Waiting for Thursday to arrive was the longest four days of Charles' life. On the morning of, he woke and prepared everyone for the day. Officially his half day began at five, but he was determined to leave the house no later than two or three. He wanted as much time as possible with Elsie, and knew the house could run smoothly without him. He was just in the cellar selecting some wines to take to her cottage, when he heard a horrific sound coming from upstairs. He hurried up the stairs to find a wailing Daisy and Ivy, leaning over a bloodied Mr. Barrow. "What on earth happened?" He bellowed at the girls.

They cried harder at his outburst and he was just about to lose control when Mrs. Patmore rounded the corner. "What is going on in..." She caught sight of Thomas on the floor. "Oh my word! What happened?"

"Mr. Barrow was helping us get the pots from the cupboards when one fell on his head. Knocked him out cold." Daisy stammered. "I feel ever so awful."

"He'll be fine." Charles said leaning down over the man and slapping his cheek. "Thomas! Get up Thomas!" Thomas' eyes rolled around in his head as he tried to wake. Charles pulled him up and sat him in a chair while Daisy placed a towel against the gash on his forehead. His eyes rolled back in his head again. "Oh bloody hell! I'll phone Dr. Clarkson!" And Charles stormed off to his office. It was already going on five when the Doctor arrived and confirmed a concussion. Thomas would need to rest for two days. Charles felt his heart sink into his stomach. He would need to serve the family tonight. There would be no going to Elsie's. For the first time in his life, he silently damned his job and those he worked for.
...

Charles made his way upstairs to serve. Images of Elsie sitting on her settee and waiting for him filled his mind. What would she think? Would she assume he had forgotten her, that he did not want to see her. The image had him almost in tears as he approached the dining room. He suddenly had a thought and quickly ran back downstairs. Writing up a quick explanation, he asked his eldest hall boy if he would run Mrs. Hughes the letter. He promised him a little extra in his paycheck. The young lad was more than happy to comply. Charles sent him off, then went back upstairs to serve. He entered the dining room just before the family.

When Lady Mary saw him in attendance she gave him a questioning look. "Carson, is it not your evening off?"

"It is, Milady. But Mr. Barrow had an unfortunate accident." He answered evenly, trying to conceal his disappointment from the family.

"But I'm certain you had plans this evening." Mary insisted, glancing at her Papa for support. "Surely Molesley and James would be alright for just tonight. It is only the the four of us."

"I agree, Carson." Lord Grantham spoke up. "Do take your time off, my good man." He saw Carson attempt to protest and he raised his hand. "I will not take no for an answer. Go on now, Carson. Enjoy your evening."

"Thank you, My Lord." Carson gave Mary a sly wink and headed out the door. He nearly raced down the steps. Grabbing the basket Mrs. Patmore had prepared for them, and the two bottles of Elsie's favorite wine. He headed out the door, not even bothering to remove his livery. Only steps from Downton he came upon his young hallboy.

"Here ye are, Mr. Carson, sir. Mrs. Hughes gave me this note for you." He smiled as he handed it to him. "Mrs. Hughes is a very nice lady. She gave me biscuits and hot chocolate. I will be more than happy to take any more notes you have for her, Mr. Carson, sir."

"I bet you would, lad." Charles said patting him on the head. "I will keep that in mind. Thank you for your help." With that, the gangly young lad ran back to house, leaving Charles grinning from ear to ear. Dusk setting in, he opened the note and read her words.

Charles,

I'm very sorry to hear about the commotion at the house. I was so looking forward to an evening with you. But of course I understand the runnings of the house, and know you would never leave when needed. Perhaps we could try for your next half day? I will see you Sunday at church. Be sure to be on time! If you are lucky, I will save you a seat.

Elsie

"If you are lucky". The cheek, he thought as he smiled at her words. "I was so looking forward to an evening with you". And he was most certainly looking forward to being with her. He nearly ran as he made his way to her cottage. It was getting late, almost eight now, but they had spent many a night up until nearly dawn. He was hoping for at least a few hours of her company.

Elsie was heartbroken. She sat at her small table. Picking away at a piece of leftover pie, and sulking. It hurt. Once again the house had taken precedence over her. It always had, and it always would. She sadly walked around her living room putting out the candles she had lit. She stopped in front of the large mirror in the corner. It was her Mother's. A possession she had held onto her whole life. She studied herself. Clad in yet another new dress... She really should stop shopping. It was getting ridiculous. This was a deep crimson red. It set low on her chest and hugged her curves, before flaring out and stopping mid calf. The sleeves were shorter, exposing her wrists and forearms. Was it too much? She carefully pulled the pins from her hair and watched her now lightening curls pour down around her shoulders. She was suddenly glad Charles did not see her dressed this way. She thought she looked ridiculous. Her long hair over her shoulder, the curve hugging red dress. She did think she looked quite pretty, but was by far as young and nubile as she once was. She needed to stop the silly fantasies and face her reality. She was alone. A spinster. Yes, there were other men interested. But they were not the one she wanted. The only one she wanted. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Who in the world could it be?