A/N: Thank you once again for your lovely reviews- they are a joy to read. Enjoy a nice fluff-filled chapter x

Chapter 21

As Elsie made her way down the last couple of steps, Charles walked forward to meet her. Both sets of eyes locked on each other, with the happiest, soppiest grins adorning both faces. Charles reached out to take Elsie's hands in his and tears gently trickled down his face as he said softly,

"I love you Elsie. I love you more than words can say." His fingers gently held her hands as they stood not more than a foot apart. He gazed down at the woman who had captured his heart. He needed to say more, so much more. He could feel his heart beating wildly in his chest.

"You are the most beautiful woman Elsie and I am madly and deeply in love with you … when I thought I had lost you … I … I really could not breathe … the thought that I might never get to hold you … to cherish you … was unbearable … I want to be with you always … I want so much to protect and love you … if you'll let me Elsie …. if you'll let me love you … you would make me the most joyful of men …" Charles said, looking at Elsie for a response, hoping and praying she returned his love.

Elsie gazed up into the eyes of her wonderful Butler. She did not think she had even remembered to breathe whilst he was saying those words. He was asking if she would let him love her. Elsie felt light-headed at the thought; there was nothing she wanted more. The man before her was the love of her life and she tussled for the right words to echo his endearments, his declaration of love. However, in that instant, as she gazed adoringly into his hopeful yet anxious eyes, she could only think of one response.

Elsie raised her hands to lightly cup his face; reaching up on tiptoes she drew his lips to hers, and she gave Charles the sweetest kiss, pouring all of her love into that one endearment. His hands glided around her waist, drawing her deeper into an embrace. The kiss was so light, so soft, yet full of meaning. They both held each other so tenderly. As their lips parted, both remained close, holding one other with such affection, such reverence. Charles gently caressed Elsie's face, placing the tiniest kisses on her nose, her lips, her temple, and her lips again. Elsie, quite breathless, whispered,

"I love you too Charles … I have always loved you …and there is nothing that would bring me greater happiness than to spend my life with you …"

Charles let out a soft gasp, sheer relief at hearing his love was returned. Elsie smiled devotedly at her Butler and laughed endearingly as she ran her hands up his chest and around his neck. He joined her laughter and rested his head on hers, gazing longingly into those beautiful blue eyes.

"Do you know how happy you have made me Elsie Hughes?" Charles smiled broadly.

"Why don't you show me?" Elsie teased, smiling at Charles with an excited grin.

His eyes widened in delight at her request as he swept her up into the most passionate kiss. His hands were on fire as they ran eagerly up and down her back, holding her so tightly against his chest. Gone was the sensible Butler of Downton Abbey as he let his love and desire for Elsie spill over into the most wonderful embrace. Neither aware of anyone else as they stood on the steps of the Opera Hall. He kissed, sucked and teased her warm lips as she murmured softly against his mouth. She let her tongue trace his lips as she returned his kisses with fervour. As his kisses grew more lustful, she ran her fingers up through his hair, mussing it as she lost control. His top hat having long ago fell to the ground. His hands had travelled even lower, finding her bottom as he groaned against her lips.

"I love you Elsie," he panted between kisses.

"Oh Charles… I love you too," she breathed.

He knew he should stop, they were in a public place for heaven's sake, but he couldn't seem to find the resolve. He loved and wanted Elsie so much and as he ravaged her with kisses and she writhed against him, pressing herself tightly against his chest, it was all he could do not to throw her down on the steps and make love to her right there. He had never felt such hunger for another; Elsie Hughes was the most sensual, beautiful woman and her kisses were driving him wild.

"Oh my god Elsie … you are so beautiful … so amazingly beautiful …" he uttered, although his words were no longer coherent, so aroused was he as he embraced her. The kisses continued, between sweet words.

"And you my sweetheart …" Elsie said, as her desire for Charles engulfed her, " … you are the most gorgeous man … oh … my most handsome Butler …." Her words trailed off as she wrapped her arms even more tightly around his neck and kissed him tantalisingly once more. She poured all of the pent up passion of 15 years of loving him into that kiss. Her hands roamed hungrily across his chest, under his tailcoat to stroke his strong back, gripping him roughly to her as he growled against her lips. As Charles continued to fondle Elsie's bottom, he began to kiss and caress her neck, running one hand through her hair as he devoured her neck. He realised even the finest wine did not taste as wonderful as his precious Elsie.

Suddenly, they were broken from their ardour by a loud cough, followed by a voice,

"Excuse me Sir, Madam …."

As they broke apart, both looking quite dazed after their zealous embrace, they were faced with a policeman. They both looked suitably stunned and mortified.

"… I am afraid I will have to ask you to take your … your affections ... elsewhere …" he said, obviously embarrassed, although Elsie noticed a faint smile on his lips.

Elsie and Charles were lost for words. After an awkward silence, Charles finally spoke.

"Oh yes, of course Officer … I ... I do apologise … it was entirely my fault … I ... well I ... I seemingly got carried away …" Charles said sincerely, if a little breathless, reaching out to hold Elsie's hand and smiling at her. Elsie smiled back, biting her lip.

