The night air was cold, the windows in the library slightly open making Anna rub her arms up and down before she decided to head downstairs to get her shawl. Everything was quiet, not a soul around as she walked down the corridor towards the Servant's Hall where she knew it should be resting on the back of a chair. As she walked pass Mrs. Hughes' Sitting Room the sound her shoes made with the floor changed, instead of the clacking noise against the stone the tune seemed to be as if she had stood over something sticky, as if a bottle of syrup had been poured down over the floor. She turned her head back to see something dark coming from underneath the door. She kneeled in front of it touching the warm substance with doubtful fingers, bringing her hand up to the light of the lamp seeing that the liquid sliding down her hand was of a bright red colour, the metallic scent hitting her nostrils like a wave. There was no mistake; it was blood. Her heart stopped beating as her brain registered whose room this was, she was so used to walking pass it that at this point she wouldn't even check the plates over them, horrible thoughts of what might have happened to the housekeeper filling her mind; she might have fallen and hurt herself, maybe she was attacked, maybe she had hurt herself… she hadn't noticed how her legs were taking her back up the stairs, almost of their own accord. Normally she would be careful not to draw any attention, her movements slow and quiet, but the situation required fast actions so she burst through the doors of the library, the gate slamming against the wall with a reverberating sound as everyone's eyes turning to look at her, her own searching for the butler who was close to the window talking with his Lordship, overseeing everyone and everything, two glasses of sherry waiting on the small table that was next to him. He was waiting for Elsie.

-Mrs. Bates! – his voice boomed disapprovingly over the silence, a face of shock and anger greeting the woman, but she didn't care. He could shake her until she laid in shreds on the floor, she would still look at him with pleading, scared, eyes.

-Mr. Carson… is Mrs. Hughes with you? Have you seen her? – a part of her was hoping that whoever happened to be inside the housekeeper's Sitting Room wasn't Elsie, that it might be a maid, anyone but her.

-I sent her upstairs to change. I saw her walking downstairs after Daisy came through the green doors. What is the meaning of this? I'm sorry My Lord, she's usually not like this.

-She's not here then… Oh God.

-What is the problem Mrs. Bates? Is she indisposed?

-There's blood in the corridor downstairs.

The instant those words left her mouth everything became real, her hand still stained as she showed it to Mr. Carson, the droplets running down her palm hiding underneath the sleeve of her dress. For once in his life, he had no words, his profile paler by the second and his limbs heavy with the news. Silence had filled the room within seconds, Mrs. Crawley's semblance dark and quiet; the happiness seemed to have vanished completely, sucked out of the room through the windows, her eyes watching as Carson finally made a move and started running out of the room, his big frame knocking over objects in his hurry to get downstairs. The light was dim, and although his eyesight wasn't what it used to be he spotted the puddle in less than a second, stopping his steps right in front of Mrs. Hughes' door his shaky hands twisting the knob, but it didn't budge.

-Elsie?! Elsie, can you hear me?

No one answered him, no sound whatsoever came from the other side, and taking advantage of his big body and strength he quickly smashed it open, wooden bits flying through the air before landing over the carpet. Behind him stood Anna, her Ladyship and Mrs. Crawley, no one else had had the courage or the ability to stand up and follow, but they knew better, they had been through thick and thin for the past few years, they could handle whatever was at the other side. Or so they thought; no one prepares you for things like this. The fire was almost dead, and the only light was coming from a knocked over lamp that laid on her desk, the shadows it casted making the entire scene even more horrifying. Carson's entire world crumbled before his eyes as he watched in a horrifying slow pace Elsie tied to a pipe, her flawless skin had an almost blue tint contrasting with the bright red that seemed to be all over her, thin rivers flowing towards the floor pooling around her frame. She looked cold, gone before them, her eyes closed, and her chest hardly rising at this point; twenty minutes had passed since Mr. Green had left her, her mouth agape just an inch or two. Anna's head watched from underneath one of his arms, he was holding on to the doorframe as not to collapse. Blinking didn't make the scene change, her eyes were not lying to her, Charles' head turned to the side as not to see, he couldn't see, so Anna turned around scanning her Ladyship and Mrs. Crawley. She didn't ask, wouldn't ask, and took Cora's shawl off her shoulders, a silent approval from her eyes signalling it was alright, the petite girl entering the room to cover the housekeeper, giving her what little modesty she could, given the circumstances. Charles had seen everything, just for a few seconds, but it was engraved in his mind, her long legs, her broad breasts, her arms… As soon as Anna had covered her his eyes roamed around the room taking in his surroundings, her shoes on the other side of the room, her knickers turned to shreds lying next to her, what was left of her clothes resting in awkward angles over her body. His weight was resting on the wall as he took a few steps inside the room, Cora and Isobel finally seeing what the issue was inside Elsie's room, quiet gasps escaping the ladies' lips. He stumbled towards her, kneeling next to Anna, lowering his head to her chest, pressing his ear down, praying for a heartbeat, hoping it wasn't too late. After a second, he sobbed; there it was, slow, weak, but still there, that was enough for him, there was still a thread of hope that she would make it. As carefully as his big fingers would allow him, he undid the knot with which her stockings kept her tied, lowering her arms slowly resting her form on his lap, her hair spreading over his black trousers.

