The Acquisition of Memories

by BorneToFlow

Embarking on their honeymoon, Charles and Elsie begin to process the events of their wedding day and those leading up to it. A series of internal reflections; lengthy, fun & sometimes in-depth conversations; &, interspersed with requisite amounts of playful holiday fun & honeymoon adult times. From Ch19 rating is a tasteful but strong M. Some S5/6 JF canon is blissfully ignored.

33. Chapter 33- Delicate Negotiations Pt2

The Acquisition of Memories. Chapter 33- Delicate Negotiations Pt 2.

A/N: Rough time for these events- I am plumping for 1:30pm-ish, maybe a bit later. Very late lunch served around 2-2:30pm- 3ish. This is because their original waking time must have been around 5am- worked out from May 2016 sunrise and sunset times in London (shudder- that is an ungodly hour to be waking up everyday!). Anyway, suspend your disbelief for Charles and Elsie actually being able to stand upright at all after the morning they have just had - particularly emotionally. Still, I maintain they are used to a lack of sleep and are quite physically fit due to the nature of their work. It is fiction after all- have fun and run with it, I say, for I cannot be completely accurate all of the time!

Regards,

BorneToFlow

CECECECECE

Monday, 31st May, 1926

"My Love- Evermooore." This word whispered long and low into her mouth and soul sees Elsie to her languid shaking peak once more and she sighs out long and high and so completely into his mouth

"Yessss…" It is as if she is breathing the mingled soul of them out before him for his safe-keeping while she sleeps- for his final words see her settle peacefully into his arms once more to seek her now happy and safe and exhausted rest. "Never forget this truth, pretty Elspeth. Never. A chagair, I am here with you, my lover, and you are here with me and we are- we are all of this love - together alone…My sweet."

"Charles" she still reaches for him in the whisper of her dreams.

He kisses her tenderly upon her now unfurrowed brow and keeps his hand locked above her tiny fist that keeps their precious six-pence safe.

Serene.

Still.

He holds her.

CECECECECE

Feeling herself tightly and solidly embraced, Elsie blinks her heavy eyes awake. They still feel a bit swollen and, given the amount of tears shed earlier, they are now quite dry and sore. But the first thing they see is their hands still locked together over their silver penny. Safe. She moves her head from where it had been tucked into Charles neck and she gazes up past his jaw line to his soft cheeks and eyes closed and relaxed in peaceful slumber once more, her eyes then glisten anew for her beautiful life with her most wonderful poet-lover. She stretches up to place a firm kiss into the strong cleft in his chin. It feels as delightful under her lips as it does when she places her little fingertip into it. Life is good, she reminds herself. All of him fits so perfectly together with her it seems- in the end.

Elsie's muscles are all little sore from their various activities- both loving and fractious, but she knows that it is all part of the natural healing process. She is well rested now, and quite sure that after a warm bath she will be more than ready to face this bizarrely new married life of hers with a fully functioning brain and heart once more. And bathing is, of course, one of the new pleasures of this married space she most decidedly wants to share with Charles again. But she does not want to leave his side to organise it without telling him where she is going given how tenuous their connection may still seem to him. She decides to rouse him gently.

"Charles, my love," she whispers quietly as she kisses him once more to that little cleft.

"Hmm" he answers sleepily.

"Charles, I am just going to go draw a bath for us. Meet me in your bathroom soon, please? And afterwards, we can have some lunch."

He squeezes his fingers over her left hand that keeps them so intimately bound, and his other arm tightens around her again as his eyes open to her with a dreamy and quite satisfied smile playing about his lips.

"How are you feeling, Love."

"Much better thank you. Did you rest well?"

"How could I not with you in my arms, my dear?"

"Sweet man," she smiles lovingly at him and kisses him surely on the lips.

"You are beautiful, my Elsie-love." He murmurs against her lips.

"Hardly! My eyes are still all puffy I am sure."

"You are beautiful, Elsie. Please Don't argue with me on that point. I love you."

"I love you too, a chagair. Will you join me in that lovely big bath then, Mr Archimedes?"

Charles huffs a small laugh, "You needn't ask twice- and I shall trust your discernment of water displacement properties above mine any day, Els. I shall be right along."

oOOo

Elsie ties her braid up in a knot with its own length to prevent it getting too wet and is already in the bath when Charles glides in in the altogether to join her once more. Her eyes already feel better for the steam in the room, and she is beginning to think she may even start looking human soon. Despite Charles' assurances, the sight that greeted her when she passed the looking glass earlier was a little frightful.

"Come sit with your back to me, Charles. It is my turn to wash your hair I think." For his hair, most assuredly carries her heady scent on it, and since Elsie now has half a mind to go for a short walk with him in the sunshine later this afternoon, she does not feel comfortable with him quite so obviously sporting his love for her in public that way. Although it does still make her smile impishly just to think of it in private. A stroll will be nice, she muses, for Elsie is not used to be so totally cooped up in one small room all day long. Even on her busiest days at the Abbey she normally tries to find some brief time in the day to step outside and take some air. Today, especially, it does seem that it might do them both some good to brush out the cobwebs, even in the bustle of the big city. The expanse of Green Park is just outside their window, and it does beckon.

She takes her time massaging the soap into Charles' thick hair and enjoys the feeling of the silver threads sliding through her fingers as she rinses the suds away. Very distinguished, she thinks- and certainly not of the first time. She smiles happily at this new small pleasure she has to share with her great man. Charles' eyes are closed blissfully, and he sighs most contentedly for her loving care of him again.

Thank God. She still cares so much for me- loose-tongued fool that I am. He reminds himself to be much more careful with the thoughts that tumble through his head and unheeded off his tongue in the aftermath of his ecstasy with her, or at any time really, in the future.

