Hello everyone. Another longer chapter is here. It´s time for Alais and Isobel to bond little be more, this time without the presence of doctor Clarkson. I hope you will enjoy it as I did

P.S.: Thank you all for reviews and support! I really appreciate it as it is bringing you to me …

CHAPTER 8: Piano lessons

Today is Alais D-Day, which she has been looking forward to since Monday, when Isobel promised her singing lessons. This time, in a pale blue jacket, Alais holds both Isobel and Richard's hands. They walk back to Crawley House, from which they took an hour-long walk through the snowy landscape. This is not the first time Alais has taken the famous path, and she gladly informs Isobel about it as well.

- We were sleighing there yesterday. - she announces it cheerfully and points to a small hill, which serves as a pasture during the snow - free period. - Me and Sybbie. - Isobel also looks at Richard in surprise, who just nods and smiles. They did take a little trip. Tom came up with the idea.

- Sybbie´s dad, uncle Tom, pulled us up on a sled and then rode with us downhill. -

- What about grandpa? - In Isobel´s opinion, he had to go with them. Alais probably wouldn't be left with Tom alone, although ... If Sybbie got involved in the game, she probably wouldn't be so saddened by the absence of her grandfather. At least for a while.

- Grandpa watched it all with interest from a safe distance and enjoyed the fact that he didn't have to pull two girls up the hill. - The facts are surprisingly presented by Dr. Clarkson himself, in the same cheerful tone as Alais. Isobel would like to feel the same joy. I feel that way when I'm with them. I'm trying not to forbid it anymore. Matthew would still like me to be happy. And now I have a reason for that.

- Grandpa wouldn't fit on a sled anymore and I don't have mine. - Alais looks at her dear grandfather with a little remorse. - But he promised me that next year he would buy me a new one and we would sled together. -

- Grandpa got himself into a trouble. - he comments still with a smile. The idea that he will have to pull Alais on the sleigh up the hill is not as tempting as the idea that he will be able to leave this task to the younger generation. Alais nods, though she doesn't know what the doctor meant by those words. Isobel chuckles. The doctors' sigh of resignation really makes them smile.

- But he built a snowman with us. Such a small one. There it is, can you see it Mrs. Isobel? - in the distance it is possible to observe something that would resemble a figure from snow, but younger eyes would be able to recognize a snowman in that, possibly, but Isobel certainly does not. However, she nods. After another 20 minutes of joyful chit-chat, they see the outlines of the Crawley House again and being cold, they are looking forward to a cup of hot tea. At least Isobel and Alais do. The doctor has other responsibilities today. The door is unlocked and all three enter the hall. But Richard doesn't take off his coat.

- I'd rather not ask, if you don't mind watching over Alais for a few hours, but if anything happens, I'll be in the hospital, okay? -

- I know. - Isobel nods and takes Alais off her jacket. - But you don't have to hurry, Richard. We'll have some fun together, won't we, Alais? -

- Yes, Grandpa. I'll be waiting for you here. Today, after all, I have to learn a lot of songs. -

- Well then. Promise me you'll be good, sweetheart. -

- I am always good. - with this statement, the doctor nods and prepares to leave. However, he is stopped again by young Miss Clarkson's voice. Surprisingly. - Grandpa, leave Bonnie here. She too must learn new songs. - he hasn't even realized that he is still holding a doll in the crook of his arm. Alais handed him her Bonnie when she wanted to grab both adults by the hand at the same time. He simply chuckles as well. Bonnie really became a part of his everyday life, inseparable entity that Alais carries everywhere and simply he takes care of her as well.

- Here, darling. - The door to the doctor immediately closes and Alais stays alone with Isobel for the first time.

The tea is drunk and Alais happily follows Isobel to the piano salon. After several moments and a thorough reading of the song titles in the alphabetical list on the last pages of the songbook, Alais selects those songs whose beginnings she still remembers from Sunday. In the end, they choose 5 songs. Alais settles on Isobel's knees with less shyness and listens carefully word for word, stanza after stanza, and Isobel is more than willing to repeat them several times in a row. Alais has a surprisingly good memory and remembers the words quite well after a few readings. Isobel has to smile. She hasn't read for a child for a long time, and for the first time ever, she is going to teach anyone to sing. Matthew was never interested in singing, he sat in silence for a while, meanwhile she played the piano, but even that was only a few minutes. And then? All the songs are new to her as well, which is surprising to Alais.

