Who killed Mr. Green? Concerned for Anna's welfare and exasperated by Scotland Yard, Mrs. Hughes decides to make her own inquiries. This is set sometime in Season 6 and assumes there has been at least one wedding at Downton Abbey. Parallel to the pursuit of the killer, a little Mr. and Mrs. Carson romance unfolds as well. NO SPOILERS.

Chelsie, Modern AU. Their paths crossed once in a hot August, forty years ago. He made a promise, and did not keep it. She has a secret, and has kept it. When their paths cross again, will they be able to get past the years separating them, or is it too much to overcome?

An AU version of A Brave New World, Charlie and Elsie tell their young daughter how they met and fell in love and she stole their hearts away.

Because no one ever knows where the future of Downton really lies. Cobert's son falls in love with Chelsie's daughter and ignites a class war at the estate. Set at various times from 1896-1945. Mostly Chelsie.

Charlie Carson wanted a full marriage, but this is not quite what he was expecting…

AU period piece in which Elsie Hughes leaves service at a Yorkshire estate to take care of her sister then meets Charles Carson in Downton where she is employed at a local hotel. Soon, circumstances force her into the workhouse where Charles is Master. Life and romance ensue. Prev. published in part on Tumblr but newly revised. Rating subject to increase. Most DA characters appear

A lonely shepherd, a strange woman, a proud youth and his gentle sister. Love. Loss. Heaven and earth. Gods and mortals, and what happens when they collide. The story about an encounter near a small village proves that there are lasting consequences for both mortals and the divine alike. "...no family is ever what it seems from the outside."

A Chelsie fic set during Series 4, although the story will detour from canon. Mrs Hughes receives an unexpected blessing. Will it help to bring the Housekeeper and Butler closer together? Certainly, their lives will never be the same again. Hope you enjoy x

The Carson's romance, marriage and battle to have a baby. Set in various times from 1896-1915. A prequel to A Brave New World. Rated M for later chapters.

A moment between husband and wife in the kitchen downstairs, and speculation about what happens after. He wonders if she is upset with him, but her response, a kiss, and an endearing nickname reassure him otherwise. UPDATE: Originally a one-shot, now an intermittent continuing story.

Mostly Chelsie, some Baxley and perhaps Banna to come. From a tumblr prompt list - ALL FLUFFY FLUFFINESS.

A modern Chelsie AU. Charles runs a high-class domestic service company; he is smart, successful and single. He reluctantly attends his friend Robert's New Year's Eve party, but things look up when he bumps into property developer Elsie Hughes on the doorstep...

It's Christmas once again, and the Carsons are getting ready as they reminisce about the past and look toward the future with hope, cheer, friendship, and a little bit of Christmas magic. Features most downstairs characters along with Sybbie, Violet and some new friends, too. Fulfills the tumblr cheerfulchelsiechristmas A-Z prompt list. Cover art designed by the FAB brenna-louise.

It's the most wonderful time of year, even at Downton Abbey. Join me as we peek into the lives of Charles Carson, Elsie Hughes Carson, & Sybbie Branson as we explore the ABC's of Christmas. Written for the Cheerful Chelsie Christmas prompt on Tumblr. CarsonxHughes pairing

Post season 6 troubles between the lovebirds as they navigate retirement and illness.

When Charles Carson and Elsie Hughes end up as neighbors on a flight, it all looks like smooth skies ahead. But when things go wrong, it could only mean one thing: ONLY ONE ROOM AT THE INN. Inspired by a tumblr prompt; complete modern fluff.

Less than ideal circumstances force Elsie Burns to look for work, and a position as housekeeper at Downton Abbey may provide her with the opportunity she needs. Chelsie AU beginning in 1918.

Carson never considered Mrs. Hughes a woman with no standards…

Let's explore the many types of kisses shared by Charles Carson and Elsie Hughes. These will be short, unrelated chapters based on the different sorts of kisses. Rated T to be safe, though that rating my change depending on the muse.

"Grow old along with me, whatever fate decrees. We will see it through for our love is true ..." Glimpses into various days and scenes from the Carsons' marriage, from the most basic to the complex. Mostly fluff; canon setting.

"But maybe it had been a sign from God. A sign to get the hell out of there, and fast." As Elsie Hughes contemplates the difficult situation she is in, she meets Charles Carson, who might just end up complicating things even more.

A glimpse into Charles' final day as butler of Downton Abbey before he retires. As he packs his belongings and shares a last cup of tea with Elsie in his pantry, an afternoon of reminiscing takes place.

Follow-up to Downton Academy. Modern AU. Charles Carson and Elsie Hughes are the newly engaged headmaster and headmistress of Downton Academy, a private school founded and owned by Robert Crawley. Now that our favorite characters have finally gotten together, what's in store? Engagement, wedding, honeymoon, and beyond!

The fourth main installment in the "After the Fall" universe. Checking in on our friends in Misty Cove as they negotiate marriages, becoming grandparents, and more. All main characters from AtF will feature at some point, although briefly. My entry for the unofficialdas9 series. Rating bumped up to M for violence and sexy times.

