Chapter 14: Challenges

A few more months passed. Elsie continued her contact with Clara. They saw each other every church service and tried to catch up after. They also met up a few times for tea and a chat. She did not mention her marital status to her friend yet, but she was planning on it. Elsie noticed that Tim and Clara seemed united once more. They looked content if not happy when she saw them together. She was relieved.

Clara's pregnancy was not noticeable as of yet. Soon enough it would be.

Elsie had mixed feelings about her friend's pregnancy. She was happy and excited for Clara, but also experienced several moments of jealousy. Her friend was able to have a child of her own, something Elsie would not be able to experience. She did feel a deep sadness when she thought about it for too long. In those moments she tried her hardest to think about work or something else. It was a constant struggle to push to the back of her mind.

Elsie was currently overseeing the overturning of a bedroom in the guest quarters. James Crawley, the Earl's nephew, was arriving at Downton the next day. He was bringing along his young son.

Elsie was still training the newest maid, a young woman named Francis. Elsie was showing her the proper manner in which to air out a room. They changed the bedding and did a bit of dusting.

"Almost done Francis, then I'll have you help the other maids," she said while they lifted the bed cover together.

"Yes, ."

They were just spreading out the bed covers when Elsie heard a noise meant to interrupt. She instantly knew who made the noise and turned to look at her husband.

He was standing in the doorway and said "Oh good, the room is ready, turns out Mr. Crawley took an earlier train and will arrive in a few hours."

"Well, very good indeed that I like to be prepared Mr. Carson." The women finished their task and moved to the open door.

"Go to the laundry room and help out there," she said to Francis. The girl nodded her head and moved past Mr. Carson.

Once the couple was alone, Charles looked down the hallway to see if anyone was about. When he saw no one he moved her back into the room and shut the door.

"And what perhaps are you doing, Mr. Carson?" He brushed his hands down her arms and smiled.

He said in a low voice "I wanted a moment with my wife." he brought her closer to him.

She moved into his space without protest, but was puzzled as to why he was seeking contact during working hours.

"What ever is the Matter?" She drew her hands onto his arms and started rubbing lightly.

"Nothing, can't a husband hold his wife?"

"Not during the daylight." She chuckled, she pushed him back a little and looked into his eyes.

He looked at her with such love, "Well, just this once" she said and moved further into his hold again. She rested her head upon his chest.

He swayed with her for a moment then said "I do want to talk with you about something, but I saw you and just could not help myself."

He felt her smile against his chest "Mr. Crawley has a tendency to be forward with the maids."

Elsie moved her head to look at him sharply. He spoke before she could "I'm just warning you, he has not been the same since his wife passed. He flirts with the maids and has drawn a few into his bed in the past."

"We can't have that!" she took a step back from him and held a hand up before his reply "Why has this not been stopped in the past?" she exclaimed.

"He is part of the family Elsie, they just turn a blind eye to his conduct."

"That is unacceptable, I can't stand rowdy guests, praying on my maids!" She said rather loudly.

"Elsie keep your voice down" Charles abolished.

She sucked in a breath and nodded.

"I understand you are upset, but all we can do is be vigilant." He guided her back to him and kissed the top of her head.

"It's just atrocious that men get away with such behavior." She said in an exacerbated breath. Disappointment radiating from her body language. Her body rigid against his.

"I know, my dear. You know I don't condone such behavior. I just can't say anything to guests." He rubbed her back, hoping his touch would soothe her.

She nodded in his arms, deep in thought.

"What are you thinking about, dear?" he murmured into her ear.

"Nothing, love." She stroked his chest. He could tell she was not telling him something, but let the conversation drop.

"Better get back to work" Elsie stated. Charles nodded and pecked her lips quickly, then turned to leave, just as he opened the door he turned and smirked in her direction.

She smiled back at him. Shaking her head, she moved to follow him.

Later that day all the appropriate servants were standing in line on the drive. Patiently waiting to welcome Mr. Crawley and his son. With straight backs Elsie and Charles looked on as the carriage carrying the visitors arrived.

A tall gentleman stepped out. He was lean, but handsome. Dark blond slicked back locks and sporting a finely groomed mustache. He was wearing fine clothing. His overcoat was jet black and made of quality fabric. Elsie could see why some maids would fall for his charm.

He turned back to the carriage and waved for his son to follow. Soon a young boy emerged and climbed down. No assistance from his father was granted.

"Nanny come grab the boy" he commanded to the young woman standing slightly behind the Crawley girls. Nanny looked to Lady Cora for permission, once approval was given she moved to collect the boy. She guided the boy with a hand between his shoulders. The two eldest girls displayed bright expressions, happy to gain a new playmate.

