The painswicks

Untitled Part 2

Robert hopped from the train with a spring in his step. It was so wonderful to be home and he missed his family.  He looked around but didn't see Cora. he thought she would have jumped at the chance to meet him at the station. "Robert!" He turned to see his father and Robert gave him a hearty hug. "Son it is very good to see you."

"It's good to be home, Papa. Where are Cora and the girls?"

He sighed. "That's just it,  They aren't here."

Robert chuckled. " Well that I can see."

"I mean. They are not in England."

Robert could tell His father seemed uncomfortable with this news.

"You're serious, Papa. Why not? What's going on? Is Cora's family alright?" He asked wondering if something happened to either of her parents.

He took a breath. "They're fine. Your mother and Rosamund thought it best she return home since Cyril is your heir. I was in London at the time trying to find out more information on you at the time or I would have stopped it. She took Mary and Edith with her because they wanted to help her with the baby."

Robert stared at him. "She forced a pregnant woman onto a ship alone with two children under 8? Bloody hell, Papa, what is wrong with her? Rosamund was ok with this???"

Patrick sighed. "Marmaduke was killed, Robert. She hasn't been thinking straight since we found out."

"Dear God," He gasped.

"Take this. I know you just returned home but bring your family back. I'll deal with your mother."

Robert looked at the papers he was handed. Passage aboard the Columbia. He had enough tome to grab his gear , catch the next train to London where he can stay over night at Grantham house, the staff having been notified.

"Thanks, Papa," Robert said, hugging him.

"Bring our girls home, son."

+++++++

Cora finally found the strength  to sit outside on the deck. It was hot inside. She had just fallen asleep when she felt a pain in her lower back and cried out. This wasn't a familiar pain.

"Mama?" Mary said, looking up from her book. "Are you ok? Should I get grandmama?"

Cora smiled, nodding. "Yes, please, darling," she replied trying not to look scared in front of Edith, who was playing with the new doll her mother gave her.

Martha rushed out, Harold bumping into her. She rolled her eyes. "Goodness, I told you to have Lewis bring the Carriage around and get the doctor! Harold move!" She sighed when he just stood there watching his sister cry out in pain. Edith hid behind him. scared. "Mary could you ask Uncle Morgan to fetch the doctor please? The little girl nodded and Bertha came out to help get Cora to bed.

"Uncle Harold," Edith whispered. "Is Mama dying?"

"No, of course not," he said. "The baby is ready to come out."

"How did it get in there?" she asked.

"Um... ask Mama later, dear, I don't know either."

+++

"A telegram has arrived, mister Levinson."

"Thanks Williams," he said, opening it.  He glared at it. "So mister fancy Earl decided he wanted his wife back after letting his mother kick her out. Well, Edith, would you like to come with me to pick up your Papa tomorrow?" He asked.

"Papa is coming here?" she asked with a big smile on her face.

"He is." Edith ran inside excitedly. She must tell mama! She wanted her to be happy again! instead she stopped when she saw Mary on the floor in front of Mama's room and she was crying.  "Mary, what's wrong? Is mama,..." She trailed off at another scream, sinking to the floor beside her sister. the two held each other scared they were going to lose her.