Elsie Hughes Carson has made an important decision, but how will it impact everyone around her? Written in response to the Tumblr Challenge for "Downton Abbey Series 9."

Modern AU version of 'cooking fiasco'. This is the result of a bet between myself and ChelsieFan. Disclaimer: I do not own any part of the Downton franchise...sadly.

Charles Carson and Elsie Hughes meet in a most unusual and terrifying way, but is Charles ready to take on all that is Elsie Hughes? Will her past and his future drive them apart? Will their newly forged relationship survive what is to come or will it all come crashing down around them like an avalanche?

Secrets are Mrs Carson's specialty and the one Mrs Patmore has brought to her attention requires a fair amount of her skill

Modern AU: EM Hughes is a novelist who writes historical fiction and Charles Carson is a retired cricketer who is now a sports presenter, a color commentary man (whose on air partner is one Charlie Grigg). You will see the familiar characters albeit in different roles. This is the story of how they met and the long road that is their relationship.

MODERN AU The death of his soon-to-be ex-wife brings Charles Carson and his daughter, Daisy, to coastal Maine. Elsie Hughes, nurse at Daisy's new school, is soon placed deep into the Carsons' lives. But can Charles, Elsie, and Daisy - and the small town of Misty Cove where they live - survive the aftermath of what's to come? New role for T. Barrow; stars almost entire DA cast.

Modern AU: Three children grew up on the grand estate of Downton together: Beryl, Charles & Elsie. When one left their world changed, but years later she is back and their worlds are set to change again.

Modern AU (2008): Elsie Burns and Charles Carson must make the best of their situations. Rating for language, drug reference, and adult themes. My first Modern AU! :)

The course of great love never did run smooth... [Carson/Hughes primarily, AU, rated M for shenanigans]

It starts with a broken fountain pen, but will it end with some serious stargazing?

Promises are often hard to keep, especially when the past and possibilities for the future collide. Set in the universe of Lesley Manville and Peter Mullan's Mum, Elsie Burn's life is complicated to say the least. Charles Carson is offering a steady hand, but is she willing to take it? *T* for now...

Chelsie songfic that brings Carson and Hughes together during the Great War. Definitely AU with canon strewn throughout. Rated M for eventual scenes of violence, war, and … well. Let's just see what happens, shall we? Stars most downstairs crew at some point as well as some of the upstairs folks.

When Charles Carson and Elsie Hughes run into trouble as teenagers in Yorkshire, they make a choice which defines the rest of their lives. Little do they know, their choice will also change Julienne Newgarden's life forever too.

Hi all! This is a series of Chelsie-centric fics inspired by prompts I've received here and on Tumblr. Each chapter is a new story/prompt! Have a prompt you want to see come to life? Feel free to drop in the comments/PM me. All CHELSIE ideas welcome here, angst, romance, M, fluff, family, AU, you name it! Rating may change based on prompts received. :-)

Sometimes, fate deals an unfortunate hand, and all seems lost. But even the darkest cloud has a silver lining.

Chelsie-centric, period set, mostly in-canon "missing moments" fic, starting in 1920 (S3), with a little twist: all events, conversations, and activities (AHEM) take place between the hours of midnight and four a.m. Expect later chapters to bump this to an "M" rating, for obvious reasons. A loose companion piece to A History of Moments.

Modern AU birthday ficlet for the amazing Hogwarts Duo. Supplement to "After the Fall," but not necessary to have read that to follow this one. Sending you all the love. #thuglife4eva Rated soft M for ... well, it's an AtF supplement. Complete.

Taking on the Chelsie Christmas Challenge - short festive themed stories.

The crossover fic you always KNEW made sense but that no one ever wrote ... until now. What happens when a beastly butler is cursed, forced to find his true love in order to break the spell? Well, he meets a beautiful Scottish housekeeper, of course! But can she break the spell in time to set the butler free? (*spoiler alert: PROBABLY!) (Beauty & the Beast/Downton Abbey Crossover)

She'd been going it alone so long that she didn't know love until it bit her on the backside. (Modern AU)

After the death of her son, Isobel finds comfort in Richard and, as their relationship blossoms, Charles tries to take up his courage to sort things out with Elsie. Set after the third season Christmas Special. Charles/Elsie, Richard/Isobel.

Modern AU Fic, focusing on Chelsie pairing, primarily, but others as well. All of your DA faves will make an appearance. Elsie Hughes runs a cozy local dive called Donk's, owned by Rob Crawley. There will be intrigue, romance, POSSIBLY MURDER!, line dancing, Patsy Cline, shots of whiskey, neon signs shaped like boots and more! A gift fic for my hubby, at his request.

UPDATED! Now a three-chapter modern AU for YellowBrickRoad's birthday celebrations! Stars a younger Chelsie and their growing family.

Elsie is the head of marketing at Crawley Enterprises, Inc. Traveling often for work and after an extremely busy day, she finds herself at the hotel bar. Uninterested in a relationship at this point in her life, she plans on a glass of wine only, but a handsome stranger grabs her attention. Will this moment be a one time meeting, or will their paths cross again?

