A/N: Hi Everyone. As promised this is a 'Christmas special' to complete this short fic, as part of the 'Season 7' challenge. Apologies that it's a little late- I wanted to post this on Christmas Eve but I didn't have a second to write it until now! By way of a reminder, this fic is loosely based during Series 5. After an old beau of Mrs Hughes turned up at the Abbey, the Housekeeper and Mr Carson's lives were temporarily thrown off balance. Thankfully however, both finally admitted their love for one another and we ended 'Episode 8' with a proposal and acceptance of marriage (I decided to bring the proposal a little earlier than canon). Therefore, this chapter begins on Christmas Eve 1924 with Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes engaged to be married. It's very gentle and pure fluff so hope you enjoy x

Chapter 9

Christmas Eve 1924

"Good morning Mrs Hughes, Happy Christmas Eve," his deep voice rumbled from the doorway to her sitting-room.

She spun in her seat to face her betrothed, an adoring smile on her lips.

"Good morning Mr Carson," she replied softly, her Scottish tones warming his heart.

She stood to greet him, walking across the room as he stepped towards her. He held out his hand gently, as she took it in hers. They stood like that for a few seconds, gazing at each other tenderly yet neither saying a word, just enjoying the touch of the other. Mrs Hughes gently caressed the top of his strong hand with her thumb, stroking back and forth as the Butler gave a contented grumble.

They had been engaged for one month and had planned their wedding for early spring; despite their greatest wish to be married as soon as possible, they knew that Christmas and New Year at Downton were the busiest periods of the year and they'd barely have time to sleep and eat, let alone plan a wedding. They had, however, selected a cottage on the Estate. Her Ladyship had been most kind, insisting they select one of the larger, more modern residences rather than the smaller cottages normally reserved for servants. It was a beautiful house, with flowers adorning the front wall, a setting amongst the stunning woods of the Estate and a beautiful garden at the rear. Mrs Hughes had begun the process of making their house a home; already having made curtains for every room with Miss Baxter's help, as well as a stunning counterpane for their bed. Their bed, any misunderstandings regarding this long since settled following kindly intervention from Mrs Patmore. The thought of their cottage, the place that would be their first married home, made Mrs Hughes feel quite giddy with anticipation. She had never had her own home, this would be her first, and she'd be sharing it with the most wonderful man.

As Mrs Hughes looked down at her fiancé's hand in hers, lost in her reflections, a thought occurred and her heart leapt. However, she quickly righted herself, shaking her head lightly, attempting to banish the thought.

"What is it?" Mr Carson asked, having noticed this shift.

Mrs Hughes looked upwards at the Butler in surprise. He looked concerned and he was suddenly gripping her hand more tightly.

"Oh, it's nothing to worry about Mr Carson, nothing at all. Just a silly thought," she said, her cheeks blushing pink.

He smiled at that; his fiancée was not a woman for silly thoughts.

"I am sure it isn't silly. Please tell me," he asked lovingly.

Mrs Hughes bit her lip as she looked at him. The other servants were beginning to come downstairs and outside her sitting-room the hustle and bustle of the morning preparations could be heard.

"We won't have time of course but I was thinking ... well ... it would be nice to visit our cottage together this evening. To have a little time alone. Silly really, I mean it's not even furnished yet ... but it is our first Christmas ... together ... and I thought it might be nice," she said, continuing to blush.

She looked down at her toes in embarrassment, feeling ridiculous for having for such a notion. When did you become so sentimental, Elsie Hughes?

This was another one of those moments when Mr Carson felt his heart might burst with happiness. The wonderful woman before him had transformed his life. He felt the most blessed of men to have won her heart.

"We'll make time," he pronounced, his eyes glistening as he gently used his free hand to caress her face.

