A/N: This is a short Chelsie fic as part of chelsiefan71's 'Downton Season 7' tumblr challenge. Thank you to chelsie fan for this great idea. I hope lots of you also take part. As she suggested, I will post a chapter every Sunday evening for 8 weeks, around 9.00pm UK time, and then a final chapter as a 'Christmas special'. This fic doesn't follow on from canon (as I've already done that), instead it follows the beach scene at the end of Series 4 and takes place during Series 5. I will touch on some events from Series 5 as we progress but this fic will take a different path from canon. Hope you enjoy x

Chapter 1

Mr Carson walked along the downstairs corridor, a lightness to his step.

"You're certainly happy about something Mr Carson. Have you been scolding some hall boys? Or maybe you've been counting your wine bottles ... that always fills you with joy," she teased dryly, her brogue a little more Scottish than normal.

He raised his substantial eyebrows at his colleague and friend, rolling his eyes.

"No Mrs Hughes, I have done neither, although if that new hall boy doesn't start smartening up, I certainly will be scolding him," he said unashamedly, straightening his posture a little.

Now it was the Housekeeper's turn to roll her eyes.

"Stephen is a lovely lad, so you just leave him be," she returned with a gentle scold.

Mr Carson stared at Mrs Hughes with a combination of exasperation and resignation; no-one else would dare to instruct him regarding how to deal with his charges and yet when the woman in front of him did so, he couldn't seem to put up a fight. She sensed his vexation and bit back a smile, deciding to change the subject.

"Anyway, why are you so happy this morning?" she asked.

He shook his head a little at her continued teasing tone, not being able to help his small grin. He enjoyed her playful mocking, it was done with kindness. However, ever since the Staff's visit to the beach, he'd been feeling a tad peculiar during their exchanges. He had pushed this thought to the back of his mind on more than one occasion and yet he noted that this morning it rose to the surface once more. You are simply a little out of kilter following the Season, he told himself. It always takes the Staff a little while to settle back into the routine of being back at the Abbey and you are no exception.

"His Lordship has just informed me that Lord Strachan will be accompanied by his Butler when he arrives tomorrow. His Butler also acts as his Valet," he said.

"And that's what has made you so cheery?" she asked, perplexed.

"I appreciate when things are done properly Mrs Hughes, as you know. It is a rare occurrence these days that a guest should be accompanied by a member of their Staff, and it demonstrates a certain pedigree if you ask me," he declared pompously.

"Pedigree?" she repeated, trying to stifle a laugh.

"Yes, and the fact that his Butler is an experienced man rather than some foolhardy snip of a lad makes a refreshing change. His Lordship said that he has a commendable knowledge of wine, he complimented the man's choices whilst he stayed at Hereford House last year and therefore I am sure we will have much to discuss," he said contentedly.

Mrs Hughes smiled fondly at Mr Carson. She understood perfectly that it was impossible for him to have any friends or equals amongst the male staff at Downton, he was their senior after all. She could therefore understand why the prospect of this other Butler's visit might please him. It was almost the same for her, although she was lucky to have formed a firm friendship with Mrs Patmore. Mrs Hughes relished having a female friend at a similar level of seniority and Charles did not have such an equivalent.

Of course, Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes had each other; as the Heads of Staff they not only trusted and respected each other but they had formed a warm friendship. Mrs Hughes smiled at that thought; she truly cared for the man before her and she knew that he cared for her. In a platonic way of course, she reminded herself silently. It seemed that she reminded herself of this more and more of late; something infinitesimal had shifted since their paddle in the sea, she was sure of that. Yet, she was loathed to dwell on it, preferring to focus on her enjoyment of working alongside this most dignified, gruff and lovely man, rather than tempting fate in any way with mindless notions. The gesture was nothing more than a steadying hand between friends and colleagues, she reiterated to herself once more.