An in-canon Chelsie fic set during the duration of Season 5. Touches on all of the things, big and small, that create tension, high emotions and, eventually, the impetus to action for our favorite butler and housekeeper. References will be made to my Chelsie monolith, A History of Moments, and excerpts therefrom may be woven into this story.

Chelsie period AU, written as my #unofficialDAs8 challenge project. Nine chapters, each following a one-word prompt, serving as a complete sequel to "A Husband's Love."

A collection of stories based on prompts from the Chelsie Prompts blog on Tumblr. Ratings may change per chapter and prompt. All of the stories will be Charles Carson and Elsie Hughes. Other characters may appear from time to time.

Birthday ficlet for the lovely MGT. Chelsie and Christmas; period-set.

A series of one-shots inspired by an alphabetical list of Christmas-related prompts. Some chapters might have S5 spoilers, and I will indicate that in the A/N.

At New Year's Eve 1925 Charles Carson and Elsie Carson decide to give their new live a try - Charles Carson is about to retire in the course of the new year. He does not know when and how and is afraid of taking the final step, which means leaving Downton, his family, the life he knows, behind. - 2017 NaNoWriMo entry. Expect Carson/Hughes fluff only! Including mild T-ness

Isobel's thoughts following the events of One More Morning, Chapter 9. Yet another piece of the modern Richobel retirement AU puzzle; this is "The One Where Matthew Doesn't Die." ***Strong M***

A slightly different take on the canon proposal. Belated birthday gift for chelsietothenorthern.

Tom's fortuitous 'reporting for work' meeting with Lord Grantham was held in the Abbey's library, of all places. I believe it set the tone for his character from the very beginning, highlighting that particular facet of him. A chauffeur, yes, but a thinking man's chauffeur, if you will. The love of books can connect generations, as it does here between Tom and Sybbie.

A series of 6 drabbles that finish telling the story after a significant event in the lives of Charles Carson and Elsie Hughes. This is mostly just for me...but if you like it that makes me happy. I like to write. I don't claim to be good at it. I do it simply because I enjoy it.

Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes have something to get used to.

Inspired by an interview before season 5 with Jim Carter and Phyllis Logan. Their stories about their school days inspired this fluffy fic. Rated T mostly for language - they're really young in this story. If you haven't seen the interview, watch it. I didn't make up the part about smoking and playing canasta. Update: Intended to be a one shot, but my brain had other ideas.

Love lost and love found, in the autumn of their years. Hard fought and hard won on several fronts. How does love turn into broken hearts and broken vows?

My long delayed Chelsie Honeymoon fic. Not sure exactly where this is going but hopefully some of you will join me for the ride. Enjoy!

Friendship birthday fic for the amazing dibdab4. Stand alone, but perhaps the precursor to something more. Pre-canon.

One-shot period fic for Chelsietothenorthern to celebrate her birthday! Fluffity fluff fluff as we contemplate a butler falling in love.

A Chelsie fic delving into significant moments of their past at Downton, canon moments and beyond. Begins shortly after Elsie arrives at Downton and will follow through their entire relationship. Other characters appear, but this is most definitely a close-up look at how this relationship and his couple evolved over the decades. A few chapters have mature content

A birthday gift for meetmeinstlouie! Older Chelsie in a post-canon world, with new characters ... and a resolution of sorts. Song inspiration: "Quarter Moon," by Cheryl Wheeler I hope you have a wonderful day, dear! xxx

When Mrs. Hughes loses her eyesight, her life as the housekeeper of Downton Abbey is over. Perhaps with Mr. Carson she will be able to realize a new life just beginning. Carson/Hughes.

Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson need to talk after paddling in the sea together, but will they get the chance?

A space for my tumblr Chelsie prompt entries. Will be a smattering of everything, but the first six chapters will be sequential as one story. Rating subject to change.

A birthday fic for the amazing evitamockingbird, starring our favorite butler and housekeeper. Period-set; kind of a prequel? Maybe?

Mrs. Patmore sees two friends very obviously in love, but the couple in question have done nothing to help their own cause. When the cook can no longer bear to watch them stumbling along and getting nowhere, she takes it upon herself to try to bring them together.

A place for Chelsie prompt challenges that I've compiled through the years. All are Carson and Hughes focused with the appearance of other characters as necessary. Canon as well as AU.

The first summer after Charles & Elsie wed and Carson heads to London with the family. They exchange letters during their time apart.

Series 6 is over and we end with a kiss between Charles Carson and Elsie Carson, hoping for the best as they ring in the New Year. This is how I imagine the episode would have continued or carried on if there was a series 7. This is a response to @Chelsiefan71's tumblr Challenge to help us cope with the Series being over and not having a Series 7 to look forward to.

Charles falls ill, and Elsie worries. Angst, but not too terrible. Inspired by Sarah McLachlan's "Hold On." One-shot. Complete.

Charles is feeling lost and hopeless. Elsie does what she can to help.

