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Cora thought that the return of her husband from the war would be a cause for celebration. it was wasn’t as happy as she’d hoped. He was suffering from debilitating nightmares. the slightest sounds made him jumped. if the girls were too loud he would yell at them. He even found himself yelling at her sometimes. Cora tried to understand, give him time to adjust to being home but it was now a month since he came home and it was worse. It was so bad that he couldn’t run the estate so she continued to do what she could to help Patrick and be strong for her girls. Sybil thought Robert didn’t like her and she did not know how to explain to her now 7 year old that Papa was just tired from being in south Africa. Mary and Edith understood a little more being 11 and 10 now. Although Mary thought that Cora should be able to help him adjust more. Oh how Cora wished she could. Everything, even the slightest discussion was turned into an argument. She didn’t even know if this was the same man she married. Certainly the horrors he faced had changed him. Perhaps he didn’t even love her anymore.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXI5sDpWtT
After trying to convince one of the tenant farmers Patrick suggested, Cora slowly made her way to the library to let him know what happened. Her frustrations had led to tears on her walk back to the house, but she tried to hide it lest Violet berated her for being too American and not being strong enough for her husband and children.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPu6zGeeo6C
She took a breath. “Hello, Papa,” she said.
He looked up from the letter he was writing and immediately saw her state. “My darling, please come here.”
She did so and he took her hands. “I’m guessing Henry Becker did not agree to my suggestion.”
“No, Sir but mostly because I told him. I think he would have agreed if you had gone. These farmers don’t want a woman giving them suggestions whether she thought of them or you.”
Patrick sighed. He shouldn’t have acquiesced to Violet’s request he stay home. He thought it would be good for Cora to get out of the house for a bit but it backfired on him. He would need to set up a meeting with his tenants that whatever Cora suggests or says, it’s with his backing! She was much smarter than anyone, especially his wife, gave her credit for. Isidor taught her well.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbp8nQE8kQ
He sent her up to rest before dinner and that’s when he saw Robert. He lost weight while in south Africa and everyday he met his family with anger. “Papa, have you seen Cora?” he asked.
“I sent her up to rest, but if you plan on getting angry with her for something, i suggest you not go up. Son, you need to take better care of yourself. Please talk to me at least or you’ll lose your amazing wife.”
“I know, Papa. That is why I want to speak with her. Dr, Clarkson has found an expert in London who’s been helping men affected by the war. A few of my fellow war comrades have seen him and are seeing excellent results. I wanted to speak with Cora about it. It will take me two weeks. I was going to see if she wanted to stay with Rosamond or at Grantham House so she can see me on visiting day. That is, if you’re agreeable.”
“Are you kidding? Of course I am agreeable! Please go on up to tell her. She had a difficult day.”
Robert grinned, greeting Violet as he passed then ran upstairs.
“Did my eyes deceive me or was our son smiling?” she asked, relief in her voice.
"Yes he was, my love," Patrick answered with a smile and told him what Robert planned to do.
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Cora heard a knock on the dressing room door. "Come in?" she said tentatively. Robert entered and he wore a smile on his face, something she had yet to see since he returned. "Darling?" she asked, not wanting to ruin his good mood.
He took a breath, upset that she looked nervous to speak to him. Not that he blamed her. Even the slightest thing could set him off. For now he would try something his batman mentioned to calm himself before flying off the handle.
"Cora, Please accept my apology for mt behavior since coming home. I have not only hurt our children and my mother but I hurt you and that was the very last thing I wanted to do upon my return. He stepped closer to her, taking her hands in his and leaning towards her so his lips were pressed to hers. her eyes closed immediately as she savored the first kiss they shared since he came home. "There is something I wanted to share with you. You see, Dr, Clarkson has found an expert in London who’s been helping men affected by the war. If I were to be seen, I would have to stay there fir two weeks. Papa and I would think it nice if you could come stay at Grantham house or with Rosamond so it would be easier to see me on visiting days. What do you say?"
"Oh mt darling! Of course I'll come to England," she said, tears pooling in her eyes. "Maybe I'll have a surprise for you when you're sprung."
"I do love surprises, Cor. Especially if its from you. We will leave in two days. I thank you for being so understanding."
