Barrow stood before Lord Grantham, waiting silently for him to ask him to continue on.
"Out with it then, Barrow." Robert spoke roughly, thoroughly annoyed by the man's coy behavior. "Or am I to guess?" He asked snidely.
"I'm sorry, my Lord, it concerns two members of the staff." He said mysteriously, intentionally trying to drag out the story. "You see, your Lordship, I have reason to believe that there is an inappropriate relationship between.."
"Oh darling, there you are!" Cora breezed into the library. "And Barrow, I see. I wondered why there was no one in the hall." She paused and looked at both men. "I do hope I'm not interrupting something?"
"Actually dear, Barrow here is telling me he has reason to believe there is an inappropriate relationship between two staff members." Robert said flatly.
Cora smirked towards Barrow. "Oh, do go on. If there is something sordid going on we should know about it."
"Well, you see." Thomas started. "It involves two very highly valued members of staff, and I'm reluctant to.."
"Enough, Barrow! Just tell us!" Robert said raising his voice in indignation.
"It's Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes, your Lordship. I'm afraid I've noticed this for some time now. I've caught them out, engaging in indecent behavior on several occasions. I'm afraid their scandalous relationship is affecting the running of Downstairs."
Robert and Cora turned to each other in shock. Both knowing there was something between their beloved Butler and Housekeeper, but never imaging they'd put themselves in a situation to be discovered in a scandalous situation. Robert spoke first. "Does anyone else know?"
"No, your Lordship. I didn't feel it right to spread gossip about the house." Thomas answered slyly, knowing full well he would spread his vicious lies as fast as he could. With any luck, the old man and his dragon would be sacked within a week, then he could step happily into the role of Butler. "I'm only telling you this to uphold the standards and dignity of Downton. I do not know how long this has been going on, but it doesn't seem proper. It's downright ungrateful behavior as valued and respected heads of staff."
"That will be quite enough, Thomas!" The deep voice of Charles Carson rang throughout the room. Carson had entered the library to speak with his Lordship, when he had paused at the door after hearing Thomas' voice. His rage and anger grew. Not for himself, but for his honorable and beautiful woman. It is true that he had scandalized her in some ways, nearly would have this morning, if Thomas would not have interrupted them. But she was his angel. The kindest and sweetest soul under this roof. She had even stood for Thomas when he was too weak to fight his battles, and now the man would trample over her, over them both. For what? A shot at running the house.
"Carson." Robert stood as Charles entered. "Is it true what Barrow says? Are you..that is to say..." Robert fumbled over his words. Embarrassed to be asking the man he held so much respect for, such a personal and intimate question. "Do you and Mrs. Hughes have an understanding?"
"My Lord, though Thomas, "he said the man's name with disgust and glared at him as Thomas stood red faced and frightened, "claims to have caught out myself and Mrs. Hughes, I know that is a lie. And yet, there is some truth in what he is saying." Charles stood tall and looked both Robert and Cora in the eye. "I do love Mrs. Hughes. Very much in fact. I have just recently asked her to marry me and she has accepted." Charles kept eye contact with the couple, though his stature slumped slightly. "We understand that there may be consequences for our actions. It is our greatest wish to stay on at Downton. We.."
"Now. Now.. None of that my good man." Robert started, cutting off Carson's speech. "You have nothing to worry about, Carson. You, nor Mrs. Hughes. How could we possibly run Downton without the both of you." Robert went to Carson and shook his hand, patting him on the shoulder as he did so. "I'm very happy for you both." He said smiling at his loyal confidant and friend. Robert would be lying to say he did not feel friendship or respect for the man who had remained a constant source of support for him throughout most his life. To see him happy, truly happy and taking something for himself finally, warmed his heart.
"Oh Carson!" Cora exclaimed, going to him and taking his hand in hers. "I've known it all along. I'm so happy for you both. So very happy. Oh, the wedding we shall have for you."
Carson was still somewhat stunned by their reactions. "My Lady, that will not be necessary. And Mrs. Hughes and I have just recently expressed our feelings to one another. This, I mean to say, our friendship had not progressed further until just recently."
"Just because the words were not said, does not mean the heart wasn't already two steps ahead." Cora said smiling sweetly at him.
Carson gave her his half smile he usually reserved for Lady Mary and Elsie. "I suppose you are correct, your Ladyship. To be perfectly honest, I have loved her all this time. I just..I never thought it possible for us to be together."
"Oh Carson!" Cora said as tears fell down her cheeks. She looked at Robert who seemed to be holding back a tear himself.