-She's still alive – it was nothing more than a whisper, but it reached the ladies' ears, tears flowing freely down Mrs. Bates' cheeks, Cora holding on to Isobel for dear life, the only of the three woman who seemed angry more than upset. It was no secret to her what had transpired behind that door, she had seen it before, but it didn't stop hurting after each time. Carson's voice continued, fear making the words wobble as he spoke. - but not for long if you don't run for Dr. Clarkson.

The most agile was Anna, and in a second, she was running to Mr. Carson's office, grabbing the phone from his desk to locate Richard. Charles didn't dare lift his gaze from her in fear she might slip through his fingers if he did, his hand caressing her bruised cheeks with a feather like touch as not to hurt her.

-Elsie, please open your eyes. I just need you to do that. Just open them. – His words fell on deaf ears, or so he thought, not so long after he had spoken Elsie's eyes opened, very slowly, meeting his gentle face, tears forming in his own eyes, a smile meeting her. The most beautiful feature she possessed where her ocean eyes, deep, undiscovered, full of emotion and mysteries. For him, they felt like a wave of life, just to see them meant that she was still with him, here. - That's it, don't close them. Everything is going to be alright; I promise.

-I'm… I'm scared. – Elsie's voice was nothing more than a whisper, hoarse and raspy, her weakness evident by the amount of time it took her to just say those words.

-Shhh, it's alright, I'm here. Don't be, I'm not going anywhere.

-I… I was… - She stopped for a moment, feeling tears running down her cheeks, the only thing she could really do without much effort. Her mind was racing, she wanted to tell him, she really did, but she couldn't; what would he think of her? What would everyone think of her? His voice was still booming inside her head, his fingerprints all over her skin, she could almost feel the phantom pressure on her wrists, the stinging sensation of being stretched roughly still deep within her body. She could not bear to say out loud, maybe if she closed her eyes hard enough, she would open them and nothing would have happened, it all be just a nightmare, the shame, the pain. She couldn't tell him; she couldn't tell anyone. –What…does it matter now? I'm… dying.

-Don't talk like that, you are going to be just fine.

-I'm sorry Charles… I wish… we had more time… I'm so sorry, I just… wanted you to know… that I love you… before I'm gone.

-Elsie Hughes, you are not going to die! You can't leave me, not now. I've spent years waiting to hear those words, I'm not going to let you go. How can I marry you if you are gone?!

-You want… to marry me?

-Of course. I've spent all these years watching you from afar, adoring every single part of you, the care you show to everyone, the never-ending love you seem to always have. I have loved you from the instant I set my eyes on you and couldn't understand how I was so lucky to even be in your presence. You always make everything better, you always put others before yourself and that is a quality I have learnt to cherish with every fibber of my being. I would never change a single hair on your head.

-Why didn't you… tell me this before?

-Because was afraid that you might not love me back. I couldn't risk ruining our friendship if there was nothing more.

-I wish we could've… had more time… together.

