Gone

Startling News

Robert chose to invite cousin Matthew and his mother to visit since he was now the heir. Matthew visited as much if not more than Patrick. Matthew and Mary had been inseparable growing up while Edith and Patrick had been close.  "Milord, an urgent telegram from Mr. Murray has arrived."

Robert set his book down and opened the envelope:

Coming  to Downton Stop

Startling news Stop

Cora and George Found Stop

Robert jumped up from his chair, causing Carson to step back in shock.

"Sorry Carson, I just received the most wonderful news!  Could you please find my daughters and ask the Dowager to come for tea?  I find I need to share the news immediately.  He wasn't sure how mama would take the news but he knew his daughters missed her terribly.

"Robert, what in the world is the meaning of you dragging me from my home in these cold temperatures?"

"Mama. girls, i received a rather stunning telegram from Murray. "Cora and George have been found!"

"Ha! I knew she was still alive! Where was she?"

"He did not say. He's coming to speak to us in person and should be here within the hour."

Just then Carson brought in the tea. He nodded to him and the butler left.  Robert stood to pour the tea, allowing Carson to share the happy news with the staff. The younger ones wouldn't know anything about the mistress of the house but he knew they would be told the story soon enough.

When Murray entered the library, Robert was nervous because he couldn't read the lawyer's expression.

"Lady Grantham and Master George were taken by Martin Carter, a well known criminal from Scotland. He had escaped prison and he came to Yorkshire where he met a young woman named Louise. With her help he was able to find Lady Grantham on her walk that fateful day."

"Louise?" Edith asked. "Do  you have a last name, Mr. Murray?"

He took a breath. "I'm afraid it was Louise Carson."

Robert's head was spinning but he didn't know what fact to settle on. the fact he'd been late coming home for that walk or that Carson's daughter plotted with such a man to destroy his life?

Louise rushed upstairs before Carlie or Elsie could stop her. If Mr. Murray had the news then the family knew of her involvement.   Martin had already sent her a telegram to warn her.

"Louise?" Mary said with tears in her eyes. "How could she? She'd been like a sister to us!"

"But you remember, Mary after Mama went missing she became distant. Perhaps she felt guilty for her part in it?"

"You're right, Lady Edith," Louise said. "I did.  Carson stopped when he heard his daughter's confession. "I didn't know what Martin was capable of or what he had planned. When i learned, I was so upset but he... He threatened to kill my parents so I..."

"So you decided that our mother didn't deserve her life?" Mary growled. "You were jealous Louise! Jealous! and Our family paid the price!"

Even Robert was boiling mad but he said nothing, just allowing the tears to fall and Mary speak for him. He risked a glance at his mother. She too seemed to be crying. It was the first time she openly wept for Cora, for all they lost.

Carson was stunned. He knew his daughter wasn't keen on the Crawley family but he thought he raised her better than this!

"So because of the blow to the head Lady Grantham received, she had amnesia and remembered nothing. This man  told her he was her husband and you had kidnapped her Milord.    The police learned from Master George that she was constantly beaten by Carter and she's four months pregnant. She is currently in safety with her Aunt Bertha and Uncle George Russell. Her Mother has not been contacted because Her Ladyship was very ill and refused to allow her mother to see her  like that. The same for you, Milord. They will return as soon as the doctor gives her clearance to travel.

Robert sank into a chair, trying to take it all in. His darling Wife. Her strength saw her through, that was true, but what she'd been through! And now she was pregnant with another man's child, Of course he couldn't blame her for any of it! But how was she going to get past it?

Once Murray left he looked at his mother. "Mama?"

"I am sorry, robert," she said. "I am glad she's been found and George too of course."