epilogue

The bright blue sky sets off Downton Abbey to its utmost advantage. People are walking around the gravel paths - so familiar to Charles and Elsie they've become part of them - trying to sneak a peek inside. The marquee is sparklingly white in the midday sun and people are flitting in and out with cups of tea and slices of Victoria sponge. The annual fete is well underway and Charles and Elsie are standing in their familiar spot, overlooking the goings-on. Children are running around with their prizes from the coconut shields in one hand a flapjack in another. Music can be heard from the band playing in a tent on the other side of the Abbey.

"Anna has done a marvelous job," Charles compliments.

"As has Mr Barrow," Elsie responds and they look at each other smilingly. They both feel proud of their successors. It's the first fete neither of them are a part of and it's both perplexing and liberating to stand there with the house behind them, with limited responsibilities.

"Good day for it," Charles says.

"Mr Mason was quite right when he said the weather would hold," Elsie agrees.

"He is a farmer, he knows such things."

Elsie bites her lip to refrain from arguing. Even a farmer can be wrong after all, but she loves how he trusts his friend. She steps closer to Charles and he puts his arm around her. Together they breathe in the country air and the scent of baby powder and Sunlight soap.

A little hand taps against Elsie's shoulder and she turns towards her charge she's been carrying on her arm for the past hour. "What's the matter, Betty-Bee?"

The baby rubs her forehead against Elsie's shoulder. "Are you so sleepy, my love? How about I take you to the marquee where everybody is working hard to feed the masses?"

"Do you want me to take her?" Charles asks.

Elsie shakes her head with a smile. "We'd better not upset her or she'll wail."

"No baby has ever wailed when I've held them, but I'll grant you your cuddle. Magnanimously, might I add."

"You're a good man, Mr Carson," Elsie acknowledges both his offer and his teasing, "And I love you very, very much."

The shadow of a blush crosses Charles's cheeks and it makes Elsie feel all warm and tingly. This is what it feels like to be in love, she thinks. When you are free to be yourself; when you don't have to hide behind rules and regulations, schedules, rosters and servitude.

There's happiness now. Contentment. There are new adventures ahead for them - looking after this little one from time to time, visiting with friends just to pass the time of day. Long walks through the rolling meadows of North Riding and even, if the mood takes them - and why wouldn't it - making love in the afternoon.

Retirement really isn't that bad.

Not at all.

A/N: It's time to allow the characters to live on happily in the vast realm of my imagination.
Thanks to all who have supported this story.