A/N: Thank you for all of your wonderful reviews. I felt I was neglecting the 'now' part of the story a little, therefore this fluffy chapter has more 'now' and less 'then'. Hope you enjoy x

Now…

"And he doesn't know anything?" Beryl asked.

"Only that I am making him a birthday meal. I've said that I'll get it all prepared and then we can go for a nice walk by the lake and come back home to eat it," Elsie smiled.

"And that's when we all arrive ..." Beryl added, enjoying this little subterfuge.

"Exactly … you still have the spare key don't you?" Elsie asked.

"I do … I remember a time when you wouldn't give me the key to a store cupboard Elsie Carson, never mind the key to your home …" Beryl teased.

Elsie chuckled happily with her friend.

"You don't think he'll be mad with me do you? You know how he hates his birthday," she said.

She was so excited to be surprising her husband. She wanted to plan something special for him; it was his seventieth birthday after all. However, she was also nervous, knowing that he did not like a fuss and knowing that his modesty meant he may be embarrassed by such attention. In all of the years she had known him, his birthday had been a day to be endured rather than enjoyed. He only recently told Elsie this was because his birthday had rarely been celebrated in his youth, therefore the day held no special memories for him; it was a day he would rather forget. However, over the years she had gradually been changing this and so she hoped this special celebration might not be too much for him.

"Get away, he won't be angry. He'll know full well that this party has been planned out of love … he'll be thrilled," Beryl reassured, as Elsie took a relieved breath.

"And it's still ok for you and Bill to collect Becky?"

"Of course it is, stop worrying … it is all in hand," Beryl smiled.

######

The two walked hand in hand along the lakeside, enjoying the early evening sunshine.

"This has been a perfect day Elsie, thank you my love," Charles smiled tenderly, tipping his head to kiss his wife's cheek.

The day had begun with breakfast in bed for the birthday boy; and his usual porridge and toast was replaced by a full English breakfast. Elsie had bought her husband a new watch with a tender inscription on the reverse, which he declared the most incredible gift he had ever received. She had also bought him a couple of new books that she knew he would enjoy, as well as some of his favourite pralines. They had enjoyed a lazy morning in bed, as Charles reaffirmed that seventy year olds could be just as loving as their younger counterparts. Finally, they had enjoyed a picnic lunch in Ripon Park before returning to their cottage.

"The day is not over yet, young man," she teased, risking a gentle kiss to the lips, as he chuckled at her name for him.

######

Charles and Elsie walked through the front door, he totally unsuspecting.

"Why don't you read your newspaper in the sitting-room Charles, and I will put our dinner in the oven," she said, motioning for him to step inside the sitting-room.

Elsie knew they were all waiting inside for the big surprise and therefore she took a deep breath as she waited for her husband to open the door. However, he surprised her when, instead, he took her in his arms and kissed her passionately. She gave a squeak of shock as he continued to cosset her in kisses. He was determined to pour all of his thanks into this kiss. Thank you for a wonderful day. Thank you for marrying me and making me happier than I ever dared dream. Thank you for making my life complete, my darling Elsie.

"Charles , Charles …" she mumbled, laughter in her voice, as he continued to kiss her, his hands now beginning to wander to her bottom and thighs.

Oh what a situation! Half of Downton is in the next room and my husband won't stop kissing me to go through the bloody door! Elsie laughed against his lips, as she pushed him backwards. He gave an exaggerated, childlike groan at the loss of contact.

"Later Mr Carson, later … now go and read your paper!" she exclaimed, straightening her hair quickly before all and sundry witnessed her looking so dishevelled.

He cheekily grasped for her one last time, giving her a further kiss full of promise, before she playfully swatted him away and he finally opened the door.

"Surprise!" they all chorused, as the former Butler looked astounded.

######

Then …

"Every year we have this," Mrs Cooper said to Elsie, shaking her head fondly.

The two stood in the downstairs corridor listening to Mr Carson in his pantry. He was tearing a strip off one of the hall boys. To be fair, they could have stood anywhere in the House and they would still have heard him. He had already lost his temper at breakfast when he judged the conversation had taken an unacceptable turn and so far that morning, anyone that got in his way felt the sharp end of his tongue. The Butler was always very firm, and sometimes a little intimidating, however Elsie had never heard him so consistently vexed or shouting in such a way.

"Why do we have this every year?" Elsie asked.

"Don't say a word, only I know …" Mrs Cooper whispered.

Elsie looked at her with interest.

"… it's his birthday and he hates it … makes him grumpy as hell every year," the Housekeeper finished.

"Why does he hate it so much?" Elsie asked.

