Thanks for your reviews and not being too mad at me for the Phyllis/Charles thing. I swear I'm trying to keep it at a minimum.

But I still have a need to explain it in detail (feel free to skip this): In this story, Charles is less stuck in his ways and closer to Beryl, because Elsie isn't there in 1912 and that is exactly what I'm trying to base my characterisation of him on. Without Elsie, there's no one he can talk to freely. He doesn't have that best friend who takes care of him. While this means Beryl is closer to him, she is not the same type of friend Elsie is. She is the one that makes you laugh rather than be sad with you if you get what I mean. And Charles wouldn't tell her the things he'd share with Elsie, because Beryl is a bit of a gossip. Although I believe she is very good at keeping a secret, I'm not convinced Charles would agree with that. He would rather put up with Elsie's teasing which mostly happens when they're alone rather than Beryl's public teasing. So in this story, Charles lacks his best friend and I believe that this results in loneliness. While in canon, I doubt he feels lonely, in this story he does. And when he is catapulted into the future, he was just rebuilding the relationship with Alice which would be an escape to loneliness. But now he finds himself in a very different world to his own where people are more open and he happens to run into a bunch of very welcoming, warm-hearted people. Elsie takes the part she would have taken in the past: His best friend who very slowly develops into a love interest. But we've not reached that point yet. All he sees is a chance to escape this feeling of being alone. And he takes it. He likes Phyllis and she likes him and he understands that relationships in our time are working different, even faster and more intense if you want them to. So he rediscovers his feelings and desires which he repressed for the better part of his life and he likes it. And he likes the feeling of being loved and cherished on a personal basis rather than a job related one. So there he is, together with Phyllis, because he needs to get rid of years of being alone. He has a real family now rather than kind employees and very close friends rather than colleagues. He starts becoming the man he would have become had he been born in 1956 instead of 1856 and he has to become that man fast, because he believes he's stuck and he wants to fit in and not lose these people he met and quickly grew to love. And in the end, this is a Chelsie story, so there will be Chelsie moments and they will get together, because anything else wouldn't be right.

Sorry for this, but I needed to write it off of my chest. And now I hope you still enjoy the chapter. I'll say this: Chelsie on the beach :)

Warning: Green makes an appearance and there is a bit of angst towards the end of the chapter

Charles woke, first becoming aware of the warm body that was pressed against him. The events of last night returned to him and he smiled. Lazily, he opened his eyes, blinked a few times and looked down at Phyllis. She was fast asleep and he had no intentions of waking her. A look at the window let him know that it was still dark outside, so he decided to go back to sleep. When he woke again the sun had set and Phyllis was watching him with a gentle smile crossing her lips. "Morning", she said. He smiled and replied "Morning", propping up on his elbow, wincing at the sudden pain flashing through his head. "My god, I wasn't aware I had drunk that much last night", he groaned.

Phyllis chuckled "Well, I can offer you something for the headache if you like."

"Thank you, I'd appreciate that", he told her, lying back down while she got up and disappeared in the corridor. She returned with a glass of water in which she clearly had put some head powder. He drank it in one go, not very much liking the taste of it, but hoping that he would be rewarded with soon being painless. "Did you sleep well?", he asked her.

"I did and I very much liked waking up in your arms", she told him, lying back down and resting her head on his chest.

"You fell asleep before you could answer me last night, but why were you worried I wouldn't be here when you wake up?", he asked softly.

"Bad experience, that's all", she said.

He kissed her temple and put one arm safely around her middle, realising that she didn't like to talk about it and he wouldn't press her. "What time is it?"

"Around 7:30, why?"

"I just wanted to make sure that it is appropriate to suggest getting back to sleep", he explained, waggling his eyebrows at her playfully.

"It very much is", she assured him, grabbing the blanket and covering them properly with it. Charles hadn't experienced such closeness since he had spent the one and only night with Alice. Curiosity, desire and the assurance that she soon would be his wife had led to it on his side. Their love making had been clumsy and unsure, but at the time he hadn't cared. Looking back now he knew better. With Alice everything had seemed an adventure. With Phyllis it was different. He was older, more experienced and being offered more freedom than his time would possibly ever have. Simon had explained his understanding of a relationship to Charles which – as the historian had pointed out – was essentially what people thought in general about it. Two people don't marry when they hardly know each other. There is so much to find out about a person and to find out if you work together that you need time before you get married. You have got to try life together before you decide to spend all of it with each other. Charles hadn't liked the idea, his thinking influenced by the boundaries of social classes and all the rules and manners he had been taught and had lived by until he had realised that this lay in the past. Emotions were important and people you could share them with too. The more he thought about it the more he agreed. Things worked the way they did in 1912, making him feel lonely and not knowing what else to do about, but ignore it. But here he was offered to work against loneliness, to show emotions and to act on them. He liked Phyllis and wanted to try life with her. It made him feel good to be cuddled to her like that, dressed in nothing but their underwear, she half lying atop of him, her breath caressing his chest, the warmth of her body hugging him. Apart from Beryl – and that was a sibling like relationship – he couldn't think of anyone who liked him rather than the butler or his younger self. No, Beryl had been the only one knowing and liking the person Charles Carson was until he had met Elsie, her family and friends. Although Charles didn't doubt that the Crawleys did care about him in a way, he came to the conclusion that being cared about the way Beryl did and now these people did was worth to him more than he had been aware.

