Chapter 9
C*E*C*E*C*E*C*E
Mrs. Winters was, by all accounts, the biggest gossip in the village. There wasn't much that escaped her, and she seemed to have no qualms about sharing the information she was able to gather. Being a widow of five years, she had more time on her hands to wander about the village, visiting those she deemed worthy of her time and attention, always keeping her ears and eyes opened for any tidbits of news she might be able to later pass along. She had little regard for seeking out the validity of the claims, only in the chance to pass along the news to those around her. The old saying was that if you wanted something spread and spread quickly, Mrs. Winters was the only person you needed to tell.
For the most part, Charles and Elsie had managed to avoid being the subject of her rumors and innuendos. Being highly respected in the community and working for the Crawley family had served to their advantage but their luck was not to last for long. The small bits of information she had heard were far too compelling to be ignored yet not enough for her to share just yet. With these two, she had to tread carefully so as not to invite the ire of her fellow villagers by potentially tarnishing Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes's good reputations. They were well liked in the community and any rumors which hinted at impropriety would be quickly brushed under the proverbial rug and she would look a fool.
It was a beautiful summer Sunday morning, and as usual, the staff walked together to church. Charles and Elsie decided to let the others wander ahead of them, preferring to enjoy a more leisurely pace, arm and arm, side by side. It was to be their first Sunday in church as a couple and they were under no illusions that all eyes would be trained on them, especially those of Mrs. Winters.
"That old bat doesn't miss a trick," Elsie grumbled. "She's so busy with her nose in everyone else's business, she hardly has any time to tend to her own affairs and reputation."
"Sounds like someone woke up grumpy this morning," Charles teased with a light chuckle. "Perhaps I should have requested that the Sandman give you an extra few minutes of sleep."
"I would have settled for a few uninterrupted minutes of your time this morning before breakfast and a proper good morning kiss. As it is, I have received neither, though I understand it is of no fault of your own," she replied, patting his arm and giving him a small smile.
Charles stared ahead and watched as the younger staff unknowingly increased the distance between them. Quickly, he guided Elsie to the side of the road and pressed her back against one of the larger trees. Before she had time to think of a question or a witty remark, his lips were upon hers, kissing her soundly. There was nothing rushed about his caress, but the intensity of his love was felt from the top of her head to the tips of her toes and everywhere in between. When he finally removed his lips from hers, he touched his forehead against hers, his hands still engulfing her waist.
"Mr. Carson, that was certainly unexpected," she panted, trying to catch her breath and calm her racing heart.
"Sometimes the unexpected can be quite thrilling, wouldn't you agree, Mrs. Hughes?"
She smiled and caressed his cheek. "You'll hear no arguments from me, though what prompted that little diversion?"
"My lady was unhappy and working herself into a fine state. I realized that I hadn't kissed you properly this morning. I missed the chance to hold you in my arms before breakfast. I indulged my uncontrollable urge. I threw caution to the wind. Take your pick, or I'm sure I could easily come up with one thousand more excuses, though I hope I don't need an excuse to kiss you, Elsie."
"You never need an excuse, Charles." She closed the distance between them and captured his lips with hers, slipping her hands beneath his jacket and running her nails up and down his back. He moaned deeply into her mouth and pulled away, looking rather flushed and incredibly handsome.
"We'd better get back to the main road," he said, his voice thick with desire and love. "The others might notice our absence, and if we stay here much longer, I'm afraid I'll have to return home to say my prayers instead of joining with the congregation. I won't be in a fit state, mind or body, to enter the Lord's house."
"And leave me to face that old, busy-body on my own? I don't think so! Besides, if you had to return home without me, I'm afraid my mind would wander, as well, and I'd be too distracted by those thoughts to absorb a thing Reverend Travis said." Elsie reached up and smoothed his hair, brushed the errant curl from his forehead, and straightened his tie. "There! You are, once more, the respectable Charles Carson that everyone in this village knows and loves."
"Well, I don't know about everyone loving me, but as long as I hold the heart of this beautiful Scottish housekeeper in my acquaintance, then everything in my world is right. You see, I love her with all my heart, and I have it on very good authority that she feels the same about me. I'm lucky in that respect."
