When she was ready, Elsie waited for Charles and Tom while Mrs. Patmore went back to the tent. She smiled when she saw the two walking toward her. "Good game, congratulations." She said when they reached her. They both moved to kiss her cheek, first Charles then Tom. Charles took the basket and Tom took the blankets and they started back toward the cottage. "What did you want to talk to us about?" She Elsie asked, turning slightly toward Tom, cocking her head. Tom thought for a minute before responding. "Sybbie and I were talking, and we were wondering if we could move in with you," Tom said bluntly. Elsie and Charles looked at each other, surprise on their faces. "It's just that, you've both done so much for us, and Sybbie thinks of you as her grandparents, I think of you as my parents and we want a life outside of Downton, with you," Tom said. They nodded, understanding his meaning.
"Why don't you put Sybbie to bed and we'll discuss it while you're upstairs?" Elsie asked, holding Sybbie out to Tom when they arrived at the cottage. Tom nodded, taking Sybbie and bringing her upstairs. Charles and Elsie walked into the kitchen, putting the basket and its contents away. "What do you think, Charles?" Elsie asked, putting the lemonade into the refrigerator. Charles sighed and nodded.
"I think that sounds like a lovely idea," Charles said. Elsie looked at him, a smile on her face. She walked toward him, putting her hands on his arms.
"You're growing soft in your old age," Elsie said, looking up at him, happy. He chuckled, leaning forward to kiss her.
"It's all you, my dear. All you." They kissed, holding each other close. They pulled apart and continued to put the food away.
They turned toward the kitchen when they heard Tom coming back down the stairs. He walked into the kitchen, hesitancy on his face.
"Of course, you can move in with us. We'd be delighted to have you." Elsie said, moving forward to give him a hug. Tom sighed, happiness filling his face.
"Oh, thank you. Thank you so much." Tom said, smiling. He hugged Elsie tight, tears rolling down his face. Elsie pulled back, holding Tom's face in her eyes.
"Oh, my lad. Were you so worried we would say no?" Elsie asked. Tom nodded, closing his eyes. Charles walked toward them, putting his hand on Tom's shoulder.
"We're practically your parents, my boy. We would be very happy if you would live with us." Charles told him. Tom nodded and pulled both Charles and Elsie into a hug.
"When were you planning on moving in?" Elsie asked, wiping the table off. Tom shrugged.
"I don't know. First, I need to talk to the Crawley's and tell them my plan, then we'll see. In fact, I'm going to go up there now." Tom said. Elsie and Charles nodded.
"Do you want me to go with you?" Elsie asked, looking up at him. Tom nodded and smiled.
"I would love that, Mum." Elsie walked to Charles, kissed his cheek, and left with Tom.