They had only shared the briefest of touches over the last four weeks; sometimes holding hands as they enjoyed a glass of sherry in the evening, although only if they could be sure the other staff had all gone to bed, a fleeting touch of the arm, a gentle kiss on the cheek as they said goodnight. There had been one sweet kiss on the lips in Mr Carson's pantry but since then, the two had adopted the appropriate reserve, both seemingly sensing a rising desire between them and thinking it wise to keep a little distance. Anyway, the most innocent of touches was enough to make them both quiver; Mrs Hughes smiled beautifully as she basked in the feel of his hand on her face.

"Really? Are you sure Charles?" she exclaimed, abandoning their agreement to use only their formal titles whilst at the Abbey.

Mr Carson smiled at her slip. Her enthusiasm was infectious.

"Very sure Elsie ..." he began, teasing her. She laughed warmly.

"How about we take a stroll this evening, once the carols are in full swing? Mr Barrow can oversee things from there. It'll be rather late mind you, almost midnight I expect, but it would be nice to mark Christmas in our new home," he smiled, lowering his face to kiss her cheek as his other hand still lightly held her face.

Mrs Hughes expected the Butler to step back following this brief kiss but instead, he placed a gentle path of kisses along her jawline and neck. She had to reach out to hold his shoulders to steady herself as she closed her eyes and her breathing quickened. A short gasp escaped from her lips.

"Oh ... oh my word ... I do apologise Mrs Hughes," Mr Carson flustered, stepping backwards and looking decidedly hot and bothered.

The two stood speechless for a moment before Mrs Hughes began to see the funny side. What a pair we are!

"It is quite alright Mr Carson. That was quite agreeable," she said seriously, biting her lip to withhold her laughter.

He felt instant relief and, if possible, even greater desire for the woman before him. He knew she was teasing and what's more, he knew she had enjoyed it, both things made him feel as happy as a lark.

"Agreeable?" he rumbled, just as solemnly, only the twinkle in his eyes giving away his mirth.

"Very," she flirted.

He grinned now; an unabashed broad grin; the kind of smile that only the Housekeeper was lucky enough to witness. Mrs Hughes matched his smile.

"Oh! I hadn't thought but ... do you think it is proper that we go to the cottage after dark together?" he asked seriously, suddenly realising that they weren't yet married and he was suggesting leaving the house at near midnight for a rendezvous at their cottage, albeit with very innocent intentions. However, the last few seconds had reminded him that he was indeed a man, and Mrs Hughes a woman, and he would never do anything to besmirch the reputation of his fiancée.

She laughed happily. What a dear man!

"I think we'll be fine Mr Carson, I am sure no-one would ever dream there was anything improper about two old fogies like us going for a short evening walk together. Unless you feel we need a chaperone? I could ask Mrs Patmore ..." she dead-panned.

He shook his head with a mischievous grin and reached to hold her hand again.

"Let's not get carried away now. I am sure I am worrying needlessly, times have changed after all," he whispered.

"Indeed they have Mr Carson, indeed they have," she chuckled.

######

"Did you hide Mrs Patmore in here after all?" he asked, as the two walked towards their cottage in the moonlight, their arms linked and the Butler carrying the heavy basket in his free hand.

Mrs Hughes laughed joyously. It had been a very busy but ultimately successful evening, with half of the Village turning out to celebrate Christmas Eve with Lord and Lady Grantham. There had been much merriment and a tinge of sadness due to the imminent departure of Mr Branson and Miss Sybbie. They had enjoyed a couple of glasses of punch as the evening progressed and therefore both were feeling warmed and happy. They had snuck out just as Lady Mary began to sing Silent Night, knowing they wouldn't be missed. Mrs Patmore knew where they were should they be needed although Mrs Hughes sincerely hoped they wouldn't be interrupted.

"I have not! Although Mrs Patmore did kindly prepare some treats for us. There's a flask of mulled wine, some shortbread biscuits, cheese and crackers, apples and some lovely chutney ... oh ... and I added a small hip flask of scotch to help warm us up. I fear the cottage will be rather cold," she smiled.

