A/N: Now we get to learn a bit more about debonair playboy, Mr. Richard Clarkson! Lot's of you didn't like it much when he was flirting with Elsie! Let's see where the story goes from here… *smirk smirk*

Disclaimer: Again, they belong to Julian Fellowes and ITV…and I do not own the rights to Amy Grant's 'After the Fire'…no copyright infringement is intended but they do help my little romance!

VALENTINE'S RINGTONES

Chapter 2 - After the Fire by Amy Grant

She walked into Jeans & Things and was assaulted first by the loud music blaring from the speakers suspended from the ceiling and then by the half-dressed teeny-bopper who asked, "How can I assist you Ma'am?"

"I'm here to meet Mr. Clarkson," she shouted over the music.

"You're the new sales assistant?" the younger woman asked with a look of distaste.

Elsie wasn't sure if she should be insulted by the remark but just shook her head, "I'm a business associate of Mr. Clarkson's and he asked me to meet him here." The sales assistant pointed towards the back of the shop to a very distinguished looking gentleman. Richard Clarkson stood as tall as Charles but with a much slimmer build, Elsie guessed that he kept in shape by jogging. He had a dark tan with brilliant blue eyes that set off his thick crown of silvery hair.

"You must be Ms. Hughes," said the man taking hold of her elbow and steering her through a door at the back of the shop. "I have the loft upstairs as well where it will be much quieter."

He led her up a flight of stairs that opened into an open-plan loft. There was an office area off to the left and several work tables covered in fabrics and trims stood near the floor to ceiling windows along the outer wall that likely let in a lot of natural light during the day. Clarkson offered her a glass of wine which she gladly accepted to calm her jangled nerves caused by the chaotic atmosphere in the store below.

After taking a sip of her wine and a deep breath, Elsie started the conversation, "I'm sorry, Mr. Clarkson but I feel I can speak with authority when I say that Mrs. Crawley will not be interested in carrying any of the clothing lines that you have in your store downstairs."

"Please, call me Richard," he began, "and the store downstairs appeals to the demographic that keeps our company in the black for the time being. That is not what I want to offer to Mrs. Crawley." He stared into the bottom of his wine glass for a moment and then continued his story, "As I mentioned on the telephone this morning, my great-grandfather started this company over a hundred years ago making fine men's suits and clothes. Over the years, the company has had its ups and downs and we've managed to stay afloat by changing with the times and keeping up with both the male and female demographics. We are now in a position where can begin to explore getting back to our roots so to speak and we'd like to offer a line of fine nightwear to the women that would frequent Mrs. Crawley's boutique."

"Mr. Carson has looked over your proposal and your portfolio and your company seems to be in a position to make such a move," she said looking over the rim of her wineglass at him. "I'm certain we could set up an initial meeting to discuss expectations."

"Thank you," said Clarkson with a dazzling smile. "Though I had hoped to speak with Mrs. Crawley or Lady Violet beforehand so that I could get some ideas as to what they might be looking for and have several prototype garments available to show them at such a meeting. I have one or two ideas that I've developed but I really would rather work off their direct input." He pointed over to a rack next to one of the work tables and motioned for her to walk over and take a look.

From behind his desk, he watched the gentle sway of her hips and noticed how the three-inch heels she was wearing enhanced the length and curve of her legs. He enjoyed watching the expressions move across her face as she looked at each garment in turn. He chuckled to himself as he saw the sour look twist her features when she held up the first two nightees. They were part of the Jean & Things collection for downstairs but he'd left them on the rack just to see what would happen. Her look became more thoughtful as she discovered the longer and more classic styles he'd had made in a fine satin with lace trim. Suddenly, his heart contracted and a feeling of panic rose in his chest as he could hear the soft notes of Amy Grant singing in the air.

After your time of wand'ring along this lonely road

There will be many voices calling, mine will say, "Welcome Home"

He took a deep, calming breath when he realized that the music was coming from her purse which was sitting next to his desk.

Slowly…slowly we turn the page of life

Growing…knowing it comes at quite a price

"Ms. Hughes," he called out to her, "I think your cell phone is ringing."

After the fire is over, after the ashes cool,

After the smoke has blown away, I will be here for you

Elsie hurried over and set her oversized purse on the edge of his desk as she rummaged around in the bottom trying to find the darned thing before it quit ringing.

