"Seems like we were just here."

Charles pulled the car into the drive beside The Sandcastle, smiling at a waiting Purley and Lily.

"And the welcome wagon is here!" Elsie teased offering a bright smile and a wave to the couple. "I hope they haven't been waiting long. It's freezing out."

She was barely out of the car when Lily came barreling towards her, arms flung wide before encasing Elsie in a hug. "Welcome back!" Leaning back, the large woman looked Elsie up and down. "Still a skinny minnie, Little Mother. That baby needs some meat and potatoes!"

Charles grinned at his wife, stopping to shake Purley's hand before crossing around to the ladies. "How about me? Do I get some of this love and good cooking?"

"You'll be fat as me if you aren't careful, Mr. Charles, but I suppose you can have a little." Lily pulled him into a bone jarring embrace as Elsie kissed Purley's cheek.

"Did you have a nice trip?" The tiny man called out on his way to the trunk to retrieve the bags.

Elsie winked at Charles before answering, "It was eventful, but we are quite happy to be back here with you."

"And we only have you for two more days?" Lily asked sadly, joining Purley to help with the bags.

"I'll do that Lily!" Charles exclaimed as he made his way towards the couple, retrieving the bag from the woman's plump hand. "And yes. We are here until Monday evening."

Elsie noted the couple exchanging knowing smiles. "Wait a minute, you two. Something is going on…"

"Just happy to see you, Little Mother," Lily insisted, linking her arm in Elsie's. "Now, please tell me you are hungry."

"I am a bit," Elsie admitted. "We stopped a couple of hours ago for a cup of tea, but haven't really eaten since this morning.

"And halfway to tea time! Tch-tch." she shook her head disapprovingly. "You two run upstairs and freshen up and I will have a feast ready in the dining room."

"We can just meet you in the kitch-" Charles was cut off by the cook.

"Won't be a proper welcome home unless we do it right."

Elsie and Charles were halfway up the stairs when Charles stopped. "Did you hear that? It sounded like a dog barking from the direction of the dining room."

Elsie stopped mid-step, but shook her head. "I didn't hear anything. Maybe it was just Lily and Purley being silly."

Charles smiled at her, "Do you feel like being a little silly before we eat, Mrs. Carson?"

He couldn't see the bright smile on her face as she continued up the stairs in front of him. "How silly, Mr. Carson?"

"Silly enough to lift your skirt." He offered, his unseen smile as bright as hers.

"Oh, my. So very silly. I suppose you have caught me in a rather playful mood." Elsie turned to look at him at the top of the landing, seductively slipping open the buttons of her coat. "Where would you like this silliness to take place?"

"Just slip off your knickers and we'll work out the semantics."

Elsie stopped where she was, not taking her eyes from his as she dropped her coat before reaching under her skirt and slipping off her underwear. "I've done my bit."

Charles dropped their bags where he stood, pulling off his over coat and jacket, tossing them to the floor, wagging his eyebrows as he took a few steps towards his grinning wife. "Come here, you."

Elsie shrieked with laughter backing away in the direction of their room. "You aren't really going to take me in middle of the corridor?"

"You are the one who dropped the white flag, so to speak," Charles countered, leaning down to pick up her white panties from the floor. "Now you must face the consequences of your surrender."

"You forget that I am faster than you." Elsie giggled, pulling off her heels before turning and running.

"Oh, but when I catch you, Mrs. Carson…" Charles called out, moving as briskly as his hip would allow.

Upon reaching the bedroom, he threw open the door only to find it empty. "Oh, a game of hide and go seek is it?" He leaned down to look under the bed. "Not under the bed. Oh, Elsie May, come out, come out, wherever you are!"

Unable to stifle a giggle, his wife soon made her whereabouts known. Gently opening the door of the large mahogany wardrobe, Charles found Elsie with her back to him, her hands over her face. Wrapping his hands around her waist, he bent forward and kissed her neck. "You've been found."

"Ugh!" She playfully groaned, turning to face him. "I was never good at this game, I'm such a giggle box." She gave him a quick peck before reaching down and unbuckling his belt, unfastening his trousers soon after.

