Professional to the Last
"Mr Carson, I didn't know you were in here."
It was Bates, which did not really surprise him. Carson had been hovering in his office for quite a while, waiting for it to be time to ring the dressing gong, and avoiding any human contact. He had expected someone to come looking for him, and the fact that it was Bates was just common sense. Being the only person on the staff apart from Mrs Hughes and Carson himself had any reason to be in this office, it was natural that he should be the one to discover Carson using it as a hiding place.
"Not at all, Mr Bates. What can I do for you?"
"I was just coming to tell you, Lord Grantham wishes to have the dressing gong rung slightly later than usual. Apparently, her Ladyship has a headache, and he wishes to give her time to recover before we go to dinner. I have already spoken to Mrs Patmore, and she says it won't interfere with the meal."
"Very well; I shall ring the gong at about six o'clock. Would that suit his Lordship?"
"It would, thank you."
"That will do."
Carson resumed his seat, and heard the door close. However, when he looked up he saw that Bates still remained in the room.
"Is there something else, Mr Bates?"
"I hate to pry, Mr Carson, but is something wrong? You haven't been seen since this morning, by anyone. Are you well, Sir?"
"No, I'm afraid I'm not. But I will be; thank you."
"May I ask, Mr Carson; what is it that bothers you?"
"Well, I, um…"
"Is it Mrs Hughes, Mr Carson?"
"What?"
Bates took a seat, and clasped his hands on his knees.
"You can't be surprised that someone has noticed. Honestly, Mr Carson, your eyes are on her so much that it's a wonder they haven't fallen out."
Carson couldn't help but laugh, it was true.
"You know," he mused "I can hardly even pinpoint the moment I realised it. She's a good woman; strong, honest, hardworking. She is kind; strict but fair. All I know is, for quite a while, I have accepted that I love her."
Bates nodded.
"Have you told her this, Mr Carson?"
"Of course not! Can you imagine the trouble it would cause? Besides, we need to be focussed on our jobs; on keeping this house running. I can hardly be distracting her with such trivial matters."
"Your feelings are hardly trivial."
"They are when it comes to running this household."
The bell on the clock rang six o'clock, and Carson nodded to Bates.
"I will ring the dressing gong; you should see to his Lordship."
Bates nodded, and turned to leave the office. Carson cleared his throat.
"Thank you, Bates. I appreciate you listening. It… it was good to get this matter off my chest."
"Of course, Mr Carson. I'll see to his Lordship."
Bates left, and Carson followed him. So preoccupied was Carson, that he never noticed Mrs Hughes standing like a statue near his door. The matter would not be brought up between them, but they kept their professionalism to the last.