When his hair is done, and all swept back from his forehead again, Elsie continues with rubbing soap over his back and enjoys the slick slipperiness of her fingers gliding over that broad expanse and then she places small kisses over him wherever she pleases. She especially likes the feeling of his silvery pitchfork scar. Strange really, she thinks as she runs her closed lips back and forth over its length. Maybe it's the softness of it- it helps her see the youth still in him- although his cheekiness with her when he is in a playful mood does an equally fine job of that! And she smiles into his back at this. There are so many stories his body can tell her it seems- and he commands it all in such a true and dedicated manner, just for her. She feels warm and blessed, and so very loved by him. Her heart flutters at the thought of all the years she hopes they still have to share so closely. She splashes suddenly through the water as she grips around him from behind with the full strength of her arms to hug him closer to her as a few tears of relief and gratitude film across her eyes for all that he gives her.

"I love you so much, Charles" she whispers into his skin, and hopes that her tears sliding warm onto him remain indiscernible from the water of their cleansing bath.

His hands clasp strongly over hers on his belly, and he rubs over her fingers with his.

"Hmmm…I love you too, my pretty Elspeth." And he sighs out happily "…Come."

And he unlaces her fingers and somehow manages to turn his huge frame around in the bathtub to face her. She has to laugh a little as her Mr Archimedes still managed to slosh a decent amount of water over the sides of the bath with his movement. He takes the soap from her and has his turn running his warm hands over her arms and around her back, before taking an inordinate amount of time rubbing languidly over her legs and belly and her breasts- a dreamy smile rising over his features as he feels their smoothness and softness again, and especially as his ministrations manage to make her nipples stiffen under his palms once more.

"Charrles," Elsie intones with a light warning in her voice. "Let's not get carried away again- lunch will be here soon, will it not."

"Let it go cold, Elsie."

"Charles!" She tries again.

"Els-siiie!" he retorts like a recalcitrant child, not at all put off from his most focused intent. He just cannot get enough her. And it is their honeymoon, after all… and he did have all those particularly grand plans for today, did he not? "Turn around Elsie," he insists as he bends forward to capture one of those little-rippled buds in his mouth anyway, to ensure it is completely cleaned by his wet tongue.

"Charrles" she moans at the sweet sensation- shocked that she can still find these deeply sensual feelings so easily now, even after reaching her heights with him so many times already this morning. "Charles- don't you ever stop?"

He mumbles into her soft, warm flesh, "Oh, I am afraid I am quite stopped for the moment, dear wife… but I have discovered this rather delightful thing about you see, Mrs Carson… that you have a far greater capacity than I to find your pleasure... hmm… over… and over…mmm… and over again… and… mmm… I told you already that it is my greatest pleasure to give you that… hmmm," he moans hungrily as he kisses lightly at her other breast and her hands clutch strongly into his hair as Elsie's head lolls back a little as that special loving warmth they share radiates throughout her again.

"Charles," she breathes out heavily, "I may not be able to walk ever again if you keep this up today!"

"Nonsense, Mrs Carson. For I find you to have the strength and stamina of a highly trained dancer… and even if you can't walk, I shall carry you most proudly… hmmm," he hums happily over her nipple- making her hold him to her breast even more firmly.

"I'm sure you will, you cheeky rascal," as she ruffles his hair lovingly, "if you know that this hmmm…oooh…is what has caused my temporary incapacity. Oh. Charles. Charles . How do you keep doing this to me?… You make me feel soh good."

Charles releases her from his heavy kisses and guides her to turn around and rest against is chest as he continues with his slow massaging of her breasts. He whispers hotly into her ear, "Because I love to… and because I love you," and, he cranes around to peck her on the lips before nuzzling more heavily behind her ear. "Anyway, need I remind you of my grand plan for today, Mrs Carson…? Hmm? To make mad passionate love to you as often as we can both manage – and I do try to be a man of my word, as you know," he joshes lightly. And then sets Elsie off moaning again as he pinches a rolls those little perfect tight nipples a bit more firmly between his thumbs and fingers as he squeezes heavily into that amazing, surrounding softness. Oh, this woman is divine! "And now, we have all the wonders of floatation to aide us in the fulfilment of all our desires, Elsie. Hmmm … didn't Mr Archimedes discover the theory of that too?" As his hands keep gliding through the water, to trace over the delightfully buoyant dips and curves along her sides.

And in this moment, Elsie really has no idea about what that ancient man may or may not have discovered, she only knows what this lovely grand man right behind her is so adept at discovering with her. Charles starts kissing and sucking along her still slightly stiff neck muscles. Ooh… He can massage me like this anytime! is all Elsie can think right now. And the only thing she can actually articulate anymore is her increasingly long and low moans of pleasure. Frankly, it is just is not in her to argue with anything right now. Not after the morning they just had to traverse- there is simply no way she can raise herself out of the bathtub just yet, and he is just soo very good at bringing her pleasure. It all feels so terribly decadent. Well, … that was always in the plan for today, wasn't it? she thinks fuzzily…and this is my one and only honeymoon after all! So Elsie accepts it all, for if this is what makes Charles happy and she can give it… well then… who is she to argue?- it is exactly what she shall give! He really does ask so very little of her for himself. And the bare truth of it is- there really is nothing to be in disagreement about over this. A happy smile rises over her face. Oh, yesss…life is very good indeed.

So, Elsie happily relaxes back into all of this wonderful floating dream once again as Charles explores her body quite thoroughly, revelling in the vision of his very own faithful and intoxicatingly beautiful water nymph*. A force of both nature and of the senses embodied in his beautiful, enticing and passionate wife- right here in their private space outside of time itself. Just like a Gainsborough, he thinks once more as a hugely gratified smile graces his adoring face. She thrives and blossoms under his touch as once again he fulfils her entirely. His fluttering fingers caress her lush petals so very gently until she floats surely to the surface again, leaving the depths of any pain they felt earlier behind her – and splashing her own Archimedean share of water out of their bath as she shudders open in a spectacular bloom of delighted pleasure before coming to rest, weightless, within his open palms once more.