"What's wrong?", Phyllis mumbled into his chest.

"Nothing, why?", he replied.

"You tensed up all of a sudden", she pointed out.

Phyllis was right. Charles hadn't noticed how his brooding had let to him lying awkwardly stiff on his back. "Sorry", he whispered and focused on relaxing.

"What's bothering you?", Phyllis wanted to know.

"Just some silly thoughts", he waved aside.

Phyllis sat up, the blanket sliding down her body revealing her naked… Charles thought of a proper word and his mind settled on upstairs area. Under different circumstances he would have raised his eyebrows at himself, but for the moment he tried to pretend like he wasn't distracted by her body. "Charles, you don't regret this, do you? Because if you do, you can tell me. I'll survive", she said, nervously tugging a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I don't regret this", he assured her. "Why? Do you?", he added worriedly.

"No, no, this is lovely!", she said, stroking his cheek tenderly. "I guess, I just didn't expect any of this."

"I didn't expect it either, but I'm glad it happened." He smiled at her, gently pulling her back into his arms to kiss her deeply.

…

Elsie was in a bit of a grumpy mood and the possibility that it was because Charles still wasn't back from Phyllis' didn't make it better. How she hated feeling strongly about something she didn't want to feel strongly about. It resulted in her making breakfast rather aggressively and abusing the plate with her fork while eating it. She wasn't even aware how Tommy looked at her both confused and a little annoyed because of the shrieking noses she made with her fork on the plate. Finally, he let out an exasperated sigh. "Mum, you'll break the plate if you don't stop."

"Hmm?", Elsie replied, blinking a few times to focus on her surroundings. She looked down at her breakfast and placed the fork on the table. "Sorry", she mumbled.

"Is it because Charles isn't here?", Tommy asked, taking a huge bite of his bacon.

"I don't know", Elsie mumbled, not wanting to talk to her son about the chaos her feelings were.

"You, ehm, like him, don't you?", Tommy asked carefully.

"Maybe, I'm not sure", she replied.

"I like him", Tommy offered. "I'd be okay with you two, I mean."

Elsie stared at him, not sure if she had understood him correctly. She didn't get a chance to think of something to say, because the front door was being opened an Charles walked in, whistling cheerfully and greeting them with a very happy "Morning", before sitting down at the table, taking the newspaper and beginning to read it. His hair was muddled and a shadow lay over his cheeks and chin caused by the short stubbles.

Although Elsie knew the answer, she felt a need to ask anyway. "Where have you been?", she asked sipping her tea.

He looked at her over the edge of the newspaper. "I stayed at Phyllis'."

"So you're a couple now?", Elsie dug deeper.

Charles smiled softly. "I believe we are", he said happily.

Elsie swallowed hard, forcing herself to smile. "Well, good luck then."

"I'm not hungry", Tommy suddenly announced and left, disappearing into the garden. Until then he had rather happily eaten his breakfast, so his words left Elsie and Charles rather dumbfounded. "What was that about?", Charles asked.

Elsie tried to think of a good lie and then simply settled on: "I don't know. I should probably go and talk to him."

"Oh, may I do that?", Charles wondered.

"Fine, you go then."

Charles nodded and got up, stepping out into the garden. It took him almost a minute to find Tommy who had somehow managed to climb up one of the oak trees and was now sitting on a huge branch leaning against the trunk, plucking the leaves in his reach angrily. Charles put his hands in his pockets and looked up at the boy. "Now, are you going to tell me why you are upset?"

"I'm not upset", Tommy replied through gritted teeth.

"Of course, that's why you are sitting in a tree, removing its leafs", Charles countered sarcastically. "How did you even get up there?"

"Climbing", Tommy said. "Do you think I'll be ok if I jump down?"

"Eh, I'm not sure that's a good idea", Charles said concerned.

Tommy sighed and started to climb back down, Charles watching him worriedly. He was nearly down when he lost his grip and fell backwards and directly into Charles arms who was forced to let himself fall on his backside. "Good thing I was standing there", Charles said dryly.

Tommy got up. "You need help?"

Charles scoffed. "I'm not that old, young man!", he said and stood up. "Now, what's made you so angry?"

"I'm not angry, only disappointment. I'd rather not say why", Tommy admitted. "It would only make it worse."

"Then how about playing a bit of cricket? I'm sure hitting the ball a few times might help."

"Ok, I'll get my things", Tommy replied eagerly and ran off.

…

Elsie was surprised to see how quickly Tommy's mood had changed when he stormed past her and up the stairs, shouting in the process that he would go playing cricket with Charles who wasn't far behind. "Did he tell you why he was upset?"

"No, but maybe he'll decide to share it with us later", Charles said. "I'll go up and change."

