A/N: Ok, after all that emotion, hopefully this will be a little lighter. Don't bet your houses on it though. This is a Chelsie wedding we're talking about. Thank you for all the AMAZING reviews I've had so far, they blew me away. I hope this lives up to them.

Inside the church the congregation was stirring, the sound of discrete nose blowing the most audible thing, as people tried to gather themselves so they wouldn't be revealed as soggy messes when they greeted the Carsons.

From her position at the front of the church, Cora turned to survey her staff on the other side. Miss Baxter was being handed a handkerchief by Mr Molesley, having evidently rendered her own useless. The smile she sent him gave Cora pause for a moment, but she tucked the thought away for another day. Anna was smiling broadly and caught her eye, at which point both their faces stretched impossibly wider.

The emotion was infectious it seemed, for even Barrow, Spratt and Violet could not stop the delight of the occasion showing on their faces. Denker still looked like she'd swallowed a lemon, but then Violet had shared the story of the Maid's devious rumour spreading (refusing to take any of the blame on herself) and confided she was still ruling by fear. Denker probably had a lot on her mind.

A brief flash of red caught Cora's eye and she stared at a woman she was sure she knew. Then her memory clicked in and she realised she was staring at Gwen. Mrs Carson hadn't mentioned who from outside the village she had invited, just that there might be some old faces. She had, though, firmly assured Cora that Miss O'Brien would not be receiving an invite. Cora felt her heart tighten as she looked at the woman, happily chatting to a villager, that Sybil had championed so fiercely. She would talk to her later, when her emotions had calmed.

Now she turned back to the front of the church and saw that Mrs Patmore was still dabbing at her eyes, and moved from her pew towards the woman.

'Come now, Mrs Patmore. Mrs Carson's not going to like seeing you so upset.'

I know that Milady, it's just …'

Cora stretched out a hand and laid it on her cook's shoulder, a gesture so unusual that it had the effect of stemming Mrs Patmore's tears immediately. Everything was unusual today, Cora reasoned, and the normal barriers seemed to have dissolved, for the day at least.

'Nothing's going to change, not really. She's still going to be there, as much your friend as Mr Carson's wife.'

Mrs Patmore nodded and sighed, trying to settle herself, before smiling up at Cora. 'Thank you Milady.'

Their attention was drawn by the sound of music outside and the doors of the church were flung open, the congregation taking their cue to leave.

'Come on Mrs Patmore!' cried Daisy, in happy tones, shooting a shy smile at Cora and practically dragging the cook down the aisle to the doors.

Outside, the guests were trooping out of the church, chatting and laughing with each other as the Carsons stood to one side, taking it all in and responding to the various warm wishes that were directed at them.

Elsie felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to find 'Gwen! Oh, my dear – Thank you for coming! How are you?

She detached her arm from her husband, who looked slightly put out at the loss of contact, until he realised the cause, and moved to hug Gwen, who returned the embrace warmly.

'I'm very well, thank you Mrs … Carson' The slight pause caused both of the women to blush and smile before Gwen continued. 'I wouldn't have missed this for anything, although it was a near thing. My girls were playing up something rotten yesterday.'

She pointed in the direction of the graveyard where two young brunette girls were playing peekaboo with Marigold, Lady Edith keeping a watchful eye on proceedings.

Elsie laughed at the tableau and turned back to ask 'They look lovely. How old are they?'

'Sybil is ten and Anna six.'

Elsie drew in a breath as she heard the names and squeezed Gwen's arm in understanding, slightly at a loss for what to say.

'They look like they are a credit to you' interjected her husband, and she leaned her shoulder into his upper arm in silent thanks for his assistance.

'Oh, they are Mr Carson!' beamed Gwen. 'Although their father would disagree when they get stubborn.'

'Much like their mother then' laughed Elsie. 'There's Lady Grantham', she said, her sharp eyes noting the movement of everyone in the churchyard. 'Why don't you go and say hello. Better to get the first painful moment over with. We'll chat later.'

Gwen nodded and moved off to Cora.

Elsie took Charles's arm again, relishing the fact he immediately grasped her hand, and smiled up at him. 'Don't you think we ought to move to the reception?'

'All in good time my love. Besides, we've still got one more tradition to complete before we leave.'

She could not fathom what he meant and was bemused by the fact he appeared to be searching someone out from the crowd. Lord Grantham came to his aid, pushing through the throng, and pointed back towards the church. 'He's over there Carson.'

