Chapter Text
"Did you really send a letter to the Ambassador about Pamuk?" Cora stopped in her tracks. She really shouldn't be eavesdropping on Mary's conversation but she couldn't see whom she was speaking to without exposing herself. "He had a right to know how his countryman died, in the arms of a slut!"
Sh took several breaths to calm her heart rate. That was Edith? Edith started a scandal not only for Mary but their entire family. Cora leaned against the wall for support trying not to cry. She knew her daughters never got along, but this?
"Cora!" She opened her eyes when she heard Robert. "Are you allright, darling? You seem very pale."
"I..." she began. Her words and legs failed her. Robert caught her as Mary and Edith rounded the corner.
"Mama!" Edith exclaimed. "Cora looked up at her through half lidded eyes. "Edith?" she whispered as she lost consciousness.
"Mary, call Clarkson!"
Mary ran through the hall, stopping only to explain to Carson what needed to be done. She was angry at Edith and she knew Mama must have heard them talking. She decided it was time to tell her father, he would want to know what caused her to faint like that and that it wasn't the pregnancy that caused it.
Robert had Edith help to get Cora into bed and ring for O'Brien. "Now why did she say your name?"
She shok her head. i have no idea , Papa."
Mary entered. "Just stop it, Edoith, we both must fess up to this bloody mess! Papa please do not blame Mama for not telling you this, but she thought it would hurt you to know and I was... was ashamed," Mary began.