Hello guys! I apologize for the little delay, but these longer chapters take a bit to write and translate as well. I just can´t write short chapters The story needs a drama as well to keep everyone interested, so here it is … I will try to post another chapter within 2 next days, as already ideas are here, just to put them on virtual paper. Enjoy and let me know what you think about the progress. Isn´t it too slow, too fast, boring?

P.S. : Thanks lovely people for all the respond. I am always happy when I see new review. It´s motivating a lot

CHAPTER 9: Afternoon call

Walks in the surrounding meadows have become a daily routine, an essential part of Clarkson's life and Isobel Crawley´s too. Every day, an hour after lunch, Richard and Alais ring the doorbell of Crawley House and explore the village with her. Those wanderings always exhaust the little girl and thus they end the route at Clarkson Cottage, where the adults sit down with a cup of tea in their hands, while Alais and actually Bonnie too set out on a journey to the realm of dreams. Then there is finally a moment for joint study, discussion, medicine. However, no major talks regarding the most important topic have taken place so far. Many unresolved questions are still waiting in vain for an answer. They have been to the church in York together 3 times as well and since Alais did not stop attending singing lessons, she improved considerably. And what joy did she enjoy?! They also established a routine in the church bench. After Mass, Richard prays with the rosary on his knees and Isobel and Alais, looking at the open heavens above their heads, whispering to their loved ones. Mostly, only Alais talks and to avoid tears, she always snuggles towards Isobel. In addition to walks, these three people spend their usual days in the sitting room. Whether at Crawley House, or as now, at Richard's home. He would have sworn that the doll house occupied a larger part of the room and from day to day it was bigger, had more rooms and even more miniature furniture. The focus is still on the Victorian building. At a safe distance from the fireplace, that pleasantly warms the place, Alais and Isobel sit on long, soft pillows, enjoying the game with the little dolls for the first time, while Richard can quietly devote himself to his studies. The little girl is excited. Isobel engages her own imagination in the game much better than Richard and also enjoys it for longer time. So far, she has not complained and did not try to change the activity for something more individual like drawing.

- Just be careful and don't get stuck in the tub. Dr. Clarkson suddenly speaks, placing the bulky book to his knees. Sitting in the same room as the two ladies, he can't concentrate fully. He looks at them here and there. It is just too tempting. It's a heart-warming sight, after all. Isobel, with the figure of an adult woman in her hand, looks at him in astonishment.

- Excuse me? -

- The tub is too small. - he alerts her, pointing to the bathroom on the second floor where she is currently located. - Or the ceiling is too low. Not sure. - he smiles and points his finger at the bathtub. - All I know is that you can get easily trapped there. - Alais also joins the conversation, perhaps in an effort to explain it to the slightly more confused Isobel, and stands out from the pillow, almost exceeding the house, and runs to Isobel. Patting her shoulder with her little palm, she bends a little and checks the situation.

- I had to rescue grandpa last time we played. Roolie can´t stand there, just lay. - she immediately takes the character of Roolie, with whom Isobel has not yet met, into an illustrative demonstration. - Grandpa´s dolls are not allowed to take bath without my help. -

- Thank god, we have Isobel here, Alais. I am sure she will manage much better than I do. -

- Yes. - Alais shares Richard's opinion. - I am so glad to have you here, Mrs. Isobel. No one can play so well with my house as you do. Not even Sybbie. -

- Sybbie is a lot smarter in this respect than I am. - Richard´s statement is a simple truth. He never was a doll man after all. Isobel can imagine that, but she can also appreciate the doctor's effort to fulfil every dream of his dearest little girl.

- Still, I'd give you one more chance with Roolie. - she really would like to see him directly in action. However, from the look on the doctor's face, she can clearly see that the good doctor does not share this desire. He hasn't raised his eyebrows so high in a long time. - What do you think about it, Alais? - Isobel asks her directly. Richard has a lot of objections, now he even regrets that he spoke up and didn't just observe in silence as he had so many times before. Alais obviously likes the idea.