'Who is?' enquired Elsie as they moved back the way they had come.

'The photographer', Charles said with a little flourish of his hand, indicating the man himself, whom Elsie hadn't noticed before.

'But I thought we weren't …' she paused and shook her head and looked up at him with loving amusement in her eyes. 'That's the third surprise today. You've evidently learned how to keep secrets!'

'I doubt it's an ability I'll retain!' he responded happily as the photographer positioned them in front of the church doors, one of which still stood slightly ajar. The first pose was formal and they stood quite soberly, the essence of respectability. Charles already knew the photograph would take pride of place on his desk, and in a certain frame, which was infinitely more dear now than when it had been presented to him.

'Now, if you could turn a little so that you can look at each other', instructed the photographer. 'And move slightly apart. Yes, that's it. Mrs Carson, if you could just bring your bouquet up a bit, just so, we wouldn't want to miss those. Now, if you would look at each other, and Mrs Carson if you could imagine Mr Carson's said something slightly absurd but very loving.'

'Wouldn't be the first time' she murmured, so only he could hear her, and the tender humour was evident in her smile, whilst his admiration for her shone clearly from his face. This was the picture which graced Mrs Carson's desk, a daily reminder of the deep love which ran underneath the formal veneer of their relationship.

'That's quite enough of that' Elsie declared as the photographer made to move them into another position. 'Charles, we really ought to be moving to the school house. I'm sure the Dowager could do with a seat, and I'm a little chilled if I'm honest.

'As my wife commands' he said seriously and turned to his left. 'Strike up piper!' he called, before moving forward to Robert.

'We're going to process over to the school house now, as I explained Milord. Could you ensure everyone knows what's happening?'

He turned back to his wife who was staring at him openly.

'What?'

'How is it you know if that particular Scottish tradition?'

'I'm in the business of knowing the proper way of things' he said, smiling a little smugly. 'But I might have had tip off from Doctor Clarkson when I went to ask him about finding me a piper.'

'I see' she said, pursing her lips in amusement. 'And here was I thinking I knew what this day was going to be like!'

He chuckled and lifted her hand to his lips briefly before gesturing down the path. 'Shall we?'

Some while later, the wedding party was grouped in a large semi circle, glasses of champagne in hand, listening attentively as Robert continued his duties as best man and made a speech.

'It occurred to me that I would not be doing this remarkable couple justice if I focussed solely on Mr Carson, and so I hope you will allow me to break with tradition slightly. I must first acknowledge the help of my wife, who thought there were perhaps a few too many cricket references. I will freely admit that when I first heard the news that Carson was going to be married, I was flabbergasted. Then, I was informed that Mrs Hughes was his chosen bride and I realised how much sense it made. They have, after all, built a long partnership over the last twenty years. Carson was with me when I made my own venture into married life and has seen me navigate the matrimonial waters ever since. I don't dare suggest he has learned well, for we all make mistakes. But in Mrs Carson, as I am now very pleased to call her, he has found a woman who acts very like Lady Grantham does to me. Mrs Carson cares for him deeply, challenges him when he prefers to stick to the old ways, and supports him at all times. Mr Carson may have bowled this maiden over, but none of us can be in any doubt that he is batting far above his average.

I invite you to raise your glasses to Mr and Mrs Carson.'

The entire company echoed his toast and the Carsons themselves clinked their glasses together and took a sip of champagne, both very touched by the high praise which had been bestowed on them.

Charles cleared his throat and squared his shoulders, before raising his eyes.

'Surprising as it may be to some, I find that I've not been able to find the right words to adequately express quite how happy I am. How happy Mrs Carson has made me by becoming my wife.'

He turned towards her and spoke the next words directly to her, although they were audible to everyone in the room.

'Elsie Carson, thank you for being my better self, the light at the end of every day and the most beautiful woman of my acquaintance. I love you, very, very much.'

He bent towards her and lightly brushed her lips with his before he turned back to his guests.

'Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Mrs Elsie Carson.'

In the brief silence that followed the toast a small voice, with a slight American twang to it, rang out from the back of the hall.

'Why is everyone toasting Mrs Hughes?'

Mary whirled around to face the newcomer and Daisy's face lit up in a surprised smile. There, in the doorway, stood none other than Tom Branson.

'Well that's my cover blown! Is this a private party or can anyone join in?'