"She would say she's lucky, too, though if we don't hurry along, we'll both have some explaining to do. I don't know about the butler, but the housekeeper isn't willing to readily divulge how easily she can be led off the path with the promise of a few stolen moments, thus missing church, when she and her butler were clearly heading in that direction with everyone else."
"Indeed. I doubt Mrs. Patmore would leave us alone for the rest of the day. As it is, she's constantly giving me little side glances and smirks," Charles said with a frown. "It can make me quite uncomfortable at times."
"Would you like me to have a word, love?" Elsie looped her arm through his and guided them back to the main path, walking at a more brisk pace than before.
"No, that's not necessary. I have a feeling that if we mention it, she will only make it a point to do so more frequently."
The village square came into view as Charles and Elsie rounded the last bend in the road. There were quite a few people milling about in front of the church, taking time to speak a kind word or catch up with the friends they hadn't seen since last Sunday. Charles felt Elsie stiffen beside him and he stopped walking.
"Elsie, love, what's gotten into you this morning?" An icy hand gripped Charles's heart as doubt and worry crept along his spine and into his mind. "Would you be more comfortable if we pretended nothing has changed between us?" In truth, it would break his heart into little pieces to have to hide their devotion to one another, but it was something he would gladly do it if would make Elsie more comfortable. "If you're unsure of …"
"No, Charles, that's not it. I am tired of pretending that I don't love you. Those days are behind me, behind us. I want nothing more than to walk hand in hand through the village square with you. I suppose I'm just concerned about what the others in town will say. You know how they love to talk. There will be an atmosphere."
"I do know how they love to natter on but I also know we've nothing to hide. Our friends at Downton are aware that we're courting and no doubt have mentioned it to some in the village. Some of them saw me retuning that morning from London. The family knows, and we have their blessing. We've not kept our courtship a secret from those at Downton or our friends. What harm can these people do to us? We've done nothing to be ashamed of."
Elsie smirked and shook her head. "Please don't say anything like that in church, Charles. I wouldn't want the Lord to start doling our punishments for telling lies in his house," she said with a nervous laugh.
Charles shook his head and joined in her laughter. "I stand by what I said. We've done nothing improper. What happens between a man and his lady, as long as they both consent, is of no concern to anyone else. Do I intend to share every detail of our courtship with anyone who asks? No, not by any means. But, stolen kisses, touches, spoken words of love, promise and passion … I don't think either of us needs to feel ashamed."
"Is this the same Charles Carson who practically condemned Ethel for giving in to her desires with the Bryant chap?"
Charles had the good manners to look properly chastised. "I was a different man, then, Elsie. I was a man who had been burned by love and who had seen the woman he thought he loved with all of his heart walk out on him with his mate. I hope you don't see me as that same man now."
Elsie smoothed her hand up and down his arm in a soothing manner. "I don't see any hint of that man left in you, Charles. You've changed. We both have." She looked down at her feet, feeling ashamed that she'd even mentioned Ethel and her situation in regards to herself and Charles. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have compared us to Ethel. We've certainly not crossed that line, and we've the good sense to keep our emotions in check."
Not caring who might see the gesture, Charles reached out and placed his fingers beneath Elsie's chin, forcing her to look up at him. "You don't owe me any apologies. And I will not stand here and tell you that it's easy for me to keep a strong hold on my desires for you. You, yourself, know better than that. You know, all too well, what having you in my arms does to me, how your kisses affect me. I'll not deny that for a second. And if it wasn't for the love and respect I feel for you, God knows I might have acted on those feelings already in a more direct and satisfying manner."
"I feel the same way. It's difficult to keep myself from completely giving in to what I'm feeling when I'm with you. But, as we've already discussed, when the time is right, things will fall into place. I'll not push or pull you into something, and I know you feel the same towards me." She gave his arm a squeeze. "We'd best get inside and take our seats. The last thing we need is to be the last two filing in after the service has started."
