"What do you mean he saved your life?" Elsie stared straight ahead as she felt Charles' heart began to beat faster against her back.

"I really don't wish to talk about it now please, love." Charles sighed, now finally alone with Elsie, he feared the rest of their day being colored with dark memories.

"Alright. I am sorry I brought it up."

"No, darling, don't be sorry. It is a story that you should know, but not today. Today is for being together and being happy."

Elsie looked up at him, puckering her lips in want of a kiss which Charles promptly supplied, the fondling that followed ridding him of unwanted thoughts.

Their water growing tepid and Charles' hip aching from his position, the two left the bath for the bedroom.


"May I look at your scar?"

Charles was surprised by the request, but nodded as he pulled the towel from around his waist. Elsie crouched down next to his leg to study the pale skin and the series of scars that created a relief map of sorts as though islands had been mapped on a jagged piece of parchment; the boundaries long, deep lines of scar tissue from where Charles' flesh had been cut and pulled back for the implantation of the metal plate which now patched the area where three bullets had obliterated the bone. Dusting her fingers over the scars, Elsie looked up and asked, "Which hurt more? Being shot? Or the surgery?"

"Recovering from the surgery," Charles instantly answered. "I had to learn to walk all over again after being bound in a cast for several months. The pain and being incapacitated for so long made me wish I hadn't survived."

Elsie returned her gaze to the site of his injury, closing her eyes as she placed a gentle kiss against the small grouping of scars that marked the entrance of the bullets. "I am sorry it was so awful, but I am so grateful you endured it," she whispered.

Charles swept her hair over her shoulder, running his fingers over the delicate skin and vertebrae of her neck. "So am I, my girl. So am I."

Reaching for Charles hand for support, Elsie stood up, her eyes locked with his as she removed her towel. "Will you take me to bed, Charles? I need to feel you against me."

Sliding his hands down her bare back and onto her bum, he pulled her to him, leaning down to kiss her deeply. Within moments they were on the bed, hands searching and pleasing before their bodies eventually met to create a rhythm that varied from slow and deep to frenzied and hard.

Elsie arched her back, unable to breathe as she sat astride Charles, a surge of intensity mounting in her center. Charles gently lifted her up, in an effort to find his own release away from her body.

"We need to make a trip to the chemist," Elsie whispered as she experienced a last few shudders of pleasure.

"Oh yes?" Charles whispered as he turned to look at Elsie.

"Oh, I think so. I am sure this method of prevention is what most of the families in the village where I grew up have used for centuries."

"And?"

"And most of them have at least five children."

"Point taken."

Elsie bit her bottom lip to curb grin as she added, "And I don't know about you, but I am going to want to do this often."

Charles let out a small chuckle as he ran his thumb over her perfect cheekbone. "How often do you think?"

"Well, first thing in the morning, of course… then again in late morning, again in the late afternoon and then certainly at least once a night." Elsie dryly answered.

"Four times a day?!" Charles rolled over, propping himself up on his elbow to look at her Cheshire cat grin.

"Well, I would prefer six, but I suppose we have to get this book written sometime."

"You are going to kill me, Elsie Hughes." Charles leaned down and kissed her nose, "But I will die a happy man."

Elsie ran her fingers through his hair, studying the kind, beautiful face hovering above her. "I think we should die in each other's arms in seventy years or so."

"I would be one hundred and eight and you would be one hundred and two."

"Sounds about right to me."

Charles rolled back onto his back, shaking his head as he smiled. "Very well." It was at this moment that Barley decided to make his presence known, yipping and licking Charles' foot as he anxiously stood with his paws on the side of the bed.

"Oh, my poor sweet boy! Are we neglecting you?" Elsie moved to retrieve the panting pup who had begun to jump around at the sound of her dulcet tones.

Delighted at being reunited with his two favorite humans, Barley hopped between the two as he was showered with affection.

"Ouch!" Charles lowered his hand to his lap after Barley's little paw brushed his most sensitive area. "As much as I would like to look at your body all afternoon, I am going to get our dressing gowns before he does some real damage."

"Thank you," Elsie laughed, her arms drawn up around her chest to deflect Barley's swipes.

Both in their robes and having shifted up against the pillows, Charles was wrapped around Elsie as she tended to Barley. He kissed the tip of her ear before mustering the courage to ask, "Is this what you want? For it to just be the three of us?"

Elsie stopped rubbing the dog's belly, cocking her head toward Charles as she considered his words. "Yes. I wouldn't have agreed to move in if it wasn't what I wanted."

