A/N: I think most of you will have read it now but do make sure you read Chapter 13 - as this chapter won't make any sense otherwise! This site was going a little mad when I posted it and was failing to send out any alerts for the new chapter. I think this still might be an issue but we'll see.
I will continue to try to update every other day but I am back at work now and so it is proving a little more difficult! Hope you enjoy this short update to keep the story moving x
Chapter 14
"Ma, how many days until we go to the seaside?" he asked again. He had asked this at least twice a day over the last week, as he counted down the days to their trip to the coast.
Mrs Hughes and Mrs Patmore laughed at the little lad who was sitting at the servant's table practicing his writing.
"Two more days," His Ma answered.
"Two more days," he repeatedly happily.
The Housekeeper and Cook continued to chat as Charlie continued with his writing.
"You are welcome to come with us you know," Mrs Hughes said genuinely to Mrs Patmore.
The Cook had become a wonderful friend to Mrs Hughes and she had been an absolute godsend helping with Charlie; the Housekeeper would never want her to feel left out.
"Thank you for that but I've already planned a nice day looking around the shops in Ripon. And besides, it should be just the three of you," she said, smiling warmly at her friend.
Mrs Patmore knew not to say anymore, the Housekeeper and the Butler were very private and dignified people. However, over the years, she had watched from a distance as a wisp of something between the pair grew into something much stronger. They had never acted on it of course, but she sensed that a certain little boy was finally prompting the Butler to take a few tentative steps forward.
"Don't be silly … there's no such thing as the three of us," Mrs Hughes whispered softly, looking down at her toes and blushing at the thought.
She was trying so hard not to make this more than it was; she did not want to presume that this outing meant anything more than a friend suggesting a day out to another friend. She was sure that Mr Carson had simply grown fond of Charlie, as it was impossible not to, and therefore he thought it would be nice to spend a bit more time with the lad.
"Well I happen to think that the three of you are lovely together but don't mind me," Mrs Patmore responded tenderly, giving Mrs Hughes' arm a little squeeze as she headed back to the kitchen.
As Mrs Hughes watched her friend walk away, her heart beat a little more quickly in her chest.
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"Mr Carson! Mr Carson! Look what Mrs Patmore got me!" Charlie exclaimed breathlessly, as he ran into the Butler's pantry with the bucket and spade in his hand.
However, the little boy's wide grin suddenly disappeared when he spotted Lady Mary standing opposite the Butler. Charlie suddenly panicked that he might be in trouble, either with Mr Carson or his Ma or both. His Ma had told him not to run in the downstairs corridors and she had said that he mustn't interrupt Mr Carson when he was working and yet he had just run straight into Mr Carson's room and now the lady from upstairs was staring at him.
"Sorry," he said sweetly, an anxious look on his face.
"Charlie, what have I told you about interrupting Mr Carson …" Mrs Hughes began, a little out of breath as she finally caught up with her son. As soon as Charlie had finished hugging the Cook to thank her for his gift, he had darted off without a second thought to show the Butler his bucket and spade.
Mrs Hughes now entered the pantry and spotted Lady Mary.
"Oh I do beg your pardon Milady, I am sorry for the interruption, Charlie was just a little excited," Mrs Hughes said, feeling embarrassed that they had both now intruded.
Lady Mary had the good grace to smile.
The Housekeeper then noticed Charlie's worried little face.
"It's alright now, no harm done. Just don't go running into Mr Carson's pantry in future, alright?" she whispered lovingly, tapping his nose gently as she pulled a face, pretending to be annoyed.
Charlie giggled and nodded eagerly at his Ma, visibly relaxing. She put her arm around his shoulders and stroked his back.
"And say good morning to Lady Mary, remember … just like we practised," she whispered warmly.
Charlie didn't come into contact with the Family very often but Mrs Hughes was determined that he would respond politely whenever he did meet them.
"Oh!" Charlie gasped, he had forgotten about that. He turned to face Lady Mary.
"Good morning Mi … lady," he said adorably, remembering the word with only a slight pause.
His Ma beamed at him and he felt very proud. He turned to Mr Carson who nodded in praise, giving the lad a little wink.
Lady Mary was taken aback by the way Mr Carson smiled at Charlie. He was obviously quite charmed by the little boy and she hadn't expected that.
"Good morning, Charlie. It is very nice to finally meet you. I take it you are going to the beach?" she asked.
Mrs Hughes smiled at the younger woman. She can be kind sometimes, she thought.
He nodded excitedly.
"Tomorrow! Mr Carson is taking me and Ma," he announced, thrilled to be able to tell someone else about their outing. He had already told all of the people downstairs.
Lady Mary looked surprised at this information. Mrs Hughes unconsciously bit her lip, as she fidgeted nervously with the seam of her dress. Mr Carson coughed loudly to clear his throat, feeling somewhat unbalanced. He could feel Lady Mary's eyes on him.
"Is he now?" she breathed, surprised yet pleased.
Mr Carson swallowed his discomfort, pushing his shoulders back. You've got nothing to feel uncomfortable about, he told himself, yet he still felt somewhat unbalanced that Lady Mary knew about their outing. However, he then caught the Charlie's enthusiastic and hopeful gaze.
"I am and I am very much looking forward to it," he said steadily, smiling at Charlie and then at Mrs Hughes.
The Housekeeper was delighted; she had feared Mr Carson would retreat into his Butler persona in front of Lady Mary but he had not. Again, she felt the happiness and hope that had been stirring inside her for weeks.
"Right then, let's leave Mr Carson and Lady Mary in peace," Mrs Hughes said, gathering herself and guiding Charlie towards the door.
"But Ma, I haven't shown Mr Carson my bucket and spade," he said innocently.
"You can show him later," she laughed, shaking her head fondly at her son.
"See you later!" Charlie shouted back into the room.
Mrs Hughes shut the door behind them with a polite nod to the Butler and Lady Mary, thinking that her life would never ever be dull with little Charlie in tow.