It was him, who stood in front of the publicum. The confference hall was full of people focusing their sights on him. Richard, on the other hand, kept eye contact with them. Being on the highered stage, he did his best to enagage the attention of his collegues. He was lecturing the last 40 minutes, not finishing yet. He looked somewhere else again, keeping the eye contact with the most heads watching him with interest. It was strange. He wasn´t feeling very well just few hours before. He wasn´t even sure if he could manage it without problems. Even Isobel noticed his uncertainity and before his going to the podium, held his hand, softly caressing its back with thumb. Richard wasn´t sure if that had given him more courage, but he felt much better, like always in her company.

He was speaking about pneumonic plague in that moment, pointing on some enlarged pictures he brought and enjoyed it. The attention of so many people, the silence dedicated to him and his presentation of knowledge. That brought many memories on the years he was lecturing as a profesor and made him feel exactly that good. It was so extraordinary and he relished it. He continued to speak about lung parenchymal diseases explaining the causes of newborn atelectasis and mentioned several cases he observed during the war. He mentioned silicosis as well, that treated badly mainly mineworkes in his homeland. Richard had his last 10 minutes and that´s why he lowered his voice, silencing himself for a while, which kept his listeners more concentrated.

- What can we do?- he asked finishing slowly, - What can we do to reduce the occurence of these illnesses? Pneumonial diseases represent serious concern and problem, which needs to be solved if we want to reach success. It is needful to concentrate our minds on research but on local and individual cases in order to recognize all the symptoms to heal them. It is vital to inform the community and public,- and for the first time of his lectures, he looked directly at Isobel, even though she watched him carefully all the time, and continued: - It is necessary to have the thirst for knowledge and not relying on the steadfastness of dogmas. Thank you for attention.- he finished but didn´t leave the stage. The discussion followed surprisingly just afterwards. Isobel was proud of him. The way he spoke about all the diseases, his self-confidence and natural talent to enagage the attention. She could finally see him as a profesor he once used to be. She had to smile when he, once or twice, had said exactly the same sentence he used to explain her then the problematics with. She examined the expression of his face, which had changed so much since the time he headed towards the stage. There were no worries in his eyes anymore. They had been replaced by sparkles of flame. Isobel thought at first that his lecture would be exactly the same as before, but he mentioned many diseases she had never heard about. She listened even more carefully being surprised by his knowledge more than ever. She was thinking what would have happened if he stayed at university and led his research. When seeing the sparkles in his eyes, she had to ask herself if he really hadn´t regretted to leave Edinburgh all those years ago. She saw him scanning the room with his eyes, but she couldn´t capture his sight. Not even once did he look at her. Only then. In the moment he spoke about the importance of knowledge and she knew that these words were addressed directly to her. She really lusted for learning and wanted changes, not only in society but in her personal life as well. And then, Isobel knew that he wanted the same. He abated which was followed by applaus, Isobel joined. Soon after first hands were risen and first questions given. Discussion followed. She could hear the voice of Michael Roberts and doctor Rasmussen as well. Many other had inquires as well until the time was over and Richard returned back to his seat. The feeling of euphoria from the lecturing was slowly leaving him, but he didn´t mind it. He changed and even though it was pleasant to return back to his role as a profesor, he was glad that it was over.

- It was amazing.- Isobel smiled happily. – You were amazing, Richard.-

- Thank you.- he answered returning her look. – I have to admit that it was good feeling to be back on the stage.-

- I have noticed, you enjoyed it.- she whispered because another lecture just started. – Are you sure that you don´t want to return back to lecturing? To Edinburgh?- she asked for certainity but Richard only shook his head and with puckish smile returned back the question.

- Do you want to get rid of me, Isobel?-

- No! I just want to be sure that you are satisfied with Downton and our little hospital.-

- I am.- he reassured her. They focused on the next lecture but soon after Isobel asked again with curiosity: - Why did the discussion of your lecture followed directly after the lecture?-

Richard turned to face her again. – I won´t be there at 7 o´clock.-

- How´s that?- she didn´t understand. Richard looked little bit mysterious and shrugged his shoulders whispering:

- We are leaving at 5:30 so we will miss the news from nefrology. Anyway, we have more interesting program, I hope so.- this surprised her even more.

- We do?- she didn´t remember if he had mentioned something. – And what for a program?- she wanted to know.

- That´s surprise. But we will have dinner at 6.-

- So soon?- they used to dinner at 8.

