A Sound Resolution

A/N: Written in response to the Tumblr Challenge for a DA S9 series. I will be posting updates weekly (most likely on Sundays) until the "series" is completed! Thanks, and I hope you enjoy the story! A review would be lovely if you're so inclined.

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IT IS TIME:

The tiny raindrops splattered against the window pane as Elsie watched from the comfort of her warm bed, enveloped in her husband's strong yet tender arms. Her mind was whirling with so many thoughts that sleep was proving elusive to her this evening. She felt as if she'd never be able to rest. There were too many things to consider, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't push them away until she'd explored every option.

Charles, her adoring and doting husband, had sensed something wasn't quite right though did not press the matter when Elsie reassured him she was simply overly tired from a long and stressful day. Remembering those trying times when he was still in service, he could easily believe Elsie's answer, especially since she was working closely with Barrow. That, alone, would have been enough to have tested Charles's patience to the end. So, seeking in his own way to help, he had, rightly so, suggested that they turn in early in the hopes of restoring her energy and loving, cheerful demeanor.

Now, as his light snores filled the room and his arms cradled her in love and comfort, Elsie allowed herself to delve into her deepest thoughts in an attempt to sort out her feelings and make peace with herself. If she was lucky, she might manage to catch a few hours of sleep before she had to rise and face yet another day of hard work and challenges.

She had first entertained the daydream that now plagued her thoughts on the eve of their third anniversary. She had wanted nothing more than a chance to spend the day with her husband, taking a leisurely stroll through the village on his arm, indulging him in his love of sweets by stopping for an apple tart at Bakewell's, gifting him with a new book. Instead, she was scheduled for a meeting with Her Ladyship to discuss the details of hosting a society tea for the hospital charity. When she had casually suggested that Mrs. Patmore take her place so they could settle on a menu, and she could meet with Her Ladyship the following day, the lady of the house had merely included the cook instead of allowing her to take Elsie's place. Charles had understood, of course, saying that Her Ladyship had simply valued Elsie too much to make allowances for her absence. As a result, their anniversary dinner had been a very low-key affair, eaten well after dark, and their celebrations had been postponed until Sunday after church.

With each passing week since their anniversary, Elsie found herself contemplating the idea on more than one occasion. She still did her job well and efficiently, but her heart belonged elsewhere. She was incredibly proud of the position she held in the household, however she ached to be the mistress of her own home, wife to Charles, half owner of the cottage down the lane, and overseer of the house on Brouncker Road. Her half days and the occasional day off here and there were proving to be too few and too far between.

Each time she allowed herself to explore the idea more fully, she came away with a sense of unease and uncertainty. She still enjoyed the benefits of earning a full salary, one not solely dependent on the generosity of the Crawley family. She worked hard for the money she earned, gave up a good portion of her life to them and their whims and follies. Her impeccable work ethic had helped her rise from head housemaid to Housekeeper in record time, and in the end, had allowed her the most wonderful opportunity to fall in love with Charles Carson, one of the most respected butlers in all of England. If she followed through with her idea and her deepest desire, she agonized over the impact it would have on their lives.

Those sorts of thoughts usually led her to worry about Charles. He had settled into a routine once he was forced to retire. Those first few months, however, were stressful to say the least. As soon as she returned home in the evenings, he craved a full account of the day. Had the footmen polished the silver properly? Was anyone of importance due at the house for an overnight or weekend stay? Was Barrow handling the wines properly, decanting them and storing them with attention to detail? She had, of course, indulged him during the transition period, even relishing the days when he would join her at work. He seemed happiest after one of those long days of assisting the new butler despite their somewhat abrasive attitude towards one another and differences of opinions.

But, how would he fare if she were to follow her dream? It would mean fewer trips to Downton Abbey, less interaction with the staff, less of a chance to be involved in the day to day operations of the great house. They would, of course, still see everyone on Sundays at church but she knew it wouldn't be the same. Sharing a pot of tea and a giggle with Mrs. Patmore on any given day could not compare to a brief chat on a sunny Sunday after church before they parted ways … one returning to work and duty, the other returning to hearth and home.

Despite her worries over the initial shock of it all and the financial implications, Elsie was also concerned about her relationship with her husband. She knew, beyond any doubts, that he loved and adored her. After all, he had done everything in his power to prove to her that this was not a marriage of convenience, but one built on friendship, love, and trust. Of that, she was certain. He reminded her of that daily in both big and small ways … from the way he prepared her buttered toast to the sweet kiss goodnight at the end of a long day. The passion she felt when he touched her and the longing she knew they both experienced, even after three years of marriage, still warmed her heart and brought happy tears to her eyes. But, how would they manage being home together all day with considerably less to occupy their hours? It would be difficult at first, and the last thing she wanted was an atmosphere at home.

Thoughts of being home alone all day with Charles brought a smile to Elsie's face. Despite her worries, she knew, in the end, that all would be well. And this loving man snuggled up to her, the one who chose her above all others to be his wife and now cradled her close even in his sleep, would surely help her make the transition from one home to the other. After all, he had already braved those trials and was looking happier and healthier every single day.

As the rain began to escalate and the drops hitting the window grew increasingly louder and heavier, she twisted in his arms and snuggled closer to Charles. She buried her face in his chest and breathed a heavy sigh of relief and contentment, her mind finally allowing her to feel drowsy.

"A wise woman once told me that she loved me and that my secrets were safe with her." His soft voice surprised her, but she smiled at the remembrance of those words … and the heartfelt talk that had resulted once they returned home on that particular night. "I hope she realizes that I love her, too, and that I'm equally good at keeping a secret … or sharing a burden, as it were."

She reached up and caressed his cheek, feeling the slight stubble against her fingertips and palm. Stretching her neck, she pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth before resting her head in the crook of his neck. Her voice was quiet, soft but sure, as she spoke three little words that carried so much weight and would change their lives forever.

"It is time."

TBC …