"Oh, Charles…Charles… my man. Hmmm..." and she turns her head to kiss languidly beneath his jawline and releases her white-knuckled grip on the edge of the bath to feather her fingertips across that special little dip in his chin again.

"Haaah..." she sighs out lethargically, "you know, you really are going to have to lift this lump of melting jelly out of the bath again if I am to have any chance of making it to the lunch table." And with her renewed joy of life, Elsie's true giddiness and hilarity returns as she laughs out, "Unless of course, you would prefer to keep me here as a wrinkled up old prune!" And they both laugh heartily at this truly blessed state of affairs.

"No, give it a few more years yet before we worry too much about that state of affairs for both of us I think, Mrs Carson," Charles states with a chuckle as he starts to manoeuvre himself out if their rapidly cooling tub- ever so glad to have his lively and witty Elsie back by his side again.

oOOo

As they lovingly dry each other off from their bath, Elsie mentions her desire to go for a short stroll in the sunshine after lunch.

"I thought maybe we could take a short turn about Green Park this afternoon, Charles, to get some fresh air. What do you think?"

"Well if that is what you want," and he ducks his head to kiss under her ear where her hair is still damp, and some lovely little ringlets have worked themselves loose from her braid. Elsie plans to not get her hair too wet in the bath were somewhat ruined by Charles' amorous attentions." Hmm… but it will interrupt my grand plans for this day of endless lovemaking I am afraid, I actually thought I was managing rather well in fulfilling that particular schedule of events." He smiles cheekily against her skin.

"Well indeed you have been, Mr Carson," she says as she physically grasps the sides of his head and lifts him away from her, lest he gets carried away- yet again! "But I rather think that you need to be taken out to cool down a little, Charles! Why don't you think of it as an afternoon constitutional so that you may better recover your faculties for later, hmm?"

" A constitutional! That sounds like you make me to be an invalid already!"

"Well, I think we can safely say that is not the case after the morning I have had! But, as I said earlier, I may never walk again if you keep this up right now! Besides which, I don't know about you, but I am not quite used to being only in one little space all day long. So! Mr Carson, will you walk out with me later, please?"

"It would be my pleasure- if that is what my lady wants, then that is what she shall have. I was always willing to adjust some plans as necessary for today….but, only if will you wear that lovely blue skirt for me again today. It is ever so lovely on you Elsie. I like the way it moves…hmm..." he remembers it dreamily from the other day, "especially how it floats and sways just above your delicate ankles."

And before she knows it, Charles is trying to ravish her neck all over again as visions of her sensitive ankles under his tongue appear in his mind. She bats lightly about his ears. "Now stop it, Charles! Honestly! How on earth am I going to control you when we do step out together! "

He groans disappointedly, "Grrrm…You will never have a chance to step out when you are in this particular state of undress, pretty Elspeth….maybe you should wear a hessian sack- for I am not sure that blue skirt is going to stop me, either!"

Elsie scoffs at him "Well, I guess I could at least dress the hessian up with that lovely necklace you gave me."

"Grrr… oh…that definitely would not stop me either- hessian sack or no!" he tells her with a pained expression on his face.

She just chuckles again on her way out the door to see to her clothes in her own dressing room, lest Charles' imagination runs away with him… and her- too soon again!

Incorrigible! Elsie smiles to herself in the mirror as she finishes pinning up her hair, now looking and feeling decidedly more human, despite a slight liquid shakiness she feels in her legs at the moment. The walk will definitely do me some good, she affirms to herself. She decides to risk Charles amorous overtures in public and wears her new pearl necklace along with the blue box pleat skirt anyway.. because… well… Why not? Elsie thinks that London affords the chance a little more than Scarborough to wear such finery.

oOOo

Now that she is seated on the balcony and awaiting the delivery of their meal, Elsie realises she is actually ravenously hungry. She looks around their quarters and is tickled once again at the opulence and style she has been allowed to relax into these last days. A genuine pleasure it is to be surrounded by good things and most especially, to be surrounded so totally by a good and true man.

Life is good. The refrain keeps running through Elsie's mind as she sighs out happily.

Charles has taken delivery of their lunch trolley and dismissed the maid, for as much as Elsie has said he does not need to act as her servant, he really does not mind doing it, and he just wants to be completely alone with her, no interruptions. That is one of the greatest pleasures he has felt this weekend- that he can actually complete a full conversation with Elsie without being endlessly interrupted. He finds himself thinking that retirement cannot come soon enough.

As Charles goes to place Elsie's meal before her, he sees that she has moved his place setting to her left-hand side and he quirks an eyebrow at her, as he automatically goes to adjust the spacing of the cutlery a perfect knuckles length from the edge of the table. Elsie smiles knowingly at him and just says, "I am not quite used to sitting across the table from you I find, Charles.

"Well, I must say, I do prefer to have you always at my right hand too, Mrs Hughes."

Elsie loves the way that Charles is happy to mix about their various names for each other from the past and from now in their brand new life together. And as much as she adores being the new Mrs Carson, it is as if they don't have to fully let go of the good memories and the history that is attached to each of the versions of themselves that makes them who they are today. It has become a new secret language of sorts- where certain connotations that only the two of them fully understand can be bandied about between them surreptitiously. She smiles back to this morning. Just never, Charlie, no matter how cheerful he may be, she reminds herself, But at least now I have the redoubtable 'Carson the Magnificent' to add to my list of names for my man! I like that version of Charles- he's a good one that! Full of larks. What fun!

She reaches for his arm automatically at this thought, to brush her hand over his sleeve, but as she does so, Charles places a small white cardboard box into her hands instead.

