Elsie's small hand tucks into the crook of Charles' elbow as the new lovers make there way back to the house. His hand lay over hers, their fingers woven tightly together. His thick and strong, hers tiny and delicate, yet still full of strength. The things those fingers had done to him will stay in his mind forever. He was teasing, yet also completely honest when he said he wouldn't be able to keep his hands off her. This new world had been opened and he wanted to live in it. From this moment on he was going to make sure they both lived their lives to the fullest, and for each other. She laid her head to rest against his arm and his heart swelled. He felt complete, as if he had finally found something real for himself. She had always been the most steady part of his life. The deep love for her had always been there in his heart. He had suppressed it time and time again over the years, but it was always ever present. This strong, steady, unrelenting love he could now embrace.
He squeezes her hand gently."I do believe we may have missed the dressing gong, Mrs. Hughes."
"Aye, Mr. Carson." She agrees. "And you're not panicking?" Her sarcastic brogue teases him.
"Not at all, my love," he says smiling down at her sweetly, then lifting his head to look at the big house off in the distance. " I have no doubt Mr. Barrow will have gladly taken the reigns by now." This comes with a hint of disgust.
Elsie watches his face trying to determine his feelings. She's perfected this task over the years and thinks she understands him quite well now indeed. "Charles, will you really be alright if we have to leave Downton?"
He's quiet for a moment, mulling her question over in his mind. They move under the stone threshold into Downton's gardens. The beautiful blooms of summer full and luscious, their scent drifting over them as they stroll. "What do you say we cross that bridge when, and if, we have to?"
"I suppose you're right. No use worrying ourselves until we know for sure if we are sacked or not." Elsie agrees with a nervous laugh. She is terribly worried indeed. She knows she will be fine if they must leave, but she is not so sure how he will fair. If they were to be pushed out, would Charles eventually end up regretting his decision to be with her? How deep does his love for her run, she wonders. Is she more dear to him than the Crawleys and Downton?
As they exit the gardens, still holding tightly onto one another, Charles leans over to kiss Elsie's lips. It is soft and gentle, a promise. They end their kiss and Elsie straightens and pulls her hand from Charles when she feels him stiffen. They are in view of the house now and she looks up to where his eyes are locked. Lady Mary is walking towards them pushing the pram, her sweet fatherless baby boy nestled inside. From the look on Lady Mary's face, Elsie knows right away that they have been caught. Two servants out walking the grounds, holding each other tightly, her head lying on his arm, kissing. "Carson. Mrs. Hughes. Where have you been? The whole house is looking for...?" She stops, looking them over, their wet hair and damp clothing."Goodness! Why are you wet? Are you both quite alright?"
Standing up straight, Charles spoke with his usual decorum and dignity. "I'm sorry for our delay, my Lady. May I ask why you are not in the house dressing for dinner?"
"It's obvious, I should think. I was looking for the two of you." Her lip curling up and eyes rolling towards the sky. "Really, you two should be more careful. You've managed to hide it for all these years, what's another ten or fifteen?"
Charles' mouth gaped open in shock. Elsie gasped. "I beg your pardon, my Lady. But Mr. Carson and I have hid nothing these years. That is to say, we have never crossed any lines. Well, that is until..."
Mary cuts her off. "Oh Mrs. Hughes, you mistake me, I'm not questioning the virtues of either of you. Who would I be to do that? I have my own skeletons, as you both know I'm sure." She pauses inhaling. "What I mean to say is that I have always known the friendly companionship you have with one another. But seeing you today, so close like this... I am happy for you both." She says stepping closer and taking Charles' hand in hers. "I can no longer have my love, but I see no reason why you shouldn't have yours."
A tear escapes Charles' eye and slides down his cheek. With her free hand Mary reaches for Mrs. Hughes. She places the couples hands together. "You have my full blessing if you wish?" She says smiling. "And don't worry about Papa, I will set him straight."
"Thank you my Lady, thank you." Elsie chokes, tears coming down her face as Charles pulls her into his arms.
Smiling at the pair, Mary looks into Carson's eyes with love. "Thank you, my darling girl." He lovingly says over Elsie's hair. "Thank you.."
