A/N Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! Thank you to anyone who's still out there and interested in this story, especially the guests who keep kindly, patiently leaving reviews to say that they're eager to read more when I'm able to update. Your kind encouragement keeps me going. Thank you for not giving up on me.
Since it's been so long, I'll remind you of what happened last. Mr. Carson traveled to London to meet Mrs. Hughes, and she told him that she'd left Downton all those years ago because she needed to care for her sister (not, as Mr. Carson had believed, to marry Joe Burns). Her sister had since passed away, and Mrs. Hughes needed a job. Conveniently, Downton Abbey also needed a new housekeeper. And so you might guess what will happen next.
As Mr. Carson and Miss Hughes finished their tea and scones, Mr. Carson proposed a plan. He would return to Grantham House and telephone Lady Grantham to inform her of his meeting with Miss Hughes and of Miss Hughes's availability and desire to return to the post of housekeeper. Miss Hughes would return to her lodging and pack her things, and Mr. Carson would collect her in the morning to board a train back to Downton. Miss Hughes still seemed uncertain, but Mr. Carson assured her once more that Lady Grantham would be overjoyed at the news.
When it was time to leave, Mr. Carson paid the bill and ushered Miss Hughes outside. Miss Hughes began to say goodbye, intending to return to her rented room, but Mr. Carson offered to escort her there before returning to Grantham House. She protested, pointing out that her lodging was in the opposite direction, but he would have none of it and insisted vehemently on seeing her safely home. Having been left no room for disagreement, she reluctantly acquiesced.
As they walked the short distance, Mr. Carson noted that Miss Hughes seemed a bit frail and unsteady. He'd never known her to be anything but strong, surefooted, and graceful, so her instability concerned him. He thought it better not to mention it, however, and instead, he silently offered his arm, which she accepted gratefully. He became even more concerned as they neared her residence and their surroundings grew more dismal. The area was not the worst Mr. Carson had ever seen, but it pained him to think of this dear woman living there.
Miss Hughes sensed his discomfort and apologized. "I'm sorry, Mr. Carson. I'm rather embarrassed, truth be told. It's certainly not what you're used to."
"Nonsense. Don't worry about me. I'm only concerned for you. Are you certain it's safe?" he asked.
"Oh, it's quite safe, I assure you. The neighborhood is poor, and no mistake. But it's perfectly respectable, and we look out for each other." And as if to underscore her point, she nodded and waved to a woman and a boy on the opposite side of the street, both of whom gave a smile of recognition and waved back. This reassured Mr. Carson somewhat.
When they arrived at a rather run-down-looking building, Miss Hughes stopped walking and softly informed Mr. Carson, "This is it, I'm afraid. It's old and in need of some repair, but the landlady keeps it tidy, and she rents only to women." She was clearly embarrassed and would not meet his eyes, but she continued humbly, "The small attic room is all I can afford. I'm ashamed to admit that as it stands now, I'm owing rent. I'm not sure what to do about that, but the landlady is kind. If I tell her I've found employment, I think she'll allow me to send her the money out of my wages."
Mr. Carson was greatly moved to see this strong, independent, selfless woman seemingly brought so low. Her humble situation, however, caused his admiration for her to climb even higher. They were standing side by side, with her hand still holding on to his elbow, but now he turned to her. Her head was still tilted down, so he gently placed his fingers under her chin and coaxed her to look up at him. "Mrs. Hughes" – he refused to call her Miss Hughes, because he was confident of her return to her former position – "you've no need to feel ashamed. On the contrary, you should be quite proud. What you've done for your sister's sake is nothing short of heroic – saintly, even. Your selflessness and your quiet, unassuming sacrifice are nearly beyond comprehension. You're the kindest person I've ever known." His eyes welled with tears, and his voice cracked as he spoke.
"No, Mr. Carson," she disagreed. "I'm no saint. I'm simply a woman who loved her sister. Anyone would have done the same."
"Hardly!" Mr. Carson insisted. "I'll not quarrel with you over this, but neither will your humble words diminish my esteem for you. I shall always hold you in the highest regard."
"Well, I appreciate your kind words. Mr. Carson, and I certainly I appreciate your help. I was hesitant to write to you at first, but I'm certainly glad I did. It will be good to be back at Downton. I can't tell you how much I've missed … well, all of it and all of you – everyone and everything."
