A/N I don't really like Lady Mary, but like Carson (and Anna), I do see potential in her, and some redeeming qualities. It seems she does have genuine affection and concern for a few people, Carson and Anna among them. The only time she ever behaves as a human being is when she interacts with them. I hope I haven't stretched things beyond belief with her in this chapter.

I have truly enjoyed reading every single review I've received. Thank you, particularly to my faithful reviewers who send me their thoughts with every chapter. I like knowing what you think. Please, please, please, keep it up! And I'd also love to hear from some of you who haven't shared anything yet. I get excited every time I hear from someone new.

Chapter 7

Charles was off in another world. His daydreams involved Mrs. Hughes, as they usually did, except that now his dreams seemed so much closer to becoming reality. For weeks now, they had been holding hands. He had been putting his arm around her during those precious evenings when they were able to steal away together to their bench. He had held her in his arms. Well, almost. One arm at a time, really, depending on which side he sat on. But still …

"Carson? Carson!" Her Ladyship's voice interrupted his thoughts, and Charles remembered suddenly that he was supposed to be serving the ladies their tea. He realized that he had been standing, staring off into space, grinning like a fool.

"I beg your pardon, M'Lady. I was momentarily distracted. I do apologize. It won't happen again," Charles spluttered, embarrassed by his inattention.

"Well, whatever it was, at least it must have been a very pleasant distraction, judging by your smile," commented Lady Mary, smiling herself and seeming genuinely happy for Charles.

"Indeed!" Lady Edith chimed in. "What is it, Carson? You've been uncharacteristically chipper lately. I don't think I've ever seen you smile so much. Is there something going on that we should know about?"

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean … " began Charles awkwardly, before Lady Mary inserted herself to try to save him.

"Really, Edith!" Lady Mary scoffed. "Can't a man just be happy without your suspecting something sinister?"

Charles gave her a slight nod and a meaningful look in thanks, but his ordeal was not yet over.

"No, I think Edith may be right," insisted the Countess. "You have been unusually cheery, Carson. Last night at dinner, Alfred dropped the serving fork, and you didn't even scold him! What's going on?"

"Why, nothing is going on, M'Lady. Nothing at all!" Charles declared, a little too vehemently perhaps, and this time is was Old Lady Grantham who came to his rescue.

"Dear me, Cora! You really do have a nose for intrigue! A dropped piece of silverware, a foregone reprimand, and you smell a juicy story! I'm sure Carson merely wanted to spare the poor boy any embarrassment and spoke to him later, in private. Isn't that right, Carson?" the Dowager asked.

"Indeed, M'Lady," replied Charles, giving the older woman the same look of gratitude he had just given her eldest granddaughter. Her Ladyship and Lady Edith might have been fishing for gossip, but at least he had some allies in the room. Unfortunately, Lady Rose was not one of them.

"Well, I may be new here, but I do know one reason a man might be in such good spirits. Carson, have you got yourself a lady friend? Come on, you can tell us!" Lady Rose urged with great energy and enthusiasm.

Charles nearly dropped the teacup he was refilling. The young Lady Rose certainly was very forward. It took great self-control for him to appear calm. "No, M'Lady … Of course not … I … There's nothing at all … " he stammered.

"Oh, no, Rose, dear," the Dowager Countess interjected, apparently sensing his discomfort and taking pity on him. "In all the years he has been with us, no woman has been able to win the heart or even turn the head of our esteemed Butler. You see, besides being completely devoted to our house and family, he has the highest standards in every regard. I don't know if any woman could ever be good enough for our dear Carson," Old Lady Grantham concluded with no hint of sarcasm, looking not at Rose, but directly at Charles.

"Thank you, M'Lady. That is high praise, indeed." Charles acknowledged her compliment, genuinely touched. The Dowager had always supported him, but never had he been more appreciative than he was just now.

"Well, I must be off," said the older lady, finishing her tea. "Carson, will you have you the motor brought round?"

"Of course, M'Lady. Right away," Charles assented and stepped out of the room. He sent a footman to find the chauffeur. He also arranged for Mr. Barrow to finish serving the ladies their tea. Then he took a moment to catch his breath and compose himself before returning to face the ladies.

He found the Dowager already rising and quickly moved to assist her. She said her goodbyes to the younger women, and he began to escort her out.

"I'll see you off, Granny," offered Lady Mary, who then joined them.

Once the three were near the front door, Old Lady Grantham told Charles, "Carson, you mustn't be too upset by Lady Rose's impertinence. She is young and brash. She speaks without thinking."

"It's quite all right, M'Lady. She is a young Lady of this house and may speak as she wishes," Charles answered while helping her into her coat.

"Yes, well, she may be a Lady, but to speak as one wishes rather than as one ought is not ladylike at all," commented Lady Mary as they walked out to the waiting car.

"Indeed!" agreed her grandmother. "One would almost think her American! Any way, you must think nothing of it, Carson. If you are indeed happy, then we are glad for you. Never mind the reason."

"Thank you, M'Lady. That is most kind," Charles replied earnestly, helping her into the car.

"Goodbye, Granny," said Lady Mary.

The Dowager waved, and Charles closed the car door. Then he followed Lady Mary back into the house.

"Carson, Granny is right. You must pay no mind to Mama and the girls. They're all just silly gossips, that's all. They mean no harm," she told him when they were just inside the front door.

"No harm was done, M'Lady. Think nothing of it," Charles assured her.

"There was a time, not too long ago," Lady Mary admitted, "when I would have joined them in their coaxing and prodding. I'm ashamed to admit that I used to be more concerned about lurid bits of gossip than I was about other people's welfare." She sighed and continued wistfully, "But if one good thing has come of Matthew's passing, it has taught me that people should seek out and embrace what happiness they may, whenever and wherever they find it. And far be it from me to begrudge others that joy if they are fortunate enough to find it. Since my own happiness has been so greatly diminished, I take solace in the good fortune of others. And so, Carson, if you do have cause to be especially happy, then I am truly delighted for you."

"I don't know what to say, M'Lady," he said weakly, truly moved by her selflessness. "That you should concern yourself about me at all in the midst of your present sorrows… Well, I am touched."

Before the conversation got too serious, Lady Mary lightened the mood by teasing good-naturedly, "I'm also very pleased for Mrs. Hughes. Our stoic Scot seems a bit more light-hearted herself these days. Yesterday, I heard her actually humming in the Blue Room. If there's any hint of truth in what Cousin Rose says about your having a lady friend, I wonder if Mrs. Hughes hasn't found herself a nice gentleman, too. She's not easily impressed, but if he's got our somber housekeeper smiling and laughing so freely … Well, her gentleman must be quite marvelous indeed." Then she gave him a knowing smirk and returned to her tea, leaving Charles with wide eyes and a gaping mouth.