5 months had passed since Robert and Cora returned from their honeymoon. Cora was finding it hard to difficult adapting to her new life at Downton. She had no idea that what came next would change her entire future.
Patrick Edward Crawley, husband of Violet, papa of Rosamund and Robert and papa in law to Cora was dying.
He had unwittingly caught a chill that had developed into a full blown pneumonia. The doctor had worked tirelessly but there was nothing that they could do. It was only a matter of time. Patrick had been in ill health before and it quickly passed. However this time there was no escaping his fate. He had been confined to complete bed rest but his health was deteriorating rapidly.
Violet spent many hours discussing politics and current news with Patrick, trying to keep him in the loop with the outside world. Each day that passed she was finding it hard to keep up an optimistic and cheerful façade. She wasn’t this hard faced unfeeling person that she led people to believe. She indeed had a heart. Her love and loyalty to Patrick remained strong and never wavered.
She sat in a chair watching as Patrick slept. Violet knew in mere days that she would become a widow. The thought scared here greatly. She was brought out of her thought when Patrick grasped her hand.
“How long have you been awake?”
Patrick smiled. “Not long, I didn’t want to disrupt you from your thoughts. What were you thinking about?”
Violet didn’t want to tell Patrick, it would only make him feel worse and she didn’t want that. She then smiled. And remembered a fond memory.
“I was just reliving the day when you and I first met. Did I ever apologise for stomping on your foot?” Patrick chuckled.
“Oh yes that day I remember clearly and I believe you did not”
Violet placed a hand on Patrick’s cheek. “Well I apologise now”
She tilted her head and frowned.
“Oh Patrick, I cannot bare the thought of continuing life without you”
Patrick smiled. “That has to be the most honest thing you ever said to me”
Violet frowned again. “I know everyone believes me to have a heart of stone, but you see we are born with 2 eyes, 2 arms and 2 legs, but only 1 heart. Because you see we are supposed to find the other. And I have. I will keep you in my heart forever and always”
She placed a kiss on his forehead. “And I love you Violet, more than you will ever know”
………………………………………………..
Time passed and Robert and Cora was now visiting Patrick. Robert couldn’t believe this was happening, the man he looked up to, the man he called Papa was dying.
Cora also felt sad. The thought of losing Patrick frightened everyone, including the servants.
“Robert, could you get my a glass of water”
“Of course Papa” Robert immediately left.
Cora was left alone with her father in law.
He started to cough. Cora sprang into action and placed a damp flannel on his forehead. Patrick then recovered from his coughing fit and smiled at Cora.
“I never doubted for a single second that you’d make Robert a wonderful wife”
Cora blushed crimson. “Thankyou”
Patrick continued talking. “You have all the qualities I look for in a daughter. I know I have Rosamund but she has always been a bit difficult”
Cora smiled “I’m so grateful, I got to know you. You have been my only ally”
Patrick laughed. Robert returned with the water. Cora got up.
“I’m sorry I must go. Have something to attend to. I hope you don’t mind”
“Of course not, as long as you give your Papa a kiss first”
Cora smiled and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek.
Robert and Patrick watched Cora leave.
Patrick then spoke.
“You made a fine choice in marrying Cora. I believe she will be a great asset to the family. Her dowry is secured in the estate and everything is as it should be. There is one thing you must promise me Robert”
Robert nodded. “Anything Papa”
“You must look after Cora. In the future it won’t be easy for her. Protect her Robert and make sure to support her no matter what”
“I promise Papa”
“My dear son, I love you. You have done me proud and there is nothing far greater than any father could ask for”
“I love you Papa”
…………………………………………….
On October 9th 1889, Patrick Crawley passed away peacefully in his sleep. Violet remained at his side until the very end.
From that moment on, life was never the same.
YOU ARE READING
Downton Abbey. An Ideal Marriage
RomanceA first meeting between a 20 Year Old American Woman and a uprising young soon to be 5th Earl of Grantham. Robert is pressured by his uptight and snooty mother and his wise father to marry to save their family estate and reputation. Miss Cora Louise...
