Hello guys. Thanks for the patience and support in reviews as well. I managed to finish the chapter this time faster. Here is the chapter that we waited for so long and I hope you will enjoy it as well as I did. Regarding the next one, I will try to post it on Wednesday…

CHAPTER 12: Sunday in York

He would have sworn that only blond figures themselves had last sung in an angelic choir at the ceiling. In fact, he probably didn't even see the angel with dark hair, well, as if he sometimes looked for it or paid extra attention to the paintings in the church at all. Doctor Richard Clarkson always had other worries and activities when he visited the church. He never paid attention to the paintings or decoration, certainly not here in York. Not like his two ladies. And yet. Today, on the ceiling of the church in York, he is looking at the open heaven and actually seeing a black-haired figure. Sybil Branson. A wife and a mother who also left this world too soon. And it was preventable. Is it a miracle? Her picture? Presence up there? Perhaps. In any case, the girls were so happy that their innocent hearts leapt with joy. Alais was right.

- That´s my mommy! - Sybbie grows with joy and even nods at the figure of an angel. - Hi, mommy! It´s me, Sybbie. Daddy is here too! - speaking enthusiastically and constantly cheerfully waving at her mother, she sends her a lot of kisses. She looks here and there at Alais, who she immediately introduces.

- This is Alais! Best friend! -

- That´s me, aunt Sybil. - Alais immediately chooses familiarity. After all, she also addresses Tom "uncle". - And my daddy and mommy are up there too. Look! - little Clarkson girl suddenly points to two other characters she has chosen when she visited the church for the first time. - Hi daddy, hi mommy. - she greets them and like Sybbie, she immediately introduces her friend and Tom to them. In short, she briefly tells them how they became friends and that Sybbie also has a mother up there. Alais does not forget to add that since the last visit, she has also gained a grannie, who already lives with them. This assures them that she is getting better, even though she misses both very much. Eventually, however, she retunes to a happier note.

- You can be best friends. Just like me and Sybbie. -Alais informs them cheerfully. So far, not a trace of grief, that brings a bit of relief to all three adults. They look sadder than two girls. A pinch of grief and sadness can be seen in their eyes. Looking once at the ceiling of the church, once at the carefree children, they really go through all sorts of feelings. To see the world through their eyes. Have their imagination and really see my loved ones. Everyone thinks at once.

- Grannie, - Alais addresses unexpectedly Isobel, who looks at her in surprise. - will you introduce Matthew to Sybbie´s mom? - the day before yesterday, Isobel somehow forgot to say to Alais that Tom and Matthew were not only best friends, but also brothers-in-law. She has not yet created such logical connections.

- Darling, they already knew each other. You see, Mary, Matthew's wife, is Sybil's sister and thus, Matthew is her brother-in-law. -

- Really? - she looks at the ceiling of the church again. - Then we are all good. -

- They will be happy together, won´t they, daddy? - Sybbie also looks at her father, expecting reassurance that her mother will also be happier, less lonely. After all, she will have new friends and daddy and I will visit her every Sunday. She decides. Tom just nods, suppressing tears. He was so afraid of how today's day would affect his daughter and, in fact, Alais. He was worried that Sybil would not be found in the painted heaven and what would happen then? How would I explain to her that Sybil is not in that heaven?

- I am sure, they will be. Now that there are 4 of them and becoming good friends. - Sybbie immediately clings to her father, and Alais, repeating her actions, clings to Isobel and reaches for the hand of her grandfather as well. So, he wouldn't feel lonely, abandoned. After a moment of silent gazing at the ceiling, Alais looks at Sybbie and asks her:

- Are you ready to go? - she does not ask for the opinion of adults. After all, they came to the church mainly to see their parents, and then to sing. Sybbie can join us, Grannie. If Uncle Tom allows it, she could come to piano and singing lessons, right? She asked yesterday and then added. Can we bring your piano to our home? After all, no one lives in the other house. We don't have to go there just because of that. That question has not yet been answered. Dr. Clarkson had heard it, too, and would have preferred to approve the idea right away, but the moving to their house was not yet certain. But back to the present day.

- I am. I'm hungry already. - the smaller princess nods and looks at her father, just as Alais looks at her grandfather. The girls soon start saying goodbye to the angels and send them a few kisses. The adult trio cannot do it with such and ease and obviousness, but in the end, they try to nod their loved ones and promise them to see each other again soon. Finally, Dr. Clarkson, sitting on the very edge, stands up and comes out of the bench, stepping aside so that everyone can get out. Tom leaves the bench as the last person.