"I'm sure these blankets will keep us warm," Mr Carson returned, motioning down to the blankets that rested on top of the basket.

Mrs Hughes nodded cheerily but she wondered again if her suggestion to come to the cottage had been a silly one. It wasn't furnished and the fireplace hadn't yet been cleaned so it would be rather frosty. However, the chance to spend an hour or two with her Butler in their future home was too good an opportunity to miss. She found herself quite excited about the prospect of their little Christmas picnic.

Mr Carson looked down, observing Mrs Hughes lost in her thoughts but with a pretty smile on her lips. He felt truly blessed. He had looked forward all day to this brief interlude, away from the clamour and busyness of the Christmas preparations at the Abbey. It was such a rare occurrence for him and Mrs Hughes to get any time alone and now that they were promised to be married, it made this time even more special.

######

"You do the honours Mr Carson," she said happily, handing him the key.

He opened the door with a flourish, beckoning Mrs Hughes to enter first as he followed. As soon as she stepped into the hallway she felt a rush of heat. She turned to him with a perplexed look on her face.

"Shall we go through to the sitting room?" he said knowingly.

She could immediately sense a note of something; her husband-to-be looked rather pleased with himself. As she opened the door to the front room, she could immediately see why. A welcoming fire blazed in the fireplace, warming and lighting the room. There were also candles dotted along the mantelpiece and on the floor around the fireplace. There were also a few cushions scattered on the floor. Mrs Hughes gasped; it was quite perfect.

"When on earth did you do all of this?" she said, tears pooling in her eyes as she spun to face an adorably proud Mr Carson.

"I sent Andy and a couple of the hall boys down earlier this evening. They gave the fire a quick clean and lit it for us. I wanted it to be cosy when we arrived. I couldn't let you freeze," he explained.

"You dear, sweet man," she declared, reaching up on tiptoes to kiss his cheek.

"The candles and cushions were Daisy's idea," he added, raising his eyebrows at this feminine touch.

Mrs Hughes giggled, wiping a stray tear from her cheek.

"Then I shall be sure to thank her. It looks so beautiful Charles, it's perfect," she breathed, turning back to look at the glowing fire and the shimmering candles.

"Let's unpack these goodies and then we can get settled ..." he grinned.

######

The two were snuggled amongst the cushions, a blanket settled over their knees, as they sat on the floor in front of the fire. Mr Carson had one arm around Mrs Hughes, lovingly holding her to his side as she rested against him, her hand on his chest. Their little picnic had been enjoyed immensely, the mulled wine and nibbles consumed happily. Mr Carson had removed his jacket and tie and Mrs Hughes had taken off her shoes, as they both relaxed in each other's arms. They each held a glass of scotch as they stared, mesmerised, at the flickering fire and candles.

"Our first Christmas in our new home," Charles breathed contentedly, kissing Elsie's hair.

"The first of many," she whispered, placing a kiss to his chest, just above his heart.

######

Christmas Eve 1925

As Mrs Carson lowered herself to the floor, she heard her knee creak. She laughed happily at this, as she shuffled closer to her husband, his arm drawing her close to his side.

"I think my knee is telling me I should be sitting on that couch rather than the floor," she exclaimed, as Mr Carson chuckled too.

"But where's the fun in that? It's our tradition, a Christmas Eve picnic in front of the fire," he declared fondly.

They had turned off all of the lights, the only glow coming from the blazing fire and the candles positioned around the room. They still sat in their Butler and Housekeeper attire, having only got home an hour ago from another late celebration at the Abbey; however, collars were loosened and shoes removed.

"Indeed it is Charlie," she said, reaching up to kiss his lips soundly. As they broke apart a few seconds later, both were quite breathless.

"Umm ... now you didn't kiss me like that last year," he said mischievously.

"No I did not. We weren't married then young man!" she joked, eliciting a handsome smile from her husband.