"You do that", Elsie agreed. She began to clean up the table. When she was almost finished, Charles and Tommy came back downstairs and left for the cricket pitch. Her phone rang moments later. "Hello?"

"Hi, Els. It's your lovely sister", Becky said cheerfully. "And she's got news."

"What news?", Elsie asked sceptically.

"Michael and I are now officially a couple. He still wants to take things slow, so nothing really happened last night, well, apart from us getting together, of course", Becky told her happily.

"I'm happy for you both. That's good news", Elsie said.

"And what about you?"

"I told Simon that I need time", Elsie sighed. "I'm not sure I see us in a romantic way."

"Ohhh, I see. But you didn't tell him, because you don't want to hurt him", Becky concluded.

"I only came to that conclusion after he'd left last night", Elsie admitted.

"And what made you realise that?"

Elsie bit her bottom lip. She didn't really want to tell Becky about her late night brooding and early morning grumpiness. "I don't know", she lied. "I just can't see us together the more I think about it."

"Okay, and what about Charles? He was a little tipsy when he left…"

"He's together with Phyllis now", Elsie informed her sister.

"Well, you know what I think about that", Becky said grumpily.

"Yes, but don't mention that to them, please. I don't know much about Phyllis' private life, but she's never had much luck with men and Charles could make an exception to that", Elsie told her sister, not really knowing why she tried to shield the two form Becky's comments.

"I wouldn't want to disturb their luck", Becky assured Elsie. "Something else", she then added, after a moment of silence had passed between them. "Michael and I thought about a trip to the beach and given the heat wave it could proof a nice trip. Would you like to join us? Maybe bring Charles and Simon, even Phyllis and of course Tommy. Gwen could also do with a family day."

"Sounds lovely. I will make sure they'll come. Did you have a date in mind?"

"Next Saturday."

"Good, I'll text you when I know more", Elsie said.

…

Charles wasn't the best bowler and Tommy an excellent batsman. He hit every ball thrown; even those Charles threw rather badly. Charles had to run more than was good for him to retrieve the balls Tommy sent flying all over the pitch. Eventually, Charles rested his hands on his knees and breathed heavily. Worried, Tommy ran towards him, grabbing Charles' arm. "Are you all right?"

Touched by the boy's concern for his well-being, Charles smiled and put one arm around Tommy's shoulder. "Don't worry. I just need a break. I might be old after all", he joked.

"Okay", Tommy said and ran over to his bag, grabbing the water bottle while Charles sat down on the pitch, leaning back and holding himself in a half-sitting position with his hands. Tommy offered him the water bottle which Charles took gratefully. Tommy sat down next to him, looking quite pensive.

"What are you thinking about?", Charles asked gently.

"I do want to tell you why I was upset earlier, but I don't know how to say it", Tommy admitted.

"No worries, Tom. You tell me when you're ready", Charles assured him.

Tommy hugged his knees, resting his chin on top. "I had hoped that there was something between mum and you. You made her smile the way dad used to and I just… I miss my dad terribly, but he wouldn't want mum to be alone or me to never have a stepdad, someone I could turn to. And I guess I hoped you'd be that guy", Tommy said, his voice thick with emotion. He angrily wiped away a tear with the back of his hand.

Charles was taken aback. He hadn't been prepared for this and had no idea how to react.

"Please, don't tell mum I said that", Tommy asked worriedly.

"I won't. I promise!", Charles said. "And even if your mother and I are just friends, I'm here for you. I'm your friend", he added softly.

"Thanks", Tommy sniffed.

"Come here", Charles said, overcome by the fatherly feelings of which he now finally became aware, and hugged the boy.

"Is this your ball, Tommy?", a smoky voice with a Mancunian ring to it asked.

Charles let go off Tommy who turned around, looking up at Coach Barrow who was holding out Tommy's bright red cricket ball to them.

"Yeah, thanks, Coach", Tommy said, getting up and taking the ball from him. Charles got up, ignoring the cracking of his knees. He had seen the coach from afar, but never stood to him eye to eye. He was tall, had dark hair and his face was covered with light stubbles. Charles offered his hand. "I'm Charles Carson. Nice to meet you."

"Thomas Barrow", the coach introduced himself and shook Charles' hand. "Tommy spoke highly of you."

"I'm glad to hear that. He also spoke highly of you, Mr. Barrow."

Coach Barrow laughed. "I'm glad to hear that." He turned around at the sound of footsteps. "Ah, Jimmy!", he greeted the young man who was wearing a DC's uniform and put one arm around him. "This is Jimmy Kent", he introduced him.

"The pub owner's son?", Charles inquired.

"Yes, I am", DC Kent confirmed.

"Do you play cricket?", Charles wondered.

"No, I'm better with football. But of course you can't escape the sport when your partner is a coach", he explained.

Charles frowned. "Partner?"

"Thomas and I are a couple", DC Kent clarified.

Charles blinked surprised and fought against the urge to make a disapproving face.

"I see", Thomas said, sounding a little disappointed.

