A Surprise for Carson
Summary: Carson planned a wonderful day at the beach for his staff. Now, it's up to Elsie to plan a little surprise for Carson.
She stood beside Beryl Patmore in silence, listening intently as Charles announced his grand ideas for the staff outing and gauging the reactions of everyone present. He had been so very pleased with his choices. The Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, Westminster Abbey, to name a few from his list, were all met with stony silence. She watched as his excitement waned and his unease began to dictate his movements, the indecisiveness in his voice. It pained her heart to see him so defeated in front of the staff, but all hope was not lost yet.
Elsie had hoped that Charles would think of something more suitable for a fun outing to reward the staff but after the slight disaster she had witnessed, she realized that she was going to have to intervene. It needed to be subtle so as not to further bruise his ego. She smiled to herself as she pinned the tiny postcard to his board, making certain it was at the proper height to draw his attention, to capture his eyes, to spark an idea in his mind.
She didn't have to wait long for her idea to take shape. She couldn't contain the broad smile on her face as he announced, rather casually, that while suffering a defeat in his original plans, a day trip to the beach might be more suitable and entertaining for the staff.
However, that evening as she tried to drift off to sleep, her mind was filled with images of Charles. He seemed so very excited when he'd first told her of Her Ladyship's generous offer. Every household wasn't as fortunate to have caring employers such as the Crawleys, employers who recognized and rewarded hard work and diligence. And Charles, bless him, had honestly chosen venues he felt the others would enjoy. She could see it in the gleam in his eyes as he spoke of the science museum and the Crystal Palace, even Westminster Abbey.
As if the unbidden images of his excited and then defeated face flooded her mind, she was also reminded of the tone of his voice in both situations. Eagerness, excitement, wonderment ... those were the words she would have used to describe his initial enthusiasm when sharing his thoughts on where they should go. Those sounds were just as quickly replaced by defeat, unease, and confusion as she recalled the announcement to the staff.
He had taken it all in stride, though, and made everyone happy when he announced at dinner on Wednesday evening that they should all retire early. Molesley had been the bold one to inquire as to their destination. As soon as Charles announced a day at the beach to the staff, there was no containing the excitement and jubilation around the table. Everyone was dismissed so that they would have ample time to prepare. Anyone not downstairs and ready to leave at the appropriate time on Thursday morning would be left behind, no questions asked.
Once at the seaside, everyone seemed to go their separate ways. Everyone had been informed of the departure time and the consequences for being late. With that, Charles had bid them all a pleasant day before turning to ask Elsie if she would like to accompany him on a stroll along the shore.
They had removed stockings, socks, and shoes then paddled in the water, laughing, enjoying the sunshine, the ease and comfort of their friendship. It was a lovely day and Charles had to admit that he had enjoyed the outing much more than he had ever anticipated. Still, Elsie could hear the underlying disappointment in his words, could see the rejection he had faced with his own original ideas and it broke her heart.
With subtlety, Elsie reminded everyone to be sure to thank Mr. Carson for the day's outing. Lady Grantham had supplied the funds for the trip, but it had been Charles Carson who had arranged for their transportation, paid the fares, and ultimately ensured that they had been given ample freedom to do as they pleased. She was not disappointed to hear, over a late night glass of wine, that almost everyone had taken her advice and expressed proper appreciation to Mr. Carson.
Friday had been business as usual for the running of the household. Everyone seemed in better spirits after their relaxing day by the sea and had gone about their tasks with minimal fuss or guidance. Even Mrs. Patmore seemed to be yelling less, even though she was furiously working in the kitchen to prepare for the small dinner party that evening.
As Elsie sat in the housekeeper's sitting room looking through the invoices, she found she couldn't concentrate. While she had enjoyed the trip as much as everyone else, she knew, deep in her heart, that Charles had put aside his own desires to see that his staff was happy. With that thought in mind, she decided to arrange a little surprise for him, hoping he wouldn't be too angry with her.
Her first order of business was to speak to Mrs. Patmore about the arrangements for Saturday evening. The Crawley family had been invited to attend the home of one of the most prestigious families just outside of London to celebrate Rose's first Season. They were leaving directly after breakfast. The Dowager Countess and Tom Branson had returned home, Mrs. Levinson and her son were on a steamship back to America, and none of Lady Mary's suitors were expected to call that evening.
"So, do you think you can handle everything, Mrs. Patmore?" Elsie asked softly, not wanting any of the kitchen maids to overhear.
"Can I manage? Can I ... I can cook a meal fit for the King and Queen, oversee all the bumbling girls with their heads still full of beach sand, and still prepare a sumptuous meal for the staff ... all at the same time ... and you're asking me if I can handle the staff for one afternoon?"
"Yes, all right. It was more of a rhetorical question anyway. I know you can do it. The question is whether or not you will do it."
