As always everything belongs to Julian Fellowes. Please read and review.
Charles stood in the ruins of Downton staring blankly over the lake. Matthew Crawley was dead and Lady Mary was devastated. He felt a single tear run down his cheek turning cold within seconds, due to the icy wind. He jumped as he felt a hand on his arm, and looked around to see Elsie Hughes looking at him a worried expression on her face.
"Are you alright Mr Carson?" she whispered, her Scottish accent getting stronger because of the loss of Mr Crawley.
"I don't know how she's going to cope," Charles replied sadly.
"With the support of her family and staff. That's how we will all get through this," Elsie said.
Suddenly she shivered violently. She had neglected to put on a coat, because of her worry for Charles, and the wind had picked up chilling her to the bone. Dark, ominous clouds were starting to move in, ferocious clouds that promised a huge storm. Charles noticed the shiver, and then wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his chest.
Elsie was instantly filled with warmth, but whether it was because of Charles' arms around her, or the smell wafting off him: lavender, soap, silver polish and something distinctly Charles, she didn't know. The tenderness of the way Charles was holding her caused tears to spring to her eyes. Charles felt his waistcoat start to dampen from Elsie's tears and pulled back. He raised a shaking hand up to her face, and hesitantly wiped away the tears on her face.
"Please don't cry. Please Elsie," Elsie looked up at Charles shocked. It had been years since he'd last used her first name. She reached up and placed a gentle hand on his cheek. As it started to rain, Charles leaned down and placed his lips to hers. She moved her hands up through his hair, running her fingers through the soft greying strands. He ran his tongue over the crease of her lips, asking for access to which she granted him immediately, and then explored her mouth.
She explored his mouth in turn, tasting the mint and tea that she'd expected. They pulled away breathless, his hands on the small of her back, pulling her flush against his body, the rain pouring down their faces.
"Elsie..." Elsie placed a finger over Charles' lips.
"Don't speak Charles. Just hold me," Charles nodded, then pressed his face into his Housekeeper's sweet, soft hair, as she leaned against his chest, the cotton black waistcoat soft against her cheek.
They pulled apart as the rain got heavier and smiled gently at each other.
"I love you, my darling Housekeeper. I love you Elsie Hughes,"
"I love you too, dear Butler. My Charles," They kissed softly, took each other's hands and walked back to the house ready to face whatever was coming next. Together.