"Oh! What's this Charles."

"Just all the things I needed you to know this morning, wrapped up a bit more neatly than I could manage it perhaps… Please open it."

"You really are showering me with gifts this week aren't you?"

"As I said before, you deserve it." And he bends to kiss her lightly on the tip of her nose.

Elsie lifts the lid on a beautifully arranged nosegay** of all the flowers that Charles composed his poetry around and used to swathe her body in a shroud of pure safety and pleasure just hours before. As if that hadn't healed all their pain and worries enough! Elsie thinks as she marvels at the fact that he has once more gone a quite unexpected extra mile in his care for her. Elsie feels overwhelmed once more. She is fairly certain that her man is actually far more beautiful than any flower arrangement that could be put before her. And as much as she insisted that Charles stops getting so carried away with kissing her earlier, she finds herself immediately on her feet and throwing her arms around his neck to thoroughly kiss him all over his great big silly beautiful head. It is so easy for him to lift her off the ground, and Charles is so pleased with her outpouring of affection that before long his big belly is rumbling with his laughter and jiggling her about in his arms. He eventually touches her feet back to the ground but keeps holding her firmly about the waist.

"Happy, Mrs Carson?"

"How could I not be, Charles, you darling man. And how on earth did you even get this arranged? For haven't you been with me the whole time when I was asleep? And there just wasn't time for any florist to put this together as we bathed."

"Are you sure you want the 'Great Blundering Carson' to reveal this secret too?" He asks worriedly, suddenly not so sure about how much they should continue to dwell upon all the morning's events.

"Oh, I think you should know that I will always welcome back Carson the Magnificent into my arms, what with all of his many secrets and tricks! I was just musing on what a wonderful version of you he is, Charles. So tell me, given our 'busy' morning- when did you organise this? Yesterday sometime?

"No Elsie. I just scribbled a note out to Jenson when I was arranging for our tea this morning. I figured in a city the size of London, in this part of town, there would be a florist who could source all these summer flowers, the orchid included, by our afternoon lunch, or at least by the close of the day."

"Well, I am mightily surprised you could even think straight enough to pen any note at that moment, Charles. You surprise me yet again."

"Well,… I think I was probably just grasping onto anything I could think of to make it right with you in that moment, and so I remembered the flowers we have already shared… and just added a few really- the honeysuckle and the roses were easy additions to remember the meanings of- and I saw those cornflowers briefly on your gown the other night… and they matched your eyes.. so would never forget those."

"But then all your poetry so soon afterwards, Charles" she strokes his arm slowly and speaks with blushed secrecy to him "Charles, it was just so wonderful…How do you come up with all of this?"

Charles just shrugs and reddens a little at her compliment. "I don't know Els,… it is just as I said, I guess, that I have found my muse in you. I am just glad you think it is not ridiculous."

"Never Charles, it is beautiful and precious to me. You can tell how I appreciate your words- surely you have no doubts about that after this morning. I feel like I am the luckiest girl in the world when I am with you. And she stands on tiptoes to kiss him slowly again. Tears of happiness and gratitude glistening in her eyes once more.

There is that colour! Charles thinks gleefully, The colour of hope!

He shrugs again "I love you. That's all, Elsie."

She kisses him one more time quickly and states assuredly, "And a very grand thing I find it to be, Charles Carson. I love you too. But, I am rather hungry now, so will you stop waiting table, and sit with me please, oh husband-of-mine?"

"My pleasure" he smiles back, rather chuffed at his latest success in romancing and pleasing his Elsie.

oOOo

They eat in relative silence and indulge in the new pleasure of being able to touch their legs together under the table and not feel the immediate need to pull away from one another. And then they can also freely reach for and brush each other's hands at the table top whenever the mood takes them. Elsie takes great pleasure in gazing at the little posy Charles has had made up for her. And Charles takes pleasure just in watching Elsie doing so- seeing various thoughts and emotions flicker across her face and eyes as she takes it all in.

To Elsie, the arrangement keeps changing its nuanced meaning each time she looks at it. Sometimes she will focus on just one stem, like the yellow rose of forgiveness and joy and happiness that is at the centre of the arrangement. And she thinks how appropriate it is for it to be placed there, for if they could not forgive each other, there could never be such happiness as they have obviously found at the centre of their marriage at all. And other times she feels for the interplay of the meanings of the flowers together in different combinations. They seem to float in and out of focus in different ways. Like the red cattleya orchid- which she cannot help but blush a little as she remembers exactly what Charles believes it to represents. But it is a strong bloom of both their mature charms really, and it sits proudly within a garland of their bond of love- the golden honeysuckle around it, and the pink rose of their friendship and admiration rests over one of the orchid's sepals. And then the cornflower that peaks up through those bonds of honeysuckle love too, that can mean their love is unfading, but that it is also delicate, and needs to be carefully nurtured and looked after. The whole arrangement is delightful and endlessly fascinating to her – and that that makes her think of the white carnation that Charles wore as a boutonniere on their first lovely evening out together as man and wife and that he proceeded to love her with so beautifully and delicately on their first night in together as man and wife. She smiles at that truly lovely, albeit risque, memory. She loves it all. She wants to drill the vision of this arrangement into her mind forever and always be able to remember all the beautiful memories and meanings they have found together on their honeymoon- to be able to call on it for comfort and a reminder of good things when times might seem dark. For here is all our love wrapped up in one perfect, poetic bundle, she thinks. And an idea forms in Elsie's mind for just how she can always keep this particular set of memories forever close.

oOOo

Later, as Charles is busy pouring some fresh tea for them, Elsie finds herself toying with the remains of the lunch on her plate. She feels frustrated because something has occurred to her that she would rather not think on at this moment- not today, and not on their holiday at all. Why do the rest of the world and all the people we live with have to creep into our special time alone, Elsie thinks somewhat peevishly, for their morning together has been far too delightful, despite their earlier misunderstandings and strife. Elsie's time with Charles has been intensely beautiful and so very precious to her- to them both. She is annoyed that thoughts of a negative nature should once again seep into their almost perfect cocoon of loving intimacy that they have been able to share in their room today. She shakes her head and huffs audibly- trying to shake it all from her mind, but Charles notices.