While trapped in the attic during a power cut, Miss Baxter learns that at Downton Abbey, dead isn't always gone. (Some Baxley)

After spending the Season together in London, Mrs Hughes and Mr Carson decide to keep in touch.

A follow up to Uncovering Love, we rejoin the Carson family and friends in Halifax, autumn 1953. Their home is lively and happy, but Elsie is suffering from a longing only one thing will sate. Beryl and Bill, Isobel and Richard, Andy and Daisy, and the Crawley family will prominently appear as the little family continues to deal with ghosts from the past and new challenges.

A birthday fic for the lovely Chelsie fan, because she is such a dear, sweet friend. xxx Elsie gets a bit ... bold. Strong T. Enjoy!

"I love thee to the level of every day's/Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light." - Elizabeth Barrett Browning. They somehow found each other in America. But a war will separate them from the life they have built together. Chelsie AU. Historical. I will try to update this on a weekly basis.

Charles and Elsie are a legend...they just don't know it.

One-shot in which Charles helps his wife deal with the aftermath of finding Mr. Barrow post-suicide attempt. T/W for slight descriptive bits of the scene itself. Can be considered a companion piece to "Filling the Cracks."

Elsie Hughes, top editor in London, and her daughter enjoy a happy life. But what happens when a man from Elsie's past is helping Isla with her future...What secrets will come out?

Modern AU. Elsie Hughes is exec producer for "The Granthams," a docudrama being filmed by Crawley Film Productions. Enter one old flame, Charles Carson, plus someone hell-bent on ruining the project ... what could possibly go wrong? Set in the glitz of Hollywood with some filming in Toronto and London. Rated T but a couple M chapters along the way. Chelsie fic w/many DA faves.

Elsie and Charles are back to work after they got married. Things don't do so well for Elsie and Charles realises what he's done has probably caused this.

Present day AU. Charles and Elsie, newly married and newly retired have set up house in York. Health and intimacy issues pose new challenges for the (mostly) happy couple. Fair amount of Richobel in this one, as well.

Because sometimes, when time moves on, hard choices need to be made. But when you love fiercely and are loved in return, those hard choices can lead to new and amazing experiences. Supplement to "After the Fall," written with love for Hogwarts Duo on her birthday. Stands alone but meant as a complement to the larger story. Some sadness but mostly fluffy family love.

A look into the world from my fic Jolene, from the perspective of Charles and Elsie's sons. Lots of fluff.

A collection of OTP prompt responses for our favorite couple.

The Honourable Judge Elsie Hughes has dedicated her life to her career and helping those who come through her courtroom to a second chance in life. Deputy Commissioner Charles Carson believes in the law-if you break the law, you should pay. These old college friends have a history Elsie refuses to discuss, but the chemistry between them is almost tangible and unable to be ignored.

"Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true." - Alfred, Lord Tennyson. A modern Richard and Isobel celebrate two consecutive New Year's Eves. Picks up after Chapter 4 of Rewrite This Tragedy; third in the retirement AU series. Rating subject to change.

How and when did Mrs. Hughes find out that Mr. Carson had been on the stage? There are so many possible answers. I'll explore just a few of them here. Part of #unofficialdas7 challenge.

Charles and Elsie meet by chance on an airplane and immediately like each other. But will their relationship grow? Modern AU.

Charles and Elsie have 25 days to admit their true feelings. Written for the Chelsie Christmas Challenge.

He's haunted the abandoned North wing of the York National Hospital six days every December for one hundred years...but now...fate may be about to change.

A companion to "Managing Love". Charles and Elsie are now married, enjoying life together with their family and friends. The firm of Carson, Crawley & Bates still has its managers, but retirement is calling. Rated M for a reason, but there will be fluff mixed in. I loved these characters too much to leave them alone. Or rather, they wouldn't leave me alone...

Little jaunt back to Meadow View and the little Carson family, fall 1953. This will appear in some form in a larger work, but wanted to send a little birthday love to my sweet CSOtA on her special birthday. How lucky we all are to have a such a sweet, supportive spirit in our midst. Love you!

This is a Chelsie fic, written as part of chelsiefan71's tumblr challenge. This fic follows the beach scene at the end of Series 4 and takes place during Series 5. A ghost from the past arrives at Downton, threatening to turn the worlds of Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes upside down.

Years after running off to become Cheerful Charlie, Mr. Carson and his family return to his boyhood home.

What happens when conflicting traditions and clashing styles have the stoic butler of Downton Abbey at the mercy of three little Ladies of the house? Leave it to his housekeeper to ride to the rescue with "The Mistletoe Protocol."

Decisions are made every single day. Some are harder than others, but all of them are easier with the love of your spouse keeping you steady along the way. Join me as we explore the decisions of Charles & Elsie Carson. Written for the tumblr DAS7 prompt.

A bit of love for our darling Elsie following her husband's retirement from Downton Abbey. Written to fulfull the #unofficialdaS7 challenge by the lovely chelsie fan. Updates every Sunday for nine weeks, and a finale Christmas chapter on Christmas Day 2016.