Beryl sized up her friend and quickly realized she hadn't been told why she was being asked to oversee the staff for most of Saturday. Never one to miss an opportunity for a little teasing, she smiled and asked the question that had been on her lips since the outing. "Does this have anything to do with that hand-holding I saw between you and Mr. Carson yesterday? I must say ... it took you both long enough to ..."
"Hold your tongue," she scolded softly. "No, this has nothing to do with our innocent hand-holding. This does, however, include Mr. Carson, though he knows nothing about it. And, I'd like to keep it that way, thank you."
"What are you up to, Mrs. Hughes? If I'm being asked to take on the role of nanny to this lot, I think I have a right to know." Mrs. Patmore fixed Elsie Hughes with a piercing gaze, hoping she could learn a bit of gossip for her troubles.
"Never you mind. You just make sure the staff behaves while Mr. Carson and I are out for the afternoon. I'm going to inform him this evening, after the dinner. No need to fluster the man before necessary. I'm sure he'll protest a little, but I'll make him see reason."
"Oh, I'm sure you will," the cook mumbled under her breath, but not so quietly that Elsie didn't hear.
With the help of Mrs. Patmore secured, Elsie returned to the sitting room and worked out the rest of her plan. It would take every ounce of persuasion and energy in her body to convince Charles Carson to take an additional day off, but she had to make him see reason. If all else, she would simply grab the man by his ear and drag him to the doorway, though she knew that was neither practical nor would be necessary.
It was late in the evening when everyone finally went home and the staff was sent to bed. Elsie slipped into Mr. Carson's pantry and closed the door behind her. "Everyone's gone up and I locked the back door for you."
"Thank you, Mrs. Hughes." He sighed softly and motioned for her to sit, to join him for a glass of wine before they retired to their own rooms. He poured the wine and nodded his head. "Seems everyone was in high spirits today. The trip yesterday certainly gave them a boost of energy."
She took a long sip of her wine to fortify her resolve and her nerves. "Yes, it did. But, there is one person that deserves a special treat for organizing that adventure for all of us."
"Mrs. Hughes, is this your way of asking for a day off? You know you need only ask and, if it is manageable, you may take some additional time off to see the sights of London."
"Thank you for that, though, that was not exactly my intention. I didn't plan the trip. That was all down to your planning and organization. I merely offered a subtle hint to something everyone would enjoy."
"Yes and saved my pride in the meantime." He took a sip of the red wine and closed his eyes as it slid passed his lips and down his throat. "You know, I truly thought they would enjoy visiting those places. It's not every day one is given the opportunity to visit Westminster Abbey or to see the artifacts in the Natural History Museum."
"They're younger and haven't developed such a keen since of history and an appreciation for such things," she offered gently. "But, this isn't about me taking off additional time. Well, not entirely, at least. This is about you!"
"Me?" he asked, truly confused. "I am not due another half day off until next week and I doubt I will be taking the afternoon to visit those places."
"Tomorrow, Mr. Carson, you and I are going to take a day off. I've arranged it with Mrs. Patmore. The family will be gone for most of the day, everyone knows the jobs they've been assigned, and you and I deserve a little break after the hustle and bustle of the last few days."
"I cannot deny that the idea sounds enticing, but both of us out of the house at once? No, you go and I'll keep everyone in line. Then, perhaps before you return to Downton, you can return the favor."
"Mr. Carson! You will come downstairs and eat your breakfast tomorrow. Then, once everyone has been shuffled off to their duties, you and I will be leaving the house for the remainder of the day. If we cannot trust the staff to function without us for one afternoon, I dare say now is as good a time as any to discover the problem and correct it ... when we return."
Seeing that he she had left no room for discussion or debate, he gave her a warm smile. "Very well, then. You and I shall leave tomorrow morning and test the resolve of the staff to continue their work in the absence of the heads of the household."
She reached over and patted his hand after placing her empty wine glass back on the tray. "Thank you for indulging me. I promise you, you will not be disappointed ... in the day or the staff." The last bit was added as more of a hope than a statement of fact. "Now, I'm off for my bed and I suggest you do the same. We have a busy day tomorrow."
Elsie rose the following morning with excitement and anticipation. She decided against her normal attire and chose to wear a pretty blue skirt with a white blouse. The colors would be bright and cheery, unlike the dark colors she wore during her normal working hours. She chose the prettiest hat she had with her in London, as well as a matching handbag, and made her way downstairs. To her delight and surprise, she met Mr. Carson, also dressed very smartly and with his hat in hand.
"Good morning, Mrs. Hughes. I'm happy to see that I dressed appropriately for the day. I meant to ask you last evening about my attire, but it didn't occur to me until I was dressing for bed."
"You look very handsome, Mr. Carson. Very respectable and suitable for the day I have planned."
He nodded and gave her a smile as a way of thanks. "And you're looking very pretty this morning, as well. That shade of blue suits you."
