Chapter 4 - Christmas Surprise

She was in utter shock. She'd meant it completely when she said you could knock her down with a feather. She had truly been taken by surprise. She knew he loved her. She knew he'd been hinting at marriage but she never, ever expected a proposal tonight. The dear man...how could he have ever thought she'd say no? They'd stood staring at each other for several minutes after she'd agreed, both of them in shock. After a few minutes of silence, Elsie was the first to recover. She'd set her glass down and he'd one the same, then she'd reached up taken hold of his lapels and pulled him down to her in a searing kiss. She didn't know where her courage had come from, but it was a kiss like none they'd shared thus far and Charles was completely knocked back. He staggered a bit when she let him go, the faint whisper of "Wow" was all he could manage. She'd giggled at him and he'd joined in once he caught his breath. He'd told her that he had informed Lord and Lady Grantham of his intentions the day before, merely as a courtesy making certain she knew he was not asking their permission. "He needed no man's permission only her acceptance." he'd told her. She practically floated back upstairs to join in the carols, Beryl Patmore giving them both a questioning look when they returned.

The next morning the family slept in and Charles and Elsie had allowed the servants an extra hour as well on this one night a year. She of course couldn't sleep and had arisen at the normal time, finding Charles in his pantry as well.

"Good morning love." she said, walking up to him and kissing him on the cheek.

"Good morning." he returned, a bit surprised.

"Don't worry, I'll not be greeting you like that when others are near. They're all still asleep thankfully."

"It's nice. Perhaps we'll have our own cottage and then you can great me however you wish each morning." he smiled, waggling his eyebrows.

"Charles Carson!" she said, her mouth hanging open.

He only chuckled as he stood and walked over to her, kissing her gently on the lips.

"So…" she said, turning from him and walking to the door. "When do you want to tell the servants?"

He plopped down in his chair. "Oh God...I hadn't thought of that." he said, rubbing his hand down his face. "I suppose we should do it at luncheon. They'll find out on their own if we don't and I don't want there to be whispering."

"I agree. Would you like me to do it?"

"I'll do it. It should come from me."

She shook her head and smiled at her stubborn man. "Alright, well I need to get a head start on my books. I'll see you at luncheon.

Three hours later everyone was waiting in the servant's hall for Mr. Carson. Elsie had gotten in there a little early to speak to Anna about a guest that would be coming in two days. He finally came in and everyone stood. He motioned for them all to sit and looked over to Elsie who was still standing. She gave him a smile and slight nod. "I need to make an announcement before we begin." Everyone got very quiet and Mrs. Patmore and Daisy walked in from the kitchen. "Mrs. Hughes and I...are...we're uh…"

"We're going to be married." Elsie said confidently, stepping beside him and taking his hand in hers. He looked down at her relieved as the happy sounds of congratulations echoed around them.

"Yes, I have asked Mrs. Hughes to marry me and she has accepted. We wanted to inform you of this slight change in routine and would appreciate it if you were respectful of our privacy. I do not tolerate gossip and…" Elsie soothed him by placing her other hand on his arm and giving it a squeeze.

"...and...I think we should all eat before it's cold?" she smiled. Charles let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

"Yes, thank you Mrs. Hughes."

"We're all very happy for you both." Anna stately happily.

"It's about bloody time." Beryl teased, grinning widely at both of them.

"I don't see as how it'll make any difference in the routine of things Mr. Carson." Mr. Bates chimed in, smiling at the pair. "You two have practically been married since I came to Downton." Anna elbowed him.

"What my husband is trying to say is...you two were made for each other, and we're all very happy you finally figured it out!"

"Here, here!" Moseley called down the table. Everyone raised their teacups and toasted them happily.

TBC