James Crawley carried an air of arrogance. He liked to parade around in his fine clothes and relish in his higher station in life. She could tell he was a man that expected to get his way.

She already disliked him, judging from the first few minutes of observation.

The man surveyed his surroundings. Pleased with the display he received for his arrival. His eyes moved from the family and then to the servants. He looked his way up the line of maids currently presented in front of him.

Elsie narrowed her eyes slightly, not able to help her reaction. She vowed to keep her girls in line and away from him during his stay.

Mr. Crawley moved his eyes to the beginning of the servants line and locked eyes with Elsie. He looked surprised for a moment. Not expecting to see a new young housekeeper. He smirked a little and proceeded to move his eyes up and down her body. He had the audacity to lick the corner of his lips. His searing eyes moved back to hers. She clearly saw the want in his gaze. Her stomach dropped, not expecting his attention to be directed at herself.

Elsie felt Charles stiffen beside her. It was subtle, but noticeable to her.

Nothing could be done, the couple stayed stock still. Elsie tried her hardest to keep her poker face in place and ignore his gaze.

Still looking her over he said "Who is this Uncle? You had an older woman standing besides Carson, last I was here." he directed his question over his shoulder, his question meant for Load Grantham.

"This is our new housekeeper Mrs. Hughes" it was Lady Grantham who spoke. Elsie could see her disapproving stare, directed at Mr. Crawley. Lord Grantham looked bored, his nephew's disrespectful display not important enough for his interference.

"Well, she is a sight better, now isn't she?" he smirked again at her.

Elsie tried her hardest to stay stoic. She did lift her chin in the air and stood taller. A small show of disdain.

That might have been the wrong action, for the man just smiled wider. Eyes glowing with interest. Elsie was afraid he might have liked her challenging move. He looked the type to enjoy a challenge.

"Come along James, luncheon will be soon and the servants need to prepare." Lord Grandtham finally addressed his nephew. The man turned from Elsie and moved to join the family. He did turn to look at her one last time before disappearing into the Abbey. She noticed a dangerous gleam in his eyes.

Elsie turned her head slightly to gauge Charles's expression, anxious to observe his state.

He looked very agitated indeed. Brow pinched and fist clenched tightly. He took a large breath and moved to command the staff inside and back to work. Elsie stayed where she was, she waited for the others to leave and turned to her husband.

"It's okay Charles" she whispered.

He still looked distressed, all he said was "I better get back" and moved to walk through the front door and to his butler duties.

Elsie stood there for a minute longer. She gathered her thoughts, drew in a deep breath, and started to walk towards the servants entrance.

Many hours later Charles was busy in the dining room serving dinner. He was making his way around the table dispensing the dinner wine. He was trying his best to keep his calm. Serving Mr. Crawley was most definitely a hardship after the man's reaction to his wife that afternoon.

His face must have been sterner than he realized because once he was back standing against the wall he heard Lord Robert say "Are you alright Carson?"

Charles was brought out of his dark thoughts and said "quite alright Milord" he noticed that all eyes of the dinner party were now on him. Even the eyes of James Crawley. Their eyes met, Mr. Crawley's brow rose in question of Charles' glare.

"I hope all your servants are not so serious. It makes a guest feel most unwelcome," James Carawley said, glaring back at Charles. He sat up straighter in his chair. "That new housekeeper looks to be good at her job,"he smirked when he noticed Charles' look of disdain.

"She is more than adequate," Lady Grantham replied. Moving her eyes between the two men, noticing the tension.

"We are very lucky to have her, she is marvelous when it comes to organizing a party," Lady Cora added in.

"Yes, she seems quite nicely put together," Mr. Crawley said. Charles stood taller and clenched his fist. Not happy at all with this man's plain interest in his wife.

Mr. Crawley took a sip of wine, drawing his brow together in thought, he proceeded by saying "I don't think this wine is quite right for the meal." Charles recognized the dig for what it was. Mr. Crawley knew exactly who made the wine selections. He swirled the wine around in his glass and took another sip. He made a face, scrunching his nose in disgust.

"Are we having the same wine James? For the one in my glass fits perfectly." Robert said and then looked at Carson "Well Carson?"

"It is Milord," Charles said.

"You see James, your taste must not be to the standards for the quality wine in our cellar." Robert continued.

Charles could see Lady Grantham grinning behind her glass, clearly happy with her son's interference. He appreciated the family's subtle support.