- It would be nice if Mrs. Roolie had Mr. Roolie. - she thinks out loud, with a most focused expression on her little face. Isobel didn't count on that; she didn't ask about her character's last name. She didn't even know she could have any.

- See? - The shocked expression on Richard's face doesn't escape her. - Don´t play with fire, Isobel. -

- I am not. - It's already here. The Isobel, who doesn't give up and tries to prove she's right at all costs, starts to wake up. He wants to see Richard at the game. - Come here, take Mr. Roolie and play your role. - the directional tone of the voice makes Alais laugh.

- Oh yes, grandpa. - Isobel is really starting to return to the good old days, and if Alais starts copying some of her habits or behaviour, I have something to look forward to. - We can all play together. -

- Oh, sweetie. - How to get away with it? Indeed, he should have been silent. - Grandpa has a work to do. - he raises a large book again.

- Nonsense, doctor. Join us. - and therefore, whether he wants to or not, with an eloquent sigh, he still leaves the comfort of the chair and walks to the doll house with another pillow.

- You have something to look forward to, Mrs. Roolie. -

- Can´t wait, Mr. Roolie. -

- And I will be Ms. Roolie. - Alais shouts happily and sits down between them. A whole new game starts and in fact, even the doctor starts to like it. If not the two of them personally at least their characters Mrs. and Mr. Roolies can tease each other. As before ...

The idyll of the game lasts another hour, during which there is laughter and giggles in the room. However, it is interrupted by a sudden knock on the front door. All three, as on command and at once, sigh in disappointment. Such a sudden pounding will certainly have a serious reason. Dr. Clarkson, handing Mr. Roolie to the hands of Mrs. Roolie rises to his feet and hurries to the front door.

- Dr. Clarkson, Mary is in pain and according to her mother, she is already in the labour. Help! - Farmer Mankis nervously stutters, quite scared and fast. Richard for a moment hesitates. The doctor is after all in the hospital and he a retired man. On the other hand, it was him to oversee the course of Mary Mankis´ pregnancy. He knows her from a small child and is very well aware how the unfamiliarity of patient's condition can turn out. Plus, she is expecting twins. Yet, the cause of hesitation is sitting in the sitting room and playing with dolls. If he left, Alais would have to stay with Isobel. However, she is happy with the little one. Both of them are ...

- Just calm down and give me a minute. I'll take the tools and we can go. - Farmer Mankis exhales, but he can't get rid of nervousness. He steps on the spot and counts the seconds.

- Mary Mankins is in labour. A little earlier than she should. Twins. I will have to go. - he addresses Isobel with guilt in his voice. - Would you take care of Alais? I don't know how long I will need to stay. - Isobel is a bit surprised.

- I didn't know she was pregnant. - she mostly missed nothing, not when it came to the hospital and similar long-term conditions. It's just another proof of how much she dissociated herself from life. - Of course. I'll stay here and take care of Alais. No matter how long it will take. - Isobel reassures him and looks at the little girl with another 2 cute braids. - What do you say, Alais, can we handle it without Grandpa for a while? - the girl doesn't even have to think twice. It won't be the first time and hopefully not the last. Isobel simply belongs to her life here in Downton just like Richard.

- We can do it, Grandpa. Do not worry. - she runs to him and wraps her hands around his waist. With a caress, returns to Isobel. With an encouraging and reassuring smile on Isobel's lips, the doctor leaves the sitting room, and taking a medical bag from his office, leaves to fulfil his duty.

-/-

Late returns home have never been uncommon. It often happened that he did not even return home for several days and spent those nights in the hospital, on a cot in his office. However, this should not have happened today. He stayed too long and did not return until a new day replaced the old one. He enters his sitting room with considerable remorse. It´s still lit, even though it is 2 o'clock in the morning. On the sofa, he notices the silhouette of Isobel and, as he walks closer, the outline of little Alais. The girl is obviously asleep, in the safety of the caring arms of a woman who is regaining her zest for life, precisely because of a small treasure that snuggled face in her throat.

