A/N: Thank you for your continued support. I loved the brief flirtatious scene in the kitchen during episode 2, when Mr Carson invited himself along to 'Home Farm' with Mrs Hughes, as well as the little walk that followed. Therefore I thought I would extend the before and the after to those scenes x

Chapter 9

She stood in her sitting-room, looking in the mirror as she pinned her hat. Elsie Hughes, whatever has gotten into you? You are as excited as a frisky young colt, she thought giddily. She smiled to herself as she continued to fuss with her hat. Everything had changed since yesterday evening, absolutely everything. The turning-point being that she and her fiancé had finally resolved their understanding regarding the nature of their upcoming marriage; Mr Carson wanted Mrs Hughes as his wife in every sense, a thought that still made her entire body tingle. She had barely slept the previous evening, so thrilled that the matter was finally resolved and blissfully happy that they had shared the most loving kisses and cuddle. He had now suggested accompanying her to Home Farm, something he would never have done previously.

A walk together, just the two of them, on a bright and crisp spring day was a wonderful prospect indeed and the Housekeeper could not have been more delighted.

"Ready?" he smiled, as he popped his head through the door, already dressed in his coat and hat.

She spun around to face him.

"Ready," she replied, as she walked towards him.

After a split second of hesitation, he really wasn't used to taking such liberties, he bent to kiss Mrs Hughes softly on the cheek.

He stepped backwards, glad to see that the slight flush to his cheeks was matched by the rosy glow on his fiancées face. They both chuckled lightly at themselves. What a pair we make! They thought in unison. Ever the gentleman, Mr Carson motioned for his bride-to-be to exit the room before him, as they walked to the Servant's entrance and began their walk to Home Farm.

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Mrs Hughes had placed the orders with Mr Spurr at Home Farm and had received some lovely treats for the Staff from the genial tenant farmer. Mr Carson had offered to carry her basket on the return journey, given that it was now laden with fresh produce and two homemade Bakewell tarts. As they exited the Farm through the old wooden gate, Mr Carson smiled down at his betrothed.

The Butler noticed that Mr Spurr had a fondness for the Housekeeper. There had been a particular perkiness about the older man when he had spoken to Mrs Hughes and a brilliant smile on his face as she had chatted to him so amiably. Despite the maturing years of the Farmer, Mr Carson could see a certain sparkle in his eyes as he appreciated a lovely woman. There was nothing inappropriate about his behaviour but the Butler noted it nonetheless. Mr Carson knew that Mrs Hughes was an attractive woman and he was not surprised at all that she could still turn the heads of other men. He thought she was beautiful and quite exquisite and he was thankful that he was now free to admit this to himself and to her. And she said I can have her, warts and all, he thought with a thrill, his heart beating a little faster.

'Penny for them?" she smiled up at him.

"Oh, uh-hum apologies Mrs Hughes, I was a little lost in my thoughts,"

"I know you were and I would love to know what thought had put such a sweet smile on your lips," she said softly, as they walked side by side.

Just tell her Charles, you no longer have to keep such thoughts to yourself. Mrs Hughes is to be your wife; you are permitted to admire and compliment her now.

"I was thinking how beautiful you are and how very lucky I am," he said lovingly.

Mrs Hughes stopped walking and stared at him feeling dumbstruck.

"Well …" she uttered in surprise. She has not been expecting such an endearment.

"Well …" he repeated, teasing her gently.

She giggled, light-heartedly striking his arm as they stood.

"You are truly lovely Elsie Hughes and, if I may say so, you have a certain extra radiance about you today,"

"Really? Well I wonder why that could be …" she smiled playfully, holding his gaze.

He looked at her proudly hoping with all of his heart that it was his love that had made her so luminous. He was almost sure she meant him; that he had made her this happy. He was suddenly overcome by the urge to kiss his bride to be. He knew it was improper; they were outside where anyone could see them. For heaven's sake Charles, there is no one around; only cows and sheep in the fields. Live a little old boy, he told himself.

He placed the basket on the ground and stepped a little closer, pausing as if to ask permission. Mrs Hughes gave him the most touching smile and nodded gently. He cupped her face in his hands, just as he had the previous night; although this time she felt the touch of his gloves, rather than his fingertips. He kissed her deeply, pouring all of his love and affections into this caress. His hands slid down her arms to her waist, settling protectively at her hips and drawing her closer. She dropped her handbag to the ground and rested her hands on his chest. He smiled against her lips when he heard her contented murmur. Eventually they both broke the kiss, a blissful haze settling around them as their gaze never left the other. His hands were still at her waist, her hands had risen to rest around his neck.

"Your kisses make me feel quite lightheaded Mr Carson," she admitted, releasing a long, happy breath.

"I am very glad to hear that," he said mischievously, kissing his beautiful girl one final time before taking her hand and walking her home.

A/N: Hope you liked this fluffy chapter. A review would be lovely x