"What is it Elsie, is something bothering you? Something wrong with the food?"

She looks up at him and feels a twinge of guilt, for he is being his most wonderful self, yet again- ever attentive and completely concerned for her. And he is currently so totally innocent to the fact that what is bothering her in this moment is actually, sadly him.

She sighs long again. Oh, well, she thinks, we have agreed that we wanted to know each other's minds, and now we are married, I guess there is no more hiding these things for long. No time like the present as they say.

"You know Charles, I... I … well something just occurred to me while I was eating … and it is something I would really rather choose a far different time and setting in order to broach it with you- for this morning has just been so perfect- when we have not been stumbling through all of our mistakes and disagreements…and when I have not been acting like a petulant child, that is,"

"Never petulant, Els. You had every right to be upset with me in that moment. You know how sorry I am."

"And you know it is all forgiven now. And really, earlier was merely a poorly chosen moment to mention something like that, that is all."

"Yes, well, I am afraid Carson the Magnificent's stage timing did falter quite spectacularly there!"

"Hmm yes, well – it did seem to give my jealous streak the bait it needed to rise to the top of the stream! So, we both have room to make improvements in this little song and dance double act of ours, and that's no doubt." And he smiles at her for her deft analogy to their future hobbies in retirement, and that they both played an equal part in the troubles they sorted through together in the end. Nevertheless, he most certainly never wants to make a hobby out of being in a state of disagreement with his Elsie. "Anyway, it is done, as you said, and I do now understand you and your changing attachment to Lady Mary much better. No, a chagair, you must rest assured that this morning and this whole holiday has been truly wonderful, my love."

"Well then, if I am forgiven Els, perhaps you ought to forgive yourself too then. I do. And I won't ever hold the feelings you had this morning against you. I promise. For, besides anything else, everyone needs a decent cry every now and then, and I would wager you have had fewer opportunities for doing that than some others over time. So, please let that all go now, Elsie… can you?"

"I suppose I should, hmm… I guess I have just never been in such a state about anything before Charles. I am still shocked by myself about it all."

Charles just leans over to kiss his wife, deeply.

"What was that for, Charles?"

"Well, you just seemed to need another reminder there- that no matter what, you are deserving of all my love- and so that means my kisses too." And he ripples happily all over at her and at this lovely circumstance he finds himself in, and so Elsie finds that she cannot help but break out in a big grin too.

"You are a very dear man; you know that Charles?"

"Mainly with you, I think you will find, Els. If you care to remember, I can be a bit if an old grump a lot of the time at the Abbey."

Elsie smiles knowingly at that.

"I guess we both have our moments with that don't we, hmm?"

"Perhaps, anyway, why don't you tell me what is on your mind, for I rather think that if we can make our way clear of our misunderstandings this morning… we may well be able to make it through anything. Hmm?"

She smiles gratefully into his eyes. "I think you might be right there, Charles. Just know that I do not want to hurt your feelings now at all- and I certainly don't want to come into any state of disagreement with you about these thoughts I have had. Certainly, not right now."

"Well, you do have me a little worried, Els, but we are stuck with one another now, so let's have it."

"Hmm…well I am a little worried too, but I assure you it is nothing as…fraught as where we found ourselves this morning, love. You see it is just this niggling thought that just won't go away, and I don't think it will go away until I can understand it… lay it to rest with you. Will you try not to be too upset?"

"I can certainly try, Elsie-love. You know I like to be in agreement with you. But I hope I haven't done something to upset you or hurt you again these last hours."

"No, no, of course, you haven't- not these last hours. They have been perfect, as you know."

"Then what is it, Elsie."

"Haah," she sighs out long, "Charles, this is something that popped up quite a while back…before our agreement to even marry. And, I just let it slide, maybe ribbed you about it a bit at the time… spoke my mind… but did not expect you to change your particular view on it and so I let the differences we had on the matter just get pushed aside- you had your stance, and I had mine, and that is what happens sometimes- in any relationship." She is wringing her hands a little in her lap, still very unsure as to how to proceed without this flaring up unnecessarily. She is not angry about it herself, just perplexed. Still, she does not want to hurt Charles feelings, because now that his feelings are so indelibly attached to hers, it means that if she gets this wrong, they will both end up hurting again.

"You are not quite making me feel any more settled with this so far Elsie." But he reaches for her fidgeting hands to steady them with his own this time around. "But, please just be out with it- I know that you won't intentionally try to hurt me. I hate to think what I have done to upset you so, but … Please just tell me what is bothering you."

She strokes his face. He really is so open to this state of being married. What a gift he is. "Well Charles, I guess I just never really understood why you were so against Daisy studying – back before we came to an agreement to marry. It didn't make much sense to me then."

Charles' eyes widen. He is quite surprised that this should be what Elsie has been mulling over so deeply. But then he huffs out a long sigh, for he knows he was probably more than a little unreasonable about the whole thing back then… and the wash up of when Daisy found her voice still leaves him feeling some consternation about the worth of a few dangerous or ill-considered ideas being planted in a mind that still seems wholly naïve to the nuances of the wider world. He is not sure yet that there is anything he can say that will bring Elsie and him into agreement about this particular matter.

Elsie continues, "Please understand that I am not upset with you about it… just… perplexed … as to your stance, that's all. And I guess that it is all making less and less sense to me now as time passes, and especially as we keep knowing each other better and more deeply every day. It all just seems so… contradictory really- to your actual ability to see the changes afoot for the likes of us in service and the need to change with the changing times. …I mean, you yourself said that the nature of life is not permanence, but…"

"Flux" he finishes for her.

