CHAPERONING

After their picnic, the group of six enjoyed a little bit of the sun and beach as well as exploring the pier and its attractions. Andy and Daisy knew they would not be able to catch the last train, they wanted to enjoy themselves without checking the clock. Hence, they decided to inquire about rooms at the same hotel where the Carsons and Masons were staying, when they got back. This meant they could go back to London early next morning. They were very lucky indeed as the receptionist assured them there still were rooms available.

While the older couples went up to their rooms to change and freshen up, Daisy and Andy were waiting in the hotel's lobby – occupying themselves by flicking through newspapers and magazines they found at the reception.

Mrs Hughes was the first one down. She started chatting to the young couple.

"You wouldn't believe this, Mrs Hughes, this young actress claims she uncovered something about William Desmond Taylor's death."

"My my." Mrs Hughes wasn't hiding her curiosity as she stepped closer to Daisy so she could see what she was reading.

"There is an article about Clara Bow as well, and a column about the Prince of Wales and the British Aristocracy!"

"Is there?" Elsie raised here eyebrows. "I'll never understand what they find so interesting about them…"

"They live a different live, Mrs Hughes, the Americans! They are so modern. Even Lady Edith's magazine is old-fashioned compared to this!" Daisy raised the newspaper in front of her as if she just found the Holy Grail.

In the same moment, Mr Carson entered the room and his anger immediately spiked upon seeing what Daisy was holding in her hands. "Where did you find this?!" He raised his voice.

"I-" Daisy was lost for words for a second. "Th- they had them at the reception desk." She pointed towards the pile of newspapers.

"And what immature and mindless part of you thought it was a good idea to pick one up?!"

"Mr Carson, there is no need to-" His wife unsuccessfully tried to calm his wrath.

"Show some loyalty to the family you serve!" He thundered, reprimanding her.

"But there is nothing about them in there." Daisy protested.

"Of course, there isn't! And I hope you weren't suggesting there could be!"

"She wasn't suggesting any such thing!" Mrs Hughes finally managed to step in, rolling her eyes. Her comment caused him to finally turn away from Daisy and give her a shocked disbelieving look instead.

"What's going on here?" Mrs Patmore queried upon hearing loud voices as they were coming down the stairs. Yet, nobody responded to her.

"Time to go, I think." Mr Mason commanded, offered an elbow to his wife, and headed towards the door.

Daisy and Andrew quickly gather their things, put away the newspaper, and followed them.

The Carsons stood behind for a couple more seconds. "And what exactly did you say all that for?" Elsie turned to her husband, giving him a disappointed look. "You will have spoiled her happy day!"

He opened his mouth to object, but no words came out.

"Could you not have swallowed your principles for once? There was no harm done." On her part anyway she thought to herself.

"I was merely looking out for the family." He explained but he could see her point now, even though he would never admit it to her.

"Very helpful for them, I'm sure." Mrs Hughes mocked him. "Let's not keep them waiting." She sighed and pointed towards the door.

During dinner Daisy was trying not to think about the earful Mr Carson gave her earlier but it was not as easy as it usually would be because the butler was sat at the same table... Every time she looked at him, she remembered his red disapproving face and felt a bit sorry for herself. Why did she still get so worked up about this – he was not the boss anymore. He had no right to dress her down like that, she kept telling herself.

Mr Carson's mind was as occupied as Daisy's throughout dinner. He was trying to think of ways to make amends. He felt really bad. He was convinced, he had done right thing; no Downton Abbey servant should ever be reading the atrocious gossip in the American newspapers! But he felt awful knowing it could have ruined her engagement day.

It was up to Mrs Hughes and Andy to lead the conversation… They both actively tried to shift the atmosphere. The Masons were not completely oblivious to the elephant in the room, but still tried to have a jolly time.

"Have you settled on a date yet?" Mrs Patmore asked.

"Not yet!" Andy laughed.

"It's a bit early to ask that, Mrs Patmore, don't you think?" Elsie chuckled.

As the two women continued their chinwag, Andy turned to his bride-to-be, and tried to cheer her up. "Would you like to try a cocktail, Daisy?"

Daisy finally roused from her reverie. "I'm not sure Mr Carson would approve of us having cocktails." She grumbled and rolled her eyes.

Upon hearing his name, Mr Carson took the opportunity to chime in. "It's your special day, Daisy, I will allow it. Just this once."

And indeed, they ended up ordering cocktails. To Mr Carson's disbelief, Mrs Hughes was eager to order one for herself too. She wanted to make the most out of Andy's knowledge regarding cocktails and to try something new. Mrs Patmore decided to stick with wine and the men asked for a glass of Scottish whiskey.

When the waiter brought bill, Messrs Mason and Carson both reached for it – yet Mr Carson was quicker. Even though the dinner was the farmer's idea, Charles wanted to pay as a way of redeeming himself in the young couple's eyes.

"Are you not coming to the night club with us, Mr Carson?" Andy asked as they were all getting up and heading out.

"I- Err… I don't know," He shook his head.

"Oh come on," Mrs Hughes tried to encourage the butler.

"I don't think it's a good idea." He did not want them to feel like they have to watch their backs. Moreover, he did not want to go to a night club.

"It will be fun." Mrs Patmore added.

"That's exactly what I'm afraid of."

To Mr Carson's surprise, Daisy joined in: "I think you should come. You would be missed."

"Alright," He was finally persuaded. This was a piece offering.


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