What if there had never been a Charles Carson? Story takes place during the last few minutes of the final episode and then carries on into New Year's night.

This is for the 'Silver and Gold' challenge put forth by chelsie-prompts. When the Carsons and Miss Sybbie find themselves tackling the ins and outs of friendship, the young girl has a sweet solution! A/N: Check out on YouTube: 'Make New Friends' sung by Miss Nina. Many versions of this song exist, the original dating back to before 1925 (Girl Scout Handbook).

The Carsons' first Christmas Eve as a married couple. Written to fulfill the "Chelsie Christmas Challenge," an alphabetical list of 26 prompt words. Incorporating all, the story takes you from morning to bedtime. 1925 - set during S6.

A series of Chelsie Christmas prompts inspired by Chelsie Fan and Chelsie-Prompts. Carson and Hughes with other characters making appearances.

Period/Canon Chelsie. What if the Chelsie romance really DID start mid Season 3? Shows the behind-the-scenes realization and development of a love that was rarely shown on our screens, but that was slowly burning behind them all along. **Honeymoon has two M chapters.** Soundtrack for all songs is Ch 37.

"Ships that pass in the night, and speak each other in passing..." -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Carson and Mrs. Hughes worked together at Downton for many years, forming a bond which became one of love. Little did they know they were NOT the first of either of their families to meet, or how their ancestors' meetings determined the course of their lives.

In marriage, intimacy heals. Richobel modern AU incorporating the death of Matthew Crawley and Isobel's involvement in the lives of Ethel Parks and her son. First installment in the modern retirement AU. *Now rated M.*

It's the night before Lady Edith's wedding and Charles Carson can't sleep...

"And I shall get to know you/In these lifetimes/In awe and wonder/On down through the years." Inspired by the song "Lifetimes" by Van Morrison. An early morning interlude in the married life of the Carsons. Rated 'T' more for what is implied than for what is described.

The Housekeeper has always helped others stitch up their wounds, now she needs help stitching up her deepest one. Fits somewhere between 6x01 and 6x02.

Mrs. Hughes becomes Mrs. Carson - at long last!

Following a day(s) in the life of our favorite butler, housekeeper, and those with whom they cross paths. Set in 1927 during what would be Series 7. In response to Chelsie-Fan's prompt for Series 7 that we will not be getting. It will be updated each Sunday at the regular Downton Abbey viewing time. Canon.

The love story of a knight and maiden, fairy-tale style.

Charles and Elsie adapt to their new life.

A very AU story based on a picture of our very own butler as an executioner in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. What if this executioner met Elsie Hughes under less than favorable circumstances?

A companion to my Chelsie historical AU fic Most Quiet Need. This is intended to be an epilogue to the ending of that story, which is not finished yet, so...if you don't want ANY spoilers, please don't read this. The setting is California, late 1800s.

When growing insecurities threaten the engagement of Elsie Hughes to Charles Carson, what waste land awaits them? Canon-divergent AU beginning with S6ep1. Whether the story returns to canon, you'll have to keep reading to find out!

January 1922: Part of the 'Moving' AU. Charles and Elsie continue to build their life in Hull, visit Downton, go to Germany and eventually take their trip to Italy. Life happens along the way. This is, essentially, my take on series 4 and beyond (WAY BEYOND)!

Some months into their marriage Elsie finds a second lump in her breast, how will she and Charles face this now they are husband and wife? Just a short piece looking at the new found intimacy of their relationship.

Elsie left Charles after a devastating betrayal. Now, six years later, she's back with shocking news, and a burden Charles isn't sure he can swallow. Based on the song by Adele. MODERN AU.

Elsie Hughes moves to England to study at Westburn University and finds herself drawn to history professor, Charles Carson.

Musings on a marriage. Posted originally on Tumblr.

A selection of little moments between Charlie and Elsie (!) from the proposal at the end of the Season 5 Christmas Special and onwards. It does contain lots of season 6 spoilers. Hope you like it! :) UPDATED! Includes some post finale moments now too! The latest, a reunion with Miss O' Brien. *oooh*

A violent incident obliges Barrow to revisit his perspective on a few things and forces Carson to confront some unpleasant truths. The Carsons are married, but this story is non-canon, set in 1926. The rating is for violence in the first chapter and for the discussion of "mature subjects" in subsequent chapters.

A continuation of Series 6, following the finale episode. How will Mr and Mrs Carson cope with the their new and 'different life? A happy, hopefully in character, fic focusing on our beloved Charlie and Elsie as they look to the future, as well as some background stories on other characters. Spoilers from Series 6 throughout. Hope you enjoy x

So Mary has married Henry, and is having her happily ever after. What if one hell of a monkey wrench was thrown into the mix in the form of Matthew Crawley alive? Yes, I am revisiting the amnesia angle but with more marital angst and much less aka ZERO physical assault and torture. This is a straight "what if Matthew didn't die and turns up in 1927 after Mary has married Henry?"

