Hi guys, thank you for your patience and at the same time, I apologize for the delay. I just started to work in new job this week and so far had a little time to write. this following chapter brings us a little time with Sybbie and Alais. I will try to update the next chapter on Sunday. As of total chapter count, there will be probably 2 or 3 more chapters and I hope that you will enjoy each of them. Thank you and enjoy the reading

P.S.: Thanks for all the reviews and support, guys!

- How are you, little princess? - Branson asks as soon as the door to Clarkson's residence opens and he greets Isobel and the little laughing girl. Joyful. Enthusiastic. Eager. He sees it immediately.

- I am good, uncle Tom. Healthy. - The girl, ready for the trip, smiles broadly and barely stands quietly while Isobel fastens her coat thoroughly. - Much better. -

- I am glad to hear that, Alais. Sybbie missed you so so much. - Tom doesn't exaggerate. Even little Miss Branson is tired of just playing with a boring babysitter or father, who is even more clumsy with dolls than Dr. Clarkson. After all, they both lack a child's imagination, which, on the contrary, abounds in young ladies.

- I missed Sybbie too. - she nods enthusiastically and even, standing on tiptoe, tries to find out if her friend is waiting for her in the car. - Did she come with you? -

- No. Sybbie is waiting on the manor and can't wait to see you. -

- I can't wait either. And Grannie missed Sybbie too, right Grannie? - suddenly she turns again to Isobel, who is just buttoning the last button of her dark blue coat. She nods with a smile. The childish anticipation that Alais abounds from early in the morning and the enthusiasm for what is to come are contagious. She has already come up with new stories that she wants to tell Sybbie and is looking forward to her toys.

- Very. - they both leave the house with zeal and follow Tom to the car and eventually they head for the manor.

-/-

Not much has changed in the big house for years, so Isobel is not surprised by anything. However, Alais has a completely different experience. Just along the way, she looked curiously out the window and watched the widening walls and chimneys of the manor. She had never seen it so close. Nowhere not in such supremacy and size. When the car stopped in front of the main entrance, her mouth even opened wide in silent astonishment.

- Sybbie lives in a castle! - she exclaimed in astonishment and looked at Isobel to see if she was reacting the same way. She was a little surprised not to recognize the same emotion. She almost gasped in amazement as the door opened. She looked at everything curiously, and as if in a trance, she didn't even notice that Isobel had stripped her of her jacket. She did not return to reality until the second floor, when the nursery door opened and she finally saw her best friend after two weeks. They both rose from joy, and despite the disapproval of the babysitter, they ran forward to each other, instantly embracing. It is joy and laughter. The excitement of visiting a real castle receded into the background for a moment, and Sybbie, with her blabber, began to show Alais her toys. So far, in terms of numbers, she doesn't have as many in terms of diversity as Alais, but over time, new additions will certainly be added. Both adults are still looking with pleasure at the two children, who are not bothered by anything at the moment, only the taste of imaginary tea in small porcelain cups, with which all of Robert's daughters were playing.

- Alais hasn't addressed you grannie last time. - Tom returns to the topic of familiar names immediately after the initial formalities of English conversation. - Has something changed? - he asks curiously.

- Let's say that the more time we spend together, the closer we get and Mrs. Isobel sounds too unfamiliar. - she begins to smile, looking again at the two cute braids in front of her. - When Alais was ill, it gave her more relief and reassurance when she had someone close with her. - however, her behaviour visibly changed as soon as she began to address her grannie. She clung to Isobel more. Much more. She didn't ask so much when her grandfather would come, because she knew that even grannie would not leave her alone. - It was easier for her to stay with me, even though Richard had to be at work. - The tenderness with which Isobel pronounces the doctor's name will not escape Tom´s attention. He hadn't heard it from her mouth yet. In fact, he wasn't sure if he'd ever heard anyone call a doctor by his first name. - Plus, I love that little girl. -

- It is evident and I think on both sides. - Tom nods. Not just reciprocal. There are obviously 3 sides that are very close to each other. - Little one is lucky to have you by her side. - But Isobel shakes her head surprisingly. However, this is not disagreement, only a correction.

- On the contrary. I won the lottery. Alais is an amazing child. - folding her hands in the lap, she adds. - Such a flame of hope. - the young widower understands that. Sybbie is also a guiding light of his life. The will to live and not give up.

- It's easier with them. - Tom nods as well, but then prefers to change the subject. It's time for happier thoughts. - What about Dr. Clarkson? - the question surprises her a little, which she shows with the expression on her face. Fine. She blushes a little. After all, Richard is an amazing man with whom I have already crossed the boundaries of friendship. We are more. Me and him. We're already together. A couple. Me and him.

- He's better, too. His well-being goes hand in hand with Alais´s. Since she is finally healthy, he is alright as well. - choosing the diplomatic route, she doesn´t reveal too little or too much. - He is not enjoying his pension to the full yet, but I think it suits him this way. At least for now. Now in the winter when he can't find other activities. - Tom can imagine that. After all, Dr. Clarkson has always been an active person, and the vision of him sitting in a chair all day is really ridiculous and unrealistic.