Elsie, with the tears from her husband's earlier words still shining in her eyes, gasped with delight as she saw precisely who it was and handed her glass to Charles with shaking hands, her face lit up smiles. She moved forward, but didn't get very far, for Sybbie ran towards her, and very soon her arms were filled with the small girl. 'Mr Branson!' she said, her voice full of emotion, 'I never thought to see you here. We're so pleased, aren't we Charles?'

She turned to her husband, who had somehow dispensed with both glasses and was now by her side. Any worry she might have had that he would disapprove of her exuberant greeting was swept aside by the large smile her husband wore and the fact he immediately held his hand out to shake Tom's.

'We are indeed. It means a lot to both of us.'

'Might I kiss the bride, Mr Carson?' grinned Tom cheekily, fully expecting a rebuff.

'I don't see why not, as long as you give her back. Why doesn't Miss Sybbie come with me and we'll go have a chat with Donk.'

Charles moved to take the child from his wife's arms and smiled down at her. 'Don't be long' he whispered in her ear.

Elsie smiled, and then refocussed her attention on Tom. 'I still can't quite believe it!'

'Well, I'm here. You look wonderful, Mrs Carson. Marriage clearly suits you!'

She laughed, shaking her head at his flattery, moving forwards to give him a kiss on the cheek. 'There, now the bride has kissed you, and broken with tradition once more! I think Lady Mary is anxious to say hello'

With that, she chivvied Tom off to say hello to the rest of the family and went to reclaim her husband who had been joined by Isobel and Violet, both eager to see their little Sybbie.

'Ah, Mrs Carson' her husband said, smiling down at her, as she stood next to him. 'What do you say to a little dance?'

The gramophone had been brought from the abbey for the occasion and Mr Molesley stood ready and waiting to set the music running. Once again, the guests moved into a semi circle and Mr Carson led his wife into the middle of the room.

Charles laid one hand on her waist and took her left hand in his right, drawing her quite near to him. A soft lilting waltz sounded out from across the room and all at once they were moving across the floor, swaying slightly. Round and round they span, eyes only for each other, relishing in the contact they shared and delighting in the way the action seemed to heighten the love they felt. At first they did not speak, were just content to be, but then the piper in the corner flashed into Elsie's vision and she squeezed his hand.

I wonder, my love, if we might get the piper to play some reels? I'm sure we could get Doctor Clarkson to perform the role of caller. It might all be a bit of a mess, but everyone would have great fun.'

She had expected him to dismiss the idea, or protest he didn't know the steps and didn't want to appear foolish. She was therefore surprised when he looked over at the piper too and murmured 'Yes, I suppose we might.'

Once their dance had ended, they moved towards the doctor to fill him in on their idea, and he readily agreed. They explained to their guests, suggesting that those who knew what they were doing might partner those who did not. Elsie noted a brief flash of something cross Lady Mary's face before she smiled brightly.

'I hope it doesn't upset you too much, Milady.

Mary looked surprised and would have denied anything was wrong, but she saw the knowing look in the other's eyes and capitulated, shaking her head slightly. 'It does and it doesn't Mrs Carson. Matthew and I had some very happy times dancing, and he would be laughing in memory of my stubbornness back then if he were here. I'm very happy to dance a reel at your wedding.'

'I'm glad. Let's see what we can manage with this motley crew!'

Elsie moved back to her husband who, she noted, wasn't looking at all nervous, and waited to hear what Doctor Clarkson would decide on.

The man in question clapped his hands together to draw everyone's attention. 'Right, I think we'll start with something fairly easy – the Circassian Circle. If everyone could form into a wide circle and make sure it goes man, woman, man, woman.'

The guests all followed his instructions quickly, and Elsie was surprised to note that even the Dowager appeared to have decided to join in, at least for the beginning.

'Right, thank you. So, first of all, everyone takes four steps into the middle, claps their hands, then four steps back. Repeat that. Then the women on their own repeat the action, then the men on their own. Then as the men turn back they turn to their left, take the hands of the woman in that position, two steps to the left, two steps to the right, repeat and then take her into ballroom hold, and spin around for sixteen beats. Then, still in couples you go for a walk about the room, until you're halfway round, and then it starts all over again.'

Doctor Clarkson paused to take in the faces of the crowd. 'Have you all got that?'

'I think so!' came some brave voices.

'Right, well, let's have a crack at it, and hang on to your hats, because the reeling gets faster as you go!'

