Chapter 14 – Wind
There were two chapters today. If you haven't read 13 back up, we'll wait.
He hadn't gone immediately to her office. He made his rounds lingering over his triumph over Mrs. Patmore. Charles let her have some time, knowing better than to walk into the dragon's den immediately after she'd stormed off. But he also knew not to leave it too long. It was a fine line and not one he was particularly good at walking.
He'd coaxed Daisy into sneaking him a tea tray while Mrs. Patmore was busy with a delivery and now was bringing it to her sitting room. He knocked once then pushed the door open. One last deep breath and he stepped in, "I thought you might like to take a break."
She looked up from her ledgers, anger still rolling off her in waves, "Is that what you thought? Or did you think tea would make me less angry?"
Calmly he closed the door behind him then placed the tray on her table. He'd clearly left it too long. She'd had time to think, stew over the perceived slight. "Elsie, I hope you're not angry because I suggested you and Mrs. Patmore could come to an agreeable solution."
The ledger hitting the door less than a foot from his head let him know he had further underestimated her anger. He turned to see her crossing the room toward him, "Charles Carson, I hope you're not suggesting I don't have the right to be angry about my fiancé not supporting me."
"I am suggesting nothing of the sort. I understand your point, I just don't think shouting at anyone will make it better."
Standing in front of him, she poked him in the chest, "I wouldn't have to shout if my fiancé would participate in the planning."
He sat, turning to the tea tray and proceeded to make her tea, then his. He motioned to the empty chair, "Elsie, if you wanted my help, all you had to do was ask."
A guttural scream escaped her. Words he couldn't understand, but he suspected weren't fit for mixed company, streamed from her mouth. She paced, arms waving in the air. He picked up this cup and sipped daintily from it. He was fascinated, it was almost as if she didn't know he was there. The rant continued for several more minutes before she turned to him.
The look in her eyes might have sent a lesser man running into the night. For him, it lit a fire, a scintillating, thrilling fully engulfed flame. It wasn't proper, he couldn't, shouldn't be feeling this while sitting in her office. He imagined all of this passion channeled into other areas of their life, a small, smile crossed his face.
"And exactly what are you smiling about?"
Laughing to himself, his smile broadened, "You're beautiful when you're angry." He stood and walked to stand directly in front of her, "I have never wanted to kiss you, touch you…" He took another step, his hand went to her waist, pulling her into him. He lowered his head to hers, whispering. "Kiss you, Mrs. Hughes, as I do at this very moment. So if you are finished yelling at me, I would very much like to kiss you."
The wind left her sails. She'd expected him to be angry, fight back, this was unexpected. She exhaled noisily, "Is this going to be your way of ending our arguments Mr. Carson?"
"That depends, Mrs. Hughes." At her raised eyebrow he continued, "Is it working?"
Her answer was simple enough. She pulled him down and pressed her lips to his.