Well, hasn't it been a while? Yes, it has! I've been working on this chapter for days and I do apologise that it took me so long to get it finished…But! To make amends, this chapter is way longer than my other NERWAC chapters have ever been, so I hope that makes up for the terrible delay :) Let's pretend we have something to celebrate, other than the coronation day of the Prince and Princess of Scotland! Yes, you heard me! It's finally the day we've all been waiting for! But now, I will not keep you any longer. Don't mind the possible typos…I hope you enjoy this chapter even half as much as I enjoyed writing it for you! Remember to leave me a little review to let me know what you think!
P.S. Just going to point out that this chapter is most definitely NOT accurate to a real historical coronation/presentation of a new royal, I've made it all up in my head so bear with me! But now, enjoy :)
Friday, 20th of August 1929, Buckingham Palace
The 20th of August, the day that the whole world had been waiting for finally dawned bright. And as it was only right, the sun was shining on the clear skies, no cloud in sight. The birds sang their songs outside Buckingham Palace's tall, just polished, windows and the sound of the grass getting a fresh cut in the gardens could be heard from Charles and Elsie Carson's bedroom, where the couple had just woken up and started to get ready for the long day ahead of them.
"Your breakfast, your highness.", Mabel smiled as she placed the delicious looking meal on Elsie's lap.
"Thank you, Mabel."
"That does look rather delicious-", her husband said, leaning into to take a piece of bacon from her plate and place it in his mouth.
"I'm not sure I can eat a bite, so be my guest."
"No, I won't steal your breakfast- you'll need the strength. I'll go down.", Charles told her before he turned to face her and kissed her lips lovingly."They'll be expecting me."
"If you're not careful, Mabel will feel awkward being in the room."
"That's quite alright, your highness.", the lady's maid reassured quickly, turning to open the rest of the curtains still covering the windows.
"You're right, my love, as you always are.", Charles mumbled, caressing his wife's cheek with his fingers.
"Well, I don't know about that, but I thank you for the compliment, Mr. Carson."
Mabel smiled at herself, listening to the couple's sweet exchange. Many would feel awkward while listening to an old couple talking to each other with pure love in their voices, but she didn't mind in the least. To be honest, it reminded her of her parents, who had long since died.
Both, the couple's exchange as well as Mabel's thoughts, were interrupted by a knock on the door. Charles, of course, immediately leaned further apart from his wife, causing her to let out a slight laugh at his silliness.
"Who is it?", she called out politely.
"It's Queen Mary, can I come in?"
Elsie and Charles exchanged a look at this.
"And I think this is my sign to take my leave and let you enjoy your breakfast.", he mumbled as he got up from the bed."I'll see you as soon as I can, love."
"Mhm. I'll count you on that."
And with a last look at her Charles disappeared through the door that would take him to his dressing room, leaving Elsie alone with Mabel, who then walked to let the Queen in.
"Your highness.", the lady's maid curtsied, letting the royal step in.
"Thank you, Ms. Rutt. Could you leave us for a moment?"
"Of course, your highness.", Mabel nodded, quickly exiting through the door, and shutting it behind her.
An awkward silence fell in the room once the younger woman had left.
"I'm afraid I am not quite properly dressed yet, your highn-"
"That won't be necessary. It's Mary for you. We are to be sisters from today onwards."
A faint smile appeared on Elsie's face upon hearing her words.
"Very well. I guess it will only do that you call me Elsie then."
"I would love that…Elsie."
She awkwardly smoothed the imaginary wrinkles on the sheets covering her legs, waiting for the Queen to say something. It must have taken the other woman a few minutes to finally speak up;
"Can I sit here?"
Elsie lifted her gaze from her lap, seeing Queen Mary point to one of the armchairs by the window. Her answer was a quick nod and the Queen took a seat on the said chair.
"I'm sure by now, you must wonder why I am here."
"Well- yes, it did cross my mind.", Elsie blurted as politely as she could muster.
"I hope I didn't interrupt anything?"
"Oh, don't worry. Mabe- that is, Ms. Rutt just brought me my breakfast. It can wait a few moments."
"Well, I won't take too much of your time then.", she said with a smile."I just know today will be a very hard day for you both."
Challenging? Yes. New? Very much so. But, hard? Not necessarily. They have both gone through much worse during their lifetime.
"And I wanted to make sure you have everything you need, if there's anything you'd like to ask before the events of today. Anything at all."
"Your highness- I mean- Mary, that is very kind. I truly appreciate it.", Elsie said, truly touched by it."It's not every day an important person such as the Queen of England is worried about one's welfare."
