She was new to Downton, this tall lean woman. Graying blonde hair pinned tightly into a bun at the nape of her neck. Her lithe body moved with elegance through the downstairs halls of the servants area. She was in her late forties and had been the housekeeper for an estate now lost to the war and changing times. The manor had been sold off and the family moved into a cottage given to them by wealthy relatives. This family, left destitute, was only able to retain two servants. The rest were left to fend for themselves, many unable to find employment in this new world. With the departure of the Bates', she was coming on as the new head housemaid. Elsie had been more than sympathetic to the woman and the desperate situation she found herself in. She hired her on the spot, that was two months ago now. Had she known exactly what she was taking on, she never would have brought this woman to Downton.

The flags should have went up for Elsie after the woman first met Charles Carson. Elsie had introduced them after her interview. "Mr. Carson, I'd like you to meet Marianne Belford, our new head housemaid."

"A pleasure, Marianne." He bowed and smiled slightly. "Welcome to Downton." She was an attractive woman he thought. Not at all his type though. He liked them petite, dark haired, full bosomed, and Scottish! This woman was tall and lean like her Ladyship. Of course he already knew everything about her. Elsie would never make such an important decision about the house without consulting him.

"I believe that as a former housekeeper you would prefer to be called Ms. Belford, perhaps?" Elsie questioned, hoping to keep things more formal.

"Marianne is perfectly fine," she said dismissing Elsie. "And it is a great pleasure to finally meet the renowned butler of Downton Abbey. I do believe you are the most sought after butler around, " she gushed smiling. Elsie caught the woman's eyes moving up and down Charles' body. The cheek of this woman she thought.

His response shocked Elsie. Blushing he laughed and said , "I do get my fair share of letters, that I do."

The fiery Scottish temper began to build in Elsie. She stepped closer to Charles in an effort to put some kind of claim on him. Was this actually happening? Was she standing here watching this woman come sweeping in to flirt with her man? But he was not her man, almost was once, so many years ago now it seems like a different life. They were so much younger then. A fierce attraction between them, a passionate affair cut short by him being promoted to Butler. It had been a crushing blow for her. He let her down gently "care deeply, the house, their livelihoods, duty, honor, my apologies", yet he had cut her out of his life completely. And though the affair was brief, Charles Carson had stolen her heart. The problem was, he never gave it back.

Elsie had only been at the house a year when they ended things. Time passed, her broken heart somewhat mended, and she remained content at Downton. She worked hard and avoided Charles at every turn. Only seeing him at meals or when necessity threw them together. To save herself from more heartache she kept apart from the others in the house. She would not let her wall down, only to be hurt again. She was beautiful and sought after by the occasional Footman or Grocer, even the young local Doctor, a handsome Scottish man. Three years flew by and she was promoted to Housekeeper, and with that she developed a new kind of relationship with Charles. Forced to work side by side, they were short, professional, and extremely proper at first. But the years passed quickly and they became each others confidant, friend, and partner. The tension was still there between them, even after decades passing. Especially on those nights spent alone, with him in her sitting room, or she in his. The unsaid words that hovered in the air felt suffocating at times. Distance was always kept, propriety always retained, words of love never spoken.

Two months later...

Elsie rushed into the servants hall "Has anyone seen Mr. Carson? The bloody dinner has changed again. He has to choose a different wine!" They all looked at the table or continued on their mending. Why would no one answer her?

It was then she heard the back door open and Marianne's flirtatious laughter. "Oh, Mr. Carson that's fascinating. I can't believe how far back this families lineage dates."

"Yes. It is quite an honor to work for such a family. Though I'm sure I don't have to tell you that." He answered in amusement.

"Thank you for the walk." She spoke sweetly.

"It was my pleasure." He answered in a deeply seductive tone. One he usually reserved only for Elsie in the evenings. He must admit it did feel nice to have a woman show him attention. He felt young and powerful again. Very flattered indeed.

Elsie's heart sank when she heard Charles compliment Marianne in such a way. The two did seem to have much in common: their interest in royal lineage and peerage, the obsessive devotion to the family they served, their tall distinguished elegance, their strict running of household staff. Maybe he saw something in this new woman he had never found in her. She snapped herself out of the shock of it to find the staff staring at her. She held her head high and walked towards the two. "Mr. Carson here is the menu change. You must find a new wine." She spoke sternly. "Marianne, I suggest you go air out the Blue room and change the bedding. We have another guest arriving." With that she turned on heal and stormed off to her sitting room.

"Mrs. Hughes I..." She heard Charles start to speak as she shut the door behind her.

She locked it and pressed her back up against it sliding to the floor, tears pouring from her eyes. So this is how it was going to be. She had spent most of her life dying a little bit inside everyday while waiting for this reticent stubborn man to come back to her. Only for him to up and leave her out in the cold, showing his attention to this new woman walking into the last years of their lives. She could hear his footsteps coming towards her room. She stood and went to her desk pulling out her stationary. She swallowed her sobs and began to write.

Dearest Ellen,

I know in the past I have refused your kind offer dear sister. However, due to recent events, I have changed my mind. Ellen, I am ready to come home...

Her tears spilled over the pages as she ignored the knocks on her door and Charles whispering. "Mrs. Hughes, are you alright?"