- Ready? - he asks the doctor, almost in a whisper, as soon as their three beauties are at a sufficient distance. The doctor shrugs. Uncertain. Hesitating. Still a little nervous.

- If at all it is possible. - He sighs. Morning certainty is now volatile. - Maybe it will work out this time and I'll finally get the correct answer. -

- No doubt about it. - Branson does not ask, what he meant with the last remark this time, which indicated that once and probably even with Isobel, he has already failed.

- Then, let's get to it. Lunch first and then ... - Richard rather nods. - Let's eat first, otherwise our treasures will remain hungry. - with a smile, they finally leave the church and join the ladies who are impatiently waiting for them in front of the church.

- Is everything all right? - Isobel asks. After all, she could always feel the doctor's nervousness. He just nods and Tom replies:

- At best. - then he smiles and takes Sybbie's hand. - Let´s go to the restaurant! - the girls rise enthusiastically and thus everyone moves forward. Alais holds the hands of Isobel and Richard, Sybbie after a few meters is being carried in her father's arms ... a restaurant and a surprise ... it's time ...

-/-

The plan they had outlined with Tom the day before is so far working well. Alais also willingly agreed to go to a puppet show with Tom and her best friend without Richard. After all, he promised her that today he would convince grannie to live with them forever. And don't forget to ask about that piano, grandpa! She echoed him the night before bed, when it was his turn to read the fairy tale. He nodded, as usual. So now, watching the three vanishing figures in front of the puppet theatre in York, only he and Isobel remained in front of the building. She was a little surprised that they didn't go with them, but on the other hand, relieved. At least we'll be alone for a while. It occurred to her. They only have some time just for each other in the evening, after Alais falls asleep, or in the afternoon, during the nap-time. However, the afternoons are rarer. The doctor still goes to the hospital here and there, and although she would have gone with him under another circumstances, in other era, she is now glad to be able to stay at home, yes, at home, and engage in play with Alais or work on their research.

- So, what are our plans? - she asks the doctor, who is a little thoughtful. They have about an hour - an hour and a half time.

- I'd like a cup of tea and some dessert. - He couldn't think of anything better. It's still March and it's not the perfect month for a romantic walk in nature. There is no summer and fair in Thirsk. I wouldn't go back there. It wouldn't have to bring happy ending. They were already at lunch, and Alais couldn't be left out. During the week, she would not want to be alone without them, so that they could afford a private lunch in a restaurant. Tea. He can't even imagine anything more English.

- Good idea. - Isobel smiles in agreement, which puts a smile on the doctor's face as well. - I'm glad Tom took the girls to that show. Whose idea was it anyway? - they set off at once, led by Dr. Clarkson.

- My. -

- Yours? - she would have expected Tom to plan it, but on the other hand ... Richard has been a surprise lately ... the doctor nods.

- I wanted to be alone with you for a while, Isobel. - he finally admits and thus Isobel intensifies the grip of his shoulder.

- I'm glad. - It's really gratifying. And not only that. Isobel is beginning to hope for something more. However, she does not yet reveal her expectations and suspicions. Instead, they continue on a happier topic, and that's their lunch with the Bransons. They all looked like a family ...

- Look, wouldn't they look amazing in that? - Isobel abruptly interrupts the doctor. He is confused for a moment. Who and in what? He finds an immediate answer to an unspoken question. After all, they stopped in front of the boutique. With clothes. In addition to clothing for adults, children's models are also displayed in the window. However, there is more to it, so the doctor does not know exactly what Isobel means.

- Can you specify it little bit more? - Isobel laughs, but nods.

- Those little blue dresses. - The dresses are adorable, no doubt. With large bows in the front and ruffles on the hem of the skirt. - Let's take a look at them. We still have time. We won't miss the tea. -

- God, Isobel. You spoil her so much. - but instead of outrage, he smiles. It is not a reproach in the true sense of the word. Isobel just waves and says a little recklessly:

- She's mine too. - as soon as she realizes what she has said, she blushes. She's not.

- Of course, she is. - he kisses her on the lips to reassure her. Yes! In public.

- Richard! - Blinking her eyes, she keeps turning red. However, this is not an offense. Just a surprise. Pleasant one. After all, he was never a spontaneous person and now? And on top of that. He said she is mine too. - Let's go inside and take a look. -

- There´s no way, to just pass this store by, is it? - Richard is looking for the last salvation, but just one look is enough to know that he will leave York today with extra clothes for Alais and Sybbie. Isobel shakes her head and grabs his hand, taking him inside.

