Hello everyone, this is a small scene between Elsie and Charles of what I thought should have happened in the church in S03E01. I do not own any rights to Downton Abbey or the characters; Mr Fellowes is the rightful owner. A big thank you to Agnes Robinson for being beta. All I have left to say is sit back, relax and enjoy reading.

The church was full of family, friends and even some of the staff who watched with happiness as Mary and Matthew took their vows. Elsie and Charles stood together in a pew a few rows back from the family, both beaming at this wonderful event that had finally happened.

"They deserve to be happy with everything they have gone through over these last few years. She looks beautiful in that dress," Elsie said.

Charles nodded.

Without realising it they looked to see that they were holding hands. Looking at each other they smiled, it felt right.

"Yes, she does, but so do you Elsie," Charles said in his rich baritone voice, which held so much warmth in it.

She met his gaze and found his eyes were so sincere that she blushed.

He bent down a fraction as he whispered into her ear, "I love you."

The truth was he had fallen for her the first time he had laid eyes on her when they had started working at Downton Abbey all those years ago. However, he had never had the courage to tell her so until now.

Her heart melted. Charles was charming, kind and they had a mutual respect for each other. Her feelings for him had only intensified when she had realised that she could have lost him to the Influenza. She'd looked after him and thanked God that he had survived. She wanted to tell him that she felt the same way but her judgment got the better of her as it wasn't the time or the place. She looked at him adoringly. She would tell him when they returned to Downton.

They watched the rest of the ceremony in silence but neither of them let go of each other's hand.

That night after the celebrations had ended and everyone had retired to their quarters, Charles was checking one of the stock books in his office when he was interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Come in," he said.

Elsie entered the office, shutting the door behind her.

"Well that went well didn't it?"

"Yes, it did indeed," he smiled.

"I meant what I said earlier today, Elsie," Charles stated as he stood up from his seat and walked round the desk so that he was facing her as he took her hands in his.

She looked down at her hands in his and then back up to his eyes and smiled.

"I know you did and I love you as well Charles Carson," she said as she took one hand out of his grasp to place it on his cheek.

Charles felt like his heart would burst out of his chest. He cupped her face and kissed her as her hands went around his neck. It was a tender kiss which soon turned passionate.

They were together at last.

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Until next time everyone

Sunset Whispers x