Let me just note that I LOVE THIS CHAPTER! I hope you do too! I hope to continue this story even though Downton is ending (tear). Merry Christmas and Happy (Last) Downton Day!
The sun shown brightly, on the day of their departure, warming the sand and the water for its visitors. Lady Grantham was more than happy to pay everyone's fair once Mr. Carson informed her of the staff decision.
The Carson family all woke thrilled for this day to finally arrive. Grace told William everything they were to do and see. She saw Thomas everyday and mentioned a new shore activity she wanted to do until the day finally came. William listened to his sister and became excited by her tone of voice, even if he couldn't comprehend most of it.
Charles and Elsie were excited for a different reason. They had a day to themselves. Of course they would be overseeing the staff, but their children were in the hands of others. They were both interested to see how the day would play out.
As soon as Grace and William were up and dressed, Elsie handed them off to their caretakers. Thomas was pleased to be spending time with Grace, but her 4 year old energy wore him out just begin near her. He held her hand as they boarded the train and listened to her babble on about the fun they were going to have.
Mrs. Patmore was less than thrilled. She knew the staff huddle did not escape the notice of the Scottish Dragon and she was paying the price. William began their walk to the station on his own two feet, but Mrs. Patmore underestimated his speed. He wandered off too many times that she ended up carrying him. Her arms hurt after carrying him half way to the station. He would not sit still in her lap during the train ride and nothing she tried kept him from his loud whining.
Charles and Elsie followed the staff to the station at a leisurely pace, arm in arm, always keeping their children in their sight. They sat a few seats away from them on the train and watched the madness unfold. Grace was complaining about her belly growling, the hard seat, and over the fact that Thomas forgot to bring dolly. William wanted to walk all over there train and was not content to stay with Mrs. Patmore.
Elsie tried her hardest not to interfere.
"Let them be," her husband said calmly patting her hand. He was pleased to be in on Elsie's scheme this time and not on the other side. He was happy to reap the rewards.
Elsie sighed and sat back. She was very much enjoying watching the under butler and cook slowly turn frazzled at the hands of her two children.
"And what are your plans for the day, Mrs. Carson?" Charles asked.
Elsie looked up at him. "Well, Mr. Carson, I can see now that we have to keep those four within eyesight at all time. But I hope we can find a quiet place to sit and relax and maybe take a walk along the sea."
"That sounds perfectly lovely." Charles tugged on her hand which was hidden between them.
At her first sight of the ocean waves, Grace dropped Thomas's hand and started running. She found the perfect spot to lay their blanket and promptly began ripping her shoes and socks off.
Mrs. Patmore caught her in action. "Grace, what would your mother say!" Mrs. Patmore helped her discard of her socks in a more lady like fashion before Mrs. Carson noticed.
William sat on the blanket not sure what to think of the tan flakes surrounding him. He ran his fingers over the sand only to find some of the flakes stuck to his fingers. He picked up a big clump and threw it on the blanket.
"William, No!" Mrs. Patmore scolded trying to brush it off.
Grace readied herself for the water and hurried Thomas along. "Hurry Thomas! It's hot!" The sand was burning the bottom of her feet and she pictured dipping her toes into the cool blue water. It looked so sumptuous in her mind. She tore off towards the water leaving a struggling Thomas trying to roll up his pant legs.
She reached the water's edge and gently dipped a toe in. The water was cool and soothing on her hot soles. She wiggled her feet until they sunk deeper into the sand. A wave crept up quickly. Grace let out a short screech and ran towards the safe land. She watched the wave shrink as it neared her and she giggled at her immediate fright.
Thomas finally caught up to her and was more than out of breath. "Grace, you can't just run off like that. You must wait for me and then we will go together."
Grace couldn't hear him because she was focused on the way the wind blew her hair and dress about. As far out as here eyes could see, there was only water. She wondered what it would be like to swim way far out. She took another look at the angry waves and thought better about trying.
"Let's make a castle made of sand, Thomas!" She had enough of the water for the time being. She ran back to Mrs. Patmore and William on their blanket.
Thomas let out a snort and a smile as the small spirit launched herself right back where he just came from.
Mrs. Patmore just managed to clean off all the sand William piled on the blanket as Grace came running towards her. She set up a chair for herself and just settled in as Grace's speedy feet kicked a pile of sand back on the blanket.
"Oh Grace!" Mrs. Patmore huffed, refusing to move again.
