Elsie woke with a start, it smelled like Charles but surely he wasn't here with her. Sitting up slowly she began to wonder how she got onto the settee, and then his coat slid down her arm and she knew.

With a groan she ran her hand over her face, there was a tray with lunch on it. What time was it anyways? Looking to the window she dared not open the curtains, the light would be too much. Standing slowly she moved to lift the glass of water off the tray and sipped at it.

Crossing the remaining distance she slipped behind her desk pulling his jacket a bit tighter around her shoulders. She was cold, winter always had this effect on her. Christmas was coming which didn't help her mood any either.

She knew she should get up. Make herself presentable at the very least, perhaps consider leaving her sitting room for the first time since breakfast. Shaking her head she reached forward pulling the ledger closer as she attempted to focus on the numbers before her. With a soft grumble she stood again pushing the ledger away and moving towards the tray again. Plucking a sandwich she sat back down onto the settee.

She consumed the sandwich and sank back into the comfort of her seat, enjoying the weight of the jacket around her shoulders far more than she should. Letting her mind drift she closed her eyes once more letting out a soft sigh.

When she missed luncheon he was worried, when he hadn't seen her leave her sitting room all day he was ready to ring Dr. Clarkson at once. His mind had wandered as he stood silently behind the family at their dinner.

"My word Carson, where have you gone my man?" The voice of Lord Grantham pulled him from his thoughts with a start.

"I'm sorry M'lord, my mind wandered for a moment. It won't happen again I assure you." Straightening up once more to his full height he noticed the ladies were beginning to leave.

"Carson... what's got your mind? Has something happened downstairs?"

"No, M'lord. Mrs. Hughes isn't feeling well is all, I was wondering if she was feeling any better after I sent her to lie down is all."

"Have you rung down to Dr. Clarkson yet? Do you think she'll be alright?"

"Not yet M'lord, she assures me it's just a headache. Though I'll say it's the worst off I've seen her. I'll check in with her shortly, I've already made plans to ring the doctor if she's not feeling herself by morning."

"How long have you loved her Carson?"

"M'lord?" Carsons eyebrows shot up as he straightened his waist coat.

"You heard me Carson. How long have you loved her? The girls have made stories up about the pair of you for as long as I can remember."

"I assure you, nothing improper has ever..." Charles began but was swiftly cut off by Roberts laugh.

"I know you better than that after all these years. I also know that I'm right...and standing here with me isn't where you should be. So off with you, you're secret is safe with me. Only..."

"Yes M'lord?"

"Don't let her be alone this year on Christmas. It breaks my heart to see her put on the brave face each year, when you could very well make that smile a real one."

He was speechless. His mouth hung wide open eliciting another laugh from his employer.

"Charles Carson. Speechless. I've done it all now. Go on then, I'll see you in the morning."

"Yes M'lord." Turning on his heel he left the dining room and headed directly for her sitting room. That was definitely not what he was expecting, but he couldn't very well say it wasn't welcome.

Charles paced a moment outside her door. What would he say? Nothing. He wasn't going to say a word about his recent conversation with Lord Grantham. Not yet. He wasn't even certain she returned his feelings, though he had a good idea that she did.

Drawing in a breath he let his knuckles rap lightly at the door before opening it slowly, the sight he found inside warmed his heart and brought a smile to his face. She'd been up but she was asleep, or nearly asleep with his jacket pulled tightly around her shoulders. He knew, in that moment, he would do everything in his power to make certain she wore a true smile at Christmas this year, no matter what it took.

Slipping inside and shutting the door behind him softly he crossed the distance and knelt down in front of her.

"Elsie...are you awake?" He kept his voice as soft as he possibly could, the tips of his fingers brushing her cheek.

Elsie nearly jumped out of her skin, a soft yelp passed her lips followed by a wince. "You half scared me to death Mr. Carson."

"Shhh. I'd never do such a thing, I only wanted to see how you were getting on." Though he wanted to tell her how beautiful she was wrapped in his jacket with her hair down, he held his tongue. She was ill and he wasn't going to push his luck.

"I'll be fine, I assure you." She let her eyes roam his face, how she longed to simply reach out and cup his cheek with her hand. "Thank you for your jacket...and moving me over here."

"And just how do you know it was me? Hrm?" With a wince of his own he stood and looked over the tray he'd left earlier, pleased to see that she had at least eaten something.

"First of, there isn't anyone else here with a jacket this size, secondly if you recall I was the one to mend it the last time, and lastly it smells like you." The color rose to her cheeks at her admission, why she added that last note on was beyond her. Some things were better kept to ones self.

"Really now?" He had a smug look on his face and he cleared his throat. "The staff will be going up soon, if you'll point me in the direction of your hair things I'll fetch them and we'll see to lessening your burden."

She'd forgotten, oh Lord she'd asked him to cut her hair and here it was down already. Something she'd never let him see on a normal day. Thankful for the low lighting as her entire face flushed red. "I'll get it...that is...I mean you don't have to. I'm feeling a bit better, perhaps I can wait after all."

"Mrs. Hughes you're going to sit yourself right back down and I'm going to go get your things. If you'd prefer I can ask Anna to fetch them for me. I've not cut the hair of a Lady but surely you can walk me through it?"

"I'm no Lady Mr. Carson, but I'm sure you're right." With a soft sigh she rubbed at the back of her neck with one hand. "Everything you'll need is on the table near my bed."

"Very well. I'll return shortly." Turning on a heel he headed towards her room, checking the hallway he quietly slipped inside and found what he needed. Her hair rinse, comb, scissors and a strip of linen he knew was used to tie off the end of her braid. Items in hand he slipped back out and down to the kitchen.

He may not have the nerve to tell her exactly how he felt, but he was going to do everything in his power to show her, tonight, just how much he cared.

Please review! I hope to continue as soon as possible! :)