Elsie chuckles, relieving some of the tension that had inevitably built between them in the course of this current exchange.

"Thank you. Although I still maintain that that particular turn of phrase does sound vaguely disgusting! Not your most poetic turn ever, Mr Carson!"

"Ha! No, perhaps not!"

"But still, why were you so negative about Daisy trying to better herself through education? I mean, where on earth would you and I have ended up if we had not taken it upon ourselves to always read and further our knowledge? And even for a life in service, we needed more than a basic grade school level of reading and arithmetic - especially at our level in the grand hierarchy, it seems. And now we both know that a life in service can no longer be a guaranteed for the likes of Daisy. So, …why did you begrudge Daisy that same opportunity?" Charles just silently opens and shuts his mouth a couple of times, as if still fishing for some sort of answer, so Elsie continues. "And, well, … then, Charles, you do actually seem to, despite all your claims to being a raging traditionalist for the role of women in society,… you actually do seem to enjoy the fact that I am so well read and that we can converse about the state of the world and politics and art and literature- and well everything really. And you seem to respect that I have been ambitious for my career and my independence of means- for you have wanted us in equal partnership with our cottage from the outset. Then you have always treated my role at the Abbey more as your equal at the helm, even though technically you have final jurisdiction over all the household staff. … Not to mention the fact that you have always seen it as Lady Mary's true birthright to fully inherit and run the Abbey, despite being female- and even been impressed by Lady Edith's achievements with her publishing company, or Lady Sybil as a nurse during the war… So, I guess … well…it just makes no sense to me that you would kerb Daisy's enthusiasm, Charles- for you saw no harm in Gwen pursuing extra studies quite some years ago, so long as it did not interfere with her work. And Daisy and Mrs Patmore have done their best to ensure that that did not happen. Why the different approach with our Daisy?"

Charles sighs out long. Now that it has all been laid out before him, Charles is not entirely sure he can even begin to justify his attitude towards Daisy wanting to better herself. But, he thinks of how truthful Elsie has been with him this morning with all of her feelings- having even acknowledged some things about herself that she is not always so proud of, even though those things rarely actually bother him for long. In fact, he definitely finds Elsie's jealousy of his affections strangely gratifying, and her propensity to rib and cajole him exciting and certainly the essence of so much happiness he feels in her presence. And even with Elsie's whip-smart mind and tongue – with which he generally ends up floundering in the wake of her keen arguments- he more often than not finds that she actually helps him come around to different ways of thinking that actually can still sit surprisingly well alongside his core beliefs. How on earth does she always do that? Part of Charles already knows that with this particular stance he will have to capitulate on and agree that Elsie is right to support and help Daisy face the changes in her uncertain life beyond service. For it is true that no one can rely on the permanent patronage of the great houses anymore- Not Charles, not Elsie, not Mrs Patmore, and certainly not young Andrew and Daisy, who have attained so little other learning over the years. Life in service is on tenterhooks for all of them–and not even Lord Grantham and Lady Mary are sure of the future or that the Abbey can continue to provide livelihoods for people within the county.

As he takes a sip of tea to settle his thinking and order his thoughts, Charles realises he may as well admit to his mistake straight away. There is no real defence for the way he was so negative about Daisy's betterment. But he does hope that Elsie will at least understand the reasons for his stance and behaviour back then- no matter how misaligned with the reality of the times they were… and still are.

Charles releases a heavy sigh and gestures with his hands to show he is relenting to yet another defeat of something from his past that he held onto and had desperately wanted to keep real.

"I...I… Guess I cannot really defend my position at all, Elsie."

Elsie blinks rapidly in quite some surprise at him.

"What do mean, Charles? It is not like you to not fight your corner. "

"But I am tired of fighting, Els- for I always seem to be fighting from the losing corner as the world keeps marching onwards. … And maybe me being this way with Daisy was just the last ditch flailing about of a silly old man whose expectations were once more completely out of alignment with the times that he finds himself living in. It's like I told you about the Memorial committee- I just seem to have a set of standards that I think should be applied to any situation at hand, and they often just do not fit with the reality I find myself in or any of the needs of the people around me. And I probably just owe an awful lot of people apologies that I have not felt I could even give for fear that it would undermine whatever small and remaining authority I may be able to claim with them on this increasingly shaky ground I try to hold… and, really, now more than ever, the positions I cling to look to be of dubious stability, if not entirely ridiculous in the eyes of the rest of the world."

"Och Charles, I don't like to hear you speak so poorly of your place in society or your beliefs. I do not want this to make you feel like where you are in life and what you do is of no worth! I did not want that at all. I am proud of the man of conviction that you are, and you should be too. For where would we all be if we let go of all of our standards, hmm? Life would be like one of your cricket matches without the umpire in the middle- that's where." Charles has turned his somewhat morose gaze to Elsie's, and it is slowly melting with tenderness for the woman who still sees fit to support and defend him so readily- even when she is at sixes and sevens with him and his views and behaviours. She squeezes his hand reassuringly, "Charles, your standards, anyone's held standards, do matter to the world - very much indeed- especially those that are based on respect, and politeness and kindness, and quality," she smiles at him,"—as yours are so clearly based on- all of that style that makes life so worth living, hmm ... Charles? — It is about maintaining standards of great quality. Because to me, you have always been surrounded by great quality, and you have aspired to greatness and quality in your own life, and you should not ever run that down Charles- never- it is far too important. And don't forget that you were personally asked to chair the memorial committee because people in the village really do respect you so very much. And! - You should know well enough that you are not a silly old man- for I would never have married a fool- not in a million years, Charles Carson. So! My man, why don't you start from the beginning a bit more, hmm? Why did you think Daisy should not bother with her studies in that first instance?"

