After a month of hard work and staying up late to observe and participate in Mrs. Smith's responsibilities, Elsie was informed that she was to have a meeting with Mrs. Smith and Lady Grantham. She was rather exhausted, but also invigorated. She was looking forward to the coming promotion. She just needed to get through the coming meeting and hopefully impress the Countess of Grantham.
She was also looking forward to the extra money the promotion would bring forth. She had received a letter from her mam stating that the rent had gone up. Her mother needed more money or they would need to move. Elsie was not opposed to sending her hard earned money. The unfortunate truth was she would rather work to support them from farther away, than make less money closer to home. She liked the freedom. She was sad to admit that taking care of Becky was a task not suited for her. Becky was difficult at the best of times. The worst of times was a storm not understood by many people. Becky became frustrated easily. She lashed out and made high pitched screeching noises. She was a spectacle. Her mother handled her outburst with grace and understanding. Elsie had a harder time tolerating her sister's actions.
Elsie knew she was selfish for not taking more of an interest in Becky. She saw the disappointment in her mothers eyes last when she was home. She knew her mam was proud of her work, but she was also unhappy about Elsie's disinterest in her sister. So Elsie worked hard to support her family the best she could. Now she was to be housekeeper, the highest possession in her career path.
It was just after the servants luncheon when Elsie made her way to Mrs. Smith's pantry. She gave a gentle knock to the door and waited for Mrs. Smith's summons.
Just as she walked into the room she heard "Oh good Miss Hughes, you are right on time. Lady Grantham and I were just discussing your potential promotion."
Elsie observed Lady Grantham sitting in the corner chair while sipping from a cup of tea.
"Yes, Mrs. Smith has explained that you are a competent worker and that she has been training you most recently." Said Lady Violet Crawley. " Do you feel that you are ready for this position?"
"Yes Milady, Mrs. Smith has been very kind." Stated Elsie. She stood before them clasping her hands, trying not to fidget.
"Milady I highly recommend Miss Hushes as my replacement. I have already transferred some of my responsibilities. She has taken up the new work with ease and maintained her current work well." Praised the current housekeeper.
"That is all I need to hear. Congratulations Miss Hughes, you will be Downton's new Housekeeper when Mrs. Smith takes her leave." said the Countess. "Now you might as well take a seat and we can all discuss more household matters".
Mrs. Smith offered Elsie a small smile and offered her a chair.
The next morning, staff were about to disperse from the servants hall after breakfast when Mrs. Smith stood and motions for everyone to stay in their seats.
"I want to inform everyone that I will be retiring in two months time." Some murmurs were heard around the table, but many already knew about the change.
"I'm very pleased to announce that Miss Elsie Hughes will be promoted to housekeeper. She has already been performing some of my tasks. Please be kind and helpful during this transition." She stated in a formal tone.
She looked over at Elsie with a kind smile. Elsie smiled back and looked around the table to all her colleagues. She looked to Mr. Carson last. He met her eyes and tilted his head in a nod of acknowledgment. Elsie nodded back then turned to Clara.
Clara patted her hand and said "Congratulations Mrs. Hughes, I hope we may still be friends."
Elsie turned her head towards her friend and asked "Clara, is that what you're worried about?" "Of course we will still be friends".
Clara stared back at her, but then lowered her eyes and said "It will be different, we will have to find time together. You will be moving rooms soon. I'll miss our late night chats. It will be harder to share my late night thoughts and secrets."
"Oh Clara, we will find time. Just think, a new housemaid will need to be hired. Maybe it will be someone closer to your age and you will forget all about me." Elsie said.
Clara gave her a playfully shocked look and squeezed her hand. "I will not forget about you Elsie. You have my support and friendship. Can I still call you Elsie when we are alone?"
"Of course you can" Elsie said, squeezing her hand back.
Later that night Mrs. Smith ventured out to find Elsie. She found her organizing the linen closet, marking the books as she ventured up the shelves.
"Everything in order?" questioned the older woman.
"Oh yes, just going over the inventory before guests arrive next week." Elsie said. She straightened herself and turned towards her mentor. Elsie gave her a smile and said "Can I help you with anything?"
"Oh no, our day is ending Miss Hughes. I came to asked if you would like to have a glass of sherry with Mr. Carson and I?"
Elsie looked hesitant so, Mrs. Smith continued "It is somewhat of a tradition for the housekeeper and Butler to converse after the staff has gone to bed and discuss household matters."
"Mr. Carson has an excellent taste in wine and other beverages. As butler he gets a share of the family's collection to sample and add to his own small collection. He has been very generous over the years. I have been spoiled and I do hope that you will be as well." Her monitor met her eye with a raised brow.
Elsie felt a slight blush reach her checks, tucked her inventory book under her arm and signaled her mentor to lead the way.
Mrs. Smith reached 's pantry door and gave a quick knock before entering.
" are you available for a chat and some sherry? I have brought Miss Hughes."
Mr. Carson looked up from his desk and signaled the ladies to take a seat where they liked. After Elsie took a seat furthest from the door and Mrs. Smith in her normal seat next to the door, Mr. Carson got up to retrieve the sherry and three glasses.
"Do you like Sherry Miss Hughes? Or do you prefer a different wine?" Mr. Carson asked, catching her eyes.
Elsie stared at him for a moment and answered "Sherry is fine Mr. Carson. I'm not opposed to other types of wine though. I do enjoy a good malbec, quite a treat when there is a glass presented to me." She then gave him a tiny smile.
