It became much easier for Isobel to wander around with Richard when she had finally resigned herself to the fact that she was in love with him. It was almost funny how almost instantaneously after she had realized it he began always calling her Isobel. She had never noticed how he said her name with such softness before.

They were sitting on a blanket in a leaf covered meadow just outside of town. It was not the sort of picnic that the Grantham's were used to, but it suited her just fine. The air was a little crisp, but nothing that she couldn't handle with a good coat.

"You know, for a doctor, you are surprisingly unconcerned about your own health."

"I don't worry about a little chill now and then, it's refreshing!" He grinned, taking a bite of one of the finger sandwiches that they had prepared together.

She raised her eyebrows and took a bite of an apple.

"How is your Lord Merton, then?" He asked, never afraid to get to the point. She hadn't had the chance to tell him about what had happened the other day. She had considered waiting and trying to use the opportunity to gain a bit of an upper hand, but now that he had asked, she couldn't quite work up the nerve to lie to him.

"Well, Lord Merton was doing fine when I saw him the other day." Isobel answered simply.

"Did you have a good time…drinking tea."

"Richard, don't be pretentious." She warned lightly.

"I'm not I was simply asking!"

"I don't believe you. But if you must know, tea was eventful."

"That's not exactly the word I expected."

"Do you always have to be so critical?" She asked. She wanted to kill him. Or kiss him. Really, either was an option at that moment, and so, without thinking she said it "I told him about you and he very cordially said that he and I could remain friends. Are you happy?"

"Yes. Very." Richard smiled, leaning closer to her "But why did you tell him?"

"You know perfectly-"

"I know, but I want to hear you say it."

Isobel sighed.

"I told him because I finally realized there was no sense in letting him court me when the only person I could see a future with is a man that completely infuriates me and has crossed more lines than I care to count."

"Isobel?"

"Yes, Richard?"

"Do you mind if I cross another line?" He tilted his head to the side and moved his hand to brush a strand of hair away from her face.

Isobel nodded slightly as she leaned into him.

And when she felt his lips against hers she realized that kissing him was a much better option than killing him.