Charles allowed Elsie to lead him into the church, taking their usual seats and joining with the others in the village in singing the hymns and listening to the reverend delivering his sermon. Charles, for the most part, tried to listen, though his mind was well and truly divided between listening to the service and giving serious thoughts to what had happened as they neared the church.
He knew Elsie would never lie to him, would never betray his trust. But, there was certainly something going on in her mind with regards to the people in the village and their courtship. For the remainder of the service, Charles made a meticulous list of everything he'd planned for Elsie, every note he'd sent, each flower or bouquet he'd offered. She'd seemed pleased with everything so far. Their evening in York had been one of the most memorable of his life.
His eyes drifted over the congregation as his mind wandered. He knew Elsie was concerned about the gossip in the village, though he'd tried his best to reassure her that they had no need of worry. Everything was out in the open. Or was it? He nearly gasped aloud as the pieces finally clicked into place and a large smile spread across his face. Elsie may not have said it in plain English, but the sentiments were there. He had professed his love for her at Downton, in the gardens, in the field with the lambs, by the lake on their picnic, publicly in York, but not a single gesture or hint in the village. Charles mentally scolded himself. He'd tried so hard to romance the love of his life, and, to his credit, he was doing a fine job. But, it had all been away from the prying eyes of those who knew them outside the walls of Downton Abbey.
With that thought in mind, Charles shifted closer to Elsie and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. His fingers began to trace lazy circles on her upper arm until he found himself spelling out the words I love you with his fingertip.
Elsie had been surprised to feel his arm wrap around her but she shifted closer to him all the same. Then, when his fingers began to caress her through the sleeve of her blouse, she dared to cast a sideways glance at him, curious to see if she could read his thoughts. But, he was looking straight ahead, as if he was taking in every syllable Reverend Travis was uttering. It wasn't until he started spelling out his thoughts on her upper arm that she smiled and began to visibly relax. She closed her eyes for a moment, reveling in the softness of his touch. Without a second thought, Elsie moved her hand from her lap to his, offering her hand to him.
He looked down at her hand resting on his leg, her palm facing upward. He reached across and clasped her right hand with his right hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You can always hold my hand if you need to feel steady," he whispered softly into her ear.
For a moment, her eyes held his in a trance, unspoken words being shared between them. Once more, she moved a little closer into his side and for the rest of the service, Elsie let her mind wander through all the lovely gestures, all the stolen moments, all the words of love and devotion they had shared since he'd been home.
Unbeknownst to Charles and Elsie, Mrs. Winters had been observing the pair since they entered the church. She did not fail to notice how the couple stood a bit closer than necessary during the singing of the hymns, how they shared the same song book even though there were plenty to go around. She paid particular attention to their familiarity and ease with one other and the scandalous way Charles whispered into Elsie's ear during the sermon. Her eyes glistened with delight at the prospect of uncovering some new bit of information about the upstanding Charles Carson and the untouchable Elsie Hughes.
As soon as the service ended, Charles reached down to take Elsie's hand in his. "I meant what I said. We can steady each other," he said, giving her hand a squeeze and smiling sweetly at her.
"And is Mrs. Hughes ill that she needs to be steadied, Mr. Carson?" Mrs. Winters' voice carried loudly throughout the church causing several worshippers to stop and turn in the direction of her voice.
"Quite the contrary, Mrs. Winters, though we appreciate you asking," Charles said, trying to politely brush past the woman on his way towards the door.
"Forgive me, Mr. Carson. I merely meant that it seems highly unusual for you to be so … familiar … with Mrs. Hughes. And, unless I'm mistaken aren't you supposed to be in London? His Lordship and Her Ladyship would certainly have been at church today if they were home."
Charles sighed deeply, feeling his frustration rise. He knew what the nosy woman was trying to do and he was in no mood for her tactics. Honesty and forthrightness were his best friends at the moment, and he felt certain it might go a little way towards easing Elsie's anxiety, too. Using the voice he usually reserved for those hall boys and footmen who were trying his patience to the very end, Charles answered her politely but with a firmness which offered no room for discussion.
