A/N: I have not written fan fiction in over ten years. I do ask for words of improvement as well as encouragement if you can spare the time. Thank you to all the fanfic writers who share their talents especially in the Downton Abbey universe and the Chelsie fandom in particular-you all have given me courage to do this. I love Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes and hope I do them justice.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. ITV, Fellowes, Logan, Carter, et al get the credit. I'm just fan-girling in fanfic form.

Breaking the News

Lord Grantham sat at his desk quite perplexed. He wasn't sure he heard Mr. Carson correctly. "You're engaged to be married?"

"Yes, my lord."

"To Mrs. Hughes?"

"Yes, my lord."

Lord Grantham stood and shook his head. "I have to say, Carson, I'm flabbergasted."

Mr. Carson gripped his hands behind his back and looked down. "I understand this may come as a surprise, my lord."

"Surprise? Carson this is astonishing. I don't even know where to start." Lord Grantham wandered to the windows. He looked out at the landscape; the dynasty of Downton Abbey facing another crisis—his butler is marrying his housekeeper.

Mr. Carson moved to the middle of the library and cleared his throat. He was resolute in his course to see this through. Mrs. Hughes was upstairs with her ladyship having the very same conversation. If she could weather the storm, then so could he.

- CE -

Lady Grantham was wide-eyed and seemed to be taking in a breath that would never end. "Married?"

"Yes, milady."

"To Mr. Carson?"

"Yes, milady."

Lady Grantham stood and turned face to face with Mrs. Hughes. "I have to say, Mrs. Hughes, I'm shocked."

Mrs. Hughes wasn't sure what to expect from her ladyship. Cora Crawley had several shocks in just as many years and managed them in good stride. Perhaps this is one shock too many.

"I mean, Carson, actually asked you to marry him?" Lady Grantham continued to advance toward the housekeeper and seemed to hum with energy.

Mrs. Hughes felt a bit challenged by her ladyship's behavior. She raised her chin and stated proudly, "He did, milady."

Lady Grantham smiled. "Well, I thought he'd never ask."

-CE-

Carson took a fortifying breath. "We don't mean to cause you any distress, my lord. You must know that."

"Distress, disruption, disbelief, why pick one? Of course the two of you are planning to retire?"

"Neither Mrs. Hughes nor I are quite ready to retire. I've purchased a house…"

"A house? When did this happen?"

"That has been in the works for a few months, my lord. You see it was my hope to start a business venture with Mrs. Hughes' assistance, a bed and breakfast to be more precise. And from there, perhaps as we were closer to retirement I might ask for her hand then."

Lord Grantham paced back and forth before plopping most ungentlemanly on the library sofa. He couldn't quite process what was happening. There have been many changes in the world of late. The decade so far had been a whirlwind of ups and downs, but Charles Carson, the steadfast leviathan of decorum and tradition is throwing it all out the window to marry Mrs. Hughes.

Lord Grantham looked up to see Carson securing a glass of brandy. "The fact that you had such a plan in place doesn't jar me at all, Carson.," Lord Grantham uttered. "But what's changed? Because it sounds to me you are wanting to marry sooner rather than later. I take it this business venture is ready to open?"

"No, my lord, it will take some time to renovate for our purposes," Carson said cautiously and bent over to hand his lordship his consolatory glass.

"But you do intend to marry soon. So, you'll retire then, before the season?"

"Well we do not plan on marrying tomorrow, my lord. Before the season, yes. But we do not wish to retire quite yet."

That last remark brought Lord Grantham up short. "You're suggesting Downton Abbey have a married butler and housekeeper?" he said quite agitated. "Well, I never," Lord Grantham said and took a generous gulp of his drink.

-CE-

"But of course you can stay," Lady Grantham said with a smile. "I mean, as long as you want to. Don't feel obligated. You and Carson have served this family long enough. I would think you'd want your time together."

Although Lady Grantham didn't mean her statement to sound risqué, Mrs. Hughes couldn't help but think that is what Mr. Carson would say having heard the same. A thought that made her slightly blush.

