So I've been sitting on this for ages waiting for life to get out of the way so I can do important things like write fan fiction and re-watch the whole show from season one. It's a work in progress, filling in a few of the gaps from the end of season five onwards. It started as several one shots after watching each episode, but I've ended up tying them all together so with any luck they make sense. Hopefully this will keep me going for a while before I truly accept that it's over and give in to the inevitable post-Downton depression. As always, most of these wonderful characters belong to the wonderful Julian Fellowes, I'm just borrowing them for a little while. It's mostly Charlie and Elsie, but there are a bigger chapters where a few others make an appearance too. Enjoy! x

After the proposal S5 Christmas Special (in case you'd forgotten when it was!)

They slid seamlessly back into the great hall, only Mrs Patmore had discreetly clocked the housekeeper and butler mysteriously returning to the party. She watched them carefully, Mr Carson was attempting to keep a straight face, but a small smile was toying with the edge of his lips. She noted that Mrs Hughes was sported a similar expression and wondered what they had been up to. The thought of them having a quick kiss alone under the mistletoe in the servant's hall gave her a giggle and she turned her head to avoid Daisy seeing. She didn't think of the butler and housekeeper's mysterious moment again, the sight of Mr Bates distracted her.

'Carson.' Lord Grantham approached the butler some time later, his head starting to throb slightly having overdone the alcohol earlier in the evening.

'Yes, My Lord' came Carson's ever-reliable response.

'Could I have a glass of water? I fear I may have over-done it a little.'

'Certainly, My Lord.' Carson replied, summoning Mr Molesley to return to the kitchens for it. Once he had sent the footman on his errand, he returned his attention to the earl. 'My Lord, would you appreciate a moment away from the noise, I have something I wish to discuss?'

'Of course, Carson. That would be very welcome.' Mr Carson caught Mrs Hughes gaze and gave her a small nod, before following Lord Grantham to the small library.

'What can I do for you then Carson?'

'The thing is, My Lord. I have something, that is, Mrs Hughes and I have come to a decision which we wanted to make you aware of.' Robert raised his eyebrows and put a hand to his forehead, before seating himself in a nearby chair.

'Oh God, Carson, don't retire on me please.' Mr Carson smiled.

'No, My Lord, we hadn't intended to do that anytime soon.' The Earl of Grantham looked relieved. 'Mrs Hughes and I have been through a lot together, we've worked as a team for twenty-five years, My Lord and in that time, well, she's… I… Well' Carson faltered, suddenly struggling to find the words to explain what he really felt. He wasn't entirely comfortable saying the words to his employer before he'd even said them to her. He coughed slightly and adjusted his waistcoat.

'Carson?' The Earl asked, sitting up slightly. Mr Carson took a deep breath.

'I've asked Mrs Hughes to marry me and for reasons I have yet to understand, she has agreed.' His shoulders relaxed and broad smile spread across his face. He looked back at the earl and returned his face to his usual sombre expression.

'Golly, Carson!' Robert said, standing up.

'I understand that it's a little unorthodox,' Carson continued, 'but I want to assure you that nothing will change with regard to the day to day running of things.'

'Of not course, Carson. I wouldn't doubt that, you've both proven your loyalty over the years.' Robert sighed. 'The world is certainly changing. I can't quite imagine you'd have managed this same conversation with my father.' Carson smiled.

'No, My Lord. But then, I'm not sure I'd have had the courage to ask her back then either.'

'What changed?' Robert asked, suddenly curious about the Damascene conversion that seemed to have taken place within the ever proper and steady butler.

'Many things I think. We've always got on well and I suppose we've just gradually become better friends and I suppose at a somewhat glacial pace, here we are. We're not getting any younger, certainly, and I'd had thoughts of what I might eventually do when I retired. I considered a few ideas and came to realise I didn't want to do any of them if it meant she wouldn't be working alongside me every day. So we discussed a potential business idea, but it didn't work out in quite the way I'd planned so I thought I'd just come clean and ask her.'

'And she said yes.' Robert said with a smile.

'She called me something I shall not be repeating and said she thought I'd never ask.' Robert laughed at the final point.

'Well, Carson. I wish you many congratulations. I'm sure you'll be very happy together.'

'Thank you, My Lord. That means a great deal.' Carson said, very touched by the Earl's comment.