-Don't say that. – Her voice was becoming quiet, softer by the second, fighting the tears that were about to fall down her cheeks, Charles' breathing rapid, trembling softly as he tried to stay calm, not to break down. She was usually his rock, now it had to be the other way around. – Please, don't say that.

-We have to be realistic… I'm… dying- there was no strength left for her to move her head to look at him, the shapes starting to blur slowly. This was it, she could feel it, but she was not sad about herself, she couldn't bare the idea of leaving Charles heartbroken, alone to live without her, but the facts were there.

-No! You are not going to die! You can't die. We have so much to do together. We've always talked about having a cherry tree, and magnolias around the front door or have you forgotten that? You said you've always loved the idea of walking home with a basket filled with pastries under the warm sun. We can do that, we'll do that.

Cora had imagined many times all the dreams Sybil and Tom had lost after her passing, wondered what was going on inside his head; it all came down to this. Her body felt heavy, like lead, resting against the doorframe, her blue eyes watching unable to shake the idea that this was the truth about her daughter, her heart aching with love and the emptiest feeling of hurt and sadness. Not in a million years would have she thought her housekeeper and butler would be holding on to each other, the shadow of death over their heads. Mrs. Crawley's instinct would have been to rush to her, help, but for some reason she was unable to. It was probably shock, her body sanding there; she had known this woman for years, and still she found her nursing background to have vanished from her head. Of course, it was obvious what had happened, the question was who had done it. She remembered as if it had been yesterday how she held onto her husband's hand as the illness finally won, his eyes closing peacefully, a smile on his lips, almost as if he was going to sleep. She had seen spouses parting, the pain was always there, never less, but it was never easy to have to see it right in front of her, two people who had shared a lifetime together forced to say goodbye even before they had said hello was like watching herself saying goodbye to her husband and son all over again. It was shock and probably trauma, her mind far away from the corridor at Downton Abbey. Heavy footsteps were heard, Dr. Clarkson appearing through the servant's door, bag in hand accompanied by Lord Grantham. He looked at her, worry in his features as he approached her, taking her hand with his free one, pressing his forehead against hers to reassure her that everything would be alright. She hadn't noticed the tears that had ran down her cheeks, a wet spot on the top of her dress, but the feeling of his warmth against her cold skin grounded her, brought her back to her senses, a soft nod was all he needed to see that she was fine, letting go of her hand to attend to the emergency. The blood was too much, he knew that the instant he saw Elsie's hand, droplets hanging from her fingertips, Charles holding onto what was left of her life.

-What happened? - Dr. Clarkson kneeled beside them, his mind already in full doctor mode as he carefully took her wrist to check her pulse, his eyes glued to the watch as he counted. Too slow, she would go into cardiac arrest if he didn't do something soon.

-I assume she was attacked. Otherwise, I have no idea what might have happened.

He nodded before turning his head, searching for Isobel. The instant their eyes met she took her jacket off and rolled up her sleeves before she went in to assist him. She took one arm as he took the other one, antiseptic stinging Elsie's flesh as if she was on fire; Anna had brought basin after basin of water, rags and gauze were thrown away in baskets filled up to the brim. The wounds weren't too deep, a few would require stitches, but in Dr. Clarkson's eyes it could have been so much worse. Isobel found herself having to hold onto Elsie's arm as she cleaned a particularly bad slash, begging Charles with her eyes to help her, his big hands, steadying the limb for her, Mrs. Hughes' screams and cries echoed throughout the entirety of downstairs, sending shivers down everyone's spines. An hour passed before they were done, half her body covered in bandages, ointment on her bruises and lip. Both men had honoured whatever pride Elsie still had left, closing their eyes, and averting their gaze when Isobel removed the shawl to check the state she was in, applying the cream as softly as she could, Elsie watching in embarrassment, fresh tears flowing silently, her face turned away. She couldn't bear to see Isobel's feelings displayed all over her features, she didn't want pity, she didn't want anything; why couldn't everyone just be emotionless?

-She's lost blood, probably more than a half of what her body requires, and there is no way I'm risking taking her to the hospital. She needs a transfusion right away; I have noticed similarities in your blood and hers Carson, maybe you could do it.

