chelsie-anonasked: "Mr. Carson, shall we…walk back together?" Elsie scurried to catch up to him when he paused to consider her question, smiling to herself when he shuffled to place her to the inside, the way any gentleman would for his lady. They walked along in companionable silence until the Abbey came into view from a small rise in the road. Turning to look down, he studied her with unabashed curiosity, causing her to blush and turn her own gaze to study the tips of their shoes between them. What happens next?

"Mrs. Hughes" he said after a while, reaching his hand to her elbow to stop their pace. He needed to get this off his chest before they reached the house. "Yes, Mr. Carson?". She said while raising her head to look at him. " I - I just need to say, thank you. Without you I would be still clinched to the past. But now, when I know what I know. I think I'm able to go on and leave that behind me. And I need to apologize for slashing out to you. You always seems to know what you are doing and most of the time you are right. I'm grateful, that I can call you as my friend". He saw the pink grow back to her cheekbones. What a lovely sight it was. " I'm glad eveything went well in the end. I couldn't watch back and do nothing. I.. care for you, Mr. Carson. Very much so. Never forget that". She said with a very warm but serious tone. She had wanted to say much more, but at this point she decided it would be too soon. He needed time to get all this new information inside.

To her surprise, he reached and took her hand to his, and lightly hold it. He brushed her knucles with his thumb. He watched at her face. That little smile which appeared almost instantly. Her eyes which had that little new spark. And that's when he knew what he wanted from his future. He wanted her. She would never abandon him. She had tolerated him too long to just vanish away. And he was finally ready for a new relationship. But he wanted to take it slow, so he started from what they had always done. "so, Mrs. Hughes. What would you say.. Shall we go and enjoy leftover wine in my pantry?" he said as he motioned them to move forward to the house. "I would very much enjoy that, Mr. Carson". Vey much, indeed.