As always, thank you so much for your reviews! I know many have expressed interest in the relationship with Lord Merton and Isobel which makes me SUPER happy.
And to those who feel she is better off with Dr. Clarkson, I say that if Julian Fellows writes it that way, then I am all for it! My thoughts, currently, are that Lord Merton appreciates Isobel for the woman she is, regardless of her status in life. Whereas in Season 5, I was a bit miffed by Dr. Clarkson's reaction to her being accepted and courted by someone of a higher class. Hence why I am all for the Merton/Isobel relationship right now.
But, should Julian Fellows change directions in Season 6, I'm all about it. My main concern is that Isobel is happy!
"Well….how long do you wish to keep me in suspense? I might keel over before you tell me what happened," Violet huffed as she fixed Isobel with a pointed gaze.
It was all the Dowager Countess could do not to call on Isobel as soon as the sun rose the morning after Isobel's visit to Cavenham Park. She had sent a note over with Denker, insisting Isobel come to tea that afternoon to discuss the upcoming Hospital Board meeting.
Isobel, however, knew the Hospital Board was never high on Violet Crawley's list of priorities. And now, as she sat silently in the drawing room of the Dower House, she decided to hold her tongue a bit longer. The Dowager Countess was never one to show much emotion, so seeing her shift uneasily in her seat amused Isobel to say the least.
"There is not much to tell," Isobel said, sipping her tea quietly. Violet rolled her eyes and threw her hands up in exasperation.
"You were there the entire afternoon; how can you have nothing to tell after four hours of conversation?"
"It was hardly four hours of conversation," Isobel replied.
"Well, I would hope it was nothing more than that," Violet said lowly, causing Isobel's eyes to widen considerably.
"What are you implying?"
"Tell me what happened and I shall have nothing to imply," Violet answered with a smirk.
Isobel rolled her eyes and clasped her hands in her lap. "Very well. We did speak about Larry and it seems as though he is no longer welcome at Cavenham."
"Not at all?" Violet asked, a bit surprised.
"Mm…it seems Timothy is named in the will as the heir and Larry had decided to leave the country and his misdeeds behind."
"My…that is quite a bit more than I expected from the likes of Dickie Merton," Violet said.
Isobel's eyes creased, suddenly feeling defensive. "What do you mean?"
"Only that I never knew Lord Merton to have much of a backbone when it came to his sons."
"Perhaps he was never given the chance," Isobel answered quickly, not wanting Violet to blame Dickie for the uncomfortable situation. The poor man already blamed himself…it would not do for the rest of England's society to do the same.
Violet regarded Isobel and noted there was a change in her cousin's demeanor since they had last discussed Lord Merton. One eyebrow rose in challenge as she replied, "And where does this leave your relationship with Dickie Merton?"
"Why should it be any different?"
"Because there is more color in your face than I've seen the past three months…and you are very quick to defend Dickie and his decisions."
"I never…" Isobel began to refute but was interrupted by Violet raising her hand.
"My dear, it will not do. Tell me the truth or I'll ring up Dickie myself."
Isobel's lips pressed together to hold in any rude comment she would speak in retaliation. Though Violet was her cousin and close confidant, she hated that the woman could see right through her.
"Fine, if you must know, he has asked me to meet with Timothy for dinner next Saturday evening."
"And that's it? Nothing more?"
Isobel sighed and caught Violet's eyes. "And then… if Timothy is in agreement… we have decided to plan a wedding for this coming fall."
Violet uncharacteristically clapped her hands together in delight. "Goodness, I never thought you would come to it!"
Isobel crossed her arms, a bit puzzled by Violet's excitement. "I thought you were against my marrying Dickie?"
"I was never against it, dear," Violet said, ringing the bell to her right. Spratt entered the room as Isobel continued to stare curiously at Violet.
"Ah, Spratt. Will you take the tea service away and bring in something a bit brighter? Mrs. Crawley and I have something to celebrate," Violet said, smiling to her confused Butler.
"Brighter, milady?"
"Yes, Spratt. Champagne…something exciting! I know it is the afternoon, and you are quite unaccustomed to this. But if we are to make it in 1925, you'd better get used to it."
The Butler nodded, gathering the tea tray and walked away, still bewildered as to what he had just been asked. Isobel uncrossed her arms and sat forward, a coy smile forming on her face.
"I think you've utterly baffled the poor man."
"Indeed…but he needs a little excitement in his life. Denker cannot be the only one to have a bit of fun," the Dowager answered with a chuckle.
Isobel shook her head and allowed herself to laugh softly. But she turned serious once more as she asked Violet, "You do not think me a fool for agreeing to this again? To marry Dickie?"