She knew that Mr Carson thought highly of her, as she did him, and she would like to think that he viewed her as his best friend, as she also did him. Yet the restraints of their positions ensured that their relationship was one of respect, professionalism and friendship. They both drew great pleasure from the others counsel and support; valuing each other highly. Yet, despite this, Mrs Hughes could fully understand why Mr Carson might be enthused by the imminent arrival of a man of similar stature and age visiting Downton, even if it was only for one week.

"Well I am glad that you are happy Mr Carson," she said genuinely, as she smiled at him warmly.

Mr Carson felt that curious feeling again and he let out a short grunt to hide his discomfort. He nodded politely to Mrs Hughes and then turned and walked back along the corridor. Mrs Hughes chuckled gently as she watched his retreating form.

######

The last of the plates were being cleared by the kitchen maids, the servant's hall dinner almost complete.

"Will you join me for a glass of wine this evening Mrs Hughes? I shouldn't be too late, His Lordship mentioned retiring early," he asked quite formally, with a hint of nervousness.

As if I would ever say no, she thought, as she smiled at the formidable man to her left. It had become their custom over many years to end most of their nights with a glass of sherry or wine. Yet he still made it his habit to ask her formally for her company; Mr Carson liked to do things properly. Their almost nightly ritual was something Mrs Hughes looked forward to very much.

"I would enjoy that Mr Carson," she replied warmly, smiling as he kept his more proper countenance.

"Good, good," he blustered, the brief gleam of happiness in his eyes the only sign that betrayed his seriousness.

######

The fire in Mrs Hughes's sitting-room cast a wonderful glow across the room as the two heads of Staff sat companionably drinking their wine.

"This is very good," she smiled.

Mrs Hughes knew that she had nowhere near the knowledge of the Butler when it came to wine but she liked to think that, through his friendship over the years, she had picked up a thing or two and she could tell this was a very good wine, not the more ordinary wine that the senior staff shared at the Servant's table. He looked at the Housekeeper with respect.

"It is ... and it is one of my favourites," he concurred.

The comfortable silence resumed for a few more moments. Mrs Hughes was the first to break it.

"So then, Chairman of the Memorial Committee, that's quite a feather in your cap Mr Carson," she said proudly.

He shook his head modestly as he placed his wine glass back on the table and then fidgeted with the edges of the pretty table cloth that always covered the side table. Eventually he looked upwards at Mrs Hughes.

"I'm not sure why they thought of me really, it's true that I knew several of the village lads who fought but I was hardly close to them, someone from the Village would have been better placed to take the role, if not His Lordship of course," he said humbly.

"No man could have been better placed than you Mr Carson, you have both the dignity and the kind heart needed for this role," she responded truthfully.

Mrs Hughes blushed a little as she realised she had spoken rather fondly. She wondered if she'd gone too far. She wasn't a woman for false praise or simpering but when she sensed Mr Carson needed bolstering she was always happy to oblige; she couldn't bear to see this accomplished man doubt himself in any way. She also meant her words entirely; there was no fitter man for the role.

His eyes widened in surprise at such a compliment. He felt immensely touched by such high praise, not least because it had come from the woman beside him. A woman whose estimation meant everything to him.

"Thank you Mrs Hughes," he responded, an almost undetectable quiver in his voice.

######

"James, do hurry up, Lord Strachan will be arriving at any moment!" Mr Carson bellowed, his voice sending tremors along the downstairs corridor.

The Butler had turned around to shout at the Footman and as he spun back to continue his march in the other direction, he managed to walk straight into the Housekeeper.

"Oh, steady on Mr Carson," she laughed, as she reached to grip his arm to stabilise herself.

"I am very sorry Mrs Hughes," he gasped, his hand unknowingly reaching for her waist to steady her; his great bulk having unbalanced her momentarily.

"It's quite alright Mr Carson, there's nothing broken, all is well," she joked lightly, patting his arm and trying to alleviate his worry. He looked bereft that he had almost knocked the Housekeeper over.

