Their eyes met, silent questions passed between them. Can we do this? Do you want me? Do you love me? Their hearts answered each with a resounding yes. Both wanting this more than they had ever wanted anything in their lives. They had been waiting for this moment, trying to push it away for so many long lonely years. Charles' thumb brushed slowly across Elsie's cheekbone. His fingers gently rubbed through her hair. The sensations were almost too much for Elsie, her mouth parted and her eyes drifted shut as Charles lowered his lips to hers. He softly pressed into her full pink lips, slowly running his tongue along her full bottom lip. His hand trailed from her face to around her neck, as the other wrapped around her waist pulling her body into his. Her hands slid up from their position on his chest and met at the back of his neck. Her fingers playing in the soft hair of his nape. She heard herself moan as her body started feeling flushed and hot. Not wanting to let go of Elsie, but knowing he must stop before he pushed too far, Charles' lips left hers for a moment and he rested his forehead against hers. His breathing was heavy and he kept his eyes closed, trying to take in this moment of passion he just thrust upon Elsie. She responded so eagerly it was a shock to his system. It made his want for her almost uncontrollable. It took everything in him to not reach for the buttons of her blouse. Run his hand slowly up her thigh, dragging her skirt with it until he could touch her naked skin. The urge to push her onto the desk and taste every inch of flesh was causing an uncomfortable tightness in his trousers. He was certain she could feel his want pressing into the soft curve of her hip and stomach. She was so small in his arms. This strong sturdy woman, suddenly felt delicate and fragile as he held her close. He rested his lips against her forehead. "Elsie..." Was all he could manage. It was always so hard for him to the find the words to express his emotions. He rarely found himself in a state that he could not control. He tried again. "Elsie, are you alright? I don't know...I'm sor... No... I'm not! I love you Elsie Hughes."
Elsie buried her face into Charles chest and sobbed quietly as her arms wrapped around his waist tightly. Charles rested his cheek on her head and stroked her back up and down. He was starting to get concerned when he heard her whisper in a thick Scottish burr. "Charles. I never...I never thought you...I never knew you.. ." She could not finish the words before he lifted her beautiful face, looking into her tear filled sapphire eyes.
Charles thought his heart would break. "I am sorry, my love. I have been such a fool." He kissed her again, the passion and sorrow building within him. He wanted to explore her body with his hands, fighting his desire to respect her virtue and honor.
Elsie leaned into Charles as she poured her love into their kiss. Charles loved her and wanted her. She could feel his desire pressing gently against her hip and it caused a burning need in her she had never felt before. Or least hadn't for over twenty years now. "Are we really doing this, Charles?" Elsie questioned in between kisses.
"It seems we are, my dear." He teased her and she could feel the smile on his lips with her own.
Elsie's own lips formed a smile against his and she started to giggle. "You are quite a marvelous kisser. I had always imagined this differently."
"And how would that be Mrs. Hughes?" Charles asked, still smiling at her laughter.
"I thought you would be quite uptight Mr. Carson. Quite stiff." Elsie's eyes widened and she covered her mouth with her hand when she realized what her words could imply.
Charles pulled her into him tighter and his voice deepened even more so than usual."As you can see Mrs. Hughes, I am quite stiff. But not so uptight."
"Make love to me Charles." The brazen words escaped her mouth before she had time to think. She wrapped her arms around his neck once more and stood on her tiptoes, kissing him longingly. Parting his lips and gently pulling one between her teeth. She nibbled and sucked, her tongue teasing his. Charles was moaning now. A deep groan rumbling through his solid chest.
"Ohhh Elsie." He groaned against her lips, before pulling back slightly. His eyes were questioning. "We mustn't yet. We really should wait love."
"Wait for what exactly Mr. Carson? Neither one of us is getting any younger." She teases again, her hands unbuttoning his shirt just enough to slide her small hand inside.
Charles chest rose and fell quickly under her caress and he stumbled over the words as they came out. "I would like to do this right Elsie. I would like you to be my wife before we are, um, intimate."
"Are you asking me to marry you Charles Carson? Because I'm not quite sure the people upstairs will think it such a grand idea." Elsie said pulling her hand from his shirt. Her voice became sad as the harsh reality of their situation hit her. "I don't think we have the option of being married. At least not while we are here at Downton."
He stared back into here eyes, losing himself in her beauty and selfless grace. "They will accept it, and we will marry. We will stay at Downton if that is what you wish, or we can live in a cottage near the Bates' home." He spoke the words confidently and with assurance.
"Oh Charles. How can you have so much faith in them? How do you know they will allow this?" Elsie asked, trying not to come off too harsh.
"I just know." He said holding her hands tightly in his own. "It will be fine, my love. And you have not answered my question." He said kneeling down before her. He kissed her hand and spoke the words she had longed to hear from him for so may years. "Mrs. hughes, Elsie, I have loved you since the first moment I set eyes on you. I have loved you through joy, loss, illness, and many arguments." He smiled up at her. "Elizabeth Hughes, will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife. I promise to love you forever and never hold another above you." He brought her hands to his lips, kissing them sweetly.
"Charles, that is all I have ever wanted from you and more. Of course I will marry you. I have always loved you Charles...Always."
