A/N Wow! I've been overwhelmed by all your kind comments and encouragement! This really is the nicest, most supportive fandom ever, and no one can tell me otherwise. Just keep being you – all of you!
Chapter 6
"Mr. Carson, might you spare me a moment of your time? I've a favor to ask of you. I would welcome your guidance in a certain matter," Mrs. Hughes called to Mr. Carson as he was passing by in the corridor outside her sitting room.
"Certainly, Mrs. Hughes. How may I help?" Mr. Carson answered as he stepped inside.
"Well, it's about a cottage, you see. I've told you that the family have very graciously granted me a cottage on the grounds."
"Yes, you have. They've promised me one, too. I think it's very generous."
"Yes, I'm very grateful. As a matter of fact, I'm going tomorrow to look at some of the available cottages," she informed him. "I wonder if I might ask you to accompany me, if you've the time. I would value your opinion."
"You'd like my advice when choosing your cottage?"
"I would, Mr. Carson." Mrs. Hughes wasn't entirely sure how to proceed with what she wanted to ask, but she pressed on. "It occurs to me that if events turn out the way I hope they will, I might not be living alone for very long. My friend's present living arrangements are not his own, but I do believe he'll soon acquire a place for himself. I've no way of knowing whether he'll expect me to join him in his new accommodations, or if he'd prefer to move into my cottage with me after we're married. If we're to be married, that is; I don't wish to presume too much. But just in case he would rather live in my cottage, I would like it to be suitable … from a masculine perspective, as well as my own. And so I would be grateful to have a man's opinion when I make my choice. Will you kindly go along with me and share your thoughts?"
"I'd be delighted, Mrs. Hughes," beamed Mr. Carson. "As a matter of fact, I'd like to have a look around for myself. I'll need to choose a place, as well."
"Oh? And do you expect that your lady friend will join you there after your wedding? Should you like for me to provide a feminine appraisal?"
"I thank you for offering, but I don't think that will be necessary. It so happens that I hope to join my friend in her lodging. I've recently heard that she, too, will soon be setting up house. Her tastes are far superior to my own, and I would much prefer to take up with her in her new home after we're married – if she will find that agreeable." He raised his eyebrows questioningly. Apparently, Mr. Carson understood what Mrs. Hughes was asking – in such a roundabout way – and she found herself very relieved.
"I can't imagine that she'll object," she assured him.
"So you see, if all goes well, I'll not be staying in my cottage for very long. The particulars matter little to me, so long as the place is serviceable for a short time. If circumstances are favorable, I expect to return it to the family's care within a few short weeks. I think we should concentrate more on your new home, since we'll be ... erm, rather, you and your friend will be living there permanently. I should like for you both to be comfortable."
"That's very kind of you, Mr. Carson." She regarded him fondly but could hardly keep from laughing out loud.
"Think nothing of it, Mrs. Hughes. I'm happy to help in whatever way I can," he responded quite formally.
Sometimes, she couldn't believe they were playing this ridiculous game, speaking in such riddles. Other times, she wouldn't have it any other way … because he couldn't have it any other way. Absurd as the whole situation was, she knew it made perfect sense to him. She was more than willing to play along, because she knew how this game would end.
OoOoO
The next afternoon, Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes were walking back to the Abbey. They'd inspected the unoccupied cottages on the estate and chosen two.
"Are you satisfied with the cottage you've chosen, Mr. Carson?" asked Mrs. Hughes.
"I am, Mrs. Hughes," answered Mr. Carson. "It will serve my needs for the next few weeks. And it's near enough to yours that if you should need anything … Well, I'll worry for you, living alone, and I shall feel more comfortable being nearby. Are you pleased with your choice?"
"Oh, yes, it will suit me quite nicely, I think. And I, too, will feel more at ease having you close by. Thank you for helping me to decide. I do hope my gentleman will like it as well."
"I'm sure he shall. It's charming but practical, warm and inviting, neat and tidy, unassuming yet perfectly lovely, and sturdy enough to withstand almost anything. If my lady friend sets up house in such a place, I shall consider myself a very lucky man, because our home will remind me of all her best qualities." As they walked side by side, he leaned closer to her when he said this, and her heart fluttered.
"Mr. Carson, will you tell me more about your lady friend?" Mrs. Hughes was feeling daring and playful.
Mr. Carson thought for a moment. "Well, she's very capable at what she does. I've never known anyone more suited to her position. Over the years, she's earned both the admiration and the affection of everyone around her. She's extremely bright and works tirelessly. She can be strict and demanding when necessary, but she has the most compassionate soul. She cares deeply about the people who work with her and those who employ her, and they all love her in return. She's also the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. I shall never understand her completely, but she's stolen my heart."
For a few moments, Mrs. Hughes could do nothing but struggle to calm herself.
"Now, Mrs. Hughes, I'd like to know about your gentleman. Tell me about him - please?" Mr. Carson continued.
When she'd collected herself somewhat, she managed a response. "My friend? Certainly. He's well-matched to his station. He commands respect with his quiet dignity. His employers and his colleagues all hold him in high regard. He's intelligent, dedicated to his post, fiercely loyal to those he serves, and just as fiercely protective of those under his care. Underneath his stern façade beats a kind and gentle heart. Of course, he's quite handsome, as well. And though he sometimes infuriates me like no one else can, I love him dearly."
After this declaration, Mrs. Hughes didn't feel inclined to speak any further. Mr. Carson seemed content to remain quiet, too, and they walked the rest of the way back to the house in silence.