A/N I'm posting two chapters at once, so please find the next chapter immediately following this one. I really hope everyone is still liking my story. Reviews seem to be dropping off somewhat; I'm hoping that doesn't mean people have given up on me. We're nearly at the end now. Please stay with me for a few more chapters! Thank you for your loyalty!

Chapter 21

Charles was in a foul mood. He really had no right to be cross, but he was. In less than twenty-four hours, Elsie would be his bride, and that thought should have made him deliriously happy.

The two weeks since his proposal and her acceptance had been spent in eager anticipation and excitement. They had spent their days doing their usual work, but in the less busy moments, Elsie had, on occasion, found her way to Charles's pantry to claim a mid-day kiss. And Charles had, once or twice, sought her out during the afternoons while she was checking over the upstairs rooms, and finding her completely alone, had swept her into his arms and reminded her how much he loved her. They had spent their evenings together, as usual, and had talked joyously of their marriage and their future together while they drank their wine or tea. They had sat closer together, had held hands, and had embraced each other freely. The goodnight kisses, while still proper and decent, had been glorious. After having spent two decades employing every ounce of restraint they could muster, they were still overjoyed at just being able to touch each other at all.

The reason for his ill spirits, however, was his concern for the well-being of Downton over the next few days while he and Elsie would be away. Their new room in the house was ready, but they wanted to enjoy their privacy in the beginning, and so they had decided to spend their wedding night and the next night at the Grantham Arms. Having both the butler and housekeeper gone from the house for two days required some planning and preparation.

In Charles's absence, Mr. Barrow would be acting as butler. Charles was not at all comfortable with leaving the under-butler in charge and asked Mr. Bates to keep a close eye on things. Elsie, on the other hand, felt perfectly at ease leaving her keys and her duties in Anna's capable and trustworthy hands. Having spent the afternoon reviewing the arrangements with Anna, Elsie felt confident that everything was in order. Charles, however, had no such confidence in Mr. Barrow's abilities or his intentions. Nevertheless, he had little choice in the matter.

Now, to worsen his already sour disposition, he had just been informed that he was to be bundled off after dinner by the downstairs men to the tavern at the Grantham Arms for some celebratory libations. He had agreed to go only because Elsie had said he should and because Mr. Bates seemed to be coordinating the effort. Mr. Bates was nothing if not sensible, and Charles knew that the valet would not be drinking any alcohol. Charles assured himself that between the two of them, they would certainly be able to maintain order and decorum among the younger men. But he would have preferred to spend a quiet evening with Elsie.

And so it was that a reluctant Charles found himself sitting at a table at the Grantham Arms, nursing his drink and talking with Mr. Bates, while the younger men wandered around, talking with acquaintances or flirting with the barmaids.

"Mr. Carson, I can't tell you how pleased we all are for you and Mrs. Hughes. We have great respect for you both, and I can't think of two people better suited to each other," said the Earl's valet sincerely. "Except perhaps for Anna and myself, of course," he added with an affectionate smile.

"Thank you, Mr. Bates, truly," replied Charles. "You and Anna do seem very content together, and I hope that Mrs. Hughes and I shall be as happy."

"I'm sure you shall be," Mr. Bates affirmed with cheerful conviction. "You and Mrs. Hughes have cared for each other with such devotion for so many years that it seems only fitting and natural for you to now confirm with vows the attachment that has always been in your hearts."

Charles was so genuinely moved by Mr. Bates's words that he was unsure at first how to respond, marveling at the man's profound assessment of the situation, which mirrored his own feelings. He supposed this insight was due to the fact that Mr. Bates and his beloved Anna had also spent a good number of years as loyal friends and trusted colleagues before they were married.

Charles was spared the need to answer when some raised voices at the bar attracted their attention. It seemed that James and Alfred were involved in some sort of dispute with a local man. It appeared to be getting rather heated, and Charles was about to get up to intervene when Mr. Bates stayed him with a hand on his arm and pointed to Mr. Barrow, who was walking determinedly toward the scene. Charles and Mr. Bates watched, dumbstruck, as Mr. Barrow deftly defused the tensions within a few moments. Mr. Bates shook his head and smiled, remarking, "Will wonders never cease?!"

Perhaps the Abbey won't fall apart without me, after all! thought Charles, uncertain whether to feel relief or disappointment at that idea.