"I have no idea and I wouldn't dare ask him, I don't even acknowledge it's his birthday, I just ensure he gets a double-helping of dessert and I suggest he allows the footmen to lead the latter part of the evening service, so that he can have some quiet time to read in his pantry … he's usually so fed up by that point, he agrees," she explained.

"Should we not get him a small token, a gift from the Staff?" Elsie asked.

"What! He'd go mad …" Mrs Cooper chuckled.

Elsie thought for a few more seconds, it didn't seem right that the Head of Staff should not receive a little something from his colleagues. Suddenly, she had an idea.

"What if he doesn't exactly know it's a gift?" she asked, thinking of the 'gift' he had given her.

If she did a similar thing, the Butler couldn't refuse the gift without admitting that he had bought her the book as a gift as well, and she knew he would never do that.

Mrs Cooper smiled warmly at the younger woman.

"If you think you can manage that, go for it love, and by all means take some money from the petty cash tin in my sitting-room … but don't say I didn't warn you," the older woman smiled.

Later that evening, Mr Carson walked into his pantry, glad to finally be able to enjoy a moment's peace. Mrs Cooper had suggested he leave the footmen to the service and, for once, he had agreed. Only two hours left and this infernal day will be over, he thought. I really do despise my birthday, not that anyone else even knows it's my birthday, thank goodness. Although he had a sneaking suspicion that Mrs Cooper did know, although she had the sense not to mention it. The Housekeeper knew he preferred to be left on his own.

Something caught his eye on his desk; a small, square package wrapped in brown paper. He could see there was a tag attached to the package. He lifted it gingerly and read the message,

'Mr Carson, Downton Library was having a clear-out and we thought you might appreciate this book. Please accept it as a token of our thanks for everything you do. With regards, Mrs Cooper and all of the Staff.'

He looked down at the parcel in his hand, unwrapping the paper to find a book entitled, 'The Monarchies of Europe'. It was very apt for him. Mrs Cooper may have written the message but only a certain Head Housemaid would reference the Library, he reasoned. He swallowed the emotion that threatened; this was his first birthday gift in over twenty years.

He settled down to read his gift, a sherry in hand. He enjoyed the solitude immensely. He still did not like birthdays but, he must admit, this one had turned out better than most.

######

Now …

All of the guests were chatting happily as music played on the gramophone. The atmosphere was joyous as the man of the moment arrived. A buffet table was laden with wonderful treats made by Beryl, and John and Anna had ensured everyone was well-supplied with drinks. Charles was making his way around the room, talking to everyone and thanking them for sharing this special evening with him. There was also a stack of gifts waiting to be opened on the table near the window. He was currently standing with his wife and her sister and Bill and Beryl.

"I cannot believe you planned all of this without me knowing …" he muttered disbelievingly, as he hugged Elsie to his side and looked at all of the faces around the room.

"We couldn't let you know Charlie or it wouldn't have been a surprise!" Becky exclaimed seriously, still holding Charles's hand at his side.

They all laughed as Charles smiled at his sister-in-law.

"And where has Essie been hiding you all day long, young lady? Don't tell me she had you locked in a kitchen cupboard?" he joked, as Becky giggled heartily.

"No silly … Essie wouldn't do that. I've been with Bill and Chicken. We had fish and chips and then we made chocolate caramels," she said happily.

"Ummm … did you save some for me?" he asked.

"Of course!" Becky cheered.

Charles and Elsie made their way around the room, laughing and chatting to all of their friends. Charles didn't let go of Elsie for a second, either hugging her to his side or holding her hand. His wife made him feel cherished. He felt so moved to see all of his friends and loved ones; Becky, Beryl and Bill, Anna and John with little Essie, Mr Molesley and Mrs Baxter, Daisy and Alfred and several other villagers whom the Carsons had gotten to know well since they'd retired. At the far side of the room were Lady Mary and Master George.

"Thank you for coming Milady," he smiled, as they walked across to speak to Lady Mary.

"Our pleasure, and this little man wouldn't have missed it for the world," she smiled, stroking George's hair.

George immediately bounded into Elsie's arms, as she picked him up and cuddled him to her chest.

"I missed you Mrs Carson," he said, his arms wrapped tightly around her neck.

"I missed you too my sweet hen," she soothed, kissing his hair as he giggled happily at his pet name.

Lady Mary and Charles both smiled knowingly; the young boy was devoted to the former Housekeeper.

At that moment, the lights were turned down and Beryl came into the room with a huge birthday cake, candles flickering. A chorus of 'Happy Birthday' rang out around the room as Charles looked thrilled and blew out his candles. Mr Molesley shouted for him to make a wish, as everyone cheered. Yet, as Charles looked around the room at those he held most dear, and gazed down at his adoring Elsie by his side, he knew without a doubt, that he had everything he'd ever wished for, right there in the room.