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Chapter 4

"How did Lord Grantham take the news?" asked Mrs. Hughes later that afternoon. She'd taken the opportunity to have a private word with Mr. Carson after she'd found him alone is his pantry, balancing his ledgers.

"Much as you'd expect," answered Mr. Carson, looking up from his books. "He was none too pleased at first, I can tell you. After he'd recovered from his initial shock, though, he was a bit more understanding. He asked if I were certain of my decision. I suppose he was hoping to persuade me to stay, but when I told that him I am quite determined in my course, I think he realized he had very little choice in the matter. In the end, he gave his blessing and offered me a cottage."

"Well, that's settled, then. Did you speak about a replacement?"

"Not specifically, no. I told him I'll be happy to stay on for a short while to help train whoever it will be, but we didn't discuss whether he's considering promoting Mr. Barrow or bringing on someone new. I would guess he'd never given it much thought before this afternoon."

"I daresay you're right," she agreed. "He probably imagined you'd be here all your life."

"I thought so myself until recently," he admitted.

"So did I. And so did everyone else, I suspect. Will you tell the staff at dinner tonight?"

"Yes, I suppose I should, before any rumors start circulating."

"Well, I'll leave you to your work, and I'd better get back to mine. I only wanted to ask how you fared with His Lordship." Mrs. Hughes gave a small smile and a nod and left Mr. Carson's pantry.

OoOoO

After dinner that evening, Mrs. Patmore came to Mrs. Hughes's sitting room. Mrs. Hughes was sitting at her desk going through some papers.

"Mrs. Hughes?" called the cook as she knocked on the open door.

"Come in, Mrs. Patmore. What can I do for you?" said the housekeeper, turning to face her visitor.

Mrs. Patmore entered and closed the door. She sat down in one of Mrs. Hughes's chairs and got straight to the point. "What's going on, Mrs. Hughes?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean Mr. Carson's retiring." Mrs. Patmore said plainly.

"Yes, it seems he is," confirmed Mrs. Hughes in as even a tone as she could manage.

"And you're not surprised by the news."

"Well, he did mention it to me the other night."

"And what reason did he give for wanting to retire? Oh, I know what he said earlier: how he just feels that it's time and how he'll appreciate having some peace and quiet at this point in his life. But I don't believe for a minute that Mr. Carson is going to sit about and watch the dust collect. There must be more to it than that. What's his real reason?" inquired Mrs. Patmore pointedly.

"Exactly what he said. I think he's ready to take on a life outside service," Mrs. Hughes replied cautiously.

"'A life outside service?! This is Mr. Carson we're talking about. Service is his life!" cried Mrs. Patmore.

"Nevertheless, that is what he said."

"He's leaving, Mrs. Hughes! Mr. Carson is leaving Downton, and you look like you couldn't be happier! You should be … You should be devastated! Why aren't you?! You know something!" Mrs. Patmore narrowed her eyes and pointed a finger at Mrs. Hughes. Her accusation was calm but emphatic.

"I know nothing more about it. And why should I be 'devastated'?" Mrs. Hughes persisted in her denial.

"Let's not beat about the bush, Mrs. Hughes. You've worked with the man for twenty years. He's your dearest friend. He means more to you than anyone else in this world. And you're going to let him walk out of this house without batting an eye? Can you honestly tell me you won't miss him more than you can possibly bear?"

At this point, Mrs. Hughes decided that deceiving her friend was impossible and candor was the wisest way to proceed. She sighed heavily in resignation. "As always, Mrs. Patmore, you're far too perceptive for your own good – or anyone else's!"

"I do try," the cook declared smugly.

"If you must know, I also intend to retire. Mind, no one else must know yet. I'm only waiting for the uproar from Mr. Carson's announcement to die down before I give my notice."

Mrs. Patmore was flabbergasted for a moment. "You're going, too!" she exclaimed when she gathered her wits. "He's taking you with him! Have you an understanding, then? Why haven't you told anyone?"

"Steady on, Mrs. Patmore! We haven't told anyone because there's nothing to tell! Mr. Carson and I have no understanding, and we are not leaving together. We're simply retiring at the same time," insisted the housekeeper.

"And you expect me to believe that, Mrs. Hughes?!"

"I do expect you to believe it, because it's the truth. Do you honestly think Mr. Carson would ever entertain a single romantic thought as long as he's still butler?"

"No, he wouldn't … " Mrs. Patmore's eyes grew wide as comprehension took hold. "Oh, my God! That's why he's retiring! He wants to marry you! He would never dream of it as long as you're both still here, so he's leaving! But … if you have no understanding, how can you know what his intentions are?"

"Mrs. Patmore, I've no idea what might happen once we've both retired. We've not spoken specifically about our plans … but perhaps there is something we haven't considered yet. Mr. Carson has mentioned that he might like to explore some opportunities which are not open to him at the present time," revealed Mrs. Hughes as her lips curled slyly and her eyes danced teasingly.

"That cheeky beggar! He never did! Only Mr. Carson could go about proposing marriage without ever truly asking the question! And leave it to you to accept without actually answering a question that's never been asked! You two really do speak a language all your own, Mrs. Hughes. I'm certainly glad you understand each other so well, because no one else ever could." Mrs. Patmore shook her head in disbelief.

"Well, you seem to have figured us out," quipped Mrs. Hughes.

"That's true. But I've been around you longer than anyone else. And I'm cleverer than most."

Mrs. Hughes had to laugh at that. "That you are, Mrs. Patmore; that you are."

"Oh, Mrs. Hughes, I'm that happy for you!" Mrs. Patmore smiled broadly and clasped her hands together. "I'm not at all pleased to be losing you both, but knowing the circumstances, I'm delighted at the reason for your leaving. I came to you just now, worried that something was terribly wrong, only to find out that everything couldn't be more right!"

"Thank you, Mrs. Patmore. That means a lot to me."

"Oh, go on! Just wait until I see Mr. Carson!"

"No, Mrs. Patmore, please. You mustn't mention any of this to Mr. Carson," urged the housekeeper. "He'd be very upset if he found out I'd told you anything."

"But you haven't told me anything! I've guessed it all," the cook very astutely pointed out.

"That may be true, but I'll still ask you to hold your peace, unless you wish to incur the wrath of an angry butler."

"We shall see, Mrs. Hughes. I can't promise anything. If I'm feeling particularly frisky, I just might risk a little good-natured needling!"

Mrs. Hughes sighed heavily and shook her head. "Suit yourself, my dear, but consider yourself warned. He'll not be pleased."

Mrs. Patmore rose to leave and added as she walked out the door, "It won't be the first time I've confronted an angry butler. I'm nearly as well-versed in dealing with him as you are!"