"Barrow, tell the staff downstairs we're expecting the Duke and Duchess of Eland on the 1:00 train today." Cora said, sitting on the couch in the library.
"Very good, Milady. Do you know who the new Duke and Duchess are?" Barrow asked, curiousness on his face.
"Yes, I do. You'll meet them when they get here. And let everyone downstairs know that they have requested no one come outside, you." Cora replied, smiling. Barrow nodded, confusion crossing his face.
"Are you nervous?" Elsie asked, taking Charles' hand. He looked at her and nodded.
"Just a bit. But I think we'll be fine." Charles said, taking in a deep breath. They watched the Abbey come in sight, seeing only Barrow outside, as requested.
"Welcome back." Cora said, walking forward as Elsie stepped out of the car, head down. She looked up, taking a deep breath, a shy smile on her face.
"Thank you," Elsie said, nervousness in her voice. She turned to Edith and Mary.
"Welcome," Edith said kindly as Mary nodded her agreement. "You've been missed."
"Thank you, that's very kind of you to say," Elsie said, gaining confidence in her voice. She followed everyone inside, Charles taking her hand and squeezing it lightly. She looked up at him and smiled happily.
"Barrow, could you bring tea up please?" Cora asked, sitting on one of the couches in the library.
"Certainly, m'lady," Barrow replied, bowing slightly.
"And please don't say anything about the Duchess and Duke of Eland. They want to tell the staff themselves," she said warningly. Barrow nodded and left, doing as he was told. Cora and Robert turned to Elsie and Charles. "How would you two like to tell the staff?" Cora asked, cocking her head.
"We were thinking about going downstairs, there should be a lull about now for tea," Charles said, sitting uncomfortably.
"Why don't we go down now, then? If it's easier?" Robert asked, moving toward the door.
"Alright. I imagine it will surprise them," Elsie said following Robert.
"That is if Barrow hasn't already told them," Mary said drolly. Robert and Elsie looked at each other, smiles on their faces.
"If he knows what's good for him, he wouldn't," Elsie said reassuringly, patting his arm as she passed. Robert chuckled and shook his head and followed her out.