"Good choice, I also enjoy a decent malbec." He poured the wine and handed the first glass to Mrs. Smith. He then handed the next glass to Elsie. His hand accidentally brushed hers again during the transfer. The same peculiar feeling shot up his hand. The same feeling from her arrival. He clasped his hand with his other, rubbing the outside of last finger and made his way to the chair opposite Mrs. Smith.
Mrs. Smith noticed and looked between the two. She looked down when Mr. Carson took his seat.
"Miss Hughes, I would like to congratulate you on your new position. Mrs. Smith will be a tough predecessor to emulate, but she has sung your praises for a while now." Mr. Carson addressed Elsie.
"Thank you, Mr. Carson." Elsie paused and then stated "I'm glad I have met expectations." Elsie said this without thinking and quickly darted her eyes to Mr. Carson.
Mr. Carson stared at her for a moment and then chuckled. Shaking his head he said "I forgot I said that to you upon your arrival, I suppose I deserve that comment." Both dropped their eyes to their drinks and took a sip.
"Mr. Carson I hope you will help Miss Hughes in the coming months. As I helped you when you transitioned to Butler." Mrs. Smith gestured between the two and said " It's important for the butler and housekeeper to have a good working relationship. They can be the guiding force for the household or the eventual downfall. Downton has seen many pairs throughout the years. Some have worked seamlessly together and some have clashed like the Crusaders fighting to capture the holy lands."
let her statement sit for a moment, finished her drink, stood and then said "Well I'm off to bed, goodnight you two." and left for the night.
and Elsie looked from the door and then towards each other.
"I will provide all the help I can Miss Hughes." Mr. Carson said, looking into Elsie's dark eyes. Shadows passed along the plains of her face from the candlelight. He thought she looked quite lovely at that moment. She looked thoughtful from Mrs. Smith's words of advice. She also looked very tired.
Elsie looked up from taking the last sip of her sherry and said " Thank ye, Mr. Carson, I will welcome all the help provided." her Scottish accent sounded more pronounced because of her fatigue. She knew that moment was the time to head up to bed.
Mr. Carson was still reflecting on his odd and out of the blue observation, when Elsie thanked him. He too finished his drink and stood. Elsie stood after him, knowing that this was her dismissal for the night. Carson motioned her to the door and almost placed his hand on her lower back to guide her out.
Elsie felt the warmth of his hand even though no contact was made. The warmth woke her up a bit and she turned to Mr. Carson while he locked his pantry door.
"Would you like to walk with me until we meet our separate staircase?" Elsie asked.
Mr. Carson looked up from the doorknob. "That will be fine" he said and stepped up beside her. They started walking in comfortable silence.
"Elsie, why are you so late to bed?" Clara Asked as Elsie stepped into their room.
"I'm sorry did I wake ye?" Elsie said while she grabbed her toiletries for a quick wash.
"Yes, but that's alright. You didn't answer my question." Clara replied.
Elsie sighed "I was invited for a glass of sherry with Mr. Carson and Mr. Smith."
"oh, how nice" "Good night Mrs. Hughes" Clara sleepily stated.
"Clara, I'm sorry to be late. I need to wash. Please go back to bed."
" Yes, right. Goodnight" Clara then turned to her other side and threw the covers over her head.
"Goodnight Clara." Elsie then walked out and made her way to the washroom.
Over the next 2 months Mrs. Smith mentored Elsie in all ways of running a house like Downton Abbey.
It was a beautiful May morning when Mrs. Smith sat at her last breakfast with all of the staff. Her luggage was stacked by the back door and a cart was commissioned to bring her to the train station.
Once bowls were emptied Mrs. Smith stood and said "Well this is goodbye. Thank you everyone for your hard work. Please keep up the immaculate work I know you all can accomplish." Congratulations and applause rose throughout the servants hall. Mrs. Smith Smiled.
After goodbyes and a few hugs were completed, Mrs. Smith made her way to Elsie.
"Well Mrs. Hughes, it's your time to steer this ship. Make me proud." She then handed her keys over to the new housekeeper. Mrs. Smith had tears in her eyes, but offered Elsie a hug after seeing her hook the keys onto her hip. Elsie graciously accepted Mrs. Smith affections and returned her hug.
Mrs. Smith whispered into her ear " You will do beautifully Elsie. It will be hard, possibly lonely. This house has many secrets. Many hallways, many crannies to hide, and many books. It is your choice to be lonely or not. Life is a fickle experience that can go many ways. If you know where to look, housekeepers from the past might guide your way to a fruitful life." With that she patted Elsie's back and stepped away. She gave Elsie one last look and then looked towards Mr. Carson. Elsie raised her bow in a questionable manner towards the retiree. She then made her way to her new pantry.
"Mr. Carson, please help me bring these to the cart". She lifted her arm towards her luggage. She then made it for the door and picked up one of her cases.
Once at the cart and her luggage secured she motions Mr. Carson to herself.
"Well my boy, you have made me very proud. You are a marvelous butler. Come give this old woman a hug" Mr. Carson bent cautiously and wrapped his arms around her.
"A butler is all well and good for a meaningful life, but there is more to life than serving others. It's okay to think of oneself once in a while Charles." "Don't be afraid to open up and explore other avenues of happiness." She gave him a tight squeeze and then released him.
He gave her a questioning look, but inclined his head.
"Goodbye Mrs. Smith, I wish you great happiness as well." Mr. Carson said softly.
He then lent a hand to help Mrs. Smith into the cart and waved goodbye.
Mrs. Smith smiled, but did not look back towards the big house. She only had eyes for the future.