Chapter Three

The next day

"I have to admit that the saying 'Silent waters run deep' applies far more often than people think." After Isobel had given Violet an account of their encounter with Mrs Kent and Dickie's history with her, the Dowager was appropriately taken aback. The strange rules of aristocratic marriages was still a mystery to her and she had spent little time to think about them - until Dickie's story had forced her to.

"Don't tell me you never heard rumours about Dickie and Ada's marriage," Isobel retorted.

"Gossip!" Violet made a dismissive gesture and picked up her cup. "Everyone knew Ada was an awful battle-axe. So, no one would have blamed him anyway - if they had known," she added quickly. "I guess Dickie was discreet enough, and as long as you're discreet you can do as you please."

Isobel didn't find Violet's words in the least reassuring.

"I'm not concerned about the past at this point. What worries me is the present and the future."

Exasperated Violet put her cup down. "Do you actually think he would consider…?" She broke off when she saw Isobel's warning gaze. "Isobel, the man is over the heels in love with you! He adores the ground you walk on. You can do no wrong in his eyes, which is quite annoying at times."

Isobel moved uncomfortable on her chair, for a change oblivious to Violet's snarky remark. "You know what they say about old love. What if what we have isn't enough?"

Violet frowned, "You pretty much brought the man back from the land of the dead. I doubt he's interested in a former mistress he hasn't seen in ages."

"But she's interested in him," Isobel said. "And as you just said, he doesn't need me anymore. He's a picture of good health."

Violet was shocked. "I thought the days when you behaved like a coward because of him are over."

"I'm not a coward" Isobel declared offended. "I'm realistic."

Violet shook her head, "I agree that Mrs Kent needs to be watched carefully, but you don't have to offer her your husband on a silver platter."

"So, what do you suggest?"

Violet rose, grabbed her walking stick, and moved over to her desk. While she opened the drawer to find her address book, she said, "I'll write some letters and try to find out more about the infamous Mrs Kent. And in the meantime you'll make sure your husband is spending time with you - instead of her."

"Easier said than done," Isobel said. "She's coming for tea tomorrow afternoon." Horrified by the idea of having to sit with Annabelle at the same table again, Isobel sighed.

Violet just shrugged and placed her little black book on the table next to her plate. "Plenty of time to remind him of his priorities."

And on that encouraging thought Isobel finished her tea. It was cold.

When Dickie entered their bedroom that night, he found Isobel sitting at her dressing table. She was busy combing her silver-golden hair and didn't seem to notice him entering.

"It started snowing again," he reported and put the book her had brought with him onto his bedside cabinet. Her uncharacteristic non-reaction startled him. He watched her closely while she absent-mindedly started to braid her hair. With a smile he approached her and bent down to kiss her cheek. She startled as if she hadn't noticed him before. She lowered her arms and gave him a feeble smile.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Did I ever tell you how much I love your hair?" he asked and ran his fingers through the queue of gold and silver strands, ruining her unfinished task.

"I think every day of our marriage," she answered with a chuckle.

"Good. I would hate not to mention it at least once a day," he said quietly and took her hand. He gently pulled her up and locked his arms around her.

"Are you all right?" he asked. "You've been awfully quiet today."

"I'm fine," she lied. "I just have a lot on my mind."

He sighed and hesitated before he continued, "I was afraid you would say that. Listen, I've made a decision…"

"Yes?"

"I've written to Annabelle this afternoon while you were at Lady Grantham's. I cancelled our plans for tea."

Isobel was aghast. "But why?"

"I've realized the idea made you uncomfortable and I don't want you to feel that way."

"Oh Dickie!" Suddenly overjoyed she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

"How did you explain our cancellation?" she asked, when she rested her head against his shoulder.

"I wrote something about a sudden change of plans."

"She will know it's a lie," she said.

"I know, but I think it's best that way." He ran his hand tenderly along her back and kissed her hair.

Relieved she drew a deep breath and closed her eyes. "I love you very much, do you know that?"

She sensed how he smiled. "I love you, too, Isobel Grey. I love you, too."

Two days later

After Isobel had recovered from the shock of finding Mrs Kent and Dickie together in her wintery garden together, she felt forced to offer Annabelle Kent a cup of tea. To her surprise Annabelle declined.

"Thank you, but I just came in to say hello. I want to be back in York before it starts snowing again." The cold finalty in her words convinced Isobel to forget her English hospitality.

Her eyes wandered quickly from Dickie to Annabelle and back. She noticed that Dickie was avoiding Annabelle and made no effort to invite her in. He seemed pretty withdrawn into himself and had established a safe distance between himself and his surprise guest. Apparently he wasn't happy with whatever had just occurred between them and Isobel started hoping this was the last she would ever see of Annabelle Kent.

"Of course. The weather is quite unpredictable these days," Isobel said.

"You can say that again."

The wind was freshening up again and first flakes of snow started dancing around their heads. An uncomfortable silence fell between the trio that could have easily become an embarrassment, if the front door hadn't opened. Dickie's valet, dressed only in his thin livree hastened towards them with clattering teeth.

"There's a telephone call for you, Mylord. It's Lord Grantham."

"Oh, thank you." Dickie said, apparently relieved to have a reason to get away from the women.

"I must be going then," Annabelle said and gave Dickie a smile. "It was nice to see you again. Goodbye."

Dickie just nodded at her and vanished inside the house, his valet on his heels.

"So he told you everything about us?" The question was rhetoric and Isobel didn't dignify with an answer. "Did you make him cancel our appointment?" Annabelle asked.

"No. That was his idea, but I can't say I was angry about it."

Annabelle gave Isobel a dismissive smile, "That's what I thought."

"I think it's best you wouldn't come back here," Isobel said, trying her best not to sound too unkind.

Annabelle nodded, "Of course you would think that. I'm just afraid it won't be that easy for you to get rid off me."

"I beg your pardon?" There was it again, the sudden inkling that had first befallen her, when she had seen Annabelle for the first time. Isobel couldn't be sure if she heard triumph or desperation in Annabelle's voice, because the harsh wind was howling in her ears.

"You better follow him inside and give him a big whiskey. I'm afraid he needs it. I just told him that he's the father of my daughter."

~tbc~