- Come on, doctor, we have time. Or did you plan something else except the tea? - if she only knew. The doctor sighs and prefers to follow her. It may wait a while ...

-/-

They actually came out of the store with two packs of identical clothes in different sizes, and they also bought new pair of shoes for Alais. Doctor rolled his eyes, but on the other hand, he was glad he wouldn't have to worry about choosing little Alais' clothes. That would be a disaster. The little one deserves much better. After less than 10 minutes of shopping, however, they continued walking through York, as Isobel promised, and after another 5 they found a small tea house. Charming on the outside, cosy in the inside. The perfection of the dessert cannot be compared to the culinary art of Mrs. Patmore; however, the cake is delicious anyway.

- I was slightly afraid of visiting the church today. - Isobel begins, returning to the morning.

- Me too. I don't even want to imagine Sybbie's disappointment in case that she would not see, what she wanted. - Richard does not dare to say if she would believe the claim that all the angels in heaven have blond hair, even though they were brunettes during their lifetime. - I never thought we'd find a dark-haired angel on that ceiling painting. One and only. - That was really weird. If there were more of them, some small group ... but like this? As if she was really just waiting for them and little Sybbie Branson.

- It's like a miracle, don't you think? You know, - Isobel contemplates, trying to remember her last visit to York 2 weeks ago, - I don't think we saw Sybil there in that form last week. I mean a dark-haired figure. -

- Then it's a real miracle. - The doctor smiles. Maybe they can still be believed in despite so many disappointments. So far, none of his requests for a miracle have been heard. Maybe I didn't ask for that important thing. But ... that wasn't medically possible ... this probably was ... on the other hand, Alais and Isobel are my miracles. - And I think it will help Alais to overcome the loss faster. The belief that everyone is up there together and will be waiting for her and Sybbie as well every Sunday. -

- Alais has made progress. Much faster than me. - sounding a little embarrassed, Isobel also admits this weakness. She is a little surprised by the disapproving look on doctor´s face.

- It can't be compared, my dear. - reaching out over the table top, Richard takes her hands softly and gently, squeezing them reassuringly. - Children perceive the loss differently and, - he sighs too. It wasn't easy at the beginning ... we are still at the beginning though ... - Alais wasn't alone for a single minute, moreover when she got you, Isobel and that helped her a lot, constantly is helping. - this makes her incredibly happy and that doctor's look … So honest and gentle. Isobel tilts her head and smiles.

- It also helps me that Alais is a part of my life, that you brought her to me and in spite of everything allowed me to be present in her life. - she pauses for a moment, but only to look him more closely in the eye. - But you are wrong, Richard. At least partially. I have never been alone. You have always been there for me. It was just me. Too stupid to realize it fully. -

- It does not matter anymore, does it? - Richard points out reassuringly. If only. Isobel thinks. She hadn't gotten rid of her remorse. That she so recklessly rejected or stopped his proposal will hunt her until death. - Since we are alone, I wanted to discuss this matter a bit more. - he lowers his eyes for a moment, gaining a little more courage. - Us. - He gives her a look again. Isobel opens her eyes wide. Could it be? - I love you Isobel and as you probably know, well you should, it´s not a recent feeling or realization. Not at all. I loved you before Thirsk, in Thirsk, after Thirsk. - her heart soon becomes calmer. Isobel probably already knows what will follow. - I love the way you care for Alais and can see how much better she feels with you around. I wouldn´t be able to manage it so easily, to handle it the way you do. See? You are the first woman she is so close to and fully perceiving it. -

- Well, I love her, you know. I always wanted a daughter and Alais, she kind of replaces her for me. - Isobel uses a moment of silence for herself.

- I can see it. You know, few days ago, Alais made me promise that I will ask you to move in with us, but, - but? Isobel feels a hint of upcoming disappointment again. She does not like the but word. Richard notices her discomfort immediately and continues so quickly. He takes one hand off the table and reaches into his jacket. - I believe that it would be proper to ask you to marry me at first. Will you? Will you become my wife and spend the rest of the life with me and Alais? - he finally asks the most important thing.

- Yes! Of course, my love! I will marry you! - It's an immediate answer. Without hesitation. So much excitement radiates from her face. - My dear man, you don´t even know how much and how many times I regreted what I said in Thirsk. -

- Don't think about that. Luckily, you answered correctly this time. - he places the box with the ring in front of her and opening it, takes the ring in one hand and her left hand in the other. - May I? - Isobel nods with tears in her caramel eyes.

