A/N: I am not sure if there is still an appetite for Chelsie fanfic but I have a break from work after a hectic few months and so I thought I would try to write a little something. The first couple of chapters set the scene and then we'll get into the story properly.

This fic begins during Series 4, starting a little after Lord Grantham's birthday party and prior to the staff's trip to Brighton Beach. The chapters won't be long but I promise to post a new chapter at least every other day. There will be a little angst but overall it will be a very happy tale, filled with lots of lovely Chelsie fluff. I hope to write Charles and Elsie in character but the situation will take a detour from canon.

I haven't written a fic for quite some time and so I hope you enjoy it x

Chapter 1

"Mr Carson, do not pretend that you didn't like that lovely Mr Ross because I know that you did," she teased, as she followed the Butler into his pantry.

He rolled his eyes theatrically, as he turned to face the Housekeeper.

"Mrs Hughes, Mr Ross was a very nice man, I don't deny it, but that does not mean I think it appropriate to have that sort of music in a House such as this," he declared pompously.

Now it was her turn to roll her eyes.

"Well I enjoyed it, very much in fact ... it's about time this House enjoyed some celebration and cheer following everything the Family have endured over the last couple of years," she said, with a clear note of sadness in her voice, the earlier levity having left her. Mrs Hughes sent a prayer up to heaven for Lady Sybil and Mr Matthew.

Mr Carson stalled at that, observing the emotion in his friend's eyes.

"Indeed, Mrs Hughes," he conceded, with a gentle smile.

He was rewarded with a generous smile in return.

######

"So, Alfred is coming to visit?" Mrs Hughes asked, as she and Mrs Patmore stood in the kitchen with a cup of tea in hand.

"It seems so," the Cook responded wearily.

"You don't sound very happy. I thought you liked Alfred,"

"I do like Alfred, I just don't like the battle that will erupt in my kitchen between Daisy and Ivy. They've already started sniping. Honestly ... young love!" Mrs Patmore declared with a sigh.

"I bet he never reckoned on being the Downton heartbreaker ... poor Alfred," Mrs Hughes chuckled lightly, thinking of the kind but rather clueless young man.

"Poor me, more like ... it'll come to blows, mark my word Mrs Hughes," the Cook continued, sipping her tea.

"Were we like that once, do you think?" the Housekeeper asked wistfully.

Mrs Patmore laughed happily.

"What, me and you fighting over a man? I don't think so! And anyway, when you joined as Head Housemaid and I was Assistant Cook, the only man anywhere near our age was Mr Carson ..." the Cook smiled mischievously, leaving that thought hanging in the air for a second.

"... and we both know who'd have won that battle," Mrs Patmore finished cheekily, as Mrs Hughes tutted at the Cook, shaking her head and exhaling at such a ridiculous notion.

######

Lord and Lady Grantham were sitting in the Library following lunch. Lady Mary and Lady Rose had joined them. Master George was playing on the floor with some building blocks. Mr Carson and Mr Barrow stood at the side of the room. Lord Grantham was telling his family about a meeting he had had that morning with an old friend. He paused his story, as the front door bell rang.

"We are not expecting anyone are we?" he asked. It was unusual for anyone to arrive unexpectedly.

"Not that I am aware," Her Ladyship replied.

Mr Carson directed the Under-Butler to go and deal with whoever was at the door. After a few moments of commotion outside the Library, where exasperated voices could be heard, His Lordship asked Mr Carson to allow the visitor into the room. Mr Carson exited the Library to do just that, fuming that Mr Barrow had created such a scene; he should have sent the visitor on their way discreetly rather than bothering His Lordship in this manner. The Butler glared at Mr Barrow as he escorted the smartly-dressed stranger into the Library. Mr Barrow followed behind them defiantly.

"How may we help you?" His Lordship asked.

Mr Barrow decided to answer for the man.

"This gentleman has requested to see Mrs Hughes Milord, although he will not give me any further details. I therefore thought it best not to allow him into the House," Mr Barrow stated pompously.

Mr Carson stalled at that. Mrs Hughes?

"I see. And may I ask why you need to speak to Mrs Hughes. I apologise but I don't know your name. Mr?" His Lordship asked politely.

"Barratt sir, Mr Barratt from Jameson Solicitors in Ripon, and I am afraid I cannot disclose that. It is a confidential matter and therefore it is only right that I discuss this directly with Mrs Hughes. I did try to explain that to the gentleman here," he returned very politely, although his frustration with Mr Barrow was clear.

Mr Carson could tell immediately from the man's sombre tone that the matter was an important one. A solicitor? The Butler's concern for his friend and colleague began to rise.