After the stillness finds you, after the winds of change,

All that is good and true between us, this will remain the same

"Charles?" she gasped into the phone as the last notes faded away. A frown crept across her brow as she listened intently to his voice on the other end. "Yes, I think so," she responded to his question. "Alright, Georgio's at eight o'clock," she hit the end call button and dropped the phone back into her purse.

She was still staring into her purse when she heard Richard Clarkson's voice saying, "He must be very special."

"Mr. Carson is my business partner," she replied setting her purse back down on the floor with a thump and taking a large gulp of her wine.

Clarkson stepped out from behind his desk and encouraged her to resume her seat. He poured her another glass of wine and perched on the corner of the desk. "That's not a song that one chooses for a business partner," he said looking her directly in the eye.

Elsie tried to deflect the conversation by asking, "You're familiar with the songs of Amy Grant?"

He snorted softly in response to her deflection but answered, "Amy Grant was a favorite of my wife's before she died."

"I'm sorry for your loss," she responded automatically.

"Towards the end, we listened to a lot of Ms. Grant's songs of faith but every once in awhile when she was feeling up to it, we would cuddle in front of the fireplace and listen to the love songs," he explained. "She thought that 'After the Fire' summed up our marriage…which was not always easy, but it was always solid and passionate. Listen to me rambling…Ms. Hughes, if you're going to be on time to meet this man of yours, you'd better be leaving soon."

For the first time, Elsie felt as though she was seeing and hearing the real Richard Clarkson and she had to admit…albeit grudgingly…that she was beginning to like this man. "Mr. Clarkson…Richard…as it turns out, Charles has Mrs. Crawley with him and if you'd still like to meet and discuss concepts and prototypes, I think I can arrange something for this evening. We'll have to go back into the city proper though, he's taking her to Georgio's which is near the office."

"I have a car downstairs," said Richard as he helped her on with her coat, "if you're willing to navigate, Ms. Hughes."

"Call me Elsie," she said with a smile, allowing her accent to broaden just a bit to match his own.

-o O o-

Georgio greeted them as they walked through the doors of the restaurant at quarter past the appointed hour. "Mrs. Elsie, Mr. Charles has already arrived with Mrs. Crawley and is waiting patiently at your usual table. And this is?"

"Mr. Richard Clarkson," replied Elsie as Richard helped her off with her coat. Georgio reached for both coats and started to bend down to pick up her briefcase.

"Thank you, Georgio," she said with a smile as she reached out and took the briefcase from him. She cast a sideways glance at Richard and went on, "We may have some business that needs doing tonight so I'd better hang on to this. We can see ourselves in."

"Right, Mrs. Elsie," agreed the rotund Italian as he turned towards the coat closet behind his counter. "I'll send Tony right over to see that you have everything you need."

"Mrs. Elsie?" queried Clarkson with a raised eyebrow.

"Okay…so you were right!" she whispered loudly over her shoulder as they made their way between the tables. "He's more than a business partner and calling me missus is Georgio's way of reminding us that we're living in sin."

Clarkson laughed out loud as they approached the booth where Charles and Isobel seemed to be quite chummy as they sat shoulder to shoulder, poring over several pieces of paper lying on the tabletop. Elsie loudly cleared her throat and gave Charles a pointed glare when he looked up innocently to find them standing at the edge of the table. He quickly scooted out of the booth to allow Elsie to sit on the inside and reached out to shake hands with Richard.

"You must be Richard Clarkson," he said with a cool tone and a tight smile.

"And you must be Charles Carson," returned Richard with a genuine smile and a firm handshake.

"Let me introduce you to Isobel Crawley of Izzie and Violet's Boutique," began Elsie as she settled her briefcase on the floor between herself and Isobel. "Isobel, this is Richard Clarkson of Clarkson and Sons, Clothiers."

Charles and Elsie both watched as Richard slid into the booth next to Isobel and took hold of her proffered hand.

"Enchanté, Mrs. Crawley," said Clarkson softly as he gazed into her sparkling brown eyes.

Charles watched the sudden blush cross her cheeks as she dropped her eyes to the tabletop and stammered, "I-Isobel, please call me Isobel."

Elsie watched as the set of Richard's shoulders and the tone of his voice changed from brash and debonair playboy to the gentle and confident business man that she had met in his loft.

"Then you must call me Richard," he countered garnering Isobel's attention again.

Georgio's youngest son, Tony, stepped up to the table to fill the wine glasses and ask if they were ready to order.

"I think we may have some business to discuss this evening," began Charles.

"Ah, but Mr. Charles," Tony interrupted, "The sea bass is on the menu tonight and it is going very fast."

