Thanks for reading so far and reviewing. It's nice to know I'm not flogging a bad idea.

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, they're still not mine.

The first few weeks span past in a whirlwind. Elsie had barely noticed the time passing but yet she had felt how much easier it was for her to find her way with the different staff and the running of the hotel. Her meetings with Mr. Carson were still formal and full of argument but somehow they always managed to come to some kind of compromise, just about. These meetings may have been heated but that did not mean that she did not enjoy them. She had never had someone who was so willing to stand up to her and yet at the same time let her voice her opinions. The one upside to arguing with someone is that it becomes obvious very quickly whether or not they have been listening and much to her delight, Mr. Carson always listened even if he infuriated her by picking apart her argument. They had somehow seemed to get used to one another but there was still a palpable tension between. When they were on their own it always seem to reach an unbearable height and then remained unresolved.

Elsie is actually very calm with the other staff members. She has never had to raise her voice to gain authority over them. This is partly the reason the changes she has brought in have been so widely accepted. However, it is an entirely different story when it comes to Mr. Carson. She just can't seem to get her head around the fact that she always seems to lose the run of herself whenever she is around him. As she tries to get herself back under control, she never seems to notice how his gaze lingers especially when she wears her favourite pencil shirts. She also can't understand why she can't help to stare unashamedly as he removes his tie and loosens his collar during their end of week meetings. It is safe to say, however, that this unwavering tension between them is starting to manifest itself in a very frustrated Elsie.

One particular day, Mr. Carson was in his office and Elsie needed to get the stock books from him so she knocked on the door and made her way in. It had become their custom of late to enter without any actual permission. The sight that greeted her was a little unusual. Mr. Carson's files had been pushed to the side and in their place was a chess board. Carson's opponent had his back to her as she entered but he seemed to be beating Mr. Carson quite spectacularly.

''Sorry to interrupt your hard work but I was just wondering if you give me the stock books or at least the list for this week'' She forced herself to bite back the grin that threatened at the sight of Mr. Carson's embarrassment.

He is very cute when he blushes.

''Oh Ms. Hughes, let me introduce you to my old friend Dr. Richard Clarkson, he is staying in London and challenged me to a game and as you can see is trouncing me at it''

It is nice to see him so at ease and smiling.

Dr. Clarkson got up to greet her and took her hand in his and kissed it.

'It's a pleasure to meet the new leading lady in dear old Charlie's life. I hope you are keeping him on his toes''

Elsie was too busy blushing to notice Charles gripping the armrest furiously as he watched their little exchange.

''Well I try my best, Doctor, but he does just a good at job at keeping me up to the task''

Elsie smiled in Charles direction and was disappointed to find him looking less than pleased.

What have I done now?

''Richard, please, and is this the file your looking for. When I take over Charlie's office I tend to cause a bit of chaos to his filling''

''That's the one, anyway I best be leaving you two to your little game. Don't worry about rushing Mr. Carson, I have got it under control so enjoy your break''

Elsie was in too much of a rush to hear Richard chuckle ''you've got it bad, old boy''.

She was so worked up and flustered that she nearly barged in on a conversation between Daisy and one of the chambermaids. She was only stopped by her own curiosity.

''He fancies the pants off her''

Nothing like a bit of gossip to take my mind off things.

''Oh yeah, he's got it bad. I nearly heard him groan out loud the other day when she bent down to pick up a file''

The two girls were giggling away and Elsie was trying to figure out who they were talking about.

''He must have a thing for Scots since none of the English women who practically throw themselves at him have gotten a look in''

Oh, God. It can't be.

''Can you blame him? If I had a figure like that at her age I'd be a happy woman''

Suddenly Elsie was working out who the worst guests were and changing the rota that girl to their rooms to clean.

''Hell, I'd like a figure like that now''

Elsie knew there was a reason she had always liked Daisy.

She left them to their gossiping as she tried to figure out what to do with this new found information. Could they be right?

Would I make a complete fool of myself if I put myself out there?

The old insecurities from Joe's treatment of her were still there.

But maybe I don't have to put my heart on my sleeve to find out. Maybe just test the waters a little to find out.

I hope I don't look like some old woman trying to lure in any unsuspecting male.

Then again, if I try to hard it might any sort attraction that may be there.

But it would be nice to feel wanted again, especially by a man like him.

Maybe a little happiness would be nice.

TBC

Thank you for reading along.

I would love to hear your ideas and opinions in the reviews.

:)