Dr. Clarkson indicates his direction with his bag before saying, "Better go to Carson."
"I'll come too." Isobel adds.
He rolls his eyes and she sees it but says nothing. The head butler is assessed and Mrs Hughes is called away by O'Brien and the doctor gathers his things. The hall is quiet and Isobel Crawley has had enough, "Why do you do that? Why is it whenever I want to offer help, or say anything you roll your eyes? Am I that much of an annoyance?"
He doesn't speak and in that moment something seems to shatter within her. She toys with her long gloves before turning around determined to put as much distance as she can between them. She promises herself she won't cry, not now, not in front or even near him. Her breath hitches and she stomps her foot down heavily on her next step as if to cover the noise.
She is quite surprised when she feels a hand on her shoulder, she doesn't want to turn around. There is gentle but insistent pressure and she turns, "What, what is it?"
There is thud as he drops his bag to the floor. Purposely he leans forward well into her personal space, she can feel the heat from his body. His lips touch hers and at first there is no reaction from her so he pulls back before diving in again and a heartbeat later she returns the pressure. His fingertips trace her cheek before anchoring to the back of her head pulling her closer to him. There is a whisper as her silk gloves fall beside his bag and she wraps her arms around him. What they don't know is that downstairs Matthew and Mary are stealing a kiss of their own.
The kiss gently fades and he pulls his lips away, "That's why I roll my eyes. I have to hide the fact that I want you."
"Then have me." She whispers before kissing him again.
"Oh how I want to. However, I still have to see to Mr. Molesley."
The mention of the servant, has her inhaling. "Matthew and Lavinia, I have things to do as well."
He bends down and picks up his bag and her gloves. Seeing the flush on her cheeks and neck spark a feeling of possession in him. His whole being screaming Mine.
She turns to leave this time with a smile on her face and joy in her heart. He clears his throat and she turns to look at him, "Know this, when I roll my eyes at you it is because I love you."
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