Title: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered
Elsie stoked the woodstove, placing the kettle onto the heat before moving to stare out at the moonlit garden.
She couldn't sleep. She couldn't get Charles's uncharacteristic behaviour out of her head.
She flushed now, thinking about their dance. He'd held her close. She hadn't protested at all. The heat from his fingers had spread through her limbs, making them languid and weak to such an extent that she couldn't stop herself from relaxing into his embrace. She'd felt as fragile as a leaf in autumn, leaning against his solid strength.
When the song had finished, she'd quickly stepped back. She'd needed to clear her head.
Luckily, he'd immediately gone in search of Mr Mason, claiming he wanted to discuss something about planting with the farmer. In turn, she'd sought out Beryl, but even her friend's amusing company couldn't stop her anxiety every time she glanced in his direction.
When, at last, they'd said their farewells, Charles had once again taken a firm hold of her arm to guide her home to the cottage.
He was never usually so expressive.
"Elsie?"
She spun around, clutching the lapels of her dressing gown. Charles stood in the kitchen doorway.
"Are you ill?"
"No, just restless," she softly admitted. "Would you like a cup of tea?" she offered automatically.
He hesitated for just a moment before giving her a slight nod.
Once she'd made their tea and sat, she held her breath. They were alone again. It was the middle of the night. What now, she wondered.
To her surprise, it was Charles who started the conversation. The subject turned out to be a surprise also. In fact, it was so unexpected, she had no idea how to respond.
"I think it's time you moved into the same bedroom as me," he announced.