A/N WOW! The reaction to this one shot (haha) were overwhelming! So I wrote a little 2nd chapter to it. Call it a series of "scenes", moments that they share since Lady Mary's departure. (and yes, What remains of the past will also be updated soon!)

SPRING

The green meadows were dotted with the flowers of early spring. Bushes and trees were in bud already and the sun had warmed up the air considerably. During the day one could leave the house without putting on gloves or a woollen scarf. A hat and a light shawl, draped around the neck were sufficient.

With skilled movements she pinned the dark green hat in place, closed the last few buttons of the matching coat. She was ready to go out, enjoy her half -day outside the big house. The fresh air, fragranced by the many flowers already abloom in the gardens would do her good and chase away the dark thoughts that always plagued her during the long and dark winter months.

"You're ready to go?" His head appeared in the open doorway. "I'd say we take a walk to the village through the forest and…"

"Actually, I'd rather like to take that particular route on our way back", she interrupted him. "I'd like to see the sunshine and feel it on my face." She adjusted the hat one last time. "If it's agreeable for you?"

"Of course it is."

She turned around, at last ready to go and was greeted by his wonderful, warm smile. He looked so handsome in his grey tweed suit, so different compared to the black and white uniform he wore all day for most of the year.

"Then, Mr Carson, I'm looking very much forward to our walk." She reached out for his hand, like she had done so many times since that last summer in London. His hand felt warm and soft once it had enclosed her own. A rare moment of intimacy, so simple and yet so strong. He led her out of the room and into the sunlit backyard where she tilted her head back to look at the bright blue sky.

"We're very lucky." She inhaled deeply. "To have such fine weather after last week's heavy rain showers."

"Very lucky indeed." He let go of her hand and offered her his arm, which she took gladly knowing that he would pull her closer to his side as soon as they had left the backyard with its thousand eyes, and ears, always ready to spread the newest gossip.

Once they had stepped through the red brick gate at the eastern side, the vast green grounds opened in front of them. A few more steps away from the house, their pace perfectly in sync, he let go of her arm. She turned her head sideways, looked at him, confused by this unexpected behaviour.

"Would you mind if I kissed you?" He stopped walking.

"What's brought this on?" She let out a breath she had not realized she was holding. This man rarely broke a habit, hardly ever changed a routine he had grown accustomed to. And yet, since Lady Mary had departed for America, he had surprised her with actions she had never thought him capable of. Touching her arm, holding her hand when others were present, calling her by her first name when he thought no one was overhearing them although the house was aware of everything. And now a kiss outside, on the grounds where someone might easily walk past them.

"I don't know, the early spring perhaps?" He grinned and cupped her cheek gently.

"It has nothing to do with the telegram you received earlier?"

"Nothing at all, although I must admit that its contents made me happy." His thumb caressed her face.

"Then you might as well kiss me."

Outside, on the path visible to everyone who cared to look out of a window, stood the butler and housekeeper engrossed in a kiss no one would call chaste. In fact, it left her breathless and a bit dizzy once they broke it. Whoever had not been aware of this blossoming love now had proof that it was more than a simple search of companionship.

She took hold of his hand again, walked close by his side, both of them fixing their gaze on the gravel path and the sounds of their footsteps until the house was far in the distance behind them. Only then did she find the courage to steal a glance.

"That was lovely."

"We could repeat it on our way back."

"You're full of surprises today."

maybe tbc...