Charles stood silently for a moment. He desperately tried to process her words, before he quickly made his way after her. He could hear her stifled sobs and the patter of her feet quickly climbing the stairs to her room. There would be no way to talk to her now that she was crossing into the women's quarters. He was sick. His chest ached for her, ached for himself. He never meant for any of this to happen. He should never have left her with that man. He made his way to his pantry and slumped down into his chair. The relief of knowing she had not been with Joe Burns, was outweighed by the tears he had caused her with his jealous foolishness. She had thought he did not care. That he had no feelings for her and imagined she was capable of giving herself away on a whim. It was the farthest thing from the truth. He cared too much.

The next day Charles worked in a daze. He was exhausted from his sleepless night of worrying about Elsie. He made his usual rounds and lived his day out, but inside he was broken. Elsie had not come down to breakfast. She had also taken her tea and lunch in her sitting room. The staff had given him questioning and accusatory looks. If anything, Elsie was greatly loved by the staff. He could feel their eyes boring holes in him as he silently sat and ate his meals. He had glanced over at her empty seat, and had sharply felt her absence. The pain in his chest still lingered. Would this be his future. Alone at the head of the table.

Charles prepared to serve dinner. When the family was all gathered they talked of their day. "Carson?" Lord Grantham called. "Tom and I were out on the estate today and ran into an acquaintance of Mrs. Hughes. A nice chap, indeed. Said he was a friend of hers from Argyle. A Mr. Joe Burns." The family watched as Charles' face fell in shock. Yet he quickly recovered, pulled himself to full height, a stern look on his red face. Lord Grantham continued. "Seems he is quite a successful man." Robert paused and watched Carson's reaction. He took a drink of wine before continuing. "He certainly has a very high opinion of our dear Mrs. Hughes. He said he ran into her in the village last night." He looked at Carson questioningly. The rest of the family watched in interest at the communication between the men. "We will discuss that later though, Carson. Please, do continue."

"Yes, my Lord." Carson answered before refilling his glass. Inside Charles was a mess. What was there to discuss? What had that man dared to say to Lord Grantham? He could barely keep himself straight for the remainder of the night. What was his Lordship needing to speak with him about? When the ladies had moved on and left the gentlemen to their brandies, the young men quickly moved on leaving Carson and Robert alone.

"Carson," Robert spoke." I know this is an odd request. But do please sit down, and bring yourself a brandy. I have a feeling you will need it."

Carson let out a quick gasp before obeying his orders. He reluctantly took the seat near Lord Grantham. "Yes, my Lord?"

"Carson. I'm afraid I have something unsettling to say, to tell you. It seems that the man I met earlier this afternoon is more than just an acquaintance of Mrs. Hughes. He was actually quite bold this afternoon when he said he is in love our Mrs. Hughes, and has asked her to marry him. I'm a bit sad to say, but it seems he could offer her a fine life." With that, Robert sat back and watched the reaction on Carson's face. He had always assumed there was a bit more than friendship between the two. He could tell the relationship was one of love, possibly even a physical one. However, he did not like to think of his two heads of staff in such a manner.

Charles sat in silence for a moment, not knowing what his Lordship wanted him to say. What was expected of him? Always like this, for them, he thought, his heart feeling like it was being crushed in a vice. He knew his breathing had quickened and the physical effects of the news were beginning to show. He quickly thought of something proper to say. "Well, I suppose that is up to Mrs. Hughes, my Lord."

"And you take no personal concern in this, Carson? Mrs. Hughes' departure will have no effect on you?" Robert asked pushing for something. What, he did not know.

"Should Mrs. Hughes leave, she shall be sorely missed. Downton will never again have such a fine housekeeper." Charles added with little emotion.

"And you, Carson? I thought... Well, we had always assumed that... Well, perhaps. Oh, Carson, old chap! Are you or are you not in love with Mrs. Hughes?" Robert blurted out, exasperated by his butlers staunch and emotionless replies. Just as he made this exclamation, unknowing to Charles, Anna and Mrs. Hughes had entered through the side door, coming to clear the table. Elsie silently gasped and her hand went to her mouth in shock. Lord Grantham glanced at the women, then stared in disbelief as Carson spoke.

Charles picked up his brandy and gulped it down in one swallow before he looked Robert in the eye and spoke the words he had held inside for so many years. "I am, my Lord. I am in love with Mrs. Hughes. I have loved her since she came here as head housemaid, and I will love her still, even if she should choose to leave us."

Robert's mouth hung open in surprise and shock as he looked between the two. Charles immediately turned to see what he was glancing at and came face to face with Elsie. Without being excused, Charles quickly rose from his seat and followed her as she took off out of the room leaving a stunned Robert and Anna.

"Mrs. Hughes! Wait! Elsie, wait!" He called after her, his deep voice echoing off the high ceilings.

Elsie stopped in the middle of the great hall and turned to him. "Why Mr. Carson? Why would you say that?" She questioned in a wavering voice. Charles was confused by her reaction. Was she angry, appalled, hurt? He could not read her emotions. He was always so dim when it came to her.

The ladies of the house had heard the commotion in the great hall and came rushing out to find their butler and housekeeper exchanging heated words.

"Elsie, I'm sorry. I never intended you to hear that. I never would have.."

She interrupted him. "That's the part that hurts, Charles." She said softer now, before adding "You have loved me for twenty years? Just never enough to tell me, to show me..." she paused, before looking up into his eyes. "I am leaving with Joe, Mr. Carson. He was waiting for my answer, and I suppose you have made it for me." And with that she was through the door and headed downstairs.

Charles stormed across the great hall and exited the front door, slamming it behind him. Propriety be damned, Downton be damned, Elsie Hughes be damned!