Clouds from the past Chapter 2

A/N Thank you so much for reading this and leaving such encouraging reviews! You made my day and I love you all. Nothing's mine; they're all Mr Fellowes's.

'What is it you want from me, milady?'

The Dowager smiled again.

'Nothing too complicated, Elsie. I like the idea that there's someone in this house able to be my eyes and ears at places where I am unable to go.'

Somehow Mrs Hughes got the feeling it would not be as easy as that.

'But why now, after all these years, milady?' she asked, curious in spite of the situation.

'Well, my first thought after I found out about your disgusting behaviour was of course to send you away at once. But I realised you were somewhat less stupid than the others, and I had a feeling you might actually be useful to me someday. One never knows what the future brings, after all,' the Dowager said.

' …Yes, milady,' she whispered.

'Good girl Elsie. I am so glad we understand each other. Now, back to the matter at hand. I have recently discovered my husband was in the habit of keeping a diary. However, one volume appears to be missing. Since it's nowhere to be found, I suspect it might be in one of the old desks and dressers that are stocked in the attics of this house.' The Dowager shot her a stern look. 'I want you to find it for me.'

'But, milady, I can't just go up and search the attics, some of the staff might question me about that, asking what….'

'I am quite confident you will find a way to explain yourself Elsie!' the Dowager snapped. "You have proved yourself to be a sly little tart after all. I will not have contradiction or sorry excuses from you! That is all, you may go now.'

Mrs Hughes rushed out of the room, in utter confusion.

Somehow she managed to reach her office. She slammed the door shut and sank down at her desk, burying her face in her hands. What a mess, what a terrible mess. She had always wondered why she hadn't been fired at the time, now she knew the answer and she bitterly wished she had been sacked. She remembered the old Earl of Grantham. He had forced himself on her and another young maid. Of course they were helpless, had no way of refusing him. Jean, the other girl, fell pregnant and was sent away. At least she had escaped that fate.

Someone knocked at her door and came in.

'Mrs Hughes?' the butler said. Oh no, she thought. Not him, not now…but she stood up and put a smile on her face. 'Yes, Mr Carson?'

'I was wondering about your meeting with the Dowager. It's very unusual for her to want to see the housekeeper,' he said. 'Well, she did so today,' she said airily.

'Yes, well. She did. I was wondering though…did she have any questions about the household? Complaints?' As if the world would stop turning if she did.

'Not at all, Mr Carson,' she smiled.

'Then why would she want to…' She lost her patience and cut him off. 'It's not important, Mr Carson. Nothing for you to worry about.' At least those last words were true, she thought. 'Now, if you will excuse me, I am quite busy.'

'Of course Mrs Hughes,' he said curtly, and left. She turned to her ledgers but found the figures dancing before her eyes. How on earth was she going to search through all the abandoned furniture in the attics, without anyone noticing? There were quite a lot of trunks and cases as well. And she had a feeling Mr Carson might be causing her even more trouble, what with his silly devotion to The Family.

A/N Hope you like it…please keep fuelling me with reviews! I find it helps...For now, Merry Christmas to all of you, love you, george