Prompt #8: Her heart did whisper that he had done it for her.

Mrs Hughes lets out an exhausted sigh as she pauses at the bottom of the stairs on her way to the kitchens. It's been a difficult day; two housemaids have come down with the flu, as has Miss Baxter, meaning her workload had almost tripled. And if that wasn't enough, the blessed Lady Mary had sprung several last minute guests upon them, leading the housekeeper into a confrontation with Mrs Patmore. She's barely had two minutes to herself since she got up and as the festive season is not that long over with, she was looking forward to a quiet few weeks. Alas, it has not worked out that way and as such she is extremely tired and irritable.

"Is everything in order for tonight?" Mrs Hughes asks gingerly as she enters the kitchen.

"Of course," replies Mrs Patmore. "Despite the last minute changes."

"I've said I'm sorry."

"What in heaven's name are you apologising for? As you so clearly pointed out to me earlier, you didn't invite three extra people to dinner!" Since their disagreement earlier, she had noticed how busy the housekeeper had been and had vowed to end the conflict.

"But…"

"No buts. It's Lady Mary who should be apologising, but I don't see hell freezing over anytime soon." Mrs Patmore eyed her friend critically. "You look tired. Daisy! Get that kettle on and take a cup of tea to Mrs Hughes' sitting room."

"There's no need-" protests Mrs Hughes.

"There's every need. You're dead on your feet."

"Actually Mrs Patmore, Mrs Hughes is right," says Daisy causing the two older women to turn and look at her quizzically. "There's no need for me to make Mrs Hughes a pot of tea, as there's already one waiting in her sitting room."

"What are you going on about girl?" asks Mrs Patmore.

"Mr Carson came through a few minutes ago and asked me to make one for her. I put it on your table, Mrs Hughes; it should still be warm."

Mrs Hughes ignores the look of shock on Mrs Patmore's face at the Butler's actions – she isn't privy to the change in their relationship yet, no-one is – and turns to Daisy. "Thank you Daisy. I'd best go and drink it before it goes cold or before I am summoned by Lady Mary once more."

Upon arriving at her sitting room she finds the pot of tea, just as Daisy had described, along with a plate of several shortbread biscuits. She sits down, a weary, relieved sigh escaping her, and smiles at the actions of her fiancé.

She and Charles has been planning to tell the family of their engagement this week but they've had to put that on hold, whilst the house endures a period of illness. Mrs Hughes has been taking extra precautions to make sure Charles doesn't take ill; the memories of his brush with Spanish Flu still worry her. Now it seems he's trying to return the favour; her heart whispers that he has done this for her, to keep her well. He can't do much in their current situation, but he is doing what he can.

While pouring her own cup, Elsie wishes that she had reason to pour a second one but Charles has been just as busy; the flu has invaded the house, he's got a couple of hall boys in bed and Andy in bed with it, and the last time she'd seen Mr Molelsey he'd not looked at all well either. Yet here is Charles, making a special effort to make sure she is cared for.

As she sips the warm, soothing brew, she thanks the Lord for Charles Carson and knows that she is loved.