Meanwhile, Lady Grantham was barreling down a train of thought Mrs. Hughes had pondered but not yet voiced with her fiancée.

"What room did you have in mind for you and Mr. Carson?" Lady Grantham said still beaming.

"My lady?"

"Well for after you're married of course. It wouldn't be right to stay in the attics. The two of you would never have privacy."

Mrs. Hughes paused while her ladyship paced and seemed to be going through an imaginary list of facets to consider. "I mean you will need time alone, away from your duties as butler and housekeeper. You will need your time as husband and wife," Lady Grantham said as she pulled out a pen and paper to gather her thoughts.

Now this did bring on blush. While Mrs. Hughes had thought what it might be like to share time with Mr. Carson as a married couple, having her ladyship voice it so matter of fact was like when her mother told her it was time to start wearing a corset…uncomfortable but thrilling at the same time.

Mrs. Hughes was not even sure sharing a room was what Mr. Carson intended. The two had spent the week after Christmas preparing for the Servant's Ball and then making plans to leave if their news was met with derision instead of delight. They were more concerned about having a roof over their heads, not necessarily whether that roof would be in a single bedroom or a single bed for that matter. A conversation for another time, and that time depended on the outcome of Mr. Carson's discussion with Lord Grantham.

"We can certainly discuss it, my lady," Mrs Hughes finally uttered. "Perhaps once his lordship and Mr. Carson have finished their conversation, as it may change our plans."

Lady Grantham paused in that moment. "Oh, you're quite right, Mrs. Hughes," she said a dejectedly, her excitement waning as she sat. "His lordship does not take well to change."

"Well normally my lady, neither does Mr. Carson," Mrs. Hughes said with a nod.

"Oh to be a fly on that wall," Lady Grantham said, turning to her vanity to continue her planning.

"Well, perhaps not a fly, more like a mouse," Mrs. Hughes thought as she recalled some well-placed grating in the main hall.

-CE-

"What of standards, Carson?" Lord Grantham said unkindly. "I do not see how this arrangement can be conducive to running this house."

Lord Grantham's reaction was not a surprise to Mr. Carson; after all he too balks and berates revolution when it rears its ugly head. He has spent the past several weeks going over in his mind the wrinkle which could develop in the delicate fabric of the house should he marry Mrs. Hughes. Mr. Carson was proud of Downton; although not his by deed it was his in devotion and care, deeply rooted and unfaltering. It was this fact that gave Mr. Carson the courage to propose to Mrs. Hughes. He was firm in his belief he could love her, the Crawleys, and Downton in style as he has been doing for over a decade.

This rumination rallied his strength. Mr. Carson was affronted at the assertion he or Mrs. Hughes would allow the household to fall in disarray. "Mrs. Hughes and I uphold the highest standards at all times, my lord, because it is in our nature to do so. That will not waver," he said proudly.

"And the stir this will cause. You hate nattering and gossip more than me, Carson, but you do realize this will become the talk of the village."

"Mrs. Hughes and I understand people may be preoccupied with the news, my lord, but we will do everything in our power to ensure there is no disruption to the house."

"And when your news reaches other houses? What if other butlers have been waiting for the horn to whisk their housekeepers or housemaids off their feet?"

Now Carson did take this to offense. "I haven't whisked Mrs. Hughes off anything, or any housemaids for that matter," he said gruffly stepping toward his lordship.

"Wouldn't it make more sense to maintain this agreement-"

"Engagement, my lord!" Carson vehemently interjected. "We are engaged."

Mr. Carson's cutting interruption brought Lord Grantham up short. He realized the man before him was of course Carson, butler of the highest order requesting acquiescence from his employer to remain a loyal and devout servant; but this was also Charles Carson, man of pride and honor announcing he has decided to take a wife and may perhaps hope for kind regards from a friend.

"I beg your pardon, my lord. I am afraid sensibility is lost on me at the moment," Mr. Carson said a bit flustered and wobbly.

