With the unveiling over Isobel and Richard went their separate ways. They both looked at each other with the secret knowledge that they would be together again soon. Isobel watched as Richard put on his hat before departing for the cottage. The crowd had thinned, some individuals were still encircled around the monument looking at names. The rest of the crowd was moving and Isobel let herself be swept along with them soon found herself instep with Cousin Violet. It had been an emotional unveiling for everyone. Violet herself had felt her eyes mist over at the fact that William Mason's name was on the large monument. That young footman who had sacrificed his life for Matthew. Though she had been unable to save him from conscription she had made damn sure that he could have the best death he possibly could. Bundled in a large bed in a bedroom in the Abbey, not some large cavernous bunk room in hospital. He was never left alone and was able with some strong arming from herself to depart the Earth a married man. Violet along with Mr. Mason had kept an eye on his widow the young Daisy Mason.

Isobel had seen many emotions pass over Cousin Violet's face during the unveiling and walk: Pain, sorrow and resolve. At the moment the look she wore was close to a scowl.

"Something amiss?" Isobel asked with concern.

"Denker" Violet all but spat.

At this Isobel's curiosity was piqued and her face must have shown it for she was then regaled with the servants titter about her drunken night, of how she waltzed and sang, as well as her nightly trips to what was called The Velvet Violin.

Isobel had to bite her lips to keep from grinning from the hilarity of it all. Could Spratt's condition really be from stress due to Denker? He had always been somewhat prickly yet could Denker be exacerbating something else?

This was definitely be something to discuss with Richard.

Richard, her mind smiled at the thought.

Her smiles were quickly wiped off of her face when she came to her home and found Lord Merton waiting for her. "Isobel, I was wondering if I could speak with you."

Isobel inwardly sighed yet opened the door and invited him inside. While it was true that she had no butler or ladies maid she did have some help. A young maid disappeared to brew some tea. When it was delivered Isobel set to pouring cups. Dickie took his cup almost hesitantly, "you're looking well."

Isobel inhaled deeply before answering, "Yes, the dedication ceremony was this morning."

Dickie's head bowed over his cup, "All those names, all those boys."

At this Isobel softened, while Dickie's status had given him a great deal of privilege he hadn't been immune to loss.

"I wanted to know if you would reconsider, now that you've had some time." Dickie murmured.

At this Isobel audibly sighed, "While I've had more time it hasn't changed my mind, in fact it has solidified my decision. You see while you and I know what it's like to lose a spouse you have no idea of what it is like to lose a child. I will not be involved in anyway in making you lose your sons. Your boys will marry and in time create grandchildren for you. Would you risk not seeing them?"

Giving him no time to answer she stood and moved to the mantle so she could see Matthew's picture more clearly, the one taken on his wedding day. Lord Merton watched as her hand rose before her right forefinger caressed the side of the frame before she spoke again, "Dickie, you deserve to be happy I'm not arguing that. However, if you marry me you won't be happy. Life is too short to be arguing with your sons. I will gladly be your friend but I won't be more than that."

Gently Lord Merton set his cup down and stood before moving towards her, "You're certain?"

"Yes, I know it may seem cruel to you." She turned her attention back to the picture of her son. "There are days when I would give anything, anything to have him back. I don't want you to know what it is like to have your son not speak to you and while you may argue that Larry and Tim aren't dead yet you never know what is around the corner. I don't want you to have to make the choice between them or me so I won't even let it come to that."

Merton swallowed he saw the lone tear course down Isobel's cheek.

"You won't be lonely?" He whispered.

She turned to him, her face wet yet her eyes were bright this time with happiness. "I have friends here. George is here...the people I love are here."

Dickie nodded solemnly, "You are a most noble woman Isobel Crawley. I will make the necessary arrangements."

He turned to leave, he was nearly to the door when Isobel called out, "Violet is having luncheon this Saturday...please come."

She was comforted that he nodded in agreement before leaving Crawley House.

A/N: Not a mind reader, let me know what you like and what you don't