A/N: Isobel's POV, dedicated to Godmother Batwings.
Perhaps I have gone overboard a bit, but I found it hard to tone her down - perhaps series 2 gets in the way. My heart breaks every time I see Isobel on screen. Lets hope she will get a better deal in series 3.
As always (does one keep asking? i wonder) reviews terribly appreciated!

Drinks are being passed around by footmen, maids clear side tables. A hallboy is being shooed out by Anna and the new girl. A glass falls and Mrs Hughes rushes in, being efficient and quick, mopping up the mess and she turns to find him right beside her. He snaps at her, she looks so hurt when he turns his back and stalks off. Like he has hit her. Her shoulders slump, she purses her lips and then she straightens up and goes back to the business at hand.

When he returns with more champagne, pops the corks and fills more glasses, her eyes follow his every move. He hands out the trays and he goes about the room, never interrupting but making his presence known. He stays close to Cora and Robert and then finds himself close to her and he puts his hand on her shoulder and whispers something in her ear. She nods and gives him a quick, shy smile. He smiles back and they go back to work.

I remember when he collapsed and we were all standing around him, we were not surprised to find her rushing in and taking over. I didn't think it strange her eyes coming back to land on him and I didn't think any of it that her face was drained of color as she told Mr Lang to mop up the mess and Anna to serve the wine. She found me after dinner, asking what Doctor Clarkson had said. She was wringing her hands and biting her lip.

"He has had a bit of a turn..." I started, but then Richard came from Carson's room and he ushered her in. He followed her and closed the door. I don't know what has been said when they were in there and I didn't wait. I knew I wasn't wanted there anyway. I am not really wanted anywhere in Downton.

Carson recovered remarkably quickly and these days I think he might be warming up to Matthew. Probably because this whole business with Mary has been resolved. For someone who is trained not to show his feelings and is a prime example of how to tuck your heart away, Carson opens up to Mary very easily. He dotes on her for some reason. Mrs Hughes tightens her arms around herself when she sees it, like she is protecting herself.

When she leans over and talks to Anna in whispers and tender smiles, he locks his legs and looks away. I don't know why they do this, why they seem so pained. They don't hide it either, perhaps they don't know that they act like this themselves.

I was contemplating all of this in my quiet corner, nipping at a glass of champagne, hoping someone would sit down and chat with me and Mrs Hughes came sweeping towards me. She set down a plate of tiny hors d'oeuvres, gave me a kind smile and left for the hall. Carson followed her. I imagined it would be to discuss something work related - to me they are always 'all work, no play', but when I went out to powder my nose, I saw them almost hidden behind the palm by the stairs.

Her forehead rested on his chest, his arms were around her and he was talking to her. He didn't even bother being quiet. He called her by her name and used endearments. She looked up and I could see there were tear tracks on her cheeks. She stood on her toes and he lowered his head. Their kiss was so sweet.

I will never know what that was about and I will never be able to tell anyone what I saw. I am now part of their secret, even though they don't know. A lot of things make more sense now.

Like Mrs Hughes going up to his room and entering without knocking. Carson taking heavy trays from her. The pair of them standing just a little too close to be 'just colleagues'. The pair of them ending each other's sentences. How they always know where the other is.

I went back to the party, finished my champagne and found Matthew to tell him I was going home. There was no-one there to talk to me and I didn't want to push in. I have tried that and it didn't work. He was kind about it, asking me if I was alright. He walked with me to say goodbye to Cousin Cora and then into the hall, where Mrs Hughes went to fetch my wrap.

Carson called for Parfitt and I told Matthew to go back to Mary.

Mrs Hughes put my wrap around my shoulders and I couldn't help myself; I gave her my handkerchief. I didn't wait to see her face or to hear what she said, I walked through the door and waited for the car on the steps.

At least I have known love and was able to show it, whatever else may be wrong and unpleasant in my life right now. At least I have had that. My heart aches for Mrs Hughes, but I can't say anything. Do anything to change it. Downton and its inhabitants are set in their ways. The only thing that might change anything for her, will be Carson's retirement.

When that day comes, I will bring her a visit and tell her what I saw.

Lets hope it won't be long.

A/N: That was Isobel. Turns out Charles and Elsie aren't as unnoticed as they think they are. Next up - if I ever manage to write it - Lady Violet!