This is set around episode 6 of series 1, I know this is when the first Bates issue happened but I've left that out :)
As it did every year, the London season was fast approaching, it was the usual rush around to get the girls ready and this year was especially hectic as it was Lady Sybil's first season. Mrs Hughes was busy helping Anna, on any other day Anna was perfectly capable of seeing to all three girls herself but she needed an extra pair of hands when she had to pack their clothes. Combined with the extra work, Mrs Hughes was also tackling the daily challenges that came in the form of Mrs Patmore and Thomas (thankfully Miss O'Brien was helping her ladyship so was out of her way.) As usual, she would argue with Mrs Patmore over the key to the store cupboard then have to go and save William from the malicious bullying from Thomas.
She was thankful by the evening to be able to put her feet up in her sitting room, it wasnt that late, everyone else would still be up but she poured herself a glass of wine, sat with her journal on her lap, removed her shoes and rubbed her feet. She propped them up at the other end of her settee and began to write the happenings of the day.
She was disturbed by a knock at the door and Mr Carson came in on her call. He smiled a tired smile at her,
"Oh, you look busy" he nodded towards her glass.
"No I'm not, come in" She swung her feet to the floor and placed her glass on the table next to her. "Was there something you wanted to discuss?"
He stayed at the door, "not specifically, I just wanted to see if you wanted to come and sit with me in my pantry, as we haven't spoken all day. But if you're busy don't worry" He added quickly, turning to leave.
"How about you come and sit with me, I'll get you a glass of wine" she smiled as she got up, he left for a moment then returned holding a burgundy leather journal.
He thanked her as she handed him a glass and he sat in the chair opposite her, she resumed her position with her feet at the other end.
"I take it you were planning to do work tonight?" she nodded towards the book
"No, I've had enough work one day, I just needed to relax" he exhaled deeply and took a sip from him glass "thank you for this, good choice"
She smiled modestly, 'you don't work with Mr Carson for 11 years and not learn a thing or ten about how to choose the best wine' she thought, attempting to hide her laugh.
They sat in silence, writing, the fire and the occasional clink of glasses were the only sound. They could sit in silence, yet it would be enough for them that they were in the same room together, two very close friends spending time with each other. He enjoyed this.
"Is there any reason you're staring at me Mr Carson?" She didn't look up when she said this but it took him by surprise, he didn't realise he was staring at her, he'd just fallen into a daydream and she happened to be where he was staring.
"Beg your pardon Mrs Hughes, I blanked out for a moment" he returned to his writing but they were both interrupted by an impatient knock at the door and a frantic Anna came in;
"Mrs Hughes? Oh, Mr Carson, Lady Sybil got injured in the rally in Ripon, she's been taken to Crawley house and is on her way back now.
They exchanged horrified glances and got up, Mr Carson left his journal on his chair and once she'd put on her shoes, Mrs Hughes through hers next to his.
When they returned they were both considerably worn out from the stress of the last half an hour.
"I think I'll turn in Mrs Hughes, I'll see you in the morning before I leave" he smiled and went to leave.
"Ooh Mr Carson you forgot your book" she grabbed the nearest one off the chair an handed it to him. "If I don't get to say tomorrow, enjoy London and don't miss us too much" she winked at him as he left.
She turned off the lamps in her sitting room, carefully placing the other journal in her drawer before making her way up to bed.
Very appreciative of reviews :) Always like new ideas, or things to improve on :)