Charles and Elsie have a visitor at the Abbey. Set with series 5 characters, but lets just pretend Charles and Elsie are a tad younger.

Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes find out that getting married is a lot more complicated than a proposal and an acceptance. This story charts their progress through the obstacle course between engagement and wedding breakfast. Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes feature prominently, but the story is told from the perspectives of different characters. Canon in spirit, with much original material.

Modern AU: When Professor Hughes decides she's had enough of being alone and waiting hopelessly for her dear friend to fall in love with her, she sets into motion a chain of events Professor Carson might not be ready for. With Elsie embracing a new 'live a little' attitude, the Downton University faculty will never be the same again but could Charles really lose the woman he loves?

She was his. And he was hers. And this was their world. Chelsie fluff. Post-canon/continuation fic/Series 7. Rated T to be safe, more for what is implied than for what is described.

How to you tell your fiancee that she is beautiful? And that you love her? Through a messenger like Mrs Patmore? Probably not. Yet that is exactly what has happened in episode 6.01. How do Carson and Mrs Hughes deal with this? And what went through their heads after the messages is relayed to Mrs Hughes. A little character study. Canon.

Charles lives in Downton, which has been plagued by terrible luck, and everybody is blaming the witch who lives in the woods outside of the village. Charles is sent out to confront the witch, but she isn't at all what he expected. Chelsie AU

While the Carsons are honeymooning in Scarborough, they suffer just as many interruptions as they always do back home at Downton Abbey. The idea comes from layjanefelsham's tumblr post. Belated birthday present for Chelsie Dagger.

AU. Elsie Hughes runs a struggling shop in the small village of Argyll. But when her Goddaughter, Anna convinces her to to attend the Ghillies Ball being held by the new Lord of the Manor, she will find something that she didn't even realise she was missing.

Sequel to Love Never Dies. Charles and Elsie struggle with two divorces, keeping their relationship a secret, and more "bumps" along the way.

"But you see, when your only child dies, then you're not a mother anymore. You're not anything, really. And that's what I'm trying to get used to." But Isobel IS something indeed ... in the eyes of her grandson. Leaving it open in case one day a follow-on chapter is written.

A week into new motherhood, Isobel reflects. An Isobel and baby Matthew fic.

Life, Sweetness, Hope. Glimpses into the lives, loves and friendships of four favorite characters: Charles Carson, Elsie Hughes Carson, Isobel Crawley and Richard Clarkson. AU for married Richobel and some slight divergence from canon timeline.

Doctor Richard Clarkson has finally found what he never realized he was looking for. An introspective look at the married lives of Richard and Isobel. AU that incorporates canon elements. Sequel to Worthy and True. Rating subject to change.

He never meant for any of it to happen. He had been minding his own business reading the paper out in the garden when she had plonked herself down on his lap as if she belonged there. My take on "whiskers" from the tumblr chelsie-prompts.

Troubled by Carson's behaviour, the Dowager intervenes. Subsequent chapters chronicle Carson's adjustment to a post-Downton life through conversations and interactions with Elsie, Robert, Thomas, Mary, and (eventually) Edith...! A POST-SEASON 6 story. This story offers an antidote to the journey explored in "The Way We Live Now," which ought to be read first.

They may love each other very much, but Charlie Carson and Elsie Hughes/Carson have always had their disagreements and this isn't going to change. This is a series of vignettes exploring how their changing circumstances affect what they disagree about and how they negotiate those disagreements: what to call each other, Mr. Green, Lady Mary, intimacy, cooking!, and Becky.

A look at the married lives of the Carsons, told through the wedding anniversaries they share together. Various cameos from Anna, Daisy, Beryl, Tom and Isobel, amongst others, helping to show that the life they lived was filled with the friends and family their life in service had given them.

Set in 1901, an AU where Elsie walks in Ethel Parks' shoes.

Based on a comment Mrs. Hughes alter ego made in an interview about Mrs. Hughes not going gently into retirement after being in charge for so very many years of a large country estate. Set in Series 5 and S6 and beyond. Some series 6 spoilers. Formerly, had the longer title "Not Going Into Retirement Gently"

In 4x2, Mr. Grigg asks Mr. Carson "why did you never ask about Alice when we last met, before the War?" What might have happened if Mr. Carson HAD asked Charles Grigg about Alice the first time Grigg came to Downton? This story answers that question. AU Chelsie.

At Grantham University, Dr. Elsie Hughes meets Dr. Charles Carson. Their attraction is undeniable, but what she doesn't know about Charles could mean the end of the life she has worked so hard to build. And what Charles doesn't know about Elsie might just mean the loss of the one thing he cannot afford to lose- his heart.

Its three years later. She walked away, and left a hole inside his heart. He can't breath without her. Will he find his missing part again? Sequel to 'Ask Me To Stay'

AU/Modern AU – It's been over two years since Elsie Burns buried her husband. Together with her son, her niece and her cheeky sister, she got her life back to normal. But just then a stranger stumbles in front of Elsie's car and gets knocked out. When he wakes up in hospital he says his name is Charles Carson and insists to have been born in 1856…

My first stab at a modern Chelsie AU. Charles Carson meets his neighbor, Elsie Hughes, under less than optimal circumstances. Why put your best foot forward when you can plant it firmly in your mouth? Enjoy!

