Mr Carson's Retirement
A cool draft of air was the first thing Charles felt. He snuggled closer into the warm covers, rolling to one side, unconsciously searching for the heat of the body laid beside him. When he only found empty sheets he began to stir. He wasn't ready to open his eyes and begin the day. He knew it was still early, his body had become so conditioned to measuring time over the years, that he could determine it was well before his usual six o'clock waking time. He rolled onto his side completely and stretched his arm out over Elsie's side of the bed. She definitely wasn't there. He sighed and slowly allowed his eyelids to flutter open, his face still buried in the pillow to protect his eyes from the early morning light. He blinked his eyes open properly as he heard the bedroom door open.
Elsie's dressing gown clad back appeared first, before she turned, a tray of tea in her hands. She smiled at him as noticed his sleepy face watching her.
'Morning' she said, her voice still husky with sleep. He sat up, taking the tray from her to allow her to climb back into bed. He pressed a kiss to her cheek as she sat beside him, their shoulders touching.
'Morning, love' he whispered as he began to pour the tea. He splashed some onto the tray and let out a huff. He persevered and filled both cups. He took his and shakily placed it on his bedside cabinet. Elsie lifted the tray onto the chest of drawers on her side and took her cup, leaning further into Charlie's shoulder as she did so.
Charlie sighed and took a sip of his tea. He rested the cup and saucer in his lap and rested his head against the top of Elise's.
'I'm not sure I'm ready for today' he reflected sadly. Elsie took a sip of her own tea.
'I know, but we'll get you through it' she reassured him. He sighed heavily again, sadness etched across his face. She took his hand in hers and ran her thumb lovingly across the back of it. 'It's going to be a big change, I know that is going to be hard for you. Remember though, whatever happens, tonight, we can be sat here just like this again. Just you and me.'
Eventually, having finished their tea, they began to wash and dress for the day. Elsie buttoning Charlie's shirt and straightening his tie. He smiled at her as she did this. He didn't really need her to. When he wasn't exhausted he had enough control over his hands. He was, however, beginning to like the little things she did for him. They no longer signalled what he couldn't do himself, but rather that she loved him and wanted to take care of him.
They walked hand in hand up to the abbey, arriving in time join the other staff for breakfast. To Elsie's delight, Anna had brought baby William to breakfast. Once her toast had been consumed, Elsie had demanded her quota of cuddles in order to allow Anna to enjoy her own breakfast. She wasn't really back at work, but Anna had been taking her meals at the abbey and spending her afternoons with various members of the staff and on occasion Lady Mary.
'Right' Charles began, standing up. 'Today's going to be busy, if we want to be finished in time for the dinner this evening.' He gave a slight grunt at this, he hadn't entirely agreed with the plan, it went against almost every rule in his book. 'Everything should run as normal this morning, however, after the upstairs luncheon I will need all footman and hall boys upstairs to set out the tables in the main hall' he continued. 'Mrs Patmore, I trust you have everything organised for the dinner?'
'Have I ever let you down yet, Mr Carson?' she replied. He raised an eyebrow. 'Besides the salty pudding, which I promise isn't on the menu!'
'I'll need all maids in the hall from about two o'clock' Mrs Hughes continued, 'And Miss Baxter, I'll need to run over a few things with you once you've seen to Her Ladyship this morning'.
'Of course, Mrs Hughes' she replied, before quickly rising from her chair at the sound of the bell for Lord and Lady Grantham's bedroom.
The morning passed quickly and much to Charles' disappointment, he had barely seen his wife. Each time he went to her sitting room she was either not there, or deep in conversation with another member of the staff. He knew they would most likely miss their usual afternoon tea together with the busy day ahead of them and had hoped to find time in the morning instead, but no such luck.
She smiled lovingly at him as they sat down to lunch.
'You've been busy' he noted as they began eating the sandwiches in front of them.
'I know, I don't think I've had a moment's peace since breakfast' she replied, taking a bite. 'We're you trying to catch me for something?' she asked.
'Not really, just hoping for a cup of tea and five minutes. I imagine we won't get time later' he noted, sadly.
