Outside

It had taken a full month of cajoling, but Charles had finally deigned to try the canvas hammock she had coerced him into purchasing, her thought being that it would be a nice place for a guest to spend a lazy afternoon during the summer months. Swallowing his pride, Charles eventually admitted he was pleased with the addition to the back garden, proving it by spending nearly every spare moment outside lounging in the thing.

They were enjoying a rare Sunday afternoon alone, Mona taking her half day in Ripon with young Pegg, one of the Dowager's gardeners. Elsie took advantage of their privacy by removing her shoes and peeling off her stockings before venturing out the backdoor. The grass was warm and soft under her feet and she relished the feel of the air against her bare legs as she tucked the bottom hem of the back of her light cotton skirt into her waist band. She was making her way towards the flower bed to pull weeds when she was distracted by a deep chuckle from the direction of the hammock.

Crossing to the hammock she asked, "What is so terrible funny, Mr. Carson?" She ran her fingers through his hair as she looked down at the book propped up in his hands. "Is that the book I brought home for George and Marigold?"

Charles glanced up at her with a smile, "It's quite good. I glanced at the first few pages and now I can't put it down."

Elsie let out surprised laugh, "Isn't it about a bear and a tiger and a kangaroo or something?"

"Pooh Bear, Tigger, and Kanga. And there is also Roo- the baby of mama Kanga, Rabbit, Owl, Piglet and Young Christopher Robin. Oh! And a rather gloomy gus named Eyore."

"My goodness!" Elsie leaned down and kissed his forehead, "Sounds like quite a motley crew."

"Would you care for a story or two, young lady? I think I could make room for you in my hammock."

"Your hammock," she teased. " It is very generous of you to share it with me, kind sir. I would love to hear a story."

Charles lifted his feet, planting one on either side of the canvas to ensure Elsie could join him without fear of flipping them both over. Securely nestled against Charles' side, she bent her knee so that her bare leg rested against his thigh as she placed her hand on his chest as he began to share with her the exploits of the inhabitants of the Hundred Acre Woods.

An hour later and all but one of the chapters read, Charles closed the book. "Well, what do you think?"

Elsie grinned up at him, "Charming. I loved every minute and so will the children when you read it to them next week."

"Did you have a favorite part?" Charles set the book down on the ground next to him before sliding his arm under Elsie, pulling her closer so he could rub his hand over her back.

"Hmmm…" she hummed happily at his touch before answering, "Not necessarily a favorite part, but something did strike me while you were reading."

"Oh yes?"

Elsie shifted so that her chin rested on his chest, "I would say there are some similarities between the characters who live in the Hundred Acre Woods and some of the characters we have known at Downton."

Charles gave her a funny smile, "Would you care to explain?"

"Well, take Piglet. Wouldn't you say Mr. Molesley is an awful lot like Piglet? A little worrisome, a little behind, but always congenial and always willing to make an effort?"

Charles thoughtfully nodded, "Go on."

Elsie thought for a moment, "I know he mellowed somewhat before he departed for America, but I would say Mr. Branson was a bit of a Tigger when he first arrived at Downton. Ready to spring into action so to speak."

"I can't argue with that." Neither said anything, but it was obvious they were both thinking of a particular night involving the most revolting soup ever created. Charles laced his fingers through hers, pulling her hand to his lips, "And Mrs. Hughes? Who might Mrs. Hughes' counterpart be in the Hundred Acre Woods?"

Elsie smiled playfully, "Oh, I suppose I would lean towards Kanga. She seems fairly patient and kind. But maybe I flatter myself."

"No. I think you are quite right. And you had a sweet Roo in Lady Sybil if I am allowed to be sentimental for a moment."

Elsie inhaled deeply, a sad smile taking the place of the playful, but kissed Charles cheek before replying, "You can always be sentimental with me, Charles."

He began to rub her back again as he offered a leading, "And Owl? Who is the Owl in our Downton stable of characters?"

Elsie was well aware of what he expected to hear, but she decided to surprise him with a different answer. "Oh, that's the Dowager. Of that there is no doubt. Always a smart answer, always right, always knowing better than anyone else? She's even got those big eyes like an owl."

Charles didn't laugh at her comparison. "Ah, well. Yes. I suppose I can see that."

Elsie regretted her answer as she felt him withdraw from their cuddle, his body tensing up. She tried to make up for her faux pas, "Of course there are others that fit the characters just as well…"

"No, no. You are quite right. The Dowager is Owl." His words were curt. "You don't have to cover. It is obvious who you think I am…"

"Rabbit."

He looked down at her in surprise, "What?"

"You are Rabbit. His Lordship is Pooh Bear and you are Rabbit. You were the source of reason and the one who solved the problems. You are Rabbit."

Charles stared at her, "I thought for sure you were going to say I was Eyore."

Elsie laughed, "Oh, my darling. In a house that saw the likes of Sarah O'Brien and Thomas Barrow, how in heaven's name could I think you Eyore?"

"But Eyore isn't bad. He just wallows in his misfortune."

Elsie patted him on the chest, "Indeed."

Digesting her comment, he suddenly looked at his wife with appreciation. "You are one kind and clever woman, Elsie Carson."

Giving him a quick kiss before skillfully climbing out of the hammock, she replied, "Thank you, my darling. Now I think we have spent quite enough time outside." Offering him her hand, she added, "Let's go in the kitchen. I don't know about you but I am craving honey."

Obviously there are a myriad of options of matching up characters from each story. Would love to hear your take! :) And Anna is my Christopher Robin.