Day 4: Dashing - through the snow, away with a smoothing iron, or maybe even a dashing hero
"Oh Elsie, He looks even more pompous than usual."
"Now Beryl..."
"Don't give me that look. Only Mr. Carson could go out and buy himself a winter coat that was even more upright than him"
"Now that isn't fair. I think he actually looks quite dashing in it"
Beryl's laughter could be heard throughout the downstairs.
"Well of course you would. You really think he tried it on inside for the good of his health"
"I don't know what you mean"
"Oh stop it, remember that I got me eyes done long ago and they aren't letting up on me yet"
Elsie looked down at her lap.
"Well whatever you think you see is definitely more than I've seen"
Beryl softened when she noticed how forlorn her dear friend had become. Christmas did have a way of doing that to her. Beryl never really had been able to get to the bottom of why she didn't like this time of year.
"Oh love, there's no need to despair. He adores you but is a major stick in the mud. It's going to take something groundbreaking to get through the many walls he's built up. And I know that he lets you see a lot more of himself than any of the rest of us, even me and I've known him my whole life in service. Now don't shake your head at me, why don't you just go for it? Make some happy Christmas memories"
"Oh Beryl, what would I do? I'm too old to go messing with relationships that have been stable for so many years that I've enjoyed."
"Now who's the stick in the mud? Come on girl, you can do better than that!"
"What if I can't? What if I've tried too many times and it's come to noting?"
"Look, you don't have to do anything drastic, just plan something a little special for one of your evenings with him. There's no need to declare anything, just show him that you enjoy being with him"
"Well I can't promise anything but maybe I'll get you to bake one of your lovely apple pies. Anyway I'm exhausted so I'm going to turn in."
With that Elsie went back to being Mrs Hughes and retired for the evening. It wasn't just Mr Carson who put up walls. Beryl was very pleased with the progress she had made. She didn't like to make her friend feel sad but she knew a little sadness was needed in order to get to the core of what she really wanted. She hoped that those two would finally let each other in. Everyone needs one great love affair in their lifetime.
A.N. When I started this prompt I didn't think I'd make anything of it but as I got going it started to come together and I'm pretty happy with it. There's sure to be typos cause I'm suffering from serious essay brain. Anyway let me know what you think and thanks very much for reading and following my little scribbles. Love.
