Chapter 37

Elsie glided down the aisle on the arm of Lord Grantham. At the half way point she looked up at His Lordship, only to see him smiling down at her. As he touched the hand that was resting on his arm, he gave her a proud smile. The assembled crowds were beaming at Elsie as she walked down the aisle. She looked sensational and there were small gasps as she moved forward, closer and closer to the man she loved. There was an atmosphere of undiluted joy as their friends were openly delighted to see these two much-loved people find personal happiness at last. They had given their lives to Downton and now it was time to give the rest of their lives to one another.

Daisy, Anna and Ivy were teary as Elsie approached, Elsie gave them a warm smile as she walked by them. Even Thomas looked emotional to see this woman, whom he regarded with such respect and care, walking down the aisle. The other gentleman tried to conceal their emotions but Elsie was sure that she noticed some sniffles as she smiled in their direction. Elsie looked to her right, and could see Lady Edith and Lady Rose wiping their eyes with handkerchiefs. She then noticed, with surprise, Lady Mary sitting alongside them. Oh how wonderful, Elsie thought, as she knew how thrilled Charles would be to have her there. Lady Mary winked at Elsie as she passed and mouthed the word, 'Beautiful' at Elsie, with a delighted expression. Elsie grinned in return. Lady Grantham, the Dowager Countess and Mrs Crawley sat in front, two of the ladies wore joyful smiles, one looked as stern as ever. Elsie gave a little giggle; she had always thought the Dowager wanted Charles for herself!

Charles stood mesmerised as he watched Elsie make her way down the aisle. She was positively luminous, resplendent in the most stunning dress. Charles tried to take in every detail, her tight fitting bodice that displayed her womanly charms to perfection, the small waist that he longed to slide his arms around and the delicate, flowing skirt that dropped to the floor like a cascading waterfall. She was exquisite; how on earth have I bagged such a treasure? Charles wondered with a beaming smile.

As Elsie, reached the front of the Church, she handed her bouquet of small cream roses, white hydrangea, and lilac thistles to Beryl, who was standing to her left in her role as Maid of Honour. The two women shared a moment, smiling at one another in love and friendship, no words were needed. They had been through so much together and no one knew, more than Beryl, how important this day was for Elsie. At this point, Elsie's eyes began to brim with tears. She exhaled slowly, trying to rein in her emotions. She turned to Lord Grantham, who kissed her gently on the hand and stepped back, to allow Elsie to stand by her man. His Lordship shook Charles' hand and then went to join his wife. Mr Bates stood to the right of Charles.

Finally, they were together, standing side-by-side at the front of the Church, in front of the entire congregation. Charles entwined his fingers with Elsie's, giving them a gentle squeeze as he looked into those beautiful blue eyes. Elsie looked up at her adorable Charles, he looked so handsome, so princely, in his morning suit. His hair was tamed yet that charming curl still fell across his face. She wanted so much to reach up and kiss her man. Instead she gripped his fingers tightly and leaning towards him, said quietly,

"Fancy seeing you here, Charles!"

Charles chuckled, never taking his eyes from Elsie for a moment,

"You look absolutely stunning … you are beautiful, Elsie," he said with complete devotion.

"You look very fetching yourself Charles … how about we get married?" Elsie teased.

"Now, why didn't I think of that!" Charles replied, as they both giggled, turning towards the vicar contentedly, fingers still touching, and the service began.

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"I now pronounce you man and wife …" said the Vicar, as the congregation looked on in delight, "… you may kiss your bride Mr Carson," he finished.

Charles looked to Elsie, sheer happiness filling his heart. He took a step towards his bride, softly caressing her face with his hand. He slipped one arm around her waist, as his other hand held her face. Elsie's heart soared as she rested her hands on his broad chest as Charles pulled her to him and kissed her lovingly on the lips. It was a gentle and tender kiss, holding much promise for what was to come. Elsie could not resist deepening the kiss a little, despite understanding the need for restraint. They both became lost in this kiss, only breaking free from their embrace when the congregation erupted into spontaneous applause. Still holding one another, they both turned towards their friends and laughed in delight. They were then smothered in congratulations, kisses and good wishes from their delighted friends.