The said woman let out a sound you could easily mistake as a quiet chuckle. And then on more serious note, she said;
"Well, you are going to be one of those important people. It's only what you deserve."
Her words left Elsie speechless. There was not really anything you could say to that, was there? And that was sign enough for the Queen to take her leave.
"I'll let you eat your breakfast now…I will see you both down at half past twelve.", she stood up, slowly making her way to the door.
She was about to turn the handle and pull the door open, when she turned to face Elsie one more time.
"I believe today will go perfectly. If I was you, I'd just enjoy it and try not to worry."
"Thank you.", Elsie finally regained her voice."I will certainly try."
"Good."
And with a smile the Queen was out the door, leaving behind a very stunned Elsie Carson.
Meanwhile at the Grantham House, London
"You're up early.", said Lord Grantham when his eldest daughter and wife entered the small dining room of the Grantham house.
"I couldn't sleep. It's very exciting.", came his wife's answer as she put her breakfast on a plate.
"I agree. I know Anna said the servants don't talk of much else.", Mary told, sitting down by her father.
"Well, of course not. They'll want to know how they're getting on."
"When are we expected for the evening?", asked Lady Grantham.
"At half past five.", answered her husband.
"Why weren't we invited to the coronation if they wanted us at the ball?"
"Because you wouldn't need an invitation. Everyone can come watch them wave at the crowd once the private ceremony- or whatever they call it -is over."
"Will we be going then?", Mary asked, sipping her tea."Now that I think of it, Anna did say the servants would be, if you gave them the permission."
"I think we should. I'm rather nervous for them, aren't you?", her mother concluded.
"It's your American blood, mama. They'll manage just fine."
"I suppose."
"When will Edith and Bertie arrive?"
"I'm not entirely sure, but they should be here before luncheon.", Mary explained."But they'll want to get a bit of rest before tonight. I doubt they'll come with us to watch them wave at the crowd."
"Well, then they'll enjoy the ball even more.", Cora smiled happily.
And none of them would deny, if asked, that they were quite excited for today. And they very much doubted they were the only ones with such feelings.
Back at Buckingham Palace, the servants' quarters
As expected, the royal servants were busier than ever. With the coronation (official presentation) of the new Prince and Princess, the private luncheon afterwards, and the ball that night, getting closer by the hour, there was a ton of work to do. Which of no one seemed to be very happy about.
And two of those said people were currently standing in the housekeeper's sitting room, away from possible prying eyes of the other servants.
"What is it?", asked the King's Page of the backstairs with an unamused look on his face.
"Never you mind, Mr. Wilson."
"It's not poison, is it?"
"What do you think I am?", the housekeeper's voice was cold, as she shot a withering look at the man beside her.
She quickly got rid of the little bottle they were inspecting, hiding it in one of her desk drawers.
"I want harm to come in their way, but I do not wish them to be dead."
Her voice had been firm when she said this, leaving no room for further questions. The man seemed to have understood this, which of the housekeeper was very glad.
"Excuse me?"
The voice of the new lady's maid, Mabel Rutt, brought them both to quickly turn around to face her as she came to stand in the doorway of the sitting room.
"Have you ever heard of knocking?", Mrs. Webb was quick to find her voice.
"I-I'm sorry, Mrs. Webb. But I was only looking for Mr. Wilson, his royal highness would like to see him."
"Well, I thank you, but if you have nothing else to say, go do your job and leave us alone!", the housekeeper barked.
"Yes, Mrs. Webb."
Mabel didn't hesitate to quickly push the door closed behind her, as she sprinted out of the doorway. On her way back to her duties, she couldn't stop her thoughts from wandering to the words said just a few moments ago…
I want harm to come in their way, but I do not wish them to be dead.
What on earth had Mrs. Webb meant by that? Who did she mean by them? And suddenly in the back of her mind was this nagging feeling that something would go terribly wrong. And the truth was that she didn't know Mrs. Webb or Mr. Wilson. Where would they draw the line?
And she could only pray today would go according to plan.
The grand staircase of Buckingham Palace, half past twelve
It was time.
Everyone had gathered behind the palace's gates, impatiently waiting to see their new Princess. And never in her entire life, had Elsie Carson seen so many people in the same place at the same time. It would be overwhelming- even if she wasn't the one to get each and every eye on her the moment she displayed herself before the crowd.
But it was time. It was now or never.
"Your highness, they are waiting for you."
One month and six days later, it was finally time for her to accept the tiara and become the Princess for the people…For her people.
