril who was the same age as Mary and Lavinia who was the same age as Edith. Cyril was currently the heir apparent of Downton. Rosamund's cousin james was not happy. Since Robert and Cora did not have a son, as of yet it would pass to Cyril otherwise James would be the heir and the family was much more pleased at that. She knew Cora still felt as though she had failed her husband and Mama didn't help the guilt she felt no doubt
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Cora exchanged a glance with Rosamund when Papa entered the library looking grim and carrying a stack of papers in his hand. He looked over at Mama as if t send her a message.Violet merely shurgged and nodded at him to go on. Patrick took a breath and moved to sit between Rosamund, and a pregnant Cora, taking each of their hands.
"I have received some disturbing news from the War office," he began. He looked at Rosamund. I am sorry, my darling but Marmaduke has been killed." Rosamund dropped to her knees sobbing. Cora shook with fear for her own husband. Patrick pulled Rosamund into a hug then took Cora's hand, leading her into the hall while violet comforted Rosamund. "Papa.. Is Robert?"
"No, dear. He's missing but they sent a group of men to rescue him. I'm sorry to frighten you, I just didn't want to say so in front of Rosamund."

She nodded. "Of course not.

Violet held Rosamund close as she cried. "Mama, how can I tell the children their father is gone? "Lavinia is 9Cyril is 12! This is too cruel, Mama. please help me tell them."
She looked up when Cora returned with Papa. She was happy her brother was still alive but jealous because Cora still had her husband as well as another child on the way. Rosamund and Marmaduke tried for a year before he left and she had two miscarrages. Her doctor confirmed that was all the children she would have. How true was that statement a year later?
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"Come in," Cora said at the knock. Violet entered looking quite serious. Cora smiled uneasily. "How is Rosamund faring?"
" she's carrying on like an..."

American?" Cora asked with a sigh. "This woman saw her only has that and never failed to humiliate her about it.

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Cora was told the baby was do within the next month. She had hoped they would have found Robert by now but they were still no closer than they were two momths ago. Cora felt extremely alone. Rosamund, understandably was upset and when she used to defend her from things violet said to her, she was now agreeing and  coming up with the barbs herself. It's gotten to the point where both of them think it's better for her to leave since Cyril was the heir to the Earldome and that was that. Violet even bought her passage on the next ship out of Southhampton and Cora was leaving in two days. Patrick was in London for the week trying to get  more information on Robert so he had no idea what Violet was planning. Cora was alone in her room, rubbing her belly and writing a letter to Robert that she was going to give to Mrs. hughes in case he came home while she was gone. "Come in,"  she turned to see Mary and Edith standing at the door. they both had been crying. "Come here, my darlings," she said. They climbed onto the bed. "Mama!" Mary said. "Granny told us you're going to America and we have to stay here for when Papa returns. Why do you want to leave us?" Cora took a shaky breath. "Oh my sweet daughter, I don't want to leave you. I didn't think you wanted to come with me."
"I do! Edith said. "It sounds lovely! I've always wanted to see where you grew up. Besides you may need help when the baby comes!" Cora smiled  giving Edith a kiss. You both are welcome to join me but maybe we should speak to Granny first. She already bought my ticket.
"Ok!" Edith said. Lets go, Mary!"
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Violet agreed to allow Mary and  Edith go if they wanted to with the stipulation they could return if they chose to. Cora had no choice but to agree. She had already failed the family of the man she loved so she wouldn't deny them anything else.