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The wedding reception was in full flow, much champagne had been consumed and Beryl Patmore's wedding buffet enjoyed immensely. The band were wonderful, and there was much dancing. Charles and Elsie were making sure they chatted to all of their guests, and were currently talking to Lord and Lady Grantham. Charles had his arm around his wife's waist, gently caressing the satin with his thumb. He could not stop touching his wife. He found her quite irresistible and whereas, in the company of others, he would usually demonstrate restraint, this seemed impossible now that he knew they were man and wife. Elsie smiled up at him as he planted another little kiss on the side of her forehead. As they continued to talk to the Grantham's, Charles' hand slid down to stroke her bottom. Elsie continued to chat but looked up at Charles with a warning look in her eyes. He simply smiled in return and continued to fondle her behind. Elsie was finding it increasingly difficult to concentrate on the conversation as his hand roamed all over her back and bottom, the final straw was when he glided his hand up her side amorously, raising his hand so high that he was caressing the side of her breast with his thumb.

"Charles!" she cried, her voice in a higher pitch than usual, adding 'Shall we dance"?

Charles smiled at her wickedly; they made their excuses to the Grantham's and headed to the dance floor. Charles pulled her securely to him, wrapping his arms around her and nestling his face in her hair. He hands wandered adoringly over her back. Elsie leant backwards a little, looking up into his lustful face,

"Charles Carson! We were talking to Lord and Lady Grantham for heaven's sake! They could see where your hands were going!" Elsie said, with mock exasperation.

Charles smirked at Elsie, kissing her full on the lips in reply, then added,

"It is your fault! You should not look so gorgeous … so sexy …" he murmured, giving her another lovely kiss.

Elsie shook her head, smiling, as they both swayed to the music. Charles looked into her eyes,

"I mean it Elsie … my god I want you so much … I cannot think of anything else … I would take you right here, right now, if you would let me …" Charles whispered lustily, pressing himself firmly up against her so she could feel how hard he was for her. A hot flush overtook Elsie, as her need for him intensified. She could not help but let out a little groan as she kissed Charles passionately in the middle of the dance floor, her hands touching and stroking his neck, her fingers running through his hair and biting and kissing his lips. She gripped his face in her hands for one final kiss and then broke away,

"Charles, we must stop, goodness, people are looking…" Elsie said huskily, her equilibrium quite disrupted. They still held each other, and pretended to dance a little, although dancing was the last thing on their minds. Eyes from around the room were on them, although not many were shocked; most were getting quite used to such displays of affection from their Butler and Housekeeper. Daisy and Ivy giggled as they watched the Carsons, thinking how wonderful it was that two old people were so in love!

"Let's go upstairs Elsie … please ... I want you now …I honestly don't think I can wait any longer …" Charles said hoarsely against her lips.

"Umm Charles … I want you too ….umm … you have no idea how much … but we cannot leave our own wedding reception," Elsie stated between brief kisses, common sense prevailing.

"Why not?" Charles asked, both hands grasping her bottom, as he slid his tongue into her mouth and kissed her eagerly. The satin and lace of her dress felt wonderful underneath his hands, Charles thought. Elsie gasped,

"Charles, honestly!" she said, as she gripped his hands and moved them up to her waist. Charles gazed at Elsie dreamily, now quite unaware that there was anyone else in the room.

"I love you Mrs Carson," Charles said sloppily.

"I love you too Mr Carson," Elsie giggled, shocked yet delighted that Charles was obviously so amorous.

"Let's go and sit down, before you do us both some damage!" Elsie said smiling.

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Elsie and Charles were sitting with Anna, John and Beryl, chatting and laughing. Elsie was gently stroking the inside of Charles thigh, under the table, as he held her and caressed her side. It felt blissful to be sitting so close and to be able to be affectionate in front of others.

