No M in this chapter, but I hope you still enjoy it :). Please let me know if you do. It's a shorter chapter, but I'm hoping to update more frequently... Thanks so much, Mona xoxo
Tom waited and watched as Mr. Carson wrapped his arms around the petite and kind housekeeper he thought so dearly of. He nearly choked when he saw the Butlers hand grope her bottom. He looked away and blushed when her head tipped back and Carson buried his face into her neck. Never in his wildest dreams would he ever have imagined the stern and proper Mr. Carson being such a passionate man. He could not say the same for Mrs. Hughes. She was a passionate woman. A fiery Scot, who cared for and protected him many times over the years. Even of a certain age, there was no denying her beauty or grace. He and Sybil had always spoke of their mutual affection for Mrs. Hughes. The smile on her face, and the giggle escaping her lips this morning was unlike anything he had ever seen. His Sybil would have loved to see this moment, and he hoped she was looking down on them all now. He stayed in the shadows and watched as a smiling and whistling Butler made his way back to Downton.
Charles arrived home with plenty of time to head upstairs, bathe, change, and head back down to his pantry. Refreshed and ready for his day, even without a wink of sleep, he happily poured over his personal finances and pulled a small box from the bottom drawer of his desk. He placed the small green velvet box down and popped open the lid. The ring nestled into the soft velvet of the box shone up at him. It was a beautiful diamond set in delicate gold filigree, smaller diamonds scattered throughout. It was his Mother's ring. She had left it to him, her only son, with the wish he would one day settle down and begin a family. She never wished a solitary life for him, though she was very proud of the fine Butler he had become. He pulled it from the box and held it between his fingers, the light bouncing off the shimmering stone. His wife, he though happily, before being interrupted by a banging knock and Mrs. Patmore bursting through his door. "Mr. Carson, I... Oh my word!" Beryl blurted out as she saw the ring in his hand. "Oh, you'll ask her then! Oh praise The Lord!" She said dramatically, clasping her hands together.
"Mrs. Patmore, please." Charles said, trying to keep her quiet. "For your information, I have asked her, and she has accepted."
"Oh my word! Oh my word! The cake I will.." She began to set off in hysterics again, only for Charles to interrupt her.
"Shhhhh... Please. Beryl, I have yet to tell the family. If you could please keep it to yourself until I do, I would most grateful." He was soft with her, and smiled at her obvious happiness for them.
"Of course, Mr. Carson. My lips are sealed." She offered, still smiling brightly. She turned to leave and just before she reached the door, she cocked her head back and smirked at him. "I was wondering why you never came home last night..." Charles jaw dropped and Beryl giggled happily as she walked out.
Charles went to serve the breakfast upstairs with a big smile on his face. He greeted his Lordship and Mr. Branson with enthusiastic good mornings and Tom couldn't help but chuckle at the Butlers pleasant mood. Even Lord Grantham seemed to notice the change in his demeanor. He assumed his newly brightened mood had something to do with the fact he had visited Mrs. Hughes last night. A bumbling Mr. Molesley had unintentionally informed them all last night of Carson's plan to visit Mrs. Hughes. Also adding he had been quite difficult to work for since her leaving. Mary had cast the poor man a terribly fierce look that had kept Molesley quiet the remainder of the evening.
"Your rather chipper today, Carson. I should say, we haven't seen a smile on your face in weeks. I take it you enjoyed your evening off?" He said turning and smiling back at Carson. Charles turned white as a sheet, nearly choking on his own breath. Tom watched as the Butler turned from white to red, poor man.
"Yes, your Lordship." Charles replied. "Thank you for the time off. It was appreciated."
"And more than deserved, my good man." Lord Grantham smiled back at him again. "How is Mrs. Hughes faring? Is retirement treating her kindly?"
"Mrs. Hughes is very well." Carson said smiling, almost wistfully. "She does miss the house my Lord, but I believe she is happy... She will be happy."
"She certainly looked happy when I saw her." Tom said smiling broadly, then blushing when he realized what he had said.
"Oh, Tom. You never said you had visited our Mrs. Hughes. When did you see her?" Lord Grantham asked, happily oblivious to the awkward look on Tom's red face.
"Just this morning actually. I was in the village earlier. The car had stalled. I'm just heading back to collect it after breakfast." Tom hoped his explanation would suffice. He could sense Mr. Carson stirring uncomfortably behind him.
"You must have been out early again. What would Mrs. Hughes be doing up at that hour? You must have woken her." Robert persisted in his questioning, if only to keep conversation going.
"We didn't actually meet. I just saw her briefly. At her cottage door." He dared to cast a quick glance at Carson and he saw the poor man grab the edge of the buffet table, his eyes as big as saucers. Tom winked at him, if only to let him know his secret was safe. "She looked very happy though. Very content." He smiled softly and tucked back into his eggs, hoping the questioning would end for his sake, and Carson's as well.
"Well that's good to know." Robert exclaimed, finally seeming to be appeased by Tom's assessment. He placed down his fork and excused himself. "I'm heading up to see Cora, you have a nice day." He nodded towards Carson, and headed out.
Charles was more than uncomfortable with the realization Branson had witnessed him at Mrs. Hughes doorstep. It was scandalous. He had tarnished his loves spotless reputation. He was sick with grief and embarrassment. He turned and tried to busy himself at the buffet table.
"Mr. Carson." Tom spoke quietly.
"Yes, Mr. Branson. Is there anything you need, sir?" Carson put on his professional facade swiftly and perfectly.
Tom pulled his napkin from his lap and stood, walking over to the man who he knew was a kind and decent. A respectable and sturdy sort, who also seemed to have a secret heart he hid well. "I need you know I will not speak of what I saw. That is your business, yours and Mrs. Hughes."
"Thank you, sir." Charles replied graciously. He knew the boy had a soft spot for his Elsie.
"But know this." Tom said teasingly, shaking his cap and smiling. "You hurt her, and you'll have me to deal with."
Charles tried to suppress a grin, but it could not be helped. "I have no intention of doing so, sir. You may trust, Mrs. Hughes is safe in my care."
Tom smirked and turned towards the door, muttering. "So I have seen, Mr. Carson. So I have seen."