Chapter Three
The next day, Isobel visited Downton to ask Cora for permission to bring Dr Clarkson with her to dinner that evening.
"I can't see why not," Cora replied when Isobel broached the subject. "Is Lord Merton coming as well?"
"No, he isn't," Isobel responded, getting a rather strange look from Cora. "All will be explained this evening."
"And you won't even tell me what is going on?" Cora asked, becoming more and more confused by the second. She had an idea of what could be going on, but she wouldn't say it aloud for fear of offending Isobel and Dr Clarkson.
"Not right now," Isobel replied. She bid Cora farewell with the promise that they would see one another again at dinner, where everything would be revealed.
When Isobel knocked on the door of the Dower House as she stood by Richard's side, she smiled. Thankfully, Violet was supportive of her recent engagement to Richard. When Spratt answered the door and led the couple to the Drawing Room, Isobel couldn't help but broaden her smile. As the couple sat down, Violet looked at them, offering a smile of her own.
"It's good to see you again Dr Clarkson," Violet said.
"And you Lady Grantham," he replied. "Isobel tells me that she's told you about our engagement."
"Of course she has," Violet said. "And I congratulate you both. This is a big step and I'm sure that you will be a wonderful couple. You have your friendship to back up your love for one another."
"Yes, we do," Isobel said quietly, taking Richard's hand as Spratt opened the door again to bring in their tea.
While the three enjoyed their tea, they discussed some village gossip. After an hour, the couple was preparing to leave. Violet rang for Spratt, bidding her guests farewell, informing them that she was going to the Abbey early that evening to speak to Cora.
As the couple left and made their way back to Crawley House, they discussed ideas they had for the wedding, mostly when they wanted it to be. Both agreed that they didn't want to get married in winter.
Once they arrived, Richard turned Isobel towards him and pressed his lips to hers in a brief kiss before telling her that he would pick her up later for dinner. Isobel nodded and entered her house, eager to see him again.
A few hours later, Dr Clarkson arrived to pick up Isobel for dinner at the Abbey. Thankfully for him, it was black tie as he still had not gotten around to buying a new set of tails. It was something he would need to do soon if he was to marry Isobel, as she often went to the Abbey for dinner. On the way to the Abbey, they discussed their days, Isobel telling him that she hadn't disclosed the news of their engagement to her family at this point in time, as she wanted him to be there when she told them. The closer they got to the Abbey, the more nervous Richard became. How would the family react to one of their own marrying a middle class doctor? He knew that though Isobel was part of the family, she was still middle class at heart, which calmed him of the idea that he wasn't good enough for her. She had said yes to marrying him, and Isobel was not the type of woman to settle for someone she didn't care for deeply and wasn't good enough for her. After all, her first husband had been a middle class doctor as well.
Upon their arrival at the Abbey, Richard got out of the car to open the door for Isobel. They were greeted by Mr Carson and from there, they were announced as they entered the Drawing Room. Cora stood to greet her guests, Robert following her. "It's lovely to see you again Isobel, and you as well Doctor," Cora said, giving the pair her best smile. She had relayed her suspicions to Robert who was also smiling at the couple. The four discussed village news and the hospital until Carson returned, announcing the arrival of Lady Rose, Mr Atticus and Lord and Lady Sinderby. Robert and Cora excused themselves to greet their newly arrived guests, and Richard and Isobel proceeded to talk to Tom and the Dowager.
Soon enough, dinner was announced and everyone made their way to the dining room. Robert led Lady Sinderby, who turned to him. "Lord Grantham, where is Lord Merton? Why has your cousin brought the village doctor instead of him? Has something happened?" she asked. "I'm sorry if I'm intruding."
"No worries," he replied. "Cora thinks that Lord Merton and Isobel broke off their engagement and that Dr Clarkson has proposed. Cora said that Isobel told her that she would explain tonight."
"I understand," Rachel said. "I suppose we'll learn soon."
As the group sat down to dinner, idle chatter began, as many didn't know about the impending news of Mrs Isobel Crawley. Those that did know tried to focus on the news they were expecting, hoping it would come soon, as they would have difficulties continuing the chatter while expecting her news.
Once the main course was served to those at the table, Isobel clapped her hands twice before clearing her throat. "I have an announcement to make," she said. "I'm sure everyone here has noticed that tonight I am joined by Dr Clarkson. Lord Merton has broken off our engagement that I informed you of earlier, and Dr Clarkson has proposed in light of these events. I have accepted his proposal."
END OF CHAPTER THREE
