I know some parts of this story make Elsie sound like a tour guide, but whatever. On with the show!
"Welcome to Eland." Elsie said, meeting Isobel and the Crawley's outside the front doors, Charles, Tom, and Sybbie standing behind her, smiles on their faces. The Crawley's all got out of their cars and smiled.
"It's lovely to be here. About time too." Robert said, kissing Elsie's cheek. Elsie laughed.
"We just wanted to get settled and meet everyone on the estate. But when Tom got back and said Isobel wanted to come, I thought it was time invite all of you." Elsie said, kissing Cora's cheek.
"I completely understand." Cora said. "I felt the same way when I first became Countess, but I imagine you're doing wonderfully. Eland looks amazing." Cora said. Elsie nodded, and Cora walked toward Sybbie, picking her up and hugging her close.
"Oh, Elsie. It's good to see you." Isobel said, hugging Elsie. Elsie held her close, sighing in contentment. "We have much to talk about." Elsie nodded and pulled back, walking toward Violet.
"Lady Grantham." Elsie said, nodding toward her, a nervous smile on her face.
"Oh please. We've known each other long enough. Call me Violet." Violet said, leaning forward to kiss Elsie. Elsie smiled and nodded.
"Only if you call me Elsie." Elsie told her, leading her to Charles. Violet nodded and turned to Charles while Elsie moved to Mary and Edith.
"Thank you for inviting us." Edith said, kissing Elsie's cheek.
"Thank you for coming." Elsie replied, smiling softly. She turned to Mary, Edith linking arms with her. "Charlie is very happy you're here." Elsie said, leading her toward Charlie. Mary nodded.
"Thank you for inviting us." Mary said, kissing her cheek before turning to Charlie. Elsie looked at Edith, a surprised smile on her face.
"Don't worry, she'll warm up to you sooner or later." Edith said. Elsie nodded, leading her inside.
"I'll show you all to your rooms." Elsie said. Everyone nodded and smiled, looking around the entryway in amazement. They followed her up the stairs, talking to each other quietly. "If you have any questions, please feel free to ask."
"How old is the castle?" Cora asked, looking around in amazement.
"283 years old. It was built in 1645 for Henry Fairchild, the first Duke of Eland. He lived here for ten years, and his son inherited the estate, and it continued on until my cousin died, with no heir. I was the closest relative." She told them. "We can meet in the main hallway downstairs at half past two, I'll show you around the house and we can have tea at 3." She pointed to the first bedroom. "This is my room, the nursery is just this way and Tom's room is down this hall, in the bachelor's wing." Elsie said, pointing to each door. They nodded and Cora looked around.
"Where is Charles?" She asked. Elsie smiled and shook her head fondly.
"Most likely overseeing the footman, making sure they bring the right cases to the right rooms, if they're not already there. The footmen here are very swift." She turned the corner and stopped in front of the first bedroom. "This room is yours." Elsie said, leading Cora and Robert into the room. "I hope you're comfortable."
"I'm sure we will be." Cora and Robert entered their room and everyone else continued on.
"What does the butler do?" Isobel asked, a smirk on her face. Elsie chuckled.
"He's young, so he can learn from Charles. I think he's appreciative of Charles' help, especially now. He had just taken over when my cousin died, so he's still quite new to the role," Elsie told her. Isobel nodded, following her friend down the hall. Elsie stopped and pointed to two rooms next to each other.
"Here we are. Isobel, you're in here, and Violet, you're in here," Elsie told them, pointing to their respective rooms. Isobel and Violet nodded and walked into their rooms.
"This is your room. Will you be able to find your way back to mine? There's a lot of halls in this draughty, old place," Elsie said. Mary nodded and entered her room, pleased to find Anna already waiting.
Elsie walked down the hall a little further, Edith following in comfortable silence.
"Elsie, could I talk to you?" Edith asked, hopefulness in her voice.
"Of course," Elsie said, opening the door to Edith's room, closing it behind them.