Sorry it has been so long between updates. There have been so many other lovely C/E fics that I have been distracted.

Disclaimer: If I owned them would I be doing this for free? I earn nothing but pleasure from writing and intend no harm to these lovely characters.

Cora was curious. A few days ago Mr. Carson had approached her and asked that some of Mrs. Hughes's duties be shifted to him, an odd request but one that she hadn't minded granting. After that request, she had taken the opportunity to let her capable housekeeper know that she would not have to worry about her future whether she was ill or not. That promise had not been made lightly. No matter their personal financial circumstances, taking care of one's people was a responsibility that she would not shirk. Today, Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes had asked for the opportunity to speak to her. She had her suspicions as to the reason but would keep them to herself and listen quietly.

Carson held the door for Mrs. Hughes and stepped through after her. Cora watched and couldn't help letting her eyes drift down to Mrs. Hughes left hand which was still bare. Perhaps her suspicions weren't correct after all. Then Carson glanced at Mrs. Hughes briefly, and her hand lifted to touch a small brooch on the left side of her chest. She had been right. Now she just needed to let them tell her in their own time. With Carson's love of the dramatic it would likely take ages, but she thought she might enjoy this show.

"Milady," he began, "You know that Mrs. Hughes has not been well."

Mrs. Hughes cleared her throat and glared at him from the corner of her eye. Cora was secretly delighted. This was going to be a lovely show.

"I would not quite go that far Mr. Carson," the housekeeper said crisply.

He drew a deep breath and ground his teeth, "Very well, there have been some concerns about Mrs. Hughes's health." After this statement, he lifted his eyebrows at Mrs. Hughes to see if she was satisfied, and Cora took pity on him.

"Yes, Mr. Carson," she smiled gently, "I do know that. Did Dr. Clarkson have your news yesterday Mrs. Hughes?"

"Yes, Milady," she answered somewhat over-brightly, "Good news." Cora thought she heard a growl from Carson's direction, and Mrs. Hughes closed her eyes briefly before continuing, "At least I thought it was good news. There is a cyst in my…Well, I have a cyst and the fluid that he removed was benign."

Carson shifted slightly, and it was then that she noticed how close he was standing to Mrs. Hughes. He was to the side and slightly behind her, almost touching; another confirmation of her suspicions.

"That is not quite all, milady," he said gravely, meeting Mrs. Hughes sideways glance steadily, "Dr. Clarkson is still not completely sure that she is well."

If Cora hadn't been paying particular attention, she would have missed the slight catch in Carson's voice and rushing of the last few words. He was worried, and that worried her. Still, this conversation could drag on forever if she didn't hurry things a bit.

"Mr. Carson," she said, "I'm not entirely sure why you are here. This conversation would seem to be more suited to be between Mrs. Hughes and myself."

Carson's eyes went wide as saucers and his mouth dropped open, but before he could speak, Mrs. Hughes stepped in, "Mr. Carson has asked that I marry him and I have accepted. He has every right to be here."

Cora was surprised. She hadn't thought it would be that easy, but then her housekeeper had always been forthright and direct. "I see. I take it that you are here to ask my permission?"

"No, milady," Carson began forcefully, but then moderated his tones, "That is, we certainly could understand your not wanting us to continue working here as a married couple, but we are determined on our path."

He glanced at Mrs. Hughes again and faltered when he met her eyes. Mrs. Hughes then picked up the thread of the conversation, "We have come to ask a favor of you, milady."

"A favor? I suppose you'd like to have some time away after the wedding."

Carson answered the question although it was directed at Mrs. Hughes, "No, that is, we would very much appreciate a bit of time to ourselves." Mrs. Hughes nodded at him approvingly before he continued, "But Mrs. Hughes's condition," he grimaced as he said the word, "necessitates some haste."

"Ahhhh, I see," Cora said as understanding dawned, "You would like someone to intercede on your behalf to avoid the banns so that you may be married sooner."

Mrs. Hughes smiled, "Yes, milady."

Cora couldn't help satisfying her curiosity, "I'm afraid I don't completely understand. Why don't you go ahead with the procedure to ensure that all is well and then be married? I would think you'd rather have all this behind you before beginning a new life."

Carson's eyebrows had climbed imperceptivity higher as she spoke and he answered with the faintest hint of alarm, "Milady, I'm afraid that wouldn't do. In order for me to care for Mrs. Hughes properly, I would need to be her husband. Her condition would require…"

Cora supposed her confusion must have shown because Mrs. Hughes broke in with a note of resignation in her voice, "The cyst is in my breast, milady. That is what Mr. Carson is too delicate to tell you."

Cora was again surprised and even more worried. Lady Alscroft had a lump in her breast and the surgery had been horrifying. Even in her consternation, she saw Carson's eyebrows draw together and his frown deepen as his eyes darted briefly down to Mrs. Hughes's chest. Cora realized that he knew exactly where the cyst was. The thought even flitted through her mind that he might have actually found it, but she dismissed that image just as quickly.

"In that case," Cora said gravely, "I will do all I can to ensure a speedy marriage. However, my mother-in-law is perhaps better suited to that task. She does an excellent job of bullying when it is necessary. If you don't mind I will enlist her aid."

They spoke in relieved unison, "Thank you, milady."

"Carson, please have the car ready, and I will call on Lady Grantham this afternoon. Mrs. Hughes, will you please inform O'Brien that she is needed."

Carson nodded, "Of course, milady." Mrs. Hughes inclined her head as well, "Right away, milady."

They both turned and started for the door. Just before they reached it, Cora couldn't contain her next comment, "Mrs. Hughes." They both paused and turned to face her again. "I want you to know that the promise I made you yesterday still stands. You will always have a home with us, although it seems you have found your own nurse."

Mrs. Hughes gave her a genuine smile and glanced up almost shyly at Carson who was trying to appear grim, but she could detect the hint of a smile on his face as well.

Cora watched as the door shut behind the pair and smiled to herself. Robert owed her an apology. She had predicted this development for ages. She only regretted that something so unfortunate had brought it about.

Reviews are welcome as always, especially since I played with a different POV this time.