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Elsie looked at her corset and sighed. She was 16 weeks pregnant, and she was bigger than her Ladyship when she was pregnant with Lady Sybill. She couldn't possibly wear any of her dresses now, and that had brought her almost to tears. She was sitting on her bed, in her nightgown, and she was already late to breakfast. She heard a knock on the door.
-Come in. – She put her robe on and sat on a chair that was next to the window. Charles came in and closed the door.
-Elsie, we are waiting for you, why aren't you dressed yet?
-I don't have anything to wear that fits me! – She started crying and placed her hands on her face.
-Alright…- He run to her and hugged her. – No need to cry. Why don't you wear one of your skirts, and your white blouse?
-My skirts don't fit either. – She looked up to his face and dried her tears.
-Okay, then… Wait here.
-Where are you going Charles?
-In a bit you will see. Just wait here.
He kissed her cheek, left the room and walked downstairs, to the library. He knocked lightly and after hearing Lord Grantham he entered.
-Something you want Carson?
-I'm afraid we have a slight problem My Lord, and I was wondering if Lady Grantham would be so kind as to help me.
-What's the problem Mr. Carson? – Her Ladyship sat next to her husband.
-Mrs. Hughes is upstairs, crying, because none of the clothes she has fit her. Do you have any idea as what to do My Lady?
-I was waiting for this day. – She stood up, left the room, leaving a very confused Carson standing there, and after several minutes she came in with two footmen carrying a big trunk, which they left on the floor. - Inside this trunk is your solution Mr. Carson.
-What's inside the trunk My Lady?
-Mrs. Hughes' new clothes. I went the other day shopping with Lady Mary, and we saw this beautiful black dress that we thought would look great on Mrs. Hughes, and we decided on buying her clothes. We know she doesn't have much money, and she will need it for the little one, so we decided on doing this. It includes: dresses, skirts, coats, new underwear, blouses, shoes, stockings and a big surprise I'm sure she will love. Now, take it upstairs, we will be having breakfast soon, and she was the one who insisted on going back to work today.
-This is… This is so wonderful from you My Lady. I will take upstairs right now. Thank you. – Charles smiled at her and quickly told the footmen to take it and to follow him.
Once upstairs they left it on the floor and went downstairs. Charles opened the door to find Elsie just where he had left her. He smiled and took the trunk inside.
-What is that Charles?
-Well… Your new clothes.
-My what? – She stood up and opened the trunk.
The first thing she saw was a beautiful black dress with an elastic band in her waist that could be adjusted as they baby grew. She took it out and placed it on the bed to look at it more closely. It had small decorations all over it, and it was a knee length dress.
-Charles, how did you… This must have cost a fortune?
-I wouldn't know, her Ladyship and Lady Mary have taken care of your entire wardrobe. You have new skirts, dresses, shoes… even underwear.
-Underwear? – She walked over to the trunk and after moving a few boxes and packages she found a blue box from the lingerie shop. She took it out and opened it. -Charles, I couldn't possibly wear this! My bosom wouldn't be supported! – She showed him a peach color bra with elastics. – Well, I think it might be supported in this… The elastics would help. Oh, please, look at the knickers Charles! My belly is going to fit in this! – She smiled brightly and laughed.
-Do you like the clothes?
-I love them. They are beautiful. The problem now is what do I wear?
-I think that the first dress would make your belly look beautiful.
-If you wait here while I put my underwear on and then you can help me with the dress.
-I will choose the stockings and the shoes while you are in the bathroom. Just be quick, the staff must be starving.
-Thank God I did my hair an hour ago. I will be right back. Could you put everything in the wardrobe while I'm away?
She kissed his cheek and took the blue box with her. Charles took things out of the trunk and put them placed them carefully in the closet. Soon the trunk was empty except for a white package. It had a small card attached, and it said just one word. Surprise.
-I'm here. Give me the stockings. – Charles lifted his head from the white package and instead of giving her what she had asked for he gave her the package. -They must be a really expensive pair of stockings. – She opened it and opened her mouth widely. - Charles! This is a baby blanket. – She looked at him and then back at the blanket. It was white, with the corners in silver colour and with small teddy bears embroidered.- Did you buy this Charles?
-No. Her Ladyship got it for you. It was a surprise.
-It's beautiful, remind me to thank her Ladyship, but now we have to go downstairs, so give me the stockings and the shoes. You button the dress up. – She left the blanket on the bed and took the stockings from Charles hands.
She quickly put them on, and Charles with steady and warm hands buttoned the dress up. She put her shoes on, took the bottle of perfume and put a few drops of it on her wrists and behind her ears.
-Lets go. I'm starving. – She closed the door after Charles.
-So no morning sickness anymore?
-No. It finally passed, and I'm very happy that I don't have to see the basket next to my bed anymore. I was starting to hate it. Have you found it difficult to run the house without me?
-Not at all. Anna has proved to be an excellent possible housekeeper, but she will never be as good as you.
-Flattery will get you everywhere with me Mr. Carson.
-I certainly hope so.
She laughed slightly and once they reached the end of the stairs she took a couple of deep breaths and followed Charles to the Servant's Hall. They stood up as soon as they saw Mr. Carson and started whispering as soon as Mrs. Hughes set foot on the place.
-Please sit down. As you can see Mrs. Hughes is back, and I hope you will be helpful and treat her as if nothing had changed.
-Things have changed Mr. Carson. – Thomas looked from his face to her belly, which could be seen perfectly through the fabric of her dress.
-Nothing has changed Mr. Barrow.
-Then I suppose that if she gives birth in her Sitting Room you won't have to be notified. Nothing has changed.
-Mr. Barrow, I'm warning you; I won't stand any of your foolishness from now on. Mrs. Hughes is healthy and so is the child, and I refuse to hear any more jokes about this.
-Mr. Carson, I refuse to treat her as the housekeeper she used to be. She's Mr. Green's little whore and she's carrying a little bastard…
-Mr. Barrow, don't you dare say anything about my wife! I won't have you insulting her! If I hear one more word you will be out of this house before you can finish your sentence.
-Wife? - Alfred looked at him.
-Yes, we got married a few weeks ago. Now let's have breakfast.
Thomas looked at him in a challenging way before sitting down. The tension eased a bit, and he sat down once Elsie was in her chair. Charles gave her a reassuring smile before he started eating.
-Mr. Carson, - Anna left her fork on the table. – can I tell her?
-Yes. This will be the best time.
-Mrs. Hughes, Mr. Green has been convicted, so he's going to jail. They didn't want to move you from your bed, so Mr. Carson testified in your behalf, I testified, and a girl from town too so the judge didn't doubt it for a minute, and he was sent to jail this morning.
-Oh, Anna! - She looked at her before she turned to Charles. – Oh Charles!
-I knew you would be very glad.
-He won't be back then. We are safe.
-Yes. – He looked at the table. - You better start with your duties. And as for you Mrs. Hughes, - He handed her the keys. – welcome back.