- What about future plans? Yours. Doctor´s. Yours. - Tom asks a slightly bolder question. Isobel raises an eyebrow first. Did she hear correctly? Whether she misinterpreted the question? Future. Hopefully together. I don´t want to leave his house. I don´t want to be without them. I want to be a Clarkson too. His wife, Alais´s real grandmother.

- I'd rather not plan for the future. And the doctor? - she shrugs, a little uncertain. - You have to ask him. -

- But you won´t need the car to move the wardrobe back to Crawley House, I hope. - Tom was really surprised by her call 2 weeks ago. Then she asked him to help her bring some clothes to the doctor's house. Isobel blushes again, but still smiles.

- Let's hope it really isn't necessary. -

- I know that you have never had a problem with sincerity, so I hope that this time you will not be hindered. - he starts again, watching her facial expressions carefully. - But I think the last name Clarkson would suit you more now. -

- Just because it's you, Tom, I'm not angry. - in the end, Isobel admits. With a smile on her lips. - I'd like that too. - you can't even imagine how much ...

- / -

It´s a tea time and the right moment for a small dessert as well. For the sweet course, Isobel was probably looking forward to the most. With the return of vigour to life, her taste and other senses returned, that the depression only suppressed. The stunning culinary art of Mrs. Patmore also applies to desserts, and this particular one is an absolute divine. In the intimate atmosphere of four people, there is no lack of joy this time. Alais, equally enthusiastic about lemon cake, thoroughly describes the taste of each bite, each time finding a new superlative for the word tasty. The seventh term for this adjective is indeed a stunning performance for a four-year-old child who unknowingly transitions smoothly from English to Scottish and vice versa. With dessert safely in her stomach, Isobel unknowingly sight rests on the mantelpiece in a small casual lounge. First, she doesn't pay much attention to the photo frame. After all, she has seen them countless times and has never found new characters. Like the pictures in Richard's photo album, these were the usual family photos on important occasions such as engagements, weddings or baptisms. Many times, she had seen the stiff faces of Robert and Cora on the day of their wedding, as well as the stern expression on Lady Violet's face beside her late husband on the day of the baptism of their first granddaughter. She's seen it all before. But now Isobel indeed notices a change. In addition to a photo of Sybil and Tom, a wedding photo of her son was added to the ledge.

- Matthew. - she says silently, imperceptibly. As in a trance, Isobel stands up and steps forward. It's been a few weeks since she saw his smile. After all, she doesn't have pictures of Matthew in Richard´s house and she hasn't visited her house for two weeks. After all, she practically lives with the Clarksons. - My darling boy. - she suddenly holds in her hands the memory of such an important day, which made her extremely happy and proud. Her son got married. Out of love, not out of duty. After a long time, he finally found happiness and began the journey of his own family life. However, it ended too soon. Alais notices the agitation and obvious unrest almost immediately. Despite being in the world of children's imagination together with Sybbie, from time-to-time Alais looks at her grannie. Cheerfully. With love. Joyfully. However, Alais frowned a little and immediately stood, heading for Isobel.

- What is it, grannie? Are you sad? - she asks her bluntly and grabs her hand. Isobel only starts to perceive the reality again. She looks back, and with the back of her hand, which still holds the photo, she tries to wipe away the few tears she didn't have time to hold.

- I am ok, darling. - it doesn't sound so convincing. Her voice says something else. The change of mood is also noticed by the Branson duo, which is still silent.

- Who's in that picture? - Alais asks as follows. Curious. She still doesn't think Isobel is really fine. After all, people don't cry when they're okay. She thinks wisely, knowing this very well. After all, she had been convinced of that many times. Much more times than would be necessary given her age. - Can I have a look, grannie? - Isobel finally nods, even giving a reassuring look to Tom, who is also beginning to worry.

- This is my Matthew and his wife Mary. - Isobel says at last and with a small hand in her own, settles down on the sofa again.

- He was married? Did they live here too? In the castle? - the little one can't stop marveling and her fascination with every detail truly makes Isobel smile. Not as cheerful as before, however not sad and that´s important.

- Matthew and Mary lived here, yes. -

- Matthew was a prince? - Isobel just shrugs. Heir. This is how he was perceived by the Grantham family, and the whole family did pretend that the prince had died, not her son. This was indeed his kingdom, his castle. That's why she couldn't talk to anyone in the family. She didn't want to see any Crawley ...

- Yes, sweetie. - Therefore, Tom takes the lead, because Isobel becomes silent again. - He was the best prince ever. -

- Did you know him, uncle Tom? - That'll surprise her. Perhaps everyone knows everyone here. Tom nods cheerfully.

- Matthew and I were the best friends. -

- Just like Sybbie and I? - the very best …

- Alais is my best friend, daddy. - A little girl speaks when she hears her name. However, she must zealously confirm her friend's claim.