- I apologize, I am so very late. - he starts quite quietly so as not to wake up his granddaughter. Isobel turns her head carefully, barely noticeably.

- There's no need to apologize, Richard. - she responds a little tired, even though this is not the first time she has spent the whole night awake. Whether as a nurse in the service or in recent months as she vigiled to avoid the nightmares. - Did everything turn out well? - she prefers to ask and places the medical journal she held in one hand on the sofa, at the same tome also carefully adjusting the position of the child who decided to stay awake with her, although she felt asleep the moment Isobel sang the first stanza of a lullaby.

- It was a difficult birth, but all three are fine. Mankins have two little healthy boys. - he finally sits down in his chair and looks at the sleeping Alais again. - Did she have bad dreams? -

- Nothing that couldn't be managed, only then she didn't want to go to bed alone. - all persuasion was in vain. - I tried to put her to bed, but after 10 minutes she came down again with a blanket and wanted to wait with me. - she smiles and caresses Alais´s cheek lovingly. - Since you're here already, Richard, I'll go home. - Dr. Clarkson frowns. He doesn't like this idea. In fact, he expected both to be asleep. He didn't expect anyone to welcome him.

- I can't let you into the streets alone at this time, Isobel. - immediately doctor objects, strongly disagreeing. - And I also can't accompany you and leave Alais here alone. To be honest, I thought you were both going to sleep. -

- Here? - Isobel can't take it more. Many thoughts run through her head. Should she have just lay down on the couch or ... in his bed? In a stranger´s house? I mean, no stranger. Richard's. Well, not mine anyway. We're not ... married, after all. Similar thought processes occupy his mind. Richard shrugs and really smiles. She's right, but ...

- You've always been unconventional, Isobel. I expected to find a paper note with pyjamas and a blanket on a table or couch. -

- I wasn't so unconventional. - Still, she reddens a bit. It´s not easy to get out of this situation, but on the other hand, the doctor's arguments are logical. - What do you suggest then? -

- Take my bedroom and whatever you need from the dresser. I will change the bedsheets for you and sleep in my office downstairs. - he prefers to present his idea quickly. He also wants to blush. Just the thought of her sleeping in his bed ... a dream come true. Almost. Isobel doesn't know what to say.

- You do not have to change the sheets for one night. - she finally replies, but nevertheless accepts the offer. Today, it would be useless to argue and convince him that she would sleep in the office. No objections then. This surprises the doctor a little, but he can't tell. After all, he's exhausted, so is she, and it's best to lie down as soon as possible.

- Let me take Alais upstairs. - the process of taking the little treasure to bed, who indeed sleeps hard, follows. With the baby safely in her arms, Isobel follows Richard upstairs, but instead of entering the nursery, she enters his bedroom. Hesitantly. With embarrassment. Curious ...

-/-

He almost falls down from the makeshift bed to the ground. At first, he doesn't even know where he is, but his heart beats like crazy. It was just one scream, but even its echo would put him on his feet. He suddenly wakes up from the beautiful dream as soon as he remembers. Alais. He thinks at first, but then realizes that her voice sounds a little different. Isobel! He immediately rushes out of the office and, taking the stairs in pairs, runs to his bedroom.

- Isobel? he addresses her with panic in his voice, looking into the space lighted only by a lamp on the bedside table, searching for her eyes. At first glance, it can be seen that she is upset and shakes, trying not to make a sound, to suppress sobs and other possible screams. - Are you okay? - he asks her carefully, suddenly not knowing what to do. After all, he violated the lady's privacy. He burst into her bedroom without invitation, approval. Bent, in his pyjamas, she sits on the bed, holding the blanket convulsively. Isobel just shakes her head and breathing hard, starts crying again. Before her eyes, after a long time, she sees Matthew again at the moment of his death, although she did not witness it. However, her rich imagination is willingly completing all the details, embellishing them considerably and not giving her peace. Everything is much scarier than it really was and she sees even more. The face of a smiling young man changes into an agony-curved creature with sunken eyes, which take on a direct grey tint as soon as the whole body is decomposing. All this is repeated over and over again. Death breathes on her neck again and she begins to suffocate once more.

