Elsie sat in Mrs. Smith's parlor trying to wrap her head around the fact that this was her room to now utilize. A private place to conduct her work in relative peace. Just as the thought passed, she heard a knock on the door. She swiveled towards the door and said "Come in".
Mr. Carson walked in and said "How are you doing Mrs. Hughes? Do you need assistance from myself or the hall boys to move this room about, to your liking?"
"Oh, just taking it all in Mr. Carson." she took a minute to think and then questioned "Do I have free choice of the furniture in the attic? I would not mind having a few different pieces to make it my own. My bedroom could use a few touches as well. Come to think of it." She returned his friendly tone and added a small smile.
"I would greatly appreciate some help from the hall boys. I would need to supervise of course."
Mr. Carson took a moment to look upon her. He noticed the ease in which she took up the role of housekeeper in the last few weeks. He thought about how right she fit in this very room. He noticed a new confidence in her.
"Mrs. Hughes you certainly have total control of the furniture preferences for your rooms as well as the downstairs area. I don't have much tolerance for decoration, if something needs changing in the servants area, I leave that up to you. Obviously the grand pieces do not belong down here. Choose accordingly."
"Obviously" Elsie stated in a cheeky manner.
cleared his throat and changed the subject "Did explain the bedroom orders in the servants hall?"
"Yes, we went over that somewhat. She stated that newer staff should be closer to the bedrooms of the housekeeper and Butler, depending on what side they reside…"
"Yes, yes, but did she explain the reasons why it is arranged this way?"
Elsie lifted her brow signaling him to continue.
"The Housekeeper and Butler reside in the center with the bedrooms closest to the door separating the sides. You are the only member of staff with access to both sides. We are in the center for emergency purposes. If something happens on my side I can easily notify you and vice versa. The youngest members of staff are the most likely to need assistance during the night. They are closest to us in order for the least amount of disturbance to the remaining staff. We instill in the more senior staff that it is a great showing of trust to be nearest the stairwell." He stated in a serious tone.
Elsie listened to his informational spiel with apt attention. She did not fail to notice his caring mannerisms while he talked about the younger staff.
"That make a great deal of since Mr. Carson. I will take this in mind when assigning rooms to future staff."
Mr. Carson nodded in her direction "There is one other detail about our living arrangements I should mention." He gave her an almost embarrassed look and said "There is a door between our rooms, it connects the two."
She raised an eyebrow, but he continued before she could say anything.
"It's locked of course, the key seems to be missing. Although there would be no need for the door to be opened." he said sternly.
"Mrs. Smith and I would knock in a set pattern to indicate if we needed the other during the night. Then we'd meet at the hall door to assist the other. I hope we may continue this form of communication."
When Elsie did not reply in a timely manner, Mr. Carson said "Is that agreeable Mrs. Hughes?"
Elsie was brought out of her musing by Mr. Carson's questions. She had been contemplating him living and sleeping just a wall away from her. A nice but distracting thought. Would she hear him? Or him her? Her thoughts switch to a few inappropriate thoughts and feelings if she was honest. She shook her head to diminish her thoughts. Thoughts that would probably stun and embarrass this large straightforward man.
"Yes Mr. Carson, I'm sure you will show me the sequence of knocks used."
"Of course, now if you will excuse me, I have work to do."
Elsie stopped him by saying "Thank you ".
Mr. Carson paused, angled his head down in acknowledgement and left.
Later that night after everyone was sent to bed, Elsie was resting in her new bed, in her new room reading, when she heard a knock. She froze, but looked to their shared door.
Mr. Carson somewhat shouted "Goodnight Mrs. Hughes".
Elsie recovered from her slight surprise and said "Goodnight Mr. Carson.
She supposed that was his signal for his retirement for the night.
Life went on at Downton Abbey, the staff continued the hustle and bustle of caring for the house and family. Elsie had been Housekeeper for over a month and just finished helping plan her first small party with Lady Grantham. She knew this was her first real test. The party was set for two weeks. It was not very grand, but boosted a few important personas.
She made her way to 's pantry, hoping to discuss the menu so he could determine a suitable wine selection for the meal.
The two heads of staff had slowly been building towards a good working relationship. Although sherry had not been shared again, at meal time they had quite a few good conversations. She enjoyed sitting next to him and hearing his great rumble when they discussed something. She took pleasure in working with him to solve the many household complications.
She wished to know his thoughts, in regards to her recent work. She wondered if he recognized her hard work and dedication. She was not a vain woman, but wanted to impress Mr. Carson. She wanted to put the thoughts out of her mind about why.
Elsie knocked on his door and waited for his reply.
