Two Weeks Later- Early May 1926
"Yes, Dr. Clarkson please," Dickie spoke in to the telephone receiver, pacing back and forth while waiting for the nurse to find the doctor.
It had been a week since Isobel had started a new medication Dr. Clarkson recommended. And while Isobel had been obedient in doing what Dr. Clarkson recommended, her body was not responding well. If anything, she was growing weaker and more fatigued each day.
Elsa had been quite the stalwart figure throughout; helping Dickie to care for Isobel and getting them both anything they needed. She had even set up interviews for a Nanny while Mead had taken on the task of finding a few candidates for Housekeeper. Dickie looked at his pocket watch and saw he was to meet with Mead and a candidate for Nanny in less than an hour. Cursing under his breath, he stuck the watch back in his coat.
"Lord Merton…this is Dr. Clarkson," the voice on the other end said.
"Ah, Dr. Clarkson….yes, I'm afraid Lady Merton is not doing well at all with this new medication. It only seems to be making her worse than before. She asked me not to bother you, saying it would take a few days to work, but I am not so patient as she," Dickie explained, running a hand nervously over his head.
"I see. What symptoms has she experienced?" the doctor asked.
Dickie rattled off a long list of Isobel's ailments, never hearing the door open and close behind him. Timothy held a finger to his lips as he looked at his friend, Elizabeth Butler, not wanting her to say anything to disturb his father's obviously important conversation. The two sat on the settee while Dickie continued staring out the window, listening to Dr. Clarkson's explanation.
"Yes…yes, we will try that. And when will we know if this is working?"
Elizabeth looked to Timothy and whispered, "Has the new medicine not been helpful?"
Timothy shook his head but remained silent and focused on his father. He was hoping to deduce what all had happened since he'd been in London, as the short conversations he'd had with his Father since had given no indication of how serious things seemed to be.
"Monday…of course….yes, I will do that. Thank you, Dr. Clarkson. It is most appreciated….Goodbye," Dickie said, hanging up the phone slowly. One hand came to his waist as the other covered his face.
"Damn," he whispered in frustration before turning towards the door. However, he stopped short when he saw his son and Miss Butler sitting in front of him.
"Father…is everything all right?" Timothy asked, standing and nodding toward Elizabeth. "We arrived, and Mead said you were in here. We did not feel it right to interrupt such a serious conversation."
Dickie forced a smile and clapped Timothy on the shoulder. "We'll be all right. Elizabeth, how good to see you. Isobel will be so pleased you are here."
"I hope it is not an inconvenience in any way…" the young woman said, standing to accept a kiss from Dickie on the cheek. "If you think it best, we can head back to London. I wouldn't want…"
"Now, my dear, you know that if I agreed to that, Lady Merton would have my head. She's just hit a bit of a rough patch…but Dr. Clarkson has offered a few suggestions that should have her back in top form soon."
Elizabeth nodded, looking over to Timothy. "Perhaps we should unpack and give you some time?"
"I do have an interview in a bit with a potential Nanny…I suppose Timothy told you of our new charge?"
Timothy smiled, as did Elizabeth. "Yes, we discussed it on the train. And don't worry; Elizabeth has agreed to keep the matter private."
"Thank you, dear. With everything going on, we would not want to allow room for gossips to weave a tale…you never know who might be holding a grudge," Dickie said.
He led them to the door and called for one of the young footmen. "Would you help Master Timothy and Miss Butler to their rooms?"
"Of course, milord."
The young man hurried off to fetch the luggage. Dickie looked at his pocket watch once more.
"I'm afraid I do need to get on. Why don't you stop in and see the little one before luncheon? She usually naps in the afternoon, so you might get to see her awake. Elsa was sitting with her for a bit."
"That would be lovely…if you think it all right?" Elizabeth asked timidly.
"I do, and I know Isobel would love to hear your thoughts on the baby," Dickie said, giving Elizabeth another kiss on the cheek. "Now, I must be off. I will see you at luncheon."
With that, Lord Merton hurried up the staircase, leaving Timothy and Elizabeth standing in the Great Hall.
"I'm concerned," Timothy said softly. "There is more to this than he is saying."
"Quite right," Elizabeth replied, "but it won't do to press him as soon as we arrive. Let's ease in to a conversation gently."
Timothy smiled, leaning over and placing a small kiss on Elizabeth's cheek. "I am lucky to have you with me…your sense will keep me on point this weekend."
Elizabeth blushed as they followed the footmen up the stairs. I do hope so, Timothy Grey.