'Would you like me to make an announcement tonight?'

'Perhaps not, I think we'd like to discuss a few things first. I just thought it would be best to make you aware. Mrs Patmore's had her eye on us for a long time and once she knows, she won't be able to contain the knowledge that she was right and I didn't want you to hear from anyone else.' They both laughed. 'I'll speak to Mrs Hughes and we'll make a decision about when to announce it.'

'Excellent. I'm not sure what to make of you embracing the new world, Carson. But I have no doubt that you will work well together.' Carson nodded.

'I hope so, My Lord.' They both turned and made for the door.

'I do have one thing to ask though, Carson. With regard to the announcement.' Carson nodded. 'I would very much like to be present when you break the news to Mama.' The both laughed again and with a 'Certainly, My Lord.' From Carson, they returned to locate Mr Molesley and the jug of water.

Mrs Hughes had watched the Butler and Earl enter the library. She took a deep breath to calm herself. She knew the Earl couldn't prevent them from marrying, but she wasn't sure that if the Earl delivered an ultimatum between her or his job that Mr Carson would be able to part with his beloved Downton.

'It's a lovely party, Mrs Hughes.' Mrs Crawley said appearing at Mrs Hughes' side. 'You've certainly worked hard on this one.'

'Thank you, Mrs Crawley. It's kind of you to say so.' Mrs Hughes replied.

'Is Carson all right, Mrs Hughes? He seems to have disappeared with Lord Grantham.' Isobel observed. She didn't want to appear nosey, but the nature of the relationship between Downton's housekeeper and butler had always intrigued her. It was clear they cared a great deal for one another.

'As far as I know.' The housekeeper replied. 'His Lordship mentioned a headache and Mr Carson had something he wanted to ask so I think they used it as an excuse for a few minutes away from the party'. Isobel smiled.

'You get along well, yourself and Carson, don't you?' She continued, carefully clocking the blush the spread across the housekeeper's cheeks. So there was something there after all. Recovering, Mrs Hughes turned and nodded Isobel with a smile.

Thankfully, before she was able to respond, Mr Molesley appeared with a jug of water.

'Mrs Hughes, you haven't seen His Lordship have you? He asked for a glass of water.' Mrs Crawley smiled at the housekeeper and headed in the direction of the Christmas tree where her grandson had caught her attention.

'He's just in the small library speaking with Mr Carson. Leave it on the drinks table and I'll let him know when they come back.' Mrs Hughes indicated the drinks table beside where she stood.

'I don't mind taking it in to him…' Mr Molesley started, but he caught the odd look the housekeeper gave him.

'They didn't want to be disturbed for a moment, Mr Molesley. I'll see to it. I think Andy could do with a hand with the punch.'

'All right, but you should also know that Mr Bates is on the servants' stairs, kissing Anna.' He said with a grin before leaving to join Andy. Mrs Hughes tried helplessly to avoid grinning and settled instead for a trip to the green baize door. She slipped through it, ensuring she pulled it closed behind her before catching sight of the couple embracing before her. She gave a gentle cough and they sprung apart, blushing.

'Oh! Mrs Hughes…' Anna began, but the housekeeper held up her hand.

'It's very nice to see you, Mr Bates.' She began with a smile. 'I suppose you both missed Mr Molesley walking past just now.' They both blushed further. She laughed. 'Go home. You deserve at least a night off together, I'll see to Lady Mary, I'm sure she'll forgive you.'

'Thank you, Mrs Hughes.' Mr Bates said, slipping his hand into his wife's.

'Our Christmas lunch is at one. If I see either of you before then I will be very disappointed in you both.' She paused. 'And if you miss it completely, I won't mention it.' Anna rushed over to the housekeeper and hugged her.

'Thank you.' She said with tears tumbling down her cheeks.

'Oh Anna.' Mrs Hughes said, reaching for the handkerchief in her pocket and wiping the tears from the maid's cheeks. 'You both deserve far more than the lot you've been given, that's for sure. Go and celebrate your Christmas together and if it's within my power, I promise to do all I can to make next year a happier one.' With one last hug, Anna returned to her husband and took his hand.

'Merry Christmas, Mrs Hughes. Selfishly, I can't imagine how anyone could have a happier Christmas, but I hope you have a very happy time too.' She said. The housekeeper smiled, differently than before, Mr Bates observed.

