Author's note: A different take on DA. My two favorite people are Isobel and Violet! Of course I'm playing with Isobel and Dickie's age here a bit for the story! I hope you all enjoy it!

Lord Merton stretched and arose out of bed, staring at his wife curled up asleep beside him. He smiled as she sighed softly in her sleep. Mornings were his favorite, especially waking up to his wife. He was glad to see her after she had been working long days at the hospital filling in for staff, or babysitting her grandson. Isobel had a deep love for little George. He was like Matthew as a baby and she tried to spend as much time she could with him to rekindle the memories and keep Matthew's memory alive for as long as she could.

Isobel was a wonderful addition to his life as was his goddaughter, Lady Mary, and little George. He loved Isobel so very much and was glad that they ended up marrying. He was grateful to be around the Crawley family.

Dickie reached for his robe and stood by the window as a gentle snowfall entrances him outside. Winter was coming to an end, but he always appreciated the snow. It reminded him of childhoods as a boy and playing in the snow with his own father and then when his kids were little. The memories were something he would always cherish.

Isobel wasn't sure how long he'd been standing there, but her husband looked relaxed and content as he watched the snowfall outside. She smiled at him as he stood staring outside. She knew he was far off someplace in his mind.

" Dickie?" She said softly.

He turned and smiled at his wife. " Goodmorning Lady Merton." He smiled as he sat on the bed. Even in the dark, he could see that his wife's exhaustion was prevalent on her face. " Shall I ring for breakfast? Tea?" He asked, pulling her close.

Isobel fervently shook her head. Breakfast didn't sound appealing at the moment. She had been up half the night tossing and turning not feeling quite right. She had been running herself ragged lately.

A sickness had swept through Downton. The hospital was short staffed and Isobel figured with almost 20-30 patients daily, her body was giving her a signal to calm down. Being middle age didn't help much.

Her once resilient immune system had probably been compromised as she aged, she thought to herself.

" Cousin Violet invited me for tea around noon. Seeing the time, I should probably get ready. If I eat now- she'll be upset." Isobel said softly, rolling her eyes a little. She didn't want to hear it from Violet today.

Dickie could read his wife like an open book. After a year of marriage under his belt, he could tell something wasn't right. He knew Isobel was stubborn and wouldn't give in, so instead of pestering her he let the matter go.

" My darling, I'm sure cousin Violet wouldn't mind if you stayed in. Besides, we're planning on seeing everyone tomorrow at Downton for the family party for Lady Grantham's birthday. You should take the day to rest."

Iosbel had heard enough. " Lord Merton, I'm perfectly capable of moving about today. I'm feeling fine. Instead of pestering me, why don't you have your breakfast and leave me to dress." Isobel snapped.

Dickie was taken aback at her odd behavior. He rang for his breakfast, alerting his housemaid to have it served in the library, not wanting to disturb her or create tension.

Isobel made her way to the bathroom and washed her face and made herself presentable for Cousin Violet.

She stood and dressed noticing the outfit she had just recently purchased was getting a bit tight. She sighed and opted for a looser option and her big winter coat before having the chauffeur drop her off at the Dowager's.

…………………………………………………...

" So kind of you to invite me for tea and biscuits. What's the occasion?" Isobel asked as she took the smallest nibble of her cookie.

Violet smirked before replying, " I was requesting a favor of you and judging by the weight you've been putting on I figured I could entice you with a snack."

Isobel raised a brow over at Cousin Violet.

" How charming of you to point out my shortcomings. Although I'm not sure what you mean." Isobel chirped back in response.

" Is Lord Merton's new cook serving you the scraps too?"

It was evident that Isobel's clothes weren't fitting like they did but she was 53. After working in the medical field for so long, she knew as most women aged- they began to gain weight and stopped having their periods. It was inevitable and judging by a quick look at Cousin Violet, Isobel observed she too had formerly been a victim of the changes.

" Well, I've been working long hours the past few weeks at hospital, Dickie makes sure I'm eating good to keep my strength up."

" Ahh, Lord Merton couldn't keep you out of the ranks could he." She managed a chuckle as she sipped her tea.

" I suppose not. Anyways, will you be attending Lady Grantham's party tomorrow evening?" Isobel changed the subject, hoping this topic wouldn't be an opportunity for more jabs.

She was feeling a little off. She figured it was just exhaustion. Maybe Dickie was right, maybe she should've given in and stayed home.

Violet couldn't help but notice her guest shifting around in the chair.

" Of course, that is, if you'll be in attendance.I had Spratt accompany me to town yesterday to stop in and pick up something." She replied.

Isobel smiled softly and nodded.

Just as she was sipping her tea, a knock at the door broke the awkward silence in the room.

" Excuse me, M'lady, the seamstress has arrived. Shall I tell her to wait in your rooms?" Spratt asked.

Violet nodded. " Of course. Tell her the garments I need mending are on the bed. Direct her there and tell her I'll be a few minutes. Thank you Spratt."