-Is it necessary? People die after transfusions.

-If there were another choice I would take it, trust me, but there isn't any. If she doesn't get one, she will die. Is a risk we must take or there won't be a tomorrow for her.

-Alright -he looked down at Elsie her flesh pale as snow, her breathing slow but steady, a good sign.

-Then take her to her room and I will prepare everything there.

Maybe it was the loss of blood or the fact that he felt like he was holding air in his arms, but as they settled her carefully so he could carry her, she felt like a feather, his steps slow, careful as not to disturb her. Her mind was foggy, pain enfolding her almost completely, sheer exhaustion claiming her with hushed and quiet voices calling her name, the shawl wrapped around her body gently, the soft fabric soothing her warm skin. With a soft movement he laid her in bed, Mrs. Crawley having unmade it, the cool sheets welcoming and free, no obstacles for the procedure as Dr. Clarkson placed tubes and needles over her vanity. Cora pushed Charles out the door apologising and telling him they just needed a minute. Like a ritual they stripped her of the torn clothes, a sponge in her hand, a dry towel in Isobel's as they cleaned her of the blood and what Mr. Green had left her with from in between her thighs. Elsie tensed the instant Mrs. Crawley had parted her legs, shame burning through her once more, but if she had been thinking anything horrible about her, she had kept it to herself. There was no blood, just reddened flesh, as far as she could see nothing signalled that she had torn or ripped, so she just limited her actions into cleaning and drying her. Once finished she was dressed in a summer nightdress, her body finally wrapped in fabric once more, for only herself to see, no one else. It was a small gesture but a huge step for her, once more she had some power over her own clothes, no one could see what she wouldn't allow them, it was her body not an object that was on display, having her own clothes covering her felt like a wave of relief, some little control she once more had over her life. Dr. Clarkson ushered Carson inside once more, giving him the most comfortable chair in the room as he took a long transparent tube from his bag and attached it to the needles, Mrs. Crawley inserting it inside Charles arm as he worked on Elsie. Carson had winced ever so slightly, Elsie on the other hand hadn't made a sound, too tired to even keep her eyes open. The red liquid soon left Charles' body, travelling the short journey to Elsie's, joining them even if it was for just a little while.

-I want someone with her at all times once this is done. She's not be left alone under any circumstances until I say otherwise. When she's ready I need to know what happened exactly. For now, let her rest and in an hour or two Mrs. Crawley will come back to take the needles out. - With a short glance at Elsie he picked up his bag before leaving, the saddest look Charles had ever seen slumbering his features as the darkness of the corridor shallowed him, followed silently by Isobel, but not before she gave him a squeeze on his shoulder to reassure him.

-If you need anything, Carson, I'll be right outside.

-My Lady, you should all go back to the party, everything is under control now.

-We couldn't possibly continue as if nothing has happened. I'll tell Anna to explain what has occurred to the staff, it's best if they know. Lord Grantham and I will be outside.

-Thank you, My Lady. – The door closed quietly, leaving them alone. Mrs. Hughes' eyes were closed, her breathing steady underneath the blankets as he watched her. It didn't occur to him just how helpless she looked until now, her knuckles bruised and injured, what looked to be the shape of fingers around her wrists purple and red, her face slightly swollen. He should have waited for her to return, he should have accompanied her, so many things rushed through his mind, solutions that were nothing more than ideas, thoughts, sandcastles blown by the wind. - You are going to be alright. Just fine.

The corridor was dim lighted, the few lamps that hanged from the walls giving away very little light. Lady and Lord Grantham were non-existent in Isobel's mind, she stared at Richard, watching as he dropped his bag, pressing her against his chest, her arms encircling his waist grabbing onto the fabric of his shirt, not wanting to let go. His aroma filled her lungs, calming her recking nerves, the delicious smell of firewood and antiseptic embracing her. They both knew, how not to when the signs were as clear as day. For once he would have given anything to be wrong in his diagnosis, even if he hadn't worded it out loud yet, but rarely he found Isobel's abilities to be wrong. One could be counted as a mistake, but not two. Their eyes met, a silent conversation transpiring between the two, soft nods and glances were all they needed. The problem would be telling them the truth, saying it for everyone to hear. Robert held onto Cora, his hand almost crushing hers, but he needed the contact. This could have happened to her or one of their daughters, heck it could have happened to Isobel or his own mother for God's sake! He was furious, heartbroken knowing that something like this had happened underneath his own roof, in his own home.