A part of her wanted to run away and hide somewhere where no one could see her, the other part in turn made her feel proud. She could do this.
"Your highness?"
"Just- just give me a moment."
She felt her husband's touch before she could see him; his hands entwining with hers as he came to stand before her.
"Hello."
Their eyes met and Elsie smiled faintly.
"Are you ready?", she heard herself asking.
"If you are."
"I'm not, I don't think."
"We can make a go of it.", he whispered just so she could hear."And I have every faith in you."
"Then what about yourself?", Elsie asked gently.
"Well, I suppose we are about to find out."
His joke fell flat and just as he was about to say something to reassure her, they were once again interrupted, this time by the Queen herself;
"Are you ready? It's time."
It took them a few seconds, but the couple nodded absentmindedly and so they began walking towards the double door that would lead to the beautifully decorated throne room. The Queen then continued;
"We've gone through it many times, so don't worry. Everything will go just fine. Once you've been crowned, you will hear the announcement on the balcony, the horns will play to honour you, and the doors will be opened for you. You'll step outs-"
"Yes. We'll do our best.", Charles cut her short.
A short silence followed, and with a tight nod, the Queen disappeared from sight.
"Alright. Let's do this.", Elsie said determinedly, straightening her back.
There was no turning back now.
…
"When is the ceremony supposed to end?", asked Lady Mary impatiently.
"Any minute now, be patient Mary."
"These things take time.", she heard Tom say from her right.
"I suppose.", she shrugged."I hate standing in a crowd."
…
"You made it in time!", Mrs. Patmore beamed upon seeing the Bateses and Mr. Barrow approach them on the outskirts of the crowd where they were standing.
"We came with his lordship and her ladyship. They were kind enough to let us ride with them.", Anna answered, adjusting her hat on her head."All the roads were completely blocked."
"Well, you were just in time. You didn't miss a thing.", Mrs. Baxter smiled.
"I can't believe this is actually happening."
"None of us do, but it is.", Mr. Bates told his wife."Wonders never cease."
"There are no words truer than those, Mr. Bates."
"We'll have to cheer on them so loudly everyone else wonders if we've lost our mind."
"I'm surprised at you, Mr. Barrow, but I couldn't agree more with your plan.", Mrs. Patmore said, looking at the butler with a smile.
…
"The day we've all been waiting for is finally here! I present you, the Prince and Princess of Scotland!"
The air was filled with the delightful sound of horns, the song reaching even the ears of the people standing the furthest away from the palace. And then…
The door to the balcony was slowly pushed open, and there they stood; in all their glory, waving at the cheering crowd.
There were flowers thrown at them, everyone was clapping and cheering on them. It is rather wonderful, Elsie thought as she waved at the thousands of people before her.
On her left, Charles couldn't help but let his gaze wander to his wife's smiling face. He couldn't describe with words, just how wonderful she looked smiling there in the sun. And for a moment he even caught her gaze. The loveliest of smiles appeared on her lips; very much matching the smile on his own face.
They turned back to give all their attention to the cheering crowd. And so far on this beautiful day, once again, Charles Carson was reminded just how wonderful woman his wife was. And he was so terribly proud of her; princess or not…
Two hours later…
They've been official parts of the Royal Family of England for two hours and a bit more now. As odd as it was.
The coronation ceremony was now long finished, and the Royal family's private luncheon had only just ended, everyone leaving to get ready for the ball later in the evening, held in honour of the new princess and prince.
And as the family retreated to their rooms, the servants began the last-minute preparations for the said ball; putting up the last of the decorations and preparing the foods for the night. Below stairs there was hustle and bustle all around, whilst upstairs, in turn, resided a perfect haven of peace.
Also, Elsie Carson, the just crowned Princess of Scotland, climbed up the main staircase of the palace, maids rushing by with three buckets- probably on their way to clean up a mess so that the palace would be in flawless shape for the evening. She had to smile at the memory of her days as housekeeper. When reaching the top of the stairs, she walked through the gallery, past the many doors and through yet another hallway to get to her and Charles' private quarters. The quietness in the palace was rather calming and made the place feel more like a home, rather than some great historical building, but nonetheless she felt the need to get to the safety and privacy of their room. Where she could finally be alone with her husband…
It didn't take Elsie too long to reach the significant door amongst the rest, her hand gently pushing it open to let her inside the room.
"Charlie?", she heard herself ask in the stillness of the room as she closed the door behind her.
She heard no reply at first, but the next second the room was filled with the sound of a door being opened, revealing her husband in his morning coat, that he had seemed to wrap around his suit that he had worn that day.
