I forgot to point out this is set before the Xmas special - it's using the information we learnt about Elsie and Anna but the things that happened. Bates on the run, Christmas and the proposal haven't happened. All will become clear as the I post more chapters.

Yes there is time line scew ups and changes to cannon but if the powers that be can do it so can I!

***** Doctor Who/X Files. ... Time travel music ... Lets go back to 1885 ******

The laughter around the table the table came to a sudden stop as the butler stepped into the room, with a raised eyebrow from him everyone in the room stood up.

"This," he looked over his shouler. "Is Charlie Carson our new second footman. Charlie worked at Downton a few years ago as a hall boy so he knows the house, the grounds and the family. I'll allow you all to introduce yourself. Good luck Charlie," With a small nod the butler turned and walked away.

Charlie cleared his throat and looked around the room, his gaze lingering on two woman stood closely together, the shorter red head worked in the kitchen he could tell that from the uniform she wore. The other he assumed was a housemaid but it was her eyes that drew him to her. Such an intense blue, it took his breath away and he couldn't stop his eyes from drifting over the rest of her taking in her curves.

An irritated cough cauaed him to jump and he knew his cheeks would be turning red.

"Richard, first footman." Charlie shook the hand that was waving about in front of him. "You better know how to do this job I don't have time to train you," Richard sneered at the newcomer he'd worked hard to become first footman he wasn't giving it up for anyone. "What happened, why did you leave why did you come back?"

"Richard stop it," the sharp Scottish accent caused Charlie's stomach to flip. "That is none of your business. I'm sure you have work thats needs doing I know I do." With a final glare at Charlie, Richard left the room muttering under his breath.

"Ignore him, everyone else does. Beryl Patmore assistant cook," she rolled her eyes at the snort from the woman beside her. "Kitchen maid."

Grinning Charlie shook Beryl's hand. "Beryl!" Rolling her eyes again at the booming voice coming from the kitchen Beryl turned and hurried to the kitchen.

"Hello," Charlie took the offered hand his laughter dying at the feel of her skin. "Elsie Hughes, housemaid."

"He ... Hel ... Hell," he dropped her hand and took a step back mentally berating himself for stuttering. "Sorry," he took a deep breath. "Thank you for earlier." He tried to keep his voice steady.

"It's ok, Beryl is right just ignore Richard." She smiled gently, "see you at dinner." He nodded and watched her walk away.

Sighing Charlie rested his hands on the back of a chair, he hadn't stuttered since he was a boy. Why had been so shaken by a simple handshake, he had never reacted in such a way because of a woman. Not even Alice.

Looking up from her stew Elsie watched as the new footman nervously pulled apart a slice of bread, there was something about him something that kept drawing her eyes to him. He seemed so unsure of himself, he'd stuttered over his words earlier but the way he stood how he wore his livery it showed such presence. Sighing to herself she looked back down to her bowl, she was here to work to make a better life for herself. To ensure that her sister was always well cared for. She couldn't afford to be distracted by anything or anyone no matter how handsome he was.

Charlie put his spoon down and looked around the table careful not to stare to long at Elsie. One encounter, a short conversation and he was already at risk of losing his heart, his mind. She was beautiful that fact as clear to everyone, she appeared to kind and funny but he didnt know her yet. More importantly she didn't know him, his past. She would not be as kind once she knew the truth about him and not telling her wasn't an option, he knew that much about her already.

"Elsie, is everything ok?"

She jumped at the sudden sound of his voice, the voice she'd been dreaming about all night. "It is, yes. Thankyou."

"You're awake early."

"As are you." She turned her head looking up at him, wondering how she had not noticed his hight the day before. "How are you?"

"I'm fine," he gave her a small smile and sat down beside her. It was still early only the kitchen staff where awake and working. "I feel strange being back here in Downton, I'm doubting my decision."

"To come back?"

"To leave, I was foolish made a decision in haste. I should never have left."

"So why ..." She cut herself off and looked away from him. "I'm sorry, its none of my business I told Richard off for doing exactly what I've just done."

"Elsie," he reached out and carefully placed his hand on her arm. "It's ok, maybe one day I'll tell you. Everything."

"I'd like that." A shy smile played across her lips, a smile he couldn't help but match. "Maybe one day I'll tell you my story as well."

"I do hope so." At the sound of footsteps he removed his hand and stood up. "I look forward to it."