- God, Isobel. - Richard whispers and sees the pain, the despair he thought that were in retreat. He doesn't hesitate for a moment, and whether it's appropriate or not, he sits down on the edge of the bed. - Slow down, Isobel. Take a deep breath. - he strokes her back, but words are not enough. He knows very well. Breathing is still chaotic and he knows what can happen. He doesn't even have to measure her pressure to know that it is too low and the fast heartbeat can be heard directly. Panic attack. - I know it's not appropriate, but I'm still your physician and we need to get this breathing under control again. - doctor finally decides, stroking her again. - Now listen to me, Isobel. Bend your knees and lean your forehead on them carefully. All right? - Richard tries to sound as calm as possible. However, Isobel perceives everything as distant as if it were just an echo. However, the instructions are followed and the doctor continues. - I will place the palm of my left hand on your stomach and you will move it. You also focus your breathing on the diaphragm. Concentrate on my voice and follow my instructions. Clear? - another fainty nod, which greatly complicates her sharp chest pain. However, feeling Richard's warm palm on the abdomen and back, draws more attention to his touch.

- Inhale. - he signals her emphatically but reassuringly and at the same time strokes her back from the bottom up with her other hand. As he descends down her back, he gives another instruction. - Exhale. And now work with the diaphragm to Isobel. Move my hand. Inhale. - movements and instructions are then repeated. The patterns full of death are slowly disappearing and her concentration improves. Inhale. Caress. Raising Richard's palm. Exhalation. Rubbing downwards. Decline of the diaphragm. Eventually, her head stops spinning, the shiver gradually stops, and her heart calms as well. The gradual change does not escape the doctor´s attention, who has already observed and dealt with similar seizures many times. But he had never suffered as much as he does now. After all, he cares deeply especially about this patient.

- Great. - finally, Richard praises her and for the last time instructs: - Exhale. - then he removes the palm from her abdomen, as well as the other hand from her back. However, the situation is still not completely under control and the inability to breathe is now being replaced by tears.

- I am so sorry to wake you up this way. - even though she straightens a bit, Richard still can't see her face. That is covered with her palms in an effort to stop tears, but it is in vain. - God. You must think me ... - she won't even finish. Weak. Desperate. Hysterical. All of it.

- You are still grieving and this is completely normal, Isobel. We are friends, aren´t we? It´s not a nuisance or sin to feel powerless or weak sometimes. -

- I just ... it was becoming better. It´s been a month since I passed out like this for the last time. -

- Passed out? - The ears of an experienced doctor will also capture this important information. - Did you lose consciousness?! My goodness. - with a nod of shame, she begins to sob again. As a rational woman, she should be able to handle such a situation. At least that is what she believes.

- I had enough of it. God, Richard. What am I doing again ?! - she reproaches, feeling contempt and bitterness. Richard has had enough too, and so, despite all the alarming remnants of rational thinking, he overcomes all obstacles. Without thinking about the possible consequences, the good doctor finally embraces her, cuddling her to himself. As if waiting just for this impulse, Isobel immediately snuggles to Richard, clenching in her fists his shirt in the area of the ribs, just so he wouldn't let her go. She hasn't behaved in such a desperate way, probably ever, but she doesn't want to be alone this time. I need him here. Still, she doesn't stop crying.