"There you are.", Elsie forced a smile upon seeing him.
"I thought an hour of rest would do me good, and you too."
"That may be true. I came here for a moment of peace and quiet, if that doesn't sound too silly to you."
"You could never sound silly to me.", Charles said matter of factly as he took a step closer to her."How are you feeling?"
She contemplated for a moment to find the best way to describe the feelings in her head.
"Confused…And terribly tired.", Elsie blurted out after a moment."I just-"
He watched her gaze, that he had been holding just a second ago, drop to the floor, her hands coming protectively around her body.
And was that a quiet sniff he heard?
It broke his heart to see her like this, so vulnerable and emotionally worn out…With three long and quick strides he was by her side, pulling her against his chest in a tight embrace.
And that must have been what made her reach her breaking point as she burst into tears the moment his arms were around her, his low baritone whispering sweet nothings by her ear in attempt to soother her. And that's how they stayed for the next fifteen minutes, holding each other, and realizing just how much they've missed this- loving each other and showing how much the other meant to them.
And in that moment, Charles promised to himself that he would make sure he wouldn't go another day without showing her just how loved she was by him…
Because these past few weeks had made him realize he couldn't live without her. It was a thought that could easily rip his heart into two broken pieces…She was oxygen to his lungs. The rhythm to his heartbeat…And no man could live without either.
Later in the evening, the royal ball
"The Marquess and Marchioness of Hexham, Lord and Lady Grantham, and Lady Mary Talbot.", announced Mr. Wilson into the chatter of the already lively ballroom.
"Here we are!", beamed Robert Crawley as they took their first steps into the room.
"Where are Rosamund and Tom? Weren't they just behind us?"
"Here they come-", Mary said, nodding her head towards the double doors they had only just walked through.
"Lady Rosamund Painswick and Mr. Branson.", the butler announced once again.
The two made their way through the crowd to get to the others, who were waiting for them at the side.
"Mama was afraid we'd lost you.", Lady Mary teased.
"Luckily we got here in one piece.", her brother-in-law smiled.
"It's been a while from when I've last seen a ballroom of this size and no doubt it'll still be packed when all the guests have arrived.", Rosamund said over the noise of the crowd.
"I agree.", Edith echoed.
"Shall we gentlemen find something for the ladies to drink?"
"Isn't it a bit early for that?", Mary asked, not really minding a drink herself.
"I don't think so.", her father shrugged."It's a special occasion."
The three men were soon off to get the drinks, leaving the ladies to their own devices.
"The room has been decorated so very beautifully.", lady Grantham noted with a smile as she took a look around the room.
"I suppose the royal servants must know what they're doing.", answered the lady's oldest daughter.
"I suppose. Goodness- I haven't even thought about that! They'll have their own staff now. It's rather odd to think about."
"Is it? I've always considered Downton's staff more as Carson and Mrs. Hughes' rather than yours.", Rosamund piped in.
"It depends on how you look at it. They'll be the ones giving orders now."
"God help the poor devils that get his tea wrong-", Cora joked, all of them laughing slightly.
"What's this?", came the voice of Tom Branson from behind them.
"You're back already- we were only talking how the former Carsons are going to manage their own staff nowadays.", Mary smiled, taking her glass from Tom's hands.
"And to what conclusion did you come to?", Bertie asked.
"Never mind that.", Edith gave her husband a gentle squeeze on his arm as she took a sip of her drink.
"Do you think we'll get the chance to talk to them tonight? Only I'd so very much like to ask them how everything is going."
"They'll undoubtedly be busy, talking to everyone."
"I guess.", and none of them couldn't help but hear the defeat in Lady Grantham's voice when she said this.
…
A few galleries, halls, and hallways away from the vivid ballroom, from all the glorious guests, Charles waited for his beloved to descend the main staircase of the palace.
After their little "episode" earlier that day, they had taken their time just laying in bed and holding each other before it was finally time to get ready for tonight's ball. And no doubt, he would finish before her and that's how he had ended up waiting for her to come down. King George had kindly asked him to join the others in the library while they waited for her, but Charles kindly refused; said he'd be fine on his own in the hall. Truth be told he was rather anxious to see his wife. He knew they'd gotten her something rather marvellous to wear for the ball and he found himself excited to see her in a beautiful dress. She was beautiful without anything to cover her beautiful body, in her simple housekeeper's outfit or whatever she would come down tonight in. He couldn't wait to see her.
And he didn't have to wait for long, mind you.
