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"Dr. Clarkson! How is she?" Lord Merton asked, his pacing in front of the library's fireplace temporarily halted.
The Crawley family had gathered in the large room, save for the children who had been taken the nursery by Nanny.
"Yes, do tell us Doctor," Robert said, coming to stand beside Dickie.
"Lady Merton is resting…I don't believe she will wake before morning," Dr. Clarkson replied.
"But she's all right?" Mary asked from across the room.
"She is…for now," Dr. Clarkson answered with a nod.
There was a collective sigh of relief. Lord Merton placed a hand over his eyes, the stress of the situation beginning to overwhelm him.
"Thank God," he breathed, grateful that Robert put a steadying hand on his shoulder.
"You both can stay as long as you need, Dickie," Robert said quietly before turning back to Dr. Clarkson. "What must we do to help Isobel?"
"I will check on her in the morning, but I do not want her moving for the next few days…possibly a week. It will take quite a long time for her to regain her strength," he answered.
"Was it a…a heart attack, Dr. Clarkson?" Violet asked.
The doctor turned to address the Dowager and noticed for the first time just how shaken she seemed to be. The normally stalwart figure sat between Cora and Edith, one hand clasped in her granddaughter's and the other holding fast to her cane. Her color was quite pale and her posture devoid of its usual height.
"I'm afraid so, your Ladyship," Dr. Clarkson admitted, turning back to see that Lord Merton still had hand over his face. He wished to speak to him privately, not knowing how much the family had been told of Isobel's condition, but with the Baron's current emotional state, he did not think it wise to pull him away from the family just yet.
"But Isobel has always been so healthy!" Cora gasped. "She was just sitting and talking….she didn't seem ill at all!"
"I will know more once she wakes…perhaps then there will be more answers at that time," Dr. Clarkson stated.
"Might I see her?" Lord Merton asked suddenly, his hand dropping from his face to show the glistening tears in his eyes.
"Of course. But I must ask that she not strain herself to speak or move if she does wake. I've asked Mrs. Hughes to sit with her until I return in the morning. However, I would only ask that she and one other person be in the room. Lady Merton needs peace and quiet right now."
"Of course, Dr. Clarkson. Thank you for coming so quickly," Robert replied.
"I've left instructions for Mrs. Hughes to ring with the slightest change…but I'm sure her family's presence will be comfort enough to see her through the night."
"Thank you, Dr. Clarkson," Cora said, rising to her feet to stand beside Robert. "Perhaps we can see you out while Lord Merton goes to be with Isobel now."
"I'll walk you up," Mary called out, coming to take Dickie's arm. He was grateful for her support, feeling as though his world had just been turned upside down and his legs may give out at any moment.
"Thank you, Dr. Clarkson. Thank you ever so much," Dickie said, reaching out to shake the doctor's hand. A look of understanding passed between the two men, Dickie realizing that the doctor had more to tell him. But right now, all he wanted was to see his wife and make sure she was all right.
"Of course," Dr. Clarkson replied, stepping aside to let Mary and Dickie pass by. He only hoped that he wasn't making the wrong decision in keeping all he knew to himself…
"Might there be anything I can get you, Lord Merton?" Mrs. Hughes asked quietly, picking up the tray of food he had long since forgotten.
"No, thank you, Mrs. Hughes. And please thank Mrs. Patmore for the dinner…and make sure to tell her it was not her cooking that kept me from eating," he said sadly, his eyes never leaving the form of his sleeping wife.
"Very good, milord," the Housekeeper replied, walking over to the door and opening it. "I won't be very long."
Dickie nodded but said nothing nor turned to acknowledge Mrs. Hughes' exit. He did not dare move his gaze away from Isobel…he wanted to be sure he saw the moment her eyelids fluttered open for the first time. He held tight to her hand, massaging her knuckles gently with his thumb. She looked dreadfully pale against the dark wood of the large bed, the only contrast being that of her honey blond hair lying across the pillow.
"Lord Merton, might I come in?"
He had expected someone from the family to come and check in on him….but he hadn't thought it would be the Dowager Countess of Grantham. Upon hearing her voice, he stood and turned, though she held up a hand and motioned for him to take his seat beside Isobel's bed once more.
