Isobel awoke with a smile on her face the next morning. She was quite happy thinking about the turn of events that happened in her kitchen the night before, completely oblivious to the fact that anyone had seen anything from the outside.

She stared at the diamond ring on her finger. It was quite beautiful. She had forgotten to remove it the night before and while it had poked her a few times during the night, she didn't think she ever wanted to take it off. But the happy feeling was short lived, she felt a sense of guilt as if she was still the reason for Dickie's quiet and sudden departure from Cavenham.

No, you're not. He told you that. He loves you. He wants to spend the rest of his life with you by his side.

Isobel still felt herself wrestling with the idea but she tried to put it out of her thoughts.

She began to dress for the day and slipped on a navy blue skirt and cream blouse. As she was pulling her hair up and pinning it, the phone began to ring.

Isobel wondered who was calling at such an early hour.

She went to the hall and answered the ringing phone. " Hello?"

" Goodmorning, Isobel. Did I wake you?" Dickie said on the other end of the phone, hoping he hadn't interrupted her sleep.

Isobel smiled, glad to hear his voice.

" Goodmorning Dickie and no. I've just been getting ready for the day. I have a shift at the hospital at noon.." Isobel added.

" Oh, well, I was wondering might I come over for breakfast? I was hoping I could see you." Dickie hoped that wasn't an odd request.

Isobel blushed. He wants to see me?

" Isobel?" Dickie asked after a brief moment of silence.

" Oh, sorry. I was a bit distracted. Yes, of course you can come 'round. I'll put a kettle on. Is toast alright?"

" Marvelous. I'll see you shortly." Dickie hung up.

He was in town, visiting with a friend at a hotel when he decided to ring Isobel. He wanted to talk with her more. He decided to pick up a fresh bouquet of flowers, heading right over in the direction of Crawley house.

He was trying to find a new place to call home, having his friends in Downton showing him properties. Nothing suited him just yet. Dickie knew his home whenever Isobel was and wanted her input of their future home they'd share together.

Isobel started on the toast, anxiously anticipating Dickie's arrival.

15 minutes later, there was a knock at the door. She knew it was him. She hurried to the door and let him in.

Dickie stood smiling down at Isobel. He was clearly very happy to see her. With a quick kiss on the cheek, Isobel greeted him.

He handed her the flowers and then preceded to shed his coat and hat at the front before following her to the kitchen, trailing behind taking in the sweet smell of lavender that followed.

" These flowers are lovely, thank you." Isobel grinned as she set them in a vase.

" It was the least I could do. You're my fiancé and I love you." Dickie replied with a smile as he began to butter the toast set before him.

Isobel's face reddened a little as he mentioned the word fiancé. She couldn't believe it. They were engaged.

She took a seat and the two enjoyed a quiet breakfast together, making light conversation. When tea was the only thing that remained, Dickie pulled Isobel's hands close to his.

" I'm so glad to have you in my life Isobel. I woke up this morning feeling happier because I get to marry you." Dickie states with a twinkle in his eye.

Isobel smiles at Dickie, glad to see him happy. She too feels happy about the way things are progressing between them.

Isobel finally took notice of her watch realizing the time. Her shift at the hospital would be starting soon. She hated to break up this morning meal with Dickie.

…..

Isobel sadly broke apart their embrace as Dickie slipped his coat on and then helped her with her own.

His arms once more found her waist.

" Until tonight my dear." Dickie kissed her.

Isobel smiled and broke apart their kiss, telling him she'd be late.

" At least let me walk you to the hospital?" Dickie inquired as they both stepped out of Crawley house at the same time.

" Alright." Isobel replied with a smile.

Dickie waited for Isobel as she locked up and then extended his arm for her to link hers through. She smiled at him as they set off towards the hospital.

Just as they were exiting the home, they were completely oblivious to the world around them, unaware that Denker had just been at church and saw the two stepping out of the house together.