"The family is, indeed, still in London. I, obviously, have returned for personal reasons." At this, he brought Elsie's hand to his lips and brushed a chaste kiss across her knuckles for all to see. "Now, if you will excuse us, Mrs. Hughes and I have plans this afternoon and we would feel such remorse if we kept you from your lunch." He stared at the "old bat" for a long moment, and when she refused to move, he arched his eyebrow at the short woman and lowered his head with a slight tilt, giving her a very disapproving look.
Seeing that she was defeated, Mrs. Winters took a step aside, letting Charles pass into the aisle. "I hope you will enjoy your plans with Mr. Carson," she said as Elsie passed into the aisle behind Charles.
"I'm sure I will, thank you. He's managed to surprise me at every turn, Mrs. Winters. Mr. Carson is a true gentleman and very attentive. Why, I'd say I'm the luckiest woman in all of the United Kingdom." Elsie gave the woman a smile and a swift wink before allowing Charles to pull her along towards the fresh air, her hand still firmly clasped in his.
Once they were outside of the church, Charles dropped Elsie's hand and wrapped his arm around her waist, drawing her into his side. They lingered about in the churchyard, chatting amicably to shopkeepers and friends from the village, paying no attention to the cold stares of Mrs. Winters and her small circle of gossipy friends.
As the congregation began to disperse, Charles and Elsie started in the direction of the path back to Downton, but when they reached the village square, he stopped and escorted her to the bench.
Elsie followed without uttering a word. She could see the determination and resolve in Charles's face, and she was willing to wait patiently to hear what was on his mind. However, she didn't have to wait long at all.
"Elsie, something occurred to me during the service, and I feel I owe you an apology." He held up his hand in an effort to stall her rebuttal. "I've tried, in my own way, to show you my love and devotion, to prove myself worthy of your love. That's all well and good, and I like to think you've enjoyed all of my gestures, both big and small. But, I have failed miserably in one aspect, and I'd like to start making amends for that today."
"Charles, what on earth are you talking about? You've done nothing which warrants an apology, and you certainly haven't failed me in any respect. Does this have anything to do with my mood before church and Mrs. Winters?"
"It has everything to do with both of those things. I suppose I never realized how much the folks in the village like to talk. Being at Downton, away from the usual circuit of the rumor mill, has its advantages and disadvantages, I suppose." He took both her hands in his and brought them each to his lips for a kiss. "Everyone in the village must have heard that we were courting, but it never occurred to me to make it public before today. I should have taken you to tea at Mrs. Ellerby's shop or to dinner at the Grantham Arms. At the very least, we should have stolen a few hours just walking through the shops and visiting our mutual acquaintances."
Elsie moved closer to him on the bench and nestled close into his side with her head resting on his shoulder. "I'd say, after that display in the church and the yard, everyone in the village knows we're courting. And I couldn't be prouder of the way you handled the old bat." She shifted just enough so she could kiss his cheek. "I was going to make a rather crisp comment, but you stepped in before I had a chance."
"Lucky for Mrs. Winters, then," he said with a laugh. "I dare say there's not a person in this town or the next that's ever been brave enough to stand up to her. Her own husband even seemed to cower in her presence."
Elsie burst into laughter and reached up to cup Charles's cheek. "Well, you'll never have to worry about that from me, Mr. Carson. You've seen the worst of my temper, and it usually blows over quickly. Besides that, I would never intentionally embarrass you, in private or in public."
"That thought never crossed my mind, Elsie. Out of all the people we know, you're the only one who truly knows and understands me. You're the last person who would ever cause me a moment of embarrassment. In fact, you are the greatest source of happiness and pride I've ever known."
Elsie felt her cheeks warm. "Oh, go on, you old flatterer," she joked, trying to keep the moment from growing too serious. "So, what are these plans you mentioned to Mrs. Winters but failed to share with me?"
Charles rubbed the back of his neck and fumbled a bit with his words. "Yes, well, those were rather spur of the moment, as it were. Seeing as it's Sunday, I hadn't really made concrete plans for our day. I thought we might enjoy the sunshine close to home and tonight there is supposed to be a full moon. That should really brighten up our evening, if you'll excuse the pun."
