Chapter 10

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Elsie had spent Saturday morning at her desk, going over the many books, ledgers and lists she had to keep. Most of them had been taken care of during her illness, but she couldn't resist the urge to check them personally. And some of the more complicated items were left for her. Most of it appeared to be all right, and she spent a good few hours correcting the small mistakes and working to keep her books up to date.

Being in a 'paperwork mood,' she decided to take lunch in her office.

It was a lovely day, she'd opened the window and enjoyed the summer air. Dr Clarkson- no, Richard, she corrected herself, was usually kept busy at the hospital on Saturday's so she didn't expect him, but she'd decided to take her afternoon walk anyway, she had noticed how much good it did her. She felt stronger every day.

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In the kitchens, the mood was more stressed, although Elsie was blissfully ignorant.

Mr Carson had been nervous and grumpy all morning, annoying Mrs Patmore to no end. My goodness, she muttered to herself, what is he waiting for, a sign from heavens above? A note of consent? After lunch she decided to intervene – again. Slipping into his pantry while he was going over the menu and wine arrangement for Sunday's dinner, she planted herself in front of his desk, hands on her hips and blurted out: 'Have you asked her yet?'

He jumped, he hadn't heard her enter.

'I…Mrs Patmore, is anything wrong?'

'I'm asking you. Have you asked her yet?' she repeated impatiently.

'I'm sure I don't know what you're…' he began, but she cut him off.

'And I am sure you do Mr Carson. Now, have you asked Mrs Hughes to have a walk with you this afternoon? Because if you don't, I am telling you right here and now I'll push her into Dr Clarkson's arms myself, even if I know it's not what she really wants!'

He stood there gaping at her and she turned, left the room and managed to slam the door not as loud as she would have liked, but just loud enough to have the butler notice she was upset.

He'd noticed.

Really, the woman took too many liberties. Telling, no, ordering him what to do, no less. Well. at least she had the ability to make herself clear, he had to admit. Her threat to push Elsie in Dr Clarkson's arms had hit the mark. Perhaps he should actually do something. He checked the clock. Nearly three. If he waited any longer, it would be too late for a proper afternoon walk. With her, with Elsie, his Elsie! suddenly feeling very brazen, he went to ask the dreaded Mrs P to prepare a basket. That taken care of, he straightened his waistcoat and jacket, knocked on Elsie's office door and went in.

'Mr Carson, what can I do for you?' she asked, but her warm smile encouraged him.

'I would be honoured if you'd accompany me in a walk to the lake, Mrs Hughes,' he said stiffly and bowed. She grinned and he felt his cheeks burn.

'I would love to, Mr Carson and you don't have to bow for me,' she said, still smiling.

He couldn't help himself, he didn't know what to do and so he bowed again. She laughed, and it was the most beautiful sound he'd ever heard.

'Let me get my hat and shawl,' she said and he took the opportunity to pick up a small gift-wrapped parcel from his desk drawer that had sat there for weeks, sneak into the kitchen and fetch the basket.

'Don't you dare mess this up!' Mrs Patmore growled. Honestly, the cheek of that woman.

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They had lost themselves in plans, timetables and study schedules and it had to be well past tea time, Dr Clarkson realised when he felt his stomach growl.

'Dear me, it seems we've forgotten the time!' A glance at the clock told him his stomach had been correct. He smiled at his companion. 'Isobel, may I invite you to have dinner with me? I'm sure Janet and Mrs Lewis will have something ready anyway.' He rang and the maid appeared. 'Dinner will be served in half an hour,' she confirmed.

'That's settled then. If you accept my invitation, that is,' he said, realising she hadn't answered him yet. 'I'd be happy to, Richard,' Isobel smiled. 'I'm sorry to have taken so much of your time, but we have made great progress with the school plans.'

'That we did. I think we're just about ready to start the course,' he agreed.

The soup was excellent, and during the main course of roasted pork and potatoes Isobel decided to test the waters.

'I'm sorry my visit prevented you to see Mrs Hughes,' she said.

'It wasn't an appointment,' he assured her. 'I just wanted to take her outside for a walk, to help her build up her strength.'

'You take very good care of her.'

'I suppose I do, yes, perhaps even more than is required. I like her, I've found I can rely on her when staff members fall ill. I couldn't believe my ears when that ignorant fool of a butler told me he couldn't spare anyone to look after her because some Duke came to dinner. The woman was almost dying, for heaven's sake. Well, you know all about that. If it weren't for you, I don't know…thank you again Isobel, for being the best nurse ever.'

'You're welcome,' she smiled. 'But what about these walks, do you feel you have to protect her from the gruesome butler?'

He grinned. 'Perhaps I do, although I believe in the end you and I managed to scare him sufficiently. No, it's something else…I like her company. She's a lovely woman, intelligent and kind, and I think she's more important to that household than anyone realises, least of all Mr Carson.'

'Cora does,' Isobel told him, 'you've noticed that as well.'

'I know that, yes. But still…I'm very fond of Elsie.'

'It's Elsie now, hm? Are you thinking of marrying her?' Isobel asked bluntly.

'Well…the thought has crossed my mind, I would have to say.'

She was speechless.

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A/N Thank you! for staying with me, all reads and reviews are appreciated and cherished!