"Come here, my little giggle box." Pulling her out of the wardrobe, he pushed his hands under her skirt and lifted under her bum as she wrapped her arms around his neck before doing the same with her legs around his waist. Moving towards the door, Charles pushed it closed before pressing Elsie's back against it.

"Honey, your hip…" Elsie gasped between heated kisses.

"Is fine." Charles promised, shifting until their bodies fully met. "Don't worry. Just let me love you, sweetheart."

The couple held hands, stopping multiple times to share a kiss on their way down the stairs.

"They'll think we fell asleep." Elsie whispered after pulling out of a kiss just outside the dining room door.

"They have been married for almost fifty years. I am certain they know we weren't sleeping." Charles pushed open the door to the dining room, his hand groping Elsie's bum, only to jump as twelve voices shouted, "Surprise!"

"Good Lord!" Charles almost backed out of the room at the sight of Joseph, Cora, Robert, Isobel, Violet, Phyllis, Beryl, Daisy, Andy, Dr. Clarkson and the Purleys all standing around the dining room table, but Elsie grabbed his hand, pulling him back inside as Barley was let loose from Andy's arms, hightailing it toward his humans.

"We've been waiting yonks, chap!" Robert called out. "What have you two been up to?"

Isobel smiled brightly, "Let me guess. A trip to the green house, perhaps?"

Happily exchanging handshakes and hugs, the couple was soon separated as they were each bombarded with questions about their honeymoon and the trip to Tipton Hall.

Elsie had chatted with all but one guest by the time she reached the far side of the table. "Dr. Clarkson! It is lovely to see you!" She snuck a look over at Isobel on the other side of the table, noting her blush as their gazes met, as well as an odd look as though she was trying to communicate a secret.

"And you, Mrs. Carson. You look quite well. Feeling alright? How is the nausea?"

"Practically non-existent," she assured him. "I have been eating like a horse and feel quite well."

"I am very happy to hear it. Mrs. Crawley was a little concerned that such a long car trip would wear you out and asked me along with Mrs. Patmore and the others to have a look at you."

Elsie bit her bottom lip as she suddenly understood Isobel's strange attempt at communication was a plea to go with whatever Dr. Clarkson said. "Oh, yes. Well, she and Charles are bound and determined that I receive the best of care. I am quite fortunate to have such a wonderful support system."

"You are, indeed."

Elsie watched as the doctor looked across the table at the beautiful Isobel Crawley, a certain twinkle shining in his eyes as she returned his attention. Turning her head to find her own object of affection, she was slightly alarmed to find Charles in deep discussion with Joseph and Robert, a pensive look on his face as the men took turns telling him something.

"Mrs. Carson?"

Elsie realized she had just missed whatever the doctor had just asked her. "I'm sorry. What were you saying?"

"I was just asking if I might steal you away for a few minutes later to check your blood pressure. I should perform at least one medical task to make my presence justifiable."

"Of course you may take my blood pressure, but I hope you know your presence is quite justifiable even if you don't." Elsie smiled brightly, glancing over to find Isobel still intently watching them. "I don't know if you have any interest in them, but the Crawley's have a magnificent collection of orchid plants."

The doctor cocked his head with interest. "Orchids? I would love to see them. Fascinating plants."

Elsie turned her attention back to Isobel, cheekily smiling as she called out, "Oh, Isobel? Dr. Clarkson would be most appreciative if you would take him to visit the green house."

Isobel pursed her lips in order to quell a smile as she gave her head a quick shake of mock disapproval of Elsie before smiling happily at the doctor. "Of course, it would be my pleasure to show you."

Her meddling successful, Elsie was approaching Charles when she heard Robert say, "…and it doesn't look like he'll be getting out anytime soon." Her heart skipped a beat, immediately hoping to the subject of the conversation was Lawrence Abernathy.

"Shhh…" Charles quickly quieted the others as he noticed Elsie's proximity. "What about this party, eh? We certainly were surprised, weren't we?" He placed his arm round her waist and kissed her forehead.