Charles looked around the table before replying, "The sea bass is absolutely wonderful but I guess it would depend on whether you like fish or would you prefer veal? They also have a very good veal marsala."

"Please let Tony make a suggestion, Mr. Charles," said the young waiter with a smile. "Chef will set aside some of both and you'll let Tony know when you're ready and we'll serve family-style so everyone can try a little of everything!"

"Now that sounds like a plan, young man," exclaimed Richard as Isobel gave him a shy smile. "Well, where do we start?" He cocked an eyebrow at Charles expectantly and was surprised when Isobel responded instead.

"Elsie introduced you as 'Clarkson and Sons, Clothiers,' I thought you were Clarkson's Naughty Nightees?" she asked pointedly.

"We are," began Richard with a chagrined look on his face, "but that is our 'Jeans and Things' line aimed at our 18-25 year old demographic. We'd like to begin moving back towards finer men's and women's clothing and feel that your boutiques would be a good place to start."

"And what makes you feel that you can design a line of nightwear that would appeal to our demographic?"

Richard stared into the bottom of his wine glass as he spoke, "I used to rely on my wife for the female perspective but in the two years since her death, I have done some market research…and after recent discussions with a very astute authority…" he looked over at Elsie and tipped his wineglass to her, "I think I can meet the requirements of your customer base."

"I'm very sorry to hear about your wife," Isobel said softly. Richard looked into her eyes and knew immediately that she understood. His gaze dropped to her hand on his arm and noticed the wedding band and engagement ring on her finger. He raised an eyebrow at her in question. "I lost Reginald just over five years ago." He smiled at her and covered her hand with his.

"Alright, it's time for some brighter conversation," said Isobel taking a sip from her wineglass. "When will I get to see some of your designs?"

"Elsie talked me into bringing along my workbook so I could show you a couple of sketches that became the prototypes that she saw in the loft." Elsie reached down and opened the top of her briefcase to retrieve his sketchpad.

Richard started to turn the pages in the workbook as he said, "My astute authority tells me that women of a certain age become sensitive to the fact that their bodies aren't eighteen anymore and they tend to want to cover up what they see as flaws." He reached the sketches he was looking for and flipped the pad over to show her a Grecian –style gown with clasps atop the shoulders allowing the fabric to drape in soft folds across the chest and then hug the waist and hips as it fell to the ankle.

Isobel had scooted around the bench seat in the booth so that she could look over Richards shoulder to see the sketches. "Being a woman of a certain age, I can certainly concur with that observation," she began, "This one is quite nice but some women are concerned about their upper arms. Would there be a way to re-design this gown such that this extra fabric hanging from the shoulders would work as a sort of sleeve to cover any sags and bags?"

Richard gave Isobel a dazzling smile, "I can't imagine a beautiful woman such as yourself would possess any flaws that would need hiding." Isobel blushed a deep red and looked down at the table but was smiling from ear to ear. Richard looked over when he heard Elsie clearing her throat and caught her warning look. "My astute authority is reminding me to behave myself and not let my playboy image take over the conversation," said Richard with a wry smile.

"Wise advice," said Charles with a growl and a warning look.

"Sometimes," piped up Isobel raising an eyebrow at Charles, "a woman of certain age enjoys the attentions of a playboy." Charles looked a bit taken aback but when she smiled at him and gave a slight nod of her head, he chuckled shaking his own head and leaning back in his seat.

"What was that all about?" whispered Elsie over her shoulder as he slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer.

"I'll explain later," he murmured in her ear as he drank in her scent and stroked her back, it felt nice to be able to touch her again.

The two watched Isobel and Richard across the table as they flipped through the workbook and he sketched up her suggestions. Richard had turned a bit sideways on the seat so that Isobel could scoot up close to him to watch and make suggestions while he worked. Charles noticed when she started resting her chin on his upper arm when he would stop sketching to listen and watch when she reached over to point and explain her suggestions. Elsie noticed when he started leaning back against her so that she could more easily reach and he could hear her voice directly in his ear.

Elsie smiled when Charles leaned in to whisper, "Ah, young love."

Richard was flipping back through his workbook when Isobel reached out and closed her hand over his. "What about this one?" She asked with a curious expression on her face.

Charles and Elsie could see Richard's eyebrows rise almost to his hairline as he looked over his shoulder at her. "That one was specifically aimed at the 18-25 year olds. Are you sure it would be something that your customers would be interested in?"

