As always, I don't own them, although I'm beginning to wonder if they own me or my imagination at least.
Charles Carson had been pondering an action for quite a while. As he came to know and like his employer's new heir better, he decided to take that action. While helping Mr. Crawley with his coat one night, he asked, "Mr. Crawley, I wonder if I might be able to speak with you away from the house on a matter of personal business."
Mr. Crawley gave him a puzzled look and assured him that he could, "Actually, Mr. Carson I will be at home tomorrow afternoon, if you would like to come I'll be happy to see you then."
The following afternoon, Charles walked down to the village to Crawley House. Not sure exactly what to do he went to the servant's door. He informed Moseley of his appointment with the master of the house. Moseley seemed to be a little disconcerted as well.
He was shown to the study, and Mr. Crawley welcomed him and offered him a seat. Charles perched uncomfortably on the edge of the chair opposite Mr. Crawley's desk.
"Mr. Crawley, I find myself in need of a solicitor, and you seem to be an honorable man," he began cautiously.
Mr. Crawley nodded his appreciation for the compliment, "Go on."
"Well, I-, sir, anything that is said here will be in strict confidence?" he asked hesitantly.
"Surely you've not gotten yourself into trouble Mr. Carson," Mr. Crawley began jokingly and then at Mr. Carson's level look (glare), assured him that anything said in this office would be held in confidence.
"I am growing older. I do not have any close relatives. At my last calculation, I believe that I may have a third cousin twice removed. I would prefer that someone I care about benefit from what small amount of money I have been able to save."
"Ah! So you would like to make a will," Mr. Crawley said as he became more businesslike.
Relieved that he had caught on so quickly, Carson smiled, "Yes; that is exactly what I would like to do."
"Well that's simple enough," Mr. Crawley said as he pulled out a sheet of paper to make notes, "Could you give me some idea of the sums and items involved?"
As Carson began to reveal the money involved and list what few personal items he had that would be worthy of passing on, he had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Crawley's eyes widen in surprise and mouth gape just a little.
"Mr. Carson that is a respectable sum. Please forgive my impertinence, but since I will one day possibly be your employer…"
"No, Mr. Crawley, my salary is not that large, but I have had the benefit of many years to save that sum, as well as a few successful investments," Mr. Carson said with the smallest of smiles.
"Oh, right, well, then," Mr. Crawley began again, "and who would the beneficiaries be?"
"Just one beneficiary, Mr. Crawley," Mr. Carson replied softly, "Mrs. Elsie Hughes."
"I see."
Blushing, Mr. Carson felt the need to explain, "I just would prefer that the money go to someone I know. I don't want you to think that there is anything personal between us, -not that I don't think very highly of Mrs. Hughes, but.."
Matthew Crawley was astounded to see Mr. Carson, the unflappable butler so flustered.
"It is quite understandable that you would have developed a friendship with Mrs. Hughes after working together for so long. Is there no one else that you would like to leave anything to?"
"No one," Charles finished more confidently, "except maybe my conscience to Thomas."
The last was said low enough that Matthew chose to pretend he hadn't heard.