As I mentioned, I live in Hungary, so there may be some mistakes in my grammar.

So, breakfast is very awkward for both Elsie and Charles next day. But the others are so content that they don't recognize the signs... except for Anna and Mr Bates.

Set: 26th December, 1924

Chapter 3

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Christmas Day was supposed to be exceptionally lovely. Apart from New Year's Eve, that was the only day in a year, when the staff could consume their meal comfortably, without being interrupted or bothered by the family. Those times the servants were really grateful that they worked for Lord Grantham. Not every employer made such a concession.

Of course, there were tragic occasions too. They had no reason or mood to celebrate during the Great War, when William died and Mr Bates was landed in prison. The next years brought both happiness and grief. The staff and the family greeted two adorable children and mourned two adults. Mr Branson was strong and tried to go on because of the love he felt for his, and Lady Sybil's daughter, but Lady Mary was completely devasted after Mr Matthew's death. Mr Carson and Mr Branson did their best to put her out of her misery, and finally Lady Mary cried in the butler's arms – that was their common secret and they were willing to tell nobody.

It was supposed to be a great Christmas Day for everyone, when they were all content and looked forward to their own promising future. Of course, they weren't allowed to forget about their duties had to work hard until New Year's Eve, but the servants were always on cloud nine for the next few days… with the exception of Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes who were eating their breakfast with long faces and downcast eyes.

Felicity and festive mood were in the soul of the staff. They had a great fun, told each other different amusing jokes. Even the recently arrived Mr Bates was looking at his wife with sparky eyes and a dazzling smile, and never missed the chance to touch or caress her, as if he wanted to make sure that Anna was real, not just a vision. But Anna who clearly saw the face of Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes, frowned her eyebrows and moved her chin at them.

"Look at there," she gaped very cautiously, not wanting anybody to hear her, but Mr Bates.

Mr Bates looked at his wife suspiciously then nodded and turned to the housekeeper, who was sitting next to him.

"How are you feel today, Mrs Hughes?" asked Mr. Bates innocently.

Mrs Hughes suddenly shuddered, but tried to give him a friendly smile.

"I'm a bit tired, but quite well, thank you," she let out a nervous chuckle, then fell her eyes down. She didn't even say a word to Mr Bates, or greeted him. She realised her impoliteness toward him and quickly added "I'm very glad that you're here, Mr Bates, I am. But I think I am miles away. I might seem indifferent to your presence, but I don't intend to offend you, really."

Mr Bates nodded sympathetically.

"I see, Mrs Hughes. Being exhausted is not a sin."

She forced herself to smile again then lost in her own thoughts. Mr Carson was much more grumpy than usual, althought the joy of Christmas had always softened his rigidity a little bit. But the most interesting thing was the way they treated each other. Mr Carson always stared at the housekeeper with a heartbreaking expression on his face, when he thought she couldn't s see him. When Mrs Hughes turned to him, he averted his glance and started an awkward conversation with Miss Baxter.

Mr Bates and Anna agreed implicitly: something must had happened between them recently… or maybe, at last night.

It was obvious to Miss Baxter to, who was successfully bored by Mr Carson. He broached such issues like the chronological reign of England, the grief of Hungarian residents over the Treaty of Trianon – Miss Baxter had no idea what he was talking about –, and his growing distaste towards modern technology. If she hadn't been afraid of being caught, she would had rolled her eyes and sighed painfully.

Charles saw that Mrs Hughes had as little appetite as he had, althought neither of them was fond of wasting food. He had never been so grateful for the work they had to do before New Year's Eve, than at that moment. It would be very humilating to see her, to bump into her on the corridor or to open his mouth to begin a conversation with her. Paradoxically, he couldn't bear, if he had to avoid her all day. He had always found a pleasure in her small slim figure, her enchanting, blue eyes, her lovely Scottish accent and the way the keys on her hips jilted.

He had no idea what had come over him, when he invited her to his pantry in the middle of the celebration, while Lady Mary was singing. He just felt, it was the right time for the proposal. He had been gaining his courage for days to tell Mrs Hughes that he had registered the house in both of their names, but somebody always bothered them.

At first, he wanted to cancel and forget that stupid idea of investing in a property. He had enough savings for his retirement, he had always been thrifty, but it seemed to be a good facility to meet regularly in private, spend their days off together with their common business, get closer to each other, and plan their future together – then marry someday after they retire.

A few days later he had found a satisfying solution. Mrs Hughes had always been supportive with people who needed encouragement or help – certainly towards him, Charles. Now, it was his turn to repay her kindness. He had planned to share his house with her – not as business partners, but as a husband and a wife.

He didn't know when he had started to fall for Mrs Hughes. Maybe he started to realize his feelings when it was suspected that she had suffered from cancer. He had never worried about anyone else so much, including Lady Mary too. Fortunately, it was only a mare's nest, but he was so relieved that he sang an old folk song to himself. He didn't know how he would had been able to do without her. Although he was the head of the staff officially, deep in his soul, he had always surmised that Mrs Hughes was the one who actually managed the servants. Not directly, of course, but he didn't remember the last time when he decided or did something without asking for her advice – or permission. He was completely crossed around her little finger, he was aware of that.