Elsie Hughes, respected record producer, decides to take a risk and finally make that manor-house musical. Charles Carson is a classically-trained musician who likes to pretend his brief stint as a rock star never happened. But with his career under threat, perhaps learning from the past is the best way to find a new future. Elsie certainly thinks so. Slow-burn.(Rating may change.)

Changes seem to keep coming Elsie Hughes (Carson)'s way as she continues to settle into life with her new husband. The secret keeper, however, will have to contend with her own long hidden truths as a dark entity makes itself known in the Abbey. Story begins not longer after Christmas Special S6 ends, so spoilers abound.

A honeymoon fic, in which Elsie and Charles realize what it means to finally come HOME. "They slipped briskly into an intimacy from which they never recovered." -F. Scott Fitzgerald

It had been designed to tear them apart, but in the end it had only brought them still closer togther. A story about how love can come from grievous experiences.

That first night together is met with no small amount of trepidation

This started as a Chelsie challenge - now it's a place to house short stories about this lovely pair

Modern AU. Christmas theme. Robert Crawley is the founder of Downton Academy, an exclusive, traditional, British-style boarding and day school in Chicago. Charles Carson is headmaster for boys, and Elsie Hughes is headmistress for girls.

My take on the struggle for one stoic butler and one hopeful housekeeper to eventually find their way to one another. Introspection, angst, comfort and love that will, eventually, conquer all. Set during Season 5, veers slightly AU. Cover art by the lovely brenna-louise!

Aspiring writer Charles Carson is still healing in the aftermath of WWII. As he begins to construct a book based on a collection of journals left by a distant relative, he uncovers the tale of a secret love just as he meets a woman who has the potential to either fill or break his heart. AU that will incorporate Downton characters. Not my characters, but I love them deeply.

What happened between the Carsons' wedding reception at the schoolhouse and their arrival back from honeymoon? This is what I imagined.

Spoilers for the entirety of season six. Written for Muddlethrough as a prize for winning a tumblr sweepstake, this is an affectionate look at how Mrs Patmore came to title the Carson cottage the Love Nest.

Charles Carson and Elsie Hughes met at university. They fell in love, married, got good jobs and had a family. The perfect life. But sometimes things don't quite turn out the way people plan them... Modern Chelsie AU - a joint venture between theoofoof and RhondaStar47

A one shot as part of the 2015 Chelsie Countdown. CS spoiler-ish for season 6. In which Mrs. Hughes has some unexpected feelings and Mr. Carson has a role reversal. This will be transferred later into the multi-chapter story Going Into Retirement

Charles Carson and Elsie Hughes work together at Crawley's Wine Merchants - he is head buyer, she is client manager. They've worked together for ten years and are close friends. Deep down both would like to be something more but it's not that simple... or is it? Modern AU. Chelsie.

They've come for Anna ... again. The Abbey has descended into sheer madness following the apparent murder of a staff member. The cops have charged Anna, based on little more than the word of a far more likely suspect. Upstairs & down feature. *You'd better come find out about this. Now someone's tried to kill Mrs. Hughes!

Charles Carson and Elsie Hughes run a traditional school in Chicago. This is the story of how they got there.

One-shot in which Elsie cares for Charles following a shock. S6 Ep 5 SPOILERS - read at your own risk if you've not seen Series 6 yet.

Sparked from an old OTP prompt and a conversation with YellowBrickRoad! Starts angsty and introspective before progressing into friendship, hope, and love, answering the question of what truly makes us FAMILY. Starts after S4 ending, goes AU. Most major cast members make an appearance at some point.

Modern AU: Bookshop owner Charles and teacher Elsie are finally dating, sharing their first holiday together in Dubai after months building a relationship. Can they navigate their way through the demons of their past to find a way to stay together for the long haul?

Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes discuss their upcoming marriage with their employers, friends, and downstairs family. Chelsie. T Rating for later chapters.

Charles Carson is a widower with a daughter; Elsie Hughes is a maid with a past. Will they be able to overlook their failings and love one another? (Rated M for... monkey business.)

If you give a Carson your hand to hold, he's going to ask for a glass of milk. No, wait. If you give a Carson your hand to hold and he catches you with another man, he's going to ask for a glass of milk. No, ugh, *sigh*, just read it. [post-Series 4 - pre-Series 5] [ONE SHOT]

That day at the sea changed Elsie Hughes' life. Season 4 CS spoilers.

Newly appointed Elsie Hughes finds a journal in her desk.

Can Charles manage to pull off a surprise for Elsie's birthday? Pure fluff, a birthday fic for the lovely Lady Aurelia Crawley! Possible companion piece for Music of the Heart and Surprise for a Friend. Cover art by the lovely brenna-louise!

What happens when the widowed Lord Carson falls in love with his housekeeper? A scandal, and a love story.

