Chapter 54
A/N: Thank you for your lovely reviews- they make my day. Hope you enjoy this chapter x
"Has Mr Carson recovered yet?" Mrs Patmore asked, biting her lip to stop herself bursting into giggles again.
Mrs Carson had just left him outside in the garden with Becky, as the Cook and Housekeeper stood in the kitchen, washing the cups and saucers from their afternoon tea.
"I am not sure he'll ever recover. Or me … goodness ... I still cannot believe what Becky said ..." Mrs Carson replied, with a small, disbelieving laugh.
The Housekeeper thought she might still be blushing; even though 'the incident' had happened over two hours ago.
"Oh get away with you … you are married … the old rogue is allowed to kiss your boobies whenever he likes!" the Cook exclaimed, this time failing to withhold her mirth as she dissolved into laughter.
"Mrs Patmore … honestly! Oh my word, I could die of embarrassment …" the Housekeeper sighed, closing her eyes tightly shut in mortification and taking a deep breath.
"Now don't be silly. You should be proud that your husband is so attentive. Goodness, the pair of you are hardly spring chickens and yet look at you … you can't keep your hands off each other … or in Mr Carson's case, his lips …" she joked, as she turned with a teasing grin, to store the tea plates in the cupboard.
The Housekeeper rolled her eyes warmly at her friend.
"Anyway … Becky is a delight Mrs Carson," the Cook said sincerely, as she turned back to face her friend.
"Thank you. She is, isn't she? It's just a shame not everyone is as kind and accepting as you Mrs Patmore … she warmed to you immediately and yet she isn't always very good with strangers," the Housekeeper beamed.
"Well I am glad … and the cottage looks wonderful, it really does,"
"Thank you … I must say … the Dowager's wedding gift helped enormously,"
"I am sure … and I presume you have some left, to make your retirement more comfortable," she asked gently, not wanting to pry too much where money was concerned.
"We certainly do, she was very generous. It's the first time in my life I have had money in my own name," Mrs Carson smiled.
The Cook knew exactly how much the Dowager's gift had meant to Mrs Carson. The Housekeeper had never said as much but Mrs Patmore knew that she was uneasy with Mr Carson paying for everything. And now the old bat's gift means they have savings in both of their names, the Cook thought happily.
"Is everything alright back at the House?" Mrs Carson asked. They had only been away one day, and the Family were not in residence, but she did worry.
"Everything is fine … although Mr Barrow was sniffing around. He seems to know there is more to your stay than just you and Mr Carson preparing the cottage for business," the Cook replied.
"But he doesn't know anything about Becky does he? I would hate him to cause trouble. I need to protect Becky Mrs Patmore … I don't want all and sundry mocking her …" she worried.
"Hey now, it is ok. He doesn't know. I told him to mind his own business. And anyway, would it be the end of the world if people found out about your lovely sister?" Mrs Patmore reasoned kindly.
Mrs Carson smiled at her friend, she knew the Cook meant well but she really did not understand. Most people simply were not very tolerant. The Housekeeper had seen this for herself throughout Becky's life. The stigma and ignorance people attached to mental illness was appalling. She wished the world was a more tolerant place but it wasn't and she feared that some people would make fun of Becky or show her a lack of respect and the Housekeeper really could not bear that. However, Mrs Carson would hate anyone to think she was ashamed of Becky, because she certainly was not. She was proud of her sister and she only wanted what was best for her.
"I am afraid it isn't that easy Mrs Patmore. Not everyone is as welcoming as you. Even when we were small, the Village folk made fun of Becky. She is innocent, so trusting … I don't want her to get hurt," the Housekeeper explained anxiously.
Mrs Patmore nodded, she did understand.
"Right then, we'll ensure we always protect her then," the Cook smiled.
Mrs Carson squeezed her friend's hand, touched beyond measure by the word 'we'.
"Thank you Mrs Patmore".
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"Beryl, do you have a husband?" Becky asked, as they all sat in the sitting-room.
Mrs Patmore was sitting on the smaller settee with Becky, the Housekeeper and Butler sat holding hands on the other settee.
"I don't have a husband … I like being on my own. Men can be a bit smelly!" the Cook chuckled.
Becky covered her mouth as she giggled loudly.
"Charlie isn't smelly!" Becky replied delightedly.
Mr Carson nodded mock-seriously, proud of this defence, as Mrs Carson kissed his cheek.
"No Charlie isn't … in fact he always smells rather lovely. You see, he wears cologne," the Cook smiled impishly, teasing the Butler.
