My thanks to all for the reviews and questions related to the latest developments with this story. Some have asked whether or not a happy ending is in store for Isobel...and to be honest, I'm not quite sure! The story has been developing in my mind for quite some time, and I do not yet have an ending solidified. However, I can guarantee you that no matter what, I want Isobel and the rest of the characters to remain true to who they have become through Julian Fellows' writing...I find Isobel to be a strong, vibrant, loyal woman and no matter what the circumstance, I do not see her straying from that. So, I will do all I can to give our Isobel a happy ending...but I won't make any promises ;)

"So your meeting was a success then, Mama?" Cora asked as she sat down beside Violet later that afternoon.

"I believe so. Much to Lady Merton's chagrin, I'm sure," Violet replied with a smirk.

Isobel sighed, rolling her eyes and taking a sip of her tea. She chose to remain silent, not having the energy to argue with Violet over fundraising for the hospital just now. She was too involved with the orphanage as it stood, and after this afternoon, she knew Dickie would have her head if she moved to battle Violet Crawley over how best to raise funds for Downton Cottage Hospital.

"Goodness, choosing to come down from your high moral ground?" Violet asked, a sly grin forming on her face.

"Perhaps I am simply choosing my battles wisely," Isobel replied simply.

"Mama, I do think Isobel has quite a lot on her plate with the orphanage's renovation and having Lily here in the house," Cora said gently.

"Well, if the child was in the orphanage where it belonged, it would leave Isobel ample time to fulfill her duties on the hospital board," Violet countered.

Isobel's lips drew in to a thin line as she set her tea cup to the side. Cora did not know whether she should intervene or simply allow battle to commence between the two strong-willed women.

"I am glad you reminded me," Isobel said, standing from her chair and crossing to the desk. Violet watched her closely as she pulled an envelope out of the drawer. Isobel held tight to the back of her chair with one hand and with the other, held out the envelope for Violet to take.

"You had asked for the next quarterly agenda, as well as notes from the nursing staff as to what they felt needed to be fixed for the coming year. It is all there, as well as budgetary recommendations to include upgrading the outdated equipment in the operating rooms."

Violet's eyes were wide as she took the envelope in hand. "My, did you have someone to help you collect all the information?"

"No, I took care of it myself," Isobel replied curtly, returning to her seat and clasping her hands in her lap. "Might there be any other responsibilities you feel I have neglected?"

Cora had to drop her head to hide her laughter as Violet sat up a bit straighter and eyed Isobel with disdain.

"Isobel, if you'd realize…"

"Realize what? That I am old and incapable of caring for a child again?"

Silent tension formed around the three women as Isobel's words loomed over Violet. She hadn't meant to make Isobel feel as though she were unqualified to care for the child…but the fact was, she was much older and did not have the time needed to raise the child properly.

"Grandmamma, might you read me the train story again?"

Isobel's glare softened immediately as George came around her chair to take her hands.

"Of course, darling. Why don't we sit by the window, hm?"

George smiled and nodded, keeping her hand in his as she stood. It was not until she and George were settled on the window seat that Violet dared speak again.

"My, quite touchy, isn't she?"

"And she is absolutely right," Cora said, her lips set in a frown as she regarded her mother-in-law. "Isobel is probably more capable to raise that child than both you and I put together. She practically raised Matthew by herself with no help from a Nanny or a husband after Dr. Crawley died."

"My dear, you needn't remind me of Isobel's qualifications as a mother," Violet replied quietly. "I am well aware of her capabilities….but surely even you realize that raising a child at her age is simply not done!"

"Isobel seems a bit better now. But what was wrong earlier…before our walk this afternoon?" Mary asked Elizabeth quietly.

The two women had taken up a card game in the corner of the room, allowing Mary to question Elizabeth without Isobel overhearing.

"She has been having more trouble with her balance. Dr. Clarkson has suggested she use a cane…but she is not at all agreeable to it. She will only use it when she and Dickie are alone in the house."

