Charles held Elsie's trembling body in his arms as they both came down from the splendor of their ecstasy. Her legs slipped from around his body and he gently lowered her feet to the ground, still not releasing her from his arms. Her head was lowered into his chest, and he at once became nervous at their state of undress. He had never been so openly exposed to another. Yes, he had many romps in his early years, but nothing like this. Nothing so completely passionate and real. His emotions so raw and open. Keeping his hand on her arm, he bent and collected their clothing, draping his coat around Elsie's small shoulders until he could locate her shift. She still hadn't spoken and he could feel the tension between them. He noticed her cheeks were flushed and she couldn't quite meet his eye.

Charles slid his jacket around her shoulders and she pulled it tight to her bare chest. The storm was still raging outside and the lightning illuminated the greenhouse enough for Charles to see any imperfections in her body. She couldn't help but feel embarrassed and a bit ashamed by her wanton and lustful actions. She was sure she had shocked him, possibly even appalled him by her willingness to perform such scandalous acts. When she took him into her mouth... Oh, even the thought caused her cheeks to burn with shame. She had rarely ever felt out of control. She prided herself on always having her wits about her and being respectable at all times. Yet, when it came to Charles and their love, all bets were off. Her thoughts were tangled in her mind, she had no control over her body and actions. She felt completely powerless in her love for him.

Charles stood holding her shift. His hands came around to remove his jacket and he raised her arms, sliding the thin slip of fabric over her head and down her body. He pulled his jacket back around her shoulders to keep her warm, then bent to pull his shorts and trousers on in one swift movement. Elsie was still looking away from him when he placed her corset around her body. Her hands went up to secure the hooks and laces. He was sad to see her body now covered. It had been almost more than he could handle seeing, feeling, tasting her naked flesh. He could feel himself grow hard again at the thought of their uninhibited coupling. He hoped she hadn't thought him boorish. He felt like a downright cad. He had no intention of compromising her virtue, in fact he had hoped to save the special gift for their wedding night. He prayed they would have a wedding night. He had every intention of proposing to the woman before him, the love of his life.

Elsie took her dress from Charles and quickly stepped into it, pulling it on and fastening the buttons up her chest. Neither of them spoke. What would they say. What was there to say now. It was done, their passions had been satiated. Would Charles still want her after this? She wasn't sure. They had both confessed their love for one another, over and over again if her memory was correct. It had felt so right, the words slipping easily from her mouth as she looked deep into his eyes and rode the waves of pleasure coursing through her body.

Charles finished dressing as he watched Elsie work the buttons of her dress. Her delicate fingers moving effortlessly across her full bosom. He wanted nothing more than to tear the dress from her once more and explore her beautiful body all night long. But he knew they needed to get in order and make their way back to the house. The storm was passing and soon the others would be out looking for them. He watched as Elsie pulled her long wet chestnut locks over her shoulder.

"My pins, Charles. I will never be able to find them." As Elsie spoke the words, her lip began to tremble.

"It's alright, love." Charles soothingly replied, as Elsie began to break down before him.

"It's not alright, Charles!" Elsie gasped, tears forming in her eyes. "What you must think of me?" She whispered, her face falling into her hands.

Charles gently took her hands from her face. He placed his large fingers under her chin, tipping her face up to look at him. "Elsie Hughes. I think you are the most lovely, kind, wonderful woman in the world." He paused to kiss the tears from her cheeks, the corner of her mouth, the tip of her nose. "What happened between us tonight was beautiful. I have never felt that way in my life, and it was because of you. Because we are so very right together, Elsie. We were always meant to be like this. Maybe not exactly like this," he chuckled smiling down at her. "Oh Elsie, I love you with all my heart. Please don't be upset. Did you not enjoy yourself?" He added with a shy smile, his face reddening.

"Charles Carson, I have never felt anything so amazing in my life as I felt in your arms." She kissed his lips softly, slowly bringing her tiny palms to his face. "Thank you, Charles. I love you more than words can say."