- Are there other songs being sung here in Downton as well? - how to explain to the child the difference between the church here in Downton and the one in York? I'd rather not. She's still too small for that.

- Yes darling. The songs are different everywhere. - Alais sighs.

- In that case, my grandfather and I will only have to go to York. At least until I can read. I won't be able to learn so many new songs. - Isobel smiles. This is a really good idea. Alais would only be confused if she came to Downton Church for Sunday Mass, which is celebrated in a completely different way. I haven't been to it in a long time either. I haven't been anywhere forever. Until this week. First purchase at the market on Monday. Yesterday, on Tuesday, visit of York and again just because of Alais. And today a walk around the countryside. Again, accompanied by Richard and Alais. Only they motivate her to move forward and do something about her life.

- Are you ready to play them, Alais? - she finally asks her and the girl in the checkered red dress nods happily.

- Yes! Yes! Yes! - she jumps off Isobel's knees and rushes to the piano. She is however waiting for Isobel. That settles down first, opens the songbook and places it on the piano stand.

- Come on, darling. Let's get to it. - Isobel opens her arms again and seats Alais on her knees. Miss Clarkson is like in seventh heaven. Mrs. Isobel is so nice and kind. And soft and warm. Very very good. And she devotes so much attention to her, she addresses her nicely. Alais likes her more and more. And how pretty she is today. Seeing her in a colour other than black surprised both Clarksons today. Isobel Crawley finally replaced black with purple, and the dress is substituted by a set of cream-white blouse and a long skirt. As if rejuvenated ... in a moment the room resounds with the melody of the first song and after a short overture, the singing begins.

- Now. - she instructs and with a touch, together with Alais, they start singing song number 1.

Like a shepherd, he feeds his flock and gathers the lambs in his arms,

holding them carefully close to his hearth, leading them home.

Say to the cities of Judah: Prepare the way of the Lord.

Go to the mountains top, lift your voice, Jeruslame, here is your God.

- You sing like a little angel, Alais. - Isobel praises her as soon as she finishes the first stanza. To say that Alais is pleased does not express the whole truth. She is so excited and proud. She blushes and wiggles a little.

- You sing like an angel too, Mrs. Isobel. But an adult angel. -

- Oh, darling, you are so sweet. - moved Isobel hugs her, snuggling Alais towards her. The girl is surprised, but pleasantly. She leans back comfortably, enjoying this moment, but a minute later gets a spontaneous idea. Alais narrows a little and ... kisses Isobel on the cheek. Both ladies are surprised. Younger and older one too. It is as if Alais has only now fully realized what she did, she freezes at spot. Even Isobel does not believe her own touch receptors. It´s just a second though. She still remembers the hug from Monday, and this is actually just the next step in the process of them becoming close. However, she feels Alais' rigidity immediately, therefore she doesn't hesitate for a second longer. Isobel kisses her on the fragrant, loose, wavy hair and temples as well and continues cheerfully.

- Ready for the next song, Alais? - Alais nods and smiles. To sing better, she straightens up again. Isobel starts playing anew and the room is filled with the singing of two angels.

- Are they really for me? - Alais doesn't believe her own eyes. Her heart is full of joy, she is very happy. Isobel just nods and fastens another strand of hair with a new light red clip. She glows in her thick hair like a smile on her lips.

- Just for you. Do you like it, Alais? - it is quite useless to ask such a question. After all, the expression of happiness is more than visible. However, Alais nods, and when the clip is fastened, she carefully turns to Isobel, who again holds the comb in her hand and straightens hair on the other part of the small head.

- I love them. -

- If grandpa allows it, next time we can go together to choose some others. - Oh, Isobel, you're tied up too much, overly bonding yourself, there's no going back. Well, don't think so much, Alais and Richard are not yours as you would like them to be. You're not a Clarkson. Chasing these unflattering thoughts into the back of the mind, far away from tempting plans for the future together, she returns to combing. - Now give me that bow, Alais? - Alais nods happily.

- I'll talk, Grandpa. - Isobel has no doubt about that. Once the hairstyle is done, the two ladies go to the hall to evaluate the result in the mirror. Alais is extremely satisfied and this time without asking, wraps her hands around Isobel´s waist and clings to her. Returning to the sitting room and sitting on the couch, Alais takes the comb in her arms and starts combing Bonnie. After all, she was given a small decorative hair comb with painted flowers that can be used by her doll. But before the hairstyle is finished, Alais begins to yawn. It's almost 5 o'clock and she hasn't slept in the afternoon. Fatigue is more than visible on her, Isobel realizes that. Soon Alais starts asking:

- When's Grandpa coming? - Her eyelids are already closing. It even darkened outside the windows.