"Hmm, I suppose you'll have to tell me all about the brightness of that moon. I don't plan on seeing much of it. I have a date, you see, with this handsome man. He meets me there almost every night, and, lately, I've been rather distracted. He's an excellent kisser, you see, and we have to steal our quiet moments where we can."
Charles laughed and hugged Elsie to him. "I'm very happy to hear that. Perhaps tonight, we can take a bottle of wine and some glasses with us. It might be nice to sip some claret beneath the stars and talk … or whatever strikes our fancy."
"I'll look forward to it." She leaned up and kissed his cheek sweetly. "We'd best be heading back. The others can't start their lunch until we're there and it's such a pretty day. They might want to enjoy it, too. I think the hall boys were talking about an impromptu cricket game. We could always encourage them and then sit back and watch," she offered.
"Now there's an idea. We could let them practice, the footmen, too. Then, we'd be in a better position for the match this year. We might even win again!"
Elsie stood and wrapped her arms around Charles. "Will you wear your cricket whites for me this afternoon?" she practically purred into his chest.
"Oh, no! Those should only be worn on game day. I will, however, dress more casually, but only for you. Trousers, a shirt, and a jumper, in keeping with the spirit of the dress code. Will that appease my lady?"
"It will, indeed, my handsome butler." She took his hand and practically pulled him down the path towards Downton. "Come on! Let's go," she said excitedly. "I think you should make the announcement before the start of lunch so we can all eat quickly. I can help Mrs. Patmore and the girls make some sandwiches for later during the interval."
Charles was thrilled that Elsie seemed so excited about an impromptu cricket match. She'd always graciously attended the matches between Downton and the village, and he was impressed by her knowledge of the game. However, he'd never suspected her of being a true fan of the game. Perhaps, it was less about the game and more about seeing the men in something other than formal attire and being in the fresh air.
"I never took you for a cricket fan, Elsie. I've learned something new about you, today," he teased as they neared the house.
"Who says I'm a fan? I will admit that I look forward to the cricket game each year, but I have, admittedly, had my own reasons for doing so." She gave him an impish smile. "Would you care to guess what those motives might be?"
"Hmm, it could be that you enjoy the fresh air and sunshine or you enjoy the change of routine?" She shook her head and he tried again. "It could also be that you and Mrs. Patmore oversee the refreshment tent, and everyone is more relaxed on this day? There's no atmosphere," he teased. She shook her head once more.
"Would you like me to tell you," she whispered, looking around as if searching for someone who might be lurking in the shrubbery in a vain attempt to overhear her confession.
He nodded his head eagerly.
"Very well." She stood on her tiptoes and brushed her lips against his ear as she whispered softly. "I enjoy seeing you in your cricket whites. There's something about seeing you in them that's always sparked a little fire within me." She nipped at his earlobe before returning to her normal height, looking up into his face with darkened eyes. "You always look so manly, so sure of yourself, so virile. That, my dear Charles, is the part of the cricket match I look forward to most of all. And when you're at bat … my goodness … my heart always races. You play very well and the clothes suit you. I think I've always had my most vivid dreams about you after the annual cricket match. They're always quite … risqué."
Charles could feel his body beginning to react to Elsie's confessions. With not a care in the world, Charles gathered Elsie into his arms and kissed her soundly on the lips, trying to convey his feelings to her. While he hadn't planned anything special for this particular day, it was certainly shaping up to be one full of happy surprises and revelations.
Tomorrow, they would stroll, arm and arm, through the village, take tea at Mrs. Ellerby's, and make a purchase or two. They would take time to visit some of the shopkeepers with whom they did frequent business. They would stroll leisurely past Mrs. Winters home, just in case she needed more proof that the rumors were true. Charles Carson had, indeed, given his heart to Elsie Hughes and by so doing, had made them both incredibly happy.
A/N: And why doesn't love the image of Charles in cricket whites? Thanks, once again, for reading and reviewing (hopefully) the chapter. Seems our dear couple is starting to grow more comfortable with their displays of love and affection. Squeeee!
