It was the night before Christmas and Elsie was talking to Beryl as Charles finished preparing his pantry for an evening meal that Beryl had prepared
"Mrs. Hughes" Charles called
"You sure you can cope with the others in the hall" Elsie had asked Beryl
"You go, I will cope with the wild bunch in the servants"
"Mrs. Patmore, just about to serve"
"One my way Daisy, go and eat with Mr. Carson" Beryl said happily turning to walk towards the servants hall after a small wave to myself and I nod, opening the door better as Mrs. Hughes comes to my pantry door
"Please take a seat* Charles said moving Elsie's seat forward
"Thank you" Elsie takes a seat and then Charles takes his seat "Shall I serve?"
"No need to this evening, Mrs. Patmore has sorted plates for us both" Charles uncovered the plates happily, pacing Elsie her plate "Shall we have a white or red wine this evening?"
"I prefer a white wine with duck, Mr. Carson. Thank you" Charles pours the glasses of wine and smiles happily at Elsie "Let's eat while still warm, shall we?"
"Yes let's, and thank you" Elsie replys, smiling with her eyes, they started eating and ate in silence as unsure with what to say. Neither were sure what to say but Elsie was smiling with Charles every now and again lovingly.
'Dare I tell her my true feelings this Christmas time or not' Charles though over and over again in his head but remained silent until finished
Elsie spoke first "Mrs. Patmore always makes amazing meals for us and again was not let down by her cooking"
"As always a perfect meal" Charles smiled happily at Elsie who returned the smile "Can I interest you in a night cap or"
"I have a few more items before a night cap, Sorry Mr. Carson"
"Don't be sorry, will you be back later?"
"Of course, our night caps end our working day lovely" Elsie replies and gets ready to leave the room "Be about an hour"
"That's fine" Charles stands to open the door and see Elsie leave then goes to polish the house silver for the 3rd time today.
"A heart of gold, a walk of true beauty...oh why does she make my heart skip a beat all the time we are alone together...I wish I could tell Elsie how she makes me feel?"