It turned out that Elsie spent nearly three weeks sleeping at the big house. Charlie had begun to improve but it seemed his body was taking longer to heal than initially expected. Elsie suspected his body was catching up from years of exhaustion. Hers however seemed to be in a near state of exhaustion.

She'd gotten used to their bed in the cottage. She missed the space especially. The first night she'd awoken in the early hours and rolled over, trying to snuggle up to the warm bulk of her husband but instead found herself on the very edge of the bed, desperately trying to keep herself from falling out.

After a few days though her body adjusted to being back in the small space, her mind however had not. As she lay in bed at night she couldn't help but think of her husband. Worrying what he was doing, was he in pain, was he eating well? Since their marriage she'd gotten used to almost always having her eyes on him. Seeing him and making sure he was alright. The distance between them now seemed like a great cavern and her mind cycled through outrageous scenarios all day and all night.

She was able to call him though, twice a day. Once after breakfast and then just before bed. He assured her that if he needed anything during the day he would call her but alas most days came and went without a call. Secretly she was hoping he'd call one day and beg her to come to the cottage. That he couldn't stand to be away from her presence a moment longer and she must come quick and reassure his lovelorn heart. Of course this never happened. She was a fool to think it would. During the season they went months without seeing each other. In fact she could go weeks without even a letter from him before the young ladies had married.

Though he hadn't called and begged her to come to him she had managed to visit him every three or four days. Usually by skipping her lunch and walking down to the cottage. They'd usually have a cup of tea as Charles described what he'd been up to and Elsie would indulge Charles in all the gossip from the big house. He always protested that he didn't want to hear any of the gossip and yet his ears always perked up when she mentioned some comment this hall boy had made or a mistake a maid had made.

After two weeks Charles had been declared fit and well enough to no longer need a nurse and Elsie had hoped to move home that very night. Her plans however had been ruined by the announcement that Edith and her husband would be coming down later in the week to show off their new baby boy and Lord and Lady Grantham wanted to have a celebration in honor of the new arrival.

While in her hay day Elsie could throw a large party together with a snap of her fingers the house had long since gotten out of the habit of throwing big parties. She'd been forced to work so late on Monday that the hour in which she could reasonably get home and still get enough sleep had passed. The second day had ended much the same and Elsie was beginning to get annoyed at the situation.

On Wednesday Charles sat alone in the cottage for the third day in a row feeling like he was at his wits end. He'd already given the cottage a thorough cleaning in preparation for Elsie's return. He'd ventured to the village to refill the supplies for the larder. He'd been a bit annoyed with how long the journey had taken him and how winded he was when he'd finally made it back with an armful of goods. Luckily though he felt no pain from his back as he'd unloaded all the items and shuffled about the cottage.

Looking around the room he decided he would read the morning paper again for the third time perhaps there was an interested detail somewhere in it that might keep him occupied for a short while. He hoped against hope that Elsie would be home that evening. He'd missed her greatly though he hesitated to tell her. He didn't want to burden her with his own despair. Didn't want her to know the extend of his loneliness. While the nurse had proved good company nothing compared to his wife. Her gentle Scottish tilt as she puttered about the house, the way she'd eye him over her book as he yawned in the evening. The way she filled his arms in the early hours, when they were making love as the sun began to slowly rise in the sky.

He'd begun to blush as he opened his paper and began to reread. Suddenly there was a knock at the front door and his heart stopped for a moment, thinking perhaps it might be his wife. He jumped up out of the chair and was rewarded with a sharp pain in his knee for his effort. Hobbling slightly he got to the door and opened it without any hesitation.

"Lady Mary," Charles said, his voice faltering slightly as he tried to hide the disappointment.

"Hello Carson." She replied standing awkwardly at the door.

After a moment of hesitation Charles realized Lady Mary was awaiting and invitation and immediately stepped aside.

"Please come in."

"Thank you Carson. I can't stay long, I just came to see how you were feeling."

"Much better my lady." Charles replied as he guided her into the living room.

Eyeing the options around the room Lady Mary choose to sit on the corner of the small sofa. Charles awkwardly took his usual place in his large armchair.

Lady Mary realized she'd never actually visited the Carson's cottage, at least not after they moved in. The furniture was nice, older, but nice. Small knick knacks adorned the walls and shelves. Mrs. Hughes doing no doubt, she thought to herself.

"How are the children doing my lady?" Charles asked, noticing how Lady Mary was examining every inch of their modest home.

"Quite well thank you, master George is rather enjoying his role as big brother. I'm sure once Miss Violet gets bigger they will become best of friends."

"No doubt."

"But enough about the children, how are you feeling Carson? Truly?"

"I am well my lady, my back has healed and gives me no trouble."

"Then I take it Mrs. Hughes will be moving back in shortly."

"She was supposed to come back on Monday but unfortunately she was needed at the house." Charles said, a slightly sorrow apparently in his voice.

"Oh that's no good." Lady Mary said, surprised by the revelation.

"We don't mind. The needs of the house come first." Charles said resolutely.

"Perhaps before the war but now…well times are different."

"They may be different but Mrs. Hughes has a job and she and I both understand that sometimes allowances must be made." He said, feeling very uncomfortable with the direction the conversation had taken.

"Well that may be but it isn't right, Edith always seems to bring destruction wherever she goes." Lady Mary said.

"That may be a bit of an exaggeration. Besides the house kindly paid for my expenses during my illness which was very kind."

"Its no less than you deserve. But don't worry Carson, I will make things right."

"My lady, please, Mrs. Hughes and I are both of the understanding that she will be at the house until after the party on Saturday at least and we've made peace with it. There is no way around it."

"Perhaps…" she trailed off.

"My lady, I do appreciate your kindness, you know I do but I must ask you not to press this matter."

"Of course, but I will insist in Mrs. Hughes having Sunday off. That is the least we can do."

Charles hesitated for a moment. He should argue with Lady Mary, tell her it simply couldn't be done. But if the years had taught him anything it was that when Lady Mary had made up her mind nothing would change it. Deciding it would be more gracious to admit a humble defeat then continue the fight Charles relented.

"That would be most kind Lady Mary." He said simply.

"Good. Now have you enough to eat? Should have I have one of the hall boys send you supper? Or perhaps you can come to the big house for meals if the walk isn't too much for you."

"I am quite alright here my lady."

"I'm sure you are but wont you come tonight at least. I was planning on visiting the village before I returned to the house and I could stop by and we could walk together." She said, in the coy way she knew Mr. Carson couldn't resist.

With an half smile on his face he replied, "Only if you allow me to carry the basket."