-Bel.

-I know. I know. The question is how? She won't want to hear it.

-But we have to. It's never easy, but we have to.

-God. This is all just too much. – his arms loosened, letting her step away, her hand on her forehead averting his eyes. She couldn't trust herself not to break down right there and then if she looked at his kind eyes. - It was not just… that… it was murder as well.

-We'll get to the bottom of this, I promise.

-Take me home Richard. – it was a plead, she was begging, her brown eyes glistening with tears as she looked at him. His hands travelled up her arms to her face, wiping the random droplets of her cheeks as they fell, nodding silently at her petition. - I want to go home, I can't do this, not right now.

-Alright, don't worry. Can you wait until the transfusion is over?

-I guess. Why does it bother me so much this time?

-Because they are your friends. Let's get you some tea.

At the other side of the door Elsie seemed to be regaining some colour, very slowly, but a hint of pink seemed to be returning to her cheeks. Charles watched, studying every single bit of her he could see, counting the freckles, the moles, the wrinkles, anything he could to keep himself grounded. The sound of ruffling brought him back from his musings, her head turned to look at him. The sparkle was retuning to her eyes once more. Hope.

-Hi.

-Hi.

-Are you okey? Does anything hurt? I can call the doctor if you want.

-No, I'm… I'm fine.

-I told you everything was going to be alright.

-Yes, maybe I should listen to you more often. – although they were alone their conversation was mainly whispers, a sweet smile flourishing on Elsie's lips. Her knight in shinning armour had come and had rescued her from an impending doom just how she had prayed for. They needed to talk, about everything, what they had said, their feelings and what had happened, but she couldn't bring herself to say anything. He saw the turmoil of emotions in her eyes and decided against better judgment to speak.

-I meant it, you know.

-What?

-Everything I said, I meant it. I have been waiting all my life for you and I would have waited all eternity if you had asked me to. You can take as long as you like, because one thing I do know… I'm not marrying anyone else.

-Charles… - was this what real happiness felt like? Her chest felt like it was going to burst, simply devoting love for him seemed to be blooming to an extent she had never felt before. If this is how she would feel everyday for the rest of her life she was content enough. His eyes seemed to be watching her every move, taking a small little box from an inner pocket in his jacket.

-I have been carrying this for years. – as carefully as he could as not to disturb the needle the little red box opened up to show a simple white gold ring. It was not something his Lordship would give to his wife as a present, it only had a small diamond to decorate it, but for them both it was the most exquisite work of art anyone could have. She didn't need anything but him, if he chose to give her a bottle cap, she would take it gladly. - I thought I would never get to use it if I'm honest.

-Better late than never.

-I should kneel, but right now your life is more important than anything in this world. I'll kneel one day, don't worry.

-You know you don't have to. As long as you say it, I don't mind not getting any of the pompous protocol that people usually go through. I only need you to say it.

-Your wish is my command. Elsie Hughes, I have loved you since the instant you came through the door wearing that blue dress with the sun beaming down on your auburn curls, a fiery sparkle in your beautiful eyes I had never ever seen. I remember asking you as the proper footmen I was if you wanted me to carry your luggage. You almost slapped me telling me that you could do it. I knew right then that we would get on just fine. I know that Lady Sybil's death hit me harder than I thought it would and I am most grateful you were there. You are the only one who knows what I like, what I hate and where my loyalties stand. I've always taken care of myself, and the only thing I want right now is to be able to grow old with you, to give you your dreams of a family, even If you think you are too old, to have that little magnolia garden you've always wanted. Life hasn't been kind to you, I know, and imposing myself on you in my old age is something that I wish would never happen, I don't want you to have to care of me when I no longer can, but you deserve happiness, Elsie Hughes, and I really think I'm the one who can give it to you. If I haven't made myself clear… what I'm trying to say is that I'm in love with you, that I would shout it over the rooftops of Yorkshire if you asked me to. You are more important to me than my own life and that is why I'm asking you… to marry me.