Before long, they were busy again. Charles serving the upstairs lunches and Elsie organising maids with table linens and hall boys with tables. Lord Grantham had arranged for a party in the main hall in the evening. It was somewhat unorthodox, but both he and the family had agreed that they wanted to honour Charles' retirement together. They had been unanimous in their insistence to hold a party for their butler, as had the rest of the staff. Finally, Charles had given in and agreed to allow them to do what they wanted, however uncomfortable he felt about maids and footmen eating alongside the Dowager Countess.
Over the course of the afternoon, tables were erected in the main hall, cloths were spread over them and chairs were ordered around the tables. Charles observed as Mr Barrow organised proceedings. One of the tactics both Lord Grantham and Elsie had used to persuade him to have the party had been the opportunity for Barrow to have an event to practice on before he became butler in his own right.
The dinner itself was not entirely to Charles taste, but a buffet had been the most practical solution which would allow everyone to enjoy the evening's celebration. A long line of tables ran across the middle of the hall, crisp white table cloths covered them. Another table had been set up beside the staircase and was heaving with food. Mrs Patmore had ensured that many of Charles' favourites were among them, for which he was grateful.
He was now sat at the end of the table, Lady Mary and George to his left, Andy and Miss Baxter to his right. Elsie was at the table of food, chatting happily to Mrs Patmore.
'Are you enjoying yourself then, Carson?' Mary asked. She had been watching the butler gazing at his wife's back for several minutes and had already shared a knowing smile with Miss Baxter.
'I'm not sure I was ever going to enjoy this, Milady, no matter how wonderful the party' he replied. 'But I'm grateful for everyone's efforts certainly, I didn't expect this much fuss to be honest'.
'Of course we wanted to make a fuss, Carson. You know how much you mean to all of us' she said with a smile. 'Have you got any plans for you retirement yet?' she asked. 'Besides keeping us all in check'. He laughed.
'I doubt you'll need too much of my help' he said with a smile. 'Mrs Hughes and I bought a small house last year. We'd intended to live in it and rent out the other rooms as a sort of guest house, but that's not really going to work now. We're going to let it instead so I need to oversee the final works. The estate workmen have done most of it, just a bit of decorating left'.
'It sounds like you'll be very busy then. I'm sure Mrs Hughes has plans for the rest of your time?' she teased.
'She hasn't given me my list yet, but I expect so'.
'I imagine it will be strange not working together every day'. Miss Baxter noted. The butler suddenly looked desperately sad.
'I'd have never agreed to retire if it meant leaving her'. He said, hoarsely. He then stood quickly and made a muffled excuse about apple pie and headed in the direction of the food table. Lady Mary smiled sadly Miss Baxter and Andy.
'He really loves her doesn't he' Mary observed.
'They really love each other' Miss Baxter noted. 'I did wonder when I first arrived here if they were married, before I'd been introduced properly. It was obvious afterwards that there wasn't anything going on. Then they held hands in the sea on Brighton beach and I gave up trying to work them out.'
'But that was ages ago, after Rose's season wasn't it?' Mary asked, Miss Baxter nodded. 'Heavens'.
'Anna said that was why they'd chosen to go to Scarborough for their honeymoon, the nearest bit of seaside'. She explained.
'Oh how lovely' Mary said. 'I didn't have him down as a romantic'.
'He had Mrs Patmore teaching him to bake cakes before Christmas' Andy offered with a smile. 'He wanted to surprise her on Christmas Eve'. Mary opened her mouth in slight shock and shook her head, tears springing to her eyes. She looked back at her greatest champion and second father and smiled. She had been worried about him before now, how he'd cope in retirement, but she suspected she no longer needed to worry. It was clear he would channel his energy into making the woman he loved happy.
Charles had reached his wife's side, by the table and gently rested his hand against her back. He gave her a weak smile.
'Is there any of that apple tart, Mrs Patmore?' he asked the cook stood beside his wife.
