Richard pulled his coat tighter around him, it was clearly going to rain soon - after he got to the hospital, he hoped as he inhaled the crisp air and got on his bicycle. He was looking forward to the shift, he was discharging Max, a 5 year old boy who captured all the nurses' hearts and carved out a little space in the doctor's heart too if he were to admit. The little guy was a walking miracle after recovering from a rather bad pneumonia after falling into the icy lake while playing. On top of it all his best friend and love of his life was probably already there as her shift started earlier with Dr Milton. She insisted he put her down for when they were to give Max their farewell.

The doctor was worried about his favorite nurse. As, per usual, some nurses had taken ill in February and as head nurse, she was taking the biggest load of extra work herself. He was ashamed to admit that the first thing which triggered his concern was the fact that her curves were a bit slimmer. He'd always admired her petite yet sturdy form. He knew he had no right to and that if she had any idea, she would probably stuff him in a canon and shoot him to Kingdom come. However it was not just that which attracted him. She had a fine brain which absorbed detail faster that that of any other nurse he'd encountered. She was quick witted but could also be a bit awkward in an unfamiliar situation. She was also a fury to be reckoned with as her big beautiful eyes told him the last time she spoke of her latest disagreement with the dowager about her maid.

His worry was strengthened when he was peddling back home through the village square when Matthew Crawley caught up to him and as they arrived at parting point, he made a point of asking him to look out for his mother. The young man was very respectful and acknowledged his busy schedule - probably not knowing, he'd reschedule his whole life for the chap's beautiful female parent. The young man was concerned that his mother was a bit peaky and had not been eating lately so Richard promised to keep an eye out for him.

Arriving at the hospital, he discharged Max and left him to a small celebration with the parents and the nurses after a small pat on the back. He then settled down for his scheduled minor surgeries on his diary. Heading to his office he was followed by a tired looking Isobel. She had the patient files with her which meant she had followed around during rounds that morning.

"These are this morning's rounds. We had a lot of discharges and thankfully some of the nurses are coming back so things are starting to normalize a little." she finished her report when his hand touched hers slightly to take the files from her and they both felt the electricity or as he called it - the spark.

"Thank you..." he replied, reaching back to put the files on the desk without interrupting eye contact with her. "Seems things are indeed a bit easier now. Care to join me for lunch?"

His small but charming smile faded when he suddenly noticed that Isobel's eyes could barely reach his, her hands were trembling and suddenly, she was finding it hard to breath. Before she could fall to the floor he caught her in his arms and carried her to his cot. He was unsure whether it was a case hypotension or hypoglycemia but he was about to find out as he grabbed his bag from the top of his desk.

"Mrs Crawley, can you hear me?!" He asked taking out the blood pressure cuff. At her unintelligible speech his voice became more commanding "Isobel look at me. Tell me what's wrong."

Isobel came to blinking and focusing on two sparkling blue eyes. She had to admit he was one fine looking man but she couldn't figure out why he looked so worried. His close proximity allowed her to appreciate his handsome features closely - he truly was a magnificent example of the species - and his heady scent was not helping her regain her senses.

Still looking at him in wonder, she trusted her voice again "You look worried doctor..."

He let out a small chuckle, relieved that she came to quickly "of course I was! You should have seen the turn my nurse just took." He said ironically, failing to see her blushing when he referred to her as his nurse. "You have not been eating well..." he said matter of factly, giving her his hand to help her sit up as he adjusted the pillows on his cot to make her comfortable.

"I've been a bit busy here doctor Clarkson ." She snapped, leaning back

Richard couldn't help but smile at how he knew what her reaction would be and peaked his head out of the office to order some tea and sandwiches.

"It doesn't matter, Mrs Crawley. From now on, you are under my care. I had a chat with your boy and I gave him a man's word that I'll keep an eye on you."

Isobel admired his penetrating look and the determined set of his jaw and knew that she did not have the strength to contradict him at the moment, she was also surprised that her son was concerned and confided in her friend rather than saying anything to her face. Nevertheless, she now found herself in the rather cosy position of being in the care of a very handsome doctor and she could not help feeling butterflies in her stomach at the thought.

AN: sorry for the long absence, life's been hell but I hope you enjoyed this - please let me know :)