Disclaimer not mine
Sorry for delay in updating
Realisations
"Thomas." Carson stated as he walked towards the younger man. "I trust everything went as planned in my absence."
"Of course." Thomas smirked.
"Good." Carson frowned slightly. "Thank you, for covering for me today." He walked alongside the younger man, aware that Thomas was not the person he really wanted to take into his confidence. However, he had a feeling he had very little choice.
"You're welcome." Thomas was aware the older man now owed him a favour. He filed that particular memory away for future use. "Was there something else?"
"Yes." Carson turned to him. "What do you know of an ale house called The Parson's Terrier?"
"It's in the next village. Can't say I've been there often." Thomas paused. "It's known to be a place where, shall we say, less than desirable people frequent."
"I am sure it is." Carson paused as Ivy and Daisy walked past, deep in conversation. The girls seemed completely unaware as they carried on gossiping about Anna staying at the Abbey rather than in the cottage she usually shared with Mr Bates. Carson took a deep breath and tried not to let the ignorance of the young girls upset him. Neither knew what had happened to Anna, if he had his way they never would.
"Why do you ask?" Thomas asked as the older man collected his thoughts.
"I believe someone I am to have business with frequents the place. I would like to know what I am up against." Carson answered cryptically.
"Well, if that is the case." Thomas paused. "It would be safer for all concerned if this business was conducted away from Downton and away from The Parson's Terrier." Carson nodded, he was well aware that would be the case. "Infact, it would be safer if you didn't go there alone. Now, I don't know what you are involved in but I am guessing it is Mr Green that you are hoping to do business with. I know he drinks at the Parson's and I know he is not the gentleman he seems."
"That is something we both agree on."
"What wrong has he done you?" Thomas frowned. "This business you had to attend to today, it was nothing to do with family. Was it?"
"On the contrary, Mr Barrow." Carson narrowed his eyes. "It was all about family, those I consider to be family."
"Well, I don't care but you are not facing that man alone. A man of your age." Carson raised an eyebrow. "Shouldn't face a man like him alone. He's violent and thinks nothing of using violence to get what he wants." Thomas walked away as Carson closed his eyes. He was well aware of how far Mr Green would go to get what he wanted.
######################
Mrs Hughes closed the door to her sitting room as Tom Branson made his way back upstairs. It seemed that everyone in the house was destined to share their darkest secrets with her. Shaking her head she straightened her skirts trying to think of a way to help the former driver. It seemed she didn't just have Anna to worry about.
"Silly boy." She muttered. "Silly, silly boy. Why did I give that girl such a glowing refernce? Dear me. What is to become of it all?" She asked before stepping out into the corridor knowing she had work to get on with.
"Mrs Hughes." Edna looked down her nose as the housekeeper approached.
"Edna, do you not have enough work to be getting on with? I am sure Lady Crawley could do with you upstairs."
"I am taking a break."
"You, my girl are taking a liberty. In more ways that one. Or at least you tried to. Now be away from here by the morning or I'll have no choice but to talk to her Ladyship." Mrs Hughes glanced past her to where Mr Carson and Thomas seemed to be deep in conversation. She dreaded to think what was going on. "Now, upstairs, your break is over."
"Excuse me." Edna started to protest before reading the look in the older woman's eyes and retreating back to the main house. Mrs Hughes took a deep breath before walking into the kitchen, hoping Mrs Patmore was around to help her work out what was going on.
##########################
The damp Autumn day had turned into a wet Autumn evening as Carson slipped out of the Abbey and headed towards the pub a few streets away. He had no interest in the ale on offer but there was a small phone booth at the back that the landlord would let him use for a few pennies. He pulled his hat closer to his forehead, sheilding his face from the worst of the rain before reaching the pub.
##########################
"Right." John sighed. "I think I'll head back to the cottage." Anna nodded but kept her eyes on the table in front of her. He shook his head before remembering Mrs Hughes' words and slipping out into the night. He closed the kitchen door behind him and looked out on to the courtyard. The shadow of Mr Carson in the distance caught his eyes. He had no idea what the Head Butler would be doing heading towards the pub. Deciding it was none of his concern he headed towards the cottage for another sleepless night.
###########################
A/N More soon x please review.
"
