B&B OF LOVE AND FUN-14
Hello everyone. Thank you for all your reviews. It's a lovely, sunny weekend here, probably the last one with such warm weather this summer, so is there any better way of spending the afternoon, rather than writing Chelsie? I think not ;-) Hope that you will like this chapter.
One week later
In spite of all the stress, that they went through, (especially Charles and Beryl), at the opening of the B&B, things seemed to go rather smoothly these days.
Elsie was happy, that she was the one who took that phone call from their first guests, because judging by their behavior, Charles and Beryl would be close to the heart attack, if they heard the news themselves.
She broke the news gently, trying to not to make them go into a panic mood again, like they did in the first day, after moving to their new place.
Charles and Beryl took the news calmly and all three of them focused on preparations, to receive their first guests. On the day of their arrival, Beryl was changing her mind about the menu three times and Charles was pacing anxiously through the garden, waiting for their guests, to greet them properly.
When Mr and Mrs White finally arrived, they found four very kind and helpful hosts. It was their first visit to Downton, so they just book three days in the B&B, hoping to get to know the place better and do some sightseeing.
During their stay, Elsie was relieved, that even though they only had their first guests, everything went perfectly. All three of them were working like the best mechanism, coordinated in a way, that she could not dream of. Katie turned out to be the greatest addition to their B&B. The girl was working tirelessly, taking orders without unnecessary questions, doing everything that Elsie, Charles or Beryl asked her to do.
It was like they were born to do it, like it was their destiny. Mr and Mrs White were quite pleasantly surprised, to see such excellent care. They had some doubts in the beginning, especially knowing, that the B&B was just opened recently, so they didn't know quite what to expect, but when they were leaving, they told their hosts, that they had never been in a place like this and that they are more than willing, to go back soon. They also promised to spread a good word around their family and friends, encouraging others to visit.
When they left, there was a huge sigh of relief, because everyone were aware, that they have done a good job. Each one of them, gave their contribution to this.
Beryl was working very hard, making a menu, that suited their guests wishes. From breakfast, till dinner, she provided a top-notch service.
Elsie was making sure, that the guests had everything they need in the room- clean bathroom, changed sheets and towels- which was Katie's job, supervised by Elsie. She was also providing the guests all the necessary entertainments- such as good books in their small living room-library, papers every morning. Elsie even provided a radio set to their room, in case they would be admirers of the new invention.
Charles was making sure, that "his women" were doing what was supposed to be done, plus he was watching the careful wine selection for dinner, which was fully appreciated by Mr White, who was a wine expert.
When the guests left, Charles was really impressed, by their well manners and kindness. Even Beryl was pleasantly surprised, which was quite a change, after her initial fears. Elsie was having a good fun, learning, that Beryl suggested to check if Mr and Mrs White are actually married. Obviously, she didn't want to repeat her own mistakes, but Elsie was not going to be that demanding to their guests. She gently replied to Beryl, that she is just going to have to trust them, because they have no other choice.
Katie quickly cleaned the room after the guests departure and Beryl with Elsie could have their afternoon tea in the kitchen, whilst Charles overwhelmed with the emotions from the last three days, but also happy, with everything going so good, decided to take a nap before dinner.
"I'm so glad that it's over and everything went well...I was so scared, that we may have some problems.."
"Beryl, you just need to relax a bit. It was only our first guests, we have many more ahead of us, hopefully...There will be problems, there will be misunderstandings. We will just need to stay calm and take one step at the time..."
"Easy for you to say...You are the rational one here...Me, I'm more of a passionate one..."
"Yes you are...Speaking of being passionate...Did I understand correctly, that Mr Mason will join us tonight, for our celebration dinner?"
Beryl's cheeks have gone red suddenly...
"Yes, he is...I hope you don't mind, that I invited him..."
"Why would I mind? He was so helpful when we were opening and now, in the recent days, he provided us with vegetables and jams...He deserves to celebrate with us..."
"Thank you...I knew that you would understand..."
"Of course...You know Beryl...I think that now, when we are finally on our own, not limited by the mighty Downton Abbey, it can be a right time for you, to develop your relationship with Mr Mason..."