- It was better now. I didn't have those nightmares anymore. - she hides her face in his throat, whispering tearfully. As if it was the most natural thing in the word. It could have been. - It's gotten better. I could sleep, finally. I already thought that such conditions were already over. That I will be able to move on and find the courage to rejoice fully again. With Alais around, everything is happier, isn't it? - but she doesn't wait for a nod, so Richard continues to suffer as well, still holding her firmly in his arms. Yes, everything is better with his treasure. And it's two-sided. - God, Richard, will it ever stop? I don't want to see my son constantly suffer and die. I don´t want to think what it was like for him. I don't want to devour remorse and constant questions, what if. I want to remember him with a smile on his lips, not in agony. - the crying intensifies and Richard starts stroking her back again. - Why can't I still talk about him, huh? Why can't it go without tears or collapse? - Isobel shakes her head, hiding her face in his neck again. Words don´t come easy out of her throat. Those tears are making it harder. Just not another seizure. - I was sure it would work. After all, in York, with Alais, I see him up there, and although I don't talk to him like this little angel of yours, not having her vivid imagination, I don't cry in the evening, even though Alais sometimes asks about him. She, too, surprisingly sometimes reminds me of him. Especially her blue eyes, or her laughter. Or when she clings to me. Why am I reacting like this now? Today? - she pauses for a moment so that she can take another deep breath, exhale. Calm down a little. Once again, the feel of the doctor's rhythmic caress guides her breathing. - I finally found the courage to call Mary. To London. I haven't heard her voice in almost 3 months and I've been worried about it. She was pleased. I mean. She had so many questions. About Matthew. What he was like when he was a baby? What did his laughter sound like? When did he say his first word? What calmed him down when his teeth grew? My God, so many details and I had to remember. Go back to those happy moments. My little boy. It broke my heart, but I couldn't just stop and hang up. And then I heard George. It was just blabbering and laughing when Mary tickled him. It was like I heard Matthew. And I don't even know what George looks like. He had to change completely. I disappointed my son in this too. I should have been here for his little one. And all this together ... I've been scared all day. However, when you arrived in the afternoon and we went for a walk, it kind of passed. The pain was bearable. I was hoping, actually, I believed I was strong enough not to go mad again. I already thought I would be able to control myself. And now. - so much tenderness in Richard's caresses, the rhythm of his heart, his regular breathing, his scent, which put her to sleep today, bring such peace. At least for few minutes of silence. But when he sighs, Isobel feels another surge of remorse. I have also disappointed this amazing man. Haven´t I? - I am not even supposed to be here. Dear Lord, now I am bothering you. Putting the burden on your shoulders as well. I shouldn´t. Not after what has happened or did not. My God. - Isobel tries to straighten again and feels the panic, the embarrassment, the fear. She already wants to jump out of the bed and maybe run out of the house, but Richard won't let it happen. Instead, he reassures her.

- Hush, Isobel. - he brings her back to him. - You are exactly where you are supposed to be. Don´t you trouble yourself with the past. Nothing can be done to change it now. And regarding your grandson. You needed your time and that little babe won´t even remember it. You will be there for George when he returns from London. Now you need to heal yourself to be the grandma such little boy deserves. You are doing great with Alais and I don´t see a reason why it should be any different with George. - listening carefully to every word, Isobel finally begins to calm down. The crying stops, but the grip is as strong as before. She won't give up now. Not unless Richard wants to leave. - You are safe, here. - She's finally starting to believe it, too. Fatigue takes control over her again, and although she doesn't want to give in ; she prefers to feel the peace radiating from Richard, his pleasant, radiant warmth, the closeness of their bodies; she closes her eyes and falls asleep after a few minutes of silence. One would expect that the grip of Richard's shirt would decrease as soon as she fell asleep, but the exact opposite happens. As if her subconscious was reckoned with the fact that he too would leave and leave her at the mercy of possible nightmares. Richard immediately notices the transition from wakefulness to sleep. Instead of the expected relief, however, he panics. It is inappropriate. Isn´t it? They are in one bed. Almost naked. He can feel every curve of her body. She's asleep, he's awake. This can have catastrophic consequences. He should now get up and carefully leave the bedroom. After all, everything can go wrong. However, everything can go wrong if you leave her now. Like the last time you left her completely abandoned here. He sighs. He is also tired; it is comfortable to sit like this. Just to move a little lower and lay down. Close your eyes and just give in to it all. Burrowing his face into her hair, he follows his plan and immersing himself in the darkness, he closes his eyes too ...

