Chapter 38

Elsie woke the next morning more rested than she'd felt in longer than she could remember. Looking at the clock in the room she realized it wasn't much later than her normal time to wake. Going to bed hours earlier than normal combined with a vastly more comfortable bed had refreshed her.

She stretched across the bed, luxuriating in the space. Debating whether or not to go back to sleep, just for a bit, she remembered Mrs. Patmore had arranged for a delivery of food for the week. Throwing the covers off, she bound from the bed. Perhaps she could make it downstairs before the delivery arrived and keep the bells from waking him.

Wrapping her dressing gown around her she took clothes from the wardrobe and headed to the washroom. In the hallway she looked across the hall. The door was closed and she wondered for a moment if Charles had come downstairs. Shaking her head she rolled her eyes, of course he hadn't come downstairs.

In the washroom, she quickly took care of her morning ritual then dressed. She returned to her room, made the bed and straightened the room. Picking up his notebook she smiled as she closed her eyes saying a silent prayer. She hoped today was the day they finally crossed the last barrier between them.

Crossing the room, she looked back to the bed. Perhaps tonight they would only need to use one bedroom, perhaps tonight it would be him keeping her too warm and not the fire. Closing the door behind her she made her way quietly downstairs.

She filled the kettle then placed it on the fire. Charles would most likely not sleep too late, it wasn't in his personality to relax, even when the family wasn't about. The least she could do after he spent the night freezing in the attics was have something to warm him. Perhaps, if the delivery came early enough, she could bring him breakfast. She gasped at the thought of bringing him breakfast in bed.

A knock at the door drew her attention. Walking quickly to the door, she opened it, expecting the delivery man. Much to her surprise, it was the smiling Scotsman from the day before. Smiling she wracked her brain trying to remember his name, "Good morning."

He doffed his hat, bowing slightly, "Good morning Mrs. Hughes."

Still trying to remember his name she nodded, "Good morning. Was Mr. Carson expecting you?"

"No, not at all, I was hoping to bump into you this fine morning."

Tightening her hand on the door, she bristled at his words, "I can't imagine why that would be."

"Come on Mrs. Hughes, surely you would understand why a man would want to visit a woman such as yourself." The cold look from her made him laugh then raise his hands in surrender, "Actually I know you are not familiar with the area and I happen to know it quite well. Perhaps I can give you the benefit of my expertise?" The kettle whistled drawing Elsie's attention, "I wouldn't say no to a cuppa."

Turning back to him, exasperation filled her voice, "Very well, come in, I suppose."

He followed her into the kitchen, watching her bustle about. Charles Carson had certainly been hiding her away. "So Mrs. Hughes, what exactly is it that brings you to London at this time of the year?"

She placed a cup and saucer on the kitchen table and pushed it towards him keeping the table between them, "I'm sorry, I don't have any sugar or milk."

"It's fine, I don't like things too sweet." Elsie rolled her eyes hoping the delivery would arrive soon, "You didn't answer my earlier question."

"I noticed when the family was here for Lady Rose's wedding that things weren't quite up to par. I am here bringing things up to snuff before the season starts. Why exactly are you here, in London that is?"

"Unlike Mr. Carson, I am not the butler. I am the caretaker of all of the family's properties. I wander from home to home making sure things are tip top before the family arrives."

Taking a sip of her tea she raised an eyebrow, "That seems a lonely existence."

"What's to be lonely? I have the run of the house for weeks or months on end. I live in the lap of luxury with no one to answer to."

"To each his own I suppose."

He nodded, "I guess it's not for everyone. I rather like it. The best part I spend at least four months out of every year back home in Scotland." Elsie inhaled deeply at the thought, four months a year in Scotland. Mr. Henderson suppressed a smile, "Do you miss it?"

"I do. I miss my sister and her family. I miss the lushness of the countryside. Downton is lovely but it's not home."

"Do you get back often?"

She shook her head tightly, "No, every other year at best and then only for a week or two at most."

"I suppose with this change you won't even get that."

Elsie thought about it. She hadn't been able to visit this past summer because of Mrs. Bute's illness. She wouldn't be able to go this summer because she would once again be here for the season. It would be the following summer at the earliest and only then if her retirement went as planned. If the family couldn't find a suitable replacement it might be longer.

Mr. Henderson smiled knowing he'd found a weakness, "I shouldn't have mentioned it. I'm sure the family is appreciative of all that you do."

Raising her chin, almost defiantly, she smiled, "Yes, they are."