Charles swallowed hard. Two decent men were standing in front of him and he was judging them for their ability to love. It might be wrong in his opinion, but it was doing no harm and hadn't he been confronted with many things that in his world were considered wrong and yet had accepted it? Hadn't he done something considered improper in his world when he had slept with Phyllis and yet was happy about it? Happy, because he could show emotion and share his life openly with someone else. "I'm sorry. It's just not common where I come from."

"Conservative family?", Thomas asked.

"Very, but I've started to believe in tolerance", Charles explained. "Still adjusting to it", he added with a half-smile.

…

After playing cricket with Tommy, Charles had a shower and changed into a comfortable blue jeans and a white shirt. He only remembered that he should have shaved when he was already halfway here to Phyllis. He had promised her a walk before he was off to work at the pub. When he arrived at her door, she was leaning in the doorway, smiling at him.

"Hello", he greeted her softly.

"Hey", she said and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. His arms sneaked around her middle and held her to him. She pulled him inside and he closed the door with his foot. They broke the kiss to catch their breaths.

"I missed you", she whispered.

"I wasn't even gone three hours", Charles chuckled.

"Four and usually the correct reply to what I said would be: I missed you too!", Phyllis informed him and slapped his chest playfully.

"Sorry, milady", Charles said in his best butler voice. "I missed you too."

Phyllis smiled, putting her arms around his neck. "You didn't shave?", she said surprised.

"I forgot, sorry!"

"Oh, don't apologise. I like it. I wonder what you would look like with a beard", she replied.

"A beard? Me? God, no!", he chuckled. "I'd look awful and it gets itchy after a while."

"So you have had a beard before?"

"I tried it when I was young and proud of my first stubble. I looked awful", he told her.

"I don't believe you", she said with a wink.

"Fine, what kind of beard would suit me in your opinion?", he asked.

Phyllis thought about it for a moment. "I think a moustache would be nice or a goatee."

"A goatee?", Charles exclaimed shocked. "Why on earth would you think that?"

"I don't know. You seem to have the face for it", she shrugged.

"I doubt that", he said with a frown.

"If you say so", she laughed. "I bet you are one of these men who can't grow a beard, because they have this one spot where just no hair grows."

"I beg your pardon? I can grow a beard well enough!", he replied, hurt in his pride.

"Proof it", she challenged.

"Fine, I'll grow that blasted goatee", he announced stubbornly.

Phyllis laughed. "You're adorable."

"And you're unbelievable!", he replied, before capturing her lips.

…

There had been no walking with Phyllis, but another enjoyable activity that only increased Charles' good mood for the day. He was whistling again on his way to the pub, feeling good through and through. This had been quite possibly one of the best days of his life, certainly the best one of this new life. He walked at a comfortable pace, his hands in his pockets, taking in the sight of Downton as it was today. His gaze fell on the other side of the road where he spotted a young woman who seemed familiar. His mind worked intensely for a few moments and then he remembered. He had met her briefly on his first day in 2012 when he had accompanied Tommy to the grocery store. It was Becky's daughter Gwen and she seemed to be quite upset. Realising that something was wrong with her bike, because she was pushing it, Charles decided to see if he could help. Checking the road double for automobiles, he hastily crossed it, not trusting the modern things, especially not because he knew what it felt like to be hit by one. Gwen was no older than 17. She had her mother's and aunt's dark blue eyes and copper hair. "Excuse me?", he called out, doing his best to sound both friendly and trustworthy.

Gwen looked at him, obviously not recognising him. "What?", she said rather impolitely.

Charles was determined to stay friendly. "You might not remember me, but I'm Charles Carson. We met briefly at the grocery shop. I was there with your cousin, Tom", he reminded her.

"Oh, you're that bloke Els hit with her car and then moved in with her", Gwen said. "There, I remember you, can I go now?"

Charles cleared his throat to stop himself from saying something he would regret later. "Actually I wondered if you need help. It seems something is wrong with your bicycle."

"Got a puncture. No choice but to push it home", she said.

"I see. I hope you don't have it far", he offered.

"Nearly there, thanks."

"You're all right then?", Charles inquired.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, it seems a bit odd to get so upset over a puncture", he pointed out.

Gwen let out an exasperated sigh. "If you must know, my boyfriend Monty just broke up with me, so I'm pissed."

"Sorry, but what is he called?", Charles asked, sure he had misunderstood.

"Monty", Gwen repeated.

"What a ridiculous name", Charles scoffed, surprised to see Gwen smile at that.

"I see now why mum and Els like you so much", Gwen said. "Thanks for cheering me up."

Charles blinked confused. "Eh, you're welcome?"

Gwen shook her head at him. "See you."

"Goodbye", Charles replied, still not quite sure what he had done right, but glad that he had gotten along well with Gwen after all.

…

16th June 2012

The beach in Bridlington was a lovely place to spend a hot summer day at. It took them over an hour to get there and Charles was glad when they arrived. Becky's singing did get annoying after a while. He hoped to get back to Downton in Elsie's car. The sisters parked their cars near the town's centre and the men got the blankets and baskets filled with food and drinks out, carrying them, following Becky who claimed to know the perfect spot on the beach. When they reached the very edge of it, she cursed under her breath.