He continued to hold his wife in both arms, running his hand up and down her back as they continued to share small, gentle kisses and caresses as they snuggled in front of the fire.

After a while, they rested back against the settee and Mrs Carson leaned into her husband's side, feeling cossetted and loved.

"My decision is made Elsie, I will retire and find a suitable replacement in the New Year," he said mournfully, as he gazed at the fire, hugging his wife a little closer to his side.

They had discussed this matter previously, many times in fact over the last few weeks, but it was no less emotional to hear the conviction of his statement. Mrs Carson sat backwards a little and looked devotedly at her husband.

"And I will fully support your decision, my love. And although you may appoint a new Butler, please know that there could never be a replacement for you at Downton Abbey," she replied, wrapping her arms around his neck and holding him tightly as she felt his gentle sobs against her neck.

She caressed his scalp with her fingers, she knew this soothed him, and held him close. He breathed in the comforting scent of lemons from her hair, as he calmed in her arms.

"It'll be a different life," he murmured, feeling relief at his decision and a mixture of worry and hope about his retirement. Hope that was entirely due to the wonderful woman in his arms and the future he would share with her.

"But we'll make a go of it Charlie and we'll continue to be so very happy, I promise you that," she whispered, her own voice breaking with emotion.

"I have no doubt of that my love, no doubt at all," he smiled.

######

Christmas Eve 1926

The two clinked wine glasses, as they wished each other a very merry Christmas. They were again snuggled in front of their fire, having feasted on all sorts of delicious treats. They wore their nightclothes; Mr Carson in his new pyjamas and woolly socks, knitted by the fair hands of his lovely wife, and Mrs Carson in her new silk nightgown and matching dressing gown, thoughtfully chosen by her kind husband. For fun, she too wore a pair of matching knitted socks to keep her toes warm. The fire blazed, sending waves of warm light around the room and the candles on the fireplace and on their beautiful Christmas tree, glistened prettily.

The pair had been snuggled together amongst the blankets and cushions all evening, having returned from Christmas Eve lunch at the Masons at around three and then blissfully had the rest of the day to themselves.

"This is the life eh Elsie?" Mr Carson declared jubilantly.

"You'll not be saying that when we eventually have to try and get up off this hard floor!" she joshed, as he tickled her sides.

"Charlie!" she gasped, as he finally stopped his teasing and held her closely to his side once more.

Mrs Carson lay on her husband's chest, listening to the comforting rhythm of his steady heartbeat.

They both silently reminisced about the last year. Mrs Carson had retired a few months after her husband, allowing an appropriate period of handover to Mrs Baxter. Mr Carson had been delighted when his wife chose to join him in retirement, having never fully settled whilst he was at home and she was at the Abbey. Their retirement had brought untold happiness and many new and wonderful experiences. They were both active members of the Village community and yet both also enjoyed days at home tending to the garden or simply reading or napping together on the sofa. William Bates was a regular overnight visitor and their role as surrogate grandparents had been an unexpected joy. They shared regular dinners with Mr and Mrs Mason; the former Cook remained their very best friend. To Mr Carson's great surprise the Grantham's were eager to still be a part of their lives; with Lady Mary, as well as Mr Branson, visiting the cottage often and Lord and Lady Grantham inviting the Carson's for tea at least once a month. Mrs Carson was thrilled with this, testament to the family's high regard for her husband and she knew how highly he thought of them. She too had grown increasingly fond of the upstairs family.

In short, the Carson's were blissfully and beautifully happy. They had waited a long time to share their lives together and now that they were finally together and retired, they made sure to enjoy each and every second.

"Merry Christmas my Charlie," Mrs Carson murmured sleepily, kissing the underside of her husband's jaw as her eyes closed and she began to doze.

"Merry Christmas my darling Elsie," he smiled, wrapping her up even more snuggly in his arms, as the warmth of the fire and wine lulled them both to sleep.

The End.

A/N: Thank you for your wonderful support. Any final reviews would be most welcome x