'Well at the moment, it's certainly up there with the best. Now go on with you.' She turned and left them alone.

'What do you suppose she meant?' Mr Bates asked as they descended the stairs.

'What do you mean? I think she was very pleased to see you.'

'No, it wasn't just that. She was thinking about something besides us.'

'Let's not worry about that now John. She'll tell us if we're to know. Take me home.' She leaned into him and whispered in his ear. 'I've been a very good girl this year, Santa and all I want for Christmas is to make love to my husband until sunrise.' Mr Bates chuckled.

'But we've got until lunchtime.'

Mrs Hughes returned to the great hall to locate Lady Mary. She had left Mrs Crawley and George at the Christmas tree and was talking to her grandmother.

'I'm sorry to interrupt, your Ladyship' she nodded at the dowager. 'My lady' she turned her attention to Lady Mary. 'I just wanted to let you know that Mr Bates has returned.' Lady Mary's face lit up and tears rushed to her eyes as Mrs Hughes continued. 'They didn't want a fuss tonight. I've sent them home to start their Christmas a little early. I hope you don't mind. I'll see to anything you need tonight and in the morning. I've said I don't expect them before the servant's lunch.'

'Of course, Mrs Hughes. Thank you. I'm so pleased for them.'

'I think we all are, My Lady.'

'Everything all right over here.' Lord Grantham appeared at the side of Mrs Hughes and a teary Mary.

'It seems Father Christmas has come a couple of hours early this year.' The dowager countess said.

'Mr Bates made it home for Christmas, My Lord.' Mrs Hughes explained. 'I've sent them home, they didn't want a grand announcement tonight.'

'Oh that is good news. Obviously the night for it.' He said with a smile in the housekeepers' direction. 'I hope you insisted they have the morning off too, Mrs Hughes?' She nodded.

'Of course. And, Mr Molesley brought you some water, there is a jug on the table beside Andrew. I'll just…' She began.

'I'll go. Carson will want to fill you in on our conversation.' He gestured to the butler who had was stood slightly behind her and a flash of anxiety passed across her face. Robert smiled. 'All is well, Mrs Hughes.'

'What's this?' Said Lady Mary, looking between her father, the butler and the housekeeper.

'Later.' Was all Lord Grantham said, before heading across to the drinks table.

'Carson?' Lady Mary then said, hopefully. He sighed with a slight nervous laugh and looked to Mrs Hughes. She smiled back at him kindly.

'If you'll let me know when you go up, My Lady. It's not really a conversation for just now, but perhaps Mr Carson can come and speak to you later.' Lady Mary nodded, looking confused.

'What do you suppose that was all about?' Mary asked her grandmother when the butler and housekeeper had left.

'Goodness knows. It seems your father does, he doesn't seem too unhappy about it though I'm sure all is well.' Violet said, patting her granddaughter's knee.

'Yes, Granny. But Papa is drunk and Carson doesn't normally deflect to Mrs Hughes to steady him when he doesn't have an answer.'

'On the contrary, Mary. She's been keeping Carson steady since she arrived.'

'Really?' Violet nodded.

'Well?' Mrs Hughes asked, once she and Mr Carson had found a secluded spot where they could observe the crowd as they always did, without arousing suspicion, but far enough away to not be overheard.

'He was surprised, but we're not out in the cold come boxing day.' He said. His gazed fixed on a spot in the middle of the crowd.

'Good.' Mrs Hughes said with a smile. She moved her gaze from the Christmas tree and back to him. Her stomach fluttered.

'He offered his congratulations and asked if we wanted to make an announcement tonight, but I said not. I thought we should discuss when to announce it together.'

'Thank you.' Feeling slightly braver she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. 'Perhaps we could mention it at lunch tomorrow downstairs and you can decide when is appropriate up here.'

Much later, Mrs Hughes heard the familiar knock at the door to her sitting room and Mr Carson's head appeared in the gap of the opening door, a bottle of sherry and two glasses in one hand and a plate with a large slice of cake on in the other. She smiled at him, taking the plate of cake so he could put the glasses down and poor. They sat, slightly awkwardly for a moment. Staring at the cake and glasses of sherry.