"That's not what I meant," Charles gently replied. "I mean do you want it to only ever be you, me and Barley or would you like to eventually have a baby that wasn't furry."

Elsie appreciated his humor, but the question still made her chest tighten. "I don't know. I have always worried that if I had one it might turn out to be like Becky and I wouldn't want any child to have live that kind of life."

"I see." Charles voice was soft and understanding, although his heart broke at the thought of not having a family with her.

Elsie turned her body so that she was looking at him fully. "But there is one thing I hadn't planned on."

"What's that?"

"You."

Charles pulled her to him, placing soft kisses in her hair.

"I never thought I would meet someone as wonderful as you, as kind or as gentle. I know you would be a wonderful father and we'd be nothing like my parents, would we?"

"No, we wouldn't." Charles agreed.

Elsie squeezed his hand as she closed her eyes, her honest feelings made known as she said, "I would love to have your child someday."

"Oh, Elsie…" Charles placed his fingers under her chin, tipping her face towards his for a kiss.

Following the tender kiss, Elsie leaned against his chest, a silly grin on her face as she teased, "Even though I know it will be a giant."

Charles surprised her with his cheek, "Well, I always say, you only get out of something what you put into it."

"Ha!," Elsie laughed before kissing him again.


They were sharing a pot of tea and fruit at the dining room table when Elsie voiced her idea. "Could we visit Tipton Hall? Does the family still live there?"

Charles cocked his head in contemplation. "I suppose we could. I think the daughters and their families live in London and I know the son is in India, but Robert knows them and I am sure he wouldn't mind asking."

"Excellent! I think it might help to have a picture in our minds when he talks about the library or the servant's hall or other places in the house. Who knows? Maybe some secrets will unveil themselves."

"I don't know that we will find much more than cobwebs and priceless, ugly heirlooms, but if it means a night in a hotel with you, I am game."

"As long as you have your priorities straight." Elsie laughed as she reached across the table and took his hand. "Now. I believe you mentioned something about a film and dinner?"

"Ah, yes, but perhaps I should do this properly." Charles set his cup back on his saucer. "Miss Hughes, would you care to go on a date with me?"

Elsie laughed, "I suppose it will be our first real date. We have rather been putting the cart before the horse, haven't we?"

"We haven't conformed to convention, I will admit."

"If all this hadn't happened, do you think you would have tried to court me?" Elsie asked.

"Court, wine, dine, woo, charm, beg and plead. I wanted you from the start, Elsie."

She squeezed his hand, "Well, you've got me."

Returning her squeeze, he added, "And just so you know, I am not letting go."


Agreeing that Charles would pick her up at her own flat at half past six, Elsie left his at four thirty which gave Charles exactly two hours to put his plan into action. He nearly missed the florist, catching the man just as he was locking up for the day. An orchid corsage in his possession, he headed to the chemist before stopping in at Woolworths and then made a quick trip into the booksellers. His tasks completed, Charles looked at his watch and saw that he had forty-five minutes to groom and dress before calling for Elsie. Cutting over two streets, his timing worked out perfectly as he met Beryl just as she was locking up the tea room.

"Care for an escort home, miss? I happened to be in your neck of the woods."

"Hello, there! That would be lovely. My goodness what all have you got there?"

"Chocolates and an orchid and a few other bits and bobs…" Charles offered.

"Because?"

"Because I am taking my girl on an actual date. I pick her up at her flat in a little less than an hour."

"I like the sound of that. Your girl." Beryl smiled brightly at him.

"So do I and I think I can proudly say that is a true statement. Did she tell you she agreed to move in?"

Beryl nodded, "She did."

"Do you think it is crazy? That we are crazy?"

"Crazy in love, but I think when you know, you know."

"Oh, I know alright."

"Well, I think it is wonderful, but it really doesn't matter what I think. It only matters what you and Elsie feel."

"I feel that I want to marry her, Beryl. I would marry her today if I could. We have talked about children."

Beryl stopped mid-stride, closing her eyes as she whispered, "Goodness."

Charles inhaled deeply, "I know it is sudden."

"No," Beryl shook her head. "That is what she told me you were: goodness. And I think she was right." She warmly smiled up at him before adding, "And I think you should follow your heart, but be gentle with hers. That lamb has been through more misery or heartache than anyone I know."

"I only want to love and cherish her."

"Good lad."

The twosome continued their walk in companionable silence before stopping in front of Charles' flat.

"Have a wonderful time...Oh! I haven't wished you a happy birthday!"

"Thank you." Charles was halfway up his steps when he called out to her, "And thank you for the lovely cake!"

"My pleasure. Now go spoil your girl rotten."