"What is it?", Elsie asked.

"The spot I had in mind is taken", Becky explained. "Wait here. I've got an idea."

Elsie sighed. "Becky, please don't do anything stupid."

"You know me too well to believe these kind of warnings have an effect on me", Becky replied happily. They watched as she walked up to a group of teenagers and all simultaneously raised their eyebrows when she got out her badge and talked to them for about half a minute before they got up and left. Tommy and Gwen only laughed while the adults were quite confused about it. Becky turned around to them. "What are you waiting for? Claim your price!"

They walked over to her, Tommy and Gwen taking the blankets and putting them into the sand. "How did you do that?", Michael asked.

"I showed them my badge and told them I knew exactly about the mischief they were planning and given that they left, they were indeed up to something illegal", Becky said, a broad grin spreading over her face.

"You are impossible", Elsie said.

Charles shrugged. "I think it's funny."

"I agree", Phyllis said, taking Charles' hand.

Elsie sighed. "Fine, it is kind of funny. Let's settle down then and enjoy our day."

"That's my sister", Becky said triumphantly.

…

Charles was a little uncomfortable in that short beach shorts Phyllis had talked him into wearing, not to mention the tight grey t-shirt. He knew exactly she had wanted him to wear it, because of the way his muscles and - depending on his standing or sitting position – other areas were pronounced. The one thing stopping him from protesting was the fact that he was flattered that she thought him so handsome. Besides, he only wore the shorts at the beach, having hid them underneath his jeans until their arrival. If only the shorts weren't bright red. The attention the ladies were giving him got a little much. And he was sure that goatee only made it worse. He didn't look awful with it, quite the contrary. It made him look like some dashing Italian or French gentleman.

Gwen and Tommy were splashing in the sea. Becky had joined them, but didn't go very far in, the sea only covering her ankles. The water was quite cold. Elsie and Simon had walked up to the street to get some ice cream. Phyllis was leaning against him, resting her head on his shoulder while reading a book. He had put one arm around her and watched the waves rolling towards the beach. Michael was napping on the second blanket.

"Elsie, stop apologising. I got it the first dozen times. You are sorry, fine. But I'm hurt. Why weren't you honest with me?", Simon shouted, getting Charles attention who turned his head around, spotting them about twenty feet away. Elsie seemed quite helpless.

"Simon, I only realised that recently. I was convinced we could work, but…"

"But you have feelings for another man", Simon finished the sentence for her. "You must have known that last time we met."

"I didn't and I still am not sure it's true", she defended herself.

Simon growled frustrated at that and stomped away angrily. Elsie ran a few steps in the some direction and then turned around and marched down to the water, walking on the sand that had been kissed by the sea.

"Phyllis, I think I should go after Elsie. That argument sounded quite unpleasant", he said.

"I agree, but don't you think she'd prefer to be alone?", Phyllis asked.

"If that's the case, she can tell me and I'll come back", Charles promised and got up.

"Don't forget your hat", Phyllis reminded him and Charles took the beige beach hat. "Don't give me that face, Charles. You'll thank me when you're spared a sunburn on your parting", she said, tipping her head.

Charles gave in, putting on the hat.

"Besides, you don't need to impress any ladies. You already have a girlfriend", she said with a grin.

"True", he said. "I'd bent down and kiss you, but I'm not sure my back would survive that."

Phyllis laughed. "You better go or Elsie will have reached the Scottish border by the time you follow her."

…

Even though Elsie wasn't out of sight, Charles had to jog quite a distance until he had caught up with her, his bare feet burning. She had ignored him when he had called out her name and was now finally walking next to her, trying to catch his breath. "You know, I'm 56. I'd appreciate it if you'd consider that next time you run away", he joked dryly.

"Shut up and leave me alone!", Elsie snapped, her voice hoarse from crying.

Charles hadn't forgotten that he had promised Phyllis to leave Elsie alone if she asked him to, but he couldn't get himself to leave her like this. "What did you and Simon argue about?"

"Not your business!"

"All right, I don't have to know. Let me at least walk with you then", he asked her.

Elsie swallowed hard. "Ok."

Relieved, Charles walked at her side. They stayed silent for quite a while, the sea bathing their feet. Finally, she spoke. "I told Simon that we won't get together and he was hurt. I won't tell you anymore", she said quietly.

"Understood", Charles replied, not daring to ask what man Simon had talked about during the argument.

"Why did you grow a beard?", she asked suddenly.

Charles raised his eyebrows worriedly and scratched his beard. "Why? Don't you like it?"

"No, it suits you, but somehow I doubt it's very butler-like", she admitted.

"Yes, well, it's not", he said.

"So why did you grow it?"

Charles cleared his throat. "I'm not sure. I think Phyllis might have tricked me into it somehow by awakening my pride and stubbornness. She has got quite the potential for plotting."

Elsie laughed. "Plotting is a skill every woman must learn."

"How comforting", Charles replied sarcastically.

She slapped his arm playfully. "Come on then, let's paddle a bit in the sea."