Charles was just about to take a seat on one of the lonely chairs by the wall when he heard two very familiar voices at the top of the staircase; Woodley, already dressed in her gown, and Ms. Rutt. The two women met him at the bottom of the stairs, both greeting him with a kind smile.
"Your highness.", Mabel curtsied.
"The princess will be coming down shortly."
And just like that, they disappeared from sight; Mabel went back downstairs, and Woodley probably joined the others in the library. He wasn't sure, he wasn't exactly paying attention to either of them because his attention seemed to be elsewhere…
Because he was too busy admiring his princess, who had only just appeared at the top of the staircase.
His eyes roamed over her beautiful form; so elegant and perfect. She was wearing an emerald-green dress that had sleeves coming just past her shoulders, lace adorned her shoulders and the hem of the dress, a diamond necklace sparkled around her neck to match the tiara placed gently over her finely done hair. And Charles Carson was left speechless. She was the most beautiful thing he had seen in his whole life…
He watched her slowly descend the majestic stairs, her other glowed hand holding up the hem of the dress so she wouldn't step on it. And what made her even more beautiful in his eyes was the brilliant smile on her face.
"I'm a little late, I'm afraid.", she said, breaking the silence between them.
His wife being fashionably late didn't matter to him in the least.
"You look beautiful.", Charles found his voice after a moment, a content smile appearing on his lips.
An obvious blush came to warm her cheeks at his compliment.
"Thank you. You're not looking half too bad yourself, Mr. Carson, if I may say so."
He watched her adjust her gloves, smoothing the wrinkles on her dress as he made it to ask;
"How are you?"
They both knew what he had meant, and he got his answer soon enough;
"Alright, I think. Just the presence of my doting husband seems to make me feel a great deal better."
"That's wonderful to hear.", he said in earnest.
They stood there in comfortable silence for a few seconds. They could hear the chatter in the ballroom ever so quietly in the distance, bringing them back to present.
"Shall we?", Charles asked, lending her his steady arm.
Her sincere nod and the loving smile on her lips was response enough as she took his arm.
…
"Isn't that Lady Melbourne over there?"
Lady Mary turned her face to follow her mother's gaze around the ballroom.
"I don't know her. Who is she?", Edith asked.
"She's the mother of Mr. Melbourne.", her sister answered with the slightest of smiles.
"That explains it. He was one of your suitors during the time."
"What do you mean by that? I didn't know Mr. Melbourne was interested in you, Mary?"
"He wasn't. That's the thing.", the eldest daughter told her mother with a frown.
The mother seemed to ignore her eldest's words and turned to walk to Lady Melbourne, leaving her daughters alone. Even if Mary and Edith got along much better nowadays, they still fell into an awkward silence way too often for neither of the sisters' liking.
"That's it. I think I'm going to find Tom and make sure he isn't getting cornered.", Mary said eventually.
"Can I ask you something, before you go?"
Mary looked at her sister's face with a questioning look on her own.
"Of course."
"Only I was wondering-", Edith began."We both know you're granny's favourite and most likely you're the one to know if something's wrong…"
Edith heard her sister let out sigh.
"Has she gotten worse? I know she was supposed to come with us tonight, but didn't."
"No. I don't think so. She was only feeling tired, that's all.", Mary answered after a moment's hesitation."Of course she denied anything was wrong when I asked her. She told me Cousin Isobel would want someone to keep her company while we're away."
Mary studied her sisters face, as if looking for something.
"But- but you'll tell me if something's wrong, won't you? Please?"
Her face softened at this.
"Alright. I'll do that."
And in that moment, their conversation was interrupted by the voice of the royal butler. His strong and firm voice brought the whole ballroom to complete silence when he cleared his throat. Everyone, including Mary and Edith, turned to face him as he stood proudly by two double doors, where the anticipated royals would presumably soon come through. And they presumed right as the butler made it to announce;
"Their majesties, the king and queen of England, and the prince and princess of Scotland."
Only the muffled sounds of the orchestra playing songs in background could be heard as the four royals stepped in the ballroom. The guests in turn, all hurried to show their respect; the men bowing and the ladies bending down to curtsy before them.
"Golly-", Mary heard her sister exclaim on her right."If I didn't know them so well, I wouldn't be able to recognise them anymore."
The look on Mary's face showed her agreement more than a hundred words ever could.
"Good evening, lords, and ladies. The queen and I are both delighted to have you all here this evening.", spoke the King of England himself."We are celebrating a special occasion, one which is quite the unusual event indeed."
The guests around the room agreed with nods and quiet I agrees here and there.
"Could everyone get a glass, I'd like to make a toast?"
