A.N: please be sure to listen to The Butler and the Housekeeper from the Downton Abbey soundtrack, that song is this fic's inspiration :) This is my first time writing any fanfiction, and had no editor, just keep that in mind ;) Please don't hesitate to leave a review!
The Carson's Cottage
1927
Elsie Carson never did get used to sleeping late in the mornings, but her husband sure did. On this particular morning, Elsie woke with sunlight cast on her eyes. She sits up on the edge of the bed and stretches, looking over her shoulder at her lovely husband snoring soundly in his sleep. She smiles and smoothes back the unruly curl at the side of his temple. Charles stirs before opening his eyes. "Where are you off to so early?" he asks sleepily. Elsie smiles and leans down to kiss his cheek. "Absolutely nowhere, love," she says before lying back down to snuggle closely to her husband.
Later that evening…
Charles Carson has always been a night owl. Before they were married, Charles and Elsie's nightly glass of wine or sherry was the only thing that allowed him to soundly fall asleep. Now, as they relax together in the sitting room of their cottage, with a warm fire roaring, Charles watches his wife fight to keep her eyes open. Instead of a nightcap, the couple now and again read together before going to bed. When Elsie's eyes finally shut, and her book falls onto her lap, Charles smiles lovingly. Charles quietly puts his book down on the side table, and kneels down in front of Elsie's chair. He gently caresses her cheek and runs his thumb against her cheekbone. In her sleep Elsie leans into his touch and slowly opens her eyes. "I think it's time for bed, love," Charles rumbles, as quietly as he can manage. Elsie tiredly smiles and nods, and Charles takes her hand and guides her to their bedroom. The second Elsie's head hits her pillow, she's asleep. Charles gets into bed next to her, and kisses her on the forehead. "Goodnight, love," he whispers before turning out the light.