"How did I deserve to have such an understanding and supportive woman as you in my life, hmm?" as he squeezes her hand right back.

"Just born lucky I guess, Charles," she smiles back proudly. Now come on- out with the truth, Mr Carson."

Charles groans a little. "Well Elsie, it shames me to say it, but I guess in the first instance, I think I was worried that Daisy was just destined to fail at it all- for, in her immortal words, I was rather afraid that she really was 'as daft as a kipper'."

Elsie laughs out loud at this. "Well, Charles… I can't rightly say that that particular fear did not cross my mind, and more than once too!"

Charles' mouth quirks in a bemused manner. I am never alone in my thoughts with Elsie by my side, it seems.

"Well, we may have had a moment of agreement in there after all, then, Mrs Hughes. But… I guess I just didn't want her to get hurt and feel bad about herself. She is a good lass, but I guess I have always thought it possible she is actually a few dumplings short of a hearty supper, …so to speak.

"Och dear, Charles, stop it!" She chuckles at his somewhat Patmorian turn of phrase. Charles grins sheepishly at her. "Anyway, although it is a worthy sentiment that you did not want Daisy to fall on her face and be hurt by failure in her studies, it is also true that, unfortunately, that Mrs Patmore's methods of instruction have a tendency to unnerve that child and make her far more prone to making mistakes than would otherwise occur- as far as I see it, anyway. And I believe, they have caused Daisy to doubt all of her abilities in the first place."

"Hmm, yes. Well, Mrs Patmore can take the grumpy disciplinarian approach to an extreme."

"Och, I would say you are the master of that approach Charles, but still, somehow you manage to be gentler about it all- a little appreciative of people's efforts and more forgiving of their slip-ups in the end. … Mrs Patmore certainly can put the fear of the God's into the young ones until they get used to her sharp brand of humour.

"Hmm… Ha! Perhaps it is the sheer amount of dangerously hot and sharp things they see the..." (Charles consciously stops himself saying 'stout') "formidable Mrs Patmore wielding at the same time her tongue is firing warning shots across their bows that does that." Charles huffs a small laugh from his nose at this vision.

"Yes, well, I suppose far less damage may be wrought from one of your highly polished coffee spoons than a meat cleaver, I would wager." Elsie laughs with him. "But then Daisy always was much slower than most to pick up on Mrs Patmore's good natured heart beneath all of those thorny barbs. Ha! And there was Beryl- always calling me the Scottish Dragon or Scotch thistle behind my back!"

"You always knew that, Elsie?"

"Och, Charles, we live and breathe under the same roof twenty-four hours a day, and Beryl well knows exactly how far her voice carries in the halls. We both laugh about it now that we are much better friends."

"And yet you still won't trust her with the store-cupboard keys?" he asks incredulously.

"Well… I may understand her approach better, and we may be friends, Charles… but perhaps I have not quite forgiven that slight yet! Nor her calling me Mary Queen of Scots." And they both laugh heartily at the various connotations of that, including Elsie's potential likeness to the Blessed Lady Mary at times. "Besides, I like to maintain high standards in my own work too, you know. I maintain my own traditions- and with very good reason. I like to know the exact figures for the stock in and out- just as you like to accurately run your cellar. And in Mrs Patmore's flurried existence in the kitchen, it is too easy for her to lose track of the key. It is much safer to keep it on my Chatelaine, for as it is, any thefts would always rest squarely on my shoulders in the end."

They both redden slightly with the knowledge that they have both used their positions authority and unquestioned access to the stores in order to surreptitiously take food from the household for other's benefit. It was an awful liberty for them both to take goods without approval, no matter how well-intentioned they may have been in its distribution- it was a still a breach of the household's trust in them both as heads of staff.

Anyway, Elsie continues, "can you imagine the atmosphere below stairs if I gave Mrs Patmore that level of power? She could become quite the tyrant! And besides, I have just always felt it better if I worked with her –to temper any excesses on her part- especially when dealing with suppliers- for they can try to take advantage when dealing with women, and if her tongue gets too sharp, they will try to protect their own pride with some quite underhanded techniques in my experience. So, in these cases, the perceived greater menace of a two-headed harpy rearing its ugly head seems to keep any potential theivers in line. It just took a lot of years for Beryl to see it as beneficial to have me as her ally when dealing with the tradesmen- that's all.

"No, there is certainly not a supplier in Downton or even Ripon and beyond who would try to pull one over on the redoubtable Patmore and Hughes syndicate. Ever the astute people manager you are Elsie." And Charles smiles proudly at his most capable Elsie.

"Thank you, Charles." Accepting the compliment graciously. "Anyway, all that is as may be… but with Daisy, I do think that Beryl being so harsh in her address all the time, I think that sadly, made Daisy feel that she couldn't ever do anything right and so could not ever quite measure up to Mrs Patmore's exacting standards, and really, that means that she has not ever been in a space where she can see her gifts or feel any of her successes for long. But, thankfully Beryl has mellowed with her a little now. They are very close. I know Beryl sees Daisy more as a daughter she never had, and she is the one who has actually encouraged Daisy the most to continue with all her studies."

"I know that Elsie, and as I said, I have no real excuses for my being negative about it. So many things coloured my vision of it all at the time. Not least of which was the odious Miss Bunting being so close to the house all the time. She was unconscionably rude to His Lordship and the whole family on so many occasions- and especially that particular night. Absolutely and unforgivably rude. She can have her political views, of course, but that is no excuse to treat people so poorly- people who are trying to be the best people they can be given the circumstances they just happen to have been born into. She never recognised that I don't think. And she was a guest at his Lordships table for heavens' sake! Not even the most ill-educated farmhand would behave in such a manner if they were a guest in someone else's house. And really, as much as Mr Branson, I think, appreciated sharing some of his views with Ms Bunting, it was to his credit that I think he never actually wanted her to be there in the first place."

