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This is a slight time jump, nothing major though:)

They had fallen into bed with one another frequently. His attempts to woo her had been fairly successful. They had been 'courting' for three months, and he knew that it was time for him to propose. He had asked for an audience with Lord Grantham today. And he had backup plans, just in case. A nice little seaside inn that came with a cottage right out back of it for the owners.

He took a breath and stepped into the library. He cleared his throat and Lord Grantham looked up from whatever he was reading.

"Ah, Carson! What is this mystery you have to speak with me about?" The Lord asked curiously.

"Well, milord, I have found myself in quite the predicament. You see, I have fallen in love with a member of staff, and I wondered if I married her we could both stay on?"

Robert sat in silence going over who the butler could have fallen for. He was stunned but answered "Carson, you are an invaluable part of the running of this house. So yes you could stay. And as long as it doesn't effect her work she can stay, as long as she remains without children. Now when the time comes that you two want to endeavor to have a family, then you will be given a cottage, but she will have to retire."

Carson let go of the breath he didn't know he was holding. "Very well, milord. I thank you."

As the butler turned to leave the Lord stopped him, " Carson, just out of sheer curiosity, who do we risk loosing?"

Carson turned to his employer, "Mrs. Hughes, if she accepts my proposal, milord."

Lord Grantham's eyes widened. Then he shook his head and waved Carson out. His butler and housekeeper in love. Would wonders ever cease?

-C&E-

They were in his pantry sipping on leftover wine. He stood and she looked up at him a he extended his hand and pulled her out of her seat into a slow swaying dance.

She giggled and said,"Charles! There's no music!"

He began humming to her and she sighed and rested her head against his chest. As his humming ended he pulled away slightly and stared at her with adoration.

"Charles?"

"Elsie, you are an amazing and beautiful woman. I'll never be entirely sure how you fell in love with the likes of me, but I do know I am happy. I love you. More than I ever loved Alice, or anyone else. You, Elsie, are the missing puzzle piece to my life." He got down on one knee and finished, " Elspeth Ann Hughes, please say that you will marry me, and make me the happiest lad in the world."

Her eyes had steadily filled with tears. And as he brought out the ring, a beautiful sapphire with diamonds flanking both sides, she found herself only able to nod her acceptance. After he slipped the ring on her finger she fell to her knees and kissed her man. He wrapped his arms around her and shed a tear of joy for the life they would now share.

"But, Charles, what about our jobs?"

"It has all been taken care of, love. You can stay on until we decide we are ready to have children. Then we will be granted a cottage close enough where I can walk to work in the morning. And you can have the cat you want. It will all be well."

"Well I guess I'll never have to leave."

He looked at her, his eyes full of questions.

"Charles, I don't think it would be best for us to have any wee bairns. I would not be a good mother, and what if I'm like my mother? I could never put a bairn through that!" She had started to cry.

"Elsie, don't you see that you are nothing like your mother? That you could never be like her? You my dear love, are too sweet and kind. Plus, you know what that feels like, so you could never do the same. You aren't her, Els." He reassured her.

"Promise?" She said in what he called her little girl voice.

"I swear, love." He smiled gently.

As her tears stopped, she kissed him. "When will we tell everyone? And when shall the wedding be? And you have to meet my sister and Henry and their babes! Oh no, I see what you are thinking Charles Edward Carson! There is no way I will subject you to her!"

"Els, I'd have to meet her anyway, might as well be then." He said quietly.

"I don't want her there! That is our happy day. She'll ruin it, and I don't want that. Let her ruin New Years or something. Just not our wedding." She pleaded fiercely.

"Okay, but your sister will likely tell her about it. But no matter. It's you I'm marrying, not her. We will think of something. As for when, I can speak to the vicar and have the banns read, is three weeks enough time for you to get a dress?" He asked.

"Yes. Oh Charles, you have made me happier than I ever dreamed I could be!" She exclaimed as she threw her arms around him.

Thank you for reading! Please let me know what you thought!

Much love- Samantha :)