- Grandpa? - the youngest member of the household steps fearfully into the bedroom, immersed in the dark. - Grandpa?! - The weeping voice sounds a little louder this time, more urgently. However, the addressee does not respond and Alais is frightened. She immediately throws the doll on the bed, reaching Isobel, who wakes up unintentionally; and gets herself on the mattress. - Wake up, please! - Alais shakes his shoulder, but the doctor, with the back turned to the little one, somehow doesn't respond.

- Alais? - Isobel addresses her in silence and lifts her head from the doctor's chest, partially coming out of his tight embrace. Instead of the embarrassment that is sure to catch her in the morning, she only feels worried.

- Mrs. Isobel? - a girl on the verge of tears is surprised, but the reaction of at least one adult is a calming element. - Grandpa probably ... - Poor thing, she's thinking the worst. - He's not moving. I'm scared. - Isobel adjusts, and removing her palm from doctor´s chest, reaches for the small hand and pushes the doll that landed on her shoulder aside.

- Come here, sweetheart. - she instructs her, so Alais carefully walks around the sleeping doctor and lays down between him and Isobel. Once she's settled, Isobel hugs her. - Grandpa's just sleeping, darling. It's fine. He's just tired. -

- But he's not moving. - Alais continues to object and tries to wake Grandpa again. No change, though quiet sigh can be heard. - And Daddy was tired, too. Very. I don't want to be without my grandpa. -

- Oh, darling. - and that my life is tragic… however this little girl lives in constant fear that one day she will be completely alone. - Grandpa came very late and had to deliver 2 babies at once. This is challenging. He'll be fit in the morning, look, - she gently takes her hand and carefully places it on Richard's chest. - Can you feel his heart beating? See, how strong it is? It's fine. I promise. -

- Can I stay here? With you? Me and Bonnie? - Alais finally asks, but not waiting entirely for the approval, she suddenly clings to Richard. Only now it provokes a reaction and his arm automatically embraces her little torso.

- Certainly, you can. - But now Isobel hesitates. She should probably stand up, leave the room and instead take the bed of little Alais. However, the dilemma is solved by Alais, who also reaches for Isobel's arm and wraps it around her waist. - You won´t leave me, right? None of you. -

- Of course not, darling. - with this promise Isobel kisses her on the fragrant, freshly washed hair and, embarrassed, she clings to her and Richard again. - Just sleep, Alais. You are safe. - we can be like this forever. We do have a chance ...

-/-

She is awakened by a gentle kiss and a caress on her cheek. She still smiles with her lids closed, so she earns a second, more impatient kiss.

- Mrs. Isobel. - whispers Alais eagerly, moving her hand to older woman´s shoulder. - Wake up. - That's the moment Isobel awakens fully. It wasn't just a dream. Well, something was a dream, but most of the pictures she recalls from the night before did happen, and she's now in Dr. Clarkson's bedroom. Even with Dr. Clarkson right in the bed. And that innocent kiss… she partially expected it to be from the good doctor…

- Good morning, Alais. - she answers a little sleepily, finally opening her eyes wide. She has to smile again. Two oceans and a smiling sun with a crown of tousled hair look at her. Behind the figure of the little girl, there is a silhouette of Dr. Clarkson, who is still in the realm of dreams.

- Grandpa's still asleep and he's fine. - returning to the previous conversation, she immediately informs Isobel about the health condition. - His heart beats and he is breathing. Yes. - she turns to him and covers his mouth with a hand. - Breathing. - again, removing her hand, Alais enthusiastically returns to Isobel. She's excited because she has them both here. This morning. Together. They don't have to wait until the afternoon to meet again.