"Not even if you and Timothy are visiting?" Mary asked with surprise. "But you know the situation…why would…?"

Elizabeth sighed and set her cards down. "She does not want to be pitied…nor does she want us to feel as though she is always in need of help. She feels the cane is a sign of weakness."

Mary rolled her eyes. "Now she's beginning to sound like Granny."

Elizabeth laughed softly. "Yes, but your Grandmother uses a cane!"

"For intimidation only, I can assure you" Mary replied dryly. "Nothing more."

"Whatever the case, she does not want your Grandmother, George…any one really…to see her using it. You know of her wish to keep the illness a secret as long as possible."

"Well if today is any indication, it will not be much longer before they all realize she is not herself," Mary answered, glancing over at Isobel and George giggling by the window.

She smiled sadly, wishing she could simply fix Isobel's problem. But she knew that there was nothing to be done…and with Isobel being just as stubborn as Violet Crawley, there was little hope of her accepting help from the rest of the family.

"I quite agree," Elizabeth replied softly. "Perhaps you could speak to her…make her see that using the cane is not such a bad idea. We've all tried but she simply refuses."

Mary sighed, her smile dropping as she looked back to Elizabeth. "I can try…though I'm not sure how much good it will do."

"Perhaps hearing it from you will be a bit different. She does adore George…and the thought of losing the ability to play and visit with him might just bring her around."

Mary's eyebrows rose, a possible conversation formulating as she listened to Elizabeth's suggestion.

"I will speak with her this evening before dinner. I will say goodnight to George and try to catch her in her room. Will you keep Dickie occupied?"

"Of course! I'll have Timothy tell him about the meetings today….that could take all evening!" Elizabeth replied with a laugh. "You should have more than enough time."

"Right," Mary answered thoughtfully, looking back over to George and Isobel. "Let's just hope it works."

"I do believe Master George enjoys being here, milady," Elsa said, clasping a necklace around Isobel's throat. "And he is quite taken with Miss Lily, isn't he?"

"Yes, that he is," Isobel replied, smiling as she pulled on her gloves slowly. Her fingers had grown somewhat numb over the past few weeks and it was becoming more and more difficult to maneuver the small details of her appearance. Having Elsa was truly a godsend…one she did not take for granted.

"Would you like me to bring anything up later tonight, milady? You seem rather tired today…perhaps some chamomile tea?" Elsa asked gently, handing the second glove to Isobel.

Isobel thanked Elsa but declined. "I fear the only thing I will be doing when I come up from dinner is falling straight to sleep."

There was a small knock on the door, causing both the lady's maid and Isobel to look at each other, puzzled. Dickie hadn't knocked in ages…having learned how long it took Isobel to get ready so he knew when it was safe to enter.

"Isobel, its Mary….might I come in?"

Isobel smiled and nodded to Elsa. Elsa quickly crossed to open the door and allow Mary to enter the room.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you," she said with a smile, coming to sit on the chair beside Isobel's dressing table.

"Not a bit. Elsa and I were just finished. Thank you dear…" she said to Elsa, smiling kindly as the lady's maid wished both ladies a lovely dinner.

"Has George gone to bed?" Isobel asked. She turned to face the mirror and readjusted her necklace before facing Mary.

"Yes, he was quite upset that he would not get to join the adults this evening after having us all to himself this afternoon," Mary replied with a sigh. "He's so young in so many ways, yet so grown up at the same time."

Isobel laughed softly. "Quite right. I do wish we could visit more often….so I could see more of the little boy in him before he grows up."

"You know that you are welcome any time. And you will come with Dickie and Timothy when they visit Papa to discuss the estate, won't you?"

"Of course…though, there is Lily…" Isobel answered tentatively, not having considered that bringing Lily might be a problem before now. But with Mary and Violet both not keen on the idea of Dickie and Isobel keeping the little girl, they might have to reconsider travel plans to Downton from here on out.

