Well I've read that in a press conference the general consensus is that it doesn't seem likely that they will be getting together this season, this makes me sad ;-( but I do however think Mr Fellows will be using EVERY opportunity to tease us just that bit more with more chemistry and subtle flirtation between them, I still would not be surprised if there will be a Christmas kiss ;-) and the relationship will develop in season 5, soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo long to wait! Killing me, killing me KILLING ME! ;'-( In the meantime you will have to put up with my obsessive fan fiction instead ;-D

Thanks to everyone for all the lovely comments, they mean a lot xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Gluttony

There was something in the air that day, the atmosphere was buoyant and smiles were on faces that have long been amiss.

Noticeably a certain Houskeeper and Butler; Jolly and bright with great optimism for the evening ahead each wondered around with a ridiculous smile on their face and an animated skip in their step.

Mr Carson's cheerful singing had not gone unnoticed either bringing a smile to Beryl Patmore's face, finally she sighed to herself as she raised her fists in the air in relieved but thankful triumph, at last!

Downton Abbey was happy place to be for the first time in years!

The day skipped by in a flash joyously and the welcomed dinner time for the Servants had come all too quickly. It was the first time Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes would be in the same room since his grand gesture and even though Elsie was over the moon she wasn't entirely sure how she was going to react at the sight of him. Her eyes darted around the room in nervous but excited anticipation.

All were standing around the table politely as they waited for Mr Carson to arrive before they sat down, Elsie with a prominent infectious grin beaming proudly on her face displaying an array of emotions. Yes she was ecstatic, on cloud nine, but the nerves were also very much at the forefront.

Beryl smiled to herself in delight as she observed her friends glee.

While lost in her own thoughts in the corner of her eye she became aware of something, Mr Carson appeared in the doorway, hansom and orderly as ever, meeting Mrs Hughes eyes adoringly, Mrs Hughes looked away bashfully and instinctively as her face turned red. She was like a child with a crush, all very innocent, all very embarrassed not really knowing entirely how to conduct herself.

'Good Evening' Mr Carson beamed with joyful tone uncommon for him; everyone looked around the table aghast at his happiness.

'Are you ok Mr Carson?' Daisy asked in genuine worry.

Mrs Hughes bit her bottom lip as she tried to suppress an escaping childlike giggle.

'Oh yes, Daisy, I'm fine, couldn't be better in fact.'

Mr Carson sat down eagerly and everyone followed his command eyeballing each other in the process in utter bewilderment.

'Only…' Daisy continued.

Beryl gave her a small kick under the table to stop her interfering anything further;

'Ouch' Daisy protested and looked at Mrs Patmore confused.

Beryl returned the look with a stern glare on par with a parent's scorn. Daisy got the message immediately and looked to the floor rather dejectedly.

Conversation gradually commenced forgetting all too quickly about Mr Carson's earlier unusual state.

The discussions however simply became background noise to the two star-crossed lovers and Mrs Hughes bravely took the opportunity and impulse to look up from her plate for the first time into the eyes of the man she loved… only just as fast as she caught his eye she returned to her previous stance directly. Not overly sure what she was playing at. What on earth has gotten into me pull yoursefl together she kept reiterating to herself but she couldn't help the way she was acting and reacting, her feelings were doing that all for her, she had no control.

Mr Carson coughed entertained; 'I trust you have had a nice day?' Mr Carson whispered to Mrs Hughes flirtatiously.

Mrs Hughes smiled coyly, clearing her throat nervously before she began; 'Oh Yes lovely'

She felt her breath quickening as she continued 'very pleasant in fact…in fact possibly one of the nicest days I have had in years.'

Her heart beating ten to the dozen 'it comes as a pleasant surprise Mr Carson I can assure you.'

Mr Carson grinned at the acknowledgement of his gift, tickled he continued 'Oh I am pleased to hear that, really I am, one deserves a nice surprise now and again, it sounds well overdue.'

This stopped Mrs Hughes in her tracks, shocked, instantly taking away her nerves. With that she looked into his eyes fondly, a lump appearing in her throat, affectionately she continued 'No… it's come at the right time Mr Carson, exactly the right time' and with that she placed her hand fondly on his hand and rubbed it caringly; both engaging in eye contact they began to lose each other in one another's thoughts for the first time.

Beryl welled up at the sight and even though it was a public display of affection no one really noticed. They were so involved in their deep conversations that they simply failed to see it.

Beryl was making a conscious effort to see what both were getting up to in friendly curiosity and was the only reason she was more open to it. Fearing they may be getting a little 'too' lost in their emotions however Beryl felt the need to break it up before things went further and the others did become conscious of it. She knew at heart they both would despise the idea of tongues wagging and would hate to lose their respect and dignity with staff. They were playing with fire out here in the open however sweet it was to watch.

So with a frank forwardness she bellowed across the table common as muck 'Seconds Mr Carson I know you love your beef and there is plenty more to go around?'

Mr Carson was instantly broken from his spell, 'umm no, no thank you' he bumbled clumsily 'I think I will retire to my pantry for a cup of tea, Mrs Hughes if you would like to join me?'

'Yes, uh yes Mr Carson' she replied awkwardly as she straightened herself up, 'that sounds most appealing.'

She followed him out of the room like a devoted puppy.

Beryl placed her hand towards her mouth and let out a small charmed laugh for them both, God love em!