"My, my, now isn't this a treat," Mrs Carson sighed. She was seated on a soft blanket they brought with them. It was quite large, larger than necessary even, but her Charlie liked to be prepared. There were five of them seated on it in fact, and there was another blanket, albeit smaller, spread out closer to the sea.
Beryl nodded in agreement. There were barely any people close by. Though, it was still early on in the summer season. They had chosen a day like today on purpose. For the quiet content the lull of the sea would bring them. Most of them hadn't been to the seaside since 1923, when Lady Rose came out and a great many journeys began.
"Isn't it lovely Andy," Daisy said, pointing to the surf, "What must it be like to be a sailor traveling the vast and beautiful ocean?"
"I suppose it's nice," He shrugged, reaching for sandwich from one of the baskets.
Daisy sat up straighter, "Nice? It must be thrilling, spectacular even. To see such marvelous things and know what it truly means to be an adventurer like in novels."
"I don't think you need to be a sailor to do all that, Daisy," Mrs Molesley joined in softly, "Think of all the people we've met and seen; royalty, actors from the big screen."
"The scandals we've heard and witnessed," Mr Molesley joked.
"Good riddance to all those, I must say," Anna smiled, watching as Johnny drew pictures in the sand with Ronnie and Lou.
Time had changed them all, the sea had remained the same. It was sad to think about, which is why she didn't think about it often. Still, what if they had all gone another way? Left earlier? Done different things? Would they all be as happy as they were now?
Mr Carson and Mr Bates were walking towards them, holding ice creams for the children and the ladies who requested them. Gratitudes exchanged, they joined the others on the blankets.
"One for you," Mr Carson said, holding out a small one for her to take.
"Thank you, Charlie," As she moved to grasp it, he moved it slightly out of reach.
She raised her eyebrows at him, only him to say, "Of course, I am entitled to some of it. For my traveling far to find a salesman."
"I daresay," she smiled.
"Auntie Elsie?" Lou tugged at her sleeve.
"Yes, dear?"
"Ronnie dropped our ice creams," she said sadly, sitting down between the couple. "Nana Beryl is sharing hers with Ronnie…"
"I believe mine does have your name written on it," Mrs Carson said with a smile, before leaning in and whispering, "but, you must share with Uncle Charlie."
Lou thought about it for a few moments, soon gently taking a bite from the ice cream, now in her hand- and solely hers.
How times had indeed changed. Mr Carson would have blustered at a child calling him 'Uncle Charlie' a few years ago. That was then. When his world was ruled by decorum and rules of service. He's softened, although he wouldn't admit to it, and adores when the Parker children or Johnny visit on Sunday afternoons after church. There's a small area cleared for them outside in the garden for them to play when the weather is nice. Johnny has his own small space, of course. When he usually visits, it's for a few days and so Mr Carson teaches him about plants and history, of great legends and tales which inspire such happiness in the boy. He sits by Elsie in their small sitting room reading Johnny books as she knits, sometimes joining in and dramatically adding to the tale to make him laugh.
Anna and Mr Bates had moved to run a small inn in a nearby town. Phyllis and Mr Molesley, went their own way, him; teaching and writing scripts, her; sewing for the village locals when needed. Daisy and Andrew left the abbey soon after Ronnie was born. They were much more suited a freer life. So much so, that Andrew manages the farm with some farmhands instead of being a butler at the Crawley's beck and call. Daisy tutors village children (free of charge) when she has the time. She speaks of it often, it makes her feel like she has a place in a world which provides good to others, and Andy could never begrudge her anything.
The sea is calmer now than when they first arrived. It is still, it is melancholic, if only for a few moments. Their ice creams have been eaten and Andy and Mr Carson are wading slowing into the sea, each holding a child's hand and are careful should a wave creep up on them. Ronnie was afraid so he is cuddling close into his Nana Beryl's shoulder while Elsie stands near her and tells him stories of Scotland and peaceful times.
Lou ran up to her after the waves became too much for them.
"Look what Uncle Charlie found!" A pretty seashell glimmered in her hand.
The girl spoke of other shells that were duller in comparison. Elsie peered behind her, admiring the sight of her man playing and joking with Johnny. Occasionally, lifting him high in the air. She should warn him against it, that it will hurt his back and he will feel terrible in the morning but she doesn't.
For when she is about to call out to him, Lou tugs at her dress and says, "D'you know what he said, Auntie? He said it reminded him of you."
A.N.: I hope you enjoyed this. In my head, it's set after the second movie, perhaps in 1933, but it could easily be an AU piece set earlier on. Ronnie and Lou are Daisy and Andy's children (because, although I can imagine them being a power couple and being happy without children, I can see them having some rambunctious children running around on the farm). This piece came to fruition randomly, but it was quite fun to write. Until next time!