Chapter 36
A/N: Hey guys, two chapters this week as they're on the short side. As always enjoy and feel free to share your thoughts
Episode 7
She watched Branson and Lady Sybil run towards to serving tent and meet with Gwen before all of them embraced excitedly. She wandered towards them, breaking up the group offering Gwen her congratulations kindly but firmly and suggesting she finish her work.
When Branson turned to Lady Sybil and begun to speak in the lowered voice of a man enthralled, she interrupted.
"Lady Sybil, her Ladyship was asking after you," she hinted, allowing the girl to leave before turning to Mr Branson
"Be careful my lad. Or you'll end up with no job and a broken heart," she cautioned
"What do you mean?" he mumbled, refusing to understand her. Tilting her head and sighing at him she walked away.
She had meant what she said, servants never ended up with the upper class. It just wasn't done, even two servants were frowned upon. She couldn't help but wonder if she confessed to Mr Carson, where that would lead. Most likely, as she warned Branson of, no job and a broken heart. Shaking her head quietly to herself she continued to supervise the garden party she had created.
It was no small feat and she was so proud that when they did get to spend a moment together, he acknowledged her hard work.
"Well done Mrs Hughes. Beautifully executed as always," he declared, his pride in her and her work showing in his voice and words.
She looked at him as he spoke, allowing herself to openly admire him in the sunlight.
"Key is in the planning," she deflected, looking away from him but tilting her head towards him as she spoke.
Thomas approached them carrying a tray of empty glasses
"Mr Carson, this probably isn't the moment but I've just heard from Doctor Clarkson and I have been accepted into a training scheme for the army medial corps."
They both looked away at that, not allowing their relief, and in her case laughter, to show through.
"Have you indeed," he acknowledged
"Yes and I want to do it so I'll be handing in my notice. I'll serve out the month of course," the footman continued
She watched him then, how he handled his anger and continued to speak calmly, if a little sarcastically to the footman.
"Thank you Thomas, we can talk about it later," he intoned
She allowed a moment to pass of watching him.
"And you couldn't have planned that any better either" she jested lightly, turning to look at him with a small smile. His answering smile all the confirmation she needed.
Her humour was a welcome joy in that moment, he thought as he turned to watch her smile light up her face. Her soft sigh as their eyes met did not go unnoticed, though unremarked upon.
They both turned away once more, the butler puffed up with pride and the housekeeper wearing a small smile on her face still.