He could see so many emotions warring behind her eyes each one fighting for dominance. He held out his hand and turned it so the palm was up and extended it towards her. The offering of his hand had her moving towards him. She moved cautiously like an abused animal that was being offered piece of meat. Richard stood still waiting for her to complete her approach. A man's hands had been used to inflict pain, he was going to show her that a man's hands could be gentle and loving. As her fingers made contact with him he didn't pull, instead he allowed her to draw as near as she dared. Minutes passed before she looked up at him and he asked, "Where would you like me to take you?"

"Away from here." She murmured almost ashamed of her own request.

Together they walked to where her coat was hanging. His hand never left hers. Once her right arm was in he switched the hand he was holding so contact was never broken. Hand in hand they left the women's shelter. Mending a broken spirit was new territory for him. However, he knew you couldn't just throw a cast on a broken bone, the fracture had to be reduced first, the bones lined up so they would knit back together in the proper position. Isobel needed to be "reduced" to her most primal self so all her beliefs could be restored.

In the car he had to break contact so he could drive and Isobel understood. The drive to Downton passed in silence and Isobel was thankful she didn't have to talk. She let her thoughts drift and surprised the engine stopped. Richard had brought her to his cottage. Inside he handed her the telephone, "Ring the Abbey, leave a message for Matthew that you're sorry you forgot the dinner."

At his words Isobel's eyes widen in remembrance, she had forgotten about the dinner. She nodded dumbly at Richard before picking up the handset and being connected to the Abbey. Feeling like a robot Isobel clutched the telephone and repeated what Richard had told her.

Mrs. Hughes appeared at the doorway to dining room and motioned to Carson. The butler was the only one to catch the movement and he prided himself on his eyes still being keen. He left his position to hear the whisper of the Scottish housekeeper. Upon re-entering he addressed those dining, "Telephone message from Mrs. Crawley. Seems she lost track of time in York and forgot about dinner. She sends her apologies and her love."

Cousin Violet heard this and said, "No rest for the wicked."

Mary gave her grandmother a look, "Really granny, I rather doubt Cousin Isobel is wicked."

At the defense of his Mother Matthew beamed at his wife.

However, in the Doctor's Cottage Isobel did feel wicked, her judgment of Ethel was immoral. Behind her Richard's hands rested on her shoulders before he pushed off her jacket. "Do you trust me?"

She nodded and he shook his head, "I need to hear you say it."

She swallowed to unglue her tongue, "Yes I trust you."

"All right" With that he extended his hand again, when she took he led her to his bedroom. He lit a small lamp in the corner letting it provide a soft glow so they could see one another. He guided her hands to his neck while his own hands went to hers and she understood. They began removing each others clothes in unison. they kept pace with one another, never letting the other reveal more than the other. Once they were bared Richard went to the bed and pulled down the covers.

"Get in" he said with a smile. At first it was awkward, Isobel was on one side of the bed while Richard was on the other. "Come here." he said softly.

"I'm not sure how to go about this." She said hesitantly.

Reaching out Richard was able to ensnare her hand and pull her to him. She landed against him, her head coming to rest on his shoulder, her left leg tangled around one of his and she was perfectly nestled against him. This was how her reduction would start, letting her become comfortable with touch. Richard yawned and then closed his eyes, his grip began to relax as slumber took him. Isobel found herself drifting off as well safe and warm with Richard beside her.

In the morning Richard made breakfast as they ate it together Isobel bounced an idea off of him. "What would you think if I asked Ethel to be a maid at Crawley House?"

Richard swallowed his groan by swallowing tea, "What I think is that you are so consumed with doing the right thing that you miss doing the smart thing."

Normally Isobel would bristle at a comment like this but she didn't. "She was a maid once she has the skills. If she were to work here for a few months she could get a good reference and then enter into the workforce."

Richard sighed before saying, "I agree that is an avenue but I don't think you have contemplated all of the consequences."

At this Isobel did bristle, "We would be giving a woman a chance at a life!"

He put his hands up and instantly Isobel deflated, her eyes exuding apology.

"Close your eyes" He waited until she did so, "Think back to the day Ethel and Bryant's were here." When her face tightened he continued, "I want you to remember Mrs. Bird, what did she do? How did she look?" When Isobel exhaled he knew she had the image in her head. "Now, imagine that look on the face of shopkeepers, Cousin Violet, Lord Grantham and your son."