The servants around the room were quick to make sure all the guests got a glass in their hand, then retreated back to the shadows.
"Very good. Now, as I said just a moment before, today is a special day. We've been blessed to have found the lost princess- that is, my sister –", the king turned to nod politely at the woman in question, who answered with a faint smile."And now that today's ceremonies are behind us, and the prince and princess are officially presented to the public, I believe that will give us a good base to work with. Now, let us toast to their health and hope for more peaceful waters in the future. To the Prince and Princess of Scotland!"
"To the Prince and Princess of Scotland.", everyone cheered, lifting their glasses in the air in a toast.
And so, the evening could finally begin properly. The orchestra played in the background as the ballroom fell into a polite chatter once again; most of the discussions amongst the guests probably about the new royals that they had only a few minutes ago seen for the first time.
"It's rather splendid, isn't it?"
She jumped slightly when she heard him whisper just a few inches away from her ear.
"I wouldn't know. I haven't had the time to find out yet, Mr. Carson.", his wife answered quietly, hoping no one would hear this hushes conversation."And according to her majesty, I very much doubt I'd even have the time."
Of course, she was right. The king and queen would show them off like two small babies to their aunt for the first time after they've been born. But in this case, it was not about babies, but a prince and a princess. They'd be expected to talk to each and every guest as to not appear rude…
"You may be right. But I intend to steal a dance or two with you tonight, don't you worry about that."
"I'll be looking forward to that very much.", a sincere smile adorned her face as she said this and gave his arm a gentle squeeze."But now, if you'll excuse me, the queen seems to be waiting for us."
The king and queen were indeed talking to a very familiar looking lord and lady, both which Charles had seen at the Abbey during the royal visit a few years ago. He followed his wife as she made her way towards one hell of a conversation. Here we go again, Charles thought with an internal frown, which hopefully didn't show on his face too much.
Upon seeing them approach, the lord and lady both made it to bow and curtsy.
"Your highnesses."
"May I present you, the Prince and Princess of Scotland, the Earl and Countess of Scarborough.", queen Mary spoke with a kind smile on her face.
"It's a pleasure meeting you, Lord and Lady Scarborough.", Elsie said politely."The prince and I are both very happy to have you here tonight with us."
"And we are quite honoured to be here, your highness. It is a very special night."
"Indeed, it is.", queen Mary agreed.
"We hope your family is well?"
"They are. Our youngest has given us our first grandson. We are both over the moon.", Lord Scarborough said with an eager smile.
"Well, congratulation to you both."
They fell into a slightly awkward silence, but the princess luckily came to the rescue;
"I'd be glad to have the chance to talk with you more tonight, Lord and Lady Scarborough, but I'm afraid me and my husband will be amongst the popularity tonight."
"Of course, your highness, we totally understand.", came the quick reply of the lord.
"If I may be so bold-"
"Of course?", queen Mary prompted.
"It is only that, both lord Scarborough and I were thinking of just how familiar the prince looks."
Charles and Elsie exchanged a slightly panicked look at this, and Elsie quickly turned to look at the queen in hopes of help from her. Her simple nod gave the princess permission to tell the truth. We'll see how this goes, Elsie thought with a wildly beating heart.
"Well, that may as well be. You did meet my husband at Downton Abbey during the royal visit in 1927."
"Oh?"
"I was working as the butler during the visit.", Charles chimed in.
"Oh what?"
"We hope we haven't shocked you too much, Lord and Lady Scarborough? The truth would have come out rather sooner than later."
"Not at all. And were you too-…?"
"Whether you are wondering if I was working at Downton like my husband, then you'll find the answer to be yes. I was the housekeeper.", Elsie said with a faint smile, wondering how on earth they'd manage to survive the whole evening if the rest of it would go like…this…
"Well, isn't that peculiar!", exclaimed Lady Scarborough with a, most definitely, faked smile.
And without another word, the lord and lady took their leave, as if seeing someone far more interesting at the other side of the ballroom. At this point, Charles and Elsie were both trying to keep themselves from laughing out loud. That would be most unsuitable indeed.
"That's that then-", mumbled the queen.
"Shall we take a turn around the room, dear? We'll greet everyone on our way, save them the trouble of approaching us one after one."
"Only if it suits her majesty.", Elsie said, directing her husband's question to the lady in charge.
"Of course. You'll do as you please. But remember, we want you here at half past six to open the ball officially, you'll be dancing first."
"Of course.", Elsie nodded, already looking forward to swaying in the strong arms of her faithful husband.
"Shall I come with you, your highness?"
The last voice belonged to Lady Woodley, Elsie's lady in waiting.
