Elsie had admonished him to leave the serving on the sand covered beach to the younger and more agile footmen but he had taken her remark as a slight to his abilities as Butler and insisted on being in attendance the entire day. Charles performed admirably but at the very end of the day, he was hot and tired and took a misstep in the sand. They both heard a loud popping sound followed by a crack as he collapsed into a heap on the sand. What happens next?
The family and Elsie span around at the noise. Charles was clutching his ankle, teeth gritted with a tight jaw line. Even from afar, Elsie could see that Charles was in a great deal of pain, and had obviously hurt his ankle. She walked over quickly, the family following suit.
"Carson. My dear fellow are you quite alright? Lord Grantham asked, worry evident in his voice. Charles nodded, but the pain was getting greater and the ladies looking at the broken bottle of champagne and the large cut on his hand wasn't helping.
"I'm fine milord. I just didn't put my foot down properly," Charles replied the strain in his voice very noticeable. Sybil bent down and took Charles' ankle in her hands, making him hiss in pain. Sybil felt guilt wash through her.
"Sorry. I think your ankle may be broken Carson," Sybil explained as she examined his ankle. Mary gasped and Elsie felt a spike of sympathy and pity, as Charles gave Sybil a horrified, slightly sad look.
2 months later
Charles sat on his bed poking miserably at the cast around his ankle. He had been given a cottage by Lord Grantham a week after he had fallen, because he was now 'too old' for being butler. Luckily there were two things that lifted his spirits. The first: he was getting his cats off today, and the second had just walked through the bedroom door.
"Will you please stop fiddling with your cast Charles. You're getting it off today," Elsie Carson sighed. The butler and housekeeper had wed, 3 weeks to the day that he had broken his ankle. Elsie had visited him and the combination of painkillers, drowsiness and pain had caused him to let slip that he loved her. She had already realised apparently and he was surprised to hear she reciprocated his feelings.
"I have an itch right the middle of my ankle," Charles moaned causing Elsie to laugh and sit down next to him on the bed.
"Perhaps I should take your mind off it then," She said coyly. Charles smiled and pulled her into a deep kiss, hoping the doctor didn't come too early.