- Yes. Otherwise, we would be late.- so he had plans for something afterwards- hit her mind.

- Late for what?- she asked but Richard shook his head grinning playfully.

- You will find out in the right time, Isobel.- Isobel frowned a little.

- I don´t even know what to dress like.- she remarked with reproach. Richard had to sigh.

- I´ll wear a smoking.- he answered calmly. – And you can wear the dress for tomorrow´s ball. But do not ask more questions! Enjoy the last minutes of the lectures.- and then he focused on the lecturer again. Isobel followed his example unable to concentrate. Her mind was full of unanswered question.

- You really won´t tell me what to await?- she tried it once more, right after the door of confference hall closed behind them. He shook his head anew.

- No. I won´t. You know everything what is needful to know and you will find out the rest at the right moment.- Isobel resigned, looking little bit sad, but he knew what was that about. He saw the joy in her eyes, that gave her away. They went to the restaurant and chose the meal in surprisingly short time. Isobel was trying again to find out more but Richard didn´t retreat and spoke about something else. About the confference, lectures and friends, they both were leaving the restaurant in short time.

- Am I only imagining it, or is this conferrence really going so fast?- she asked with sigh of ruth.

- You are not imagining it. It is like this everytime, but we have this evening and tomorrow, even though the most important part is over,- he admitted with smile but added: - The most important at least from the medical sight of view.- Isobel smiled, being aware that he is provoking her again. He was good in it, she had to admit that. Her curiosity grew even more.

- You are enjoying it! Aren´t you?- she remarked as they reached the elevator and Richard nodded grinning again.

- I am.- he agreed. – It´s you mostly to surprise me and I have to say that it is really good feeling when I know something you don´t.-

- I see.- she lifted her brow a little. – But it seems to me that you ar enjoying to turture me.- Richard shook his head.

- But you are enjoying it as well, Isobel.- he gave her knowing look. – It´s obvious.-

- Is it?- she blushed slightly and he started to laugh.

- Yes.- They stepped out of the elevator.

- And I should wear the ball dress.- she reasurred herself when they stopped before her door.

- And don´t forget we are leaving at 7.- Richard nodded.

Richar stood in front of the mirror checking his bowtie. He slipped into his coat controlling the little black box and taking his hat into hand left the room little bit nervous. He knocked on Isobel´s door, realizing that he hadn´t given her probably that much time to prepare, but he hoped, she was ready. They had no time to spare. The door opened after a while and everything seemed all right. She looked perfect and in his eyes she was alluring, but her face expression revealed that not everything was that good. She grabbed his hand and took him to the room as soon as she opened the door. He was speechless, unable to react in that moment, full of questions.

- I need you to place this necklace on me.- she said explaining handing him that necklace. Richard thus put the hat he was holding on to her bed and standing behind her placed the necklace around her neck, almost embarcing her. Just in that moment, Isobel realized to which situation she had brought them, him in fact. If he had kissed her directly on the neck in that moment, she wouldn´t let him leave the room anymore, not minding what they would miss. She glanced to the mirror in front of which they were standing trying to decode his expression and her heartbeat fastened. He seemed to be so focused when switching the necklace. Concentrated more than needful. He could scent her fragrance so untypical of her, but well-describing her at the same time- tantalizing but tender. He focused on the details of her neck remebering every inch of it and catched himself by the idea of kissing her. He noticed that she positioned the necklace on the right place and with quick glance, he looked into the mirror recognizing the rasing of her breasts in that wonderful carmine red dress . Finally he managed to switch the necklace, touching her skin with fingertips and stepped back a little.

- We have to go, now.- he whispered and took his hat. Isobel nodded and distracted the same way like he, took her coat. They left her room. The whole incident didn´t last more than 5 minutes but it seemed to last the eternity, that was mysterious, exciting and tantalizing but gentle and sweet as well.

- Isobel.- he adressed her.

- Richard.- she adressed him in the same moment and both smiled. They felt like students falling in love for the very first time.

- You are beautiful.- he said when she kept silence and blushed anew.

- I am glad that we attended this conferrence. That we are here. Both of us. Together.- she said and took his hand. Richard squeezed it gently and smiled. They knew. Finally. There was no need for further explanation and long sentences. Holding each others hand, they left the hotel building and stepped into the taxi car awaiting them. They arrived without telling the driver where. He already knew. Isobel didn´t mind it this time. The only important thing was that they were going together. She looked into the window and glanced the streets they were passing by, stil holding his hand. Richard was silent as well. His eyes were focused on Isobel. He studied her magnificient face profile lit by the street lamps every now and then. He examined the line of her neck moving his sight down her shoulders, arms, finally concentrating on their hands. He gazed at them with amusement until the vehicle stopped in front of building lit by so many lamps, it seemed it was a day.