She stood there, mouth agape as she watched the two leaving Crawley house, arm in arm. She suddenly thought back to her conversation with the Dowager the night before and her look of shock turned into one of amusement.

Wait until the Dowager gets back from Sunday luncheon, she'll certainly enjoy this information.

Just as Denker was staring, Spratt came up from behind her.

" What seems to be the problem, Miss Denker, cat got your tongue?" Spratt jokes, seeing his counterpart speechless was a rarity.

" Nothing to concern you with. Let's head back before she gets home from luncheon." Denker replied, moving forward leaving Spratt in her wake.

…..

The entrance of the hospital comes into view quicker than Lord Merton wishes. He tightens his grip around Isobel's arm and slows their pace.

" You're going to make me late for work." She eyes him, noting that their pace had slowed considerably.

" Yes. I'm aware. I just wanted a few more minutes alone with you." Dickie replied softly.

Isobel blushed.

You're acting like a schoolgirl again. He makes me feel young, young and beautiful. Wanted. He makes me feel happy. He makes me feel loved.

By the time she was snapped from her thoughts, Isobel found herself in front of the entrance.

" Until tonight. I'll be by with the car. We shall dine with my friends this evening. Don't worry. Nothing formal. We will keep things casual." Dickie added, noting the worried look on Isobel's face.

She quickly softened her expression and nodded.

Dickie departed and left her with a kiss on the cheek.

Isobel stood waiting until he was no longer in her view before heading inside for her shift, only running a few minutes behind.

Once inside she quickly headed for the nurses station to deposit her coat and discard her things.

She picked her files up and greeted the nurses before heading towards Richard Clarkson's office.

She wondered how things would go today, knowing he was still on the opposing side, siding with the enemy, over all this hospital business.

Isobel began her rounds and busied herself with patients and paperwork as she did each day she took a shift. She enjoyed her breaks in between, talking with the young, determined nurses.

Dr. Clarkson had been busy in surgery, and forgot Nurse Crawley was coming in for a shift that day. He was quite surprised to see her looking so chipper and happy.

She looks content.

He hadn't seen her look this way since Matthew died. He wondered if she was alright? He wondered what was causing her such joy? The last time he saw her in his office a few days prior she wasn't looking thrilled at all.

The hospital board meetings weren't his favorite and he despised being pitted against either of the women, knowing if he chose one side over the other, his employment could become the next topic of discussion.

She went to go check on a patient before he could make his way over to the nurses station. He wanted to at least greet her, noting a workplace was a more neutral ground compared to the meeting room.

As he approached quietly he saw two of his nurses, the two Isobel regarded as daughters, in a huddle, speaking.

" I think it's a ring from Lord Merton. She said it was a gift when I asked. I think they're finally going to get married." one nurse, named Elizabeth said.

" Oh I sure hope so!" The other name Anna replied.

Clarkson raised a brow as he walked passed. It stunned him.

Has he won her over? Is it true? Isobel said things weren't going to work out, but they were friends, just friends and nothing more.

If it was in fact an engagement from the Lord, Richard Clarkson knew it would certainly not be staying a secret long with the way the nurses gossiped around here.

He headed for his office and shut the door, pacing and rubbing his mustache, to preoccupied to focus on getting anything done at the moment.

…...

Violet Cralwey had spent the afternoon at the Abbey but made no mention of Isobel possibly entertaining Lord Merton's call later in the evening the day prior.

It had been weighing on her mind, Mary had gotten her alone and they chattered. Mary knew there was something on her mind.

After everyone had eaten, the two lingered in the dining room a moment as the others withdrew to the library.

" Granny, something's been eating at you since you arrived. Won't you tell me?" Mary asked, catching her grandmother's gleaming eyes.

" Well, if you must know- it's about Isobel." Violet stated, rapping her cane on the floor gently.

" Isobel? What about her? It's not about the hospital business is it? You know she's passionate about her causes." Mary replied with a smirk.

