Isobel was pleasantly surprised when Sybil did not reach for her arm to lead her into Downton. Sybil had been witness to how well the older woman had adjusted to her new condition, she didn't need to be led around like a common beggar. The family quickly assembled and Isobel told them all that she knew, that Matthew had been injured and that he would be coming to Grantham Cottage Hospital. Her keen ears picked up a gasp no doubt from Mary. Questions bombarded her from all sides. She knew Sybil was to her right and she turned to face her, even though her eyes danced with nystagmus Sybil could see she was pleading for help. The nurse in her took charge and she took the telegram from Isobel's hands. "Stop shouting" Sybil ordered and gave the telegram to her father.

No one had noticed the small gathering of servants near the door. Lord Grantham finally saw them no doubt they had all heard. Daisy came forth, "Is there any news about William? He was with Mr. Matthew."

Lord Grantham quickly remembered the footman and was angry that he forgotten him. "I'll find out what I can."

"We better go back to the hospital." Sybil murmured.

"Branson will take you." Lord Grantham decreed.

The telephone became a lifebuoy and Lord Grantham ensnared it. The operator connected him to the War Department. He didn't care how long he had to stay on this damned device he would find out about William and Matthew.

Once Isobel was back at the hospital Dr. Clarkson dismissed Sybil early asking Branson to take her home and apologizing for all the back and forth. The Irishman ducked his head, he got along well with the Scottish doctor. Tom found it ironic that both of them were in love with English women.

The car trip passed in silence until Sybil said, "I never asked her if I should stay with her? Or if she wanted to stay with us at Downton? Can we go back?"

At this Tom slowed the car down to a stop, "I think Mrs. Crawley is in safe hands with the Doctor. He'll look after her and he can telephone as soon as there is news."

"Of course, yes that would make sense." Sybil sighed in relief.

Tom also sighed inwardly that she took his answer without question. He wasn't going to divulge the fact that he saw them kissing the other night.

The nightshift began to trickle in and it was time for Isobel and Richard to leave. Extreme tiredness was beginning to set in no doubt a reaction to all the stresses of the day. Leaning up against a wall of the hospital she closed her eyes.

Lieutenant Robinson noticed that Isobel had cuddled up next to the wall. He had seen this with his fellow soldiers in the trenches-battlefield fatigue. Mrs. Crawley was about have a nice nap against the wall on her feet. He got up from his bed and padded over to her. If he had two arms he would have picked her up instead he just stood next to her. A silent protector until Dr. Clarkson appeared. Her body began sliding so Robinson used the bulk of his own to prop her up.

Dr. Clarkson had just changed the dressing on Captain Boxter's leg, the young Captain had been complaining of itching. Fearing an infection Clarkson had stripped the dressing off to find that wound was healing nicely. His hands snatched up the soiled bandages and disposed of them for incineration. He then washed his hands and came back into the main area where he was once again surprised to see Lieutenant Robinson out of bed. His eyes then focused on what was next to him-Isobel! At first he thought they were having a conversation until he caught the slight panic in Robinson's eyes and he determinedly strode over.

"Doctor, she must be knackered. Fell asleep right here!" Robinson informed him.

Most of the night shift had not arrived yet and the day shift was scurrying around getting things ready for the change over. So instead of nurses moving Isobel a group of healing soldiers got out of their beds. One fetched a stretcher from the corner and they maneuvered it behind her. A gentle push and she fell against it then she was carried into Dr. Clarkson's office. She was then bundled into his small overnight cot.

"Thanks lads." He said softly with genuine affection.

The soldiers all carried small smiles, the men had a soft spot for all the nurses but Isobel especially. For some they viewed her as a surrogate mother and other felt camaraderie since she too had been injured in this war. Richard regarded her and chuckled inwardly, so here she was again in his bed.

Not wanting anyone to worry he used the telephone to inform Downton Abbey on the whereabouts of Isobel that she had fallen asleep at the hospital. He wasn't going to leave her, he sat down at his desk and began reviewing his charts.

He had left the door open to his office so no accusations of impropriety could be leveled at him for having a sleeping woman in his office. He doubted than any of the soldiers would say anything but he wasn't going to take any chances.

The night shift began and Richard found himself being gifted with cups of tea. Richard had an affinity for the night shift. It was during his residency that the night shift would bring the most interesting cases. Most of the babies he had ever delivered had been at night. He took his cup of tea out into the main ward and saw that some patients were asleep. Another group were playing cards in the corner. The card game was actually beneficial, the group playing were having their pain medication tapered off. The cards allowed them a distraction to cope with the pain of healing. However, if any of them had breakthrough pain a syringe of morphine was always waiting.

It was midnight and Richard was feeling tired. The card game was still continuing and one soldier suggested that he take his bed. Richard was against it. "No it's all right, jus have another cup o tea" He said his accent thickening with fatigue.

"Just an hour We'll keep the time."

"An hour, we only play gin for an hour or so don't we." A sandy haired blonde spoke as he rearranged his cards.

"What good are you going to be if you don't sleep?" Another chimed in.

"Fine an hour." He said as he climbed onto the bed not bothering to pull down the covers or remove his white coat.

He promptly fell asleep and slept like the dead. It was for more than an hour but none of the soldiers woke him.