Chapter 28
Now ...
"Beryl you scared the poor lad!" Elsie laughed joyfully, as her friend shrieked with delight.
They were sitting in the restaurant carriage of the train, on their way back to Downton. The two women had enjoyed a marvellous break in London, enjoying spending time together, just the two of them. They were easy in each other's company and had relaxed and enjoyed themselves visiting restaurants, the theatre and the shops in London. They had tried several new cocktails, ate fine food and chatted and caught up on each other's lives and gossip from the Abbey and the Village. They had also purchased several gifts in anticipation of Christmas time and so were feeling very pleased with themselves. Elsie felt blessed to have such a true friend as Beryl; this feat was even more amazing given their disagreements in her first few years as Housekeeper. They had come a long way since then.
"I only asked him if there were chives in the omelette," the former Cook replied innocently.
"Yes, and then you added that he could make you an omelette any time! The poor lad couldn't get away fast enough," Elsie chuckled.
"That's your fault for insisting we have another Gin Fizz at the Station," Beryl grinned at her friend.
The two women knew that they may both be a little tipsy.
"I know, I think it's gone to my head ... what will Charles and Bill think? We need to sober up!" Elsie said seriously, then burst into giggles.
Beryl released one of her glorious cackles of laughter as the other people in the sedate restaurant carriage could only stare, open-mouthed at the two women. Elsie tried to withhold her giggles, as she held a hand to her mouth, beaming delightedly at her friend.
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Then ...
"I've checked all of the Family's Rooms Mrs Cooper, the Library has been thoroughly cleaned, the flowers are ready and the grocery order has arrived ... oh and I have gone over the front steps again to ensure they are pristine for the Family's arrival ..." Elsie said hurriedly, as she entered the Housekeeper's sitting-room.
The Head Housemaid was a little breathless but her haste could not disguise the smile on her face.
"My goodness ... you need to slow down my dear ... the Family only arrive back tomorrow, we have plenty of time, you don't need to do all of the finishing touches before breakfast," Mrs Cooper smiled kindly.
"Yes I know Mrs Cooper, I know the Family will arrive back tomorrow but Mr ... well ... umm ... I just thought we should get ahead of ourselves," Elsie smiled, a slight blush to her cheeks.
Mrs Cooper knew exactly what Elsie had been about to say but she would not embarrass the Head Housemaid by mentioning it. Mr Carson was expected back at the Abbey before lunch today, always a day ahead of the Family. The Housekeeper knew that Elsie had missed him. Mrs Cooper had too, if she was honest. She enjoyed a cordial working relationship with the Butler. However, at least Mrs Cooper had enjoyed their fortnightly correspondence; the Housekeeper and Butler always caught up on household matters through regular letters to each other during the Season. Elsie had enjoyed no such correspondence; that would simply not be appropriate. The older woman was sure the Butler would have missed Elsie as well. He had tentatively asked about the welfare of the Staff in his letters and Mrs Cooper always made sure to tell Elsie this, as well as ensuring in her replies to the Butler that she mentioned how Elsie, specifically, was doing. Mr Carson and the Head Housemaid had become respected colleagues and friends since Elsie joined the Abbey and Mrs Cooper could not help but wish the two of them could share a little more of their feelings with one another, despite knowing this was absolutely not possible. It had been a little under four months since Mr Carson and the Family had left for the Season and everyone, including Elsie, would be glad to have them return.
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Now ...
The train door opened and Elsie and Beryl stepped outside. Elsie immediately spotted their husbands a little way down the platform. As her eyes met Charles she was overcome with love. Her big bear of a husband stood looking handsome and proud as he beamed at her, his tender gaze enough to make her swoon. She wanted to run to Charles, wrap her arms around him and kiss him passionately. However, such scenes really would not be becoming in public, and neither Charles nor Elsie would dream of such behaviour in view of everyone. That will have to wait until we get home, Elsie thought with excitement. She did, however, quicken her pace as she approached her husband, squeezing his arm as she reached up to kiss his cheek. They briefly paused, their faces close, as he whispered how much he had missed her. The soppy, joyful smiles on their faces spoke a thousand words. Charles could not stop himself from returning her kiss, as he lingered at the soft skin of her cheek a little longer than was entirely proper. They were interrupted by the voice of Beryl as she greeted her husband, still chuckling away.
"Well I don't think we need ask if you two had fun?" Bill grinned.
"Oh we've had a ball, haven't we Elsie? And I may be a little tiddly ..." Beryl mock-whispered, leaning quite firmly against Bill as he linked arms with his wife to ensure she remained standing.
Elsie and Charles laughed happily.
"I think I better get my wife home, are you sure you two don't want a lift?" Bill asked.
"No thanks Bill, I thought a stroll would be nice," Charles suggested, as his wife nodded in agreement.
They were both eager to be alone.
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Then ...
"Mr Carson is back," one of the hall boys shouted, as he gathered the other hall boys to go upstairs with him to help with the luggage.
