The course of the day was as unusual as its start, but it was most pleasant as far as Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson were concerned. They took turns making trips through the house, checking on the bedridden staff and Mr. Branson, continually encouraging everyone to get plenty of rest. The children kept them busy and although they were quite well behaved, both housekeeper and butler were relieved when naptime arrived.

"Truth be told, Mr. Carson, I think I am as tired as those two."

"As am I, Mrs. Hughes."

The two made their way downstairs.

"Everything seems to be quiet and calm. Can I tempt you to a cup of tea in my parlor, Mr. Carson?"

He could think of nothing he would rather do. "Absolutely, Mrs. Hughes."

"Make yourself comfortable. I will be right back."

Mrs. Hughes crossed the corridor to the kitchen and quickly put together the necessities for the tea, as well as a few of Mr. Carson's favorite digestives.

Mr. Carson sat at the small table in Mrs. Hughes parlor, eyes closed and his head leaning against the wall.

Mrs. Hughes gently set the tray down and looked at Mr. Carson. "Poor tired thing," she thought. She gingerly closed the door and took the chair nearest him. She, too, closed her eyes and let her hands rest in her lap. Mrs. Hughes woke suddenly and looked at her time piece. Only thirty minutes had passed. She rose quietly and reached to pick up the now cold tea pot but jumped when Mr. Carson reached out and took her arm.

"Mr. Carson, you scared me." She let out a small laugh.

"I'm sorry. I…" His words faltered. He took her hand.

"Mr. Carson?"

Mrs. Hughes looked at his face for a few seconds, but couldn't determine what he was on about.

"I just want to say…" He faltered again. Sensing he needed reassurance, Mrs. Hughes squeezed his hand. It was warm and strong, just as she remembered from their afternoon wading in the waves all those months before. He returned the squeeze and looked up at her. She was looking at him with such kindness. He shifted his grasp and brought her hand to his lips. He kissed her hand and without looking up, softly said, "Thank you."

Mrs. Hughes remained perfectly still. She wasn't certain how to respond. She knew this gesture was a great show of courage on Mr. Carson's part, whatever his motive. She didn't want him to regret it. She held onto his hand as she returned to her seat.

"Do you know something, Mr. Carson?" He forced himself to look up at her. He was relieved to see a sweet smile on her face.

"After we got Master George back to sleep and I got back into Nanny's bed I had trouble falling asleep. My mind wandered and do you know what I realized?"

Mr. Carson continued to look in her eyes.

"I realized that you are my best friend." She began to gently rub his palm with her thumb. "Of course I confide some things to Mrs. Patmore or Anna - things women share with other women, but if something happens to me, good or bad, the first person I want to share it with is you."

A small smile found its way onto Mr. Carson's face.

"And the little things I say that sometimes take you by surprise…I think I do it because I know deep down it entertains you, or at least gets your attention."

Mr. Carson cleared his throat, and looked down at their still clasped hands. "Do you flirt with me, Elsie Hughes?"

Mrs. Hughes reached across and gently brushed her free hand around the curve of Mr. Carson's face and answered honestly, "Yes."

Both of their cheeks reddened at this confession.

Mrs. Hughes pulled both of her hands back into her lap. "Why did you say 'thank you,' Mr. Carson?"

Mr. Carson raised his head and looked into her eyes. His voice was low and tender, "Because this has been the most wonderful day I have had since the day at the seaside. And both days were wonderful because I have spent them with you."

It was a struggle for both of them not to look away, but this moment was one Carson had been leading up to and one for which Mrs. Hughes had wished.

Mr. Carson took a deep breath and continued, "You were right that day on the shore. We are getting on and we do deserve to live a little. I believe those were your words."

"I don't remember exactly, Mr. Carson. I was feeling so happy that day…I think it made me brave."

"Brave is a word I would definitely use to describe you, Mrs. Hughes. Also, kind…clever…" He offered a hand across the table which she freely took. "…and lovely." He reached over with his other hand and gently ran his thumb over her index finger, "so very lovely."

Mrs. Hughes inhaled as the nerves though out her body reacted to his touch.

"Mr. Carson…" He moved his hand lightly up the palm of her hand and let his fingers tuck under the cuff of her sleeve, stroking the underside of her wrist.

It was a small gesture, but it was more sensual than anything Elsie Hughes had ever experienced. She looked down at their hands and he watched her mouth open and take a sharp inhale of air. She slowly drew her head up and looked at him, "What happens now?" This was not only a question, but a plea.

"I know I would like more wonderful days like this."

"So would I." She stretched her fingers across his palm and returned his gentle caresses. "We have crossed a line haven't we?" Her question was simple, not negative in tone.

"I suppose so." he gave her a smile and offered, "And about time, too." He used the next few seconds to muster his courage, "I don't think we should waste any more time."

She reached out and took both of his hands.

There was a sudden knock at the door. They both withdrew their hands simultaneously.

"Tea is cold," she said smiling as she rose to answer the door.

It was Mildred. "Mrs. Hughes, the children are awake and Master George needs to be changed. I wasn't sure…"

"Thank you, Mildred. I will attend to him. You have been a great help today. Why don't you rest for a while?"

The girl gave Mrs. Hughes a grateful smile and left the couple alone again.

"Will you join me, Mr. Carson?"

He inhaled deeply and rose, "With pleasure, Mrs. Hughes."