Chapter 10- Carson and Lady Mary
May 1891
Carson walked swiftly through the marble hallway behind the staircase. The new butler gave a brief glance out the large windows that overlooked the back of the estate. A flutter of movement caught his eye and he stepped off his intended path and went to the door leading out to the stone veranda. He spotted Lady Downton lying on the chaise, a blanket over her and in a deep sleep. The bassinet near her moved slightly and the little fist whose movement first caused him to pause reached up to the sky and waved. The infant's murmuring was building in intensity and Carson suspected she would only take being ignored for only so much longer before a full blown wail escaped her.
Walking to the bassinet he peered in and smiled at her furrowed brow and angry scowl. Lady Mary had already proven that she would not be put aside, usually demanding the attention of the adults around her. She grunted loudly when Carson's face hovered over her own.
"Now, now Lady Mary, your Mama is sleeping. We must be mindful not to make too much noise." Carson said softly, reaching in and allowing the tiny girl to grasp his finger.
The baby's clear brown eyes never left his face but her lips screwed into a grimace and she shrieked at him. Looking quickly to see that Lady Downton stirred but remained asleep, Carson made the quick decision to scoop up the red faced child before she could get any louder. Cradling the baby in his arms, he bounced slightly, the way he had seen Nanny do it. Lady Mary's face became more tranquil at the movement and she sighed contentedly.
"See, you needn't make a great big fuss! All you need to do is ask nicely and you shall be picked up." Carson cooed at the baby.
"I'm afraid demanding attention is a family trait she's inherited from her grandmother." Lord Downton said quietly, coming up behind Carson.
"Excuse me Lord Downton. I was passing by and the young lady was about to make a fuss and I thought it best to try and calm her before she woke Lady Downton." Carson stood straighter, hoping his actions wouldn't seem improper.
"Thank you Carson. It's been quite a challenge for Lady Downton since Nanny left so suddenly. She needs her rest." Robert commented. He had to hide the smirk that threatened to pull at his lips as he watched his former valet standing with the small baby in his large arms, looking suddenly uncomfortable.
"I can take over from here. But beware; you seem to have a certain touch with Lady Mary so we may be calling on your skills in the future!" Robert chuckled as he took his daughter into his arms.
Mary looked at her father so seriously that Robert couldn't help but make silly faces at the infant, hoping for the tiny smile she had so recently discovered. She did it more often for Cora, and he couldn't say that he blamed her. Walking over to his still slumbering wife, he stroked away an errant curl that had found its way over her cheek. In this quiet moment, Robert felt an ease he was unaccustomed to and he let the warmth of it wash over him.