Chapter 36
A/N: Thank you for your tremendous support for this fic. I have enjoyed writing it very much. It was lovely to continue writing about Charles and Elsie's retirement years, following on from 'Stuck with you', and now for the first time I have written about Elsie as Head Housemaid. I realise that leaves a 'gap', the Housekeeper years until the engagement. I have covered these years in some other stories but you never know, I may come back to this story at some point and fill the gap. I cannot seem to stop writing about Chelsie! I also want to write an Elsie/Beryl fic. However, for now I will enjoy a break from writing and look forward to the upcoming series- yay! Thanks once again for your support and reviews- I appreciate them so much. Hope you enjoy this final chapter x
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Then ...
The New Year's Day celebrations had gone seamlessly the previous day, a fitting swansong for Mrs Cooper. Today was her final day as Housekeeper and the Family had marked this special day with a presentation in the Library. She received a carriage clock and a stunning bouquet of flowers to thank her for her years of loyalty and service to the Granthams. This was followed by a more lively celebration downstairs, after the evening dinner service. Mr Carson had given a touching speech and the Staff had all contributed to a number of gifts for the dear woman; a beautiful silk scarf and matching gloves, an elegant writing set and some French perfume. She had been quite overcome with the kind wishes and regards shown to her by the Staff and she was particularly touched by the efforts of Elsie and the other housemaids who had arranged this special evening for her. The Staff had drunk wine and enjoyed a light buffet provided by Mrs Patmore and it proved to be a wonderful send-off for the Housekeeper. Mrs Cooper would leave by train in the morning; she planned to live in Whitby on the east coast, near her last surviving brother and his family.
Most of the servants had made their way upstairs to bed following an enjoyable evening, as Mrs Cooper called Elsie and Mr Carson to her sitting-room. As they entered the room, Elsie was feeling a little flushed and if the Head Housemaid was not mistaken, Mr Carson's cheeks also looked a little rosy from the wine. The Butler and Elsie looked fondly at Mrs Cooper.
"As you know, I hate soppy goodbyes ..." the Housekeeper began.
Elsie took a deep, steadying breath; this woman had been like a mother to her since she had come to Downton. Mr Carson also clenched his fists at his sides, determined to retain control over his emotions.
"... however, I do want to wish you both every possible happiness for the future. Downton could not be in safer hands with you both at the helm. You are a fine Butler Mr Carson and more importantly you are a good and kind man, and it has been my pleasure to serve alongside you for all of these years ... and Elsie, you are an absolute treasure my dear and you will be a remarkable Housekeeper, mark my words," she smiled, her eyes glistening.
Mr Carson nodded in thanks, touched by the Housekeeper's words and Elsie smiled at him proudly. He really is a good and kind man, the Head Housemaid thought. Elsie returned her attention to Mrs Cooper.
"Thank you Mrs Cooper ... and if that is true, it will be in large part because of everything you have taught me. Thank you for your wonderful support and encouragement ... and for your care. I will miss you greatly," Elsie managed, before she dissolved into a flood of tears.
Elsie was not an overly emotional person; she was strong, sensible and in control. However, she cared deeply for this woman and she could no longer remain passive, as she reached forward and hugged the Housekeeper warmly. As the two women embraced fondly, Mr Carson shifted from foot to foot, unable to know what to do faced with two overwrought and sobbing women. He was very uncomfortable, a stabbing pain in his heart to witness such genuine upset. He felt helpless and simply stood and gazed at them, hoping they regained their composure soon. His relief knew no bounds as the women let go of each other and seemed to settle, both smiling at the man before them; they knew how uncomfortable this entire situation would be for him. Mr Carson realised he needed to say something. He coughed lightly.
"Mrs Cooper, thank you for your kind words and good wishes, your service to this great House has been immeasurable and it has been a privilege to work alongside you," he said formally, coughing again as he finished.
The two women rewarded him with gentle smiles, thinking that even in this sensitive moment he still remained their stoic, upstanding Mr Carson.
"Right then, I must get to bed ... I have a long day ahead ... oh, I almost forgot ... there is a gift for you Elsie ... open it once I've gone up ..." Mrs Cooper said, pointing to a box decorated with ribbon on the side table.
The older woman did not think she could take any more emotion. She wished them both goodnight and just as she reached the corridor, she turned to them once more,
"Take care of each other," she said meaningfully, before walking away.
The two were quite breathless; this remark seemingly innocent and yet charged with meaning. Mr Carson and Elsie stood in silence for a few seconds, neither sure what to say. Elsie saved the day, by walking across the room to collect her gift, providing a distraction. No words were needed as Elsie opened the box and held Mrs Cooper's chatelaine in her hand. Elsie held it to her heart as her eyes welled with tears once more. Oh dear god, not again, Mr Carson panicked. I really cannot cope with tears. He silently reached into his pocket for his handkerchief and nervously held it out to Elsie. She looked up at him through watery eyes and whispered 'thank you' as she gladly took it to dry her tears.
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Now ...
Charles walked through to their bedroom, dressed in his pyjamas and dressing gown having just enjoyed a long soak in the bath. He found his wife at her dressing table, lost in her own thoughts and holding something delicately in her hands. He walked across to stand behind her and realised she was holding her first chatelaine. He placed a hand on her shoulder as she gazed up at him, her eyes a little teary yet a beautiful smile on her lips.
"Happy memories?" he asked softly.
"Very happy," she said blissfully, placing the decorative chains carefully back in the box.
Elsie stood from her chair and slid her arms inside Charles's dressing gown, hugging her husband snugly around the waist. He held her tenderly, his head resting against her hair. His hands smoothed softly up and down her back; through the thin material of her nightgown Elsie could feel the comforting warmth of his hands.
"You are a good and kind man Charles Carson," she whispered against his chest.
He smiled with pride, kissing her temple.
"And you Elsie, are my beautiful treasure," he replied.
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Then ...
"Is it time?" Mr Carson asked.
"It is, Mrs Cooper left in the car five minutes ago and I am going upstairs to meet with Lady Grantham now. When I come back down those stairs Mr Carson, I will be Housekeeper," she replied cheerfully, yet feeling a combination of both excitement and nervousness.
It really is happening. This is it, Elsie. You are about to become Housekeeper of Downton Abbey.
"Good luck Elsie, although of course you won't need it," he smiled encouragingly; they both knew this was little more than a formality, the official hand-over.
She nodded, accepting his good wishes, and then pushing her shoulders back, she took a deep breath and ascended the stairs.
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Little over ten minutes later she descended the stairs. She was delighted to see Mr Carson waiting to greet her at the bottom.
"All is well?" he asked lightly, with a happy grin as he noticed her chatelaine now attached to her waist.
"All is well Mr Carson," she beamed.
"Well then, shall we take tea in my pantry ... Mrs Hughes?" the Butler said, as he gazed at Elsie and emphasised her new title; the first time this name had left his lips.
Elsie's breath caught in her throat. Of course she was now Mrs Hughes, why had she not thought about this? Her new title felt both strange and comforting. Mrs Hughes, Housekeeper of Downton Abbey; a position she felt she had always been destined to hold. As the two walked along the downstairs corridor, silent except for the thud of his stride and the jingle of her chatelaine, Elsie felt both content and calm. She knew the Butler would prove a tremendous support to her and as she walked at his side, she could not help but wonder when he would next call her Elsie.
The End.