" Passionate isn't the right word about how she feels about her causes. It stems beyond that. Anyways, you know my maid Denker, she claims she saw Mrs. Cralwey inviting a man into her home last night." Violet began, still unsure about this whole thing.

" Oh Granny, perhaps it was a misunderstanding. Isobel wouldn't do such a thing." Mary said, thinking this notion was quite silly.

Violet maintained a straight face.

" Denker seems to think it was Lord Merton. In fact, she's certain it was him. He must've seen Isobel after dining at the Abbey." Violet added.

Mary began to wonder. She was certain that Isobel would do no such thing. Would she?

" Maybe he was just checking in." Mary quickly dismissed the idea of Isobel doing anything improper.

" Only time will tell." Violet chuckled. She figured she could get Isobel to confess, if not by reason, then with force.

The two headed for the library to chat a bit more before Violet headed back to Dower house.

She was greeted by an unusually enthusiastic Denker. Violet figured the woman had done something to Spratt, explaining her demeanor.

" Good afternoon M'lady. I hope luncheon went well." Denker greeted her, removing Violet's coat and taking her hat and gloves.

" Just as it always is. I take it you enjoyed your afternoon off?" Violet mused, wondering what response she'd elicit from her maid.

" Oh I did, M'lady. Do you need anything else before I put away your things?" She asked.

" That will be all. I'm going to sit in my study and read for a bit." Violet dismissed her with a wave of her hand.

Denker nodded and headed for the door, before she paused and turned back around.

" M'lady, I'm sure you'd like to know, as I was leaving church, I saw Mrs. Crawley this morning, being escorted out of her home by Lord Merton. It seems he was wearing the same clothing I saw him in the evening prior." Denker stated.

Violet didn't flinch, much to Denker's dismay.

" Was communion served at service this morning Denker?" Violet asked, implying if she was drunk.

She can't be right about this.

" Not this Sunday, M'lady. But my eyes did not deceive me in daylight. It was Lord Merton yesterday evening and this morning that I saw."

" Thank you, Denker. I'll make sure to mention your concern to Mrs. Crawley about her suspected houseguests. You may leave now." Violet ordered, rapping her cane on the floor.

With a nod, Denker left the room, closing the door behind her.

Violet removed her glasses, not sure what to make of Denker's newest revelation.

Meanwhile back at the hospital, things had picked up. It had gotten busy and Isobel had gotten hungry so she decided to stop and eat.

She ran into Doctor Clarkson outside. He was just finishing his sandwich. Isobel decided to sit beside him and join him.

" Hello Dr. Clarkson, finally managed a break I see?" Isobel asked, sitting beside him.

" I did. It's late, you should've taken a break sooner." Richard said, eyeing Isobel. She was prone to working herself too hard.

" I'm quite alright at the moment. We've been busy. I can manage to eat later." Isobel replies.

" I don't need my nurses fainting on the job. That includes you, Nurse Crawley." Richard chuckled, hoping to make some enlightening conversation after the stressful start to the day he had.

Isobel laughed and smiled over at him, as she munched on her food, glad to see this whole ordeal with the hospital hadn't made things awkward for them.

Richard caught a glimpse of the ring on her finger, it caught the light of the sun, and the diamond glistened.

A sinking feeling hit the pit of his stomach as he took another glimpse, just to be sure of what he was seeing.

He didn't want to press her, but if she was engaged, wouldn't she tell him? They were friends after all, weren't they?

Isobel could feel him staring at her as she ate, and she didn't want to look at him and say anything just yet about the ring on her finger. While she admitted she loved Dickie and agreed to marry him once more, something still nagged her in the back of her mind.

The ring made it seem all the more real to her, as if it was a done deal.

" Is that a gift from Lord Merton?" Richard finally asked.

She nodded, hesitantly.

" Yes. It-it is." Isobel looked up from her lap and smiled at the doctor.

" Aye, it's lovely." Richard replied, more disdain in his voice than he intended. He didn't see them as a good match, but he did have to admit he and Lord Merton has one thing in common, besides medicine, was Isobel.