He turned the sketch to show them a pink babydoll nightee that dropped to just above the navel, was split down the front with a matching thong panty. Elsie snorted derisively at the very idea of wearing such an outfit while Charles pursed his lips and began to smile as he imagined Elsie wearing the nightee. Elsie glared and punched him on the arm to get his attention. It was Isobel and Richard's turn to laugh at the exchange.

Dinner was served then and after everyone had tucked into delicious servings of sea bass and veal marsala, Isobel began to explain her idea.

"I have it on great authority," she said glancing over at Charles with a small smile, "that although men of certain age are more than happy when their women leave a little something to the imagination, there are times when they enjoy a bit of a naughtiness. They like to see the curve of their woman's bottom or a peek at their hips or breasts."

"As a man of a certain age," said Richard, "I can concur that there are times when we do enjoy being rather…visual…and very tactile." Isobel and Elsie both giggled when Charles gave a masculine grunt of agreement.

-o O o-

Tony started serving coffee and dessert when the four of them bunched up in the center of the booth to look through the sketches again. When they reached the pink babydoll nightee, Richard picked up his pencil and started making changes to the sketch. He lowered the hem on the nightee to reach the top of the hips.

"Hmm!" grunted Elsie with a grimace. "Doesn't do much to cover the old saddlebags."

"You don't have saddlebags!" exclaimed Charles with an astonished look on his face.

"Aah… but she perceives a flaw with the tops of her thighs and would feel more confident if she were wearing something that she felt camouflaged her flaws…there, how is that?" Richard tipped the sketch towards Elsie.

"Better," she replied looking over to see Charles shrugging his shoulders indifferently.

"How about a pair of boy-shorts instead of a thong," offered Richard as his pencil moved swiftly across the page. Both women nodded emphatically in agreement.

"You'll leave the front open, won't you," said Charles wistfully. Isobel giggled when Elsie elbowed him in the ribs.

"I don't think women have any idea how sensuous and alluring the sight or the feel of their abdomens, navels and hips are to a man," said Richard quietly. "Especially after they've matured or had children."

"REALLY?!" exclaimed both women looking incredulously at the men beside them.

"God, yes!" groaned both men as they stared longing at the sketch on the table between them.

The women started to giggle and the men started to laugh and soon the patrons at the surrounding tables were wondering what was so funny.

-o O o-

They stood outside the restaurant buttoning their coats against the chill and saying their goodnights.

"It's been a real pleasure, Mr. Carson," said Richard confidently as he held out his hand. "I'm looking forward to working with you."

"Please call me Charles and I'm looking forward to working with you as well," he said giving the man a warm smile and a hearty handshake.

"I know that it is awfully forward of me," began Richard turning to Isobel, "but instead of having two cars running all over town tonight…we could let these two lovebirds head home to celebrate Valentine's Day and I could drive you home."

Isobel blushed and looked down at her feet before answering, "I think that's a brilliant idea."

Richard turned to say goodnight to Elsie when Charles leaned over to give Isobel a small hug. "You're sure about this?" he questioned her bending his head down so that they were almost nose to nose. She looked up and gave him a dazzling smile.

"Yes, I'm sure."

Charles chuckled and gave her soft kiss on the forehead before asking, "You've still got me on speed dial if you need me?" Isobel laughed and hugged him back.

Richard took hold of Elsie's hand and bent to press his cheek against hers in the traditional European manner. "Thank you, Elsie…for everything."

"Just remember, confident businessman…not debonair playboy," she said squeezing his hand.

"Yes, ma'am!" Richard said smiling down at her. "Your chariot awaits!" he exclaimed holding out his arm for Isobel. Charles and Elsie watched the two until they pulled away from the curb. Charles tightened his arm and pulled Elsie against his chest as he leaned down to plant a tender kiss on her lips.

"Come on, love," he said when she leaned into him and dropped her head onto his chest, "Let's go home."

A/N2: So Richard is still attracted to Isobel….all these generations later! *giggle, giggle*

NOW!...The original Ringtones challenge that created this AU and these particular characters was specifically issued with an M-rated seduction scene in mind so, of course, this story could not exist without one as well.

For those of you who are not 'into' M-rated fiction, please stop reading here and enjoy your Valentine's Day tomorrow with your special someone!

For those of you who enjoy a bit of M-ness, especially for Charles and Elsie, this story will be found in the M-rated section with the final chapter on Valentine's Day for your romantic reading enjoyment!

I hope that ya'll are enjoying the story…

Reviews are still encouraged and highly valued! THANKS!