- He'll be here in an hour. - she is not entirely sure, but she knows that if it were not necessary, the doctor would not stay in the hospital a minute longer. - However, there is a new doctor in the hospital and he does not know ours well yet. Your grandpa must properly introduce it to him and show where everything is stored. -

- My daddy was a doctor too. - Alais sighs and just suppresses a yawn. Isobel is a little nervous for a moment. She doesn't want to end today's beautiful day with crying.

- Mine too, darling. - Isobel therefore prefers to change the focus in another direction. Alais is immediately interested. She looks at her companion and a new friend.

- Really? - however, she does not ask any more questions and is completely satisfied with a nod. She's really tired.

- Hm. - Seeing the fatigue, Isobel comes up with the idea. - Listen, darling. Why won´t you take a nap upstairs? When grandpa arrives, you will be already fully rested. Hm? - Alais thinks for a moment, but finally nods. The idea of bed and sleep is more than tempting. Upon arrival in the only bedroom with blankets, the one belonging to Isobel, the pins are quickly unclipped and the clothes are taken off. Alais, just in her undershirt, finally lies down in bed, but before she closes her eyes, she asks:

- He will return, right? He will come for me, won´t he? - Isobel looks at her fondly.

- Don't doubt that, darling. Grandpa loves you very much and he would be so very sad without you. Of course, he will come and take you home. - for a moment she sits on the bed and caresses her cheek. - Everyone would like to have such a wonderful granddaughter as you, Alais and grandpa wouldn't trade you for anything in the world. - Alais is more than happy with this answer and therefore smiles. Isobel leans over her and kisses her on the forehead, wishing the little child beautiful dreams ...

-/-

He stayed in the hospital longer than he expected, and now he blames himself. It was supposed to be only an hour or two, instead he spent there 4. The young doctor who will replace him is handy. He is really satisfied with the choice and the overall training went very quickly. But then such a patient came, and one immediately after him, and seeing Dr. Clarkson, they asked for an examination specifically from him. As a doctor he could not refuse. Plus, he's known those people for years. When one patient noticed it, another asked for it, so Richard Clarkson once again found himself in a white medical cloak and occupied for 2 whole hours. Now he has to admit that he will really miss it. From time to time. On the other hand, Alais brings him, of course, more joy. Her every smile or hug is invaluable, and when she starts laughing, he finds himself in the seventh heaven. Another wave of remorse overwhelms him now. Isobel. He left the little one with her much longer than he had promised. It's evening and dark. Taking it that way, Isobel had Alais in charge this whole afternoon. A girl full of energy in a house where toys are absent would also tire a younger woman. Stopping at the door of Crawley House, he rings and waits, instead of a doll in the crook of his arm, Richard is clutching a briefcase full of papers. Is it reasonable to ask her for more help? However, he does not ask another question. The door opens fairly quickly and he is greeted by Isobel. Just and only Isobel. That surprises him. He would expect that Alais will accompany her, too.

- I apologize for returning so late, but as soon as the locals noticed me, they didn't even want to hear about Dr. Laurie's examining them. - he explains as soon as he takes off his coat and hangs it on a hanger in the hall.

- And do you know I'm not even surprised? - Isobel smiles. - People trust you and no matter what happens, they will always say that you would know better. The young doctor will have a hard time. In the early years for sure. - The doctor is very flattered. Basically, Isobel is right and he realizes it. He also remembers his difficult beginnings in Downton. Moreover, like a Scotsman, he had to fight for people's trust even harder and smarter.

- Everyone has to go through that. - Richard evaluates and, going to the sitting room, suddenly changes the subject. - Where's Alais? - He expected her to sit on the couch and play with a doll.

- Alais is upstairs. She sleeps. -

- She is sleeping? - in the first moment he raises his eyebrows in surprise, but in the next second it doesn't sound so shocking. Alais takes an afternoon nap every day, after all, she is still a child and in those moments he has at least time for himself. Isobel nods, motioning for him to sit down.

- I put her in the bed less than an hour ago. She was already tired. -

- I'm sorry, Isobel, I'm burdening you so much. I really shouldn't forget about the time. - the remorse in his voice and facial expressions are obvious. Isobel just waves her hand as nothing happened and smiles.

