Two weeks later found a frustrated butler sitting in a pub in London wondering just how he was going to make that first night special. He was feeling very foolish for refusing to make love to Elsie when he had the chance. "What kind of idiot passes up a chance like that?" he wondered. He chuckled, "The kind named Charlie Carson, obviously." He wondered how it was possible to be so completely miserable when every other season he had been delighted for the break and diversions London provided. It probably had something to do with the fact that there was nothing in London as exciting as the sight of Elsie Hughes with her hair down, face flushed, top buttons undone, and lips reddened from kissing. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. He was going to have to stop thinking in such a way, or this was going to be a very long season.
Instead of dwelling on these pleasant thoughts, he began to plan. Looking at a rail map, he decided on a likely town. It was a large enough to have several inns which would provide for some privacy. It was far enough away from Downton so that there would be little chance of running into anyone they knew. It was easily reached by rail from both Downton and London. This would be the perfect place to meet.
His plans involved a certain amount of deception on both their parts. He intended to ask His Lordship for a bit of time off to see family just prior to the return to Downton. They could spend a few days together, and then he could return to the Abbey a few days early to ensure that the move went smoothly. He would ask Elsie to do the same. Although, since she was effectively in charge at Downton for the moment, he supposed she would simply be asking herself for the time off. Always wanting to follow propriety, she did write to His Lordship seeking his permission for a few days off to visit her sister.
"Mrs. Hughes is going to visit family as well it seems," his Lordship told him one morning. "Hopefully, she'll be back in time for you to accomplish the move back to Downton together. How is she working out, by the way? Her Ladyship seems to be happy with her management of the house. What do you think of her?"
Carson assured Lord Grantham that he thought very highly of Mrs. Hughes, that she was doing a fine job, and that he was sure she would be back in time to smooth the transition back to Downton Abbey. Lord Grantham smiled slightly at that, and Charles hoped he didn't suspect anything.
Once a telegram was sent securing a room at a likely inn for the desired dates, Charles settled down to wait for the end of this very long season.
He made certain that he took an early enough train to arrive before her, not wanting her to wander around a strange train station looking for him. Standing anxiously on the platform waiting to see her again, he hoped she hadn't changed her mind. Especially since he had only reserved one room, he smiled to himself. He was most unaccountably nervous. She was no different from the woman he had left behind. Her letters had assured him of that. It was almost worth being apart to receive such letters, almost, but not quite. Where was that blasted train? Shouldn't it have been here by now? Just as he was about to start cursing the timeliness of the English and the English rail system in particular, the train pulled into the station. His height provided him the advantage of a clear view of the train over everyone's heads, so he saw her the moment she stepped off. She was carrying a small bag and wearing a lovely hat, but his attention was focused on her eyes which were searching the platform for him. He walked purposefully toward her, but she still didn't see him. He had almost reached her when she turned to look the other way. He grasped the handle of her valise to take it from her, and she turned to him in surprise. The forcefulness with which she threw herself into his arms left him with no doubt that she was the same woman he'd left behind.
The ride to the inn in a cab was short but pleasant. He left his arm around her shoulders as he couldn't seem to keep his hands or his eyes off her. She seemed to feel the same and never stopped smiling. "Honeymooners, are you?" the cabbie asked as he stopped the horses. "What? Oh yes, yes we are." Charles replied. "Thought so. I can spot them a mile off. Well, here we are. Congratulations to you sir and best wishes to you ma'am," The cabbie said as he let them out at their inn.
They stood in front of the inn for a few moments looking at each other. "Honeymooners?" she asked with a smile.
"Elsie is there any need to pretend why we are here?" he asked seriously.
"No, I suppose not," she replied, blushing.
Taking her elbow, he guided her into a small alleyway beside the inn. "Are you still sure Elsie? I only have one room reserved for us, but if you'd rather you can stay here, and I'll try to find another place to stay."
Reaching up to pull him down to her for a kiss, she said, "Charles, I believe that I have told you that I've never been surer of anything in my life."
Smiling, they walked into the inn. He approached the desk and asked for the room reserved for Mr. and Mrs. Charles Carson. The innkeeper took one look at them and said, "Honeymooners, are you? Well, I suppose you'll be wanting a plate of sandwiches brought up later."
"That would be most welcome, sir," Charles replied.
He supposed his astonishment must have shown because the innkeeper then explained, "We have several honeymooners come through here. There's some as want to be left to themselves and some who'll come down to the dining room at every opportunity. I doubt we'll see you two until you're ready to check out," he added with an appraising glance. Even Charles blushed at that.