A/N For this one, I'm assuming that Carson didn't become butler until 1900 give or take a few years. So here he is Robert-not-yet-the-Earl's valet.
Apparently I don't own Downton Abbey. Who knew?
Carson hissed at the needle piercing his skin and quickly pulled his hand away from Mister Robert's dinner jacket. He glared at the small drop of blood gathered on the tip of his index finger. Just what he needed, he thought. He found his handkerchief and wrapped it tightly around his finger to stop the bleeding.
He gritted his teeth at the still wailing cry that had first startled him from his work. Surely someone would make it stop soon. Carson glowered out of Mister Robert's dressing room and then sighed as he resigned himself to working through the noise. He needed to have this jacket mended by tonight or Mister Robert would be none too pleased- crying baby or no.
He was halfway finished with the tear when he began to grow worried. The baby was still crying. In fact, she seemed to be getting louder. He furrowed his brow and got on with his work. Nanny would take care of it soon enough. But, he thought glancing towards the hall, what if there was something wrong with Nanny? Who was on duty in the nursery today? He couldn't remember. Perhaps he should check?
No. It wasn't his job to take care of babies. He schooled his face into one of seriousness. He was better off worrying about Mister Robert's dinner jacket than a crying baby. As valet, it was his job to take care Mister Robert, not children.
But the baby was Mister Robert's child and Carson was sure that he would not be pleased to know his first born was being neglected. Carson looked between the door and the garment in his hands.
Quite by accident Carson found himself in the nursery bouncing a crying baby on his hip. "There now, my little Lady. Don't cry."
He found that his voice had a soothing effect on the little girl and continued to speak to her until her tears were dry and she was looking at him with her dark brown eyes. Carson thought she looked so serious for a baby. She did not once look away as her chubby little hand rose up and grabbed his nose.
"Ow!" Carson rubbed his nose feigning hurt. She giggled at him and Carson knew then that he had lost his heart to Little Lady Mary Crawley.
A/N 2: I'm thinking about maybe making this a small series of little moments between Carson and Mary. Let me know what you think of this one and if you'd want more. Thanks for reading.