In Response to the Guest Reviewers: To the guest who spoke of the mysterious affair between Elsie and Charles, if you intentionally made a Poirot reference, I tip my hat to you. Even if you didn't, it was lovely to read your review! Moreover, I'm delighted to read that you're enjoying this version of Alice Neal. Getting to write this version of her has been a treat!
To the guest who loves Allison, that makes me so happy to read! Thank you so much for letting me know :)
To the guest who cheered for grammar nerds and wished me luck, your review meant a lot to read, thank you! Moreover, yes, that conversation was absolutely awkward but definitely necessary. Speaking of family matters, I'm happy to say we're getting a break over here. In any case, I hope you enjoy what's to come today!
Author's Note: In the decade+ I've been writing, I've never received as much excitement and anticipation as I have with this story. Thank you.
Now, who's ready for another update?
"Is everything all right, love?" Elsie Hughes asked, frowning at her bairn's behaviour. It was a bit unusual, given how they'd clung to this weekly tradition for the last seven years. But Allison was almost a teenager. Perhaps she no longer had a taste for such traditions?
Her daughter hummed some sort of response, checking her mobile again. Elsie softly sighed. She could only assume Allie had wanted to make arrangements with friends from school. Arrangements that had to be put on hold thanks to her silly mother's need for family traditions.
"If you'd like, we can go home." She suggested. After all, the week had worn the mother out. There was a little more pain than normal, what with the cold. If leaving was for the best, so be it.
"No!" Allison cleared her throat, blushing as she pocketed her mobile, "That is, I would like to stay for a little bit longer. I'm just expecting––well, it doesn't matter."
Elsie smiled, exasperated. If Allison wanted to spend today talking to a friend or crush, she could say as such. She didn't need to beat about the bush. Then again, ever since Allison and Charlie had gone on their adventure last Sunday, something felt different with the girl.
Elsie couldn't put words to it, not exactly. She could only assume that the grandeur of the country homes had inspired her little girl in some fashion.
"That is," Allison hesitantly spoke up, eyeing her mother, "Do you want to go home early?"
"No." Not when it was the first sunny day in weeks.
The girl nodded, "Good." Her face twitched, bashful. "I mean, right."
My, my. Funnily enough, when Allison acted like this, it almost reminded Elsie of someone else. Someone who remained foolishly near and dear to her heart, despite her best intentions. But she was tired of clutching to that past. He had wanted a different life, that much had been made clear. And so she would respect that wish as best she could.
Right. Let's get a move on, "I don't suppose you'd be interested in getting some cocoa?" The mother's smile widened as her bairn perked up and gave her approval. Impeccable manners or not, Allison was always a fan of cocoa. "Well, now! What are we waiting for?"
With that, the pair made their way to the nearest drinks stand. Problem was, the machine was down. They would have to pay with coins.
Normally, that wasn't much of a bother. Only as she went to get her coins out, they managed to spill onto the pavement. She could only thank her lucky stars there wasn't a queue forming behind them. This sort of thing was never pleasant, especially when there was a queue.
"Please," That wasn't possible. That was not possible. "Allow me."
It was him. He was somehow here in Blackpool. He was back and by their side after all this time and––and she was gaping at him like a fool!
"That's kind." Elsie quickly commented, flustered as she remained crouched. Yes, she was still hovering over her coins. Naturally, this was when her back decided to do something foolhardy and stupid: it had a proper flare-up for the first time in a month.
She stumbled. Allison and C––they were by her side in seconds. But before any fuss could be kicked up, "I'm all right! I just lost my footing for a moment."
Which technically was what had happened.
What she did not mention was what caused that loss of footing. But no one needed to know about that.
"Of course." He graciously accepted her excuse, ignoring the mess she'd made in favour of keeping an eye on her. As for her daughter, Allison frowned as she busied herself with collecting the fallen coins.
Yes, well, there was no need for the girl to get concerned. She was perfectly capable of managing herself. Still, since it was pointless to say as such, "Allison, why don't you see about getting us that cocoa?"