"And we've missed you, as well," Mr. Carson assured her sincerely. "More than I can say. It hasn't been the same without you. I can't tell you how much it will mean to have you back."
"And you're certain Lady Grantham will be happy when you tell her?"
"I'm sure of it. Her ladyship is most kind, of course, and would help out of the goodness of her heart. But even more than that, she's been in a difficult position without a reliable housekeeper. She'll be thrilled beyond measure." He paused briefly before adding, "We all will." Then he looked meaningfully into her eyes and further elaborated, "You see, sometimes, a person's true worth is manifested most keenly in her absence."
Miss Hughes had no answer to that, and so Mr. Carson reached to take Miss Hughes's hands in his own. "Mrs. Hughes, I'll say goodbye now, but I'll be back in the morning. And you mustn't worry. Even in the highly unlikely event that Lady Grantham has hired a housekeeper in the short time since I left yesterday, I'll not leave you in such dire straits. You'll come with me back to Downton and we'll find something else, or I'll stay her in London until we've settled you in a suitable, stable situation. Either way, you won't soon be rid of me. I promise you that. I intend to make sure that you never want for anything again."
Miss Hughes's eyes brimmed with tears. When one escaped and began to run down her cheek, Mr. Carson reached to wipe it away with his thumb. His hand remained there, and he cupped her cheek. At his touch, she began to sob in relief, and he wrapped his arms gingerly around her. Accepting his comfort, she leaned gently against his chest.
"Thank you, Mr. Carson," she whispered brokenly. "You've lifted a great weight from my shoulders. I don't mean to give you the idea that I was unhappy with my sister. I wasn't. But there's no denying it was difficult. There were some desolate, uncertain times – times when I worried that I couldn't provide for us, that we wouldn't get by. But now … well, it will be a relief to have steady work, regular meals, and a comfortable place to live."
"I wish I'd known," he said thickly. "I would have spared you your troubles."
"Well, as I said, it wasn't all bad," insisted Miss Hughes, "and I don't regret it."
"Still … " Mr. Carson lamented with a sigh.
After another moment, they both composed themselves and drew apart.
"Thank you again, Mr. Carson," said Miss Hughes. "I can't even begin to tell you how much this means to me."
"You're most welcome, Mrs. Hughes. I should be on my way now. I'll see you in the morning."
"Tomorrow, yes." She smiled at first, but then her face crinkled into a look of concern. "Oh! I'd completely forgotten to ask! What about your business? Have you already seen to it already?" When Mr. Carson looked at her in confusion, she clarified, "The reason for your trip. Your letter said you were coming to London on business. Have you already sorted whatever it was you came to do?"
He decided to admit the truth. "Oh. Yes. Well, my business was to see you and to help you, if I could. And as soon as you return with me tomorrow, my business in London will be concluded."
Miss Hughes's face was full of wonder. "You came all the way to London just to see me?"
Mr. Carson looked squarely into her eyes and declared, "You're a dear friend, Mrs. Hughes, and London isn't so very far."
The truth was that London was nothing. He would go to the ends of the earth for her, but he thought it wise not to state his devotion quite so strongly under present circumstances. Perhaps someday he might proclaim his love outright, but he wouldn't burden her with that now.
She seemed unable to reply, and so he reached out and squeezed her shoulder. "Until tomorrow," he said in parting.
Mr. Carson stood and watched from the sidewalk as Miss Hughes slowly mounted the stairs and turned back to favor him with one last smile and a wave before going inside.
During his walk back to Grantham House, Mr. Carson had much to ponder. A few short hours ago, he was eager to see Miss Hughes and had dozens of questions for her. Now he had seen her, and his questions had been answered. Mr. Carson felt a strange combination of emotions as he made his way back to the house: sadness that she had endured so much suffering; concern that she'd looked so fragile and worn-down; pride that she'd asked him for help that he could easily provide; joy that this precious woman would once again live and work with him; relief that she would be under his care and he could keep her safe; and a firm determination that he would do everything in his power to ensure that she never again would feel hardship or sorrow.
A/N I'll say once again the same thing I say at the end of each chapter. Thank you for the kind words and encouragement. Thank you for sticking with me this far. Please continue to stick with me moving forward from here. I can't promise how soon or how often I'll be able to update, but I'll renew my promise that I won't abandon this story.