"That's alright Sir … no harm done … you were just starting to draw quite a crowd and so I thought I should intervene … it's perhaps best if you continue in a more private setting ..." the Officer said.

Charles and Elsie quickly gazed around and were flabbergasted to see maybe 30 people staring in their direction. Oh my goodness, Elsie thought. She started to get the giggles, this was beyond embarrassment. Charles raised his eyebrows at her, it was not easy for him to retain his composure when a policeman had just told him to stop smooching with Elsie on the steps of the Opera Hall, but he was trying his best and this beautiful woman chuckling beside him was not helping!

"Yes … yes … of course Officer … I am not sure what came over me …" Charles said, gallantly taking the responsibility although he was thrilled to note that Elsie had been every bit as passionate as him.

"Well … you have a beautiful lady there Sir … I quite understand …" the Officer said, smiling at Elsie.

Charles couldn't believe it; the policeman was flirting with Elsie. However, now was not the time to get jealous, Charles thought sensibly.

"I do indeed …" Charles said, beaming at Elsie.

"Right then … we'll be on our way Officer … thank you for being so understanding … " Elsie intervened, tightening her grip on Charles' hand and dragging him away from the crowds. Once they were a good few yards away from the Opera Hall, Elsie leaned into Charles as they walked, holding hands, and she broke out into the most joyous laughter. Charles joined her, guffawing with glee at the events of the past few moments. Happiness filling their souls as they practically skipped down the road.

######

Charles and Elsie had missed the Opera but neither cared. They still had some time before their dinner reservation and so they walked lazily through Ripon Park, Charles' arm wrapped around Elsie's shoulders and she cosily snuggled into his side. Neither had ever felt happier in their lives. There was a stunning fountain in the middle of the park and as the couple reached it, they took the chance to take a seat and enjoy the view; as the water sparkled in the last of the evening sun.

"So you actually drove the car yourself?" Charles said, amazed by this woman beside him.

"Yes … I reversed it out of the ditch … you should have seen Mr Barnes … he was terrified I would run him over!" Elsie said and Charles laughed. Elsie then continued,

"I then had to get out and run the last half mile or so … the car was stuck in traffic … I was so scared I would never get to meet my secret admirer …." Elsie said, smiling at Charles, and stroking his face.

"Did you know it was me Elsie? Did you suspect?" Charles asked earnestly.

"I hoped and prayed with all of my heart that it was you Charles … but I really did not think that you loved me and so I was trying to prepare myself to be totally crushed …" Elsie said, her voice cracking.

"Oh Elsie … Elsie my love … I am so sorry that you ever had to doubt my love … can you ever forgive me? Can you forgive me for being such a clueless buffoon, a fool who took far too long to realise what was right in front of him … to realise that he was totally and irrevocably in love with his best friend?" Charles said, emotion filling his voice.

"There is nothing to forgive Charles … I am just so happy that we are finally here … that we are together and in love ... and I am so blessed to have been courted in such a romantic manner … Charles … the gifts … they were breath-taking … no one has ever done anything like that for me …" Elsie said, dreamily.

"I wanted to show you how much I loved you ... how much I cared … those gifts were simply a small token of my love for you Elsie … I love you so much…" Charles said softly, as he kissed her deeply.

As they broke apart, Elsie giggled and said,

"You really are the most wonderful kisser Charles Carson!"

Charles smiled the proudest smile and gleefully kissed her again.

######

They had enjoyed the most wonderful meal; totally at ease in each other's company. To be in love with your best friend really was the best love of all. They knew everything about the other and their close and trusted friendship was now enhanced by the deep love and passion they shared. Throughout the meal they shared gentle touches, kisses and caresses, both looking forward to being alone together once more when they left the restaurant.

As they enjoyed the last of their wine, Elsie gently caressed his leg, stroking it tenderly as she gazed into his eyes. He held her protectively at the waist, his other hand holding her free hand and kissing it softly. They did not need to speak; they simply enjoyed being in this moment together. She is exquisite, he thought, as he rested his head on hers and they sat for a long time, contentment and bliss overtaking them.

"Will you marry me Elsie?" Charles said, breaking the silence. A stunned Elsie stared at him in disbelief.

He had planned a grand proposal, to get down on one knee when they left the restaurant but he realised that there would never be a more perfect moment than right now, as he held Elsie securely in his arms and she gazed up at him so lovingly. He simply could not wait to ask the question that had been swirling around in his mind all evening.

"I love you so much … will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?" Charles added, the nerves starting to tell a little in his voice.

Tears welled in Elsie's eyes as she was overcome by this momentous gesture. She had not dared to dream that this could happen to her; that her sweetheart would one day return her love and propose marriage. However, she had never been more certain of an answer as she held Charles' face in her hands and said,

"Yes Charles …. I will marry you. I love you."

The kiss that followed was sweet and tender, as they both held each other closely, hugging and weeping in each other's arms as the emotions of the last few weeks and their joyous declarations of love overcame them. Their smiles lit up the room as their tears flowed freely and the lovely Butler and Housekeeper held tightly to each other, never wanting to let go.