"Come on now! We can't be crying all over poor Carson. I'm sure he'd like to go let Mrs. Hughes in on the news." Robert said, still beaming at Carson.
Barrow who stood off to the side waiting to be dismissed was quiet and fuming. This had gone all wrong. Horribly wrong. What would become of him now. Working under a man he tried to sabotage, and the oh so beloved housekeeper.
Robert turned to Barrow now, disgust written all over his face. "As for you, Barrow. You will be given two weeks to be out of this house. Mr. Carson will write you a mediocre reference, which is no more than you deserve. I think we've all had enough of your underhandedness and lies. You are dismissed from Downton. And if I hear one word of misbehavior on your part, you will be removed from the grounds immediately with no reference. Do you understand?"
"Yes, your Lordship." Thomas said cooly. He knew his only chance was to get the reference. Without one, he would surely be lost to the world. It seems his scheming had gone one step too far this time. He could not play upon Mrs. Hughes sympathies. As Cora glared at him, he realized he could not play upon her Ladyships good graces as well. He had well and truly lost this time. With a final bow, he left the room.
"Thank you, my Lord. I've wanted to do that for more years than I can count." Charles said nodding at Robert.
"As have I. As have I." Robert said with a wink and smirk. "Now off with you, Carson."
"And do meet with us in the morning. You and Mrs. Hughes both. Eleven in the drawing room would be marvelous. I'm sure they'll be much to discuss." Cora added as Charles left the room.
"Yes, my Lady." Charles bowed and exited the Library, leaving a pleased Robert and Cora behind.
Cora smiled as she went to Robert and he took her hands in his. "I knew it. I always knew it. Oh, darling. I'm so very proud of you. You handled that remarkably well."
Robert smiled sweetly at his loving wife. "Who am I to deny our dear Butler of marrying the woman he loves, when I myself am blessed to be married to the woman I love with all my heart." He pulled Cora into his arms and kissed his kind and beautiful wife passionately.
...
Charles was still stunned as he made his way downstairs. How would he tell Elsie all their dreams had just come true? They could marry and stay at Downton, retaining the jobs they both loved so dearly. Not for the first time, Charles' heart had swelled at the kindness and understanding shown by the Crawley family. His head was spinning as he went over the events of the last two days. Everything was happening so quickly. He had to admit he was nervous. All this excitement, upheaval, and attention was weighing on him, weighing on the man he used to be just two days ago. Since hearing her say those three sweet words, he can barely recognize the man he was. The reticent man with walls erected so high around him he could barely see over the tops. They had confessed their love and become engaged. They had become intimate with each other, almost to the point of no return. They had talked about things, not nearly as much as they should. But it all didn't seem to matter. Nothing seemed to matter but the fact that they were together as one now. There love was spoken and tangible. Their hearts were now connected by invisible tethers that would bind them for life. There was no going back now, only forward. Together.
Elsie sat at her desk. She had now spent all day daydreaming of Charles. How would she ever get any work done when every time she closed her eyes she pictured his broad and bare, silver haired, chest. She shook her head to try and clear her mind of him. It would do no good and she knew it. She was in deep now. For twenty long years her heart had gone between loving and longing for Charles, or trying to push and block him out. It seemed to be at such peace now that it had found its home safe within him. For that was where her heart lay now. Outside her own body, and safe within the man she loved. Her pen scribbled across the paper on her desk. Elsie Carson, she wrote, Mrs. Elspeth Carson, Mrs. Charles Carson... She smiled as she doodled across the paper, feeling like a young girl with her first love. By wasn't that what Charles was? Her first and only true love.
"Elsie!" Charles said loudly, throwing open her sitting room door.
Elsie jumped up at Charles' energetic entry. "Mr. Carson! Whatever is the matter?" She yelled in a panic, seeing the look on his face.
Charles took two long strides and wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her off her feet and into his arms. He spun her in circles while kissing her neck. "My darling." He whispered and Elsie couldn't help but giggle.
"Mr. Carson!" She cried, as she watched the staff gather at her doorway, shocked to be seeing the Butler spinning the Housekeeper in his arms. "Charles set me down this instant! What is going on?" She tried sounding firm, but her smile could not be erased...
TBC
Thanks so much for all your lovely reviews! You ladies are fantastic! xo. Sorry for not getting a chapter up yesterday :(... real life was taking its toll. I hope you enjoy the chapter tonight! I do appreciate each and every review! What do you think? Are we in need of some more Chelsie sexy time? ;) Thanks again, Mona xoxo