"Pardon?", Charles asked with raised eyebrows.

Elsie rolled her trouser legs up and walked into the water until she was in almost knee deep. Only then she turned around. "What are you waiting for?"

"I don't know if this is a good idea. What if I fall over?"

"You won't fall over", Elsie laughed. "But stay there if you like."

Charles groaned frustrated and carefully stepped towards her, hissing when the cold water hit his calves. He reached her and let out a relieved breath.

"See, that wasn't so bad", she said, rolling her head back to enjoy the sun dancing over her face.

Suddenly, Charles sank knee deep into the sand, his eyes wide with shock while he let out an awkward sound to express his shock and fright at the sudden trip one floor down. Elsie couldn't help herself but burst into laughter.

"Not funny", he growled while she kept giggling, being in total hysterics now, her body shaking so much that she had to steady herself by grabbing his shoulders which now were at a comfortable height for her to reach.

"Would you mind helping me out and not pressing me further in?", he inquired formerly, a hint of panic in his voice.

"Yes, as soon... as I've finished... laughing", she assured him in-between giggles. He stared at her in utter disbelief. Finally even if rather abruptly she stopped laughing, looking at the open water a bit concerned.

He turned his head and had just enough time to brace himself for the impact of a rather huge wave that broke at his waist, soaking him through all the way up to his hair. Elsie of course didn't get any luckier. In the very last moment, she had closed the space between them and grabbed his forearms to not get knocked over. Charles blinked a few times, trying to avoid getting water into his eyes and succeeding. When he opened them, Elsie was so close to him that their noses almost bumped into each other. He wasn't sure what he saw in her eyes, but it felt like her heart and soul lay before him.

Elsie was lost in his dark brown eyes that twinkled like a glass filled with whisky when the sun hit it. There were hints of gold and black and that was when she knew. This was the man she loved. Charles Carson was the man she loved. She wasn't able to say when he had taken her heart and she had a feeling that it had been piece by piece, but now there she was, having lost all of it to him. She loved his salt and pepper hair, now black from the water, his expressive eyebrows and the cleft in his chin. How he tugged at his shirt when he was nervous and how his voice vibrated soothingly when he spoke. She loved him with and without beard. She loved him through and through, all of him. And hadn't there been another wave she would have kissed him and he might have even kissed her back, but there was another huge wave, throwing them off of their feet. Charles landed on his bum while Elsie ended up lying flat on her back. He had begun digging his legs free when she slowly sat up. It had felt like an eternity when in fact she had stared at him for only a few seconds.

Charles had found himself confused by the closeness and her shining eyes, but was now too busy freeing his legs to think about it.

"We should get back. Try to get rid of all this sand and dry our clothes", she suggested.

"I agree", he said, triumphantly pulling his legs out of the wet sand and getting up, offering Elsie his hand to help her to her feet. They walked back in silence, busy with shaking the sand off and out of their clothes. Gwen and Tommy weren't swimming anymore, but lay on their towels. Simon was still gone, Phyllis was still reading and Michael still napping. Becky was fumbling with her camera and was the first to spot them. "What on earth did you do? You know there is this thing called bathing clothes? Why did you jump into the sea like that?", she asked, laughing when they both glared at her angrily.

"We were knocked over by a wave", Elsie growled.

"I can believe that you were knocked over, Els", Becky said. "But you?", she said, pointing at Charles. "Never."

Charles rolled his eyes dramatically. "That doesn't surprise me."

"Whatever, I just got this camera to work. How about a photo session?"

Charles and Elsie looked down at themselves and then back to Phyllis. "You're joking, right?", they both said at the same time.

Becky snorted with laughter. "Did you two marry in the past half hour or so?"

Phyllis sighed and put the book away. "Becky, control yourself", she said and got up. She kissed Charles and started coughing a second later.

"Are you all right?", Charles asked, placing his hand on the small of her back.

"You're a bit sandy", she explained, smiling apologetically.

"Sorry", Charles said, slightly embarrassed.

"There is a foot-shower up there", Becky informed the, pointing up to the street.

…

Half an hour later, Elsie and Charles had freed themselves from the sand as best they could with the small shower meant for feet. Becky was making pictures. They joined her, keeping a certain distance to the water.

"Now, I still don't have any photos of you two", Becky said.

Having little choice, Charles and Elsie posed for Becky and smiled into the camera when Elsie stepped into a hole and lost balance. Charles grabbed her hand and steadied her. She smiled shyly at him, her heart beating faster at the touch. He returned the smile, both oblivious to the snapshot Becky made. The moment ended with Tommy jumping onto Charles back, begging him to shield him from Gwen who was aiming at him with a handful of wet sand, but dropped it when Charles gave her a warning look.

"Nearly time to head back", Phyllis said, making Elsie jump and release Charles' hand as if she had been burnt by it. Phyllis hadn't seen it.

"We can't leave without Simon", Becky reminded them.

"Oh god, I totally forgot about him", Elsie said sheepishly.

