I shouldn't be writing this because I still have to finish my other fic. I'm not sure where this came from. I've been imaging what Carson's attempts at courtship might be like. And how the others might react once they realised what he was doing.

"Courtship consists in a number of quiet attentions, not so pointed as to alarm, nor so vague as not to be understood."

He had never considered being lonely. He had never imagined he would miss her. He supposed he had never actually expected to retire. He had always imagined himself 'dying in harness' so to speak. But here he was, preparing to end his working life. His Lordship was having a cottage prepared for him near the village. He was making final arrangements for the handover to the new butler. A fine young man, who Carson felt would serve the family with dignity.

In all the bluster and fuss after the announcement of his retirement he had not for one minute considered Mrs Hughes might have any part in this. Until that afternoon whilst he walked through the rooms of his future home with the builder, Mr Lacey, his Lordship had hired to do a few repairs on the cottage. Mr Lacey had talked nonstop about everything from the window pane he was in the middle of repairing, to the weather and in between every topic he repeated several times how lucky Carson was to be retiring. Carson did not think there was anything lucky about it and said as much. What was lucky about no longer be able to work? No longer being of use to anyone. No longer being needed.

Mr Lacey had eyed him with amusement. "Give it a few months, find yourself some company and you'll soon wish you jacked it all in years ago."

Carson had said nothing as they made their way into the next room which was to be his new bedroom to see the furniture His Lordship had delivered that morning. Mr Lacey spoke again. "Plenty of room." He nodded towards the bed.

His Lordship had offered him pieces of furniture which were stored in the attics at Downton as they were no longer needed. Lady Mary had chosen the pieces as Carson had told His Lordship he would not feel comfortable doing so himself. He had already objected to the offer as being too generous. Even though the furniture was stored in the attics, it was still expensive and in very good condition. It would surely be wasted on him.

Mr Lacey was mumbling some coarse remarks regarding Carson getting himself some "company" again to "warm up" the double bed in the centre of the room. Carson gave the man a scowl which sent him backing out of the room muttering excuses. Carson looked at the bed again. He had not expected a double. A double bed would be wasted on him. He had lived most of his life with a single narrow bed. What need had he now for that extra room? Why would he want to sleep with an empty space next to him every night for the rest of his days?

For the rest of the day the thought of that empty side of the bed and Mr Lacey's remarks had plagued him. Until suddenly a thought popped into his head: Mrs Hughes.