Lord Grantham took a drink and a long breath. "Women have a way of doing that to us, Carson. Do sit down," he said and gestured to the couch.

Mr. Carson made to object and turned redder by the moment.

"Carson, please before you fall over," Lord Grantham said with a sigh. "I don't imagine Mrs. Hughes would be forgiving of me if our conversation led you to collapse."

Mr. Carson gave a slight nod in affirmation of this statement. He then sat very rigidly on the couch opposite Lord Grantham and took several breaths before trying to speak again. "I did not mean to be so forward, my lord."

"No, I doubt you did. But what's done is done," Lord Grantham said as he relaxed back into the couch. "This is truly the dawn of a new age, Carson. There have been many steps I've had to take in these changing times. Progress as they say. I suppose this is one more," Lord Grantham said as he slowly observed his now empty glass.

Mr. Carson was sympathetic to the unease this put on his lordship. After all, it was not that long ago when the committee to erect the war memorial asked him to be chairman over his lordship. What a shifting of the sands that was. It was not comfortable for Mr. Carson to accept such a change of position, but it worked out in the end. And marrying his dearest friend seemed like the finest end he could ever have.

"My lord, if you would allow one of us to remain in your employ, I'm sure we could manage something-"

"No, I'm afraid that won't do," Lord Grantham said as he stood and walked to the sideboard for more drink.

Carson gave a disappointed sigh. "Of course it won't."

Mr. Carson was deflated by this, physically and mentally. Both he and Mrs. Hughes losing their posts was the worst possible outcome for announcing their understanding to his lord and ladyship. But it was not the end of all things. They would marry even sooner than hoped and renovate the house while they were in it. It might be a bit harried, but being in such close quarters with Mrs. Hughes would make it all bearable.

Carson stood, once again resolute. "Will you allow us to remain until we can find suitable replacements, my lord?"

"Carson, no one could ever replace you," Lord Grantham said pouring more brandy.

"My lord, allow me to do that."

"I can manage, Carson, besides it's bad luck to pour your own spirit of congratulations," Lord Grantham said handing Mr. Carson a glass of his very own.

"My lord, I am afraid now I am the confused one."

"Well, it is nice for me have the upper hand in my own home now and again," Lord Grantham smirked.

"I didn't mean to imply-"

"Of course not, Carson. First, a toast," Lord Grantham said as he raised his glass toward Mr. Carson. "To you and Mrs. Hughes, may your days going forward be fuller and more joyous than even your best ones behind you."

Lord Grantham tossed back his drink but Mr. Carson did not follow suit right away.

"Carson what's the matter?'

"Forgive me, my lord, I seem to be having déjà vu. But, what exactly are we celebrating?"

"Downton has always been a place of grand style; its walls fortified in established ritual and tradition. As the times change, I feel cracks are forming to make the whole damned thing collapse around me," Lord Grantham said wearily.

Mr. Carson understood this feeling, for a changing Downton has haunted his days and reverberated in his heart with every strike of the gong. "My lord, Mrs. Hughes and I will find the right people to help maintain Downton's standards, to be sure. And we will take our leave as soon as we have done so."

"Carson, you are the only one to whom I would confess this, lest her ladyship think me a sentimental fool, but lately I have come to realize that Downton's cracks can be filled with compassion and communion, especially with those we most cherish. And as her steward, I think adding the regard you and our dear Mrs. Hughes have for one another can only help keep her standing."

Lord Grantham placed a hand on Mr. Carson's shoulder and said, "I'm delighted you want to stay. I'm delighted to have you both stay, married."

Mr. Carson struggled to maintain his mask of indifference as joy fought to break through. "Thank you, my lord. You have my complete and utter gratitude."

"Just make sure to maintain a happy union, Carson. The tales of a Scottish dragon are legendary above as well as below stairs. I don't think Downtown, fortified or not, could withstand a vexed housekeeper."

Carson lifted his glass and said, "Let's hope I'm worthy of the charge, my lord."

- CE -

Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes had been quite busy after their meetings with their respective lord and lady. There was only time to quickly share the happy outcome of their conversations as a joint success.