- Actually, I'm glad you stayed in the hospital longer. It's a nice change to take care of a four-year-old child and moreover as cute as Alais. We enjoyed a nice day despite the absence of toys. - It's also noticeable. The doctor will notice, too. Isobel looks fresher and more vivid than before. She was always gentle and cared about the well-being of others. Alais is the best cure for grief. She smiles and finally gets rid of the black colour. She is magnificent in purple. - She has a really beautiful voice and she will sing through the whole mass on Sunday. You'll see. -

- I'm happy to hear that. - The regrets that bothered him 5 minutes ago are now unfounded. - She's been sleeping for an hour. Hm. - he recounted whether it was a good time to wake her up. Isobel nods, but her enthusiasm fades a little.

- Give her at least another 30 minutes. -

- All right. Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something else, and now that we have some time. - Isobel doesn't notice the briefcase until the doctor unbuckles it. Her curiosity is growing. - I have been dealing with the issue of preeclampsia and possible eclampsia for a long time and I would like to gather all the knowledge in form of a medical study. - Isobel immediately remembers Sybil. Because of her? It really shook him then. But Richard has another woman on mind. Lorien.

- And how can I help you with that? - She really wants to know exactly what he wants from her.

- First of all, I have already created a concept and I would like you to read it and critically evaluate it. - she always assessed his work very well, objectively and he admits that in the first months of their cooperation he mostly didn't like it. - I have a few statistics and evaluations of the latest findings, but that's not complete. In the last year I have managed to gather quite a lot of qualified literature, but 2 books are in French and let's say that it has never been my strong point. -

- And you assume it is mine? - it is a small provocation, to which after a long period of inaccessibility he can finally roll over his eyes.

- Yes. Exactly. - Richard finally nods, adding in great importance: - You will not convince me otherwise, Isobel, I know that you have a lot of books in this language in the library and I also know that they are not there just for decoration. -

- Dear Lord, you know me well. - she takes the book in hand. - I'm happy to help you with that, Richard. Just promise me you'll lend me Alais sometimes. At least when you need to focus. -

- It depends on her, but I have no doubt that she will welcome this proposal. - after fine-tuning this detail, they are again engaged in a discussion. I missed this. They both think at once. The zeal, the enthusiasm, medicine. In less than 25 minutes, something else will catch their attention. Slowly and really unnoticed, Alais appears in the doorway. She still blinks a little, but exclaims with joy:

- Grandpa! - she immediately rushes to him and climbs onto his knees. The doctor smiles broadly and hugs the girl.

- Did you nap well? - Alais nods and looks at Isobel. She would also welcome if Alais sat on her knees. - In that case, you can make your way home on your own feet. -

- Perhaps. - a little shy, because she just woke up, she asks question that is given to Isobel. - Mrs. Isobel, can you help me get dressed? -

- Of course, sweetie. - and she stands up, offering the little girl her hand, which Alais gratefully accepts.

- Can you comb me too as before? -

- If Grandpa gives us 5 minutes more. - 5 minutes? That surprise him a little. After all, less than 2 minutes are enough for him to comb Alais in the morning. The two ladies now look at him questioningly.

- I can spare five extra minutes. - within a given time limit, they do manage to return, but the doctor is more surprised than he expected. Actually, he didn't expect a surprise at all. The little princess's hairs are carefully arranged, nicely entwined in two cute braids and fastened with red clips, which she has never had before and which Isobel would certainly never wear. Those can´t be hers.

- Look, grandpa. - Alais points to her new clips. - Mrs. Isobel bought me new clips and a bow. - the red ribbon is in her hands now. After all, it would not fit under her cap.

- God, Isobel. - He doesn't know what to say. Isobel only chuckles, teasing him just enough.

- Now you just have to learn to use those clips correctly. -

- That's what I'm afraid of. -

- Oh, don't worry, grandpa. You don't have to comb me like that. And if we go to church on Sunday, Mrs. Isobel can comb me. - Alais raises her head and looks at Isobel, hoping she nods. After all, she is so nice to her. As if she had known her for ages.

- I agree that it is proper to dress festively and style yourself on Sunday. - she nods and looks at Richard, who has obvious objections. Isobel can see them very well in his eyes. She knows that he does not want to burden her unnecessarily, to annoy her. - And I'll be happy to help you with that, honey. - Alais is satisfied.