All this had to be a dream, she couldn't have just heard that. Yes, she had told him, but everything was real now, he had asked, he was waiting for an answer, and she just couldn't hold it in no longer. Sobs recked her body painfully due to her injuries, but it was background noise now, tears finally pouring down her cheeks as she cried unconsolably. In the course of an evening, she had met the Devil and an angel, safe now in his presence, his words a balm for her broken bruised heart and soul. Cora had heard the housekeeper break into broken sobs and scared something might be wrong had opened the door slowly. Charles was sitting so close to Elsie he could almost merge with her but kept a decent distance as he brushed his fingers over hers, quiet words that only the both of them could hear escaping his lips as he tried to sooth her, the ring forgotten on the bed. She saw it, her heart skipping a bit as she realised what was going on, a true smile on her face for the first time in these last few hours.

-It… It's so dumb… but I never thought I would… I would hear such words.

-I can't help but feel like this Elsie. I can't stop loving you and even if I could I would never do it.

-How am I deserving of this? I wish I could touch you, hold your hand…

-I think I can do something about that.

Elsie looked down, Carson's hand creeping up to meet hers, but accidentally his fingers brushed against her wrist. In the blink of an eye, she had moved her hand away, recoiled from his touch, Mr Green's face replacing Carson's for a second, enough for her to return to her Sitting Room, him on top, grabbing her, as if she was nothing, as if he owned her. He had watched how her face had turned into one of utter terror, her eyes glazed by whatever was going on inside her mind clouding every happy thought she had had in the last few minutes. He pulled away, observing how she returned to him, shame in her movements, in her features.

-I.. I'm sorry… I didn't mean… I didn't…

Her lips were swollen, split, bruises on her cheeks, a black eye, a bump on the back of her head, her arms and legs covered in bandages, her knees so stuck together she looked like she had only one leg… Everything was falling into place inside his head, her injuries, the way she was reacting to him, the shame that burned her flesh like fire threatening to consume her… Lord knows what was going on underneath her nightdress, only Isobel and Cora knew and their demeanour, the way they handled her in such gentle ways… It was all a puzzle where every piece was falling into place at last creating the answer he had never asked for.

-You were raped. – he hadn't intended for the words to escape his lips, but how could he stop them. He knew he should have kept quiet, he knew better, but somehow, he had spoken, his blood boiling at the image of some man hurting his Elsie. She listened, heard them clear as day and at last everything became real, everything that had transpired between her, and Mr Green was out in the open. Her free arm bent so she could hide her face with her hand whishing she had died before they had got to her, before the shame and pain could build around her a wall, but it was too late. She tried to speak but it was impossible, how could she when the simple thought of looking up at him made her sick. Anna had returned with a new shawl for her Ladyship, the three of them standing over the half open door. Thinking back, she could not remember anyone who had not been upstairs except for her, until she heard Lord Gillingham's voice coming from the end of the corridor, Isobel and Richard retuning to check on their patient. Her screams from that night returned, only briefly, but she was sure. Stepping into the room she kneeled in front of Mrs. Hughes', rubbing her arm softly, her words gentle but full of sadness.

-He did it again, didn't he?

Blue met blue, Anna's hand resting on her shoulder, Elsie's head nodding as brand-new tears came. God, by now she would have hoped to have run out of them, but they just kept coming, sobs muffled by the pillow; she tried to hide, vanish, shallowed by her bed, but it wasn't going to happen. Cora looked questionably at Isobel, a sigh and a nod from her the only answer she was going to get at the moment.

-Who? Do what?

-He… Lord Gillingham's-

-Lord Gillingham?! That's impossible

-His valet Mr Carson… Mr Green did it. – a scream ripped from Mrs Hughes' throat; forgetting about the needle she turned around, giving them her back, removing it forcefully from her arm, more blood staining the bed. Anna pressed her hand on it, stopping the flow as Isobel bandaged her arm, Clarkson stopping the flow from Carson's arm, the tube dripping the liquid over the wooden floor. She had curled into a ball underneath the sheets, arms covering her face as she cried, Mrs. Crawley caressing softly her back.

