Isobel POV

It's the day of the point to point and I've summoned to attend. I take a spot inside the tent and watch people mill about. I see Rose gushing over a young lad and it makes me nostaligic. I remember gushing over Reginald. My cheeks burn because I don't have to think hard about that feeling for I am now gushing over Richard. Well perhaps not gushing at my age I think that gushing is for the young. I love Richard, I want to spend what is left of my life with him. I won't have to change or become something I'm not. When I was young I was indulged by my father and my husband yet there was still an unheard command. I had to marry, had to marry well and produce heirs. That is behind me now.

I feel a pang of sorrow knowing that Matthew is in his coffin yet I quickly remember that George is alive. That dear sweet boy that hold all the promise of my son. I glance up to see Mary, as always she is bold. Her haircut has caused quite a stir. I rather like it and self consciously I touch my own hair. I watch as she mounts her house. She has decided to ride side-saddle. Mary is a such a mix of progression and tradition. She has shorn off her hair yet has decided not to ride astride like Mable Lane Fox. I wonder how long she can successfully keep one foot in two worlds.

The point to point begins and I hear the shouts and cheers. When the riders come back I'm not surprised that Mary is the first woman to cross the line. Cousin Violet comes near and I can feel the waves of frustration rolling off of her. Perhaps I should be nice and let her know I won't accept Lord Merton's proposal. Part of me wishes to do it quickly like tearing off a bandage in one rapid pull. Yet a larger part of me wants to let her squirm a little longer.

We make small talk about Mary's hair until I take a deep breath, "I've made a decision."

"have you?" See asks and I can see her fiddle with her cane.

I can feel my face splitting with a smile, "Yes, this might be my last chance at an adventure."

What Cousin Violet doesn't know is that Richard is my ticket to adventure. We've talked about traveling to continent.

Violet is still fiddling, "We'll tell everyone when we can a chance. You won't give us away?"

"No."

I smile and take a sip of my drink.

"So he doesn't bore you?" She asks exasperated.

At this I feel my face contorting in puzzlement, "Richard isn't boring."

Violet leaves and I let myself wander to memories of Richard and I.

The Dowager Countess of Grantham was in a foul mood. Her cousin and friend was going to marry Lord Richard Merton. Her car took her to the abbey where a panic seemed to have gripped everyone.

Tom was everyone that Edith had left. At his words a cold wind blew through Violet. She turned without being seen moving quickly as she could towards the door. Carson intercepted her and she made it known she wanted a car to take her home. Carson led her outside where she gave the driver instructions.

Yewtree farm, it had been a very long time since she had stepped onto grounds so quaint. She felt something she hadn't felt in years-optimism. Perhaps the child was still here and Edith had just wanted to escape Mary. As she got closer she could hear a caterwauling and the fragile optimism was carrying shattered. Mr and Mrs. Drewe looked for a better word destroyed. Violet knew that Edith had fled with her child. She resisted the urge to sigh and merely turned back around to her car.

The drive took her straight home, as she went to go inside she saw a figure near her door. A well dressed man- Lord Merton.

The shock of what Edith had done had eroded the promise she had struck with Isobel. All she could think about was Edith and the ruin that it could bring the family. Isobel marrying Lord Merton was last on her list and she had no time to entertain.

"I'm afraid I won't be hosting luncheon" she said tersely.

Lord Merton shook his head, "That wasn't why I came. I was wondering if you knew how Mrs. Crawley was?"

Violet was still in a daze, "You know she's fine, positively glowing, waiting for the right time to tell everyone."

Lord Merton stood up straight, he seemed to have grown five more inches and he smiled broadly. "Oh, I see. Well good day to you."

The dining room table was always elegant however, tonight the candles seemed to burn more brightly. Isobel was seated at the head of the table, a new position for her. However, with Rose's new beau and his family along with the other guests it seemed easier that she be placed here. As she ate she noted the shy smiles between Atticus and Rose. Even Cora and Robert seemed to be getting on with Lord and Lady Sinderby.

Lord Merton had been invited too seated by her left. She was glad of it, she didn't want to be seated beside him. With the point to point and the disappearance of Edith she hadn't been able to see him and tell him that she wouldn't accept his proposal. The plates would soon be cleared for the next course. Hopefully this dinner would end soon and she could tell Dickie. There was a lull in conversation, the clink of wine decanter seemed unusually loud against the cut crystal glass. This was further compounded by Dickie clapping his hands, "If I could, I would like to make an announcement."

Isobel's head snapped up, she was still in the middle of chewing. She clamped her jaw together in shock. Nevertheless Dickie ploughed on, "Sometime ago I asked Isobel to marry me and she has accepted."

Around her chairs were moving and everyone was standing. Isobel still had food in her mouth. In horror she watched as glasses were raised and she was toasted. She swallowed hastily and then gave a watery smile. Just what the hell was she going to do?

She started by cornering Violet after dinner. Everyone else were either involved in drinking by the fire or playing cards. It was easy to pin the woman by the bookcase and table.

Isobel hissed, "What did you say!"

Violet could see that Isobel was ready to pounce, "Lord Merton came round after the point to point. He asked how you were and I told him that you seemed disgustingly happy and that you were waiting to tell everyone."

Isobel covered her face with her hands. Violet saw this, "I thought you had accepted him."

"No" was Isobel's harsh reply.

Violet's confusion was growing, "But you said he didn't bore you, and that he was your last chance at adventure."

Isobel let out a barking sigh, "I said 'Richard doesn't bore me'...Dickie does."

It was Violet's turn to cringe. Shortened names, pet names! Baron Merton or as he colloquially addressed as Lord Merton was born Richard Grey and was known to those close to him as Dickie. Richard was meant for Richard Clarkson or as he was known in Violet's mind Doctor Clarkson.

A/N: The sink has been fixed. Did you know they make garbage disposals in red? Ask Batwings79 if you don't believe me.