I decided to do this chapter in 1st person, I'm not sure how you'll all react to it so please let me know. I think I will do the next chapter back in 3rd person and I promise it will also move the whole Carson/Hughes story on a bit more as this chapter is more of a buildup.
Carson
I watched her walk away from the table which we sat at, she's shaking her head and muttering under her breath. I wonder if I annoy her. I wouldn't really know, I never know what's she's thinking. How stupid am I? I don't even know how my wife feels, there I go again. Day dreaming. I wish she was my wife but she's not, in fact I'm pretty sure she's still in love with that farmer. I know she let him go again, me of anyone would, when she told me about his offer I was so scared; I thought she was telling me she said yes, that she was leaving and all my chances were over. But no, I should be relived but if anything it just made me more edgy. I hate it though, people think I have no heart; that all I ever think about is work and pride well keeping those assumptions alive is the hardest thing I've ever done. Especially with Elsie around, the Elise that I'll never have.
Hughes
I just finished having one of the conversations with Carson, he can be rather… Well rather odd sometimes, I mean for someone who keeps his head held high and his heart sunken deep down he can be very emotionally. Of course I feel for him but I don't know, he's just so unreadable and it confuses me. Well apparently I was too deep down in thought because Anna just ran into me saying something about Lady Grantham.
"I'm sorry, what?" I asked
"Lady Grantham wishes to see you, she's in the library." she replied.
"Oh well thank you Anna," I said dismissing her and heading up the stairs.
I soon found my way to the library and judging by Lady Grantham's face I didn't think I was in any bother, well I hoped so anyway.
"Lady Grantham? You asked for me."
"Yes, I wanted to ask you something, you see I've had a tip from someone about two of our staff. A tip of from Ms. O'Brian and Thomas none that less so I was hoping you could help me work out if it was true or not."
My mind was racing, what had Ms. O'Brian said? I couldn't work out which staff she was on about. Then it hit me. Mr. Carson and I are always nagging her and Thomas, wouldn't it be fitting if we'd done something terrible and had to leave Downton?
"Well," my voice seemed to quiver, "I can certainly try."
"It's Anna and Bates."
Of course how could have I been so stupid, everyone downstairs knew about them two and everyone downstairs also knew about Thomas's hatred for Bates.
"What about them my Lady?" I asked innocently.
"So it is true," she said.
I began to realize what I'd just done, I'd protected Anna yet I'd lied to her Ladyship. This couldn't go down well.
"Don't look so concerned Mrs. Hughes, I'm not about to give you your notice for simply protecting your friends. Nor am I going to dismiss Anna or Bates, I'm just nosey," she smiled.
I was about to answer but Mr. Carson walked in. "Oh I'm sorry my Lady, I didn't realize you were in here."
"No matter, do come in."
He walked up to us and gently placed his hands on my shoulders and moved me to the side.
"Lady Mary just wanted me to inform you that she is back from her hunt," He said.
"Oh good, I hope she's not-" Lady Grantham began.
"Not too muddy," Lord Grantham finished as he strides into the room.
Lord Grantham looked at her husband and smiled, Mr. Carson looked to me and we laughed. We often talk about them two; we always have loved how much those two care about each other.
"Well you two may leave," Lord Grantham said to us.
We headed to the door muttering to each other about Lord and Lady Grantham; giggling like children. I was so happy, everything was back to normal, Carson had stopped being melancholy and our friendship was restored. I heard my name; Lady Grantham had said my name. I stopped.
"Are you quite alright Mrs. Hughes?" he asked me.
"Oh I'm fine, I just need to tie my shoes," I said, "You go on ahead."
"Alright," he shrugged," I'll see you downstairs."
I bent down, pretending to tie my shoes, waiting for him to disappear around the corner. Then I made my move, I slowly walked up to a bookshelf to hide and listened; listened to a conversation that opened my eyes completely.
Thanks for reading, hopefully I'll update again tomorrow. Please leave a comment of what you thought. See you soon (hopefully)
