Disclaimer I do not own downton.
Conclusions
Mrs Hughes stared at the ceiling, unable to sleep. It had been three days since Lady Mary and Mr Carson had gone to see Lord Gillingham and she was still reeling from the turn of events. Not only was Mr Green not going to return to Downton ever again, he was dead. She ran a hand over her face, wondering if her friend's visit had anything to do with the younger man's death. Part of her knew she wasn't ever going to be sorry the man was dead but another part of her knew she was more worried about how the man had come to meet his end rather than the fact he had.
"Mrs Hughes?" She sat up sharply at the sound of her name being called.
"I'll be out in a moment." She called as she grabbed her dress from it's hanger.
"Elsie."
"Oh it's you." She smiled as Mrs. Patmore opened the door.
"Yes, it's me. It's not like you to be late. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Just a few too many late nights."
"I dare say." Mrs Patmore signed. "You know, Mr Carson wanted me to check if you are well. He's in the kitchen with Anna and the others. I must say Anna and Mr Bates are looking more like their old selves."
"Good." Mrs Hughes smiled.
"I'll say no more on the subject, but something hasn't been right between those two these last few weeks. And you and Mr Carson."
"What about me and Mr Carson?"
"Seem friendly."
"Well, maybe that's because we are friends. Now, go on. I need to dress. Make my apologies but I'll be there shortly. I dare say you can manage a mere ten minutes without me."
"I can. Don't know if a certain head butler will."
"Go." Mrs Hughes shook her head before closing the door behind her friend. She sat on the bed and looked at the black dress in her hand, remembering a similar dress she had given to her young friend just a few weeks ago. Times had changed, John knew what had happened and all Anna's fears had been unfounded as far as her marriage was concerned. To the outside world the house carried on as it always had. His Lordship, Lady Cora and the others managed the Estate as they always did. Now the members of the household who worked behind the scenes, the staff and servants could carry on as normal. She pulled the dress on as she thought about her friends and colleagues, knowing that for some, her included life would never be normal again.
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A/N thank you all for the reviews and taking the time to read this.