"Elsie...Hold your horses...We don't have a relationship..."
"Yet, but there is always time to change that..."
"You are incorrigible, you know that!"
"Am I really? Need I remind you, who was making jokes and encouraging me to take my chance with Charles?"
"I did..Guilty as charged, but that worked pretty well for you, didn't it?"
"Yes it did...And now it's time to do something for you too..."
"Do you want to be my matchmaker?"
"I will do my best Beryl..."
Later, in the evening...
Charles, Elsie, Beryl and Bill, were sitting by the table, drinking wine after dinner...Katie was celebrating with them, but she went to sleep earlier, leaving four people in a very good mood...
"Let me make a toast- to the success of your B&B...You've taken a great risk, put everything on one card and it was worth it...Congratulations!"- Mr Mason wanted to express his appreciation for the initiative...
"Thank you very much Mr Mason...Your contribution was valuable...All the vegetables and jams were quite handy and our guests had healthy appetites..."- Elsie smiled to Bill..
"You are very welcome...I will be happy to do it in the future..."
"That would be a good idea Mr Mason...Maybe we can like cooperate...Hopefully. soon we will have more guests. so we can make some kind of a deal..."-Charles was full of big plans for the future tonight
"I think it's a wonderful idea..."-Mr Mason was beaming from joy at that perspective...
"I would be careful if I were you, soon you can be loaded with an extra work for our B&B"-Beryl decided to stop an enthusiasm of her companions..."Not that you are not welcome here, because you know you are..."
Bill smiled widely and they looked at each other with Beryl in a meaningful way, which Elsie immediately noticed...She figured, that it was about time to leave those two alone, so the process of building a relationship could start...
"I fully agree with Beryl...You are always welcome here Mr Mason...I hate to be the one who spoils all the fun, but I'm very tired and looking forward to go to sleep...Will you excuse me?"
"Of course Mrs Carson...Perhaps I should head back home myself...It's getting quite late..."
"No Mr Mason...Stay and finish your wine with Beryl...Me and Charles will say goodnight..."-Elsie looked at Charles, giving him signals with her eyes, that she wants him to go with her...Charles obeyed and they said goodnight and left the room...
A little later, in the Carson's bedroom...
"Elsie, I'm not sure if we did the right thing, leaving Beryl with Mr Mason alone..."
"Why exactly Charlie? You think that they can get into some mischief in our B&B?"
"Well, they are not married, or engaged, so I think that they shouldn't be left alone in the late night..."
"Oh Charlie, really...You are turning into an old prick...My love..."-Elsie laughed and she kissed Charlie, looking at his outrage face..."May I remind you, that we were spending a lot of time alone in the room, in the late night too..."
"We did, but we were engaged to be married and..."
"Really Charles? And what about all our years in Downton, when we were just a butler and a housekeeper? We were alone almost every night, in a closed room, together and did anything inappropriate ever happened?"
"Unfortunately it didn't.."-Charles smiled wickedly...
"Unfortunately? My, my...Now I'm curious...Can you continue and finish your thought?"
"Well Elsie, you know...We were very decent and nothing inappropriate ever happened, but that doesn't mean that I wasn't dreaming about it..."
"Mr Carson...You are naughty...And what if it did? Judging by your harsh standards, I suppose that if anything inappropriate happened, you would not want to marry me later, thinking that I was a fallen woman..."
"You are very wrong Elsie...There could never be anything, which would stop me from marrying you... Don't you ever forget it my love..."-Charles kissed Elsie, enjoying the sweetness and softness of her lips, which cause a quiet moan from him..
"I'm glad to hear that my love...One thing is certain..."
"And what's that Elsie?"
"Back then, nothing inappropriate could happen between us, but it certainly is possible now...So what do you say to that suggestion my dear husband? Shall we continue the wonderful evening and night of our celebrations?"
"That's an offer I can't refuse..."
Charles pinned Elsie to the bed and turned off the light...
That's all for today my lovelies...I know, the chapter has ended in the best moment, but sometimes I like to leave some things to imagination...They deserved to celebrate their success...From now, it can only get better...I hope that you had a good time reading the chapter and your opinions are welcome. Have a wonderful weekend!