Author's note: I'm truly sorry for the extremely long delay. I hope you're still enjoying this story.

Many thanks to kshap for editing this chapter!

Chapter 14

After the previous day's events it had been difficult for Isobel Crawley to find some sleep. She had been so very close to telling Lord Merton that she truly loved him or at least to make him realize it. But then, the doctor had come in and Isobel had almost fled the room. She was angry that they had been interrupted. On the other hand, she was not sure if she would have found the courage to say those three words if Dr Clarkson had not entered the room. Why was it still so difficult to talk about her feelings? By now, she was very sure of her feelings for him. All those sleepless nights full of soul-searching had told her that. What was it then that held her back?

The next morning brought Isobel another invitation form Violet. This time she ordered her to luncheon. The Dowager hinted it was most urgent that Isobel would obey the invitation and a refusal would not be accepted. Isobel snorted as she read the card. Typical Violet! But then, she wanted to have a word with her. She was still angry with Violet having invited both the Merton boys to that horrible dinner two days ago without her knowing it.

It was a bit early when Isobel arrived at the Dower House. Spratt took her coat.

"You look very tired my dear," Violet told her as soon as Isobel entered the room. "Are you feeling well?" She seemed truly concerned but Isobel did not realize it or did not want to. She instructed Spratt to bring them some tea and cake.

"Since when do you care what I feel?" Isobel blurted out after Spratt had left the room.

"What do you mean by that?"

"I mean that horrible dinner with the Merton boys! Why on earth did you invite them when you knew how I would be compromised? You did not care a jot about my feelings back then."

"Well, I think the result of this dinner turned out rather nicely, apart from Dickie Merton nearly dying, of course," the Dowager replied, avoiding a straight answer.

"Sometimes you can be rather unfeeling!" Isobel could feel the anger and frustration built up inside her.

"I know, my dear, but reminding me of that won't change a thing, I'm afraid," Violet said. "But as it seems, you and Lord Merton are on good terms again, maybe even more. Well, I think I can congratulate myself for my cunning plan of inviting you all." She almost smiled to herself while saying that.

"If you must know, we are on good terms again, if you want to call it like that but nothing more." Isobel informed her, suddenly feeling very sad.

"Oh dear, your former fiancé you are so clearly in love with almost died and you did not tell him anything? What are you waiting for? When he's dead, it's too late, my dear."

Spratt entered and brought tea and cake. Violet thanked him and he left the room. She poured them the tea. All this prevented Isobel from making an answer. She felt miserable. Deep down she knew Violet was right. On the other hand things were still very complicated with Dickie and his sons. She felt helpless and exhausted.

Isobel was grateful for the tea and cake. It helped her to regain control of her emotions.

"Isobel, my dear, I remember that you told me one day that this would be your last adventure before you're done..." Violet reminded her.

"Well, I was very foolish then to say such a thing."

"Were you foolish then or are you foolish now?"

Thanks for reading. Please let me know what you think if you have the time.