Modern AU: Charles Carson, a university professor, is reeling from a mysterious, traumatic event. After wandering around Europe, he ends up at Downton, a scholarly retreat center managed by Elsie Hughes, to spend a sabbatical during the off-season. With Elsie's help, he begins to heal from his troubled past. But do some wounds run too deeply? Do they stand in the way of love?
Set at the end of S5, this story explores what might have happened had Mrs. Hughes had money saved away, and she and Mr. Carson went into business together. The two heads of staff purchase a B & B, and begin their gradual retirement from Downton. But will living and working together in their own inn cause long-hidden feelings to be exposed? How long will they be able to ignore it?
Modern AU: Carson is enjoying life as a successful hotelier in Yorkshire, when he is troubled to learn that a new bed and breakfast has opened up in town, operated by Ms. Hughes and Mrs. Patmore. Carson and Hughes become instant business rivals. But unbeknownst to them, they have been anonymous penpals for years. When the truth comes out, how will they respond?
A collection of ficlets and drabbles that will show Edith and Anthony in a variety of settings, scenarios, and time periods. Recommendations and prompts are welcomed! All characters belong to Fellowes, although we all treat them so much better!
Modern A/U: Single parents Edith Crawley and Anthony Strallan have never met. After Edith moves back to Yorkshire, she sends her daughter to the same primary school as Anthony's son, where these two youngsters will befriend one another and devise a plan to get their parents to fall in love at any cost, with quite a few tumbles along the way! All characters belong to Fellowes.
Modern A/U: If a clock could count down to the moment you meet your soul mate, would you want to know? In this universe, all humans have a clock above their hearts that counts down the last day until soul mates meet. It all seems to work well and smoothly, but for Edith Crawley and Anthony Strallan, there are unforeseen complications. All characters belong to Fellowes. Complete!
Modern A/U One-shot: Anthony Strallan, a veritable Grinch, loathes Christmas and everything about it, including, and most especially, the annual office holiday party. But this year, with Edith Crawley as the person he drew for Secret Santa, Anthony may come to realize that maybe, just maybe, Christmas means just a little bit more. All characters belong to Fellowes. Complete!
Canon/AU: Edith Crawley has been away at boarding school for most of her childhood and when she returns a few weeks prior to her first London Season, she is surprised to meet her father's best friend, Anthony Strallan. They struggle to come to terms with their feelings as Edith is introduced to young suitors. Can their love overcome the many obstacles it faces? Will it be too late?
Canon/AU one-shot: A shamefully late contribution to the EAST Alliance on Tumblr. Major Strallan and Private Branson are involved in a bloody battle, and when they seek refuge in a Belgian cottage, the two men have a heart-to-heart discussion about what, and who, matters most in their lives. All characters belong to Fellowes. Long live EAST!