Chapter 64
A/N: Many apologies for failing to update this fic for so long. My work sadly doesn't give me much time to write fics anymore. However, I have never left a fic unfinished and therefore, rather than keep leaving this story for months on end without updating, I thought I would bring it to a close, with this gentle chapter and one more to come, an epilogue to be published within the next week. Thank you to anyone who has stuck with this story, I have really enjoyed writing about Chelsie with a child and hopefully it hasn't been too far-fetched! Thank you in advance for your support for these final two chapters and happy new year to you all x
P.S. This chapter continues from the previous chapter (which you may want to re-read by way of a reminder but in essence, Charles and Elsie have been on a rare night out alone together in York, with Charlie having a sleepover at the House with his Aunt Beryl. After feeling quite amorous during a lovely walk by the river after their meal, the couple are heading home to their cottage).
"Charles, really!" she giggled, as she tried, with great difficulty, due to her husband's wandering hands and lips, to get the key in their front door.
The Butler was snuggled up behind her, his arms around her waist, tickling her affectionately, as he kissed and kissed the side of her neck and face, enjoying a bit of silliness with his wife.
"I'll never unlock this bloody door!" she gasped, giving up for a few moments, as she turned to face him, winding her arms around his neck and returning his ardent kisses.
He pressed his wife backwards against the door, knowing that he was being a little reckless, someone could walk by their cottage, although unlikely at this hour, but enjoying the freedom of being alone with his wife. Whilst neither would change things for the world, both were devoted to their beautiful son, it was absolutely wonderful to enjoy an evening, just the two of them. And now an entire night alone as well, Charles thought wondrously. A broad, handsome smile appeared on his lips, as he paused for breath, with his forehead resting against his wife's temple.
"And what exactly has made my wayward husband smile so brightly this lovely evening?" she teased, reaching up to stroke Charles' cheek.
He chuckled at the term 'wayward' as he held his wife tightly.
"I am just thinking about how lucky I am to have the most beautiful girl in the world in my arms," he returned with a twinkle in his eyes, followed by an unhurried, deep kiss to his wife's lips.
"… and I get to spend the whole night with her in our cottage … without our six year old son sleeping in the bedroom across the hall," he mock-whispered, a cheeky grin on his face.
She shook her head fondly at this comment, laughing at her husband's roguish smile.
"Are you looking forward to a good night of uninterrupted sleep then Charles?" she joshed, reaching on tiptoes to place a quick kiss to his nose.
"No sleep," he growled, bussing her cheek repeatedly with his lips as she screeched happily.
"Umm ... are you looking forward to reading five chapters of your latest history tome, rather than Doctor Doolittle for the umpteenth time?" she continued to jest, running her hands up his neck and into his hair. Charles drew her closer and sighed contentedly as he felt his wife's nails teasing his scalp.
"No reading," he said, his voice muffled, as he buried his face into her neck, sucking and kissing the bare skin there.
"No sleep or reading … then what on earth do you plan to do all night Mr Carson?" she asked, her eyes sparkling as she kissed her husband innocently on the lips.
With one arm still wound around his wife, he took the key from her with his other hand, opened the front door with ease, and then turned his attention back to his wife,
"Let me show you Mrs Carson," he rumbled, before lifting her clear off the ground and carrying her into their home.
######
They both lay naked in bed, covered by the thinnest of bed sheets, curled up together, with Elsie resting against her husband's side, wrapped up in his arms. Their breathing was still a little heavy but beginning to calm.
"You are the most precious gift Elsie, my love," he breathed, kissing her hair and looking down at his wife in wonder.
She smiled against his chest, kissing him over his heart.
"And you, my treasured husband," she said breathlessly.
"If I was a young man, I'd make love to you all night long," he murmured, his hand tracing down her spine.
"Well as my Mam always said Charles, quality rather than quantity," she smiled mischievously, stretching upwards to kiss her husband's lips.
He gently pulled her closer to him, so that her body lay fully on top of his, warm skin to warm skin, as his fingertips lovingly traced patterns on her back and bottom, through the soft sheet. She sighed in pleasure.
"Although I'm not sure she was referring to making love," Elsie then added, bursting into laughter, as her husband joined her, guffawing loudly.
As their laughter calmed, they enjoyed the stillness of the night until drifting off into a contented sleep.
######
They held hands as they walked to the Abbey. Both feeling so happy, having enjoyed a carefree evening as husband and wife. The Family were away until the following day, therefore they planned to catch up on some work this afternoon, as well as spending some time with Charlie, and then all three would return to the cottage to spend the evening together.
As they neared the Servant's entrance, the Housekeeper squeezed her husband's hand, smiling up at him. He returned her smile, winking at his wife as he lowered his head to kiss her cheek.