Allison's eyebrow twitched, but she remained respectfully demure as she finished picking up the coins. In seconds, the bairn was mumbling a polite agreement, determined to remain dignified as she carried out the task. Elsie nearly huffed out a chuckle. Until, of course, she realised who she was left with.
"Are you sure you're all right?"
She gave a thin smile, uninterested in outright lying. This was only an unfortunate chance encounter. No doubt he was here on business for the Crawleys and simply passing through. He would be on his way in minutes. There could be no mistaking that.
"I'm fine, Ch––" She shook her head at her slip, making the necessary change, "Mr. Carson."
He nodded, staying hushed. But his eyes took note of Allison.
The question was clear.
Pain sparked up once more, much more prevalent than she anticipated. Elsie winced, trying to offer a reassurance. Obviously, he was unconvinced. Why else would he have stepped even closer, practically offering his arm as he suggested, "Perhaps we should find a bench?"
"There's no need." She protested, adding, "Besides, I'd rather not keep you from any business,"
"I've already finished looking in on the branch. I have nothing else on my agenda."
She tilted her head, taken aback. It wasn't even noon.
But it was no matter, "Well, I'm sure you'll need to catch a train any moment now, if you're to get back to London."
"Actually," A crow cawed in the distance, disrupting the conversation. "Well, it doesn't matter."
She nodded, looking down.
He kept his gaze away.
Silence continued to constrict the air, serving to add to the awkwardness.
"Right." He cleared his throat, "I should get going: I've taken too much of your time as is."
"Nonsense!" But she was already biting her lip, looking away, "Then again, we must be keeping you from more important matters."
"Not at all!" His hands insistently fidgeted, the man beginning to babble, "There's much too much to be done today. This was as good a time as any to take a break."
Elsie blinked, "I'm sorry?"
It had to be a mistake to indulge her curiosity, but it was too late. He may have been hesitant, but he did eventually elaborate: "Crawley Industries has done well for itself. We opened a branch here in Blackpool recently. It still needs assistance in order to succeed, of course,"
"Where is what brought you here," She supplied, surprised he wasn't up to more international tasks.
"Indeed. But there's only so much I can do today,"
Her lips quirked upward. Without permission, no less. "I take it the new branch isn't up to standards?"
"Not one bit. I'm afraid you'll be seeing much more of me––that is to say, well,"
Old fondness swept aside new hesitation, "Blackpool is honoured to have you."
He accepted this praise with silence, that awkwardness from before returning. The pair glanced over in the direction of Allison. But the girl stood off to the side, still waiting on the cocoa.
"Well," Elsie looked away, "I'm sure you've enough on your plate without adding us to it."
Shockingly nice this was proving to be, the woman refused to pretend all was well. And she couldn't deny that the elephant in the room was all thanks to her. Naturally, that meant it was vital to hurry him off before she ruined anything else.
"Actually," At this peculiar tone, Elsie looked up at him. He continued, "I know I don't have the right to ask, but could we talk?"
What's brought this on?
He hastily added, "You're absolutely allowed to say no,"
"Of course we can talk!" She ignored the stupid and bewildering butterflies in her stomach. Whatever brought this need to chat, it had to be short-lived.
"Right." He began. Only, Allison was coming back with two cups of steaming cocoa, prompting the conversation to pick up the pace. "Does next Saturday work?"
"Oh, actually," Saturdays were always saved for the mother and daughter. It was Elsie's promise that, no matter what was going on in life, she would always have time for her bairn.
"Oh, I'm sure that would be acceptable," How on earth had Allie overheard them? "The afternoon, after all, is when I like to finish my homework."
Elsie shot an arch glance at the dear, wondering when she had made an eavesdropper out of her daughter. But that was true and there was no point in lying, "I suppose that's decided then. Unless, of course, you've a trip planned?"
