The painswicks

Untitled Part 4

Rosamund was starting to come a bit from the fog, if anything for her children. "Mama," Lavinia said. "Where's Aunt Cora? I miss her. Did they find uncle Robert?"

She frowned. "Aunt Cora went back to America. We don't need her. Grand papa said they did. He was going to pick him up and he should be here by teatime.
"If they found him why didn't Aunt Cora wait to see him?"

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She didn't get a chance to answer because Patrick entered, followed by Violet.

"What do you mean Robert isn't coming home?" she asked.

"I sent him to meet with his wife, who by the way, had the baby! We'll be lucky if she returns."

"No we won't," Violet said.

"But Granny!" Lavinia said, "I want to meet my new cousin and see Aunt Cora!"

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Rosamund was quiet. Marmaduke would be so ashamed of her behavior. He really liked Cora and thought she was good for Robert and the county. She would never admit it to Mama but she agreed and now she might never see her brother or nieces again.
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Robert tried to spy Harold through the sea of immigrants. He looked up when he heard a familiar voice. Edith was waving excitedly from atop Harold's shoulders. Robert rushed to the pair grunting as Edith launched herself into his arms. "Hello my darling," he said , giving her a kiss.

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Robert was stopped by Martha. He saw she'd been crying and it made his stomach hurt.
She took his hand. "I'm glad you're back safely.
He nodded. "Cora is ok?"
She took a breath. "We almost lost her, Robert.

He heard the baby cry and sounds of Cora soothing her with a song.

"Go on in," Martha said. "I haven't told her you were coming yet."

Robert opened the door. "Oh mother, she's lovely. I just wish Robert were here."

"Your wish has come true, my darling," He said, smiling.

"Oh my God! Robert!"

He sat on the bed beside her, looking at their little girl. "She's beautiful," He said, brushing the hair from Cora's face. "Just like you."

Cor frowned. "But darling, I failed you again. Mama won't want me to return. Not without a son."

"My dear Cora, She has no choice but to accept you and my youngest daughter. Your mother said you almost died.  Our darling Sybil Cora is coming home with us."

'Sybil Cora'? she asked, smirking. 

"Yes. Our beautiful girl will have her mother's name as a tribute to the woman I love the most. Now where is the doctor? We must see when you can travel? Papa is anxious to have you home!"