He nodded and closed the door.

Isobel took a breath and set the plate and cup on the tray before adjusting her gloves. She felt so odd and decided it was time to leave.

" Isobel- are you feeling alright? You hardly touched your tea." Violet kept her facial expression neutral as she observed the woman across from her, not wanting to let on, she was worried about her.

" I'll get Spratt to ring for Dr. Clarkson." Violet pushed her hoping for a response.

" I'm just fine. I'm just a little tired that's all." Isobel eased herself up, but saw a look of horror cross Violet's face.

Isobel looked down and saw blood on her coat and skirt and chair, before she fainted.

" SPRATT!" Violet urgently called as she stood, quickly moving to Isobel's side.

" Ring for Dr.Clarkson, Lord Merton, Robert and Mrs. Hughes! Fast!" The Dowager's voice was firm.

Spratt quickly left the room.

" Isobel- come on old girl." Violet said softly….

Not even 20 minutes had passed before Lady Mary, Robert, and Mrs. Hughes has arrived at the Dowager's. They all urgently came, thinking it was Violet who had taken ill.

" Oh thank goodness! Mama you're alright. What's the problem?" Robert Crawley asked as he looked at his mother.

" It's cousin Isobel. She's fainted in the drawing room. Spratt rang for Dr. Clarkson."

" Grandmama, was Cousin Isobel ill when she arrived?" Mary asked, worried her former mother-in- law and her son's grandmother wasn't alright. She was deeply worried for her.

" She didn't seem like her usual self. I do hope Clarkson hurries." She said aloud.

With Spratt's help, Robert Crowley had moved Isobel to the couch as Mrs. Hughes tended to her. She quite liked Isobel and was worried about Lady Merton's state, and hoped Lord Merton would hurry.

" Ah Lord Grantham, I was called with urgency what seems to be the trouble?" Richard Clarkson walked into the drawing room.

" I'm glad you're here. It seems as though Lady Merton has taken ill. We've rung for Lord Merton but we haven't any word on his whereabouts." Lord Grantham said.

Richard was worried at the site. Isobel hadn't been herself for days, he noticed her demeanor had even changed whilst working in hospital, she was very out of sorts. He noticed the blood and cleared everyone minus Mrs. Hughes from the room. " The best thing you can do is wait downstairs for Lord Merton to arrive and keep trying to get ahold of him. Worrying will do you no good. Don't worry, she is in good hands." He said, staring right at Mary, knowing deep inside she was panicking.

Mary's eyes pierced his and she nodded somberly and took a seat next to her dad and waited while Spratt continued his phone calls.

…………………………………………………..

Isobel had come too and saw a familiar face staring back at her. She sighed heavily. Mrs. Hughes placed a cool rag upon her forehead making her relax a little. She smiled softly in appreciation at her.

" Dr. Clarkson, there was no need for you to be involved. I'm quite alright. I'm sorry." Isobel said as she carefully sat up.

" Isobel, it's best if you lay completely still and not move. Mrs. Hughes, could you please see to it if Lord Merton has arrived and if so, have him come up?" Clarkson asked the revered maid. Elsie nodded and hurried out of the room.

She went downstairs and saw the others looking at her, longing to hear any news. " Lady Merton has awoken, she seems to be alright. Dr. Clarkson wanted to see if Lord Merton is close?" She asked.

Spratt was about to answer when Dickie rushed in. The others all stood up, sighing in relief.

" Lord Grantham- what happened? Is everything alright?" Dickie asked.

" Dickie Merton, it's Lady Merton. She's not well. I'll let Mrs. Hughes lead you to the room." Robert said giving Dickie a reaffirming pat on the back.

Mrs. Hugh's swiftly led the way towards the stairs.

" Your wife was bleeding and passed out. She came too, and Dr. Clarkson wanted you in the room. He was trying to check her over- but she isn't a very good patient." Mrs. Hughes offered the worried man a smile. He nodded in appreciation and knocked before letting himself in.

" Oh Isobel. My dear, are you alright?" He took a seat in the chair that Mrs. Hughes has been occupying before his arrival.

Isobel nodded and reached her hand out for Dickie to take.

Richard took a seat across from the couple to explain his findings.

" What's the verdict Dr. Clarkson, is everything alright?" Dickie worried as he squeezed Isobel's hand in his.

" She will be. Lord Merton, as I was examining your wife- I found something I think you both should know. The bleeding has stopped for now which is a good thing, but if it happens again you may be in a spot of trouble." Richard said as he swiped his hand over his mustache.

"What do you mean?" Isobel asked, her nursing background led her to believe there was something he wasn't outright telling her.

" Lady Merton, the bleeding was a reaction to stress placed on your body. Those long days and nights at the hospital haven't done you any good I'm afraid. I don't know how to tell you this, but… after looking you over it seems as if you and Lord Merton are with child." Clarkson spoke, trying to make sense of what he was saying. He was as stunned as they were.

