The shock of meeting with her ladyship had left her breathless. Her American ways of thinking had at times been shocking but this was something entirely new. Elsie was to take a trip with Mr. Carson to the sea side. An entire week as a gesture of thanks for their adaptability in the past months, they were to stay in a fine Hotel and dine out each night as a gift from his lordship, In exchange they were to report back to her ladyship the quality of the location and if they thought it would be a suitable location for their summer trip next year. Both His lordship and Mr. Carson had already agreed to the scheme. Well if they had agreed she would have to go along no matter how unorthodox.
Elsie was pondering the strange offer she was just given. It just seemed so strange to her she couldn't understand why they would be offered such a trip. "I've nothing sutiable to wear!" Elsie began to panic they were to leave in just five days and all of the work would have to be handled who was going to take care of the orders and bookkeeping while they were gone? Taking a few deep breaths she calmed herself down and went to search for Anna and Ms. Baxter.
Finding both Anna and Ms. Baxter in the boot room Elsie sighed with relief quickly sliding in and closing the door quickly behind her. Anna looked up from the table when she heard the door close. Seeing the look of panic drawn over Mrs. Hughes' face she quickly put down the rag and polish. "What is it? What's wrong?" She asked moving closer to the housekeeper. Ms. Baxter who also noticed the door close and the panicked look on the housekeepers face produced a stool "here sit down" she insisted putting her hand on Mrs. Hughes shoulder and guiding her to sit.
Goodness Elsie thought I'm actually sweating!.
"Well what has happened?" Anna asked.
Elsie explained the bizar trip she was going to be going on in just five short days. "I'll need some proper clothes." She stated "when will I ever find the time?" she muttered " A week at the beach….. I can hardly wear my uniform… and I'll need something sutiable to wear out in the evening… I don't even know where to begin."
Ms. Baxter smiled a small knowing smile, for she was in on the plan. "Fortunately Her ladyship has given me a half day tomorrow and we could go into Thrisk together in the morning if you would like."
" Oh that would be wonderful" Elsie smiled up at her in relief.
"Do you think Mr. Carson might finally reveal his feelings while you're on this trip, maybe make a proper proposal?" Anna would have never been so bold if the door had been open. Elsie blushed deeply and waved her hand at Anna. Elsie had hoped that this was just some elaborate ruse Charles had thought of to get the two of them alone together for a week, to finally make that proper proposal he had promised before he had left for America all those months ago with his lordship.
"Oh I would hope so" Ms. Baxter jumped in jolting Elsie from her internal thoughts. "an entire week at the sea side, very romantic if you ask me." She smiled.
"Yes well enough of that talk" Elsie stood from the stool and moved towards the door. "Ms. Baxter I would love for you to accompany me to town tomorrow."