"Once more unto the breach Mrs Carson," he pronounced, a small smile playing at his lips.
"Yes, indeed Mr Carson," she smiled.
######
The Housekeeper had rearranged the furniture slightly in her sitting-room, to allow for two seats at her desk. Charlie sat on one, completing his homework on the Battle of Hastings, whilst she updated the household accounts, sitting alongside her son. Every so often, she ran her hand through his hair, ruffling it lovingly as he giggled, but for the most part, the two were very comfortable getting on with their own tasks in silence.
She finally finished the last line of her accounts and turned to her son, who was still engrossed in his school work.
"How's the battle going then Charlie?" she asked, smiling proudly at her studious son.
"Harold has just been shot in the eye with an arrow!" he exclaimed, his face one of excitement, despite this gory fact.
"On my! And does he survive?" she asked, encouraging him to tell her, even though she knew the answer.
Charlie shook his head.
"The Normans win!" he exclaimed knowledgeably.
"My my, what an intelligent son I have. I am so proud of you Charlie," she smiled, hugging him to her side.
He squirmed happily, as his Ma kissed his hair repeatedly.
"I know Ma," he countered seriously, as his Ma laughed at his dead-pan response.
She pulled him up and onto her knee as she cuddled him tenderly. The Housekeeper hopes he'll never tire of her kisses and cuddles but she knows that one day he'll not be quite as affectionate as he is now.
"Shall we go into the Village later and collect some ice cream for after dinner? As a surprise for your Pa?" she asked, as Charlie cheered eagerly in response.
He leaned back against his Ma, enjoying her cuddles, as she rested her cheek against his soft hair.
"I love you button," she soothed, squeezing her son a little more tightly.
"I love you Ma."
######
"If you can reach the top of those stairs before me, then I'll take you to the Library," the Butler said, challenging his son, as they both look upwards at the steep flight of stairs that led to the Great Hall.
The small boy loves to visit the Library, it's one of his favourite things to do, but its not something his Pa can allow whilst the Family are in residence. However, today is a perfect opportunity, with the Crawleys still away.
"Pa, I can easily do that," Charlie responds, raising his eyebrows like a certain Butler they both know.
"Oh, sure about that are we? Well if you'd let me finish, I'd have explained that you have to go up backwards," his Pa responds, knowing that his young son is now at least twice as fast as him going forwards.
Charlie spluttered with laughter, slapping his Pa's side in amusement.
"Pa, I can't do that. That's impossible!"
"Oh, no Library for you then," he teased.
"No! I'll do it!" Charlie answered determinedly, turning around so that he faced away from the stairs.
Charles withheld his chuckle.
"One, two, three, go!" he shouted, watching as his son steadily began to climb the steps, one at a time and backwards. It took all of Charlie's concentration and he was very slow and steady, but nevertheless, he was making progress.
"Come on Pa, race me!" he shouted.
The Butler quickly caught up with his son but instead of passing by him, he lifted Charlie into his arms, and began to carry him up the stairs, as Charlie yelped and giggled joyously. They both collapsed in a heap at the top of the stairs.
"We'll call that a draw, shall we?" the Butler gasped happily, as Charlie nodded.
"Shall we go into the Village later and collect some of those chocolates your Ma likes? It will be a little treat for us after dinner," he asked, as Charlie cheered eagerly in response.
Ice cream and chocolates, Charlie thought excitedly, smiling to himself and determined to keep both his Ma and Pa's secret plans. I really am a lucky boy, he thought.
As the two got up and made their way to the Library, Charles smiled at his son, knowing how blessed he was to have such a beautiful family.
They entered the room, with floor to ceiling books, as Charlie spun around on the spot, eyes wide. As always, he then ran straight towards the big, comfy red sofa.
"Let's sit down Pa?" he said, encouraging the Butler to join him, as he plonked himself down and nestled into the luxurious cushions.
Like Mother, like son, the Butler thought fondly, grinning broadly at the memory.
######
The three walked along the path in front of the Abbey, on their way to their cottage for the evening. Dusk was settling over Downton and as they walked, the House became smaller and smaller behind them, and the only sounds were the evening birdsong and the crunch of the gravel beneath their feet.
The Butler wore his smart grey coat and bowler hat on top of his livery, the Housekeeper wore her lovely blue wool coat and matching hat, adorned with pretty beads and ribbon. Between them and clutching both of their hands was their son Charlie, also wrapped up in his smart brown coat and cap, with a warm scarf around his neck. The three made a touching silhouette against the shadowy backdrop of the Abbey and gardens.
Smiles adorned all of their faces, as they walked towards the warmth and love of their home, all feeling truly blessed.