Isobel's audible gasp broke the silence hanging in the air. " Richard- tell me the truth, what's really going on? What you've said is….. impossible" Isobel rebutted.

" It's very possible. After looking over your file, you check out as a very healthy woman. You're pregnant. I heard the heartbeat, if that makes it more real to you." He said more serious this time. It had come as a surprise to him, but after checking her over and listening for the 4th time as she lay unconscious, what he'd heard was the heartbeat of a child- fast and strong, against the sound of Isobel's own which was steady and slow.

Isobel wasn't sure what to think. She was at an advanced age. She remembered the miscarriages she endured before Matthew, and it brought back those terrifying nights with Reginald and the bleeding and the heartbreak and pain. Her body had failed so many times before. It had been a few years since Matthew's death and this added a fresh blow to the nearly healed wound. Why now? How?

She turned her head slowly, searching Dickie's eyes. They were watery and he didn't seem disgusted or angry by the startling news. His eyes were full of concern and love for his wife.

Dickie was bought out of his trance when he felt Isobel squeeze his hands. He looked at her with the most loving look she had ever seen.

Richard obviously had several concerns, but right now the best thing he could advise his patient to do was rest. He knew Isobel Crawley wasn't one for sitting about, it was going to be easier said than done. She never liked being the patient, but according to her charts, she was as healthy as ever.

" We need to do some examinations. I have a doctor friend of mine located in central London well versed in obstetrics, the best in Europe. I'll ring for him and we can give you a more thorough exam after you've had a good rest in bed for the next few days, with Mrs. Hughes keeping watch over you of course.No bathing or walking around, but only for the bathroom. If the bleeding is gone by Sunday, you're free to go back home and we'll take things from there." Dr. Clarkson said to the couple.

Isobel and Dickie both nodded, still too stunned to say a word.

" I'll be round tomorrow evening to check you over."

With that, he was gone, vowing he wouldn't speak a word to anyone.

In the presence of the family once more, Richard took a breath. " Isobel is resting comfortably and will need to stay put until Sunday. No visitors please and I'd like it if Mrs. Hughes could keep watch on her- if that would be alright with you Violet?" Dickie winked at his friend.

Violet looked nearly exasperated at the request, but deep inside was thankful she'd be fine. She knew Isobel wasn't going without a fight.

" Spratt, you heard the doctor. Set up some space for Lord and Lady Merton of course the basement wouldn't suffice it's too drafty for Lady Merton." She said, barking out orders as before. Spratt nodded and went to fetch some towels and sheets with the help of Mrs. Hughes.

Mary was careful not to roll her eyes at the sarcasm her grandmother was trying to insert into the conversation, especially at a time like this.

Just as Clarkson was leaving, Mary hurried out after him. " Dr. Clarkson, she'll be fine? Isobel will be okay?" Mary asked. He nodded. " Isobel will make a recovery. She needs some rest. I've been working her too hard at the hospital. The old girl will be just fine." He winked. Mary nodded softly and thanked him before returning to the house to let the staff and family at Downton know.

……….……………………………………….

In the bedroom after Isobel was given a dressing gown to wear and was lying comfortably in bed, Dickie was back by her side still unsure of what to say.

The two were still in shock over the whole situation and weren't sure how to process the information.

" Izzy, how are you feeling now?" Dickie finally asked.

Isobel turned her head and smiled up at her husband.

" Like I'm in a dream…"

She didn't want to sound foolish, but after recently marrying Dickie, and being around little George all the time, she had been missing Matthew so very much and wondered if he had something to do with this. She knew he was watching over her and felt like this was a real miracle.

Dickie saw her eyes sparkling, but her smile quickly faded into a frown.

" What's the matter ? Do you need the doctor?"

" No, no...it's just, I'm worried. My age, Dickie. You heard Dr. Clarkson. I don't want us to be happy over something that may never come to be. I got my hopes up several times before Matthew." Isobel said as a stray tear fell down her rosey cheek.

Dickie slipped his finger gently on her face and wiped the tear and kissed her forehead.

" You're a special woman Bel. I have faith that things will work out. Now I'm not saying we shouldn't be careful, but you're a strong, smart, wonderful woman. This didn't happen by accident. I love you so much and I know things will be alright. It doesn't matter what anyone else says or thinks. This child will be loved and cared for by one of the most wonderful people I've ever known. All that matters is you work on taking care of yourself and little Merton there."

Dickie was so proud of Isobel and wanted her to give things a fighting chance because she had always been a fighter. She wouldn't give up easily. Not on something like this.

Isobel closed her eyes to rest, lying as still as she could. She prayed that Matthew would keep watch over her and what was inside her.

Dickie kissed her forehead before gently sliding his hand across her cheek, admiring how beautiful she was to him.

" Sleep my dear." He whispered.

………………………………………….

TBC……..