"Very well, Woodley. I trust you to give us a hand, shall we see the need for someone to tell us who the lord or lady in question is."
Woodley, of course, understood the assignment and they started their tour, Elsie holding onto her husband's arm.
The queen turned to take her seat next to her husband, who greeted her with raised eyebrows.
"They asked if they could take a turn around the room. I didn't have any reason to say no."
"I'm only worrying if someone should have gone with them.", the king stated.
"Woodley is. And don't worry, they know exactly what they are doing."
…
And they did know what they were doing. No important guest was left unattended, no title or name gone forgotten. They were back to their seats by the fireplace, next to the king and queen, in time to open the ball.
"Enjoy yourselves.", wished king George as his new sister and brother-in-law stood up to head to the dance floor.
"We shall try, but it'll be slightly difficult with every eye in this room staring at us."
"We'll manage.", Charles smiled at his wife, earning a little shake of her head in return as he extended his hand towards her."Now, my beautiful wife, would you do me the honour and spare me a dance?"
"I think I should, since my very handsome husband asked me so politely.", she teased, taking his hand.
He led her to the spacious, completely empty dance floor, that the servants had efficiently cleared out mere minutes ago. The orchestra began a new song, this time one more suitable for dancing a waltz.
His other hand found it's righteous place on her hip, his other squeezing her fingers as her hand came to rest on his broad shoulder. And so, they began their dance, swaying in perfect sync with the music, their bodies a tad bit too close to each other, but neither seemed to feel the need to pull apart. The last time they'd danced together was at their wedding. And even though it had been so long, neither of them stepped on the other's toes, neither did Charles tear her dress in half by stepping on the hem that was swaying just above the marble floor.
And she had been wrong in worrying. Because the moment his arms were around her, their bodies dancing in unison, the rest of the world didn't exist. It was just them, Charles and Elsie. And without them even noticing, the king and queen had soon joined them, and the dancefloor filled with the rest of the guests who were interested in taking a twirl with their respectable companions.
"I had missed this.", Elsie whispered, as they swayed together.
"And what is that?", his low rumble of a voice asked.
"Dancing with you of course.", he could hear the smile in her voice.
"I have missed it too, love. And when one's partner is such a beautiful woman as my wife is on this fine evening, I wish I'd be able to dance the night away with her in my arms and never let go."
"If it was any other night, then I'm sure she'd let you.", she said and they both knew she meant it.
"I should hope so."
"But I'm sure you and your wife will have other thing to keep you occupied for the night, if not dancing."
"And what could that be possibly?", Charles asked in just a quiet whisper when a pair danced by them.
"I wouldn't know. You should ask your wife.", she winked.
And the proud smile on his face was well worth the bit of teasing. They fell into a content silence, both still smiling like two teenagers who were helplessly in love. It was only when he caught something in the corner of his eye that the smile on his face was gone in the bat of an eye.
His wife saw the change in him and immediately asked with worry in her voice;
"Charlie? Is something the matter?"
"I- I must be seeing things."
"What do you mean, love?", she inquired further.
"Only I thought I had seen Lady Mary and Mr. Branson on the dance floor. I suppose I've had a few drinks too many tonight."
He heard his wife let out an amused huff and his attention was on her face once again.
"What?"
"Charlie dear, you're not seeing things.", she told him with a smile.
"What do you mean?", Charles asked with raised eyebrows.
"I should hope they'd be here, and the rest of the family too. I sent them an invitation and it would be only rude not to come when the invitation is from the Princess of Scotland."
"You invited them here?"
"Was I wrong to do that?", his tone had set her on the edge.
"Goodness, no!", he blurted, a little louder than he had intended."It's very lovely of you."
"Well…My husband has often said I am rather a lovely woman."
"And getting lovelier by the minute."
"Well then, come along."
And before he could say another word, his wife had pulled him away from the dance floor and off to the side of the ballroom.
"Your highnesses.", bowed Mr. Wilson who was standing in attention by the wall.
"Wilson, could we have some champagne for us and the Crawley party?", Elsie requested kindly.
The butler went slightly stiff at her words but nodded his answer nevertheless.
"Thank you.", the princess flashed the butler a smile before she pulled her husband with her on her way to find the said family.
And her careful eye soon spotted Lord and Lady Grantham sitting around a round table near the big windows at the very back of the ballroom.
"There they are.", she mumbled as they walked through the crowd, who to their surprise quickly dispersed from their way.
Well, this is nice…and easy this way,Elsie thought to herself.