Mr Carson coughed and spluttered, a pink colour to his cheeks as he became the centre of attention once more. His wife gazed adoringly at him.
"What is … col … cologne?" Becky asked, scrunching her nose as she tried to repeat the unfamiliar word.
"It's like a perfume," the Cook answered.
"Girls wear perfume! Charlie isn't a girl," Becky cried happily, slapping the settee with her hand at this ridiculous idea.
"But men wear perfume too Becky. However, their perfume is called cologne. Charlie always smells very nice … not like those other smelly men!" Mrs Carson joined in, stroking her husband's blushing cheek as he smiled soppily at his wife.
"Uh-oh … I think they might be about to have a sloppy kiss again Becky," Mrs Patmore exclaimed, in her element when teasing the couple.
"Oh no … lets close our eyes whilst they cuddle Beryl. And no peeping!" Becky replied, squeezing her eyes tightly shut as she sat on the edge of the settee.
Mrs Patmore spluttered with laughter as she played along and closed her eyes.
The two Heads of staff stared at the two women open-mouthed, shaking their heads disbelieving. They then turned to look at each other, laughing at this silly situation.
"Oh well, why not?" he whispered with a wiggle of his eyebrows, as he bent to kiss his wife lovingly on the lips.
"Are you done yet?" Becky called, eyes still closed, as both Mr and Mrs Carson giggled against each other's lips.
"Not yet … keep 'em closed," the Butler shouted good-naturedly, as he continued to kiss his wife.
######
"Right then chicken, it has been lovely to meet you," Mrs Patmore said, smiling fondly at the younger woman, as she stood to put her coat on.
"Beryl … you do know I am not a chicken?" Becky asked seriously.
The Cook chuckled.
"I do love, it's just the name I use for people I really like," she returned.
Mrs Carson felt tears well in her eyes as the Cook talked so tenderly to her sister.
"Oh well then, I am going to call you chicken too Beryl," Becky triumphed, hugging her newfound friend, as they all laughed.
######
"Bye Chicken!" Becky called, as the Cook walked down the path from the front door.
Mrs Carson wrapped her arm around her sister, as the three said farewell to Mrs Patmore.
Just as the Cook reached the road, a familiar voice called out from across the lane.
"I thought this was the right House," Mr Barrow sneered.
Mrs Carson inhaled sharply, unconsciously hugging Becky even closer to her.
"Mr Barrow what on earth are you doing here?" Mr Carson said crossly.
"I brought your post Mr Carson, I thought it might be something important," he smirked.
"Hardly," the Butler returned.
"And who do we have here? I didn't know you and Mrs Carson had guests … it's not like you to be secretive Mr Carson, makes me think you have something to hide …" he continued.
Mr Carson bristled furiously, trying to remain calm so as not to upset Becky. However, he was annoyed and he wanted to pick the younger man up by the bootstraps and march him down the lane. Mrs Carson was about to tell Mr Barrow, in no uncertain terms, to leave them in peace, when Becky spoke up.
"I am Becky, Essie's sister. Who are you?" she smiled innocently.
"Ahh, I see. I am Mr Barrow, hasn't your sister mentioned me?" he grinned, enjoying seeing Mr and Mrs Carson so obviously unbalanced.
"No she hasn't … do you work with my Essie?" she asked happily.
"I do work with your Essie, yes Becky, and you live in Lytham St Anne's don't you?" he asked.
He could see that Becky was not what he would describe as 'normal' and he became more and more excited to know that he knew their little secret. He guessed no-one else at the House knew about Becky.
"That's quite enough Mr Barrow, be on your way …" Mr Carson boomed.
However, in her naivety, Becky did not realise that her sister, Mr Carson and Mrs Patmore were all feeling uneasy, directing much loathing towards the Under-Butler. For their part, they were all trying very hard not to create a scene that would upset Becky. She seemed totally unaware that anything was wrong thus far.
"Yes I do … I live at Abercorn House with my friends. We play on the beach and collect shells, and we play solitaire, and I have a kitten called Charlie … don't I Essie?" she said, in her child-like manner.
"You do my love," Mrs Carson replied, kissing her sister's hair. Becky smiled warmly at her sister.
Mr Barrow looked like the cat that got the cream.
"Well that is good to know Becky ... now if you'll excuse me, I must be getting back to the House …" he smirked once more, turning to leave.
Mrs Patmore, Mr Carson and Mrs Carson glared at him, as Becky smiled happily.
"Goodbye Mr Barrow," she cheered merrily.
