Hello! Thanks so much for all of the feedback for The Fall. I haven't decided yet whether I should continue that story, but this one popped into my head so hear it is.

I own nothing.

PS - Sorry for not responding to any reviews; there's a waiting period for new users, but I really do appreciate them!

Elsie closed her eyes and tilted her head back, savouring the feel of the breeze on her face. Just as quickly as it began, the heat pushed back and she wiped her brow, an attempt to seek relief from the heavy summer air. The sun was almost fully set, her mission had taken much longer than she expected. She continued walking, keeping a slow but steady pace, weary from the day's activity.

The day's purchases dangled in the bag clutched in her hand. The corners of her mouth began to curl upwards as she thought of its contents. Mr. Carson's birthday was approaching and she had taken advantage of her half day to purchase him a present. It had taken the day, but she finally found the perfect gift to express her feelings. Her smile widened with thoughts of her stately butler. Well, he wasn't quite hers, but ever since their hand holding and lovely paddle at the beach, they had slowly become closer. Slowly, oh so slowly, but steadily their relationship had been progressing, and she was cherishing every moment.

Just this morning, she entered his pantry to find it empty. Disappointed to have skipped their morning ritual, she walked to her sitting room and was greeted with a cup of tea and a note explaining his absence. He had been summoned by Lord Grantham to deal with one problem or another, but what had really touched her was the way the note was signed. "Enjoy your morning, C." It seemed small, but with Mr. Carson, it was the small things that meant the most. It gave her hope that they could move deeper than just Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson.

She was roused from her musings by the sound of the pub door being thrown open. She kept walking and spared little thought for the group of men that came stumbling out. That was, until she began to hear jeers and hoots being thrown in her direction. She took a quick look around to assess the scenario, but everyone seemed to be home for the night, hiding from the summer heat.

Still unconcerned, she kept her head down and turned the corner, not unfamiliar with the false bravado caused by too much alcohol. Suddenly wishing she had finished her errands earlier, she picked up her pace, but gasped as a hand grasped her shoulder and spun her around.

"Hey lady, we're talkin' to you." She flinched at the acrid smell that assaulted her senses and steeled herself, brushing his hand off as she straightened to face the three men in front of her. None of their faces were familiar; she glanced around again, desperate to see anyone at all, and disturbed by how far out of the village she had traveled in the short moments since the men first appeared.

Using the voice normally reserved for unruly footmen, she addressed the group in front of her. "What is it I can help you with?" When this was met with laughter and catcalls, she made to turn and spoke again, "Excuse me gentlemen, I must be going." Her path was quickly blocked by one of the men. The man stepped towards her, and she stepped back, straight into another sour smelling body. Her heart sank as she felt the words rumble from the man behind her, "Oh, I don't think so." She had never felt so small.

Thanks for reading. Let me know what you think, continue? Drop it? Should the next chapter be from Mr. Carson's perspective?