When they neared the couple sitting around the table, Elsie noticed that Lady Grantham's gaze met with hers, the lady immediately stood up from her seat, much to her husband's confusion. Luckily, he soon saw the reason and followed his wife's lead quickly, almost knocking the little table over.
"Lord and Lady Grantham, how lovely to see you.", Elsie greeted when she was close enough.
The lord and lady bend to show their respect; Lady Grantham by curtsying and Lord Grantham with a low bow.
"Your highnesses.", they heard Cora Crawley say.
"Please.", the princess said, bringing her two former employers back to her eye level.
"If I may say so; what a difference just a few weeks can make, your highness.", smiled the American woman.
"Well, I'm sure all of us here can agree with that.", Elsie nodded her agreement.
"We were quite bewildered upon receiving your letter, your highness. It was a very pleasant surprise indeed.", Robert Crawley spoke up formally.
"Lord Grantham, it was a surprise to me too, one which was revealed only a few minutes ago.", added the prince.
"I thought a little addition to the original guest list wouldn't hurt. Your family has been a big part of both of our lives, and I thought it was only right if you'd be invited.", Elsie explained, an earnest smile on her face.
"Well, it was very kind of you. We all appreciate the notion, your highness."
"I'm afraid the others are off dancing. They'll be sad to have missed you, we've all been wondering how you've been getting on.", Cora told them, nodding her head towards the full dance floor.
"We are in no hurry, in fact, we'd be happy if you'd allow us to enjoy a glass of champagne with you and your family, Lady Grantham?"
"Are you quite sure, your highness?", blurted Robert.
"I can assure you, Lord Grantham, I'm quite sure. Wilson will bring us some glasses."
Soon enough they all had a champagne glass in hand. And not long after, the rest of the, so said, Crawley party joined them, all of them wearing a surprised look on their face upon seeing the two royals talking with Lord and Lady Grantham.
And smoothly enough, they fell back into a comfortable conversation; Elsie and Charles asking how things were at Downton Abbey and the Crawleys inquiring about the royals' new life. It was almost like in the old times, but not quite…
Elsie glanced to her right, where her husband was chatting with Lady Mary, Lady Rosamund and the Hexhams before turning back to her own conversation.
"And what about a lady in waiting? Do you have use for that, your highness?"
"Well, I've not quite gotten used to such luxuries, but I'm sure I'll be more than grateful when I eventually do, Lord Grantham.", Elsie told him while sipping her champagne.
She had had quite many glasses of alcohol tonight and she was starting to almost feel herself getting dizzy, and she would be sorry in the morning. And was it just her who thought the champagne tasted a bit odd?
"You were both very splendid today at the ceremony.", Tom Branson admitted.
"Did you all come to watch?"
"Everyone, but the Hexhams. They wanted to have a lie in before tonight, your highness."
"Of course."
They heard the orchestra begin a new song and watched as a bunch of new couples entered the dancefloor as they sipped the champagne in their glasses. Slowly all the sounds in the noisy room quietened- she couldn't point out when exactly everything had gotten so blurry, but she knew something was amiss the moment the room went completely quiet. Elsie listened to Lady Grantham ask her something, but she couldn't make out the words…And suddenly the whole room seemed to turn upside down and she had to shut her eyes to stop it from spinning.
"Your highness, is everything quite alright?", Robert asked, worry in his voice.
She managed to reply politely enough as she did her everything to keep the glass from falling from her hand, her head still pounding;
"Of course- I'm just a bit tired and I've had way too many glasses tonight, Lord Grantham."
"Would you like to sit down, your highness?", Tom quickly asked, ready lend her a hand to help her sit down.
She could hardly make out the worried smiles on all their faces as she made it to answer;
"No, thank you. If you'll excuse me, I think I'd ought to go lay d-"
And then everything went black, the pounding in her head become too much, and the next thing was complete darkness around her. Her glass fell from her hand and shattered to pieces as it hit the marble floor. The high-pitched noise of shattering glass brought all eyes on her, just as her legs gave up under her and she went crashing onto the floor, like the glass she had been holding. Only Lord Grantham was there in time to catch her just before her head would have hit the hard floor.
"Oh, my goodness!", exclaimed Lady Grantham in panic, watching her husband kneel on the floor with the just crowned, unconscious princess in his arms.
"We need help over here! Someone get a doctor!"
The ballroom fell into slight chaos. The almost perfect night had become a nightmare in just a second.
And Charles stood there in complete shock, watching the woman of his life lay unconscious. And just like that, Charles could feel his whole life slip from reach. Just like that poor wine glass from his wife's grasp…