Chapter Forty

Tim looked up at his office clock with a sigh and ran his hand through his hair. His thoughts were going round in circles and he wasn't getting much work done. To make matters worse the clock seemed to be getting slower as the morning progressed, torturing him further. He looked at the phone on his desk, hesitated again, then picked up the receiver 'What have I got to lose?!' he challenged himself as he asked for the number he wanted.

"Field residence. How may I help?" A clipped voice answered.

"Hello Mr Thompson. Is Mr Field available please? I have a favour to ask"

-TW- -TW- -TW-

"What time is your appointment with Mr Rattisbon?" Isobel asked as she fixed her earrings.

"Not until ten." Dickie replied, watching her finish her morning routine. He did so love the domesticity of their life together "But I'll be back in plenty of time for lunch. Would you like to go out somewhere?"

Isobel crossed the room to join him, ready to go down for breakfast.

"No, I don't think so. We're out for dinner with everyone this evening, so I think I'd like a nice quiet day." She turned to him with a smile on her lips as the arrived in the hall "Maybe we could have a rest this afternoon before we go out?"

"Sounds good to me" He said quietly, pulling her to a stop and giving her a quick kiss before they entered the dining room.

"Morning Margaret" Isobel greeted her friend cheerfully "I thought I might call on Charlotte for coffee this morning. Do you think she would be in?"

"Oh, I'm sure she'd love a visitor" Margaret smiled broadly "And I'd feel less guilty about abandoning you for the day"

"Not at all!" Isobel dismissed Margaret's concerns "We've known each other too long for all that. I'm just glad us staying hasn't disrupted your life!"

"You are both welcome whenever you're in town, my dear!" Hugh expounded "No booking necessary, just turn up and brighten our day!"

"Thank you" Isobel grinned at him.

-TW- -TW- -TW-

"Should I be nervous?" Julia asked as their cab arrived at Simpsons.

Tim smiled "Not at all. They're a lovely, friendly bunch with no agenda. They will just be pleased to meet you" He offered her his arm to follow the waiter through the restaurant "You look absolutely stunning" he whispered and was rewarded with a beautiful smile, just for him.

"Hello Julia my dear" Isobel greeted her with a kiss on the cheek "It's so lovely to see you again. This is my husband, Dickie."

"Hello my dear" Dickie took her hand "It's lovely to finally meet you."

"Thank you" Julia smiled. This may not be a difficult evening after all.

The introductions continued and everyone was seated. The table was a hubbub of conversation, stories shared of what had happened since they last saw each other on Monday evening, plans for the rest of the week, interesting news stories shared and debated. It was such a friendly, happy meal. Everything was as relaxed as Tim promised, and soon Julia relaxed too.

Isobel looked around the table and sighed happily to herself. This was family: people of different ages and upbringings all coming together to share their lives. She looked across at Tim and Julia and hoped that this would make a difference to his opinions, and consequently his relationship with his father. As her thoughts turned to Dickie, her eyes sought him out and they shared a loving look across the table. She smiled as he raised his wine glass to her in silent salute as he continued a conversation with Tom. As she scanned the group again, a movement in the background caught her notice.

Isobel froze. Elizabeth was here.

Dickie's story from earlier was echoing in her head. Why would Elizabeth be here tonight? And dressed to the nines? Her eyes followed the woman until she sat at her own table, Isobel not missing the fact that she sat so that she could observe their own table. Isobel's eyes narrowed.

Mary, who was sat opposite Isobel, caught her eye with a quizzical look. Isobel just smiled and shook her head, trying to pass it off as nothing.

As the main course was cleared Julia turned to Tim beside her, caught his hand and squeezed it with a smile. She knew this was just what he needed.

"What time did you say the screening was Tim?" Henry asked "I wouldn't want to miss any of the film"

"It's a nine-thirty start, but it's not that far away." Tim replied "We should still have time for desert."

"Oh goody!" exclaimed Hugh, rubbing his hands like a child. Everyone laughed.

"Julia, those of us who don't want to watch such a film at this time of night will be heading home together after the others have departed for the cinema. You're quite welcome to join us, if you'd like?" Isobel asked her kindly.

"Would you mind?" Julia asked Tim "I have already seen it, and I'm not sure I fancy going home alone afterwards."

"Of course" Tim smiled at her kindly "I'm sure Isobel and the others will take good care of you"

As they all rose from the table to go in different directions, Tim took his chance "Pa, Isobel - could I have a quick word please?"

