Chapter 13

A/N This is the last chapter! First I thought I'd split it up, but eventually I decided to treat you to a nice long read with fluff galore. Thanks to everyone who reviewed, you are my heroes! Hope you like it:

~oOo~

'Dr Clarkson,' the host bowed and lead Richard and Elsie to their table at the Thirsk Grand.

It was magnificent. Chandeliers and candles glowed, a small bouquet sat on their table, set with fine crystal and linen. Richard had taken care of her coat and pulled her chair for her.

Elsie felt like a queen and enjoyed it.

Dinner was exquisite, and they had a lovely evening. Richard asked her about Ethel. She'd answered she just couldn't leave the girl and her wee bairn to their fate, he asked about Thomas and she told him the young man hadn't chosen to be what he was, that she didn't care and had just helped a soul in pain.

He had smiled warmly, and when their after dinner coffee arrived, he took her hands in his.

'Elsie, you are the answer to my prayers; an intelligent and sensible woman, you have a heart of gold, you are compassionate and you don't judge . Thank you for accepting my invitation.'

'It is my pleasure, Richard,' Elsie said. 'I enjoy your company, very much,' a lovely pink hue colouring her cheeks.

'I'm glad, because I haven't told you the most important thing yet; that you are a beautiful woman with whom I am very much in love,' he continued.

Her heart skipped a beat.

He squeezed her hands and whispered, 'My dearest Elsie, would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?'

She felt tears forming behind her eyes.

'But…Richard, you hardly know me,' she said, although deep in her heart all she wanted was to say yes, oh yes!

'I've known you for over ten years, my love,' he smiled.

'Yes, but… you have to know I'm a farm girl, Richard. My father died in a pub fight when I was five and I never went to school…we were so poor, my older sister and I had to run the farm, our mother was bedridden. When she died I became a scullery maid at thirteen, and the butler there taught me to read and write. I'm not fit to be a doctor's wife.'

'Elsie, did you really think I would look down on you because of that. It just makes me admire you more, look at what you've achieved! It takes a lot of character and willpower to change from illiterate farm girl into the housekeeper of a large stately home. And I told you before, you are the best and loveliest woman any man could wish for, doctor or not. I have always thought so, and when you became so ill and I thought you might die under my hands, I suddenly realised how much I didn't want that and how very much I love you…. gràdh mo chridhe.'

The whispered endearment broke her resolve.

'I love you too Richard, and I would be happy to be your wife,' she said through her tears.

He brought her hands to his lips and kissed her fingers.

'You have just made me the happiest man alive, Elsie.'

'You just offered me a life of my own, with the man I love…thank you,' she whispered.

~oOo~

Isobel Crawley stood in her small classroom at the hospital early Monday morning, ready to welcome her first nursing students. Five girls handpicked by her, one of them Ruby, former Downton kitchen maid. Schedules and lesson plans were ready, books selected and pencils sharpened.

Four days ago Richard had invited her over for dinner and told her he was going to marry Mrs Hughes. She found she was not as upset with the news as she once expected she would be. Elsie Hughes' severe illness had brought along many good things, she mused. Herself finally being dragged out of her paralysing, desperate grief over Matthew, and given a new goal in life, Richard finally realising who he really loved, and dear Elsie finally realising pining for that fool of a butler was hopeless and finding true love.

Isobel had to admit being slightly jealous at first, before realising that while she and Richard were great at working together, actually living together was something quite different. She valued her freedom too much, she had to admit to being probably a bit stubborn and was prone to actions that did not find approval with most other people, like hiring Ethel. Although she knew Richard agreed with her in supporting the girl, she had to admit her forwardness in such cases might cause awkwardness with his patients.

She had spent a lovely Sunday afternoon at Downton playing with her grandson, and had been invited to stay for dinner.

'Isobel, my housekeeper has handed me her letter of resignation!' Robert had informed her when they were enjoying aperitifs in the drawing room. 'She's getting married! What am I to do now?'

'I suggest you place an ad,' she shrugged, inwardly grinning at his confusion.

'Is she getting married? But what about Carson?' Lady Mary had said worriedly.

'What about him, Mary? Mrs Hughes is going to be Dr Clarkson's wife,' Isobel said.

'Is she really? I didn't know that!,' Cora exclaimed. 'Oh, I'm so happy for her, for them both! She will be the best doctor's wife ever. And they're both Scots! How did you know, Isobel?'

'Dr Clarkson told me a few days ago,' she smiled, happy with Cora's delight. Lord Grantham however frowned.

'Does he know about her background? She's not exactly…'

'Not exactly what, Robert?' his wife asked, irritation in her voice.

'Well, not the kind of woman to be a doctor's wife,' he answered equally irritated.

'And why is that?' he was surprised to hear both his wife and eldest daughter demand.

'Oh Cora, you know why! She has practically lived in a stable until she was twelve, illiterate and uneducated. Is that a woman cut out to marry a doctor?'

'Robert, I can't believe you're saying that. It's Mrs Hughes!'

