Richard looked out of his office window and sighed. The minute he wanted the hospital to distract him from his pathetic personal predicament, things go quiet…just his luck. He couldn't believe he walked out on Isobel in the way in which he did. She was a goddess – his goddess if he had anything to say about it but it had to come from her too.
All of a sudden it had hit him what a relationship between them would mean. It would mean being under constant scrutiny of the whole village. He has no illusion about their status, the Crawley family were not only everybody's boss – including his, they were also a celebrity. If things ended badly, he would have to go someplace else, probably to Scotland. Firstly, because he couldn't bear to see her with her or his heart broken, secondly because when the chips fell down, she was part of the family and he wasn't. The fallout could also mean that Isobel would lose her good reputation and be earmarked by the village as an old trollop which he couldn't stand but if they hid the relationship it would still come out and the result would be the same.
He needed her to be sure of her feelings enough for both of them to risk everything. Eternal love on his part would mean nothing if she doesn't reciprocate.
Looking out the window, Richard wondered how long will she need to decide and what her final decision will be. But most importantly, will they be able to work together no matter what?
Isobel had just gotten into one of her more comfortable dresses. It was dark like her mood but it also has tiny white flowers embroidered around the edges, the wrap-over upper part was both comfortable and flattering. She prided herself on her practical yet tasteful look and was currently enjoying the simple pleasure of sitting at her dresser by the bedroom fire and styling her hair. She had decided on an elegant bun with her fringe turned to the side and pinned. She analysed her look in the mirror and decided that Violet was right. She had told her the day before that she looked pale and tired, of course Isobel was not about to tell her what had happened. Richard had made his feelings perfectly clear and she had been testing her since he left her that cold dark evening. She could never look the family in the eye again if this ended badly, let alone Violet, let alone her son!
Matthew was of course mature enough to understand that his mother needed to move on from the death of his father but if this ended badly he would always be the son of a whore who had a fling with the village doctor. Rumors would fly for a long time and it was the last thing he needed, especially when they felt Mary was getting used to him being part of her permanent life.
The nurses at the hospital would have a party lasting months on end, she be mocked behind her back as she gave orders and her authority would be demoralized - she would never have a single private conversation with Richard. This made tears spring to her eyes - funny, she did not think she had anymore to cry. But the sole notion of completely losing him from her life turned a knife in her heart. She needed to see what he thought about all sorts of things, for him to twist a situation with his Scottish humor and twinkling eyes.
She would never forget the way he cradled her in his arms when he first kissed her or how he kneaded the small of her back to relax her and ease the tension. But his touch also had another effect. She found herself breathing hard and wishing he would make the final move and make love to her. She would certainly not call them platonic. Since he helped her recover, she came to fully understand and appreciate what kind of man he was and what he meant to her. He made her feel safe and loved and the worst fear she had was that she hurt him. Adjusting the final strands, she got up and called for Ethel waiting for the redhead to open the door.
"Yes ma'am, breakfast is almost ready."
"No Ethel get me my black coat - I need to go to the hospital."
Told you it won't be long! What do y'all think? :)