"I'll call him", Becky offered, fishing her mobile out of her pocket. "He texted me", she said surprised. "He took the train back and apologises for his behaviour."

Elsie bit her bottom lip, feeling quite guilty. Charles offered her a sympathetic look knowing that however Elsie had imagined the day to go, this hadn't been it.

…

16th October 2012 (four months later)

The Grantham Arms was popular with the villagers. A good number of them spent two or three evenings there per week. And to Charles surprise they were well behaved even after a few pints. It was his job to stand behind the bar and prepare the drinks and unofficially he was also supposed to keep an eye on the waitress serving the drinks. So far, Ethel had never needed his help. Charles had gotten used to his job and he liked it. The payment wasn't too bad and he had a flat upstairs. A small sitting room with a tiny TV, a big enough bedroom and a bathroom with a nice shower. He didn't need more and the weekends he stayed at Phyllis' anyway, the bar then taken care of by Mr. Kent.

Phyllis and Charles were often cooking together and watching DVDs until late at night. He knew he was changing more than he had in the last thirty years and he enjoyed it. He loved being with Phyllis, laughing with her, being close to her. He loved supporting Tommy at his cricket matches and training with him. He loved talking to Coach Barrow and DC Kent about the latest cricket and football results. He loved his lessons with Simon and his strange comments on certain topics and he loved taking walks with Elsie and listening to her rants about Stowell and Spratt. This was a good life. And the only thing he missed was Beryl and her straightforwardness.

"Evening, Charles", Becky greeted him, leaning against the counter. He looked up from the glass he was just polishing. She was in uniform. "Hello, Becky. Can I help?"

"I'm afraid I'm here as DI Hughes", Becky said. "I've got something to tell all of you, so if you could help me get their attention?"

"Of course", Charles answered a little concerned. He cleared his throat and then his voice filled the pub. "Ladies and gentlemen, sorry to interrupt your evening, but DI Hughes has something to tell you all, so if you could pay attention to what she has to say, please." By the time he finished, it had gotten quiet in the pub.

"Thanks, Charles", Becky said and then raised her voice. "I'm afraid I've got bad news. You will read it tomorrow in the newspapers and police forces have covered the village with posters warning you about it. This morning a criminal who has been convicted for grievous bodily harm and attempted rape managed to escape York prison. We are looking for him throughout the county and our officers are all on duty. To make sure you are safe, we suggest that you try to avoid going out alone. And please remember to look at the posters to know what Alex Green looks like, just in case."

A concerned murmur filled the pub after Becky's announcement. She turned back to Charles. "You take care of yourself, right?"

"Of course, don't worry about me. But may I ask you… You aren't enough officers to cover Downton via patrolling, are you?"

Becky sighed. "No, even with the cars we can't cover the town completely. And the Chief from York believes that Green is likely to come to some place like Downton where you wouldn't expect him to go."

"Maybe some of the men could help you. What do you think about forming a night watch and making sure we keep an eye of the parts of town you can't be at. And when we see something we call you with these mobile phones", he suggested.

"That's a good idea. Would you organise it and let me know how it goes?", Becky asked. "I'd be grateful forever."

Charles nodded. He would let no harm come to those he held dear. In this regard he'd never change.

…

18th October 2012

Years of organising the staff of a house as grand as Downton made it easy for Charles to organise a Downton Night Watch. He had put himself on duty in Elsie's neighbourhood. Phyllis was safe, staying with Coach Barrow for the evening who was living in the flat below her's.

Charles was walking up and down Elsie's road. The air was chilly and Charles was glad to have his coat and scarf, his hands disappearing in his pockets. It was close to midnight. Everything was quiet. Charles walked up the hill at the end of the road and enjoyed the view. Even in the dark he could see the Abbey. A happy smile spread over his face. Then a scream echoed through the town and made him jump three feet in the air. Alarmed he got out his torch, turning it on and running back down to the houses, being sure that the scream had come from that direction. The silence following the scream made him run even faster. His heart skipped a beat when he finally spotted someone – right in front of Elsie's house. He only hoped she had stayed inside and not been so foolish to leave the safety of her house. The bright light of the torch gave him a much better view than the dim street lights would have allowed. One person was lying on the floor, another rummaging around in the person's coat or handbag, Charles wasn't quite sure what it was. He also didn't know what to say when he had reached him, so he simply bellowed: "Stop!"

The person standing turned around, staring right into the light beam coming from the torch. Charles knew that pale face with these black, cold eyes from the posters. It was Green. "Don't move!", Charles growled. He moved carefully to the right to have a clear view on the person on the ground. It was a woman and she was lying on her stomach, not moving. Charles nearly dropped the torch when he recognised Elsie. Boiling with anger he glared at Green. "You bastard!" Charles' fist hit Green right on the nose and knocked him out. Charles cursed at the pain flashing through his hand, his knuckles bleeding, but there was no time to take care of that. He dropped on his knees next to Elsie and carefully turned her on her back, shocked to see the blood on the street clearly coming from a wound at her head. "Elsie? Elsie, can you hear me?", he asked, not getting any reaction. His right hand was shaking and hurting immensely when he got his phone out of his pocket. He had never been so grateful to have been given it by Phyllis than in this moment. He phoned Becky, just so managing with his injured hand. He told her what happened, hearing the police car's sirens moments later.