'Well I know that of course, I just wondered whether Clarkson knew before he asked her…'

'He knows all about that and he doesn't care!' Isobel cut him off. 'He just sees her as she is! And I suppose in hindsight, you're not as appalled by my nursing a humble servant back to health now that you know she's going to be the doctor's wife?'

'I didn't say that!' he protested.

'Now, now, we all know you didn't, Robert, you were just being the Earl, and cousin Isobel did an excellent job, now cool down please both of you,' Cora hushed.

Barrow entered and announced dinner being served.

'Thank you Barrow. Now, are you all ready to have dinner without a shout? I would love that!' Cora said firmly.

But Lady Mary still looked worried.

~oOo~

Richard had instructed the hospital staff and enjoyed the sunny weather by walking over to Downton Abbey. The events of Tuesday night still seemed unreal to him. He had asked Elsie to marry him, and she had accepted. Could it be true? He decided to call at the back door this time; a very young hall boy opened the door and hurried to fetch Mrs Hughes.

He resisted the urge to wrap her up in his arms and kiss her right there and instead bowed, offered his arm and walked her to the rose garden.

There he found them a bench in the afternoon sun and cut her one beautiful dark red rose, he presented it to her, whispering 'O my Luve's like a red, red rose,' she smiled and joined in.

'That's newly sprung in June;
O my Luve's like the melodie
That's sweetly play'd in tune.'

They whispered the lines of the poem together and melted into each others embrace and a sweet kiss, which soon became a series of very hot kisses.

'Oh Elsie,' Richard breathed in her mouth and she felt so good, curled up in his arms. 'I love you Richard,' she whispered and he sighed. 'Elsie, we have to stop or I can't, and I'll ravish you right here and now. Can't we get married today?'

'I'd love to,' she said, eyes sparkling, 'but there's also anticipation…'

'You evil little witch.'

'Highland witch,' she corrected, and snuggled up against his chest.

He dropped a kiss to her forehead and his fingers stroked the soft skin of her neck, playing with the few curls that had escaped her bun. Then a thought struck him.

'Elsie, what about Mr Carson? A few weeks ago I found you in tears because of him, what has changed?'

She sighed. 'Nothing really, I thought he cared about me and considered me a friend…and in his own way he does, he thinks very high of me, but only as a housekeeper. I didn't realize that until I fell ill and he acted so coldly… but his only concern is the family and his duty. I still care about him, but I was wrong in thinking I loved him. I admired him and trusted him but it wasn't love, I see that now.'

'Oh Elsie, I'm so sorry,' he whispered in her hair.

'What for? It was my mistake, not yours, or anyone else's.'

'I know darling, it's just the thought of you being unhappy and not appreciated all those years.'

'I wasn't unhappy Richard, just not very happy. I know that now. And I was appreciated by many people, like my Anna and Mrs Patmore, and the man I thought I loved appreciated me as well, as a colleague. Only after I had been so ill I saw it clearly. Beryl knew all along, and even then she helped Mr Carson in his attempts to convince me. She didn't want to tell me what she'd said to him, but she said he's beyond hope. According to her, he sees me like a kind of favourite pencil that you miss when it's no longer there, but is easy replaceable. So no, I wasn't unhappy, I just didn't know how wonderful life could be until you showed me…what it's like to really love someone and be loved in return.'

Her eyes glowed and suddenly she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him hard, her hands clawing at his shirt, pulling him closer. 'Richard, please let's get married right here and now, I don't need a vicar to make my vows, I love you and I want you, please Richard, make me feel like a woman, not a tool… please…' she whispered between hot kisses.

He was startled and gasped for air after her assault. 'Wait now Elsie, you can't mean…here and now?' he began, but she kissed his mouth shut. 'I want to be your wife Richard, I want to be yours, please, I need you now, I love you...' she moaned and tugged at his shirt. 'Please, Richard…'

It was too much. He swept her up in his arms and carried her to a more private spot near the garden wall, and laid her upon the soft grass. She pulled him close to her and he pulled up her skirts, stroking her legs and her breasts, kissing her while she tugged at his belt.

They didn't last long.

'Gods above woman,' Richard groaned as he collapsed on her, 'you'll be the death of me. In Downton's rose gardens, goodness me…'

'I don't know what came over me,' she whispered, her cheeks turned slightly pink but her eyes sparkled with joy.

He grinned, moved to lay next to her and held her in his arms. 'Well, whatever it was, I quite enjoyed it. I daresay we're married now?'

She smiled. 'So much for anticipation.'

They laughed together. 'You know, I'd have expected awkwardness after a situation like this, but I'm so at ease with you. It's like we've been together for years,' he remarked.

'I feel the same.'

After a few more minutes she sighed against his neck. 'I could lay here forever, but I suppose we'd better make ourselves presentable and return to…well, our duties.' She made it sound like a profanity and he grinned and kissed her forehead before putting his clothing back in place.

'You're right, but don't go yet…I have to make at least an attempt to do this properly…' he began searching his pockets while she straightened her skirt and replaced the pins in her hair. ' Yes, I suppose this will have to do for now. Elsie, give me your hand please.'

She raised an eyebrow and held out her hand to him. He placed a small object in her palm, closed her fingers around it and held her hand between his.