"And she will come too," Mary said definitely. Isobel's eyes widened a bit, the change in appearance not lost on Mary. "I may have been reserved in my opinions of your caring for her at first, but I find she is quite a dear and George does seem keen on her. I'm sure Marigold will be as well."

"You're sure?" Isobel asked.

"Quite," Mary said, patting Isobel's arm. "Now, I have come on one other subject….which I suppose does deal with your coming to Downton more often."

"Oh? What is that?"

Mary took a deep breath. She had rehearsed this over and over in her head since speaking with Elizabeth, but now that it came to it, she found she didn't know where to start.

"Mary, are you all right?"

Isobel looked at the young woman, quite concerned, as Mary had grown very serious. She reached over and put her hand on top of Mary's.

"Mary?"

"Yes, forgive me, I'm fine. Lost in thought, I suppose," Mary said, waving away Isobel's concern.

"Goodness, you were quite serious," Isobel replied. She sat back, clasping her hands in her lap and waiting for Mary to continue.

"Yes…well, there has been quite a lot on my mind. Since you've brought up visiting George more often, it made me think how much he would enjoy that. He does love when he sees both you and Dickie. I know he'd be thrilled with you coming to stay at Downton for a few weeks."

"We would love that," Isobel said with a smile.

Mary nodded. "Yes…but, I am a bit concerned that it might be too much for you."

"Too much? Because of Lily?"

"No, not because of Lily. You may bring Nanny Roberts and we will have our Nanny as well," Mary said.

"Then I don't see how it could be too much," Isobel replied with a smile.

"Isobel…" Mary began tentatively, "…I've noticed little things. Perhaps because I know you've not been well…but this afternoon, I noticed how difficult it was for you during our walk."

Isobel sucked in her breath and sat a bit straighter. "Mary, I can assure you…"

Mary held up a hand. "Isobel, please, I do not mean to press you…but I want to make sure you able to see George as often as you'd like. And for that to happen, you need to be well."

"I am quite well," Isobel countered with a slight edge in her tone.

"I spoke with Elizabeth," Mary said, her eyes no longer meeting Isobel's. "She's told me you've been having trouble with your balance."

Isobel closed her eyes and took a deep breath in, attempting to control her frustration. She did not want to be having this conversation…least of all when she'd had such a nice afternoon reading to George. She gripped the edge of the dressing table and stood.

"Mary, I do appreciate your concern. But, Dr. Clarkson has things under control, and should I need something stronger to help with the symptoms, I'm sure he will provide the answer."

Mary looked up at Isobel, trying to remember not to come across harsh and domineering. Isobel would not take kindly to that.

"I'm sure he does. And I have every confidence that he is taking great care with your case. But, with your balance being as unsteady as it is, surely there is something to help when you are moving about throughout the day?"

"I'm sure I'll be just fine, dear," Isobel said dismissively, taking a few steps away from the dressing table towards the door. "Shall we head down to dinner?"

Mary stood but remained standing by the chair. "Isobel, I know you do not wish to use a cane…"

Isobel's face fell and her hands balled in to fists as she turned back to face Mary.

"But I think it is for the best. It is not a weakness on your part….moreover, it is helping to keep you strong and involved in the community and with the family."

"Mary, I…." Isobel's tone was harsh when she began and she immediately stopped herself, knowing Mary only meant well, "I'm sorry. I know you are concerned but I must go about this in my own way."

Mary sighed and took a few steps forward. "As you wish…but at least I've tried."

Quite out of character, she stepped forward, kissed Isobel on the cheek and gently squeezed her arm.

"Come, let's go before they worry after us," she said, smiling at Isobel and looping her mother-in-law's arm with hers.

Isobel, surprised at Mary's response, simply nodded as she was at a loss for words. She allowed Mary to lead her out of the room and down the hall, all the while wondering just what had happened to the stark, self-absorbed Mary Crawley of yesterday.