A/N: Here is part one of their evening together. I hope you enjoy it!
Chapter 4
As interminably as the afternoon and evening seemed to drag, Charles was surprised to discover that it was time for the staff dinner. As he walked along to corridor to the baize door, he made a conscious effort to regulate his breathing. His apprehension at being seated next to Mrs. Hughes, Elsie, he corrected irritably, had already caused him to snap waspishly at Mr. Barrow, who only quirked one eyebrow, not quite sardonically and yet managed to convey more than a whisper of disrespect. This evening, however, Charles did not have the presence of mind to adequately reprimand him, so he merely quirked his own rather remarkable eyebrow back at the lad and remained otherwise silent. Damn and blast, thought Charles, how did we ever manage to get saddled with the likes of him? Not for the first time he'd wished Mr. Barrow far, far away from Downton. Although he was sharper than most, he was overly confident, which often caused him to overlook more subtle observations, observations of a nature that often led to the distinction between good and great. Mr. Barrow would be a good butler; he certainly looked the part, but he would never be a great butler, in part because he was not nearly so observant as he thought. He was merely sly and grasping. He'll come to know good end, that one, he thought darkly, but at least I won't be around to see it.
These musings carried him down the stairs and through the Servants hall to the staff table. He paused for a moment at the door, scanning the group for Elsie. He wanted a glimpse of her before they were all seated.
"Is everything alright, Mr. Carson?"
Damn. Of course she would have anticipated his desire to see her before they sat down to eat. And, was it his imagination, or did she linger just a bit longer over the "r" in his name?
"Perfectly, Mrs. Hughes," he replied as equably as he could.
"Did you have a pleasant afternoon? We missed you at luncheon." I missed you.
"It seemed best to work through luncheon today. I'd several things to attend to." I wanted to see you, but I was afraid the others might see.
"I've always thought tackling your work head on to be the wisest course." You should be free this evening.
"Yes, I quite agree." I plan to concentrate on nothing but you this evening. "Shall we?" And he inclined his head toward the table. Mrs. Hughes nodded her assent, and he noticed that she stiffened almost imperceptibly as they made their way to their seats.
*CE*
The meal was nothing out of the ordinary: plain but hearty food and plenty of it, but tonight each bite of stew tasted more delicious than she remembered, each sip of wine slid more smoothly down her throat. She caught Charles' eye occasionally, but thought it prudent to focus her attention more forcefully on maneuvering her food from her plate to her mouth. She could sense Mr. Barrow's attention beside her. She knew it would only be a matter of time before-
"And where is Mr. Gillingham this evening?"
"Mrs. Patmore sent a tray up to his room," volunteered Daisy.
"Well that's unusual. I certainly hope he's not unwell," replied Thomas smoothly, taking in first the butler, then the housekeeper in his gaze. She willed herself not to look at Anna or Charles.
"Mr. Gillingham will be taking all of his meals in his room during his stay. It seems he prefers it that way."
"That seems odd for such a lively chap," mused Daisy, but a look from Mr. Carson silenced any further comments on that subject.
"Yes, lively certainly is one word to describe him."
"To each his own, I always say," said Mrs. Hughes briskly. "Now then," and she turned to look at Charles, "are we to expect any other guests soon?"
"Have you not enjoyed Lord Gillingham's stay, Mrs. Hughes?"
Elsie turned toward Mr. Barrow with a withering look. "It is not for me to like or dislike a guest of this house. I am here to serve, as are you, Mr. Barrow," she returned crisply. "As for Lord Gillingham, he seems a perfectly charming man." If only we could say the same of his valet, she thought bitterly.
Thomas drew breath and made to speak again, but Mr. Carson silenced him with a raised hand. "That's enough, Mr. Barrow. Mrs. Hughes is quite right. I suggest we turn the conversation to another subject."
Elsie felt, rather than saw Anna's relief.
The rest of the meal proceeded as usual, but when Mr. Carson stood to dismiss them, Elsie felt her own sense of relief. Again, she found herself curiously grateful to Mr. Barrow for distracting her from Charles' presence. The temptation to tease him might have been too great to ignore. They exchanged a rueful smile before he made his way upstairs one last time for the evening.
*CE*
He sent everyone to bed a few minutes ago; even Mrs. Patmore had gone up without complaint, mentioning something about relishing an early night. It occurred to him to be suspicious, but he chose to feel gratitude instead. Soon, soon he would be alone with Elsie and he was surprised to feel a flutter of anticipation (nerves). He checked and rechecked the wine, the glasses, the biscuits he'd arranged on the tray. He expected her any moment.
"You've not gone up yet, Mr. Carson?" she said softly as she stood in the doorway.
"Not yet. I thought we might share a glass of wine, if you've a mind to."
"That sounds lovely." She walked into the room and scanned the tray. "And chocolate biscuits too! My goodness, Mr. Carson. Whatever is the occasion?"
He filled her wine glass and handed it to her. He filled his own, then raised it in a toast. "To new beginnings."
She fought the urge to smile broadly, which Charles found endearing. She was usually so collected and reserved; it was a true pleasure to see her even the least bit discomfited by his attentions. She lifted her glass in response and they each took a sip of wine.
"Would you care to sit down?"
"Certainly."
He pulled the chair out for her and settled her into it, his hands lingering on her arm in a way he'd never dared before. He looked into her eyes with a question and she nodded, so he walked to the door and shut it. He allowed a sigh to escape him as he turned to face her.
"Is everything alright, Mr.- Charles," she corrected as she took in his pained gaze.
"Not at all," he replied. "It's only that the afternoon seemed so long." She dropped her gaze at this and he was reminded again of all the new ways in which they would come to know one another, which didn't serve to calm him at all.
"And were you not busy enough to make the time pass quickly?" she said archly.
"Elsie," he began and took a few faltering steps toward her. "Why do you tease me?"
She looked up at Charles in surprise, but then her gaze turned thoughtful. "Because I can, I suppose." She took a deep breath. "Because for so many years it was the only way I could show my feelings."
"Your love."
"Yes," she said softly.
"And now?"
"Now I'm simply waiting for the butler to show me what those extra tasks might be." She raised her eyes to his and smiled. Her smile was a mixture of bravado and reticence, and his heart seized painfully. Her gentle teasing had only served to heighten his feelings of love and desire for her.
"Gladly," he replied, and he pulled her from her chair and into his arms in one fluid motion.