- Exactly like that, but we liked cars instead of dolls. - this remark makes everyone laugh. Even Isobel, who caresses both Alais and Sybbie. - Big cars. - Tom specifies. No toys. Just real machines.

- Daddy can´t play with dolls. - Sybbie takes Alais by the hand to pay attention. - He does not know how to dress them. Always puts the back side to the front. - his daughter's zealous complaint about Tom's awkwardness is funny. The whole grotesqueness is underlined by the serious expression on the face of little Sybbie. - He can though drive them well. Better than me. -

- Thank you, sweetheart. I'm trying my best. -

- Matthew is now friend with my daddy as well. They are both in Heaven. - Alais returns to the previous topic after a demonstration of Tom's ride with Sybbie's doll. - Grannie and I introduced them to each other. - Sybbie gasps in surprise. In the heaven? Did they meet there?

- Really? How? - she asks immediately and with interest. Isobel and Tom, who don't know what to expect, are also watching the conversation with interest.

- Do you remember, Sybbie, where we met for the first time? - Alais asks her mysteriously, and as soon as Sybbie nods, she continues. - There is a heaven in the church and I recognized my daddy and mommy there. Grannie saw there Matthew as well and we told them to be friends. -

- Is my mommy there too? - so the girl asks with hope in her voice. Miss Branson doesn't know the sadness like that, because it was always normal for her to have only one parent, but she still knows that she had her mother, but now she is no longer here with her.

- Your mommy? - That will surprise Alais. She didn't know Sybbie only had dad. Little Branson girl nods.

- My mommy is an angel too. In heaven. - then the sweetheart looks at her father. He is saddened too. - Daddy, will Mommy be in York? In the church? -

- We can find out. - this proposal from the lips of little Alais is enthusiastically accepted. With eagerness in the eyes of the little brunette, not quite her father. But there is nothing that can be done about it. Sybbie immediately sends Daddy after a photo of her mother and enthusiastically talks about what she knows. She worked in a hospital. Sybbie proudly informs her best friend and is very happy when Alais says that her mother was also a doctor. So, the conversation is going in a happier direction. Eventually, however, the girls begin to yawn, so it's time to say goodbye. Isobel takes the photo of her beloved son to the previous place again and almost jumps from the lure when Alais pulls her out of her mind again.

- I know, grannie, that you miss Matthew. - she says t cautiously, again noticing a few tears. - I miss daddy too. And mommy sometimes as well. -

- Oh, darling. Don't be sad. - Isobel clings to her immediately. She doesn't want her to cry and get sad again.

- I am not now, grannie. You are. - Alais wraps her arms around Isobel´s neck and kisses her on the cheek. - Don't be. I love you too and will never leave you. Grandpa won´t leave you either. We both love you. -

- And I love both of you too, honey. - she looks away from Alais for a moment and looks at Tom, who is again worried, and those worries are written in his eyes. Amazing boy. Caring like a son. - And Tom and Sybbie as well. -

- That means a lot, Mrs. Crawley. Thank you. - No one but his daughter told him that for a long time. The rest of the Crawley family uses these words very seldom. - We love you too. -

- / -

Alais, lying on Isobel's knees, is reading cheerfully through the picture book, while Isobel reads one of the medical journals on obstetrics. Subconsciously, she strokes Alais's back in regular intervals, as has become customary, and like Alais, she doesn't notice the closing of the front door. Dr. Clarkson has returned from the hospital. He finds his girls in thoughts, and the image brings a smile to his face again. Alais is obviously making up her own stories, while Isobel is looking for new information for their study. Richard relaxes immediately, all the doctor's worries tremble, he feels at peace. Home.

- How are you, my lovely girls? - he asks amusedly and kisses both. Isobel on lips, Alais on cheeks. The younger girl had long since become accustomed to expressions of affection between Richard and Isobel. A long time ago? It's been barely a week since they kissed, and not much has changed since then. His bedroom is still occupied by his girls ... for now. That may change, too. The doctor thinks.

- I am great, grandpa. - Alais immediately gets off the couch and throws herself into Richard's arms. She still wants to cling to him. - I played with Sybbie today. And she lives in a castle. We have had amazing time, haven't we? -

- Oh, we surely enjoyed the afternoon. - Isobel nods as well, placing the journal and the book on the table in front of them. The doctor and Alais join her at once, sitting down next to her. - And what about you, darling? How was your day? - darling. Sounds so good. They both think.

- Fine. - like a normal day, although shortened. After all, they could be together in the morning and the 5 hour afternoon shift without them was nothing interesting. - I could use a double hug, though. -

- Double hug? - Alais, who notices the hint first, asks him, surprised. - What is a double hug? -

- Grannie knows. - doctor gives Isobel an eloquent look. - Hopefully. -

- Do you know, grannie, what grandpa meant? - Isobel just nods, and she willingly cuddles to the doctor, hugging them both with one hand at the same time.

- This is a double hug. Isn't it, doctor? -

- Oh, indeed, my dear nurse. - This time Richard kisses Isobel´s forehead. - It is. -

-/-

TBC