"Yes, I see ... umm ... Mr Barrow, please ask Mrs Hughes to come to the Library ... and then you may return downstairs," Lord Grantham said firmly, knowing that Mr Barrow was far too eager to know everyone else's business. Mr Carson nodded his support of this instruction.

"It is not bad news is it?" Lady Grantham asked worriedly.

"As I say Ma'am, I would rather speak to Mrs Hughes," he smiled politely.

Mr Carson felt his heart race in his chest. What news did this solicitor have for Mrs Hughes?

"Mary, Rose, perhaps it would be best if you take Master George back to the nursery," Lady Grantham added, perceiving quite rightly that Mrs Hughes would prefer not to have a room full of people present.

Lady Mary made to protest, she was as eager as anyone to know this man's business, but she decided otherwise, noting Mr Carson's concerned expression and not wishing to make matters any more uncomfortable.

A minute or so later Mrs Hughes entered the Library to be greeted by Mr Carson, Lord and Lady Grantham, and a man who introduced himself as Mr Barratt, a solicitor from Ripon. She felt somewhat confused, not having any idea why a solicitor would wish to speak to her.

"Mrs Elsie Hughes?" he enquired, ensuring he had the correct woman.

"Yes," she confirmed softly.

"Madam, perhaps we could speak in private?" he asked sensitively, very aware of the other three people in the room.

Mrs Hughes hesitated slightly and then decided it was best not to delay any further.

"No, it is fine Mr Barratt. Whatever you have to say, you can say it here," she said, swallowing her nerves.

Mr Carson stood a little off to her left-hand side, Lord and Lady Grantham remained on the sofas. Mrs Hughes felt very anxious, deducing that this was unlikely to be good news.

"Mrs Hughes, I believe you knew a Miss Ethel Parks?" he asked.

That was the last thing the Housekeeper had been expecting him to say.

"Ethel, yes ... yes, she used to work here. We all knew Ethel," Mrs Hughes replied, feeling puzzled.

"I am very sorry to have to tell you this Mrs Hughes but Miss Parks died two weeks ago," he said gravely.

"Oh my," Mrs Hughes gasped, taking a deep steadying breath. Lady Grantham also inhaled sharply, as His Lordship and Mr Carson remained silent but no less shocked.

Sadness flooded through the Housekeeper, she was lost for words for a few seconds.

"But Ethel was so young. How did she die?" Mrs Hughes eventually asked softly.

"It isn't confirmed yet Mrs Hughes but I am afraid she was found unconscious. It appears she may have been beaten," he said sorrowfully.

Mrs Hughes gulped in horror at that, staring down at the floor, trying to contain her emotion at such a shocking revelation. The Housekeeper was overcome with sadness, as images of a young, vibrant Ethel flashed through her mind. She felt numb as she tried to digest this dreadful information. Suddenly, another image of Ethel flitted through her mind, an image of Ethel and her young son in the run-down cottage Mrs Hughes had visited.

"And what about Ethel's son? Charlie? Is he alright? Oh the poor lad, he can't be more than ..."

"Four. Charlie is four. And yes he is fine Mrs Hughes," Mr Barratt replied cautiously.

"Thank goodness for that," the Housekeeper breathed, still in shock.

"Is he with relatives of Ethel?" Lady Grantham asked softly.

"No, no he isn't ..." the solicitor began, smiling politely at Lady Grantham and then back to Mrs Hughes.

Mrs Hughes looked at him, not following where this was headed.

"Mrs Hughes, Miss Parks was living in a women's refuge in Ripon with her son. Every woman taken in at the refuge has to complete paperwork you see, contact details and such like ..." he said, pausing as Mrs Hughes nodded slightly.

She watched as the man coughed to clear his throat.

"Mrs Hughes, Miss Parks named you as Charlie's guardian. She asked that you take care of him in the event of her death," he explained formally.

"His guardian?" the Housekeeper managed, her eyes wide open. A stunned silence descended across the room.

"Yes Mrs Hughes, I know this must be quite a lot to take in but Master Parks is now, well ... legally … he is now your child."

Mrs Hughes, who had been stoic and strong throughout the conversation thus far, grasped a nearby table to steady herself as she stared at the man in disbelief.

A/N: I have always wanted to write a fic about Chelsie and children but I have never done so before. Some of my favourite Chelsie stories, stories that I read time and time again, are when they have children of their own or when they look after other people's children. Therefore, I thought I would give it a go. The scenario may be somewhat unrealistic but hopefully it will develop into something quite sweet.

For the purpose of this story, Charlie's grandparents, Mr and Mrs Bryant, never acknowledged their grandson. Therefore, Ethel continued to raise her son, moving away from her cottage near Downton and starting a new life in Ripon; a new life that continued to be desperate and penniless, bringing her into danger's path. I hope you enjoy the fic as it progresses and if you have time, please do let me know with a little review x