Opulent, that was the word that came to mind. The home of the Dowager Countess has lavish yet not vulgar. It amazed Richard that most of his cottage could fit inside the sitting room. He kept close to the wall, this position was two-fold. The first being he was away from the individuals milling about it also helped that he was being ignored so being off to the side didn't matter. The second was this position allowed him to view Spratt. So far the man wasn't displaying anything untoward. He had his own position near a wall, a silver tray in hand on upon the tray a silver coffee pot.
Isobel was in another corner with Lord Merton, she appeared to be conversation. However, she caught his eyes and she nodded minutely. Only Richard saw her movement and he felt a flush of companionship. Merton captured her attention once more and she engaged him conversation.
Lady Shackleton arrived and a flash of what looked liked annoyance passed over Spratt's face. On any other day this might not have garnered Richard's attention however, Spratt had years of experience of schooling his features into the polite mask of service. What was he doing with this display of emotion. As Lady Shackleton moved towards Isobel and Lord Merton he followed with them. Richard cleared his throat and Isobel looked up and saw him approach as well as Lady Shackleton. Polite as always Lord Merton spoke to cousin Violets friend.
It took only a few seconds for Spratt to retrieve a china cup and fill it, "M-my Lady" he stuttered as he offered her the cup. Lady Shackleton took it with a forced smile.
Richard had been holding his own cup at waist level, only a dwarf would miss the fact that his cup was empty. Spratt merely turned to leave. Lady Shackleton grunted softly, "I do believe the poor doctor here is in desperate need of some coffee!"
Spratt turned and filled the doctors cup, as he did so Richard took note of his hands. There was a muffled thump, almost lost in the din of the conversation in the room. Isobel had heard it often enough to know it was Cousin Violet banging her cane onto the carpet. Spratt heard it too and went off towards his employer.
Lady Shackleton and Lord Merton had been oblivious to the display. Lady Shackleton was speaking, "How is your garden, hope it hasn't laid to waste."
Merton smiled a little sadly, "Yes, as you know Laurel loved her garden."
The sigh from Lady Shackleton's lips was almost melodic, "Yes, Lady Merton was blessed with such a green thumb. Are you tending to it?"
"Oh, I have a gardener come in now and then. I hope to have new Lady to tend the growing blooms." He said pointedly looking towards Isobel. No one in the group could miss his meaning.
With this Richard waited before subtly checking his pocket watch, "I must go, rounds at hospital."
The O formed by the lips of Lady Shackleton was almost comical. Isobel looked stricken but knew she couldn't ask him to stay. He slipped easily between the mingling upper crust and left.
At the hospital Richard went through the ritual of hanging up his jacket and donning his white coat before he began pulling books off of his shelves and reading. The sun sank behind the hills and Richard still read. When the darkness began to encroach on his pages he switched on his desk lamp.
He was surprised when Isobel padded into his office. "Oh, come in. Sit down, I've been doing to some reading."
Isobel sat and held out her hands to receive the tome that Richard had been looking at.
"Stroke?" Isobel said almost confused.
"All right, I grant you. He doesn't seem like the typical stroke patient. However-" Richard leaned over her to swipe at some pages, "there has been research done and while Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes are the big ones there is evidence of transient attacks, smaller attacks. This might be what is causing the problems."
Isobel's interest was peaked, "What did you see?"
Richard tilted his head and sighed, "I've seen Spratt balance a tray on his fingertips for what seems like hours. He used two hands to carry the tray today, his hand shook as he poured my coffee. Also he stammered and called Lady Shackleton 'my lady'. At the last luncheon he used her title."
Isobel regarded Richard warmly, "And from this you think he may have had a stroke?"
Richard scoffed and pointed to the other books, "He could be a diabetic and was suffering from low blood sugar, that can cause confusion and weakness."
Isobel put the book in her lap, "He hasn't seemed to have lost weight, nonetheless low blood sugar could account for confusion and trembling."
Waving his hand over his desk Isobel saw the other books open to pages on various diseases and ailments. She stood and went over to one of the other open books. Soon Isobel herself was pulling journals from the shelves. Hours passed as they bounced ideas off of one another. It wasn't until Isobel felt a hand on her shoulder that she realized that she had passed out over the latest journal article on diabetes.
"It's late, you should go home. Come on I'll walk you." Richard said in a low tone.
The village was dark, only a few street lamps illuminated the way. A stray stone caught under Isobel's heel and she stumbled. Richard steadied her and threaded her arm through his own, ten minutes later Crawley House was in sight. "I don't think Lord Merton will mind." he said.
Isobel pulled up short, "What do you mean?"
Richard was puzzled, "I don't think he would mind me escorting you, I don't think he wants you hurt."
Isobel shook her head, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you."
In the dim light she looked at Richard on impulse she whispered, "kiss me."
Not one to balk at a Lady's request he took of his hat before leaning in to kiss her. His lips were dry yet warm and the feel of them had something flaring in Isobel. Dickie had kissed her before leaving to visit his sons and she had felt nothing. Dickie's kiss hadn't been bad nor had it been good. Richard's kiss was different she felt something and she liked it. She broke the kiss and moved to pull away not before nuzzling her nose against his. Dickie had told her that he would try to make her happy. In the time that she had spent with him what she had felt she thought was happiness but she had been wrong. What she had felt with Dickie was contentment. Right now with Richard she was happy.
Her breath left her in a harsh pant at her epiphany.
Richard's hand brushed her cheek, "Is something wrong?"
"No, something is finally right." She answered.
She could finally place her finger on what was bothering her about her relationship with Dickie. She had mistaken contentment for happiness. With contentment there was nothing wrong. However, with happiness something was right!
A/N: I am in no way a medical professional, if one of you is a doctor and I'm off of the mark let me know!