Chapter 50

Honestly, I planned this to be a 25-30 chapter fic. They would flirt, have hot sex, get married, retire and take care of Bates & Molesley kids between having more sex. Here we are at chapter 50 and they still haven't had sex... What am I doing wrong?

He blushed at her words, looking down at his plate. They ate in silence, enjoying the food and their newfound agreement.

"Charles, I do have one question."

He looked up from his plate, "Anything Elsie."

"The handkerchief, the one you had the ring wrapped in." He nodded. "I loaned it to you 20 years ago."

He nodded, smiling, "Yes, you did."

"It's only, I seem to remember you returning said handkerchief to me 20 years ago Charles."

He nodded, looking away, "I returned a handkerchief to you but not yours."

"As I recall, it looked exactly like the one in your pocket."

He pulled it from his pocket, setting it on the table. "I paid a woman in the London to match it. I wanted to keep this one."

"Why Charles?"

"If you'll remember, you gave it to me when we were leaving for the season. I'd cut my hand on a case."

"I remember it Charles."

Taking a sip of his wine he settled back in his chair, "I washed it the first chance I had. I didn't want it to stain. Then I pressed it, folded it and put it in my pocket. Throughout the season, each time I was upset or out of sorts, I would pull it out and it calmed me. I knew by the end of the season I couldn't give it back."

"So you had a duplicate made?"

Nodding, he met her eye, "So I had a duplicate made."

Elsie reached across the table, taking his hand, "I would have given it to you. You could have told me it was stained and beyond repair."

"No, I could never have lied to you. And I didn't want you to be without."

"I went without it for almost four months Charles."

"There was another reason I wanted it."

Shaking her head, "What?"

He turned her hand over, his thumb traced the ring on her hand. "I bought this that season too. I've kept it wrapped in your handkerchief for all of these years."

She linked their fingers together, "It's why you tug at your waistcoat, isn't it?"

He nodded, "Yes, just knowing it's there soothes me. I couldn't touch you but I could touch a part of you."

Her eyes darkened, she tightened her grip on his hand, "I'm right here Charles and I'm all yours. You can touch me all you like."

"Elsie, we don't have to, I mean I don't want you to…"

She stood, walking around the table to stand over him. Gently she cupped his cheek, "Charles, when have you ever known me to do something I don't want to do."

"Never."

"Do you not want me?"

He covered her hand, "Don't ever think that Elsie." He stood, pulling her to him, "I've wanted you for so long."

"Then what are you waiting for?"

A mischievous grin crossed his face, "You did say something about dessert."