Dr Clarkson then approached the table,

"Mrs Carson, I wondered if I could have the pleasure of this dance?" Richard asked.

Elsie felt Charles stiffen beside her.

"That's if Mr Carson doesn't mind?" Richard added.

"Of course, he doesn't mind, do you Charles?" Elsie said, glaring at him to give the correct answer.

"No, no, of course not," Charles grimaced, begrudgingly letting go of Elsie as she stood. She gave him a little peck for reassurance and then joined Richard.

"That's very generous Mr Carson … if I was lucky enough to have such a stunning wife … I am not sure I would be quite so generous," Richard said cheekily as he escorted Elsie onto the dance floor. It took all of Charles' strength not to get up and pull Elsie back to her seat.

Charles watched as the doctor twirled Elsie around on the dance floor. He did not like the way that man ogled his wife. He held Elsie close and his eyes wandered all over her body. Charles knew he was being ridiculous, he knew Elsie loved him, she had just married him, but he could not help feeling very jealous of Doctor Clarkson. As the dance came to an end, Charles was relieved yet the doctor did not release Elsie immediately, he continued to hold her and they were obviously both breathless after their dance, laughing together.

"Charles Carson, calm down. Don't go and do anything stupid!" Beryl said, as she watched him winding himself up into a state.

"I am not going to do anything Beryl. I just don't like the way he flirts with Elsie, that's all," Charles said more calmly than he felt.

"That's alright then … Elsie may have forgiven you for breaking one rivals nose but I don't think that forgiveness would stretch to two!" Beryl warned.

"I didn't break his nose … and anyway, Dr Clarkson is no rival," Charles added.

"Glad to hear it," Beryl smiled at him.

Elsie and Richard made their way back to the table, still smiling.

"Well, Mrs Carson, thank you very much for the dance … I am now going to go and keel over in a corner!" Richard jested.

"Thank you, Richard … you are quite a dancer!" Elsie flattered.

As Richard walked away, Elsie turned to Charles, looking at him lovingly but then she noticed his unease.

"Oh for heaven's sake Charles, that's what people do at a wedding: they dance with the bride!" Elsie said.

"I know, I know. It's just him, I don't trust him," Charles said childishly. Elsie sat down beside him, rolling her eyes light-heartedly, but snuggling up beside him nevertheless. Charles enclosed her in his arms.

"And since when do you not trust Dr Clarkson? You always seemed to have great respect for him," Elsie said, bemused.

"Well, that was before he took you to that dance in the village. I was going to ask you to that dance but he jumped in before me," Charles said incredulously.

"Eh? Since when? I asked you to accompany me to that dance and you turned me down!" Elsie said, even more confused.

"But that's just it … I didn't realise you had asked me, not properly asked me … I am clueless … you know that …" Charles began. Elsie nodded in agreement and stifled a giggle when Charles pretended to look shocked that she had agreed that he was clueless! Charles continued,

"… when I realised you had actually wanted to go to the dance with me … I decided to ask you … then old Romeo doctor there jumps in before I get the chance!" Charles stated seriously. Elsie continued to giggle.

"It's not funny!" Charles said, and then started to laugh himself.

"What a pair we are! How on earth we ever managed to get down that aisle and married, I will never know!" Elsie said, beaming at Charles.

"Well, I am very glad we did!" Charles said happily, drawing Elsie to him to sit on his knee and kissing her deeply. She cradled his handsome face in her hands, rubbing her nose against his and placing tiny kisses all over his face.

"Do you two ever give it a rest?!" Beryl said, pretending to be shocked. Elsie and Charles laughed. Beryl rolled her eyes, grinned and then walked off to chat to Daisy and Ivy. Anna and John were still at the table but were deep in conversation.