"Thank you. Now, shall we go into breakfast so everyone can get on with their day?"
"Actually, I was hoping you would indulge me this morning. I've taken the liberty of speaking with Mrs. Patmore and she has assured me that it will not create any problems for her." He cleared his throat. "Since you seem to have everything arranged for today, though I still have no idea where we're going, I would like to invite you to breakfast. There is a lovely little pastry shop that makes fresh croissants every morning and they have a wide variety of other items, as well. We could stop by there for a bite of breakfast while you tell me about your plans for our day."
Elsie's eyes sparkled with the idea of a little side outing. "That sounds lovely, Mr. Carson. I'll just let Mrs. Patmore know we're off while you give the staff their directions for the day."
As they left the house and started down the street towards the center of London, Charles offered Elsie his arm. "I will admit, Mrs. Hughes, that I'm rather curious. When are you going to enlighten me about our day? I don't know how much more suspense my heart can take," he teased lightly.
She patted his arm and laughed. "Very well, Mr. Carson, I'll tell you. But you must promise not to give me any trouble. This is something that I want to do for you and I'll hear no arguments. Understood?"
He agreed he would behave like a proper gentleman and give her no cause for harsh words. "Now you really do have my curiosity piqued."
"You were so kind and generous in arranging the outing to the beach when I know your heart was elsewhere. Still, you forged ahead and planned a lovely day for us, and everyone had a marvelous time. I know how much those other suggestions meant to you and I saw how disappointed you were when the others showed no enthusiasm at all. So, you and I are taking a trip to the Crystal Palace on Sydenham Hill. I want to see it and I know you do as well. I thought we could go together."
"The Crystal Palace? You mean we have the whole day to explore it and the gardens? I ... I don't really know what to say."
"Thank you would be a good start," she teased, happy to see his excitement and his broad smile. "Then, once you've ordered our breakfast, you can tell me more about it while we eat. I know a few details but obviously not as much as you. It will be like having my own tour guide for the day. I hear they have some magnificent plants and flowers. I would like to see those."
"We will tour the entire thing, Mrs. Hughes, and take breaks whenever we get tired of walking. I was so hoping the staff would be thrilled with the idea of visiting such a magnificent place, but I must say, now that it is just the two of us, I'm happier this way. But, out of all the places I named as potential spots, what made you decide on this one in particular?"
"That was the easy part, Mr. Carson. I watched and listened. You were so animated when you were talking to me about it. When you spoke of the other options, it sounded as if you were naming a list of famous buildings in London. But, when you mentioned the Crystal Palace, your eyes widened, your voice took on a different tone. You seemed like a small child at Christmas who had just seen the lighting of the tree for the first time."
He laughed and turned to order their breakfast, paying for it and then guiding her to a small table where they could eat in peace. "I don't know what I'll ever do to repay you for your kindness today. Seeing the wonder of the Crystal Palace and with my dearest friend is more than I could have hoped for. I owe you greatly."
"Buy me an ice cream later and we'll call it even," she laughed.
"Make it ice cream and a dinner before we return to the house and you have a deal, Elsie."
She smiled as he used her Christian name. "Very well, Charles. But I must warn you. I'm sure we'll be working up quite the appetite with all this walking. We'll be having something more substantial than just a croissant and some cheese for our supper."
Charles chuckled. "You just leave that to me. This is going to be the best outing I've had in a London Season since ... well, I can't remember when."
It was later than either of them had anticipated when they returned to the house. Elsie and Charles had enjoyed their day to the fullest. She never realized how much history Charles knew, how much he enjoyed sharing that knowledge with someone who was truly interested in it. He had seen her admiring some of the flowers sold by the vendors on the street and he'd wasted no time and spared no expense in purchasing a bundle for her as a small way of thanking her for indulging him. They also chose a small souvenir for Mrs. Patmore as a way of saying how much they appreciated her cooperation.
They would wait until morning to get a full report on the running of the house in their absence. Neither of them wanted to break the good mood and relaxed state of mind just yet. When they reached the landing which separated the men's corridors from the women's, Charles reached out and took Elsie's hand, dropping a sweet, soft kiss to the back of it. "Thank you once again for a lovely day. I've enjoyed the outing and the company more than I can say."
Elsie smiled and gave his hand a squeeze. "I can say the same to you. I enjoyed our day very much. Perhaps, when you return to Downton, we can arrange to take more outings together."
"I'd like that very much Mrs. Hughes ... Elsie."
"So would I ... Charles." With that, she gave him a playful smile then slipped through the doorway separating them. She went to sleep that night staring at the flowers and pondering how long it would be before he asked her to accompany him on his next half day.
A/N: A special thank you to some very special people who have encouraged me to get back into writing. Your emails, fan mails, comments (both directly and indirectly), and support have really helped. You guys are awesome! Reviews are very much appreciated. xoxo