"Who won't be getting out anytime soon?"

Robert and Joseph both looked to Charles, neither wanting to answer without his approval.

Sighing, Charles admitted, "Charlie Grigg. He's been arrested for forgery and theft."

Elsie was momentarily disappointed to hear that the incarcerated man wasn't her uncle or Joe Burns, but the knowledge that someone she despised as much as Grigg had been jailed soon remedied her displeasure. "I hope he bloody well rots."

The men grinned at her display of fire.

"Has his case gone to court?"

Joseph answered, "No. Will be a month or two. Alice couldn't drum up the bail money, so he won't see the light of day for a while."

"Good. I didn't mean to interrupt," Elsie apologized before slipping out of Charles' grasp. "I'll let you continue your talk."

Charles was surprised at her quick departure, his eyes following her across the room to where Phyllis, Beryl, Cora and Violet sat at the dining room table.

"How was Tipton Hall, my dear?" Violet asked before taking a sip of tea.

"The house was very impressive and it was lovely to meet some of the people Charles' cousin had worked with, but I am very happy to be back here. The Sandcastle is a beautiful place, Lady Grantham."

"It is lovely." Beryl seconded. "That Lily showed me the wonderful kitchen."

Violet laughed. "I think I have been in there twice and once was only because I got lost, but thank you for you compliments. I have always found this house a little too damp for my tastes, but my husband and Robert always enjoyed it. Charles and Joseph often accompanied them in the summers when they were young. Fishing and playing on the shore…they would all come back brown as beans except for Robert who simply boiled and peeled like a little shrimp."

The women shared a laugh, glancing over at the trio.

"Beryl, Phyllis, I wonder if you wouldn't go find Daisy and Andy? They took Barley out for a walk some time ago." Elsie gave her friends a little pleading look, along with a wink.

Realizing Elsie wanted a word with their betters, the women smiled at her as they moved from the table, Beryl assuring her, "We'll track them down. I hate to think what those two might be getting up to with only that fur ball for a chaperone."

Elsie gave Beryl a thankful look before returning her attention to those on either side of her at the table. "I feel quite sheepish asking this given how incredibly generous both of you have been to me," Elsie looked at each of them with a cast of worry on her face, "but I was wondering if you might allow me to visit you in London for a day in the next couple of weeks?"

"Of course," Cora quickly answered. "Do you need something? I would love to take you shopping."

Elsie glanced over at the men. "I don't need to shop, but I do have an errand I would like to take care of that I would prefer Charles not know about."

The women shifted closer to hear more of her explanation.

"I want to visit that Grigg in gaol."

Cora's expression grew grave. "I don't know if that is a good idea, Elsie…"

"I simply want to see his face and tell him what a dirty rotten bastard he is."

"As long as you let me come along," Violet's eyes were lit with excitement. "…consider yourself invited, Elsie. I have wanted to gut that man like a trout for years. And don't worry about Charles. We will take you shopping for a dress for the wedding. That will be our guise."

"Are you certain you should? In your condition, I mean. I can't imagine it would be anything but awful to meet such a monster."

"I need to do it, Cora. The whole thing eats at me all the time, but I think facing him and coming to a reckoning will give me at least a little peace."

"But Elsie, if Charles were to find out…" Cora's face was grave as she glanced up, stopping mid-sentence as the men approached.

"There is an awful lot of whispering going on at this table," Robert teased. "You are giving us men quite a complex."

"We are simply talking of babies, dresses and wedding details," Violet quickly supplied. "And how Elsie is going to come to visit me next Thursday."

Charles' eyebrows shot up. "We are going to London next week?"

Violet placed her hand on Elsie's to suggest she need not answer. "I don't believe I said anything about you, Mr. Carson. It will be a ladies only visit, but if you would like, I am happy to send Robert and Joseph to Halifax."

While his two friends smiled brightly at the prospect, Charles turned his attention to Elsie, his brow furrowed. "Have you been to London by yourself before, love?"