'Given that it was the only thing you would tell me you wanted, it would have been rather unfair of me not to make you one'. She said, reaching for a bowl and a knife and cutting him a slice.
'You'd better cut a second piece. I'd like to borrow my wife for a minute. I think it's about time she took a break'. Elsie's eyes snapped to him, ready to argue. 'I selfishly want your company, I am not suggesting anything else!' he said defensively, before taking both dishes from Mrs Patmore and gesturing towards the table.
They sat together quietly for several moments, enjoying their first mouthfuls of pie.
'Are you enjoying the party?' Elsie asked him eventually.
'Just about' he replied between mouthfuls. She didn't press him further, she didn't want to upset him in front of everyone. She suspected the surprise she had planned for later on would do that. Instead she gazed round the room. It was clear the others were enjoying themselves.
'Do you suppose there is anything going on we should know about between Mr Mason and Mrs Patmore?' he asked suddenly. She looked at him surprised, then followed his gaze to the cook and farmer who were laughing together by the food.
'I'd be disappointed if there wasn't. They clearly like each other' she explained.
'Let's hope they move at a faster pace than us then' he said. She chuckled.
'Glaciers move at a faster pace than us, love' she teased. He turned to smile at her and she giggled. 'Come here' she said, reaching for a napkin. 'You've got custard on your chin'. She rested her hand against his cheek and wiped the slightly yellow mixture from his face.
'My rapid decline into old age is complete' he said with a dry laugh.
'It's the custard' she said, putting the napkin down and stroking her fingers against the sleeve of his jacket. 'I hate to say it, but you've been doing that for decades. I suspect it has more to do with your fondness for apple tart and custard than senility'.
Very efficiently, Thomas had ensured everyone had a glass in their hand, before giving a nod to Lord Grantham who stood. He tapped his spoon against the edge of his glass. Both Elsie and Charles looked up from each other, her hand reluctantly leaving his arm.
'Ladies and gentleman, if I could have your attention for a moment' he began. 'I'd like to invite Mr Carson to join me' he looked pointedly at the butler, who stood slowly and made his way towards the earl. To his slight surprise, his wife followed him. He didn't mind though, he'd rather have her with him. 'Now, Carson' Robert began again. 'I know you're not going to like this, but I feel it very necessary to say a few words' Charles laughed and shook his head. 'I must have been about ten when you first came to Downton and I remember being thoroughly disappointed that no matter what I tried, I couldn't get you to shift your perfect stoic expression at dinner. Or ever' the crowd chuckled. 'I had never met a footman so dedicated and so determined not to let me distract them or fall victim to my many pranks'.
A broad smile had spread over the dowager countess' face and Lady Rosamunde chuckled to herself. 'Carson, I can't imagine what Downton is going to be like without you at the helm. Together we've faced every challenge and every change, not always willingly on both our parts, I'll admit. However, I have never doubted that the house and this family were safe in your capable hands. I'm very grateful for everything you have done for us. I'm also glad that you will still be here to help us face this new era. Thank you, it's certainly not going to be the same without you'. He said, full of heartfelt emotion. 'I'd like everyone to raise their glasses to Mr Carson, the finest butler we will ever know'.
'Mr Carson!' the crowd said simultaneously.
'Now' Robert continued. 'I'm not the only one who has something they'd like to say, and it certainly seems only fitting that the second toast should be yours, Mrs Carson'. He raised his glass to her and she smiled. Charles' eyes snapped to his wife and he raised an eyebrow. She laughed.