- Theatre?- she asked smiling widely. Richard nodded even though they were not visiting it because of dramatical play.

- It has been ages since I was the last time in theatre.- she said after he paid the taxi and took her hand again.

- The same by me.- he smiled and led her to the building. The entrance hall was full of people dressed in similar smokings and dresses that were slowly approaching 3 large staircases. Richard helped Isobel with her coat and took it to the reception. Isobel looked around her trying to find a program but couldn´t see anything.

- Will you finally tell me what play will we watch tonight?- she asked when he returned.

- I won´t. But who said we were attending a theater performance?- he replied mysteriously and offered her shoulder.

- Will you tease me till the end?- she asked again.

- Yes. But don´t worry, it won´t last that long.- Richard answered and led her to their seats in lodge. Isobel glanced the stage in front of them. It was still lit and she could recognize many details. Then, the door of their lodge, that was full at last, closed and the reflectors lit the orchester under the stage. Short applaus could be heard. – An opera?- the idea hit her mind, but then, with the first tones of violin, she knew she had been wrong again. She looked at Richard, who was smiling watching her closely.

- How?- she managed to say. She wanted to ask how did he know that the Swan Lake was her favourite ballet even though she wasn´t sure if not mentioning that sometimes in the past.

- I know you Isobel.- he answered whispering, took her hand into his, and focused on the performance, just like Isobel soon after.

The last violin tones died away and everything remained silent. The silence was broken down by enormous applause of everybody. Lights were lit again and the hall was emptying right after. They were the last ones in their lodge soon and Richard regreted that he had left the ring in his coat. Isobel had stil tears in her eyes as she accepted Richards arm again. They entered the giant entrance hall again and Richard managed to bring their coats and hats in few minutes. They slipped into them and went outside. It was raining and sidewalk in front of theatre was full of black taxis waiting for passengers.

- We don´t have an umbrella, do we?- she asked joyfully.

- No. I didn´t count with rain.- he admitted and sighed. – We will have to obtain the taxi as soon as possible.- Isobel nodded and saddened little bit when he left her standing under the roof of theatre in order to get the taxi. The rain hit the streets heavier than few minutes before. Richard raised his hand to give a sign for taxi drivers hoping that Isobel would listen to him and stay under the roof. One of the taxis was slowing down, approaching Richard , so Isobel hurried through the rain to reach Richard as well. He could see that, but he knew as well that the taxi wasn´t going to stop, only slowed down and that´s why he let fall his arm again reaching for her to stop her before she could have been hit by the car. Richard managed to grab her hand in the last moment pulling her to him little bit oafishly and she, surprised by the sudden movement, lost almost her balance. She didn´t know in the first moment what was happening, but then, being in his arms, she noticed the same thing Richard had noticed before. She was safe. Richard held her in arms, embracing her securely around her waist and raised his hand again focusing on his task to get a taxi. She put down her hands on his chest touching almost his cheek with nose and scented his aftershave. She moved her fingers higher touchig the skin of his neck. Another raindrop falled down her face, but she only smiled, not minding it. She caressed his jawbone close to his ear in the same moment a taxi stopped in front of them. Richard looked finally down, being aware the whole time of her actions but didn´t kiss her, instead opened the door hastily and helped her to step in. He couldn´t risk to loose another taxi. After giving the taxi driver address of their hotel, he turned to face her again. Both of them were soaked a little but not that much to feel it directly on the skin.

- Did you want to escape?- he asked lifting one brow. They set off. Isobel shook her head and calmly answered.

- Why would I, Richard? I wouldn´t have a chance, even if I wanted.- Richard smiled and nodded.

- That´s right.- and moved his eyes on her lips. Isobel noticed it and smiled with approval. He took her hand anew, nearing her, bowing little bit to ease the kiss, but their hats unabled them to kiss and little stream of rain water was falling down slowly. Isobel giggled, because it all falled down on her.

