It had been a very long day, first the garden party, then late supper, the last guest hadn't gone to bed until 2am. On his final rounds, walking past the nursery, Sybbie and Baby George were kicking up a fuss. Charles didn't envy the housemaid assigned to sit with them as a new nanny had not been found. He turned away just as a decidedly Scottish voice began to croon a lullaby. From the doorway, he saw Elsie in a rocker with Baby George while Sybbie stood crying in her crib. What happens next?
She rocked George whilst attempting to placate Sybbie;
"Lass I'm sorry, I canne hold you as well. Don't cry dear."
The girl held onto the hand that stroked her cheek but continued to wail.
"Oh fine." Manoeuvring George onto her shoulder she wrapped an arm around Sybbie's waist, carefully lifting her onto her hip. His hand flexed against the doorframe, ready to run in if she dropped one of them. But there was no risk of that, Elsie skilfully positioned the children and sat back down, Sybbie nestled in the crook of her arm, the other arm cradling George.
Both children were then silent, comforted by the warmth of the woman they were snuggled against. Charles couldn't blame them, to be in Elsie's arms was a wonderful comforting place to be. He was mesmerised by the soft, loving look she gave the children in her arms. He could only describe it as a motherly glow. Pure love.
"You don't have to hide in the doorway Mr Carson."
Of course she would know he's there without having looked up. He quietly entered the room, making his way over and crouched before them. They didn't speak merely looked from one child to the other. George began to fuss, Elsie, not wishing to disturb Sybbie, held him out for Charles. Without question he took the boy onto his shoulder standing and beginning to pace the room, patting the boys back.
The sight nearly brought tears to her eyes, the tall broad butler with a tiny human in his arms, carefully stroking his back to comfort him. Little fists gripping at his jacket.
"Mama…" She was distracted from her observation by a little voice from her lap.
"Shush…sleep lassie." She began her lullaby again, waiting for the girls eyes to droop before cuddling her to her chest. She didn't notice Charles' eyes on her watching in awe as she cuddled and sang to the girl. She had a motherly glow and natural warmth the children adored. He imagined she was the most loved member of staff by both the family and the servants.
In his arms the young boy yawned and sniffled, his little fingers curling and uncurling in front of him. He captured one with his finger, the child smiling up at him as he grasped it with his entire hand. Charles leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to George's hand.
"You'd have made a good father." A soft Scottish lilt caressed his ears as she made her way over to him, Sybbie fast asleep in her cot.
Her words had him dwelling on his life choices. As she stood next to him he could see this being their lad, their daughter curled up in her cot, both with dark hair, bright blue eyes. A comfortable little cottage surrounded by a garden full of flowers their bairns would play in, woodlands they'd take walks through, and a lake where they'd teach their children to swim. The thoughts had him almost saddened by the choices he'd made.
"But I can't say I regret the path I chose, can you?"
She pondered for a moment before looking up to meet his gaze.
"No. Not one bit."
What do you think?
xXx