"Mr Carson I am fine," she said more firmly, as he still stood speechless, his breath laboured and his entire body wrought with concern.

"Yes, yes of course, and thank goodness for that," he said, letting out a long breath as his shoulders dropped a little.

She smiled at him, as she always did, and he felt his body warm. She then looked fleetingly down at where his hand was still resting lightly at her waist, very aware that there were other staff bustling about close by. He followed her gaze and his heart seized in fright. He dropped his hand immediately, having not realised it was still there.

"I am very sorry Mrs Hughes, my goodness ... uh-hum ... are you sure that you are alright?" he asked, trying desperately to cover the awkwardness he felt.

You were holding her waist! What must she think for heaven's sake? He panicked.

"I am absolutely fine Mr Carson, now ... you go up and finish preparing for the Lord's arrival and I will finalise things down here," she said, in her most officious voice.

She knew this was needed to get the Butler back on an even keel and her change of tone had the desired effect.

"Quite right," he said, pulling at his waistcoat and resuming his stiff and sensible manner.

"I shall see you later Mr Carson," she responded politely.

"Indeed," he said rigidly, as he made his way to the Servant's stairs.

She exhaled a breath, before heading to her sitting room.

Mrs Patmore silently watched them from her vantage point in the kitchen doorway; she'd heard Mrs Hughes and Mr Carson's voices and had come to investigate. She shook her head tenderly at the pair, wondering if they would ever dare to admit to themselves, let alone each other, what she had clearly seen for a while now and what had, in her mind, been fully confirmed as she'd observed them at the beach. Of course, she would never mention her thoughts to either of them. They would both be mortified by such an intrusion and it was entirely their business, not hers. However, as she watched the Heads of Staff disperse to their respective chores, she did not think she had ever seen two people more well-suited. Like peaches and cream, she chuckled happily as she walked back into the kitchen.

######

"Is he playing with his new friend?" Mrs Patmore joked, as Mrs Hughes handed her a note with some special requests from Lord Strachan.

The Housekeeper grinned happily at the Cook's cheek.

"I think so, they came down to his pantry earlier. Did you send them some tea?" she asked.

"I did. What's he like then, this Butler, or is it Valet, of Lord Strachan's?" Mrs Patmore asked.

"I have no idea, I haven't met him yet. But it's nice for Mr Carson to have someone his own age to talk to," Mrs Hughes said sincerely.

"He's got us two, although we are much younger of course," the Cook declared with a flourish.

Mrs Hughes laughed at that, as did Mrs Patmore; they were both well aware that they were only a couple of years younger than the Butler.

"He has but it's not quite the same is it?"

"No, I suppose it's not ... well, as long as Mr Carson's happy, it'll make our lives that bit easier I suppose," Mrs Patmore said mischievously, as Mrs Hughes shook her head with a smile.

######

"Oh Mrs Hughes, just the person," Mr Carson said exuberantly, as he spotted her from his pantry doorway.

She stopped beside him, a large pile of folded sheets in her arms. It warmed her heart to see him this happy.

"Mr Carson?" she asked.

"There's someone I would like you to meet ..." he began, motioning for her to step inside his pantry.

As she did so, he finished his introduction, "... Mrs Hughes, this is Mr Douglass, Lord Strachan's Butler."

It was the other Butler's face that first told Mr Carson something wasn't right. His expression was one of absolutely shock as he greeted the Housekeeper. The broad grin on Mr Carson's face began to wilt as he turned back to Mrs Hughes; she also looked astonished.

"Mrs ... Mrs Hughes, it is a pleasure to see you again. I had no idea you worked at the Abbey. I ... I hope you are well," Mr Douglass managed.

The air was thick with tension. To Mrs Hughes great credit, she righted herself almost immediately, although she could feel her heart racing.

"Mr Douglass, it is good to see you and yes, thank you, I am quite well," she replied cordially.

Mr Carson felt a fleeting pain in his chest as the three stood in silence.

A/N: If you have time, a review would be lovely x