- You made me wet.- she remarked, without thinking once more. Richard´s eyes widened and he looked totally shocked, not knowing if he heard right. He gasped for air and swallowed hardly and then Isobel realized what had she said and how it must have sounded. She burst into laugh, unable to stop. Richard was stil startled but then it hit him as well. Not that ´wet´. He joined her with relief. The vehicle was slowly approaching the hotel as they stopped and Richard finally removed his hat, mumbling something to himself, and neared her once more. The door opened so suddendly, they didn´t even manage to kiss. They were so close to each other, Richard could scent her attractive perfume again. He sighed, but Isobel didn´t care if the whole street or taxidriver would see them kissing. She placed her hand on his cheek again and closed her eyes, giving him clear sign to continue. He kissed her. Slowly and gently at first but more passionate the second time. Isobel opened her eyes and both of them smiled with satisfaction gazing stil at the lips of each other. They stepped out. Richard led her to the hotel, focusing on the next steps of his plan silently. They passed by the entrance hall and reception but didn´t head to the staircase, but to the lounge. That surprised Isobel. She thought they were returning to their rooms, or to one of them.

- Richard!- interrupted them a well-known voice. They had to stop. Richard sighed, sounding little bit angry.

- Richard!- the voice hurrying towards them called him again. Micheal reached them and sighed with relief smiling satisfied, not realizing that he interrupted something important. – We have been looking for you the entire evening! Where did you disappear? We want to discuss something important with you. Rasmussen and Kargessen were asking for you as well as Eastwick.-

- I don´t have time, Mike. You will have to manage without me.- he answered thinking about the ring in black box and Isobel´s hot lips.

- It is crucial.- Michael Roberts repeated. – We are in billiard room, you have to come.- he insisted looking at Isobel this time.

- I am sorry Mike, but not today.- he lifted his brow as to indicate his intentions. This time Isobel was the one to protest.

- You should go Richard.- she said knowing that that discussion was important, even though she would be rather if he stayed with her. – There won´t be time tomorrow and only God knows when you will see each other again.-

- Isobel!- he disagreed little bit frowning, but she only smiled, amused.

- Go! Tomorrow will be just ours, I promise.-

- May we count with your presence, then?- Michael asked Richard.

- Of course you can.- answered Isobel instead of him and Michael, with thankful smile directed to Isobel, left.

- I don´t want to end this night like this, Isobel.- he said, but she moved directly in front of him, taking both of his hands.

- Neither do I, Richard. But you should go there anyway. It might be important and I don´t want you to miss it because of me.- she smiled happily again.

- I disagree. I wanted to tell you so many things. Isobel.- he shook his head.

- I know. So be accurate tomorrow. At 11 we will head into the town having all the day for talks.- he wanted to say something else, but she quickly placed her finger on his lips to silence him and kissed him.

- We know the most important thing now, don´t we?- she whispered stil close to him smiling. – Good night, Richie and enjoy the time with your friends.- she said at last and quickly disappeared.

- Good night, Bel.- he wished her whispering, watching her leaving.

The 2 large billiard tables, the dominances of the room, were not encircled by men as expected. The room was filled up with dim light and everybody present there was seated in comfortable black, leather armchairs that surrounded a small table in the middle. In front of every man stood a glass full of golden content. Everybody was dressed in suits they were wearing on the lectures and chatting, obviously entertained by another witty joke. The room garnished by dark mahogany wood hosted 5 men, 4 of which Richard knew. He unbottoned his coat hanging it on the hanger in the corner and joined the company.

- What do I owe the pleasure to be invited to this session?- he asked politely, stil sounded little bit sharp, but greeted them all, being introduced to the unknown man at last- doctor Gregory Stinson.

- It concerns your friend, doctor Clarkson.- Stinson announced him afterwards, pouring whiskey into another glass. Richard eyed him with confusion.

- I beg you pardon?- he frowned his eyebrow looking at the rest of the company as well.

- I am sure that the invitation for this annual confference that Mrs. Crawley recieved surprised you both.- Stinson began explaining. – The main reason was of course to get to know her better.-

- Get to know her?- Richard interrupted that man. His Isobel? That made him angry which was obviously obvious, because doctor Stinson as well as the others had to smile slightly.

- To get to know her qualities and knowledge in the field of medicine.- doctor Rasmussen corrected doctor Stinson and continued. – That´s why we wanted her to attend the lectures as well, not only the annual ball. We wondered if she would take interest in the lectures, but to be honest, none of us expected her to take part in the discussion, at least not with such verve.-

- Yes. She is enthusiastic if anything catches her interest.- he nodded, - but I still cannot see what this all should mean.- another man, doctor Kargesen, joined the talk.