Too late did Elsie realise her words were poorly chosen. Luckily, it didn't look like she had ruined everything. He was studying her with an indecipherable air, something lingering in his eyes as he informed her, "Not at all."
His words were shockingly soft, gentle. They almost soothed away the memory of that November day.
"Well," She quietly spoke, suddenly uncertain.
"That sounds like a plan," Allison was quick to chime in, sounding a mite too innocent for Elsie's liking. But her daughter was undoubtedly unaware of the truth. No doubt she was merely taking after her Aunt Becky and being an insufferable matchmaker, nothing more. "We'll see you later, Mr.––?"
"Carson. It's Carson." The mother and father answered in unison, the pair suddenly pressed to look in opposite directions.
Allison nodded, pleased with herself.
If things went the way she anticipated, the mystery would be solved within the week.
_._
In the end, it had been decided that Stanley Gardens––the place they had bumped into the first time around––was neutral enough to meet again. That was how Elsie found herself strolling through the gardens one week later, wondering what on earth had convinced her to agree to this.
Mind, this time it was easier to meet. Now, as for talking to him? That would prove to be a bit harder. They could muster their way through preambles well enough, but there certainly was that atmosphere from before. Worst still, said atmosphere was building.
Little did she know, that atmosphere was the least of her concerns.
"Allison is a charming young woman."
Elsie tried not to grimace. Honestly, what had she been thinking, agreeing to meet? "Thank you."
He gave a smile, staying silent. That silence didn't last: "I noticed,"
He wasn't able to finish his statement, gesturing to her left hand. A hand devoid of rings. She didn't bother looking down, knowing full well what he was on about.
"I'll have you know that I am quite capable of raising her on my own," Elsie informed him, trying to maintain some semblance of equanimity. His overprotective nature was endearing at the best of times and vexing at the worst. But it would not be the cause of any disagreement, not today.
"I never doubted it. Only," His tone was filled with sympathy, grief. She didn't like it. "You shouldn't have to."
Really now? "If there's anything we've learned, it's that life will do whatever it pleases. It's far better to get on with it and make the most of it while you can."
"I see." The Crawley Industries employee commented, averting his gaze. Worse still, that was one of the man's few tones she never could fully read. It was one that didn't illuminate either disappointment or upset. Only quietness.
Elsie grew exasperated, wishing for the conversation to come to a close. He remained silent, but wouldn't walk away. She closed her eyes, willing patience to return. "Either way, it doesn't matter. I am her mother. Unless, of course, there's something you wish to share?"
He didn't laugh at the quip, "I would like to share a theory, if that's all right."
Please, don't. "I'm sure that's not necessary, Mr. Carson."
"Then might I ask a question?"
The woman took in another quiet breath. If he had somehow figured it out––something that, in her opinion, should have been impossible––then he would insist on righting this wrong any way he could. Which would only reinforce the burden that had been their life together.
For that is what it had been, wasn't it? A burden he'd begrudgingly clung to out of a sense of duty. Wasn't that what everything had boiled down to?
"Please, El––Miss Hughes?"
If only she hadn't tried getting cocoa last Saturday, when she was with Allie. Then they might have been able to avoid everything.
But avoiding the matter was not meant to be.
Elsie did not sigh. She did not bite her lip or shake her head or look away. Rather, she chose to put this whole thing to rest here and now. "You may."
"Right." More wretched silence. "Now, please, correct me if I'm wrong. But I can't help but wonder if Allison's father wouldn't happen to be––" He normally would have trailed off by now. But he remained determined to continue, even if it were only a whisper, "Well, me?"
Author's Note: Am I sorry to leave you on another cliffhanger? Yes. Do I believe that next week's update will make up for it? I really do.
In the meantime––look over there!
We're sorry. The author you are looking for is currently scurrying off into the shadows. She asks that you refrain from bringing pitchforks to the next update. In her eyes, she can't exactly update if she's running away, now can she?
In any case, as she loves to say, she hopes you enjoyed today's update and that you have a lovely day! She also looks forward to next time.