A/N: I think, perhaps, I should stop claiming to be one of those writers who actually finishes writing something. I do have good intentions of actually finishing my other stories at some point, however we all know what they say about good intentions…please read and review as it keeps me going! And of course the habitual and legally important I don't own these characters, if I did the show would be on HBO not ITV!
After three months of marriage Charles Carson was beginning to believe he had gotten the whole thing down to a science. In fact, reflecting on his fears prior to marriage he found them all to be complete unfounded now. He had worried, that perhaps, the joining of two souls would create a sudden need to create another world in which the then joined-in-holy-matrimony entity would exist. He had found however that life at Downton as the stern butler and the kindly housekeeper was going just as well as it had before.
They would both rise at their normal hour, now however he found that upon waking he would receive several sweet kisses and a rather enjoyable show as his wife lifted her night dress above her head and prepared for the day ahead. They had breakfast as they usually did, sitting next to one another and chatting casually. When crisis above stairs occurred Carson was notified to swoop down and put things to right, while crisis downstairs sprung Mrs. Carson to her feet to save the day.
After dinner they would sip left over wine in her sitting room while discussing the day. Then when the downstairs and upstairs were quiet and all the mice in their beds they would slowly climb the many stairs to the safe haven of their rooms.
There behind closed and locked doors they could enjoy being truly alone. They would change into their night clothes and sit side by side in bed reading their various books. Though usually after fifteen minutes or so Mrs. Carson would reach a gentle hand over and softly caress her husband's arm. After a few moments his hand would come up and his fingers would entwine with hers, his thumb gently rubbing against the soft skin of her hand. Then without thought their bodies would be entwined as they enjoyed the fruits of their many years of smoldering romance. The pendulum of time and age would swing over them as lips pushed against skin and thighs encircled thrusting hips. Sated and satisfied they would fall into a blissful slumber, only to awaken the next day and repeat the events.
Yes Charles Carson had gotten his life down to a pleasant routine and as he sat on his bed watching his wife shuffle off towards the bathroom he smiled at the thought of all their happy years yet to come.
By breakfast however, life as a married man became very very complicated.
Sitting in their usual seats Carson quietly ate his breakfast as Mrs. Carson sipped her tea. When suddenly a loud thundering crash came from the direction of the kitchen followed by a red faced Mrs. Patmore.
"Mrs. Carson that silly kitchen girl has dropped another serving dish and this time I think she's nearly taken a finger off with it! We'll need to call Dr. Clarkson right away." Mrs. Patmore huffed.
"Mrs. Patmore, why is it your kitchen maids keep insisting on dropping things on a weekly basis!" Carson replied, his face turning red as his anger boiled over.
"Mr. Carson," Mrs. Carson said, "I doubt anyone intends to break anything in this house. Especially a kitchen maid." Trying to placate her husband's anger she gently reached over and placed her hand on his arm. In Carson's anger at the situation and alarm at such an unfamiliar touch at the dining table he quickly pulled his arm away as though it had been burned. Getting up quickly he left muttering about calling the doctor for such a stupid thing.
Mrs. Carson sat in shock. She hadn't expected such a reaction from her husband of now several months. When they were alone such touches were not unwelcome by him, in fact they were very much desired more often than not. She shook herself slightly and resolved to remove the shock from her face as she rose to attend to the injured girl. However the damage had been done as Mrs. Patmore and most everyone at the table had noticed the strange display. Mrs. Carson's cheeks burned red as she left the room in a hurry.