Elsie took a short intake of breath, as she stood in the downstairs corridor. She had cleaned everything in the House, she had checked the latest receipts for Mrs Cooper and the servant's table was set for lunch; she really could not think of anything else to do to keep herself busy. She had a knot of anticipation in her tummy that simply would not ease. She wondered if she could go upstairs to help with the luggage but she knew that would seem out of place and might even raise suspicion. Therefore, she strode down the corridor to the Boot Room, thinking she would give Lady Grantham's riding boots one more going over. And you need to stay calm my girl. Goodness, what will he think of you. You mustn't show how happy you are to see him; he'll think you quite ridiculous.
Mr Carson was glad to be back at the Abbey. The hall boys whooshed around him, gathering up the luggage as he barked orders at them. It was a sunny day as he stood on the gravel outside the main entrance; much like the day four months ago when he had headed for London. He tried to focus on the suitcases and travelling chests; he knew he still had some work to do to get the luggage organised before he could retire downstairs. He tried to ignore the nervousness that wrought his entire body. You will see the rest of the Staff in good time Charles, settle down, he told himself, not willing to admit to himself that it was one member of Staff in particular that he was looking forward to seeing. He had never longed to return to the House as much as he had this past Season. He tried to blame the extended Season, they had been in London slightly longer than usual. However, deep down he knew that he had missed his chats with his friend, their discussions about literature, her support in running the Household effectively. She was not Housekeeper yet but in her first year at the House she had become an irreplaceable part of why Downton functioned so well. Just don't embarrass yourself when you see her; keep calm and don't get flustered.
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Now ...
They held hands as they walked to the cottage, with Charles holding Elsie's small suitcase in his other hand. They caught up on what they had been up to over the last three days, Elsie updating Charles about the fun she and Beryl had had in London and Charles describing his time back in the Village. She was delighted to hear that he had enjoyed a lovely time; a few pints with Bill, dinner with Anna, John and the girls and relaxing long walks with their beloved Whisky. As they walked, Elsie used her free hand to trace patterns on the back of his hand that was clenched in hers, teasingly letting her fingers roam under the cuff of his sleeve and jacket to tickle the soft hairs on his wrist. He shook his head happily, knowing that his wife might be the death of him if she continued in this manner. Three days without touching his wife and these gentle caresses were sending him quite mad.
"Almost there," she cooed, as her beautiful blue eyes flashed brightly at him.
He dared to reach down to kiss her cheek and then he placed a second chaste kiss behind her ear as she purred with pleasure. Elsie had loved spending time with Beryl but she had missed her loving husband's touches more than even she had realised.
As they reached the door to their cottage, eager to get inside, a voice called out from behind them,
"Good afternoon Mr Carson, Mrs Carson,"
They both turned around to see one of the Villagers, Mrs Bootle, walking her dog.
"Good afternoon Mrs Bootle," Elsie replied, her voice tinged with a slightly strangulated quality; her mind had been on other things as she had been roused from her thoughts by their neighbour.
Charles nodded politely, hoping with every fibre of his being that Mrs Bootle didn't want to chat. His sense of relief was palpable, as she smiled and continued to walk along the path, past their cottage.
"How quickly do you think we can both be undressed and in our bed?" Charles whispered to his wife, as they both watched Mrs Bootle carefully, to ensure she did indeed disappear into the distance.
"Thirty seconds?" Elsie suggested cheekily, as she turned the key in the lock.
"Make it twenty!" he exclaimed, as they both bundled into the cottage, laughing joyfully as they closed the door behind them.
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Then ...
Elsie was talking to one of the maids as she walked along the downstairs corridor. She heard footsteps on the stairs behind her and turned, expecting to see Mrs Cooper. They anticipated it would be another half an hour before the Butler and the hall boys would be finished sorting the luggage upstairs. However, as the figure rounded the corner, Elsie's eyes settled on Mr Carson. Mrs Cooper walked a short distance behind him, pausing to allow the Butler to greet the Head Housemaid without her immediate presence. Elsie's lips parted in surprise and although she realised it was probably only wishful thinking, she was sure she witnessed his face light up with happiness as he spotted her, although he quickly tried to hide this.
"Elsie," was all he managed, as he stood, gazing at the Head Housemaid.
Elsie had instinctively taken a couple of steps towards the Butler, although she still had not spoken. She gathered herself, as her heart raced in her chest.
"Good morning Mr Carson, I trust you had an enjoyable visit in London," she said steadily.
"I did thank you Elsie, and Mrs Cooper tells me all is well at Downton," he replied with a small smile, clenching his hands at his sides to stop them shaking.
"Yes indeed ... well ..." she offered, pausing as she took another calming breath.
"It is lovely to have you back with us ... and the Family of course ... when they return tomorrow," she offered courteously, remembering to add mention of the Family's return.
"Thank you Elsie," he replied, nodding politely.
The Butler then walked the few steps to his pantry, as Elsie walked to the Servant's Hall. When they were finally alone in separate rooms, they both allowed a small smile to grace their lips.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed these very different homecomings. A little review would be lovely x
