Chapter Four

Mrs. Hughes waited until well after the dinner gong rang before returning to her sitting room. Twenty odd years walking the halls of Downton Abbey had made her an expert in not being found. With Charles, which was how she thought of him since the day at the seaside, safely occupied serving the family she could finish up the last few things she needed to attend to before departing the next morning.

Her afternoon hiding hadn't been wasted. She'd met with Miss Baxter and with Anna to make sure her responsibilities at Downton were covered in her absence. She'd finished a new rota for the airing out of one of the wings seldom used and she'd spent quite a bit of time with one of the new housemaids making sure she was settling into her new life at Downton. All in all it had been a very successful afternoon.

Rounding her desk she saw Charles' note. She was just about to pick it up to read when there was a knock at her door. Leaning against her doorway was a mischievous looking Mrs. Patmore, "What have you done to the man now?"

Turning the note over, no need for curious eyes to see it. She rolled her eyes, "What man would that be?"

Mrs. Patmore took a few steps into the room and closed the door, "Don't play coy with me Elsie Hughes. You know exactly what man I mean." She raised her eyebrows and was rewarded by a sly smile, "A certain butler who spent a fair portion of the afternoon tearing around the downstairs looking for you. What exactly have you done?"

"I've done nothing Mrs. Patmore. Her ladyship has asked me to go to London to inventory the house. It so happens Mr. Carson will also be in London overseeing some repairs."

"Oooh, alone in London with Mr. Carson. Why do I have the feeling it wasn't her Ladyship's idea at all for you to go to London?"

Hiding a smile, "You act as if I control what her Ladyship wants. We both noticed at Lady Rose's wedding the linen inventory was low. She thought it best we tend to it before the season starts. His Lordship happened to mention to her Mr. Carson was going and she thought it best I go as well since I don't know my way around the area that well."

Laughter filled the room, "You'll never convince me her Ladyship came up with that idea on her own."

"Well it's a good thing it's not you who needs convincing."

Both women laughed, "Well what did he say when he found you?"

Elsie looked at her questioningly, "Mr. Carson never found me this afternoon. What makes you think he did? Or could for that matter?"

"Only if you allowed him to find you. He came back just before the gong much calmer. I guessed he must have talked with you and you calmed his anxious nerves."

Elsie's hand twitched nervously towards the note. She looked at Mrs. Patmore, "Well I have no idea what calmed his nerves but it wasn't me."

Mrs. Patmore knew when she had been dismissed. Turning to the door she paused as her hand touched the doorknob, "Is there anything I can help you with?"

Fingers still hovering over the note on her desk, "I don't suppose you could put together a basket for the train."

Mrs. Patmore smiled to herself, "I'll see to it myself."

Elsie's eyes followed Mrs. Patmore until she was sure she was gone. Flipping the note over, she read Charles' note,

Dear Mrs. Hughes,

I've spoken with Lady Grantham and she has asked me to look after you while in London. Perhaps it is best we provide each other company on the first train. I think we should leave the house at a quarter past seven. We can discuss further details tonight over sherry.

Mr. Carson

Rolling her eyes, she shook her head, well that answered one question. Now he seemed to think spending time with her was an obligation. Perhaps Mr. Carson needed to be reminded she was not an obligation nor a chore but a privilege.

Crumbling his note she dropped it into the basket under her desk. She straightened a few things on her desk, collected what she needed and headed for the staff dining room. Watching the hustle and bustle in the room gave her an idea, she walked through the dining room into the kitchen.

Catching Mrs. Patmore's eye she motioned for her to join her in the hallway. When Mrs. Patmore joined her she took a quick look around to make sure no one was about, "Would it cause too much of an inconvenience if I took a tray in my room?"

"What's he done now?"

"Nothing Mrs. Patmore, I just realized I might need some extra time packing is all. I'll be in London with none of the family around, I don't really see the point in wearing my normal dresses."

"And you want to look especially good for a certain butler."

"Enough with your insinuations." Seeing the almost hurt look on her friend's face she softened, "Do you mind? About the tray?"

Mrs. Patmore waved it off, "It's no trouble. I'll send Eve up with something in a bit."

"Thank you."

Turning to go she stopped and smirked at Elsie, "What am I supposed to tell himself when he asks where you are?"

Seeing an opportunity to apologize to her friend and twist the knife with Charles she smiled, "You seem to have all of the answers. Tell him whatever you think is best."