"So this is it." Her words are meant to sound positive but they come out mangled in nerves.

Charles looks at her inquisitively, trying to read her facial expression. Jaw tense, eyes drooping down ever so slightly, teeth causing her bottom lip to turn white.

"Elsie, what's wrong?"

She turns to face him, the afternoon sun peeking through the trees, illuminating her crystal eyes and pale complexion. They are standing outside of their cottage, neither one having stepped inside since the furniture has been moved in. Anna and Baxter had cleaned every nook and cranny, while Mr. Bates and Moseley managed some minor repairs; "a wedding gift from us" they had said.

"I..."

"Are you worried that you won't like what they did? I can assure you.."

"Oh no it's not that. I'm sure they did an astonishing job."

He waits patiently for her to continue but she looks off into the distance, almost as if she is ashamed.

He clasps her hands gently in his, hoping that his warmth will open her up to him. "Please tell me."

"It's really quite foolish..."

"Oh now, I can assure you whatever it is, I promise to take seriously."

"Well, I just feel...nervous. Anxious. A bit apprehensive. This is what I truly want, more than anything in the world but I can't help but feel scared. This whole thing is quite hypocritical of me. You're the one who's supposed to be afraid of change, not me."

At that he laughs; he just can't help it. She gives him a light slap on his arm, her own smile appearing on her face.

"Oh Elsie. I think I am more frightened than you are! Change, of any type, can make anyone anxious."

"You seem so calm, so at ease.."

"Then I must be hiding it very well."

Their smiles grow and their anxieties dissolve and he is the one who breaks the silence.

"Perhaps I can help relax you." His hands leave hers to cup her face, leaning in for a kiss. His lips were on hers long enough for her craving to flare.

"Mr. Carson, I have a lot of anxiety..." He silences her with another kiss, the only thing she registers is the sound of the lock and his arms swooping her off her feet and carrying her over the threshold.