Isobel heard the bathroom door close, followed by a muffled laugh.

'I'd be lying if I said that I am not enjoying the view… but what in heaven's name are you doing there, Isobel?'

A disheveled head of light chestnut hair appeared from behind the sofa, and Isobel shot a rather murderous look in Violet's direction. She got on her feet and started fidgeting with a strand of hair, in a failed attempt to restore its orderly appearance. Violet's eyes travelled down to her décolletage, and the reason behind Isobel's irritation became apparent.

'Oh… I see', said Violet in a voice that betrayed her amusement, and she covered her mouth with her hand.

'You're to blame for this … who would've thought the Downton matriarch had such vitality!' said Isobel in a stinging tone, gathering her blouse with her left hand. 'What am I to do now? My jacket is downstairs, how am I to get out of your reading room looking like this?!'

Violet gave her the once-over, with a slow, assessing look, and then smirked.

'I find no fault whatsoever to your appearance, my dear', she said with a smile. 'But since it bothers you so much, I might have a solution.'

Violet went to the veneered cabinet and started rummaging in one of the drawers. Curiosity got the best of Isobel and she approached the cabinet, looking over Violet's shoulder.

'Found it', said Violet in a triumphant voice, and she turned around, handing Isobel a small brooch. It was an ivory brooch with a silver mount, depicting a hunting scene, surrounded by delicate lace-like details.

'It belonged to my mother, a gift from my uncle. He used to be very fond of hunting in his youth, and had it made in Dieppe for her, to remind her of those times. She used to wear it all the time.'

'It's beautiful', said Isobel, running her fingers over the shapes carved in the thin sliver of ivory, admiring the exquisite craftsmanship.

'Form follows function, in this case, I believe', said Violet. 'Turn towards the light and hold still, I don't want to jab you with this.'

Isobel complied and watched Violet's long, graceful fingers working through the delicate material of her wine-red blouse and pinning the front together, where the missing button should have been.

'There', said Violet with a satisfied look. 'It goes so well with this blouse', she added, admiring her handiwork.

Isobel turned around and looked in the mirror. She had to agree with Violet, it was a perfect match.

'Thank you… I don't know what I would've done without your "solution" ', she said smiling. 'I'll return it tomorrow.'

Violet fiddled a bit with the brooch, then arranged the lapels of Isobel's blouse, removing some imaginary lint from the soft fabric.

'I want you to have it.'

'What… no, I couldn't possibly… Thank you, Violet, but… it's an heirloom, it has sentimental value…I can't', she said, lifting her hand to the brooch.

"This is precisely why I want you to have it", said Violet simply.

'But…' Isobel tried to reply, and Violet placed her index finger on her lips, looking her in the eyes.

'Consider it a token… of my appreciation', she added with an impish smile, and caressed Isobel's cheek.

Isobel laughed and laced her fingers with Violet's.

'You are truly incorrigible, Lady Grantham', she murmured, squeezing her hand.

'I hope you won't hold that against me – after all, I compensate with lavish gifts, like the generous matriarch that I am…' she added in a clipped tone, belied by the tender look in her eyes, and motioned Isobel towards the door.