Charles waited patiently for his lordship to respond. He could feel his heart pounding in his throat. Robert was watching Cora who was looking up at Carson approvingly.

Cora addressed Mr. Carson. "Carson, I'm pleased to hear some nice news for a change. I must admit I'm not surprised."

Robert interjected." I had no idea until I saw you two today. I saw something more than two colleagues concerned for each other, but then again I suppose when two people work so closely together for so long it shouldn't be so surprising for feelings to develop."

Charles cleared his voice... "I suppose in this case you are correct. Over time our friendship has grown." He was uncomfortable sharing this with his employer.

Robert knew that if he didn't give his blessing that he would be forcing and Mrs. Hughes to leave. He certainly wouldn't be happy without them running his home; or they would be miserable working together having to hide their feelings, it would most certainly affect the way their work. Her ladyship was also very supportive and had agreed that any more negative attention on Downtown wouldn't benefit lady Mary and her pursuit of happiness.

"Carson, I can't expect you to hide your feelings or your relationship from everyone. It wouldn't be fair and I can't imagine it's been easy for you both. I don't believe this will bring any scandalous gossip to Downton. I'm expecting it will be welcomed happy gossip. Although I'm sure some villagers will spin the stories for their own entertainment." Robert smirked.

Cora smiled at Robert giving him a side eye glance as she looked up at Carson.

Charles was standing at attention and his gaze fell from the wall ahead, he caught Cora and Robert exchanging their thoughts through their eyes. After all, Cora herself on a few occasions had shared her suspicions of a deeper relationship between the two. She and Robert were guilty of creating some naughty scenarios between the housekeeper and esteemed butler. They found it quite amusing at times. To find out that maybe some of these made up scenarios might have been true was making it difficult for the two to sit there and be serious.

They respected their butler enough though not to toy with his emotions and they were indeed happy for the couple. True love is no joking matter, for some it can be a torturous journey to find happiness. Little did they know that the journey for their charges had been agony at times; it was difficult for them to keep their feelings from each other. It was challenging and emotionally exhausting at times.

Charles was relieved and so happy. The John and Anna were taking steps to put this all behind them and move on. Now he and Elsie can do the same.

"Carson, You don't need our blessing, but we are happy for you and we support your decision.

"Thank you m'lord, I'm happier knowing that you support our decision and are happy for us." Charles was more relieved than he could imagine. He was eager to find Elsie

.

...

"Mrs. Patmore, have you seen Mrs. Hughes? I have something important to discuss with her." Carson asked Mrs. Patmore a bit out of breath from rushing down the steps. Once his Lordship had dismissed him Charles searched the house for Elsie.

"I saw her storm out of here but a little while ago. I didn't even get a chance to ask where she was going, she looked something fierce." Mrs. Patmore explained.

Charles thought Elsie would have told him or left a note for him once she was given the rest of her day off.

He couldn't wait to tell her this news, but with Anna and John gone for the rest of the day and Elsie nowhere to be found he had to refrain from looking for her.

He thought of a way he would surprise Elsie while he waited for her to return.

He made his way to his room and upon entering he quickly unlocked the drawer in his dresser and pulled out a little black velvet pouch. He ran his fingers over it and pulling apart the draw strings he gently opened it. Two gold bands spilled out into his large palm. These rings belonged to his mother and father. It was all he had left of them. Tonight he would show Elsie. His heart was bursting with happiness at the thought of sharing the rest of his life with her. They were finally going to be able to move on.

Elsie set off on the path away from the house. She marched off thinking she would go to the train station and buy her ticket to Scotland. She was going to leave Downton. When her tears and emotions had gotten the best of her she settled herself under a tree. She sat quietly for a long time. Pondering all the events that had led her to this moment, she scolded herself, "How could you be so stupid Elsie, how could you be so weak and let this happen. He told you to trust him."

Elsie wiped at her tears with the back of her hand. She opened up her purse to find a handkerchief. Pulling out the piece of fabric she was reminded of Charles again. It was one he had given her for her birthday. Elsie thought it was a practical gift to give a friend. Tears continued to fall from her eyes as she thought of losing her friendship with Charles. He invaded her mind. Her heart ached for him. How would she ever be able to stay in that house with him, after having shared so much with each other. She could never touch him again or kiss his soft lips. She couldn't bare the thought of never having him close again. Discussing the household matters would be an impossibility, it would be too painful. She was going to have to learn to live without him then. She thought it would be impossible for Charles to ever put their love ahead of Downton's well being and future.

Elsie had calmed herself and slowly got up from the ground. She wiped away her tears and made her way to the train station.

...

Beryl was in the kitchen, dinner upstairs had just finished and she was getting ready to serve dinner downstairs. The servants had started assembling in the servants hall for their meal. Elsie wasn't hungry nor was she in the mood to sit through the meal.

"Mrs. Patmore, I'm not feeling well. Please don't bother setting a place for me at dinner."

"Would you like me to save you something for later?" Beryl asked concerned for her friend.

"No, no I haven't much of an appetite, but thank you." Elsie tried to offer Beryl a smile but she didn't have it in her. She lowered her head and walked to her room.

Throwing her purse against her chair she laid down on her bed. Sleep quickly took over her body.

...

Charles was eager to see Elsie. He was going to ask her to join him this evening for wine and show her the rings as he explained the good news. He was surprised, worried and disappointed to see that Elsie wasn't at the table for dinner.

"Mrs. Hughes, isn't joining us this evening Mr. Carson. She isn't feeling well." As Beryl placed the bowl of food down on the table she leaned over to Charles and whispered "Charles I'm worried about her, she didn't look well at all...I think everything that's happened to her and Anna has taken a toll on her."

Charles looked up at Beryl and nodded yes to her in agreement. "I'm worried too Beryl." He whispered back as he began passing the bowls of food around the table.

Charles was worried Elsie was avoiding him.

Charles wanted nothing more than to run up to Elsie's room and help her, to see to her needs. But he couldn't. He was angry with himself now. He wouldn't let himself throw propriety out the window and run up to Elsie and he realized in that moment that is why Elsie had her doubts. She was right to fear and think that it wouldn't be easy for Charles to let go. But he wasn't doing all this to save his face, he was doing it to save hers.

Charles got up from the table and motioned his hands to the servants to remain in their seat. "There is something urgent I need to attend to."

With that said Charles made his way to Elsie's room. He only cared about Elsie. For the first time he pushed away any thoughts of Downton, of work and propriety and only thought of caring for her.

He gently knocked on her bedroom door and waited for her to answer it.

TBC...A/N: one more chapter after this. I'm not even sure anyone is still interested but if you've read this a review would be greatly appreciated. I'm sorry it took so long to post this but I've been hanging on to these last chapters for about 2 months now.. haha... I'm an idiot. I am just not a confident wrtier. Let me know what you think PLEASE?! I won't make you wait 2 months for the last chapter... I promise.