'Mrs Patmore offered me the cake. Did you say anything to her?' He asked, picking up one of the glasses.

'Not yet.' She said, taking the glass he offered. 'Why?'

'She kept giving me a funny sort of knowing look, but without actually saying anything.' Mrs Hughes smiled and shook her head. 'Then she said she thought I needed it.' Mrs Hughes laughed. 'Here' he said raising his glass. 'To us!'

'To us!' She said, taking a sip. Mr Carson smiled at her after he'd taken his sip.

'Do you want some? You didn't have much at dinner tonight.' She raised an eyebrow at his comment.

'It's a good job we're engaged now, Mr Carson. I'd be concerned about you observing me that closely.' He chuckled.

'I'll go and find a knife. I don't think I've got one in here.' Mrs Hughes left the room, smiling to herself as she entered the kitchen. She was startled by a voice in the corner.

'I should have known you'd still be up too.' She laughed.

'It's impolite to lie in wait to scare the housekeeper on Christmas Eve.' She scolded, a smile still playing on her lips. She wandered over to the cutlery drawer to retrieve the knife she came for. 'If you knew I'd be up, you should have given him two slices of cake.'

'He's sharing a slice of my best fruit cake, his favourite, with you?' Mrs Patmore said, looking slightly startled.

'Yes, provided of course he hasn't eaten it before I get back.'

'You really do have him wrapped round your little finger don't you.' The cook said, shaking her head.

'I wouldn't say that exactly, no.'

'Have you ever thought…no…I…Oh I don't know, ignore me.'

'What were you going to say?' Mrs Hughes asked softly.

'I know you've been friends for a long time, but I wondered. I saw you two that day we went to Brighton, holding hands in the sea. I thought you'd finally worked it out between you but, I don't know.' Mrs Hughes smiled.

'At an almost glacial speed, I think.' Mrs Patmore looked up at her, eyebrows raised a smiled playing on her lips.

'He didn't?' Mrs Hughes nodded.

'We snuck back down here earlier while Lady Mary was singing and he asked.' Tears had filled her eyes as she spoke. Suddenly in telling Mrs Patmore it all felt very real.

'Golly, while she was singing? He must really love you!' Mrs Hughes laughed again. 'Congratulations, I'm very pleased for you both.'

'Thank you. Can you manage to keep it to yourself until after lunch tomorrow? We thought we'd tell everyone together.'

'Of course.' Mrs Hughes raised an eyebrow at her. 'I promise! Now, can I trust to leave you both alone down here?'

'Don't be daft! We're usually last up and it's never bothered you before.'

'True, but you weren't on the brink of matrimony then.' Mrs Hughes shook her head.

'We'll be fine. Merry Christmas.' She said. Mrs Patmore offered the same in return before watching the housekeeper leave. She grinned, bobbing up and down on her feet with excitement.

'I was about to send out a search party.' Mr Carson said when she returned.

'Mrs Patmore tried to give me a heart attack by leaping out on me. I told her. We were pretty much rumbled when I said you were sharing the cake.' She looked down at the place and pulled a face before looking back at him. 'And how many of the cherries did you eat?' She asked with a smirk.

'Just two, you don't like them anyway. I'll let you have my share of the marzipan.' He replied, trying not to look too guilty. She chuckled, slicing the cake neatly into two slices. He ate the nuts from the top of his slice and placed the piece of marzipan onto her slice as she sat back down.

'Thank you.' She said rolling the marzipan up and putting it all into her mouth in one go. He laughed at her, shaking his head.

'If you don't think it's too shocking, why don't you come with me and serve the tea in the morning when they're all in the library and we can tell them then.' He stated after a moment.

'If you're sure.' He placed his hand over hers where it rested on the table and ran his thumb gently over the back of it. They smiled at each other and he nodded.

Outside the library door the next morning, Mrs Hughes didn't feel so sure. He had given her hand another gentle squeeze at the top of the stairs, but he now had the tray in one hand and was opening the door with the other and she had the tray of cups, so she couldn't reach for it again. He gave her a gentle, reassuring smile before he entered.

'Happy Christmas, Carson.' Lady Mary's voice carried across the room.

