Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to my two lovely beta – GillCrawley1921 and 713 who have worked hard to help me whip this chapter into shape.

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Author's Note: Picking up on the morning after the wedding, there's still a bit of smut galore in this chapter. As the countess said, "It's the most terrific fun!" And who am I to contradict the Countess of Grantham, eh? ;)

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Love Me Once and It Will Be Enough

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Chapter 4

Elsie smiled as she woke up. She was warm and in the softest bed she had ever slept in. Charles' large hand rested on her hip and he was snoring softly behind her. She slowly turned, trying not to wake him. It was, as she suspected, a fruitless endeavor.

"Good morning," he mumbled, clearing his throat.

"Good morning." Elsie smiled and stroked his cheek, brushing the hair away from his forehead.

"How do you feel this morning, Mrs. Carson?"

She chuckled and her eyes twinkled. "Lovely, truly lovely. I don't think I've ever slept as well ever before."

"I'm pleased to hear it." He grinned and tugged her closer to him.

"Charles!" She gasped his name as she felt his arousal press against her hip.

"What do you expect, woman?" He laughed softly and stroked her back down to her buttocks. "Waking up next to my warm and naked wife who is looking more alluring than should be allowed, how could any man be able to refrain from feeling the effects?"

"Alluring? My word. Honestly, Charles Carson." Elsie's cheeks flushed at his words. "No one has ever called me alluring before. Naked I can't deny, and you've kept me warm, so that's true."

"You are most definitely alluring." He rolled onto his back, taking her with him. "How do you really feel this morning, Elsie?"

She shifted a little on the bed. "I'm a little sore, but not too bad."

"Perhaps we should wait then."

"I don't want to wait."

His eyes widened at her straightforward response. She laughed at the sight of him.

"Elsie?"

"Most of it was just wonderful, Charles. I tingle all over just thinking about it."

"You do, do you?" He chuckled, amused at her revelation, and his eyes playfully narrowed a little.

She nodded. "You touched me, made me feel so many things. Things I've never felt before. May I touch you?" She looked down at their still clasped hands. "I'm sorry; I don't know much about these things, Charles. I'm afraid I've never felt a need to explore any of this before. You need to tell me, and show me, Charles," she said, in an uncertain voice.

"Shhh…" He sat up and wrapped his arms around her. "It's all right. Trust me Elsie; you make me a very happy man. I will show you anything you want to know. You can ask me anything." He tilted her chin up and grinned at her. "I'm sure it will be a journey of mutual delight and discovery."

"I certainly hope so."

He eased back against the pillows again before taking her hand, placing it on his thigh.

"Please touch me." His voice sounded deeper than usual, and she smiled at him.

"How?"

"Anyway you like, my dear. I can assure you that I'll enjoy your gentle touch."

Elsie stroked his thigh, watching him intently. When he just smiled at her, she relaxed and her eyes moved to his arousal. Tracing its length with one slender digit she made him groan and his manhood twitched a little. The reaction made her giggle, and she repeated the touch a few times, delighting in his increased breathing and clear enjoyment.

"Woman, you're either going to make me spend prematurely, or you're going to slowly kill me, teasing me in such a way."

"Oh hush, Charles," she muttered.

"Hush, you say… ahhh!"

She had closed her fingers around him quite suddenly and his eyes widened in surprise. Elsie laughed and moved her hand a little, causing another groan from her husband. As she stroked him, she realized that he was not as large and intimidating as he had initially seemed. He was longer than the width of her hand, but not by more than two or three inches. What made him so impressive, and had caused her initial shock, was his girth. Fully aroused, she was barely able to close her hand around him. She could feel how powerful he was as she held him tightly.

"I think your man here is quite handsome, Charles."

He chuckled and stroked her arm. "Thank you, dearest. The little man appreciates the comment."

"Not that little," she muttered.

"Flattery, pure flattery."

She grinned and kept moving her hand over him until he gently grabbed her wrist.

"Did I..?"

"It was wonderful," he assured her.

"And now?" She felt a little flustered as she did not know what to do next. "How do you want me?"

Charles sat up and cupped her cheek, kissing her long and slow. "You're not ready yet, love."

"I beg to differ."

Her huffy comment made him laugh. Nudging her legs apart a little he cupped her, pressing his palm against her.

