I forgot to post this one in my frenzy! I wrote this after the first installment of Cottageverse, but before the continuation in drabble form, for a challenge on lovebelowstairs. Chronologically for the story, however, I would put it last. I wrote it during season one, before Daisy married William, and before they turned Molesley into comic relief. (Now, as I read, I can't decide whether I want Mrs Mason to be Daisy or Beryl.)

Elsie glanced out the kitchen window and smiled.

She leisurely placed the kettle onto the stove and checked on the scones that were baking.

Leisurely. Such a lovely word, she thought. One she'd only recently become acquainted with.

She was slowly training herself to do everything at a leisurely pace.

Unfortunately, she still hadn't stopped waking at the crack of dawn, but she sometimes managed to roll over and stay nestled within the warmth of the bed before she actually rose these days.

After laying out the food and tea on a tray, she went outside to where the gentlemen sat chatting.

They would, of course, claim they were talking about gardening or service when she joined them. Men didn't gossip and natter like women, they'd say.

Charles quickly jumped up as soon as he saw her, which was not long after she'd stepped out into the morning sun. She liked to think perhaps he was looking out for her, or attuned to her presence.

"Good morning, Mr Molesley."

"Good morning, Mrs Hugh…I mean, Mrs Carson."

She waved off his embarrassment. "Don't worry, Mr Molesley. The Dowager Countess still refuses to acknowledge my married name."

"She's just forgetful," Charles said. "Who wouldn't be at her age?"

Some things would never change, and her husband defending the Crawleys was one of them.

She had no sooner settled against the low brick wall of the garden when Molesley made his apologies. Head butlers at Downton's breaks were few and far between.

"How long will it take, do you think, for you to stop missing it?"

Charles looked surprised at her question.

"You looked wistful," she explained. "I know you well, Mr Carson."

He chuckled, took her hand and kissed the inside of her wrist. "I'm so happy you do, Mrs Carson."