"Mum? Charles? What's going on?", Tommy asked, his voice thick with sleep. He was in his pyjamas. Charles stared at the boy, not sure what to do.

"Mum? What's wrong with her?" Tommy's voice was filled with panic.

"Tom, it will be fine. Becky's on her way. Your mum will be fine", Charles said, forcing himself to sound calm.

"Why isn't she saying anything?", Tommy shouted. The police car had reached them, an ambulance right behind it. Charles got up to make way for the paramedics. Becky was taking care of Green who was still not quite conscious.

"Mum!", Tommy screamed then, seeing the small puddle of blood.

Charles grabbed the boy and raised him into his arms, hugging him. "She will be fine", Charles whispered, feeling helpless when Tommy started to cry into Charles' chest.

…

A nurse had bandaged his hand. Nothing was broken, but it had turned black and blue. Another nurse had taken care of Tommy, waiting with him in the hallway for news of Elsie. On Charles return the young woman left. Tommy immediately leaned against Charles who put one arm around his shoulder.

"Charles, what do I do if she dies?", Tommy sniffed.

Charles swallowed hard. "She won't die, Tom. They take good care of her here."

"But what if that isn't enough?", Tommy asked. "What happens then?"

Charles could see that there was no way around answering the boy's question. "Listen, Tom, if anything ever happened to your mum, Becky, Gwen and I would take care of you. We wouldn't let you down. I wouldn't let you down!"

Charles watched how Tommy put on his brave face and hugged the boy tightly. Finally, Dr. Tapsell appeared.

"Tommy?", the doctor asked kindly. Charles got up, making sure one hand was resting reassuringly on Tommy's shoulder. "Now, no need to be so sad, young man", Dr. Tapsell said. "Remember when you were knocked out by that cricket bat last year? Your mum's injury is just like the one you had back then, so no need to worry. She'll be perfectly all right in a few days, okay?"

Tommy nodded happily. "Can I see her?"

"Of course and take Mr. Carson with you, would you?"

Tommy took Charles' hand and dragged him to Elsie's room. To Charles surprise she was awake. "Hello", she greeted them, a huge bandage around her head. "How are you, mum?"

"A little tired. Have you been crying?", she asked, opening her arms for her son, hugging him tightly. "I'm fine, lambie", she whispered in his hair. "Now, it's very late and you should be sleeping. You don't have to go to school tomorrow, but I want you in bed anyway, ok? You'll stay with Becky and we see each other in the morning, ok?"

Tommy nodded. "I love you, mum."

"I love you too", she said sweetly, kissing his cheek. "Becky's waiting for you in the entrance hall."

Tommy turned to leave, hugging Charles as tightly as he could. "Thank you for saving my mum", he said.

When they were alone, Elsie smiled at Charles. "Thanks for taking care of him."

"You're welcome", Charles replied softly. "But why were you outside at this hour knowing that this man could be about?"

Elsie swallowed hard, avoiding his gaze. "I needed a walk."

"Elsie, god knows what could have happened to you. Not to mention what losing you would mean for the boy."

"Don't tell me what that would mean for my son! I'm well aware of that!", she snapped.

"I don't understand how you could have been so foolish. It's not like you", he told her, trying to sound friendly.

"I'm an adult, Charles. I don't need you telling me I was foolish. It was a bad idea, but everything is fine", Elsie replied angrily.

"Fine? Elsie, you were attacked by a known criminal! I don't even want to imagine what he would have done to you if I hadn't been there."

"As far as I was informed he only needed money and wanted to steal my purse."

"I don't care what he wanted. I care about you. And I don't want anything to happen to you", he said honestly.

"Well, thank you, but I don't need your protection. Shouldn't you be with Phyllis?", she said coldly.

"You want me to go?"

"Yes, leave me alone. I don't need you to protect me, take care of me or tell me how foolish I am!", she said angrily.

Charles straightened his back to stand at his full height. "Fine, I'll go. But not without saying that you are being unfair!", he growled, storming out and slamming the door. He was hurt, quite badly in fact. He didn't know why he felt so strongly about arguing with her. In fact, he hated it that they weren't in agreement anymore. But he was determined not to be the one to apologise.

She waited until the sound of his footsteps had faded. Then she started crying, burying her face in her pillow and punching the mattress. The truth was that she had walked outside, because she had mistaken Green for Charles and had hoped to keep him some company on his night watch. And she hadn't known what else to do, but to push him away, because she knew how vulnerable she was in her current situation. She thought that was best for him, for Phyllis and for her. Only later she realised that this was making things much worse, because it left her with the painful unwanted feeling of missing him.

Sorry for that… Charles' beard is supposed to be short and discreet in case you struggle to imagine him with one like I do. Having seen Jim Carter in "The Thief Lord" helps a bit. Next: Tiny time jump and of course, Charles and Elsie won't be at odds for much longer :)