'Good morning, My Lady. Merry Christmas.' He said as Mrs Hughes followed him in, the tray of cups in her hands. She noted the presence of the entire Crawley family, including the dowager countess, Mrs Crawley and Mr Branson. The children were all sat on Lord Grantham's lap, a book open in Sybbie's hands for him to read.

'Merry Christmas, Carson, Mrs Hughes.' Lord Grantham said, drawing everyone's attention to the unusual fact that the housekeeper and not the under-butler or footman was assisting with the tea.

'Merry Christmas.' They said in unison.

'Are you intending to?' Lord Grantham began, with a slight sideways glance to his wife. She smiled in recognition.

'If you don't mind, My Lord?' Carson replied. His Lordship nodded with a smile. 'In that case, besides Merry Christmas, Mrs Hughes and I have an announcement.'

'Is this what you wouldn't share last night, Carson?' Lady Mary asked. Mrs Hughes moved to stand beside Mr Carson. He smiled down at her and she nodded.

'It is, My Lady. We came to a decision last night about our future and we wanted to share it with you all.' The Dowager Countess coughed.

'You're not going to go and retire on me are you, Carson. I'm not sure I could cope.' Mary said.

'Not yet, My Lady, no.'

'Good.' She said, smiling.

'Let the man finish please, Mary. I for one would like to know if this is what I think it is.' The Dowager Countess said, smiling at Mrs Hughes, who gave a half smile back that seemed to confirm to the elder Lady Grantham that she was in fact correct. Carson to a deep breath.

'Mrs Hughes and I have decided to get married.' There was a second's pause while the penny dropped before Edith leapt from her seat.

'Congratulations, Carson, Mrs Hughes, I'm so pleased for you both.' She beamed. The Dowager Countess was smiling.

'I'm glad to see I wasn't wrong. Congratulations! You certainly took your time about it. I'm glad you go there in the end though.' She said. Mrs Hughes raised an eyebrow.

'Thank you, your Ladyship.' She continued, smiling. 'I was beginning to wonder if he'd ever get there.' Carson blushed, but beamed at her.

'Was this the mystery from yesterday evening then?' Mrs Crawley asked Mrs Hughes. She nodded.

'It was, Mrs Crawley. I needed to know the outcome of the conversation before I could say anything.'

'Of course, you did. And I'm very pleased for you both.'

Many 'congratulations' and 'thank yous' later, Carson's eyes drifted to Lady Mary who was still stood watching him, her face frozen in a slightly shocked expression. She took a deep breath and approached him, slowly. Her hands rested on his shoulders and she kissed his cheek.

'Congratulations, Carson.' Her face softened into a warm smile. She took Mrs Hughes' hand. 'I'm thrilled for you both.' Mrs Hughes felt her butler visibly relax beside her.

Mr Carson stood at the head of the dining table in the servant's hall. He had gestured for the others to sit, but had remained standing himself, Mrs Hughes beside him.

'Mrs Patmore, would you mind asking the kitchen maids to step in for a moment please?' He asked. She nodded, a smile playing across her entire face. Mrs Hughes chuckled at her friend. Once they were all assembled he cleared his throat.

'Before we eat, I have an announcement to make. In the New Year, there are going to be a few changes, which you will need to be aware of…' Mr Barrow groaned. 'Mrs Hughes and I,' Carson continued, ignoring his under-butler, 'are engaged to be married and we thought you'd all like to know.' He finished with a smile to his right. Anna gasped, a wide grin spreading across her face and tears filling her eyes.

'Congratulations!' She beamed. Mr Bates, who had his hand resting in hers lifted his glass of water.

'I'd like to propose a toast,' he said, standing slightly awkwardly as he had no free hands to help him, as he didn't let go of Anna's'. 'To the future, Mr and Mrs Carson, with many congratulations!'

There were many shouts and cheers around the table, as everyone sat back down to begin the lunch.

Mr Bates leaned into his wife once they had all calmed down again and whispered:

'I told you so.' She chuckled and elbowed him in the side.

'All right, you were right, but don't let it go to your head.' She whispered back.

Mr Carson turned his head to find Mrs Hughes smiling at him as she laid her napkin in her lap. He smiled back. It was only when he reached his own room later that evening that he realised how much his face ached. He pulled a silly grin at himself in the mirror. He couldn't remember a time when he'd been happier. Now all he had to do was work out how to tell her he was hopelessly in love with her.