"Mrs. Pat-i-more, We're building a castle made of sand!" Grace exclaimed while bouncing on the sand.
"I can't wait to see it, pet. It looks like Mr. Barrow has one started by the water there." She gestured to where Thomas was scooping up wet sand and forming it into a point. Lucky for her, it was a good ways from where she was currently contently sitting.
Grace saw Thomas had started the castle without her. "Thank you Mrs. Pat-i-more!" She turned her head as she ran away. "Will-am's eating sand."
Sure enough, Mrs. Patmore turned to her charge to see his mouth full of sand and smiling up at her. "By heck!"
The Carson parents positioned themselves on a sand dune so they were witness to all the happenings. Charles rented them two chairs and an umbrella so they were sufficiently covered. Once settled, Elsie bent to remove her shoes and stockings.
She could feel him watching her. "Avert your eyes, Mr. Carson." She smiled.
"Doesn't a husband receive any privileges?" he huffed sinking into his chair.
Elsie contemplated his question. "Perhaps, but not in public." She was tempted to throw her stockings at him. Instead, she sat down and watched her two animals run their keepers ragged. She couldn't help but giggle at Mr. Barrow when he ran all the way to the water only to have Grace run right back again. And she almost interfered when she saw William grab and handful of sand and stuff it in his mouth.
"It's like watching a live show, all for us." Charles commented, very content with his front row seat.
Elsie chuckled. "Care for some lemonade, Mr. Carson?" She pulled out a thermos with two cups she backed in her bag.
"Delighted, Mrs. Carson," he answered with a smug voice.
They sipped peacefully, watching Mrs. Patmore attempt to clear William's mouth of sand. Mrs. Patmore reached her fingers under his tongue where he was hiding it and scooped it out as best she could. He bit her finger twice already and there was more sand to remove. She caught sight of Mr. and Mrs. Carson sipping lemonade. When they saw the drained cook's gaze, they raised their cups in unison.
An hour later, Grace was content to throw a ball with Thomas and William played with his blocks while Mrs. Patmore fanned her face.
Elsie had her eyes closed and was enjoying relaxing when her husband leaned close to her ear. "Shall we take advantage of this short lived peace? Will you go for a walk with me, dear wife?"
She turned to him so their faces were much too close for a public setting. "I would enjoy that very much, dear husband."
He took her arm in his as they walked along the water's edge. "So mummy…" Charles began.
"That's Mrs. Carson for today." she interjected.
"I apologize, Mrs. Carson." He played along. "You remind me of someone I used to work with."
"Is that so." She sucked in her cheeks.
"Yes. I vaguely remember a similar scene where this woman and I, Mrs. Hughes was her name, took a lovely paddle into the sea together."
"I see. This Mrs. Hughes woman walked out with you?"
"Passeth all understanding, she offered me her hand." He stopped them a good ways from the rest of the staff. "And I took it."
She lifted her chin. "Well, I am no Mrs. Hughes. I am certainly older than she was two years ago and I'm tied down with two little ones and an old curmudgeon for that matter…"
"Ooo, what baggage." Charles mock complained.
"But," she held back a laugh, "I can offer you more than my hand." She stepped closer to him.
He couldn't keep his hands to himself any longer. He began at her wrists and trailed his fingers slowly to her shoulders. "What exactly are you offering?"
Her eyes filled with mirth. "Wouldn't you like to know, Mr. Carson."
He met her gaze and lowered his lips to hers. Their kiss was all too brief for either of them, but Charles was pleased to finally have the privilege of publicly showing his affection for the former Mrs. Hughes.
After a lunch of Grace complaining she wanted ice cream first and William throwing his food across the beach, Mr. and Mrs. Carson decided to give their friends a reprieve.
"Come here, Gracie girl!" Charles stretched his arms and they were quickly filled with a very sandy little girl.
Elsie scooped up William as he laid fussing on the blanket. "Thank you Mrs. Patmore, Mr. Barrow." She followed her husband and daughter to the water.
Thomas exhaled deeply and laid back on the blanket closing his eyes. Mrs. Patmore's arms went limp as she finally relaxed in her chair.
Elsie quickly comforted William and he was soon fascinated with looking over the water. She set him on his feet and held his hands as they made their way to the rest of their family. Charles had Grace rolled up in his arms as he tickled her belly. She erupted with laughter. He placed her on her feet at the edge of the ocean. She jumped back away from the small wave threatening to swallow her feet.
