Sorry for the long wait. But here's another chapter :) This one's a bit sadder but I hope you'll like it :) Reviews make my day (hint hint) xD

After coming upstairs Carson only learned that the Dowager Countess invited herself to dinner again. Going downstairs again, he remembered last night and their talk. They said that they would help each other when needed. And Mrs. Hughes was obviously in need of some help, even though she would never admit that as long as she is a housekeeper. Maybe not anyone could see it, but spending so much time with her made him perceptive of little details regarding her and her well-being, as well as his from her side.

Making his mind up he went straight to her sitting room, although he needed to tell Mrs. Patmore about one additional mouth at the table, but that could wait. Nearing her door he readied himself for a lot of persuading to be done. He made their usual three-tap knock and opened the door. What he found inside, however, was not what he could have expected or was ready to see.

She was sitting on her settee, staring at the flames dancing in the fireplace. The look on her face was completely blank, but you could easily tell from her eyes that she was crying a short time ago. Seeing her, his always strong housekeeper, like this was enough to tell Carson that no matter what would happen to the household at the moment, he wouldn't care and wouldn't leave her alone, with something that had caused so much grief to her.

Without a second thought, he closed the door behind him quietly and came nearer the settee. She didn't seem to notice him. However her eyes then rose to look at him. When their eyes met, the blankness in her eyes changed to sadness and then, strangely, to anger.

"You should know better than come in uninvited, Mr. Carson." Her voice was harsh but seemed not to carry the venom when she was really angry.

"Well.. I did knock. I assumed you were working and.." After mentioning work the look in her eyes changed again.

"Well you assumed incorrectly. However, I must really get to work. Now, if you'll excuse me, Mr. Carson…" She was obviously trying to make him leave, but Charles saw and understood the defensive tactic he used numerous times when trying to avoid talking about what happened or unwanted topics.

"No, Mrs. Hughes, I won't." He registered her surprised look at his harsh tone. "Mrs. Hughes, have you forgotten what you told me yesterday?" This was answered by a simple shake of the head as if telling to continue. "Because you said that we are friends. And friends help each other. And I can clearly see that you are worrying and need help. At least tell me what's wrong." She looked at him intently and instead of an answer only gave him a note, that Carson hadn't noticed she was clutching before. He took the note and read it quickly.

"Oh Mrs, Hughes. I'm so very sorry." The letter contained only a couple of sentences but it was enough to tell the receiver that their sister had died. Mrs. Hughes was again looking at the fireplace but instead of blankness her face now conveyed every emotion she felt. She was trembling and tears were streaming down her face.

Carson felt as if something knocked the air out of his lungs. He knew that they were close, maybe not the closest of sisters, but had loved each other very much. Seeing Mrs. Hughes breaking in front of him made Charles feel like a fish out of water. She was usually the one who knew how to comfort people. He didn't know what to do. The only coherent thought was to show her that she wasn't alone. And he did just that.

Elsie Hughes was feeling as if somebody had suddenly turned off the light. Right now she wanted to cry and shout and run and hide at the same time, because the only person she called family was gone. She was alone. Suddenly she felt how two strong hands enveloped her in a tight hug. That was the last thing she expected from the always prim and proper butler. Earlier today when she landed on him in the kitchen corridor she felt the same two hands around herself and instantly felt safe. She ran before she could make a fool of herself and start crying right there. But right now, feeling those hands holding her again she couldn't care less about how she might look or what somebody could think. She simply clutched him tighter and cried.

Silent sobs rocked Mrs. Hughes body as Charles held her. He knew it was wrong to feel that way, and especially now, but holding her felt so good and natural that he couldn't help it.

After a long time her sobs ceased but she still clutched him close for some time. Neither said anything. One letting the other know that they weren't alone and that they were there for them, and the other drawing the strength they needed from the hug they shared.

TBC

Next time we'll hear from the Dowager, so stay tuned