Upon waking the next morning, Mrs. Hughes had the unique sensation of something wonderful waiting. It was that particular type of feeling that needed a few moments to unfold its delightful details. The memory of the previous night came back in a rush and she smiled widely, wishing for all the world that the many steps they would need to take before settling in a home of their own were over. Questions still swam in her mind. They all boiled down to one: how did he see their future together? She only knew one thing — that he wanted her to come with him when he left Downton. And that wasn't enough to tell her anything of significance.

But she thought that perhaps by the end of the day, she might have some answers. She had something to tell him and she wasn't sure how he was going to react. She hoped that his response to this piece of information might give her some insight into what he wanted from her. The fact that it did not occur to her to ask him directly was a reflection of the times. One simply didn't speak that plainly. Particularly to Mr. Charles Carson, who eschewed sentimentality in even its most innocent forms.

Going down early, she hoped to catch him before breakfast. And, indeed, he gave every impression of having been waiting for her in his pantry. He rose quickly when she entered the room. When she closed the door behind her, he frowned, concerned. While Mrs. Hughes had woken happy after a good night's rest, Mr. Carson had tossed and turned, afraid that her easy acceptance might mean an easy change of heart. His own heart seemed to find a new home in his throat upon seeing her expression. Clearly, she wanted to say something to him, and it wasn't about the linens.

"Mr. Carson," she began, looking down at her intertwined fingers.

"You've changed your mind," he interrupted.

Her head snapped up. "What? No!" she shook her head, taking a step closer to him. Wanting to reach for him, she instead clenched her own hand more tightly. "No, Mr. Carson," she smiled softly. "No, I haven't changed my mind. There's simply something I felt that I must tell you." She paused. "Something that might affect our future situation."

Relief made him light-headed. He managed a nod for her to continue.

"I don't know if you recall, but my mother's sister died almost two years ago now," she said.

He nodded slowly, the memory coming back to him. "Yes. Yes, I do remember."

"Only," she sighed and stopped. "She married well and left her nieces a sizable inheritance." Looking at him, he seemed to be waiting for her to continue. "Myself included," she hurried.

As realization dawned on his face, she went on, "I could have left work myself anytime, really...these past two years." She waited anxiously for his response.

He thought for a moment, then turned back to his desk and sat down with a sigh. He was quite torn. On the one hand, additional funds would mean safety and comfort for them both. On the other, if they married, her money would no longer be hers. She would essentially be giving her fortune to him. The idea grated against him so much that he felt the hairs on his arms stand up. Especially since theirs was a unique situation. They weren't young people in a love match. She'd earned her independence. Yes, he certainly loved her and hoped she might eventually feel something for him, but they'd never said a romantic word to one another. And a petty part of him had wanted to take care of her. Had wanted to offer her something that might make her feel some… gratitude perhaps? Something that might nudge her affection the right way? He was ashamed of these thoughts, but they were there nonetheless.

No. No, he simply couldn't take advantage of her this way. He shook his head and said, "No, Mrs. Hughes, I cannot accept —" he stopped, not knowing how to finish.

She cursed in her mind. It was exactly as she'd feared. His pride wouldn't allow it and he held no love for her that might change his mind. She'd expected it and had an argument prepared. She wasn't about to let something as silly as an abundance of money take away this chance.

"Mr. Carson!" she scolded as she stepped closer to him. "I hesitated in telling you this and your response was just the reason! If it hasn't been made clear to you already, I trust you enough to marry and live with you! I certainly trust you with this." She paused for breath. She couldn't look him in the eye as she said quietly, "Your proposal made me very happy." But she whipped her fierce gaze to him as she pulled out her trump card. "And I know you are not the type of man to break an engagement."

His nostrils flared at that and his chin lifted. She thought perhaps that, in addition to the indignation she saw in his eyes, there might also be a bit of happiness there, too.

Making a decision, he slapped his hands down on the arms of his chair and said firmly, "I apologize, Mrs. Hughes." He looked her directly in the eyes. "You must forgive me. It was just my pride getting in the way. I hope you do not take this to mean that I have had any second thoughts." He paused, trying to decide whether to say something else, something that might fully convince her. "This… idea has been on my mind for quite a while."

Surprised, she had to stop herself from saying something glib, something to take away the discomfort of the strong emotions she was having at that moment. Instead, she softly asked her shoes, "How long?"

"One year yesterday," he answered solemnly, standing to walk over to her.

She wasn't able to think of a single thing to say to that. She couldn't claim the same. She'd never even entertained the possibility of sharing her life only with him. Her eyes were wide as she watched him walk to stand so close to her that their toes almost touched. They stood for several moments, trying to read one another's thoughts.

There were so many things he wanted to say to her, but it wasn't the right time. So he settled on something innocuous, hoping she would hear affection in his tone. "Do you accept my apology, Mrs. Hughes?" he rumbled softly.

She was thinking about how easy it would be to wrap one arm around his neck and stretch herself up to kiss him. The clock on the wall ticked by slowly for a few beats before she shook herself and stumbled, "I'm sorry, what? Oh, yes! I mean, yes of course I accept."

After giving her a satisfied nod, he boomed, "Good!"

Indicating the way to the door, he said, "Shall we? They'll be wondering what's been keeping us." He looked as pleased as he felt and she smiled up at him. She was just as confused as ever about his feelings for her, but it plagued her not one bit. Neither was she aware of his hand hovering just a few inches away from her lower back as he ushered her out of the room.