"I shall like to take a look at this collection of yours, perhaps get a few ideas of what to add to mine." James replied in his charming, but borderline petulant manner.

"You are most welcome to Cousin, I'm sure Carson would be happy to bring you down."

"Oh no, I wouldn't want to bother Carson, he is much too busy. No, I'll go down sometime this week and ask someone to show me down." He raised a brow in Charles' direction. His statement was suggestive in nature. His smirk even more evocative. The someone he referred to, not lost on Charles.

Charles' irritation was immense. Growing by the minute from being in the same room as this unfortunate family relation. He clenched and unclenched his fist, trying very hard not to let his emotions boil over. For the first time ever as butler, Charles could not wait for his night to be over. He wanted to gather Elsie in his arms and protect her from this Cad.

"Can you have one of the hall boys ask for a chart to the village tomorrow?" Elsie asked Charles while they were eating their dinner.

"For whom?" He asked after finishing his last bite. He moved his fork to grab another morsel.

"For Me," she stated as if it was obvious.

He gave her a questioning look. Clearly expecting her to elaborate.

"I have several errands and will need the cart to bring everything back."

"Should I go with you?" He whispered for her ears only, slightly leaning towards her.

Elsie was about to take a forkful, but paused and said "You could, but I was planning on stopping to see Clara."

He looked disappointed.

"I don't have to see her," Elsie said after seeing his expression.

"No, no. You should see her." He raised his eyes to hers. "Maybe not stay out too long, you know keep the poor cart driving waiting around."

"Yes, must not delay the cart driver." She repeated, mirth shining in her eyes. Over the last months the couple developed a subtle communication style. Marginal teasing towards the other and slight flirting. Both found it stimulating and fun. Hiding their relationship, but still getting to enjoy themselves during meals. No one was any wiser.

"Can you watch over my maids while I'm gone? I have informed Sofia, but I'd feel better knowing you are keeping an eye out."

"You know I will." He inclined his head. He simultaneously moved his foot up her leg a little. Stroking her gently.

She smiled and lifted her fork for another mouthful.

"Sorry to interrupt," someone spoke from behind the table. Elsie's smile vanished and she lowered her fork quickly, recognizing the voice instantly.

All eyes turned to the doorway, there stood Mr. Crawley not looking sorry at all for interrupting their supper. The sound of chairs scraping filled the room. All the staff stood at once, as was expected.

"How can we help you Mr. Crawley?" Charles addressed him in a commanding voice. His tone was strong and somewhat harsh. Elsie noticed some staff raised their brows in astonishment. Not expecting their leader to address a house guest in such a manner.

Charles' posture was ram rode straight, giving no indication of addressing the guest further in a softer manner. Rude for the standards of a butler.

"I was looking for Mrs. Hughes." he said, demeanor innocent from the outside. Elsie could instantly indicate his farce.

Knowing he would not leave until she addressed him she said "How can I help?"

He smiled and said "I'm afraid the fireplace in my room was not prepared correctly, it's already collapsed and my room is quite drafty."

"I'll have a hall boy go up and redo the fireplace." Charles stated. His tone stern and not open to negotiations.

Seeing as he was not going to accomplish anything further, Mr. Crawley nodded his head. He thought to himself that he would need to be more creative in future.

"See that you do," He returned his gaze to Elsie one more time and then turned on his heels.

Charles sat back down and the staff followed. Many resumed their dinner. Charles pushed his food around and then pushed his plate away. His appetite gone. Elsie gave him a worried look, but it went unnoticed by the distracted Charles. He was too deep into his thoughts.

Elsie laid within Charles arm as they were winding down before going to sleep. Her back was to his chest, she held one of his hands between hers against her chest. She rested her lips upon his hand and moved her cheek to rest against his forearm.

She needed this contact after the day she had. She knew Charles needed it too. They typically slept close together, snuggled against the other, but this night felt different. He held her in a protective manner. Not willing to let her go.

"I know you will, but please stay as far away from him as possible" Charles said softly.

Elsie squeezed his hands in agreement.

Elsie signed and closed her eyes. Wishing sleep to take her. Their room was dark and she was warm and comfy. Sleep should have come easily, unfortunately her mind was ablaze. Thinking of ways to protect her maids and now herself.

"How long is he to stay?" Elsie asked.

"There is no telling, sometimes he stays for a week and sometimes a month." Charles signed.

"This will be exhausting"

Charles nodded against her back, then kissed her shoulder.

"Men like him always expect to get their way. I've seen it many times. I'm surprised the family accepts such behavior," Elsie continued.