She smiled warmly up at him, choosing to appreciate his care, rather than resent his impertinence. "I haven't, but I imagine I will simply get on a train, take a taxi from the station to Grantham House and be very well looked after."

"A car will pick her up, Charles, if that is any consolation and I will personally see that she is beautifully cared for." Cora offered.

"What will you ladies be doing?"

Noting Charles' worried curiosity, Elsie stood, taking his hand in her own. "If I am to attend this wedding, I will need a new dress, will I not? Lady Grantham and Cora have most kindly offered to help me find one."

Charles opened his mouth to ask how this plan had come about, but was distracted by a small furry friend at his feet. "Hello, chum! Were you missing me?"

"He wants you to give him a bite of that roast beef he smells." Elsie supplied, scratching Barley's head as Charles picked him up.

"You know I would, chum, but mummy is watching."

"Mummy is feeling generous." Elsie reached over and plucked a small morsel from the serving tray. "Remember this the next time I have cold feet and you are snuggling up to your buddy, sweet boy." She teased as she gave the dog a bite.

Barley's distraction served Elsie well and Charles let the subject drop for the rest of the shared evening with their friends. Violet had feigned social engagements the next day as her reason for leaving a few hours later and it was nearing one in the morning when the long day finally caught up with Elsie and Charles. Excusing themselves from the others who remained engaged in board games and snooker, the couple slipped out of the room with a tired Barley resting in Charles' arms.

Closing the door, Elsie whispered, "I feel sorry for Beryl. Between Phyllis and JoMo making eyes, Isobel and Dr. Clarkson having their heads together and Robert and Cora playing footsie under the table while Andy was mooning over Daisy, she was the odd man out."

"Are you suggesting we turn the tables on the local matchmaker and try to find her a beau?"

She giggled as they reached the foot of the stairs. "I don't mean to wear a sandwich board listing her merits, but we might keep our eyes open for someone suitable."

They were half way up to the landing when Charles stopped to ask, "Are you really going to London to buy a dress?"

Elsie hesitated for a half-second, girding herself with the fact that she was indeed going to shop with the Crawley ladies and Cora before smiling up at him, "I am really going to London to buy a dress."

"And you don't mind going alone to visit Violet?"

Elsie squeezed his elbow, amused by his tone. "She is growing on me, and besides, Cora and Isobel will be there."

"But I won't be."

Elsie leaned up and kissed his cheek. "No, you won't, but it is only for one day."

"But I will miss you every minute."

"And I you, but just think of what a wonderful welcome home you can give me when I return."

"You will be careful?"

"No parachuting and no eating paint chips, on my honor."

Charles sighed, shaking his head with a smile as he continued up the stairs. "I just love you, you know?"

"I had an inkling," Elsie uttered, reaching up to rub Charles' back as they approached the door to the master suite.

"And I worry."

Elsie bit her lip, her stomach turning as she considered the fact she was withholding the main reason for her visit. "I know you do, darling, but it will be fine. It will give me a chance to get to know your friends better, besides Isobel will be there and she is a nurse."

Charles used his shoulder to nudge open their door. "Will you put one of those pillows on the floor, sweetheart?" he asked, nodding towards the bed.

"Afraid he will want to snuggle with me and not you?"

"No," he answered with a wink. "I just want to make love to my wife without a third party present."

Elsie sat on the edge of the bed as she watched him tenderly place the pooch on the pillow, whispering, "Night-night, chum."

"I hope you never doubt it."

Charles gave her a puzzled look as he joined her on the edge of the bed. "Doubt what, honey?"

"That I love you so much I sometimes think my heart will burst."

Charles took her hand, pulling her back with him as he lay down against the bed. "No one has ever felt more loved than I, Elsie Carson. You not only do you carry my child, but my heart is entirely in your keep, as well. I feel your love every time you look at me; every time you say my name."

Elsie pushed herself up on the bed so that her head was even with his, rolling onto her side and placing her hand against his cheek, gently turning his face to look at hers. "I love you, Charles Carson. I love you. I love you. I love-"

She was unable to continue speaking as her husband claimed her lips.