Richard just wanted her to be happy and didn't want to push her. He realized where things stood at the Thirsk fair but Violet approached him about going after what he wanted once Lord Merton entered the picture, stating the ball was in his court now, but Isobel was never returning his serve.

" I best be heading in. Take as much time as you need." Dr. Clarkson replies smiling down at Isobel with a slight sadness and turning to head back in.

Isobel was left alone with her thoughts, hoping and praying that she made the right choice by saying yes to Dickie.

When evening came, Isobel and Dickie were dining with his friends. Isobel had been excited to meet them since Dickie talked so fondly of them.

They went to eat at a hotel in town, enjoying some great company and delicious food.

Across town since Denker had the evening off, she found herself in the bar she sometimes frequented.

She ordered her favorite drink and settled into a cozy corner spot, chatting with her usual group that was usually at the bar whenever she was there.

" ...the best part of my week was seeing Mrs. Crawley entertaining her mysterious evening guest. Who would've thought someone that uptight would break the moral code, embarrassing the whole family. Who does she think she is?" Denker slurred, knocking back another beer.

Denker didn't realize that somebody had overheard her comments, someone that had disdain for Matthew and he was taking down every word.

A smile played upon his lips. He knew the Mrs. Crawley of whom this woman was speaking of.

Richard Carlisle finished off his drink, dabbing at his mouth with his napkin and in a few strides headed over towards Denker, ready to put pen to paper.

" Were you speaking of Mrs. Reginald Crawley, mother of the late Matthew Crawley?" He smiled down at the now bubbly Denker.

She nodded and smiled up at him, oblivious to whom she was speaking with at the moment in her inebriated state.

Sir Richard Carlisle's ears began burning once he heard the Crawley name.

" Here's a little advance, tell me more about this evening guest of Mrs. Crawley, tell me everything."

Carlisle smiled and slid a few pounds across the table as Denker readily slid the money into her purse, motioning for him to sit down.

Matthew Crawley was nothing to me then, and nothing to me now.

…..

A few nights later dinner at the Abbey was underway, downstairs at least. The kitchen was bustling about with food preparations for dinner that night.

There was also plenty of gossip to go around that evening as well.

A preview of the next day's paper had been sent to the Abbey and after it had been around the hands of the staff below, it had made way to the family above.

" I can't believe it. I just can't believe it." Robert tossed the forwarded copy on the table.

" Isobel wouldn't do such a thing. It's not like her." Cora came to side, placing her arm on his shoulder, signaling for him to calm down.

This isn't like our Isobel.

" Maybe she's decided to take up a new cause." Violet quipped, chuckling a brief moment before getting a glance from her son in protest of her outburst.

" But my maid did confirm this shocking news. She did see Lord Merton upon her steps." Violet added.

Mary was quiet as she picked up the paper, " Heiress of Downton's Mother-In-Law Secret Affair," was the title of the piece. She noticed the author of the work, and had a sinking feeling in her stomach.

Isobel hadn't made her way to dinner yet and had no idea of the article being printed, neither did her company in tow, Lord Merton.

It was news to them, blackmail stemming from an unlikely source. One they thought had gone from their lives forever.

Mary knew this would catch her mother-in-law off guard and hurt her worse than anything. Isobel cared deeply for George and Mary, and the rest of the family and she figured dinner that evening wasn't going to goto plan as it usually did. Especially since this was a ploy to take a jab at Matthew.

Carson opened the door causing the family to go silent, everyone looking his way.

" Lord Merton and Mrs. Crawley have arrived." He bellowed into the silent room.

Isobel and Dickie entered into the room, where silence and stares greeted them.

" You look as if you've all seen a ghost." Isobel jokes, but quickly quieted down, feeling the room out. She could sense something was wrong. Something wasn't right. Her first instinct was that something was wrong.

" Robert, would you care to inform us as to what's going on?" Dickie spoke up as he moved closer to Isobel, grabbing ahold of her elbow.