"Only when it comes to him, Elsie. Lord Grantham is deplorable when it comes to saying anything against his nephew. Thankfully Lord Robert is less tolerant. You should have seen him at dinner."

"What happened at dinner?"

"Oh, just a few jabs directed my way from Mr. Crawley."

"About what?" Elsie prompted.

"My wine selection mostly, Lord Robert spoke up though. Don't worry Elsie, we will deal with this man and hopefully he will be gone shortly."

"Men like him don't leave until they get what they want."

Charles drew his brow together. "Please tell me you don't have first hand accounts with men like him."

"I do, Charles." Elsie took a breath before saying "The first house I worked in, the Lord became too interested in my presents. His interest resulted in my resignation. I never accepted his advances, I even resorted to hiding. Do you know how hard it is to work, when you're constantly looking around corners?"

Charles grunted, clearly not happy to hear about her past experiences with ungentlemanly Lords.

Elsie wiggled more into his chest "I ultimately needed to leave after he cornered me into a bedroom, thankfully the mistress of the house wandered into the room and put a stop to whatever he thought to do. I was so embarrassed. The lady of the house gave me such a look when she found us. Seething eyes. I imagine she thought I provoked him! I left that day."

Charles removed his hand from hers and maneuvered her so she was facing him. He tried his best to look her in the eyes, the dark room becoming quite the challenge in seeing her face.

"I will do my best to stand in your stead and distract him," he promised.

Elsie moved her hand to hold his face "Thank you, love," then moved his face towards her to kiss him.

Once they broke apart Charles said "Best go to sleep, good night dear."

"Good night."

The week went on. Both heads of staff did their best to keep everyone in line. Elsie saw Mr. Crawley in passing, but had no further interactions.

That changed one afternoon. Elsie was trailing behind the maids, checking over rooms in the guest and family wing. She would go in after all was done and make sure everything was to her standards. The family was to host a dinner party in the next few days. Rooms needed to be prepared.

She was swiping her fingers over the fireplace in one of the last rooms, when she felt a present enter the room. She was looking at her fingers to see if any dust appeared when she heard the person say "I have been looking for you Mrs. Hughes."

Elsie turned around and there stood Mr. Crawley. Elsie immediately felt nervous. He was blocking the door. Her thoughts instantly drifted to the last time a man from the family she worked for cornered her into a room.

"How can I help you Mr. Crawley?" Elsie said, hoping her voice sounded even and unaffected by his presents.

His brow lifted in curiosity. "I didn't realize you are Scottish. What a lovely little accent." He gave her a little smile and walked further into the room.

Elsie was taken aback by his complement. "You've heard me speak before."

"Yes, but the room was rather full, I suppose I didn't hear you clearly."

Elsie straightened her posture, gearing herself up for this interaction. She didn't say anything, too busy trying to come up with an excuse to leave without seeming rude.

He proceeded to move closer to her until he was a few steps in front of her. He looked her in the eyes. He was so close she noticed how blue his eyes were. Not kind eyes. They had a predatory look about them. The nervous feeling in her stomach intensified.

"You look very well today Mrs. Hughes."

Elsie looked down at the outfit she chose that morning, nothing special, just one of her newer dresses. When she looked back up he was even closer. Elsie gasped and moved to step back. In that moment Mr. Crawley grabbed her arm and moved his other hand to brush a loose cure behind her ear.

His gesture might have been gentle, but the hold on her arm was definitely meant to keep her in place. He towered over her and Elsie felt trapped. Her heart was beating wildly. She tried to maintain her breathing, but she was finding it hard to keep her breaths even.

"You are a beautiful woman, wasted on this job." His face was much too close to hers. "Haven't you ever wondered about relations between a man and woman?'

He shifted his gaze down to her lips. Elsie was frozen in place. Not believing he could be so forward.

He moved forward and whispered into her ear "I could show you what you're missing." The hold on her arm still present, Mr. Crawley started to guide her towards the bed.

His movement brought her out of her stillness and she started to fight his grasp.

"Release my arm." She started pulling against him.

His eyes grew in excitement. "I know you want this."

Elsie fought harder, pushing with her other arm against his shoulder "I most certainly do not!"

"It's quite fun, I can assure you." He moved his body weight more into her. She felt his want against her side. Her breath came up short.

"Unhand me!" Elsie cried, understanding she was not going to get out of this situation if she didn't think of anything quick. It was hard to think in her panicked state.

"I like a good fight, but it does get tiresome. Just admit that you want this too and we can proceed." He stroked her bottom lip with his thumb. Eyes alight, he moved his head down to kiss her.

