Okay so here we go with chapter two. I must admit that I'm enjoying writing this AU.

Disclaimer: Still not mine.

As she entered the lobby, she could see that a group of the staff had been gathered. She hoped they wouldn't dislike her for having to line up for the introductions. There was quite an impressive group of them: Sarah O'Brien, Cora Crawley's personal secretary who seemed a little soar but could be quite quick witted, John Bates, the brooding Concierge, Anna Smith, Head Housemaid who seems very polite but quietly determined, Beryl Patmore, Head Chef who clearly thinks highly of her own abilities, Daisy Robinson, a mousey sous chef, Thomas Barrow, a very cocky Matre D' and finally a young lad named William Mason who stumbled his way in with a tray for the kitchen. I'm told he's the new porter so hopefully he starts to lose his clumsiness shortly.

As a group, they were clearly very confident of themselves and this is hardly surprising considering the numerous awards they have acquired over the years but their confidence was outshone by the sheer self pride of the one and only, Charles Carson. He was a force of nature and when the two of them finally got a chance to speak it was like there was electricity flowing between them. The rest of the staff was dismissed as Robert Crawley suggested that Mr. Carson show me to his office and where I would be working. While Mr. Crawley was all smiles, it was clear that Mr. Carson was far from happy with the new arrangement but he compiled with orders and led me in the direction of what she was sure would become their battle grounds.

''I think it best we talk over the new arrangements in my office first and then I will show you to yours and you will be able to make yourself comfortable'' He grumbled.

''That sounds like a good idea to me, lead the way''

She responded making sure to sound as cheerful as possible. If he thought she was going to be brought down by his grumpiness, he had another thing coming. If this relationship was going to be iron fist meeting iron fist, then I certainly am not going to give in just to please him.

His office is was on the first floor at the end of the hall and she had to admit it is spectacular. He has a massive bay window which looks out onto the back streets which may not be the best view but in the distance there is a beautiful view of the sun setting over the city. Turning her attention to the rest of the office, she had to admit that there is something intensely masculine and sexy about it. All of the furniture is made out of deep mahogany and the fabrics are simple beige and grey geometric designs. It is the perfect mix of old fashioned design and modern finishing. His desk is the centre of the room and is nearly as domineering as the man who is now sitting behind it.

''If you wish to take a seat, we can begin to go over the rota and other basic rules about how we run things here in London''

''I'm looking forward to getting into the swing of things although the whole purpose of my being here is to bring a little of the way we do things at Edinburgh''

His barely concealed glare most likely matched hers.

''Be that as it may, you will still need to get used to the increased amount of traffic we will be getting here so it is probably best if you could adapt to our way of doing things. We are the leading hotel in the franchise after all and we like to put in a united front''

He may have had a sexy voice but it didn't mean she liked having him bark orders at her with it.

'Well considering the reason I was given this job was because it was felt you needed help with the increased amounts of visitors here then perhaps it is your way of doing things that needs adapting''

She could feel the heat rising in herself as she spoke. She hadn't intended on having an argument, he just seemed to be drawing the fire out of her.

''Well since you will be my assistant, you will be able to assist me in the changes that I am making''

Oh he really knew how to belittle her.

''Well since it was seem that you needed one then I am sure my help will be greatly needed. Now if you wouldn't mind giving me copy of the rota, I would like to go over it myself as I get familiar with my new office and one more thing, since we have to work together it would probably be best if we had a meeting at the end of every week to iron out the kinks so they don't become bigger problems.''

Her professionalism giving her tone of voice the icy edge that she hated. At least for his part, he looked a little put as he handed over the document and a set of keys.

''Your office is the door just to your left and the main silver key is the one for the door. The others are for the various drawers and the safe in your office. There is a letter on each key which matches the letter on the locks. The meeting at the end of the week wounds like a good idea but feel free to email me to arrange them more frequently if any major situations arise.''

She made her way to her office and opened the door. Her heart was racing in her chest and tears started to fall. This was not how she planned on starting her new adventure in the English capital. She wiped her eyes and looked around her office. It was surprisingly nice, for some reason she had thought Mr. Carson would have stuck her in a store cupboard sized room but it was in fact spacious. She had a small balcony which overlooked the same area as Mr. Carson's. She could actually see slightly into his office which she wasn't sure if it was a blessing or not. The furniture in her office was made from pine wood which gave a much brighter and lighter feel to the room. She sat down in her very comfy leather office chair and surveyed her new surroundings. She was going to be spending an awful lot of time here so she was glad that she wouldn't have to do too much work to make it feel cosy.

A knock at the door drew her attention away from her daydream.

''Come in''

Mr. Carson entered looking more than slightly uncomfortable, she wouldn't say sheepish because she could never believe a man of his stature being nervous of her.

''I forgot to give you the key to your new living quarters, you'll find your room on the fifth floor, the last door on your left.''

With that he handed over yet another key.

Elsie smiled. ''Thanks''

He nodded and made his way to leave but stopped as he was about to close the door.

''Um, I just wanted to apologise for being quite so over-bearing earlier. I hope the rest of our meetings won't be so...lively''

''Me too'' was the only response she could muster as she watched him turn and leave.

He certainly was an interesting man.

She made her way to her room in the very fancy lift. There was a positive buzz around the hotel that lightened her mood. She turned the key in the door and walked in. She breathed in the scent of the lavender that filled her room and saw the beautiful flowers that were on the table. It was a bright open plan kitchen and living area. It was a beautiful modern finish with mostly magnolia with splashes of colour. The kitchen had a bright blue splash back and the comfy looking couches were decorated with turquoise and teal cushions.

There were two doors; one which led into a bright washroom with metallic fittings and the other was the bedroom. The bedroom was a sight to behold; there was a gorgeous four poster bed with a beautiful mahogany wardrobe in one corner, a small mahogany bedside table with a white touch lamp and a bay window in the other corner of the room.

Just as she was taking in her surroundings, yet another knock on the door broke her out of her reverie.

Well at least I will never be lonely

She made her way to the door to be greeted by William Mason wielding a tray of food.

'Mr. Carson thought you would appreciate not having to cook on your first night and no tip for colleagues, Ms. Hughes'' He grinned at her.

''Thank you very much''

''If you just leave our tray out in the hall when you are finished, it will be collected later. Enjoy!'

''I will, thank you again''

This new adventure was definitely turning out to be more and more interesting.

TBC

I hope you are enjoying where I am taking these two.

Thanks for reading.

Reviews are always lovely.