Mary walked over and handed Isobel the paper.

" This was brought over. It's tomorrow's paper." Mary said.

Isobel's eyes went wide as she read the headlining article. She immediately went pale. She didn't look at the name of who'd written the piece.

Violet watched the usual stoic, hard headed woman begin to crumble. It wasn't often Violet or anyone for that matter saw Isobel so vulnerable.

Dickie too, paled as he read the article. Oh my...

" None of this is true. None of it at all. I'll have you know," Dickie spoke up, changing the tone in his voice. How dare the family believe such nonsense, especially

coming from Isobel, why she was practically the soul of honor.

Isobel dropped, her knees giving way and Dickie reached for her as to not let her fall.

" Isobel and I eloped." Dickie told the family, as he held Isobel close, guiding her to the couch that was close by. He helped the new Lady Merton to take a seat and then join her, and grabbed her hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Dickie's revelation had the room gasping in surprise.

" She's Lady Merton now. I'm very proud to have her by my side. Yes, it is true I did find my way to Crawley house after dinner at the Abbey several nights ago, but it was because I could no longer contain my excitement over asking her to be my bride. My intent was never to cause harm to her reputation, or to the family."

" I see the newest member of high society is giving the title a run for its money." Violet quipped, hoping to elicit a response, a glare, anything really from her cousin to signify she was alright.

Dickie felt tremendously horrible for the way this situation had played out for them. He knew his sons were bound to see the paper, and he just prayed they wouldn't cause more distress for them.

" Is the person responsible asking for some sort of hush money?" Dickie asked, hoping the writing of a check could clear the air.

" It's gone beyond that. He's refusing to settle for the offer I've made." Robert muttered as he set his scotch glass down rather hard on the table.

" If I considered doubling that offer, would he consider pulling it?" Dickie spoke up.

" I'm afraid not. He's out for revenge on our family. I'm terribly sorry you and Isobel just happened to be caught up in things." Robert apologized.

It wasn't a matter of if this story was going to press, but when...

He looked over at Isobel. All the color had now drained from her face.

" It's all my fault. Oh Cora, Robert, Dickie, I'm...I'm so terribly sorry." Isobel put a hand to her mouth as the tears gathered in her eyes. She wasn't sure she could keep them in.

She had seen the last name, Carlisle, unbeknownst to Mary, and knew this was both a jab at her and her son. Her son that was no longer living, the husband and father that was no longer to be.

My Matthew. My dear boy.

" I'm so terribly sorry about this, Dickie. It's a blackmail of some sort and while this article is inexcusable, I'm not sure we can stop it from hitting the presses." Robert clasped his hand around Dickie's shoulder and gave it a squeeze.

Violet was deep in thought and then it came to her. Pursing her lips together, one name came to mind. Denker.

Denker must've not been the only person to have witnessed Lord Merton's late night call to her cousin and worried, wondering who else saw. Never in a million years did she think that Denker would be behind this story. She had no idea her maid was a songbird when she indulged herself.

Violet felt dreadful for the two, but knew what consequences arose from a single woman answering a gentleman caller so late at night.

Cora snapped her from her thoughts by speaking out.

" Everything will be alright. Possibly after a decent meal, we can think more clearly. Carson, tell them we are ready to eat." Cora stated.

With a bow, Carson exited the room. Barrow held the door open, allowing the family to have entry into the dining room.

Isobel didn't move from her seat. She wasn't feeling hungry. Her head was swirling and her stomach was in knots. Nauseous, she felt nauseous.

Edith looked on and over at Tom and towards Mary who had also gone quiet.

Dickie now has his arm around Isobel, not caring how proper he looked. He was immensely worried for his wife.

I don't think food is the answer we need right now…

TBC…

Author's Note: thank you for all of the reviews so far! It means so much to read them! Richard Carlisle had to make an appearance. Inspo for this next bit came from TheQuietDreamer!