"You need to be ready here too, Elsie."

Her eyes fluttered shut as he stroked her. She held on to his shoulder, gasping now and then when his touch felt especially lovely. After a moment she started to press against his hand, not actually realizing it until he pushed a finger inside her. Her eyes opened and she whimpered softly as he stroked her. Elsie moved eagerly against his finger. When he pressed his thumb against that very sensitive spot, she sobbed at the pleasure rippling through her body.

"Charles!"

"Just enjoy it, Elsie." He pressed his lips against her neck, kissing and licking below her ear.

"So good."

He smiled against the crook of her neck. Feeling how relaxed and slick she was, he eased two fingers inside her. Elsie let out a soft cry and trembled at the touch. He wrapped a steadying arm around her as he continued to stroke his thumb over her little spot. It did not take long before he felt her relax and start to move against his fingers.

"Oh God…"

She started to pulse around him and he reluctantly removed his fingers. Her eyes instantly opened and he smiled at her, anticipating an objection. Scooting back so he could lean against the headboard, he took her hands pulling her to him.

"Put your legs on either side of mine." Elsie swallowed and silently straddled him. He smiled encouragingly at her. "Now take me in your hand as you slowly lower yourself. Take your time. There is no need to rush."

Elsie shifted over him, her inner thighs protesting a little at being spread so wide again. Ignoring the discomfort, she hovered above him. She smiled as she wrapped her fingers around him again, this time more confident in her touch. Steadying herself against his hip, she slowly took the head inside, instantly stopping when he stretched her. He grabbed her hips, steadying her.

"Are you all right? If it's too much…"

"No, mo chrìdh, it's just all so new."

After holding still for a moment she slowly lowered herself until he was entirely inside her. It did not hurt, but he was stretching her to the point of almost being uncomfortable. He stroked her thighs, and inching his fingers closer, he brushed his thumb over her. She smiled and her eyes closed. Getting used to his presence, she moved a little, allowing him to slip out a few inches. They both moaned at the incredible feeling.

Charles helped her set the rhythm. With his guidance, she moved up and down and rocked backwards and forwards as they learned what they both enjoyed best. She knew instantly when she figured it out. She let out a loud whimper as he stroked over that sensitive spot inside. Wanting to feel it again she moved in the same way, and another burst of pure pleasure went through her. She kept moving, faster and faster, his fingers keeping up with her until he came with a roar. She could feel it inside her and kept moving. With one final downward push and a circular movement of his thumb she let out a little cry as her body went rigid, squeezing him tightly, over and over. When she fell silent, sitting gasping on his lap, still pulsing gently around him, he pulled her down into his arms, holding her as they recovered.

~ O ~

With a kiss to her forehead, Carson eventually got out of bed. She watched him intently as he took a few steps in his naked glory before covering himself up in his robe. He turned and smiled at her before leaving the room, giving her some privacy to wash up and get dressed.

Elsie groaned softly as she sat up, easing her legs over the side of the bed. Her inner thigh muscles ached a little from the night's activities and a tingle went through her body as she pressed her legs together. Slowly making her way over to the washbasin, Elsie blushed in embarrassment at how her legs felt slightly wobbly. She poured some water into the bowl before dipping a washcloth into it. She washed her body in slow strokes, taking comfort from the familiar activity.

~ O ~

Not bothering with stockings, Elsie left the bedroom once she was dressed. Carson turned his head as he heard her coming.

"Good morning, love." Noticing her bare feet he chuckled and his eyes sought out hers. "Is everything alright, my wee lass?"

"Charles." She rolled her eyes at him. "Your wife is feeling wonderful, thank you. As for my feet, I'm afraid that it's something that you will have to get used to."

"Oh?" His brows inched up in curiosity.

"I cherish not having to wear shoes."

He nodded, reminded of all the times over the years that he had entered her parlor to find her in her stocking-clad feet, shoes placed neatly next to her desk.

"I know. I didn't realize that you prefer to be barefoot."

"I do, but only like this, when we're alone." She stepped closer and gently touched his chest. "If it bothers you, I'll put my stockings on."

"Absolutely not!" he laughed and kissed her firmly. "I think, Mrs. Carson, that a new rule needs to be instituted in our home."

"Do tell, my man."

"No shoes on our half-days."