- It's beautiful. - she evaluates the magnificent jewellery that immediately adorns her left ring finger. It never belonged to Lorien because she left the world before his mother handed him over on her deathbed. To get married again. To try to find happiness with another woman. Not to drown only in grief and loneliness. Then, he wanted to throw it away. Not that. That would be a real pity. After all, it is a family heritage that has been inherited in the Clarkson family for several generations. He wanted to give it to his brother, but he refused, and when Aidan wanted to get engaged, he completely forgot about this piece with Celtic knot and little ruby. But he would never say, that he would have used it for anything else. Well, Alais would inherit it one day. Like everything he has. But then, surprisingly, he fell in love again and, despite at first resisting it, defending himself from such emotions, he decided to ask his beloved one. Isobel. It only came out on the second try, but still. She's his now and he belongs to her.

- And now, the second question. -

- Second? There is another one? - that surprises her. Already the most important one was asked.

- Oh yes, darling. Second. - he nods, still smiling cheerfully. - Will you stay with us before the wedding too? Will you move in with us completely? - It's atypical, yes, but she already lives with the Clarksons and didn't plan at all to go back to the empty, gloomy Crawley House.

- You don't even know how much I want to stay with you two. Your house is a real home, such one, that the Crawley House never was - he feels the same way. With her and Alais, his place really feels like a home.

- And I have one more question. However, this is Alais's request. - he prefers to specify. After all, he doesn't want anything more from her. No property, no furniture, nothing. - She would like to know if we could move your piano to us. -

- I would suggest it myself. Gladly. - Alais is talented after all and she likes trying to play the piano. - She wants to learn to play, so we'll need it at home. - at home! In Clarkson Cottage. - At home. -

- At home. - He nods contentedly.

- God, Richard, my dear Richard. - Isobel looks at the ring again. After everything! - You don't even know how happy I am. -

- I'm happy. Very. I can imagine it very well. - looking her in the eye, the doctor adds. - I love you, my dear. -

- I love you too, darling. I do. Both of you. -

- / -

What an excitement in front of the puppet theatre building they caused! When Alais found out that they would have a piano at home, she jumped up with joy, and when she was told that Isobel would be Clarkson too and would never leave them again, she hugged them both enthusiastically. Sybbie also shared the enthusiasm, even though she didn't quite understand it all at first, but if Alais is happy, it must be really amazing, and so does Sybbie express her shared joy as well. Little Branson princess likes auntie Isobel, and when she smiles so happily ... and the doctor, Alais´s grandpa is also nice. Tom was also thrilled, immediately looking curiously at Isobel's gloved hand, even though the ring was still visible.

- Did you know about it? - she asked him in surprise, but on the other hand. He must have guessed something. Richard had to tell him why he needed to entertain Alais for at least an hour. They both gladly accepted his congratulations and Tom was invited for a glass of whiskey, but it must be celebrated after returning to Downton. The train journey back, during which both girls napped, passed relatively quickly. After the arrival to Downton, it was getting dark and so they arrived at Clarkson Cottage after dark. The entire day in York did not remain without a reward. The gentlemen relished an indecisive discussion about which whiskey is better: whether Scottish or Irish, and at the same time enjoyed the one from Richard's homeland, but with the promise that the next time Tom would bring one from his homeland too. The girls also experienced another outburst of joy.

- Those are wonderful, grannie. What do you say, Sybbie? -

- Wondelfull. - a younger girl also nods, who is just as eager to unpack her dress from the wrapping paper.

- We will look like twins. - Alais exclaims excitedly and immediately straightens her dress. They are really beautiful. However, Sybbie's face is confused.

- Twins? -

- Two girls that look alike. - Alais willingly explains, and Sybbie nods enthusiastically. We'll be exactly the same when we dress in those clothes. Really.

- Daddy, look! We will look like twins. Alais and I. - and she is already running toward him with a rare piece of clothing. Tom is really surprised. He noticed the package. Well, two, but he didn't expect there to be anything for his daughter.

- Oh sweetie. Alais has the same dress? -

- Yes, daddy. - Sybbie nods eagerly and looks at her friend as well. She immediately comes to the rescue and enthusiastically shows off her clothes. The begging to put on the new clothes starts immediately. Isobel succumbs to the pleas and in a while the girls are walking around in new dresses. They even ask if the adults can distinguish them from each other, absolutely succumbing to the illusion of an identical appearance. The rest of the evening is spent in joy and delight. Engagement was successful this time ...

- TBC -

Hopefully, you are just as satisfied and happy as our beloved characters and enjoyed the reading. As always, leave some reviews, it´s always heart-warming and I like to hear your opinions