- Have you slept well, Alais? Aren't you tired anymore? - they continue to whisper in silence, not wanting to wake Richard up. At least one of us will sleep. God! It'll be better if he doesn't really wake up yet. Not when I'm here. What then? Alais definitely nods.

- I woke up a long time ago and then I couldn't sleep. And now I'm hungry. - she ends with a little guilt in that cute voice. - You said Grandpa came very late and worked hard, so I woke you up instead. You don´t mind, do you? -

- Certainly not, baby. Let's get up and eat. We will leave grandpa to sleep? - The plan is clear. To Isobel's surprise, however, Alais has not yet risen, but has joined her again.

- I am so glad that you are here, Mrs. Isobel. - she whispers to her neck. - You are the best seanmhair ever. - It's a barely audible exclamation. As if Alais wanted to say it out loud, but only for her own ears and the conviction that this is indeed a reality. Being absolutely illiterate in Scottish language, Isobel can only guess, what has the little girl just said but at the same time, she believes, she knows exactly ...

- And you are a dream come true granddaughter, darling Alais. - she kisses her on the top of her head, deeply moved. After all, Isobel perceives her that way. As my own. And Richard said that yesterday, in fact already today. - Now let´s feed that hungry tummy of yours. Hm? -

-/-

It´s slightly awkward, to just step into the kitchen and find Isobel there. In the not so early morning anymore and after knowing what has happened the previous night. Not that he would regret it, no, but he feels as he used the situation for his own good. She hugged me, old fool! And was pretty aware of it. And you did not leave the bed, even though she is not your wife, not even fiancé. Damn this thoughts. I only you had more courage, you would ask her again. Isn´t it too soon though? She is still miserable. Damn, you idiot, it´s obvious that an empty house haunts her. So many thoughts at the beginning of day, make him sigh with audible frustration, that is thankfully noticed only by the little child, sitting at the table, drawing another picture.

- Grandpa! - the little girl rejoices happily, with a noticeable relief. - You are finally awake! - at this exclamation, catching Isobel´s attention as well, Isobel finally turns around from the hob to face him.

- Good morning, ladies. - he says with hoarse voice, obviously needing a glass of water. Both girls answer politely, but Alais adds, correcting him:

- It´s almost lunch time, grandpa. Look, Mrs. Isobel is cooking already. -

- If you are hungry, I can prepare you something to eat. The lunch is still not ready. - with blush, she gives him slight smile anyway. It is strange, indeed. Both think. Richard just shakes his head.

- Don´t trouble yourself. I just need a glass of water. I will wait for the lunch. - he moves to the sink, nearing her too. - Are you alright? - he asks her immediately, in a low voice, so only she could hear him.

- I am now. Thank you, Richard. For yesterday, or today in fact. -

- No problem. - he reassures her, finally drawing water from the tap. - I meant what I said. Alais and I always here for you. - and we love you. Can you see it? He wants to add, but lacks courage to say it aloud. - Anytime. -

- Thank you. - and the blush returns to her cheeks.

- Thank you for keeping an eye on Alais and the lunch. It smells delicious. -

- My pleasure. She is a great help in the kitchen. - now these words can be heard by Alais too.

- I am, grandpa. I helped with the carrot grating and stirring. - she praises herself and runs towards them. - Don´t you worry, it will be the best food you have eaten today and you can work meanwhile. I am in good hands. -

- Is this a way how to tell me, not to get under your feet? - Richard jokes, but is grateful for this proposal. Alais nods and giggles.

- Good idea, darling. Won´t you mind, Isobel? -

- Well, you´d better leave now or I can find you some work here to do. -

- That´s all you had to say. I am on my way, ladies. - amused laugh can be heard and honestly, relief as well. - Don´t forget to call me though once the lunch is ready, please. - . It´s a bit awkward. This needs to be resolved. The sooner, the better.

- TBC -