I hope you all enjoy this story!! Isobel and Dickie are a wonderful couple! Anyone else as excited for the movie as I am?

It was a warm sunny morning. Isobel Crawley awoke realizing that another guest was occupying the bedroom across from her own. Lord Dickie Merton. The night before had been a whirlwind. Violet had accompanied her to rescue Dickie from his horrible family. They were keeping him trapped to let him die alone. Violet had given her a stern talk and the push of confidence she needed to get him back.

The only other person aside from the staff and son and daughter in law at Cavenham that knew about widow Crawley's house guest was Cousin Violet. She approved of the company Isobel was keeping and glad she had finally stood up for love and fought for it, even if she did have to push her into it.

She knew Isobel was afraid to love again not wanting to be hurt or lose Dickie. Now that he was sick and dying, her heart went out to the poor woman. She had suffered enough.

Isobel got herself dressed and headed down to breakfast and spotted Dickie at the breakfast table conversing with her maid. She paused and caught the tail end of their conversation.

" What does Isobel fancy for breakfast? Just make that and I'm sure I'll be satisfied, and be sure to set up for us outside. I'd love to surprise her with breakfast there." Dickie replied with a smile.

" Of course M'lord." she replied, trying to suppress her smile. She really liked Lord Merton and knew the two were a match made in heaven. The older woman had been with Isobel for a few years and had seen her in her worst moments and knew having him around would be a positive change for her.

Isobel had tears in her eyes as she watched Dickie planning the surprise. She quietly crept back to her room and watched from her window as Dickie picked a handful of flowers from the garden.

" What a wonderful man. I don't deserve him." Isobel said, as she quickly wiped away her tears.

She saw her maid bring out the big tray of food and decided to head down the stairs once more.

Once she reached the bottom she saw Elizabeth cleaning up.

" Good Morning Mrs. Crawley, breakfast is set up outside for you." she replied.

" Thanks Elizabeth. After you clean, you're dismissed for the day. Lord Merton and I will be heading for a walk after breakfast, so keep the door unlocked." Isobel requested.

Elizabeth nodded and finished up in the kitchen, stealing little glances out the window.

Isobel went outside to find Dickie smiling and waiting by the door for her.

" Good morning Bel, I've arranged a little surprise for us this morning. I hope you don't mind it." Dickie blushed.

Isobel grabbed his hand. " I'd never mind a surprise from you. You're a sweet man, Dickie Merton." she said, stealing a kiss on his cheek.

Dickie pulled her chair out and the two sat down to a hearty breakfast. Isobel was just floored.

" Oh these are for you. I hope you don't mind I picked them." Dickie said, as he handed over the small bouquet he made.

Isobel lost it then. She had a few tears escape her eyes. It was the kindest thing anyone had done for her in a long time.

" My Bel, what's wrong? Are you alright?" Dickie worried, getting up and going to her side. He put an arm around her and held her to him.

" Nothing is wrong. Everything is right. You're a perfect gentleman Dickie and I love you." she finally said.

Dickie pulled away from their embrace. She said it. She finally said it.

" I love you too my darling." he replied kissing her on the cheek.

The two finished their breakfast and Isobel took his arm and they went for a stroll. She was so glad to have Dickie with her by her side. He paid no mind to the walk, just on his fiance, Isobel. The future Lady Merton.

He really liked how cozy her home was, although he missed his estate, he didn't miss his sons or the hatred that seeped from every fiber of the place. He had no desire to return. Isobel was his home. Where she went, he went. He followed her around like a puppy dog. He couldn't help himself.

" Dickie...I know you saw the fancy doctor on Harley Street, but I'd like for Dr. Clarkson to have a look at those results once more. They don't know everything and I want to know…" her voice went quiet.

He knew exactly what she was going to say.

" We can visit him after Mary's wedding. I don't want to spoil this happy time for anyone. Besides, I'm actually feeling quite chipper today." Dickie said, trying to sound hopeful.

Isobel didn't look up at him, she kept her focus on the path they were walking on.

They made their way into town after a good 15 minutes. The streets were busy with people, alive.

Isobel's demeanor had changed as she saw families walking past and something hit her particularly hard in the gut when she saw it, a father walking his son into the candy store with a little girl on his shoulders. She was careful not to stare too long.