The bagpipes started and chaos reigned with people bashing into each other as they forgot their left from right and got terribly dizzy as they span around. The music cut out as Doctor Clarkson laughed at the flustered faces before him.

'Perhaps you need to see how it's done. Mr and Mrs Carson, might I persuade you?'

'I'm not sure that would be …' Elsie started to demure before finding herself firmly pulled into hold.

'We'll skip the first bit' he declared and motioned to the piper to start up again before presenting his hands to his wife.

She took them, with a look of amused distrust in her eyes, and listened as the music started up, mentally counting the beat, and was surprised when he started to move at the exact moment the music suggested. He moved to the side fluidly and then span her around fairly fast, but not so that she felt the need to grip to him and then moved to her side to accompany her around the room, before repeating the whole dance again, this time spinning her around so fast the room blurred and she laughed with delight.

The music came to a stop as they stilled and their guests burst out into spontaneous applause. Elsie put her hand to her chest to try and still her heartbeat and looked at her husband who had managed to surprise her so many times that she had lost count.

'Where', she asked breathlessly, 'did you learn to dance like that without my knowledge?'

He looked very pleased with himself and nodded over to one side of the room. 'Anna's been teaching me after the upstairs breakfast was completed.'

Elsie span around to look for the woman, and mouthed 'Well done' when she caught her eye.

'Shall we try again everyone?' called Doctor Clarkson and soon enough the sound of bagpipes mixed with the hilarity of people getting their steps wrong filled the school house.

Many, many reels later Elsie noted that the light was starting to fade. Beside her, Charles also noted the hours had slipped by, and wondered whether it might not be time to leave. They weren't going far, just a hotel in York, but he was more than ready to be alone with his bride.

'Do you think we should be leaving?' she asked, surprising him with the synchronicity of their thoughts. He merely nodded.

'Right, well, there's just one more tradition to dispense with.' She moved away to find Lady Grantham and very soon all the women were moving into the middle of the hall to await the throwing of the bouquet.

Elsie scanned the various faces, wondering if she could direct the flowers to someone in particular. This was going to be tricky, given the precarious romantic history of many of the women in the room. Her aim was never that good, however, she reasoned. Let the bouquet fall where it may.

'Are you all ready?' She turned her back to the group of women and sent a smile to Charles who was watching the proceedings with amusement.

Mrs Carson flung the bouquet over her head as hard as she could. She heard the whoosh as it sailed through the air, and then a gasp as it landed in someone's arms. There was total silence. That wasn't good. She turned around in some trepidation to find Isobel's arms full of flowers, where they had dropped without her having to reach for them at all.

'Well goodness me' Isobel said quietly, looking up at Elsie with some amusement mixed with pain on her face.

There was a momentary pause and then Isobel gathered herself, and tugged at one of the roses.

'It hardly feels fair to be the sole recipient of such bounty. Edith, Mary, here you are.' She handed both the women a rose each, and then moved about the others picking out roses, heather and ferns as she decided best suited their characters.

'If you dare give me anything from that bouquet, I will strike you with my stick.'

'What about a thistle, cousin Violet?' Isobel asked with a seriousness that did not reach her eyes. 'It suits you so well.'

The dowager rolled her eyes, but smiled, taking the offered thistle. 'Just this once.'

The car to take them to the station for their train to York stood outside. Every guest came to see them off, as they settled into the back seats.

As it drove off, Elsie turned to her husband, smiled and nestled happily into his waiting arms. She felt the kiss he placed on her hair and thrilled to the fact that they were actually married. And alone.

A/N: Oh goodness, that was hard. Nothing wanted to be written at all. I'm still trying not to be swayed by the pictures that have been released, but the two pictures I described are very much based on those. But I didn't like the idea of there being a sit down lunch (as shown by the picture of Molseley) so I've ignored the food (everyone must be starving, oh dear).

I've been planning on writing a series of fics about dancing, with the first one being Anna teaching Mr Carson how to reel for his wedding, but it's just not happened. Then today, Revfrog and Deeedeee were talking about it, and I thought, hey, why not. They said Daisy, but my head canon is Anna. That part is for them. (At least, I think it was them, but the black hole that is tumblr has destroyed any hope of me finding it, so if it was someone else, then this part is dedicated to you too!)

I am possibly planning a little half wedding night epilogue, but I don't know if I'll get to it before I go on holiday VERY early on Saturday. I've still got to pack. And apply for a job I really want, so we'll see.

Oh, I do hope you liked this. A review or two would be charming.