- Can I kiss you again, Mrs. Isobel? - So that's the reason for the red colour in the cheeks. But Richard startles. Again? Why does it even surprise me that they get used to each other so fast? Isobel is Isobel, after all, and Alais, well, she can win everyone's heart. If she wants to. Isobel nods and, lowering herself to her height, earns a kiss on the cheek and a short hug around her neck. A moment later, already dressed for the trip, Alais, Richard and Bonnie leave Crawley House in a good mood. Closing the door behind them, however, Isobel saddens. It was nicer to have them both here. Happier. How stupid and cowardly I was. She is scolding herself a hundredth time. She rather takes the book from Richard in hands and starts reading ...

-/-

Everything was completely new and fascinating for her at the same time. The comments that most people come up with, such as so much pomp and unnecessary fanfare, are not really justified. She likes it. It is more pompous and it enhances the experience, it does not distract from the most important thing, from the essence of the whole celebration. All those colours, incense, sung parts of prayers, exhorts her to glorify God even more. Isobel Crawley is indeed in a Catholic church in York and attends Holy Mass. As every first time, this visit made her a little nervous. She spent the whole mass with a prayer book in her hands and read some prayers. What pleased her, however, was the fact that 3 songs out of 5 they rehearsed with Alais were played and they could sing today. And how excited Alais was to hear familiar tones and be able to sing. It was a happy sight, and both Richard and Isobel enjoyed it properly. Although Isobel is not a Catholic, she followed both Richard and Alais down the aisle to the priest who was giving Holy Communion, but unlike Dr. Clarkson, she received only a blessing in the form of a cross on her forehead, as did Alais. However, the Mass has already ended and the trio is waiting for the church to be emptied again. After all, they are in no hurry. Everyone uses the remaining time on their own. Dr. Clarkson holds the rosary in his hand again and prays, as he does every Sunday, after Mass. Alais, who was looking forward to this moment, rests her head comfortably on Isobel's shoulder and, leaning back, is looking again at the painting of the open sky.

- Look there. - she whispers to Isobel to look up as well. Curious, Isobel acts immediately, following the movement of the little finger. - Right there. Mommy has that long hair and Daddy is next to her. See? - Angels are indeed similar, but it cannot be said that they all have the same face. Isobel just nods.

- They look very happy, Alais. You sang beautifully. You pleased them. - this pleases the little smiling child.

- Really? - with that childish, sincere enthusiasm, she even cuddles to Isobel. She imagines that this is how she would snuggle to her mother. Embracing this child, Isobel feels moved. Without a word, Isobel looks at the sky, wishing she could see it with child's eyes. Just like Alais, she would like to see her loved ones when looking at the ceiling.

- Matthew. - she hears her own voice. She would like to see him again. Od course I would. Now. Here. There. A few tears well up in her eyes.

- Who's Matthew? - Alais asks immediately, looking up there, though she has no idea what he looks like.

- My son. -

- Is he already in Heaven? Up there? Not here? - so many questions and just one answer. Yes, he's already in heaven, up there, not here. Isobel just nods. - Which one is your Matthew? - Alais asks immediately. She doesn't even know why, Isobel still points to one of the painted blue-eyed figures, trying to see the face of her son.

- Show him my daddy and mommy, won´t you. They can be friends. Hm? -

- That would be great, darling. - she wraps her arms around Alais and kisses her on the top of her head. In a whisper, heard only by Alais and her own mind, she instructs Matthew and encourages him to meet the little girl's parents. - You can be friends. - She whispers to him.

- I miss them too, you know? I'm sad too. But Daddy said my grandfather needed me here, so I could not go to heaven with him. Grandpa would be very sad without me. -

- I can imagine that, honey. - they both remain silent, not even noticing Richard, who is no longer kneeling on his knees, but sitting next to them. What he sees warms his heart. Isobel and Alais in an embrace. In those few days, in two weeks, a bond formed between them. They see each other every day, at least this week. After all, they also rehearsed songs on Thursday, Friday and yesterday. They always went for a walk, they had lunch together for all 3 days.

- Are you, all right? - he finally asks them. The church is already empty. Alais answers first.

- We have found Matthew there. - immediately she informs him and looks at Isobel. She nods and smiles. Traces of tears in her hazel brown eyes gradually disappear.

- We have. -

- Isobel. - he calls her name gently, but she responds with small smile.

- I'm really fine. -

- In that case, can we go to lunch? - he asks after a while with a constantly worried look. This time, Isobel rolls her eyes, but nods.

- Let's go. - Finally, the last three people in the church and one doll with them, leave the Catholic Church in York, with the silent promise that they will return in a week. After all, their loved ones are waiting for them ...

- TBC -