"Noooo." Elsie said and turned her head sharply. His lips met her cheek.

He pulled back to look at her. Eyes darker and angry.

"I can have you dismissed Mrs. Hughes, you wouldn't want that now." He turned her head back to look at him. Elsie's gaze was full of fire and hate. He smirked and grabbed her jaw.

"Now, I suggest you cooperate." He suddenly pushed forward and crashed his lips upon hers. He gave her a punishing kiss. Elsie pushed and pushed, but she could not dislodge his hold. She bit his bottom lip.

He pulled back suddenly "Why you little bitch," and moved his hand up. His intention to strike her.

Elsie instinctively shielded away.

Before he brought his hand down the pair heard footsteps approaching the room.

"Mrs. Hughes" they heard someone call out.

Knowing this was her chance Elsie called out "In here."

Mr. Crawley sprang apart from her, releasing her arm and took several steps back. Sofia entered through the doorway.

She stopped in her tracks when she saw the pair together. She looked from one to the other. She noticed Mr. Crawley's angry gaze, the man clearly not happy with her interruption.

Her observation of the housekeeper revealed a move concerning conclusion. Her lips were swollen and her hair was disheveled just a little. She was holding her arm and looked scared. Sofia had never seen the housekeeper scared before.

"Mrs. Hughes, you are needed downstairs." Sofia said in a commanding voice, making sure Mr. Crawley knew not to command otherwise.

Elsie shook herself slightly, she looked at Sofia and said "Thank you, Sofia. Let's go." She then moved forward and guided Sofia out the door.

Elsie was thankful indeed for Sofia's interference. Thankful that Mr. Crawley did not stop them from leaving.

Once they were downstairs Elsie pulled Sofia to look at her "please join me in my sitting room." She then proceeded down the hallway and to her office.

Elsie closed the door behind the maid and shuffled to her desk chair and took a seat. She placed her head in her hands. Not afraid to show her distress, since she already knew Sofia knew what had happened.

"Thank you, Sofia," she said sincerely. Tears were clouding her eyes. She was not able to conceal them now she was safe within her own space.

"No need to thank me, you would have done the same for me." She saw Elsie's chip wobble.

"Let me get you a cuppa."

Once she saw the housekeeper nod her head, she left the room.

Elsie sat there, contemplating what had just happened. How was she to proceed from here? Tell her ladyship? Would she help?

Tell Charles? He was already stressed as it was. What would he do? Surely he would not confront the man.

Her mind was buzzing when Sofia walked back into her office with two cups of tea. She put the cup into Elsie's hands and moved to close the door.

The warmth of the cup cleared Elsie's mind some.

"I didn't encourage him." Was her first statement. Needing the maid to know that she did not want this attention.

"I didn't think you had. But I certainly know now why you warned us so and kept us away from Mr. Crawley." Sofia took a sip of her own tea, soothing her own nerves. It was disheartening to see the strong housekeeper shaken so.

"Yes." Elsie breathed and brought the tea once more to her lips.

"You are not to tell anyone of what you saw."

Sofia nodded.

"We must be more vigilant. Deter any maids from being in the same room as him."

"I'm sorry to say this Mrs. Hughes, but it seems the only person he shows interest in is you."

Elsie squeezed her eyes shut once more. Sofia's words were true, but hard to bear.

"Be that as it may, we need to stick together from now on. All maids are to do things in pairs."

Sofia nodded "Yes and I will partner with you."

"Sofia, you and I have much to do. Many separate tasks."

"Efficiency will suffer a little, but you will remain safe Mr. Hughes." Sofia looked her in the eye. Her determination was clear.

Elsie nodded and did not argue further.

"Are you okay?" Sofia said after Elsie whipped her eyes.

Elsie nodded.

"Alright, let me gather the girls and we'll tell them the new instructions." She then moved to the door.

Elsie gathered her nerve and moved to the mirror to straighten herself up before the maids arrived.

Their plan worked. Elsie had no further interactions with Mr. Crawley during the rest of his stay. He tried to get her alone a few more times, but Sofia was always there to deter him. He gave up after a while and left Downton two weeks after his arrival.

Elsie felt like she could finally breathe as she watched his carriage drive away. The man insisted on a formal goodbye. All necessary staff were lined up once more to bid the Lord's nephew goodbye. Just before stepping into the carriage, he locked eyes with Elsie and gave her a smirk. She couldn't help but interpret this to mean he was not giving up on her.

Elsie never brought the matter to Lady Grantham or Charles. She felt awful from keeping it for her husband. She just didn't have the heart to tell him of what almost occurred.