Charles gave her a wink, "I intend to do just that."

Beryl waited until Charles had disappeared inside the flat before making her way around to Elsie's entrance. Knocking, she called out, "It's only me, chicken!"

Clad in her slip, Elsie opened the door, "Hello! Come in! How did you know I was here?"

Beryl's heart swelled at the welcome sight of her friend happily bustling around the room, noting that Elsie had never looked happier. "Your beau. I hear you have a date."

"Ah." Elsie smiled as she looked over her shoulder from the bathroom mirror while clipping an earring into place.

"He was running some errands and came by to walk me home. He's a good egg that one."

"You think so?" Elsie asked, a bright smile on her face.

"I know so." Beryl sat on the little bed as she watched her friend continue to flit around the room. "He's serious."

Elsie turned, her hands holding her pair of highest navy blue heels. "We're serious."

"He said you talked about having children."

"We did." Elsie timidly admitted.

"You know you need to tell him everything, love. Your father, your mother and Becky and Joe…everything."

Elsie crossed the room and sat next to her friend on the bed as she worried, "I am afraid it will be too much."

"It won't be. I know you have known each other for such a short time, but I know right when I see it and this is right and that other will eventually rear its ugly head, so tell him. I'm not saying tonight, but soon. He deserves to know."

Elsie sighed, her happiness deflating at the realization that Beryl was right. "I will. I will tell him."

She cupped Elsie's cheek with her hand, "Good girl. It really will be alright."

Elsie nodded, although a sick feeling lingered in her stomach.

"Now," Beryl patted her leg, "I expect a full report on this date tomorrow and I don't want you to leave out any of the juicy details!"


Laden with a stack of five wrapped parcels, Charles was inspecting the shine of his shoes when he heard the door creak open, his breath lost as he took in the vision before him.

While Elsie's wardrobe was decidedly limited; three work blouses and two skirts, two jumpers, as well as two summer dresses and two winter, she did own one very smart ensemble that consisted of a tailored, curve hugging teal silk blouse which she paired with a navy blue suit, the jacket and skirt each featuring a flared peplum that drew the eye to her shapely bottom.

The dark navy of the suit bringing out the deep blue of her big, beautiful eyes, Charles could only stare in awe.

"Good evening, Mr. Carson."

"Elsie, you look beautiful."

"Thank you." She beamed up at him, her own breath hitching as she took in her large man in a dark gray suit that picked up the distinguished streaks of the same hue that peppered his temples. "So do you."

Charles shook his head with a smile before holding out his stack of packages. "Sweets for the sweet."

"What have you done?" she playfully scolded. "It is your birthday, not mine. Why am I getting gifts?"

"I am catching up. If we were doing this conventionally, this would most likely be our third date."

"You would bring me a gift for each date?"

"Of course. I am wooing you, remember?"

"But there are five presents here."

"I would have given you these two on our first date," Charles explained as he handed her the top two boxes, "…and, well, one isn't really a gift. More of a fulfillment of a request."

Elsie giggled, "I see. Well, I don't but I suppose I will."

"Yes. Now open them up. I still have wining and dining to do."

"Yes, sir!" Elsie stepped back to let him in. "Don't look around." Although she knew he had been in her flat, the condition of the room still bothered her.

"As if I could look at anything but you right now."

"Smooth, Mr. Carson. Very smooth."

"Thank you. Now open your presents!"

"Alright, alright!" Opening the first two gifts, she let out a little gasp, "Candy and flowers! And you already gave me violets today, Charles."

"Is that too silly? You don't have to wear the orchid if you don't want to…"

"It is incredibly sweet is what it is and I will absolutely wear it. You will share in my chocolates?"

"I was hoping you would offer. I didn't know what you liked so I got the assorted tray and I have a bottle of red. I thought we might share them after we go to bed tonight."

"You must think I am a pretty sure thing if you have already planned what we will be doing in bed."

"Oh, I have much more planned than just wine and chocolates."

Elsie leaned over and gave him a deep kiss to which he responded by sliding his hand under her jacket and around her waist.

"Oh no," she uttered as she pulled out of the kiss. "Keep your hands to yourself, Mr. Carson, or we will never get out of here."

Charles let out an exaggerated sigh as he pulled back his hand. "Alright."

The next box held a lovely kit of charcoals, pastels and pencils, as well as a proper sketch pad.

"Charles! Oh, this is wonderful, love!" Elsie's eyes filled with tears as his thoughtfulness.

"You are a talented artist, so you need the proper tools."