-He's hurt her before?

-No, Mr. Carson… He hurt… me… during the concert. She knew, that's why we've had so many problems with the law in the last year.

-That's why she was always around him. Since he arrived, she's been around him like a fly, watching him, following. She was protecting you from him. She should have thought better, if she knew what he was capable of why be around him at all!

-God, Charles, you make it sound as if it's my fault! – she was angry, his words felt like salt over her bleeding heart. It's not as if she had chosen to be around him because she liked the man, better her than any of the young girls. She had lived a life, and if someone's life had to be destroyed better be hers than that of one of her maids, forever forced to live with what he had done to them, and its consequences. Elsie wouldn't have to worry about that.

-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. I just can't understand how he could have done something like this.

-He walked into my Sitting Room… I tried to leave, I tried to escape, but he wouldn't let me go. His hands were everywhere, I couldn't stop him. He tied me to the wall, ripped my clothes…

-Oh God, Elsie.

-I told him I would speak to her Ladyship, thinking it might scare him off, but… He took the letter opener… He wanted to make sure I took this to the grave.

Elsie's experience had been hell, the phantom touches still all over her body, hurting her, haunting her. She wished it would stop, folding her arms over her chest as if she could protect herself from his ghost. Isobel looked up to find Lady and Lord Grantham standing close to the doorway, his arm around her shoulders, her hands covering her mouth. Richard said something to them, she didn't know what and honestly at the moment she didn't care, watching them leave. Charles wanted to touch her, he really did, but he wasn't sure she would accept another attempt at holding hands, so he limited himself to putting the ring on her nightstand before speaking.

-Elsie, don't worry, you don't have to talk anymore if you don't wish to, but I want you to know that I'm not leaving you. Nothing is going to stop me from marrying you, but we can talk some other day.

-You still want to? – her face was even more swollen, blue eyes almost completely red at this point as she removed her arms to look at him.

-Of course. I love you, no matter what. We'll handle everything from now on, you just rest. Anna will stay with you.

-Of course, Mr Carson.

-What if he comes back?

-Then he will have to deal with me.

She smiled, a small smile, but it was there and that's all he needed for now. Standing up he pressed a kiss on the palm of his hand before hovering it over her injured hand, turning around to leave.

-You are very good to me Charles.

-You deserve it. Now sleep my love.

She slowly closed her eyes, placing her head on the pillow carefully and soon enough her breathing became deep and steady. Mrs Crawley stood up as quietly as she could and signalled Anna to take her place, Elsie wouldn't have to wake up and be met by an empty room even if she was sitting on the other side. Tiptoeing to the door she took one last glance at them before shutting it, a pair of strong hands landing on her shoulders.

-We should go, there's nothing more we can do but wait.

-You'll stay with me tonight, won't you Richard? – she held onto his hands, her frame still facing the door.

-For as long as you need me.

-I had asked Lord Merton to join me for breakfast tomorrow, but I don't want to, anymore.

-We'll give him a call and leave a message. When are you going to tell him that you are not interested?

-Not tonight, but soon. Maybe in another life, if the circumstances had been different, we might have become something more, but he's not the one. Take me home.

His lips kissed her forehead, hand in hand they walked down the corridor to the stairs. The library was empty, everyone had either retired or were downstairs, comforting the servants. Lord Gillingham looked absolutely destroyed, never in all his life had he faced a situation like this caused by someone in his own employment. Lady violet's coat was still hanging from the hook, her car parked outside, but she was not in sight, she probably had retired to bed. Isobel would talk to her in the morning when they came to check on Elsie and tell her everything, or as much as she could handle in one go. Right now, the only thing she wanted to do was go to bed and cuddle in Richard's arms. She was not afraid of his touch, she couldn't even begin to understand what Elsie might be feeling, terrified of even the slightest brush of Charles' fingers against her flesh, how she was hurting for having pushed him away… The night was cold, but the warmth of Richard's body kept her grounded as he opened the door to let her in.