Dickie noticed her starting. He knew she was sensitive still, even after her son's death. He too felt a pang of sadness hit him. He'd never be able to have another moment like that again. He so envied the fathers they passed in the shops and on the streets, pushing the pram and taking family outings.

The two continued their walk, looking in the windows at the various stores.

" Aye, Isobel?" She heard a familiar Scottish voice and knew it was Dr. Clarkson.

She and Dickie stopped walking and turned around seeing Clarkson headed towards them.

" I phoned about 10 minutes ago. I was supposed to get results next week, but they came back early. Lord Merton, I'm afraid you've been misdiagnosed." Dr. Clarkson told the couple.

" He doesn't have anemia then? He'll be alright?" Isobel perked up, squeezing Dickie's hand in her own.

" No. I'm afraid he does have anemia, but not what was originally diagnosed. The tests ruled out pernicious anemia. With a healthy diet and rest, you should be just fine." he smiled at the two.

" That's wonderful news. Better than to hear you're dying. Thank you Dr. Clarkson for giving into Isobel. She is stubborn, and it's one of the many qualities I love about her." Dickie said extending his hand to the doctor.

" My pleasure. Take great care of her, I'm sure you will." Clarkson said, tipping his hat before heading back towards the hospital.

Dickie pulled Isobel out of site and grabbed her close to him and kissed her cheek. She lingered in his embrace, laying her head on his chest. " Everything is going to be just fine my Bel." he said, sighing in relief. Isobel tightly shut her eyes thanking God for the news. Dickie would be alright. He'd survive.

………………………………………………………………………………..

The pair had come home just as the weather had started to take a turn. Thunder was rumbling outside, and they were sitting on her couch inside curled up together. Isobel was engrossed in a book, Dickie, the paper.

He peered over, Isobel's feet were placed in his lap. She was deeply engrossed in her book, unaware he was staring until a loud crack of thunder shook her from her concentration, then she caught sight of him and raised a brow.

" Dickie Merton! Why do you insist on staring at me?" She teased.

" What if I like staring at you? You're a beautiful woman." he smirked.

" I think you've got me confused with someone else." She retorted.

" Isobel Crawley!" he exclaimed removing the book from her hands and grabbing them in his own. " I find you to be the most gorgeous woman alive...you're...you're...captivating to me." he admitted.

Isobel wasn't sure how to respond to that one.

" You're just flattering me." she said, pulling away and grabbing her book. Dickie pulled her close, allowing her head to rest on his chest. She looked up at him studying his eyes. They were focused only on her. He decided to make a bold move and kiss her.

They shared a passionate kiss. His tongue sent shivers down her body. Isobel hadn't felt like that in ages. Dickie kept going and sliding his hands further down her back until they were tugging at her shirt. She moaned a bit in frustration from the fussy outfit she had worn, but pulled his hands to the front to begin removing the buttons. She went for his sportcoat and the two found themselves peeling off jackets and tops. One by one the clothes came off and Dickie found himself laying under Isobel Crawley. Her curves and milky soft skin were to die for. Her bra and underwear remained on, but his mind still wandered.

" I think we should move our conversation upstairs." Dickie said before planting kisses down her neck.

" Last room on the left." She managed breathily. Dickie swiftly picked up Isobel and carried her up the stairs. He laid her gently on the bed and he got in beside her and they began to explore.

It started with simple touches and kisses until they found themselves passionately making love. Isobel hadn't lost her touch. She had been a good lover to Reginald, but when she felt all her emotions from nights of passion with him coming back to her, it felt like old times. She felt safe, and loved, and beautiful.

The two made love well into the early hours of the morning before giving out from sheer exhaustion. The storm was still raging outside while things in her bedroom had settled down.

Isobel collapsed breathlessly on Dickie and he held her close and bundled them up under the blankets, the heat of their bodies and passion keeping them warm.

Dickie wrapped his arms around Isobel letting them rest on her abdomen. He lovingly rubbed her stomach in circles feeling her breathing slow. She was so beautiful.

" Goodnight Dickie, I love you." She managed before falling fast asleep against him.

" I love you too my Bel." Dickie replied, smiling.

He laid and watched his Isobel sleep for a while, before going to gather their clothes from the library to not draw suspicion when Elizabeth arrived later that morning and got right back into bed sleeping soundly next to his future wife.

TBC……...