Chapter 20
A/N: This is just a small follow up scene. I think it really shows just how much the house and Carson need Mrs Hughes
He was storming around the downstairs corridors frantically finding last minute cutlery and candlesticks for the table. He entered the kitchen and muttered loudly to the company he found there.
"I never put the wine on ice. Mrs Hughes goes out for one night and we all fall to pieces" he raged as he passed though with an ice bucket.
He had refused to allow his thoughts to stray to where or whom she might be with now, not allowing himself to feel anything other than professional butler thoughts.
His greatest fear: Elsie being swept away from him was coming true, and he was frightened she would leave him. He knew he couldn't be strong without her by his side to keep him in check and tease him gently.
He couldn't walk the halls without seeing her beautiful delicate features curve into a smile when she saw him.
He wished he had told her, before this codger came along and took her out. He was angry with himself and said yes to Thomas going down to the fair later on, without too much conscious thought.
It was all consumed by images of her with someone else. He couldn't imagine it and yet that was all his nightmares consisted of.
He hoped he was a horrible man who sent her running back here…home…to him. He cursed himself inwardly and bolted up the stairs to fix the table. He pushed all thoughts of her out of his mind, he had to be professional.
A/N: I like it, do you?