Author's note: Finally an update! I'm glad you liked the conversation between Mary and Isobel. Let's see how Isobel acts in this chapter…
Chapter 7
During the whole next day, Isobel was very nervous. She could not concentrate on anything, not even the latest book she was reading although it would have captivated her any other time. It happened very often that the maid Louise saw her employer pacing back and forth in the sitting room, obviously lost in thoughts. She had even tried once to interrupt Mrs Crawley's musing and asked her if she needed anything but she had received no answer. Louise had never seen her employer in such a state. She wondered who this ominous Lord Merton might be who would come for supper this evening.
Around six o' clock, Isobel went to the bath room to take a bath. As she settled into the warm water, she was finally able to relax a bit. She was really looking forward to see Dickie again. It pleased her very much that he was obviously still enjoying her company. On the other hand, she was afraid of the nature of their future relationship. Would they be able to contain a true friendship if Lord Merton was probably further involved with Lady Shackleton? Isobel did not want to lose him completely. Would Lady Shackleton make him happy? A relationship between her and Lord Merton certainly would be a match his sons would likely approve of. It still pained Isobel that they had been so prejudiced. She would very much like to show them her true self to prove them wrong. She was by no means after their father's money and certainly not after his title. It was preposterous. Isobel sighed and tried to think of something else. She did not want to ruin this special evening; she wanted it to be a success.
When she was dressed in a beautiful dark blue evening gown and Louise had done her hair, Isobel sat on her settee in her dressing room and waited patiently for Lord Merton's arrival. She hoped he would like the roast beef Mrs Field had prepared. Her cook was very skilful but Dickie would likely be used to the best of cuisines.
The ringing of the doorbell interrupted her thoughts. Soon after, her maid announced Lord Merton. Isobel rose from her settee to greet him. She smiled at him and could feel her colour rising.
"I am so glad you are here this evening," she said to Dickie.
"So am I, my dear."
The fact that he called her that made her very happy.
At first, supper was a bit awkward, but they soon found back to their usual chat. After all, Lord Merton was a pleasant person to talk to. She told him of her latest meeting with Mary and George and told him proudly some anecdotes of her grandson. Of course, she did not mention the conversation she and Mary had at that day. In some ways, it had opened her eyes and she had become clear about her feelings for Dickie.
When they had eaten the excellent roast beef the maid brought Mrs Field's best apple pie for them to savour.
"This is really delicious", said Dickie after he had taken a bite.
"I remembered that you liked it, so I asked my cook to prepare some apple pie for our little supper", Isobel told him half-smiling. In fact, Dickie had enjoyed it one afternoon at Crawley House during their engagement. Although it brought back memories of another time of their relationship, Isobel had still wanted to serve Dickie the pie he had enjoyed so much to make him happy.
"You are very observant, my dear."
This term of endearment was music to her ears.
"Flatterer!" she said mockingly, hoping he had not noticed her excitement. He gave her his beautiful smile.
When they finally had finished their excellent meal, Isobel poured them two glasses of brandy. She loved the drink but today she hoped it would calm her nerves.
"Isobel…," Dickie began slowly.
"Yes?"
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Of course," she said surprised. She was a little alarmed. What could he possibly ask her?
"I hope I am not to forward but I'd like to know it anyway," Dickie said, "Why did you ask me after Lady Shackleton when you and the Dowager Lady Grantham paid me a visit?"
The blood shot to Isobel's face. She closed her eyes and opened them again.
"Well, you, I thought…" she stammered.
Her mind raced. How in god's name should she answer that question without being too embarrassed? She had been so stupid back then when she had asked that question.
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Author's note: I am so sorry for the massive delay in updates. I know it's bad but I am very busy at the moment. I apologize and I hope you are still enjoying this story. I'll update as soon as I can.