"Come on, Gracie! I dare you!" Her da winked at her mummy as he urged her forward. Elsie's eyebrows rose at his statement.
Grace shook her head and took a step backwards.
"Look, love," Elsie said. "Even William likes it." William watched the water come up towards him. He raised his feet from the ground, curled his legs, and hung by his mummy's hands.
"Mamamama!" William babbled happily, laughing when the cool water rushed over his toes.
Grace still looked skeptical.
Charles stepped to over to Grace. "Here, love. You can hold my hand." He held out his right hand to her and gave her a reassuring smile.
His smile gave her confidence a boost and she took his hand tightly in hers. He stood tall and they took a few tentative steps together. Grace flinched a bit as she saw a big wave coming towards them, but she saw how small it looked once it lapped up her feet.
Charles gave her time to adjust to the water. "Shall we paddle out a bit farther? Maybe we will see some fish or a whale!"
Her eyes lit up.
Her da continued. "Or maybe a knights fleet of ships…"
"Or an oct-pus!" Grace exclaimed ready to walk out further.
Charles laughed heartily walking her over to Elsie and William.
"I'm afraid we will be taking back at least a bucket load of sand. William seems to be a sand magnet, attracting the substance into every nook and cranny of his body." She looked at Grace on the other side of Charles. "And Grace has it in her hair. That will certainly be a good time getting it out." Elsie smiled through her grievances.
Charles met her dancing eyes, offering his left hand.
She lifted William onto her left hip as his wet feet kicked her sides. She addressed her little boy. "Shall we walk out with you da, love?" He lowered his forehead playfully to her cheek and giggled. She rubbed her cheek against his soft skin before turning to her husband whose hand was still in mid air.
She pulled up her skirt with the hand that was supporting William. That freed her right hand to slide gently into her husband's.
He let out a satisfied sigh and pulled her closer to his side.
There moment was interrupted by Grace's insistent tugging, wanting to travel into deeper waters.
Charles sighed. "What a difference two years can make." Elsie smiled, thinking back to their last paddle when they still kept their marriage and Grace a secret.
She opened her mouth to speak, but Charles interrupted, mirroring her thoughts.
"And I wouldn't have it any other way." With his back to the people on the shore, he drew her fingers to his lips, placing a sweet kiss on his steadying hand.
The family waded out as far as they could without getting their clothes too wet. Grace pointed out all the birds flying overhead and swore she saw an octopus swim by. William was happy to have his mummy's full attention as they made silly sounds and shared kisses.
They walked back slowly, but Grace was not ready to return to solid ground. Elsie handed her boy off to Charles. She joined her daughter as they jumped over the rippling waves settling on the shore. Grace made a game of it and jumped as if her life depended on it.
Charles spend his time with William on solid ground. He spun William around and lifted him high above his head, letting him fall back into his arms. William loved the feeling and was full out belly laughing.
Once Grace was finished with the waves, her da repeated the same motions but with his slightly heavier little girl.
He held her high above his head. "Uh oh! I'm stuck like this!" he joked.
"Down, da!" Grace laughed.
"What's the magic word?" he began tickling her belly.
"Please!" she shrieked.
He let her fall down into him and placed her gently on the ground. Her legs were not yet ready to hold her, so she sank to the sand and leaned against his legs.
"Gracie," Elsie called. "Do you think we could convince your da to buy his girls an icy treat?" Elsie was just as excited as Grace.
"Oh yes! Please da!" She exclaimed bouncing up from her position.
"Oh alright." It didn't take long for Charles to submit. He took Grace's hand and they started for the stand. "One cone."
"Two cones, Mr. Carson." Elsie rectified, her lips curling with mirth.
He turned to give Elsie a look. "I stand corrected. Two cones."
He left the stand with three cones and joined his family at the chairs and umbrella. Grace sat on his knee thoroughly enjoying her treat and horribly failing at catching the falling drips before they landed on her dress. Charles ate his quickly before it even had a chance to melt. Elsie shared hers with William who was unwilling to take his mouth off of the sweet treat.
Their day was fast coming to a close. As time drew on, the children's lids grew heavy. William slept against his mummy's chest and Grace laid her head in the crook of her da's arm.
Grace's loud snore made both parents smirk.
"They've had quite the day," Charles commented, taking in their heavy breathing.
"They're not the only ones." Elsie tilted her head towards a sacked out cook and under butler.