"My dear, I would only think you a fool for not agreeing to it…"Violet answered, smiling warmly at the younger woman across from her.
Saturday evening
Mrs. Field and Elizabeth smiled as Isobel descended the stairs.
"You look lovely, Mrs. Crawley," Elizabeth said, helping Isobel in to her coat.
"Thank you, dear. You're very kind," Isobel replied with a small smile for the young maid.
"Everything will go just fine, ma'am," Mrs. Field reassured her employer. Isobel turned to regard both women, the only two people she'd trusted with the importance of tonight's dinner.
"Thank you, both of you. I've been unfair in asking you to keep tonight's dinner a secret."
"Not at all, ma'am. It's a bit of fun for us," Elizabeth answered with a hint of excitement.
Mrs. Field hushed the young girl's giggles before turning back to Isobel. "We're very pleased for you, Mrs. Crawley. We want tonight to be a success."
"Thank you. Now, I must be off. Would you keep the front door open? I can lock up when I return," Isobel said, gathering her handbag and checking to make sure her coat was fastened properly.
"Of course, ma'am," Mrs. Field answered.
"Fine. Well…enjoy your evening," she told them with a weak smile, her own nerves suddenly taking hold as Elizabeth opened the front door.
"You too, ma'am," Elizabeth whispered as Isobel passed her.
Isobel was sure she heard another giggle emerge from the young maid as she descended the front stairs. But, it would not do for her to focus on that now. She squared her shoulders and walked forward with purpose and confidence. If anything, she wanted to portray the strong woman she had become over the past twenty years to Timothy…not back down as she had when last she met he and his elder brother.
The chauffeur from Cavenham Park tipped his hat and held open the door for her. She thanked him quietly and settled herself in to the large seat, feeling extremely vulnerable in this moment. As the car pulled away from Crawley House, she looked out the window to see Mrs. Field and Elizabeth wave. And for a brief moment, Isobel allowed herself to smile and remember that no matter what happened this evening, she was never truly alone.
"Mrs. Crawley," the Butler announced, leading Isobel in to the drawing room at Cavenham Park.
Lord Merton smiled and made his way over to greet her immediately. She smiled as he caught her eye, trying not to focus on the young man and woman standing behind him.
"Good evening," Dickie said with a warm smile. "I'm so pleased you could come."
"Thank you for inviting me," she replied as he motioned for her to join him in the center of the room.
"Might I present Miss Elizabeth Butler? And of course, my youngest son Timothy. This is Mrs. Crawley," Dickie announced to the younger generation in the room.
"It is so wonderful to meet you, Mrs. Crawley," the young woman said, stepping forward. "Lord Merton has been telling us all about your work at the hospital and clinic. It sounds so intriguing."
Isobel, a bit relieved, nodded to the young woman. "Thank you."
"Elizabeth is an old friend of the family," Dickie explained, signaling for the women to sit on the settee. "Her father and I go all the way back to when we were young chaps."
"Indeed," Elizabeth explained with a smile. "We practically lived here at Cavenham when we were growing up. Father was always abroad on business so Lord and Lady Merton were kind enough to invite my family over quite often."
"How nice," Isobel answered, smiling to the young girl sitting beside her. She felt a bit more at ease knowing it would not be Timothy questioning her throughout the evening. "Are you still able to visit?"
"Whenever Timothy's schedule allows. His business tends to dictate whether or not I receive an invitation," the young girl said with a wink in Timothy's direction.
"Now Elizabeth, you know you are welcome any time," Dickie said, taking a seat in the arm chair across from the women. Timothy continued standing beside the fireplace, observing silently. Isobel felt a bit uneasy as he continued to stare at her and Elizabeth, but was determined not to let it affect how the evening progressed.
"Of course," Elizabeth replied, turning back to Isobel. "I was very glad that I would have a friendly face here tonight. I'm often limited to conversations on crop rotations and machinery advancements when I am here."
Timothy's face finally broke in to a smile and his head dropped downward. "My apologies, Elizabeth."
"Not to worry. All the more reason for Mrs. Crawley to join us as often as she can," Elizabeth said, her laughter easing some of the tension both Dickie and Isobel felt.
Mead entered the room once more and nodded to Dickie. "Ah, that's dinner everyone. Shall we?"
As they moved to leave the room, Timothy stepped forward to offer Elizabeth his arm. He offered a nod and small smile to Isobel, the first indication that he noticed her arrival. As the young couple left the drawing room, Dickie stepped forward and gently took Isobel's elbow.
"Everything all right?" he asked, noticing how nervous she seemed. She forced a smile and accepted his arm.
"Yes," she answered softly, allowing him to lead her in to the dining room for what she hoped would not be a repeat of the last dinner she'd experienced with a son of her betrothed.