'I'm afraid so' she chuckled. 'I counted back the other day and I've been at Downton for twenty-seven years, three months and two days. Which means that as long as I have known you. As the longest serving member of staff behind you, it seems only fair that I get to do this' she continued, a broad smile spread across her face as she did so. 'Someone warned me before took the job as head housemaid that I should be wary of Downton's butler. She said he was nice enough, but she said I should never speak out of turn. That he was a consummate perfectionist and that if things weren't done the proper way I would certainly know about it' the crowd chuckled, some slightly knowing glances being passed about. 'And so I arrived at the back door, very late one evening, soaking wet, very grumpy, brewing a cold and exceptionally late because of several cancelled trains. Suffice to say, the butler who answered the door wasn't overly impressed with my state. I concluded that night that she was right. I believe cantankerous, inconsiderate and ill-tempered were the words that sprung to mind. But very quickly' she continued, catching the flash of hurt that ran across his face. 'I learned that he wasn't like that at all. By the time I was housekeeper a year later, I had discovered a very kind, very considerate man. Everything he does is to uphold the reputation of the house and family he works for. His determination to get things right is about the pride he takes in his work and his love for his job. I feel very honoured to have worked alongside that man all this time. You've made me a better housekeeper and a better person for it. And I'm very glad that in that time I've had the privilege of calling you my friend. If today meant saying goodbye to that permanently I'm not sure I could cope. I'm the happiest and luckiest' her eyes twinkled at her words, echoing his own on their wedding day, 'because you fell in love with me and I am so very glad I have the privilege of being your wife. Thank you Mr Carson, for the last twenty-seven years' she raised her glass, the crowds response came this time, with not a single dry eye. 'And I hope you know I have the same expectations as you commence you career as butler of my house' she teased, the crowd laughing.
Charles stared at her with a helpless smile as their friends and employers began to talk amongst themselves again. He leant in and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips, not caring that the entire staff and family still had one eye trained on them.
'I'm not sure what to make of that speech' he said, with a small smile. She reached up and caressed his cheek.
'I love you. Thank you for being my greatest ally, colleague, confidant and friend. There's no one else I'd want to spend the rest of my life with'. This time she kissed him.
From the other side of the room Cora watched the couple interact. A hand slipped into hers and she smiled at her husband.
'I was worried about him retiring on New Year's Eve. He looked so defeated' Robert said.
'I think they're going to be just fine, darling' Cora replied, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. Robert nodded.
'How long do you suppose she'll keep working without him?' Robert asked.
'I have a sneaking suspicion that she's already training Miss Baxter up to take over' Cora confessed. 'I don't imagine it will be long. They deserve a happy retirement together after looking after us for all these years'. Robert nodded in agreement.
Mary sat beside her husband, her hand resting against the slight curve her stomach had begun to take.
'I didn't realise how much they loved each other when they married' Mary said to Henry, tilting her head in the direction of the Carson's. 'I mean, I knew they were fond of one another, they've run this house so seamlessly they had to be. But they are completely devoted aren't they?'
'They are. Do you suppose they ever… before they were married?' Henry asked in a low whisper. Mary laughed.
'This is Carson we're talking about' she whispered back.
'No, I imagine not'.
'I assumed it was all about companionship when they announced the engagement, I'd never seen anything to suggest otherwise. It's so obvious now that they adore each other. It's like they've been husband and wife but not married all this time. They know each other so well'.
Henry had slipped his arm around her back as she had been talking.
'I'd like that for us one day' she said, smiling at him.
'Your wish is my command' Henry replied.
Charlie and Elsie had drifted apart slightly. They were still stood side by side, but they had needed to put a little distance between themselves, two kisses was probably sufficient for the middle of the hallway. Elsie had baby William in her arms and she was happily chatting to him. She had been delighted to discover only moments ago that he was beginning learn to smile.
'Would you like another glass, Mr Carson?' Mr Barrow was asking Charles.
'Er, yes, thank you Mr Barrow' he replied. 'I hope you've had some too, you can't be on duty all night, with the rest of us slacking'.
'You would never slack, Mr Carson' Thomas replied honestly and they both smiled.
'I wanted to say thank you' Charles said to him after a moment's thought and a sip of his drink. 'The last two weeks you have shown me how capable you really are. I… I feel very happy to leave Downton in your capable hands. I know you will take good care of it. I've not found the last few weeks easy and I appreciate how well you've handled things. I am proud of you, Thomas and I wish you the very best of luck'.
'Thank you, Mr Carson. That means more than you could ever know' Thomas replied, huskily. 'I'm very grateful for everything I've ever learned from you. I know I haven't always shown it, but I truly mean it'.