"Amateur at best, but this is very sweet. Thank you." Elsie swallowed hard as she reached over and squeezed his hand. "Now this is heavy," she observed as she pulled the fourth gift into her lap. The tears that had filled her eyes now freely flowed as she unwrapped the parcel to find a pristine and beautifully bound edition of Far From the Madding Crowd.

Charles kissed her head before reciting:

I shall do one thing in this life. One thing certain. That is love you and long for you and keep wanting you till I die.

Elsie tucked her chin to her chest her voice barely a whisper as she responded:

And at home by the fire, whenever you look up there I shall be and whenever I look up, there will be you.

"Marry me." The words were out of Charles mouth before he realized it.

Elsie turned to look up at him. His forehead knit with worry, Charles searched her eyes for some sort of response. Her breath staggered as she began to weep in earnest, she placed her hands on either side of his face as she nodded, "Of course I'll marry you."

Her cries became peppered with laughter as Charles proceeded to every inch of her face. "Thank you, thank you, thank you."


Elsie's make up repaired, her orchid pinned in place and Charles wearing a smile so big it made his cheeks ache, the couple set out for the high street to celebrate not only his birthday, but the fact that they were engaged.

"Where are going, love?" Elsie asked as they stopped at the corner, their hands happily clasped as they waited for a car to pass.

"We have a table booked at The Whiteside Inn."

"That's awfully posh, Charles." Elsie worried with a small frown.

"Well, I have cause to celebrate. I don't know if you have heard, but I am newly engaged." He looked down at her with a smile.

"Really? And who is the lucky lady?" Elsie playfully asked as they began to cross the street.

"A Scottish lass with freckles and the most beautiful smile I have ever seen."

Elsie couldn't help but burst into the grin he had just described. "Oh, really?"

"Yes." Charles nodded as they stepped up to the door just outside the restaurant. "But it's her dog I am really crazy about."

"Cheeky beggar," Elsie laughed, tugging on his tie as she passed him on the way inside.


Their meals ordered and wine poured, Charles lifted his glass towards Elsie. "To the next seventy years spent with you at my side."

Elsie smiled as she added, "And giant babies."

"And giant babies," Charles laughed as they clinked glasses. He was taking a sip when Elsie cocked her head in question.

"I never opened the last gift. What was in it, Charles?"

She nearly spit her wine across the table as he whispered, "One hundred prophylactics."


They were early for the eight o'clock double feature of a new comedy "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House" and a musical with Judy Garland and Fred Astaire called "Easter Parade," which gave them their choice of seating.

"Would you mind sitting in the back?" Charles asked, looking down at her. "I tend to block people's views if I don't."

Elsie smiled winningly up at him, "Not at all," adding as she stepped in front of him, "…and if the movies are boring, we won't bother other people if we neck."

Charles laughed, but was forced to inhale deeply as he watched her hips sway up the steps in front of him, suddenly hoping the movies were both terrible.


As luck would have it, Cary Grant and Myrna Loy were highly entertaining as they endured the woes of housebuilding, and Judy Garland and Fred Astaire captivated the audience, Elsie and Charles included, as they sang, danced and romanced to the music of Irving Berlin. So delightful were the movies, the couple had shared only a few stolen kisses during the news reels and trailers.

Charles waved for a taxi as they huddled together on the pavement, their teeth chattering in the cold night air. "Put your hands in my pocket, Elsie," he offered. "Where are your gloves?"

"I left them behind at the office on Monday." She muttered between the staccato tapping of her teeth clacking.

Charles wrapped his arm more tightly around her, pulling her face against his chest, "We'll get you some new ones tomorrow."

Gently ushering her to the edge of the curb, Charles opened the door of a newly arrived taxi and helped Elsie in. The address given to the driver, Charles nudged Elsie's nose with his own as he whispered, "I think this will warm us up." Tilting his head, he pressed his lips to hers which led to a long and lingering kiss. Their affectionate demonstration would have continued had the driver not cleared his throat and announced the arrival at Number Six, Chester Road with a bemused, "This is it."

Pulling out of the kiss, Charles looked down at Elsie's beautiful face, happily sighing as he said, "You're telling me."


A/N: Nods to two of my favorite films (not counting "'Mr. Blandings..." and "Easter Parade" which I also love): Walter Matthau uses a similar line to the "You only get out of something what you put in..." to Carol Burnett in "Pete n Tillie" and Spencer Tracy utters the "You're telling me..." line in my favorite movie of all time, "Woman of the Year."

Hope you guys forgive me for dodging the Thomas line for a bit...lots of big stuff to come, but I needed some romance. HAPPY DOWNTON DAY!

XOXO Jenny