Hello! After my first short attempt, I couldn't help but write more about Richobel and so here it is the first part of this short multi-chapters fic that will have only three parts. It starts with Violet because I love her (I really hope I'm not portraiting badly by the way), while the next parts will focus more on Richard and Isobel. I really hope you'll like it, I'd like to know what you think about it:)


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Part 1

It could have easily been said that the dowager countess was an extremely stubborn woman, but in that precise occasion, she felt like she was forced to be. The total lack of foresight in Isobel didn't leave her any other choice and, maybe, she had been infected by her same indignation for injustices. Because, truth be told, she found all the situation actually unfair and her friend's possible change of rang was the smallest reason. Could it be possible that such a strong and independent woman was letting herself be tricked by a few passionate words? However, the person Lady Violet blamed the most was a man, and no, it wasn't Lord Merton.

"If I am allowed to say, I think that you had a big role in this marriage…" she said explicitly, arming herself of her superb irony.

Doctor Clarkson slowly put down his cup and gave her a puzzled look. He had been invited for a tea, but five minutes were not even passed that he was already regretting his acceptance – and Spratt's lack of manners toward him had nothing to do with that.

"My lady, I don't think I played matchmaker for Mrs Crawley and Lord Merton" he chose to reply, hinting an unwilligly bitter smile.

"Oh indeed, doctor. It's not about what you did, but more about what you didn't do."

A sort of eloquent silence followed that statement. It was absurd how the woman could manage to be blunt and evasive at the same time: it was a quality he had always appreciated of her, but now it was making him feel trapped. All his attempts at ignoring and concealing his real feelings were suddenly being destroyed by a simple allusion; years of repression were being blown away in an instant.

"I am sorry for you, but I do think it's too late now…" he answered eventually, with his usual calmness. "They are a well-suited couple and I honestly don't believe someone could compete with Lord Merton."

Lady Violet just shook her head, not hiding her disapproval. "You could, for example. Your knowledge of medicine is surely superior and besides, you are more handsome than he is!"

Richard raised both his eyebrows at that, unsure if feeling more amused or embarassed. The usual balance of her speech was now abruptly tilting to bluntness and he wasn't sure to like the fact. If he hadn't known any better, he would have though that she wanted his attentions for herself.

"You are embarassing me, my lady" he commented, with a light chuckle. "But, even if your words were true, I'm letting you know that Lord Merton is, well, a Lord and I-"

"Trust me, considering Mrs Crawley, the fact that you have no title is just another point for you!"

The woman's irony was back to be vaguely sharp, but they both knew she was speaking the truth. Isobel was not meant to be a lady, she was meant to fight injustices, help the others and be that dreadful and yet adorable pain in the arse. It was up to them opening her eyes, or better it was up to him, since Lady Violet was officially passing him the baton. Therefore, the new silence wasn't embarassing, but quite necessary to fully accept that realization and decide to take the next step.

"What do you suggest me to do?" he finally asked, in a mix of compliancy and hope.

The countess didn't hide a little triumphant smile, but it didn't last long and was soon replaced by a more understanding expression.

"At the inauguration for the war memorial, I talked with isobel and it came out something like taking second chances when they happen… I think she understood that she had to fight for Lord Merton" she started to say with a sort of guilty in the voice.

Surely if her intent was to keep her away form that purpose, she hadn't acted in the best way possible and she knew that. But, actually, saying those words she had been thinking of herself and Prince Kuragi - even if that was a detail the doctor didn't have to know about.

"Well, I just want her to see that in the world there's still someone willing to fight for her and that her second chance isn't necessarily Dickie Merton. Show her that she has… options" she continued then, emphasizing the last word.

With that last piece of advice, she felt like she had said everything and given the sufficient contribute to change the situation. That was why, before the doctor could express possible doubts, she rang the bell, declaring that meeting ended.

Thoughtful, worried, but at the same time suddenly determined, Richard stood up and, after a respectful nod, he headed to the door, not even caring about the butler's nasty glare. The woman just watched him go and only when she was left alone, she let out an exasperated sigh. She brought the cup at her lips, put it down almost immediately, and then rang again the bell.

"Spratt, take me other tea. I've talked more than expected and so now this is completely cold."

Oh yes, the dowager countess was a very stubborn woman, but, in her opinion, the problem was that sometimes other people weren't stubborn enough.