Chapter 4: Nana

With Her Ladyship and the girls taking tea at the Dower House, it had been a rare slow day, Elsie admitted as she walked down the corridor towards the bizarre sight. But it hasn't been that slow. "Mr. Carson, I am afraid to ask what you are about."

"Then perhaps you should not ask, Mrs. Hughes. I should think it's very obvious what I am doing." She forgave his initial shortness because she could see he was very frustrated. "You've eyes, have you not?"

"I have, Mr. Carson, but right now, my eyes are telling me that you are attempting to tie a lace cap onto the dog's head. So I do not trust my eyes at the moment." Simultaneously, they dropped their over serious demeanors and laughed. "And what part is poor Pharaoh to play in your children's story?" She walked past the kneeling butler and came to stand beside the surprisingly accommodating dog.

"Multiple roles, Mrs. Hughes. For one, he will protect me from Miss Randall."

"Good dog." Mrs. Hughes said quietly and patted the yellow lab appreciatively.

"And, he will be playing the role of Nana, the Saint Bernard who is governess to the children of the play."

"A Saint Bernard governess?"

"Yes, the girls were also skeptical of a dog for a governess, so I have to show them that it is possible."

"Well, I suppose it would keep costs down." After the other night, Elsie would have preferred a dog or even a cat over the current governess. "If only Miss Randall would be content to be paid in kibble and table scraps."

"If only." He laughed, finally finished tying the bow at the dog's chin. He leaned back and admired the effect.

"I really am beginning to doubt this author of yours, Mr. Carson. Even if he is a Scot."

"Well, I believe he lives in London, so perhaps he has lost his natural born commonsense." Dissatisfied with how the cap was sitting, Carson began to fuss with the ribbons again. "They say his work is highly autobiographical."

"A story about fairies, pirates and canine governesses is based on his own life?"

"Not literally, I would hope. I believe it's based more on how he sees the world. The play's full name is 'Peter Pan: the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up.' Mr. Barrie's narrative voice is precisely that of a boy who never properly grew up. He has a childlike ability to see the natural absurdity in every situation. At least in the two works that I've read."

"And what else have you read by him?"

"It's called 'The Little White Bird.' It's an absurd little book, but it was enjoyable. There is a Saint Bernard in it as well, named Porthos. The main character treats him like a child. Even buying him toys."

"Toys? For a dog? That is absurd. What kind of toys would a dog enjoy?"

"He buys dolls or wooden soldiers; anything that can be carried about in the dog's mouth. Apparently, the dog eats the toys and then gets sad when he can't find them, so his owner goes to buy more and tells the shop girls it's for a child." Carson chuckled and shook his head. "I'm not doing the story justice. It's very cleverly written. I believe I laughed out loud when I read the part about the depressed dog looking for his toy. His master didn't want to tell him the truth because it would hurt his feelings to know that he'd eaten it. You may borrow the book if you like."

"Is it not in the library?"

"No. Lady Rosamund made me a gift of it as thanks for reading the play to the girls."

"That was very thoughtful of her."

"It was."

"And how did she know to send it to you? She sent the play to the girls, did she not?"

"No. She sent both the book and the play directly to me. There was a note included for the young Ladies telling them about her plans to treat them to a night at the theatre when they visit."

"But how did she know you would be willing to read it to the girls?"

"Because I read to her when she was a girl, though I was only a hall boy then." Carson was nearly satisfied with how secure the cap was on Pharaoh's head. The dog was nonplussed by the whole business. He was just happy to be fussed over.

"Sometimes I forget how long you've been with the family, Mr. Carson."

"I left a few times, but I've not been able to stay away. I almost left again, when the war started."

This was news to her. "What do you mean?"

"I wanted to go to Africa with His Lordship, but the Army said I was too old. They would not accept me for service."

"You tried to enlist for the war?" She had a bizarre vision of Mr. Carson marching alongside a column of soldiers, dressed in his white tie and tails. Mrs. Hughes felt an inappropriate urge to giggle.

"How else could I look after him?" He asked seriously.

This doused her urge to laugh. He was obviously still ashamed and felt that he'd failed his Earl. "I am sure you've been more help to him here than you could have been in Africa. Without someone he trusts looking after his family, how could Lord Grantham have been expected to focus on staying alive?"

Carson conceded her point reluctantly. "I am certainly glad that he has survived. If he had not…" Carson choked on the words. He had to remind himself that Lord Grantham was safe and was coming home. The years of dreading every telegram were finally over. Nights of worrying that Robert was so far beyond his aid were done. "But he's coming home now. Isn't he boy? " He gave Pharaoh a vigorous scratching and banished the negative thoughts. The dog grunted contentedly.

Carson took Pharaoh's face in his hands and held his jowly face up to Mrs. Hughes. "I think Pharaoh would make an excellent children's nurse. What do you say we greet the young ladies at the front door when they come home?" He asked the dog and patted the dog soundly. "Can you think of any creature more loyal than a dog, Mrs. Hughes?"

She smiled down at the proud butler. "No, Mr. Carson. I cannot," she lied.

TBC...

A/N The Little White Bird is actually a pretty fun read, if you've time to spare. The main character does remind me of Carson in many respects, but I'll try to mention those in the context of the story.

Thank you for the reviews and encouragement. I am glad to hear from those of you who are enjoying it. I am doing a poor job of replying to them, but please know that each one is appreciated. Drop a review down below if you've time. Don't make me beg like a dog;)