"Of course my boy, what is it?" Dickie looked at him earnestly.

"Nothing startling." He reassured his father "I would just like to discuss some things. I need help making some decisions as I don't seem to be able to reach any conclusions on my own. I know you were hoping to go home tomorrow afternoon, but do you think you might be able to have lunch before you go?"

Isobel quickly looked at Dickie before replying "Of course. That would be lovely. Did you have anywhere in mind?"

"I asked Jeremy to be there too, and he suggested we dine at his house. Would you mind?" Tim asked.

"Not at all" Dickie assured him with a friendly pat on the arm.

The cinema-goers all prepared to leave, and as that was happening Isobel noticed Elizabeth taking particular notice.

"Just because we aren't going to the cinema doesn't mean we have to cut our evening short" Rosamund stated "How about a drink in a local club and a spot of girlie chat before we head home?"

"Ooh, I'd love that!" Margaret replied "Did you have somewhere in mind?"

"I do actually..." Rosamund started.

Isobel interrupted "If we're going on, I'll just go and powder my nose." She'd spotted Elizabeth heading for the ladies moments before, and headed that way before anyone could comment.

Julia had noticed that Isobel was a little distracted and quickly added "Me too" to follow her mother's friend. She kept her distance slightly in case Isobel needed backup but didn't want her involved. Once in the ladies restroom her instincts served her well.

Isobel accosted Elizabeth touching up her makeup in the mirrors running along the long wall. "What did you hope to achieve by coming here tonight?" she challenged, without preamble.

"Dear Isobel" Elizabeth intoned with no real sincerity "What makes you think you are anything to do with why I might be here tonight?"

Isobel clenched her fists tightly, hoping she could keep control of herself. "I noticed you paying a lot of attention to Lord Merton earlier today." she stated.

"Well, yes" Elizabeth smirked "We have something of an understanding you see"

"I don't think you do" Isobel stated firmly "In fact, from what I understand you have been hounding him without success for years"

Elizabeth's eyes flashed "Whatever he told you, that is not the case!" she spat "You may be a cheap fling, but men like him appreciate Quality!"

"He did tell me." Isobel's voice was ice cold. She was firmly in control here "And I trust him. I am no cheap fling, I am his wife!"

Despite her years of coaching, Isobel watched Elizabeth recoil. She pressed her advantage "I understand that you have certain proclivities, that you may have conquests amongst other members of his family" Elizabeth spluttered at this "But understand that you will NEVER succeed with Dickie. He has told me how you have pursued him relentlessly for years and he has never welcomed or responded to your advances"

Elizabeth's eyes narrowed "Just because you tricked him into marriage, don't think this is over!" she hissed.

Isobel looked down at Elizabeth's broach, and pointedly at her earrings. "Nice pieces" She nodded "You have probably realised by now that Larry is no longer in the country?"

Elizabeth lifted her chin "Why should I care?"

Isobel smiled gently, belaying the cunning she felt in the moment "Only that I recognise those pieces from the Grey family jewels that the police are trying to locate." She mentioned in an overly sweet voice "They may have been gifts from a thankful friend" she continued "But at this moment they are considered stolen property that is unaccounted for."

Elizabeth glared at her "These are MY property!"

"And I'm sure you have receipts for them, or at least records showing legal transfer of property?" Isobel asked, straight faced.

"They were a gift" Elizabeth said with a lift of her chin, trying to brave it out, but Isobel knew she had her.

"You come anywhere near Dickie again, and I will report you for receiving stolen goods" snarled Isobel "Larry has left huge debts behind and the police are looking for any artefacts that can be used to settle those debts. They will be very interested in you, and any other dealings you may have" She held Elizabeth's eye in a steely gaze.

Elizabeth didn't give an inch - Isobel didn't expect her to - but her left hand collected her clutch from the counter "If you'll excuse me, I have a dinner to finish!" and without further ado, she turned and marched from the room with head held high.

Isobel sagged against the counter with a sigh. Had she resolved things? or just made them ten times worse?

A sheepish Julia stepped from behind a nearby partition "Remind me to never cross you!" she looked uncomfortable "I didn't mean to eavesdrop, I just thought you might need some backup" she smiled apologetically.

"Don't worry" Isobel smiled at the woman who she hoped might someday be her daughter-in-law "It might be helpful to have an independent witness to that exchange. I'm sure Matthew is somewhere shaking his head" she chuckled to herself "Enough! Let's go and join the others and try and forget all about this"