This story will follow Mrs Hughes and Mr Carson after the Series 5 Christmas Special, taking the story forward following Mr Carson's enchanting proposal of marriage. Other characters will feature as we see how those Downstairs and Upstairs react to the engagement x

A stream of consciousness/interior dialogue piece exploring Carson and Mrs. Hughes in the four months between her revelation about Becky and Christmas. AND BEYOND! Both POV's.

No one's surprised when she's sorted into Slytherin. No one's surprised and no one expected it because no one knows her well enough to expect anything. She's normal – muggleborn – and the only reason anyone might have to recognise her name is that in her shock at seeing her first letter-delivering owl, she set her Hogwarts letter alight and had to be sent a second one.

Mrs. Hughes runs into trouble in the village after buying a present for Mr. Carson

Charles and Elsie are back to tackle the law breakers, however what will happen when the firm goes bankrupt in the middle of their wedding plans? Throw in a few exes and we have a right royal mess on our hands. Will our favourite couple survive? Sequel to 'A Misunderstanding or Two'

well it started out as drabbles and then turned into this monster...

Slight S5 spoilers. It's not always easy having the head that wears the crown, but Charles Carson, butler of Downton Abbey, finds a way to bear the burdens with greater ease. In so doing, he and Mrs. Hughes explore the possibility of existing not as a butler and housekeeper, but as individuals in their own right.

Charles Carson and Elsie Hughes work together for Downton Radio, where he has his own show and she is his producer/technician. They have worked together for a great number of years and their attraction is palpable - but will they get together? Modern AU - this story celebrates my fiftieth fic!

Post S4, mild S5 speculation. Beginning with a garden party, Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes reflect on life and a job well done with the promise of more on the horizon. Together and apart, they learn how to navigate their feelings and places in the world as Downton ushers in a new era. This is the author's first Downton fic.

As Mrs Hughes approaches her 57th birthday, she begins to panic as an old ghost story comes back to haunt her, leaving her no choice but to admit and act on long suppressed feelings in order to be protected. Nominated for a Highclere Award.

Elsies sister has come for a visit! What happens when the two scottish sisters are in one building? Will fun ensue or will there be blood on the stairs?

Something is wrong with Mr. Carson.

An AU pairing of Mr. Breghert with a certain Scottish housekeeper. Published originally on Tumblr

It was their time, given to them.

After the 2013 Christmas Special. It all started with a day at the beach. Extremely extended ending! This has it all; intrigue, romance, angst, irony, betrayal, humor, more romance, London, seduction, healing and Chelsie! Key characters; Carson, Hughes, Thomas, Mary, Beryl, Edith, Molesley, Mrs. Butte, Miss Baxter, Anna and Bates. COMPLETE! 2014 Highclere Award- 'Chelsie Fluff'

Mr. Carson is ill. While caring for him, Mrs. Hughes makes a startling discovery. She accidentally comes across his diary and is shocked to find that the entries within are addressed to her! Takes place after Series 3 but before Series 4. Revisits all our favorite Chelsie moments from Series 1, 2, and 3. Cover image by brenna-louise!

Mr. Carson tells Mrs. Hughes that he's made the decision to leave Downton Abbey to work at Haxby Park for Lady Mary. Starts with his thoughts during and after that brief conversation, and continues beyond that evening. Story will go AU at some point as changes occur in the relationship between Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes. No S4 spoilers. Winner of a Highclere Award (2014).

A response to a Chelsie anon prompt a frustrated Carson confronts Elsie regarding her behavior towards himself and Anna causing Elsie to break down...certain circumstances put Elsie in a position to have to protect Anna and her self... series 4 spoilers.

Carson hears disturbing news while in London for the Season...

An AU version of what could have happened if Elsie Hughes had made different choices in her life. Winner of a Highclere Award

Snapshots from random moments in the lives of Charles and Elsie Carson. What does life have in store for them?

A sleepless night for Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson leads to an unexpected confession. Spoiler Alert: Post Season 3 Finale!

Modern AU fic in which Charles is a successful hotelier and Elsie a renowned fashion designer. Other Characters of course show up around them, some perhaps in unexpected ways.

Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes discuss the rights of friends. Spoilers for Series 3, episode 1 & 2. Minor spoiler for speculation episode 3

Downton 1922 and some of the staff feel the need to retire.

"We have missed you at Downton, Mrs. Hughes..."

Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes have a frank discussion about the staff and themselves.

Carson/Hughes story based on the Christina Perri song of the same name. 'And I will make sure to keep my distance, say I love you when you're not listening...'

Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes are the victims of the young Crawley girls. Fluff and silliness

Carson and Mrs Hughes manage to misplace their diaries and end up with each others during a London season.

An AU Modern, songfic, PWP. Based on a challenge with Batwings79. Elsie helps Charles out with his phone. Fluffy McFluff Fluff.

My take on Carson/Hughes relationship. Winner of a Highclere Award.

Mrs Hughes watched as Charles Carson came into her parlor, closed her door, and then froze there...Ch. 6. An End.