"I thought I would look in and perhaps give you a few moments of relief. Though I met Mrs. Hughes in the hall, and she said you were adamant about staying with Isobel all night," Violet said, coming closer to the bed but refusing to look at its inhabitant.
Dickie stole his eyes away from Isobel to meet the Dowager's concerned gaze. It was not often that he saw Violet Crawley show emotion, but he could quickly see that Isobel's attack had had a great effect on the Dowager Countess.
"Yes, I plan on it. I do not want her to be frightened when she wakes up…she will probably not recall what has happened," he explained, his fingers tightening around Isobel's cool hand.
"She has not woken then?" the Dowager asked, her eyes now focused on the top of her cane.
"No…no she has not," Dickie replied with a sigh. "I know what Dr. Clarkson said…however, I cannot help but feel a bit impatient. I would prefer she wake sooner rather than later…perhaps then I will feel she is on her way to recovery."
Silence enveloped them for a moment before Violet stepped forward and tentatively placed a hand on Dickie's shoulder.
"Might I sit with her for a few moments? Give you time to freshen up and perhaps change in to something more comfortable?"
Dickie made to protest, but he knew that Isobel highly regarded the relationship she'd formed with Violet. Though they sparred often, he knew his wife appreciated the Dowager as a dear friend and confidante….and so he could not refute Violet wanting to spend a few moments alone with Isobel.
"Thank you…that is most appreciated. I dare not leave for more than a few minutes…in case she wakes," he said, leaning down to kiss Isobel's hand.
He took one last look at his sleeping wife and then stood, gently placing her hand down on the blanket. He motioned for Violet to take his chair and held fast to the back until she was settled beside Isobel's bed.
"Thank you, Violet. This is most generous of you," he said quietly.
"Not at all. Off you go…"
Dickie hesitantly closed the door and leaned heavily against it. He wiped a hand down his face and said a silent prayer that Isobel would soon wake.
"Ah Dickie, how is she?"
Robert approached his old friend and clapped him on the shoulder. "You do not look so well yourself. Why not let me fetch you something to eat?"
Dickie waved away Robert's concern. "No, no…Mrs. Patmore sent up a tray but I'm afraid I'm too anxious and food has no appeal."
"Of course," Robert replied. "I am sorry about this, old chap. I never thought I would see the day that Isobel was lying in bed rather than being the one to nurse everyone back to health."
Dickie nodded silently but due to the welling emotions in his throat, he chose to say nothing.
"I've had Bates lay some things out for you to change. He will help you this evening…I'm sure you will want to get back to Isobel but at least take a few moments for yourself."
"Thank you, Robert. It is most appreciated."
"Not at all," Robert said, motioning for Dickie to follow him down the hall. "Is Mrs. Hughes with Isobel?"
"She took some linens and trays down to the kitchen. Your Mother is with Isobel now," Dickie explained tiredly.
"My Mother?" Robert asked, shocked at first but then realizing just how close Violet and Isobel had become. "Well, if anyone can get Isobel sparring again, it is my Mother. Perhaps it is good that she sits with Isobel for a bit."
Dickie did have to agree, a small chuckle emanating from the Baron. "Indeed. Whatever it might take to wake her, I will do it. I would do anything to hear her voice right now."
Robert had nothing to say that would make Dickie feel better in this moment and was grateful to see Bates come down the hall.
"Ah Bates…would you see that Lord Merton is taken care of? He will be staying with Lady Merton this evening, but Mrs. Hughes has had the green room made up in the mean time."
"Of course, Milord. I'll head there straight away," Bates replied, nodding to both men before walking in the direction of the green room.
Robert turned to Dickie. "Take all the time you need. And should Isobel wake, do take some time to get some rest. I can guarantee Mrs. Hughes is very capable of staying with her for a few hours."
"Thank you, Robert. I do trust your judgment and appreciate your concern …and your friendship."
"You've been a friend to this family for many years….and Isobel is our family. You need only ask and it will be done," Robert said, shaking Dickie's hand firmly before leaving the Baron alone in the hall.
Hanging his head, Dickie moved slowly to the green room, hoping that what Isobel needed was simply a few days' rest before she was back to her normal self.