'Elsie, this wedding ceremony may have been unusual, but I consider it official. You were a bit forward, so I don't yet have a ring to put on your finger, but instead I would like to give you this.' He let go of her hand, she slowly pulled back her fingers and saw…a key in her palm. 'It's the key to my house…which is our house now, my dearest Mrs Clarkson.'

She didn't know what to say, the gesture was so sweet and thoughtful, and hearing him call her Mrs Clarkson brought tears to her eyes.

'Oh, Richard…' she murmured and fell into his arms. 'Mrs. Clarkson,' he smiled against her hair, 'however I would love to kiss you forever, I hear duty call. Just one month darling, and we'll be together.'

~oOo~

Mr Carson sat in his pantry, working on his wine lists. A new merchant had opened shop in York and while that wasn't nearby, his cellars were very interesting. A tap on the door interrupted his thoughts on wine.

'Good evening Carson,' Lady Mary came in. He rose from his chair. 'Good evening, milady. What can I do for you?'

'Cousin Isobel informed us at dinner that Mrs. Hughes is going to marry Dr. Clarkson,' Lady Mary stated bluntly. She was never one to try and soften a blow, but in his case it wasn't necessary, he had to admit. 'Indeed she is, milady.'

'But Carson, I thought you cared for her! What happened?' she demanded.

'It would seem, in the end my responsibilities to my job and duties as a butler in this house, weighed heavier than my feelings for Mrs. Hughes. I've tried milady, but I realized I couldn't see past my trusted housekeeper and acknowledge the woman she is. My job comes first, I can't help that.'

'But what are you going to do without her?'

'Getting used to another housekeeper, milady. I believe Mrs. Bates is sufficiently trained for the job.'

Lady Mary sighed. 'I'm sure she is but Carson, I would have loved to see you happy.'

'I am happy, milady. Mrs. Patmore made me see it. I can't repeat her exact words, but she has a sharp tongue, and she's able to draw a very clear picture.' She raised her eyebrows, and he nodded.

'It's alright, milady. There's a lot more spark and power in Mrs. Hughes than I can handle. She wouldn't be happy with me, and neither would I.'

'If you say so, Carson.'

'It's true, milady. Thank you for your kind words.'

Lady Mary stood and Carson rose from his chair to suddenly find her arms around his neck.

'Even ladies have their favourites, Carson. I will look after you,' she said, turned and left his pantry.

~oOo~

December 20th

Dr Richard Clarkson had taken an afternoon off from his hospital duties to go and purchase a Christmas tree. It was the first time in over ten years he'd bought one, but then this year was the first he felt he actually had something to celebrate. He brought the tree to the living room and went to find his wife. She was in his office, working at his administration.

'There you are,' he said, embracing her from behind and placing a kiss in her neck, 'I have missed you!' She laughed. 'I've missed you too, all those seven hours we haven't been together.' They enjoyed a very long, tender kiss. Richard lead her to the small sofa, sat down and pulled her on his lap.

'Have you been busy?'

'Well…Mrs Fallows came by to pick up the ointment for the new baby's rash, and she told me her husband keeps grumbling because it's a girl again, so I had a cup of tea with her. She was almost in tears, the poor woman. And I went to visit old Mr Carstairs to bring him soup and do a little shopping for him. His leg is getting better but his mood seems worse, if that's possible, he says he only allows me in because I'm the doctor's wife.'

'Why visit him then?' Richard smiled, already suspecting the answer.

'Because he needs to eat and I can tell he likes my visits even if he does nothing but growl. Oh, and Thomas came by for tea.'

'Thomas? You mean Barrow, from the Abbey? Is anything wrong over there?'

'No, he just comes to have a cup of tea every now and then. He says he misses me and the place is not the same anymore. I guess he is lonely. '

'That's the effect you have on people, my dear Mrs Clarkson. They feel comfortable with you and tell you their problems. I had no idea of Fallows' thoughts about his five daughters, but its good to know. You can keep an eye on his wife. And even Barrow, although I must say he was very kind when you were ill.'

He pushed her off his knees and smiled brightly. 'Good, ready for some more work?'

'More work?'

'Yes, a pleasant job I haven't done in years, but I've been looking forward to doing it with you all day.' She raised an eyebrow and he did the same. 'Mind in the gutter, my dear?'

'I don't know what you're talking about,' she said with an innocent smile.

Then he threw open the living room door and showed her the Christmas tree.

'There's our afternoon's work; it needs decorating.'

'Oh Richard, a real tree! I haven't had one since I left home!,' She beamed, flung herself at him and showered his face with kisses.

He laughed and held her close. 'I haven't had one in years, never cared much for the holidays, either, but now I want to celebrate them with you. Marrying you is the best thing I have done in my life Elsie. I love you very, very much.'

'And I love you mo leannan, so very much, I don't know what I've been doing al those years. You have made me so happy, it's going to be the best Christmas I've ever had.'

It was several hours later before the tree finally received its decorations.

THE END

A/N Thank you for reading! xxx george

gràdh mo chridhe: love of my heart

'My luve's like a red, red rose' by Robert Burns

mo leannan: my darling