DISCLAIMER: I don't own Downton Abbey.
A/N: I wrote this a few weeks ago and decided to post it today – any reviews will be appreciated! :)
"Mr Carson?"
Carson, who had been engrossed in drying the dishes, glanced up, his brow drawn in a frown. "Anything the matter, Alfred?"
"I wanted to ask you something."
"Can't it wait?" asked Carson irritably.
"No," said Alfred quickly. "It won't take long, I promise."
Carson was motionless for a few seconds, torn between continuing with his work and listening to Alfred's request. Eventually coming to a decision, he threw the cloth down with an impatient sigh.
"Very well, but make it quick!"
"Yes, sir," Alfred mumbled. "You see, I was wondering if I could have a few days off. Can I?"
He quailed under the look Carson was giving him.
"You-you... how dare you?" Carson stuttered, his face rapidly turning redder and redder. "Have you no pride in your work? How do you expect the staff to cope if one of us leaves?" He took a deep breath in an attempt to regain control of himself once more.
"But I only meant for a few days," Alfred blubbered. "I've been working hard and-"
"Certainly not!" Carson snapped. "Let me remind you, Alfred, that we all work hard, but none of us expect free holidays. Now, return to your work and we will say no more of this."
"Thank you, Mr Carson," said Alfred in confusion, turning to leave.
"And Alfred?"
Alfred turned round. "Yes, Mr Carson?"
"Never ask such an insolent question again!"
"I won't. Sorry," Alfred stammered, before leaving the room, frowning in bewilderment as he wondered what he had said that had been so horrifying.
A/N: This is my first Downton Abbey fic – hope it's okay, even though it's short!
