A/N: After I posted 'Christmas Morning, 1924' I had several reviews and messages asking me to think about continuing the story. I had a few misgivings; the two main ones being, I think the original story works well as a one-shot and that I don't feel as confident writing the other characters. However, never one to back away from a challenge, I sat down and tried to come up with something, and so Reactions was born.

There will be one chapter focusing on specific character reactions to the news of Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes' engagement and this will be specified at the top. I don't know how may chapters it will be in total but I'm planning at least four.

Remember, this follows on directly from where 'Christmas Morning, 1924' left off (the italics are the end of that story), so if you haven't read it yet, please do so. Oh and thanks to olehistorian for her beta duties! You're a star!

Chapter 1: Mrs Patmore

A knock on the door pulled their attention away from each other. Mrs Patmore entered. "I thought you'd want to know that his Lordship is down for breakfast; Thomas and Andy have already gone up." She regarded the butler and the housekeeper curiously for a moment; they hadn't quite regained their composure. It was only when she noticed the mistletoe that her eyes began to widen.

Thanks to years of perfecting the art of unspoken communication, a quick glance between Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes, decided the course of action.

"Thomas and Andy can manage breakfast for the moment," Mrs Hughes said, as she closed and locked the door. "Mr Carson and I have some news…"

Mrs Hughes returned and stood next to Mr Carson. The cook looked at them. "Well, spit it out then, I haven't got all day," she chided.

"The thing is Mrs Patmore…" began Mr Carson, before realising he had no real idea how to continue.

"Yes?" pressed their friend. Mr Carson looked to his fiancée for help.

She smiled up at him before turning back to Mrs Patmore, relaying the information without a hint of fluster or embarrassment. "Mr Carson and I are to be married."

Mrs Patmore stood dumbstruck as her friend's words pierced though the fog of morning duties that was running through her brain. When she finally processed the news, Mr. Carson winced as she shrieked, "Oh my Lord!" Her hand flew to her mouth and her eyes darted between the two people stood before her. When she finally calmed, she looked like the cat who'd got the cream, delighted that her friends had finally come to their senses. "Will wonders never cease? It's about flamin' time! I've known snails that move faster than you two."

"I take it you're pleased then?" Mrs Hughes asked.

"Pleased? I'm more than pleased," she cried, her voice getting louder once more. "I'm thrilled! I'm ecstatic. I'm over the bleedin' moon!" she replied, drawing her friend into a congratulatory hug. It was unusual for them to be so affectionate with one another, but if any situation warranted it, this one did.

When they pulled apart, Mrs Patmore approached Mr Carson, who looked worried that he was also to be greeted with a hug. Mrs Patmore sensed his apprehension and merely placed her hand on his arm, squeezing it in congratulation. Having let him off the hook with the hug, she settled for teasing him instead. "It certainly took you a while, but I'm glad you finally found the courage to ask!"

"I… it was never about… I mean… I…" spluttered Mr Carson, before Mrs Hughes came to his rescue.

"For heaven's sake leave the poor man alone, Mrs Patmore," she chided affectionately. "What's done is done. He has asked and I have accepted, that is all that matters now." She looked up at her fiancé and beamed, taking his hand.

"So when's the 'big day'?"

"Heavens! We haven't gotten that far yet," Mrs Hughes replied.

"We need to inform the family," Charles added. "And once we know their feelings on the issue, we can move forward."

Mrs Patmore looked between them aghast. "You aren't going to let them stop you, surely?"

"Definitely not," assured Mr Carson, squeezing Mrs Hughes' hand. "But their reaction will certainly influence our plans."

"If they don't want a married butler and housekeeper then we will need to put in place plans for our retirement," Mrs Hughes explained. "If they're happy for us to stay then we will, for a little while at least. Once we've told the family, we will tell the rest of the staff. Until all that is done, can we rely on you to keep our secret?"

"Of course you can. I'll be as quiet as a church mouse."

The butler and housekeeper shared a look; they couldn't imagine Mrs Patmore being quiet about anything. "I mean it. You can't tell anyone. Not even Mr Mason," Mrs Hughes added, causing Mr Carson to raise an eyebrow at Mrs Patmore.

Her cheeks reddened. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean," she mumbled. "I'd better get back or Daisy'll be sending out a search party."

"And you should get upstairs," Mrs Hughes instructed Mr Carson.

Mrs Patmore moved to the door. When her hand was on the doorknob, she turned back to the newly engaged couple. "Congratulations. And Happy Christmas."

"Thank you Mrs Patmore. Happy Christmas to you too," Mrs Hughes replied; Mr Carson's nod echoing her statement.

As she walked off down the corridor, Mrs Patmore began whistling to herself. Mr Carson couldn't be sure but it sounded suspiciously like she was whistling the refrain of 'Dashing Away with a Smoothing Iron'.

"What's gotten into you?" they heard Daisy ask as Mrs Patmore reappeared in the kitchen. Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes neared the pantry door, listening intently. Would Mrs Patmore be able to control herself, or would her enthusiasm for their happiness give them away?

"Never you mind," she chided the young girl. "It's Christmas, we're allowed to make merry! Now, pass me that rolling pin, will you. We've got a lot to do."

A/N: Well, what do you think? Next up is Lord Grantham.