Elsie laughed and nodded. "Now that's a rule I can agree with."

Still laughing, Carson turned back to the stove, flipping something in the frying pan.

"Are you cooking bacon?" Elsie finally realized what it was that she had smelled.

"I am. Are you hungry? There's tea on the table. I know you usually prefer to make it, but I thought that perhaps this time you wouldn't mind too much."

She kissed his cheek and gave it a fond caress as she passed him. "I don't mind at all." She poured herself a cup, watching him out of the corner of her eye. "Where did all this food come from?"

"I asked Mrs. Patmore if she could put some things together for us. There was a basket sitting outside waiting this morning."

"I married a very clever man." Elsie grinned up at him as he placed a plate with eggs and bacon in front of her.

"I'm glad that you approve, Mrs. Carson." His eyes twinkled playfully. "I think I'll leave the toast making to you, though. I still haven't managed to figure out this toaster monstrosity. I'm convinced that the thing is trying to kill me."

"Charles, of course it's not trying to kill you." She shot him a look before placing two pieces of bread in the toaster.

"I'm certain of it, love. See?" He held up his hand. She frowned and shook her head. "There." He pointed to a pink spot on his knuckle.

"That little thing?" She huffed and rolled her eyes.

He huffed and reached for his silverware. "Mockery, that's all I get."

Elsie just laughed. Taking a bite of the eggs she hummed her approval. He smiled at her before digging into his own food.

~ O ~

Elsie stood by the window in the parlor. Charles was getting dressed after she made the bed. The kitchen was spotless, as was the parlor. She was at a loss, not used to having absolutely nothing to do. Usually she would sit down by the fire in her parlor and read, but somehow it seemed odd to do that with him around. She smiled when she felt his strong arms circle her waist.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing in particular." She turned her face to look at him and he brushed his lips against hers. "I'm not used to having nothing to do."

"I'm here."

"Yes you are." She turned in his arms and rested her hands on his broad chest. "And that makes me very happy."

"I'm glad to hear it." Looking behind her out the window he watched a bird land on a branch in the apple tree. "It's a beautiful day. Why don't we take a walk?"

"That sounds lovely."

"And later maybe you'd like to see the garden."

Elsie nodded. "We used to have a little garden, back home in Argyle."

"So did we." He smiled and his eyes took on a faraway look. "My mother was quite good at it."

"My mother couldn't stand digging in the dirt," Elsie said with a huff. "When I turned eight, I was told that it was now my duty to tend to the garden. I didn't mind at all." The truth was that the garden offered young Elsie a respite from her fighting parents. Out of sight, out of mind. Her father would usually leave her alone if she was in the garden.

"Perhaps you'd like to try growing a few things."

"I believe I would."

"Then let's get you some seeds." He pointed to the left side of the garden, along the stone wall that framed their property. "You know, Mr. Moseley did the initial planting here, and he's been tending to the trees and bushes over the years."

Her eyes widened at the mentioning of the name. All of Downton village was singing Mr. Moseley Sr.'s skills as a gardener.

"Roses?" she whispered.

"Um, hmm."

She laughed happily and took his hands. "Show me?"

~ O ~

Elsie had been nervous returning to Downton two days later. To her relief everything appeared to be the same. The staff was bustling around as usual, even though things were a bit quiet with the family gone. She made a face at Daisy when the girl grinned and blushed as she spotted her with Charles. A moment later, Mrs. Patmore grinned like the Cheshire cat at seeing them. Elsie rolled her eyes and left the kitchen with a muttered "I'll be in my parlor."

She lost herself in order entries and stock supplies and before she knew it there was a knock on her door. Charles was standing there, smiling at her.

"Will you be joining us for luncheon, Mrs. Carson?"

She grinned at how he emphasized her new name. Slowly getting up she stepped closer, leaning around him to make sure no one was nearby. Giving him a quick kiss on the lips, she nodded.

"I suppose we shouldn't keep them waiting."

"We might have mutiny on our hands if we wait too long," he said with a knowing nod. "But they can certainly hold their horses for a few minutes longer."

Elsie lifted her chin as she entered the servants' hall with him. More than one person smiled at seeing them. Soon everyone was talking and the cheerful mood in the room seemed to only escalate. Elsie cast a quick glance at Charles and he smiled at her before passing her the potatoes.

To be continued…