He had been deliberating to ask for her hand in a marriage since their day off by the sea. Unfortunately it was unusual and improper to a butler and a housekeeper to get married, so Charles just played with the thought. He would had never dared to take a step towards her in a romantic way until their retirement. Mrs Patmore gave him the inspiration to invest in a property and he wished to involve Mrs Hughes too. At first as business partners, then as a married couple.

But his plan was doomed and the whole situation changed when Mrs Hughes told him about her lack of savings and her sister, Becky, who was not 'quite right in the head'.

There were no other opportunities: Charles had to marry her or he would lose her forever.

Everything seemed to be perfect… being at the pantry with two glasses of sherry, while the other were celebrating so they wouldn't be bothered by the impudent Mr Barrow or the bumbling Mr Moesley… oh God, he was so wrong.

"Mr Carson..."

Mr Carson he suddenly heard the sweetest voice in the world which brought him back down the earth. She carefully touched his arm and it was like an electric shock for him. He couldn't bear the touch of her skin, yet, he longed for it. He wanted to reach out for her hand and hold it for a moment… then the imigation of Mr. Burns came to his mind. In his mind, he saw a fat, red-faced rough with the lack of general knowledge and a horrible, harsh accent. But Mrs Hughes chose Mr Burns, not him… that was the point. Due the sudden ache in his chest, he was incapable of opening his mouth.

"Mr Carson," Mrs Hughes repetaed herself and swallowed "I think you have to go upstairs or you'll be late."

Charles sighed deeply, then stood up. The others followed him.

Mr Bates and Anna watched Mr Carson leaving the servants hall. His posture now was stooping, which made him much shorter than he was. His steps were unusually fast and he avoided the glances as if he had something to hide. How much he was keen on giving big talks about the importance of the right posture. He kept saying that it was a part of dignity.

Now he looked like a naughty boy after he got his punishment. Last time, when they saw such a behaviour from him, his old friend, Mr Charles Grigg appeared in Downton Abbey to humilate him. He had looked so lost in those days, that Anna wanted to give him a hug and comfort him. Both Anna and Mr. Bates had been giggling for weeks after the incident. They had been far from judging him, but the way he had overreacted the whole situation had been simply ridicoulus.

But that was somehow different. It was serious. It was obvious to them, when they saw the same expression on Mrs Hughes's face. The mixture of sorrow, shame, and remorse. Then she put her hand up and wiped her eyes. Was she fighting with tears? Hopefully not, but unfortunately it was probable.

"Did they have an argument?" inquired Mr Bates when they were out of the servants hall.

"I have no idea," Anna shook her head "They seemed to be get on well.

"Maybe last night... remember how upset he was," conjectured Mr Bates.

"By the way, it's not our business" she asserted, but her husband knew that she was dying of curiosity. Mrs Hughes was like a mother to her and she didn't want to see the housekeeper upset or unhappy.

"But if they don't resolve their conflict, the athmosphere will be tense downstairs. I'm sure we won't get away with the consequences.

xxxxxx

Anna passed by Mrs Hughes's sitting room and she heard strange noises. To be punctual, it was sniffle and choking. She hesitated whether she could bottom it or not. But what if the housekeeper was under the weather? She could had never forgiven herself, if she had fainted or been booting. Finally, she opened the door, her eyes were searching for Mrs Hughes. And the view was harrowing: Mrs Hughes was sitting at her desk, her face was concealed behind her hand, and she was crying. She suddenly felt that she was not on her own, quickly dried her tears, then turned to her guest.

"Oh, Anna. It's you..." she took out her handkerchief and blew her nose.

"Mrs Hughes... are you all right?

"Take a good guess," Mrs Hughes suddenly regretted her sentence and bit her lip. She was sometimes sarcastic but had never been rude... especially with Anna, who had never done anything wrong. "Forgive me, please."

Anna took a step towards her, not being sure, whether she was expected to comfort the eldelry woman, or leave her alone and act as if she hadn't seen anything.

"Never mind, Mrs Hughes."

It was followed by an uncomfortable silence. Anna twirled her fingers, desperately wanted some help from the housekeeper.

"I'm going to be okay, Anna, "snuffed Mrs Hughes" I just need some minutes...

"Is there anything I can do for you?" asked Anna. Please let me stay and tell me, what your problem is. I'm longing for help you. I can't bear seeing you that melancholic, after all you have done for me and John. There is nothing more I want to do at the moment than putting you out of your misery.

Mrs Hughes smiled affectionately and reached her hand out for Anna. She came in and took it in hers.

"Anna, you are the loveliest young woman I have ever known, but I like dealing with my problems alone. I just want to say that you are very lucky to have such a wonderful husband that Mr Bates. Please do me a favour."

"Anything, Mrs Hughes."

"That man loves you very much, please try to make him happy. I mean," she cleared her throat "I didn't want to offend you, but it' your first Christmas for years, when you can find some happiness. Just smile and laugh and don't pay attention to anyone who has long face... including me. The love you feel toward each other is admirable and every woman wishes to marry such a nice man, like Mr Bates."

Anna smiled and nodded.

"I'm sorry if I was too familiar" added Mrs Hughes nervously.

"It's alright, Mrs Hughes. Thank you for your kind words. I have always been very grateful for the attention I received from you."

Mrs Hughes smiled with teary eyes. What a darling thing she is.

Thanks for the reviews. Keep reading and you will see what happens.