A/N: I know that many of you will be writing stories following on from the finale episode and I look forward to reading them all. However, I couldn't resist contributing my own little effort as well. I have written about Chelsie in retirement a couple of times before but this fic will follow on from canon, and the end of Series 6, so it will be different. Some people have asked if I will continue my 'Missing Moments' fic. I thought I would write this instead, as I wouldn't know where to start with missing moments from the finale episode; I am unashamedly greedy when it comes to Chelsie and I wanted so much more for them in that episode- not least for Mr Molesley and others to stop interrupting them!
In terms of Mr Carson's condition, I believe it is something like an 'essential tremor' rather than Parkinson's. Such a tremor is often hereditary which seems to fit with Mr Carson's mention of his father and grandfather. Nowadays this condition can often be helped with medication, although I have no idea whether such medication was available in the 1920's. However, I do know that many people with this condition live very active, happy and normal lives. Also, tiredness and stress can exacerbate the problem and so semi-retirement or full retirement should certainly improve Mr Carson's condition. Therefore, in my mind, the Carson's have a very happy future to look forward to and so this will be a positive fic, even if their transition to this 'different life' may be a little bumpy at times.
I want to explore this 'different life' in depth and in the background of this fic I can, of course, continue the storylines of some other characters (e.g. Mrs Patmore and Mr Mason- squee!) I'll write fairly short chapters so that I can update regularly. Hope you enjoy x
Chapter 1
"Charlie, you didn't have to get up as well," Elsie gasped, as she walked from the bathroom to their bedroom, only to see her husband half-dressed and fastening his waistcoat.
"I am going to walk you to the House. I won't have my wife walking alone at this time of day ... it's still dark," he stated.
It had just gone seven and the sun hadn't yet risen on this brisk January morning.
She smiled lovingly at her husband. She knew this would be a very difficult day for him; the first day he would watch his wife go to work without him and yet the dear man had still risen early to walk her to work. She felt like she wanted to weep but was determined to remain optimistic for him; she truly believed they could make a go of this new life together. However, when she observed her proud husband trying to be so stoical, it affected her greatly.
"Thank you my love," she said shakily, feeling quite overcome.
He sensed his wife's emotion but could not bear to acknowledge it. Today was the day he had been dreading. Over thirty years of service to the Crawley's and here he was, forced into retirement as his own body let him down. You have a wonderful wife and a lovely future to look forward to with her, he reminded himself for the umpteenth time since New Year's Eve. This thought offered him untold comfort and yet today was still a testing milestone; he hoped that things may get easier after this day.
"Here let me," she offered, as he had a little difficulty fixing his tie.
He nodded resignedly; knowing he would be silly not to accept such tender support from his wife. It was thankfully only his right hand that gave him trouble; he thanked the heavens above for the steadiness of his left hand. As she finished straightening his tie, she let her hands settle on his chest.
"I know this is far from an easy day Charlie but I promise we'll make this work and I promise we'll continue to be very happy," she said with certainty.
He gulped; he really could not face discussing this at this juncture. However, he appreciated greatly his wife's unwavering confidence in their future. He needed Elsie's strength more than ever today. Therefore, he offered her the most loving smile and bent forward to kiss her temple.
"I could only ever be happy with you as my wife Elsie," he managed, resting his cheek against her hair.
Elsie believed his words but she also felt his sadness; she needed to be positive, despite this being a very hard day for her as well.
"And don't forget, we have our lunch date to look forward to," she exclaimed, a grin on her face as she leant backwards and looked up at Charles.
He couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. His wife had insisted they meet for lunch in the Village today. It was a lovely thought but he wasn't convinced it was a realistic idea.
"Elsie, I don't expect you to leave the Abbey to have lunch with me. I, more than anyone, know how busy you'll be ... you'll be supporting Mr Barrow, you have less footmen and maids than we've ever had ... Anna is still on reduced chores ... and with Daisy spending half her time at the Farm ... you'll be run off your feet," he returned, once again feeling guilty for leaving his wife in such a predicament.
"And we'll manage ... the others will pull their weight and His Lordship understands that things must change ... the Family will need to be more independent ... and I've told you, I don't intend to spend all of my days away from my husband. I have agreed with Her Ladyship that on the days when you are not at the Abbey, I'll ensure the maids complete their morning rounds and set them off on their tasks for the day, and then I'll take a couple of hours break in the afternoon, returning at tea time to check that all is well and to oversee preparations for dinner ..." she continued.
Charles made to interrupt her but she held up her hand to gently shush him and continued.
"... and I will be home for dinner every evening at a decent time and I'll have no argument about that, thank you very much."
Her tone was determined and authoritative but the warmth in her eyes as she looked at Charles made it very clear that this pep talk was full of love, to support and encourage them both. After a moments pause, she continued.
"You will not even have time to miss me, what with the Brouncker Road renovations to oversee, as well as your duties on the Village Committee and your half days at the Abbey ... it may be a different life Charlie but I cannot and will not lead a life without you at my side," she finished, cursing inwardly as her emotions came to the fore once more.
She bit her lip to try to stall her tears. His eyes glistened too as he witnessed his wife's determination and love.
"But you are younger than me Elsie ... and you are fully fit ... I don't want you to have to cut back earlier than you'd planned because of me," he said tenderly, caressing her cheek with his fingers, one arm resting at her waist.
"I am cutting back because of us not because of you," she corrected, as her husband smiled.
How could he argue with that? he thought gratefully.
She might be continuing at the Abbey for the foreseeable future but Elsie was determined that things must change now that Charles would not be alongside her as Butler every day.
"And I am taking Sundays off as well ... every week!" she added as an afterthought with a sassy smile.
"Well lord knows, at the last count you were owed about three and a half years of days off," he added happily, joining in with her jest.
"Exactly!" she cheered.
They both laughed for a few seconds before a knowing silence enveloped them; they gazed at each other meaningfully. Neither were fools, they knew that this new life would take some time to get used to. They also knew that however much Elsie tried to reduce her work, and however busy Charles kept himself, things would never be quite the same again. They both felt apprehension for their future but also genuine optimism; and no matter how forlorn Charles felt, the former Butler was surprised to also feel such hopeful expectation. He recognised that this was very much due to the influence of his spirited and joyful wife and he wanted to be strong for Elsie too.
"We'll be fine Charlie," she whispered fondly, breaking the silence.
"We'll be better than fine," he winked, hugging her closely as she smiled against his chest.
A/N: Reviews are much appreciated and help me to write more quickly (I admire so much those writers who are disciplined and have multiple chapters prepared before publishing. However, I am not one of those people -I write and post chapters as I go -so any encouragement is greatly received) x