Elsie continued to sit on Charles' knee. He held her tightly around the waist, gently massaging her lower back with his fingers, whilst caressing her leg with his other hand. The feel of the satin felt divine, particularly because underneath it was Elsie's beautiful body, Charles thought. He traced his fingers up the length of her dress, stroking Elsie's leg sensually as he made his way to the top of her thigh. She rested one arm around his shoulders, tickling the back of his neck as he so liked, her other arm rested on his chest. Elsie lowered her head to nibble, touch and kiss his neck, as he continued to run his hand up and down her leg. He tasted so good to Elsie; she nipped and sucked his neck, then kissed the very spot she had just bitten. Both were breathing a little heavily.

Elsie looked around the room to ensure no-one was watching. They had their backs to most of guests in the room, and they were at the far side of the Great Hall, so they were somewhat hidden from view. When she was satisfied that no-one could see them, she undid a couple of buttons on Charles' shirt. Charles whimpered as her hand touched his bare skin and she ran her fingers through the hair on his chest. She made patterns on his chest, her nails scratching his skin, pressing more firmly. Charles was falling apart under her touch and gripped her body to him. Elsie, watched as his eyes filled with lust. She continued to run her hand all over his chest, pinching and rubbing his nipples and moving lower to tease the skin along the waistband of his trousers. Charles could do little more than grip Elsie closer still, hoping that if he did so, the bulge in his trousers would be hidden. Elsie reached down, fondling him over his trousers, to feel his growing desire. Charles jerked and let out an almighty groan. Anna and John both looked in the direction of the newlyweds, Elsie and Charles looked suitably embarrassed but thankfully, Elsie's leg was hiding Charles' excitement.

"Sorry about that … … I think I must have stepped on Charles' toe!" Elsie said, giving the most inadequate explanation for the groan Anna and John had just heard. Anna giggled,

"Oh I see, I thought that's what had happened," Anna said grinning. She really hoped she and John were that passionate when they were approaching 60.

This near miss had brought Charles and Elsie back to reality, both letting go of each other, smiling as she moved back to her seat. They struck up a conversation with Anna and John as both let their heart-rate return to normal and their desire temporarily subside. Then the band struck up a new tune, it was the Charleston! Elsie and Anna looked at each other knowingly and then Lady Rose came bounding towards them.

"Come on ladies, it's time!" she screamed in excitement. Charles and John did not have a clue what she meant. Lady Rose took hold of Elsie's hand and dragged her onto the dance floor. Anna followed close behind.

"Wish us luck!" Elsie smiled at Charles. She looked so happy he thought, so beautiful and at ease. Beryl, Daisy, Sarah and Ivy were already on the dance floor, waiting with Mrs Crawley and Lady Edith. All of the women were standing in a line, laughing nervously.

"Where is Lady Grantham? Then we have the full house!" Lady Rose exclaimed. Across the dance floor came her Ladyship. The men of Downton looked on in bemusement, including Charles and Lord Grantham.

"One, two, three!" Lady Rose shouted, as the gathered women began dancing the Charleston! Charles looked on in wonder as Elsie grinned from ear to ear, her arms and legs swinging forward and backwards, in perfect time. She became more and more animated as she grew in confidence with the steps. Her expression was one of absolute bliss as she giggled with the other women. They were all quite amazed at how much they had remembered; they were really quite good! As Charles watched his gorgeous Elsie, her body moving with such rhythm, her breasts bouncing up and down as she danced to the Charleston tune, he did not think he had ever wanted her more.

As the music came to an end and the women collapsed in hysterics, the Great Hall burst into applause. Charles decided he could wait no longer and so he seized his moment, striding over to Elsie, and lifting her up into his arms. Elsie shrieked, taken completely by surprise by this gesture. He kissed her soundly and sweetly on the lips and then made his way towards the staircase.

"Charles for heaven's sake, put me down! Where are we going?" Elsie asked.

"To bed Elsie Carson, we are going to bed!" Charles proclaimed as he climbed the stairs two at a time, with his wife in his arms. Elsie squealed with laughter but did not protest any further, this very manly and authoritative side to her new husband was very attractive and very acceptable indeed.

A/N: Thank you for the reviews - and thank you to Happyheart2 for her suggestions for this chapter. I know my ending to this chapter is a little far-fetched but sometimes you just need a good bit of fluff! x