"Oh my darling, You've been to hell and back, i understand that. I'm just relieved that you're standing here in one piece."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKnjMs9zkp
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Cora and Rosamond entered the tearoom. They had just come from visiting Robert at the hospital. Cora's smile was contagious as they perused the menu for a sweet treat. Cora looked up over Rosamond's head when she felt eyes on her. There was a man staring at her but she didn't recognize him. "Cora?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZYaNrg9Kl
She blinked. "Sorry," she said as the man walked over 121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41IY0SmRBz
"Excuse me, ladies," he said, reaching for Cora's hand, she set it in her lap.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQyeJtw7Zw
"May I help you?" she asked.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOKJCzfZzB
"I believe you can," he replied, taking her hand from her lap, letting it linger there longer than he should.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgAwSXrrpw
The man tried to push his luck and kissed her. She frowned, shoving him away from her. "Get off me!" she cried as Rosamond stood, dumping the hot tea all over him. The man stood to his full height, glaring at her. "Is that any way to treat a man who finds you beautiful?" he asked angrily. 121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImq1kOZGPQ
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"It is when she doesn't know you and she's married. You're just lucky my husband isn't here."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnw00V5pTw
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The man shrugged and walked away. "Let's get out of here," Cora said, wiping her mouth. Rosamond nodded and the two left to catch a cab.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwN6TyV2z3
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"You went where? "Marmaduke asked.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaW9MB5mI66
"To the Rose tearoom by the hospital, why?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwXWRKuDIx
"Because, Ros that place is owned by the Hoxton Mob! The men there are not drinking tea, but whiskey and Bourbon."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fxDdSSq3V
"Well that explains a lot," Rosamond said as Cora blushed.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cbvji9Ysj
"Bloody hell," he said. "What happened."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHGkMFzeOw
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"Cora received her first kiss from a man not Robert."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3rc6oe9nW
He sighed. "Good thing that was all that happened... Right?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfII41MolIA
"Right," Cora said.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVFkIoYRKZ
"Well, I wouldn't go back there."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFBlYD76A6
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One week later it was the day of Robert's release. Cora couldn't wait to see him. She had planned a surprise for him. dinner and dancing at The Ritz. Marmaduke and Rosamond were to pick him up then drop him off at the hotel.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNo5kz2qmln
Cora tapped her foot as she read. She was nervous and excited to see him. When they visited last week he seemed mostly better but there were still dark circles under his eyes from lack of sleep. She jumped up at the knock taking a deep breath to calm herself, she walked to the door. Finally she held the knob and turned it. Standing in front of her was her husband just as he'd been before leaving for south Africa bur now in a suit. He looked amazing and the cologne he wore washed over her in a sea of memories.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNTZDyOla0
He took a step towards her, closing the door. "Cora?" He said, placing a hand on her shoulder. She looked at him, smiling. "oh Robert!" she gasped, wrapping her arms around him. He laughed, lifting her from her feet. "My darling!' he said, kissing her all over her face, a leaving trail of kisses along her neck. Her fingers played with the hair at the base of his neck and his knees felt weak at it. He led her to the bed to sit, worried he was going to drop to the floor. Cora looked at him. " We really should get ready for dinner," she said. 121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCvMWnz8qQ
"Yes, but don't you want to...? he asked gesturing to the bed , blushing. 121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHMaXFffnr
She giggled of course, Robert, but we have plenty of time for fun. We've waited this long, right?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRMqP5VYNP
He nodded suddenly feeling bad. "Yes, I know. I'm sorry we haven't been together since I returned over a month ago."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEPEL0CsEy
"Oh that's not what I meant at all. It's just I don't want to rush when I show you how much I love and missed you."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkYCKaVsrv
He smiled, placing a kiss on her cheek and slipping into the other room. Cora opened the door to admit her maid. "Hello Jenkins," she said with a smile."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJ7C6v2OFy
"Milady."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ftifs2wBS
"Cora thanked her mad, put on her shawl and knocked on Robert's door. Her eyes watered. He reached up to wipe her tears. "My beautiful, darling why are you crying?" 121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7pdT6s4gg
"I've never been so happy in my entire life. I've missed you so!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0D3ivasV2
He smiled. " And I've missed you too, my Cora."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpVgZjQ0Zp