Mr. Carson flung open the door and stood in the doorway. They were only a step apart. Mr. Carson looked down and finally noticed who was at the door. Neither of them moved apart, both taking notice of the other and the warmth generated. They stood staring at one another. Mr. Carson looked into her eyes and noticed the dark blue hue reminiscent of ocean waters. He thought they were rather beautiful. At that same moment Elsie took note of Mr. Carson's brown eyes. The color not anything unusual or unique, but because they belonged to him, she thought them special. He had kind eyes that seemed to pull her in, whenever he looked upon her.
Elsie was the first to look down. She felt a blush reach her cheeks. She hoped didn't notice. She looked back up to him to see his reaction. Mr. Carson was still staring at her. He had an unreadable expression. She wished to read his mind at that moment.
Mr. Carson indeed noted Elsie's blush. He was starting to realize the implications. He was unsure about how to handle the new housekeeper's apparent crush. He was moved in a way. That a beautiful woman was interested in his surly self. But what to do about the situation. He surmised her crush, but how deep did her feelings go. What were his feelings? What a predicament. An inappropriate predicament.
Elsie at last spoke "Would you go over the menu with me Mr. Carson".
"Yes, yes. Of Course, I was on my way to the wine cellar. I imagine you have not been down there yet. Would you like to come along?". He mused that just because her litter crush was unconventional, didn't mean he would not mind her company.
Elsie felt rather chuffed that he should ask her to visit one of his most treasured places in the house. She smiled, not a small one, but a full on smile, teeth and all.
Mr. Carson could not help the smile that tugged at his own lips. She had a beautiful smile as well. He thought the new housekeeper had many beautiful qualities.
Elsie had still not budged from the doorway or moved away from Mr. Carson. She was mesmerized by the smile on Mr. Carson's lips. She could not believe that she was able to make him smile. She felt more than chuffed now, she was rather besotted.
Seeing her frozen state reached out and touched her arms slightly before guiding her to turn, he then moved his hand to hover over her lower back and steered her towards the cellar door.
Once in the cellar Elsie looked around. She was impressed with the grad collection, but was not surprised. Mr. Carson made his way into one of the corners, on a mission it seemed to find a specific bottle.
"This is most certainly a vast collection. Is your collection also stored down here?" Elsie questioned.
Mr. Carson looked up from the label he was reading "His lordship takes great pride in this collection. There are bottles and crates from all over the world. I'm proud to oversee the cellar. Not many people are allowed down here." His innuendo made her smile.
"My collection is this way" He said, heading in the opposite direction. He led her to a small wine rack, not as impressive as the family's racks, but neat and tidy. She could not see a speck of dust, indicating his care and attention.
She reached out a hand towards a bottle that caught her eyes, but looked up and asked "May I pick up one of the bottles?" not wanting to offend.
Mr. Carson inclined his head in permission.
Elsie picked up the bottle and started to examine the label. "This is a lovely Port, I have actually sampled this one at my last house."
Mr. Carson's curiosity was piqued, he gave her a questioning expression.
Elsie took the hint and continued. "My last position before Downton was with an elderly woman. I was her ladies maid. I stayed with her until her death."
"She was very generous and liked to share her good fortunes. I liked her very much and I suppose she liked me. I think I was more of a companion for her in her last few years." Elsie continued, "She was enthusiastic about wine and her own collection. She introduced me to many delicious glasses."
Elsie chuckled "She even gave me a few dresses that I have nowhere to wear. She gave me a beautiful pearl brooch. It's my most prized possession. I always tried to refuse her gifts, but she was sad and made me feel guilty when I tried to give them back."
"She sounded like a wonderful employer" Mr. Carson stated.
"She was, I miss her very much sometimes." Her eyes started to get a little teary.
Mr. Carson let her have a moment.
Elsie willed her tears away and turned to put the bottle back. As she turned her dress snagged on one of the nearby racks corners. She tripped forward from the unexpected resistance. She felt gravity's pull, but was secured by his arm coming around to steady her arm holding the bottle. She then felt his other reach around her waist. He helped her place the bottle in its slot.
She turned in his arm and looked into his eyes. She expected to see some form of outrage for almost dropping the wine bottle, but what she saw shocked her. His eyes held utter concern and was that adoration? His expression and lingering hold made her gasp audibly.
Mr. Carson looked from her eyes to her mouth after her gasp. He could not seem to tear his eyes away from her.
He suddenly reached his hand out to touch her face. His hand was warm and soothing. She did not shy away, but leaned her head more into his palm. She looked up into his face and noticed him tilting his head towards hers.
She felt the lightest kiss and closed her eyes.