- As you know, Richard,- he started, - we enabled women to study medicine at our alma mater, Edinburgh University, few years ago and so they can recieve the medical title that allowes them to practice medicine fully. The problem, however, is that they are accepted by the society just hardly and that´s why leave our country for the USA, where the society is more liberal. That´s something we would like to change, but it is hard, because we have no contact with women doctors and we cannot help them, we don´t know how or what they need as a support.- Richard knew about this problem, but stil couldn´t see why this should concern his Isobel.

- I understand,- he said even though it wasn´t true, interrupting this man as well. – but Isobel, I mean Mrs. Crawley, isn´t one of them. She is not a doctor even though she has the knowledge of a one and has no problems with acceptance of society.- he eyed Stinson then. – She hasn´t the title, that has been given to her name in that article, even though she deserves one. So tell me why she!- he wanted to hear the answer finally. Another man smiled and clapped his hands.

- That´s it, Richard!- doctor Eastwick, his old collegue from research and professor in the presence, said. – The title added to her name was no mistake or coincidence.- Stinson remarked. – As we were deciding which articles to put into the next volume of journal, we found yours and the one from Mrs. Crawley. Both were very interesting, not only because of the scientific content and accuracy but because of the fact that the one was written by a woman as well. We added that title only to make it more trustworthy and to support other women- doctors in work, research.-

- You wouldn´t believe, Richard,- Kargesen addressed him again, - how many letters from women we had recieved afterwards. They were grateful that we printed something written by one of them and we recieved several good articles as well.-

- That gave us the idea how we can help them. We had finally contact with them and some of them are having similar verva for medicine like your Mrs. Crawley.

- I agree.- Richard nodded and took the glass into his hand. – There are many women in Downon alone, being accepted and successful in jobs, that have been seen like masculine ones. But stil, what do you want from Isobel?-

Michael finally spoke out: - Try to listen for a while, my friend.-

- After all Micheal told us, after all we heard and were witnesses of during the discussion yesterday, after all we´ve heard from doctor Chester, we concluded that she deserves the title as well. She seems to be accepted by the people there and by you as well. She could be the encouragement and good example for another women.- Eastwick answered.

- We wanted to suggest something.- Kargesen continued. – And that´s the reason you are here as well. We can´t give her the title just like that, even though she has all the knowledge, but there is the possibility to gain it in one year by undergoing examination in the most vital subjects. The praxis shouldn´t be problem.- Richard listened with amazement processing everything he had heard in last minutes. – We want to know, however, if she would manage it and accept it.-

Richard sighed and answered: - I have no doubt that she could work it out, but you have to ask her as well.-

- We will.- doctor Rasmussen answered. – But we wanted to hear your opinion firstly as well as something more about her work in your hospital, because doctor Chester couldn´t say us much.- Richard realised that that name was familiar to him.

- You know doctor Chester?- he asked. – He informed you?-

- Yes. He is my nephew.- Eastwick answered calmly. – But don´t worry. He isn´t a spy. He just mentioned to help you in the hospital for several days. There´s no need to be angry.-

- Alright. You want to know something more about her work?- he repeated again and Kargesen nodded.

- Exactly. But don´t worry. We won´t missuse it.-

- I am glad, because I wouldn´t advise you to do such stupidity.-

- We know you too well, Richard. I have told them that she is yours but I am sure they saw it anyway.- Micheal reassured him grinning. Richard had to smile as well.

- It´s not what I would do to you ,I would be afraid on your place, even though it wouldn´t be pleasant, but I would be afraid of her alone. I have seen her angry many times and believe me, you wouldn´t dare to cross her way then.-

- And where have you been the entire evening?- Michael asked him when the rest of the men left the room. – You disappeared so suddendly, I haven´t even noticed when and I couldn´t find you after the discussion.-

- We left sooner and attendet ballet performance. You reached us as we were returning.- Richard explained with sudden sad look Michael noticed and asked with concern.

- What happened? You looked happy, at least she did. You, on the other hand, frowned.-

- Well it happened something, Mike.- Richard nodded, - You interrupted me in my effort to ask her to marry me.-

- Really?- he grinned but then sighed realizing what had he caused. – I am sorry.- he apologized.

- You should be. It was perfect evening and splendid occasion.-

- Will you try tomorrow? I think she will say yes.- he tried to smile again. Richard nodded.

- I will do it tomorrow, no mater what, but believe me, if you or anybody else mess it up again,- he lifted his eyebrows with warning, - I swear to be bad.