Day 7 Gifts - buying, giving, receiving, peeking, accidentally finding - up to you!
A.N. This is the first of a two parter, hope you enjoy it
It had become their tradition over the last decade or so to meet up for some sweet treats and the exchange of gifts on Christmas Eve. They had found that they were usually too busy on Christmas Day to really enjoy each other's company at the end of the day. Elsie loved Christmas; it was the one time of year that Mr Carson managed to not make any discerning comments about her sentimentality. Truth be told, he liked to indulge her fondness for the festive season. Once Mrs Patmore had figure out their little tradition, she made sure to have a batch of mince pies, Mrs Hughes's favourite, and a freshly baked apple tart, Mr Carson's favourite, ready and waiting for the two of them to enjoy. She always hoped for an announcement on Christmas morning but it had yet to materialise but she lived in hope.
For her part, Elsie liked to wear her best clothes despite the fact that she didn't want to look too dressed up. This year she felt like changing her hair a little, nothing major but just a little softer to reflect her joy at the thought of their business venture. She hoped this meant a development in their relationship. She wanted more from him but didn't know how far she would be able to go with him resisting it and her at every turn.
Mr Carson wasn't as oblivious as they all thought but he was terrified. He had adored her from the moment he laid eyes on her but propriety had initially gotten in way and then time took over, there never seemed to be a right moment to jeopardise their friendship by saying anything out their ordinary. The business venture had been the first step in his plan.
He had spent weeks contemplating what to get her and when he had finally left his eyes on it in Ripon, he was delighted with himself. He couldn't wait to give it to her that evening.
A.N. Hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading and leaving your reviews. Love.