Now that everyone had gone to bed, Mr. Carson glided into Mrs. Hughes' sitting room with two glasses and a bottle of wine. "Compliments from his lordship," he said raising the bottle like a prize.

"I know you said it went well, but it must have gone very well to earn us a bottle of his lordship's finest," Mrs. Hughes said with a smile as she straightened her desk.

"It was an interesting conversation, Mrs. Hughes. Very trying on one's stamina. I don't recommend such meditative conversations."

"I would think not," Mrs. Hughes chuckled as she moved to their table.

"What do you mean?" Mr. Carson looked at her curious.

"Well, her ladyship and I did not have such a profound conversation as you and his lordship. It was over fairly quick. So I wandered downstairs and may have heard some of your exchange," Mrs. Hughes said with a shrug. "Not everything, mind. Mr. Barrow caught me out so I had to distract him saying her ladyship mentioned losing a button opening presents on Christmas Day."

"In other words, you were eavesdropping," Mr. Carson said with a raised eyebrow.

Mrs. Hughes waved her hand dismissively and replied, "I was merely doing my job, doing rounds and looking over things in the hall. And a good housekeeper always has an ear to the ground."

Mr. Carson leaned down and whispered, "Or to a grate."

"Charles Carson, what a mean thing to say to your fiancée," Mrs. Hughes said half hurt and half honest.

"Now, now, no need to get flummoxed about it," Mr. Carson said as he looked over the wine bottle label. "Oh, he did mention when we are ready to publicly announce our engagement he will bring out champagne, which I refused of course, but that's a conversation for another day. I did not think I had the strength to battle further."

"Some battles are not worth fighting, Mr. Carson. Perhaps you should let his lordship win that one," Mrs. Hughes said as she sat at the side table.

"I don't know, Mrs. Hughes. I am pretty sure he won the one this afternoon," Mr. Carson said handing Mrs. Hughes her glass.

"And how's that?"

Mr. Carson sat in his usual chair and looked down at his wine, replaying the earlier encounter with Lord Grantham. "There came a moment when I thought for sure he was going to boot us both out the back door without a word to our character."

"His lordship would never," Mrs. Hughes countered.

"I didn't believe so, but it felt like the tides were turning that way. Then he said something..."

Mr. Carson raised his eyes and looked intently upon Mrs. Hughes. She could feel a blush rising and had to resist the urge to touch her hair or smooth her skirt.

"What did he say?" Mrs. Hughes asked airily.

"That a regard such as ours would only fortify Downton, not tear it apart," Mr. Carson said fiddling with the tablecloth.

"My, my, his lordship is quite the poet," Mrs. Hughes said with a smirk. "Have you been giving him lessons, Mr. Carson?"

He returned her smile and in a low voice asked, "Would you agree with him, Mrs. Hughes? Is our regard for one another strong enough to keep a great house standing?"

Both knew this was skirting a delicate subject, and regard could include and exclude so much. Mrs. Hughes could only think of one way to answer, "Oh I think it is, Mr. Carson, mighty strong."

Mr. Carson let out a long breath and smiled. "I believe so too, Mrs. Hughes, without a doubt," he said and raised his glass to his lips.

"Well, there's a little doubt," Mrs. Hughes objected as she readied to drink.

"What do you mean?"

Mrs. Hughes lowered her eyes at Mr. Carson and said, "Oh I don't know, something about Scottish dragons?"

Mr. Carson halted his glass. "You heard that then?" he said sheepishly.

"And I did not hear an objection to it on your part, Mr. Carson"

"Mrs. Hughes, I am…I am," Mr. Carson struggled to find the words.

"Worthy of the charge?" Mrs. Hughes sassed and took a long drink of wine.

"I only dare to hope, Mrs. Hughes. I only ever dare to hope." He said in salute before taking his own long and well-deserved drink.

A/N: Thank you for reading. I cannot promise they will always be this long, this one got away from me a bit. But I do have plans for four more chapters.

Chelsie on!