Mid- September 1914

Anthony was at a loss for words. His darker thoughts wondered if this was why Edith had seemingly chosen him. Because, to many men, this would make her unmarriageable. And likely a younger man would be less forgiving, especially of a woman who had little to offer beyond herself. But his thoughts stuttered at that, herself was all Edith should have to offer for she was lovely, more wonderful than he deserved, and this must have hurt her so deeply to have to tell him this. How could he doubt her affections again after such a confession? This wasn't something you told someone you didn't trust. A ripple of shame spun its way around his thoughts, how could he make this about himself, or even them, it was about her. And with a jolt he realized he'd been quiet for far too long, what must she be thinking? He cleared his throat and reached out to grasp her hands. She looked up at him then and her tear-filled eyes hurt him. He knew he would eventually want to know the name of the bastard that had hurt her but, for now, it was better that he didn't know because he wasn't sure he'd be able to control his anger enough to leave it alone.

"Darling, I am glad that you told me, and I understand how you might fear what I would think. But let me assure that, as long as you still wish me to, I will still ask that question I wanted to ask you. I care for you too much to allow anything to come between us again" he squeezed her hands and was glad when the tension seemed to leave her and she smiled tremulously at him.

"Thank you" she whispered "I hadn't actually told anyone. And I was afraid because I didn't want to lose you again".

"I was foolish before" Anthony admitted "I should have spoken to you at the garden party and asked for an explanation". He longed to wipe the tears from her face, the gesture would be far more intimate than any small liberty he had taken with her though and he didn't quite dare. Instead he relished the feel of her small hands in his. He wondered if it was a bad time to tell her his news. Probably, but it also seemed past the time for secrets.

"Edith, I have something I must tell you as well" he started "I will be joining the war effort. I am going to be working as part of a special group, I am not allowed to tell you what I will be doing or where I will be, nor can you tell anyone that I am anything but a regular soldier".

"Will you be in more or less danger?" Edith asked, a frown marring her face.

"Well… definitely not less anyway, that's all I can say" he answered "you have no more questions?" he asked.

She shook her head at him "you said you couldn't tell me anything more. Besides, your safety is the only thing I care about. I am rather surprised you were allowed to tell me this much if no one else can know. You could have let me think you were, as you say, a regular soldier".

"I was supposed to" he admitted "but I think such a secret would be unfair to you".

He drew in a sharp breath when she untangled their hands and cupped his cheek with one hand. She leaned in hesitantly, her eyes on his, then brushed her soft lips against his other cheek.

"We'll be okay" she whispered "whatever comes, I think we've proven that now" she leaned back and smiled at him, her smile was as bright as the sun and yet still shy. Anthony adored it. He smiled back at her and nodded.

"Whatever comes" he agreed.

Tea at Downton Abbey was an absolute disaster. Isobel was sure that Lady Grantham and Sybil really were trying to welcome her to the area and to be friendly. But the Dowager Countess? Isobel was quite sure that she was being contrary simply because she could; she certainly wasn't being friendly or welcoming!

And Lady Mary? Well, Lady Mary wore a polite smile the entire time and she sounded friendly at first blush, but she got in as many digs and barbs as her grandmother did, she was just more subtle about it. In fact, Lady Mary was exactly what Isobel and Matthew had always thought all the Crawleys must be like, proud and cold and hiding behind a mask of a politeness that only went as far as it had to.

In short, Isobel was not impressed and she certainly wouldn't be hurrying back. Although she supposed she would have to invite them all to tea eventually, but maybe just one or two at a time, she might be able to handle that better.

"You look unhappy dear" Richard said as he came into their bedroom where she was putting away some more of her things.

"You're home earlier than I thought" she deflected before smiling at him.

"Not terribly busy today" he answered, sitting down on the bed with a sigh "I'm still tired though. But really dear, you looked quite discontented when I came in. May I ask what is wrong?" he sounded slightly worried, as though he thought she was unhappy with something in their home perhaps.

"I met the Dowager Countess today" she told him.

"Ahh" he nodded as though that explained it all.

"In fact, I suppose I met all of the Crawley family today except for Lady Edith, she didn't show up to tea. Of course I only met Lord Grantham in passing, but that will likely be enough for me" Isobel finished arranging her dressing table to her satisfaction and turned to Richard.

"You know, we are newlyweds... "she trailed off suggestively, trailing her fingers along the bed towards his leg.

"Yes, but we're old newlyweds" Richard pointed out "I think we should have supper before going to bed".

"I hope you're using "going to bed" as a euphemism" Isobel laughed "but you look so tired that I'm not sure".

Richard grinned at her "you'll find out after supper" he promised.