With Ethel mumbling a hasty apology and disappearing from the room, Isobel and Richard were left reeling from what just happened. Taking a seat on the sofa, he rested his forehead on his fingers as he usually did when he was worried about something. It did not help Isobel miss his contact any less. She knew this was not planned but she was worried about his reaction. Did he think they were going to stay secret for the rest of their lives?
"You know she is completely loyal to me. She would never tell anyone…" Isobel sat down next to him, the fire in the room giving a warm hue to her porcelain face and doe eyes. She took his hand and made him look at her "And if she tried, nobody would ever believe her. I'm sorry Richard!"
"No. I was as careless as you are. Probably more as this is your home after all." Richard looked into her eyes and leaned towards her to run his index finger along her cheek. "But Isobel, you need to realize that it could have just as easily been Matthew. We could have been at the hospital and nurse bolting in for an emergency."
Isobel's eyes searched his as they filled up "What are you saying? Do you regret kissing me? Or the time we spent together while I was recovering?" A tear started to roll down her face and she blinked, trying to compose herself and sort out the confusion in her mind. Was he about to finish this before it started? Was he ashamed of her?
"You realize Isobel that I could never regret one second spent with you but this incident just rammed in a point I wanted to ignore for as long as possible. At some point we will either have to let people know about us or we'll be discovered. I wanted to take this slow. We both have reputations to protect but I'm far more worried about yours – and no – not because you're a lady. It's because you will be living in Downton for the rest of your life under scrutiny of the whole as a member of the Crawley dynasty. Push comes to shove, I can always go back to Scotland."
"But I would never want you to go away no matter what happens... do you want to end this?" pressed Isobel, steeling herself for the worst.
"No…I never want this to end. I loved you for so many years, you don't even know!" Richard said passionately as he put his hands on her shoulders "Isobel you are the best surprise life has ever given me but you have a decision to make. How strong are your feelings for me? Are they worth risking your reputation for?"
Isobel opened her mouth but Richard's finger found itself on her upper lip.
"Don't answer me now. Not like this, in the heat of the moment. Think about it…take all the time you need. I'll be waiting for you…darling brown eyed girl." He finished with a smile before replacing his finger with his lips.
Isobel stared helplessly as he moved away from her, grabbed his coat and went out into the cold evening.
Ethel came back with Isobel's evening tea, expecting to see her mistress swooning. Her grin quickly vanished when she saw the lady staring at the fire, clutching the cushion for dear life, crying.
I know but I need you to trust me on this one :) I shall explain both character's dilemma - next one to come up very soon! Let me know what you think ^.^