"No, I did not think he was ever comfortable with it either, Charles."

"Supremely embarrassed by it at times, I actually believe. You know Els, Mr Branson, for all that he overstepped every boundary I held dear when he married Lady Sybil, and he made mistakes that put her in danger in Ireland, but he never disrespected Lady Sybil's family. He sees them, certainly now at least, as the good people that they are- I appreciate that in the young man."

"You did come around to all of that quite well Charles, didn't you?"

"Well… I had to really, didn't I? – for even Lord and Lady Grantham… and even the Dowager Countess, realised they could not stop Lady Sybil doing exactly as she pleased. So, they worked to accept Mr Branson and minimise the frictions really. That was admirable of them in the long run, for they always put the love and the happiness of their child first with those actions, don't you think Elsie."

"I do at that, Charles. And it has turned for the best for all of them, given everything that has happened since, when you consider it. Mr Branson has done well to find his place in the family as …well mostly seamlessly as he has. They now all seem to have great affection for one another."

"That they do. I see His Lordship's regard for young Mr Branson- it is true and deep…But I guess… with Miss Bunting," Charles actually physically shudders at the thought of that harridan, "her being there at all seemed to all be due to the various machinations of the perennially sweet –hearted but somewhat naïve Lady Rose, for she is incapable of ever seeing anything potentially problematic in anyone, and then Mrs Crawley kept stridently supporting Mr Branson having a 'friend' there at dinners and managed to sway Her Ladyship and Lady Mary much more than would have occurred otherwise. His Lordship's instincts and wishes really should have been listened to more closely in that whole affair, then we could have avoided all of that extreme unpleasantness at dinner."

"I think you may be right there. Well, anyway, Charles, even if it had been any other tutor than Ms Bunting- do you think that you would have supported Daisy more?"

"Hmm. Possibly…. but I don't know, Elsie… If I am to be brutally honest, I think my motivations were quite skewed at the time by other things too. I am quite ashamed to admit it all now."

"Well, how do you mean Charles… and you don't have to be ashamed in front of me… I am immensely proud of you; you know that Charles- and especially for the fact that you always manage to admit your mistakes far faster than I seem to admit to my own."

"You do have quite a way about you, Elsie Hughes!" And He shakes his head in astonishment "you do know that, don't you?"

"How so?" Elsie replies- quite unaware of her own powerful influence on others.

"Just the way you always make people feel safe to come to you with their problems and woes, Els. You ever judge it seems… or try to make them feel worse for their poor choices. Or, at least, … you don't let your judgements colour the justice and support you feel all people deserve. Like you did with Ethel, … and Charlie Griggs … and then even when you told me the full story about Edna seducing Mr Branson so as to blackmail him… all of that just appalled me horribly, to begin with. It made me feel indignant and that Mr Branson had no place in the household anymore - until you helped me see it differently- that he made a grave mistake in the midst of his grief for Lady Sybil-and one that was no worse than Lady Mary made with Mr Pamuk in the long run- I could not have seen it that way without you, Elsie. … and then…. you even managed to be understanding with Thomas after that 'indiscretion' with James…So where I was just blustering about in disgust so much- you were quietly holding out a caring hand to Thomas and did not judge him either. And I know I just don't have that in me, Els. - You really are quite an admirable woman, Elsie Hughes. I don't think you realise how great and kind and loving you really are- to everyone." Elsie is blushing furiously at his compliments now- becoming quite coy and fidgeting with her hands in her lap once again. She had no idea he really held her and her views and actions in such very high esteem "- I just… you..." he says with a note of incredulity, "you know Elsie, somehow you are managing, even now, to make me feel prouder than I know deserve to be with all of this, for I have been quite rude to Daisy about it all, especially after I know I can be supportive of the young ones who endeavour to advance themselves in life- like I did with Alfred working here now at the Ritz. Oh – and by the way, Elsie, I have arranged through Jenson that we may greet Alfred tomorrow before we leave for the station."

"Oh, that is wonderful! I shall look forward to that and telling Mrs Patmore and Daisy all of his news.

"And there you have it, Els, always thinking of others." And he smiles and shakes his head at this amazing woman before him. "Hmm… but you know, now I do have to wonder about it all – that sort of role that Alfred took on- if it was ever on offer to an equally hardworking girl like Daisy- would I have supported her endeavours in a similar way- or made a raft of excuses because she is a young lass, who is maybe just a little foolish? And it is shameful of me really, for I cannot claim any lofty position of truth in any of it, Elsie."

"Oh, Charles- that you think on any of it at all is admirable in itself. For as much as you compliment me so profusely- I must also say that you are not the great big old curmudgeonly stick-in-the-mud that you sometimes act and make yourself out to be. I see a far more flexible and giving man that hides sometimes, but who very much holds onto my heart, that much is certain, my lovely Charles."

Now it is Charles' turn to redden slightly at her praise for him- even as he is still a little incredulous about her stance with him.

"Hmm…he continues, "But maybe that is just it, I am a stick in the mud- and about all the wrong things sometimes it seems, Els. And really, now you have called me on it, I just feel like a bit if a fool- saying that I don't know why Daisy should need to learn more in her position in life. When really- I do know so much better- for even you and I have had to face the prospect that we need to set ourselves up for a different future- that we cannot remain in service forever… which, yes, in our case is mainly to do with our advancing years, and that we cannot keep up the pace of all this work forever- but I well know how everything has changed since the war what with the huge changes in staffing and how life in service is no longer so secure– I mean, really Els, we are probably the last of the truly fortunate ones, you and me, don't you think? Because we can be planning to leave it all before it collapses totally around our ears- and at least we can be assured that His Lordship, now Lady Mary, will somehow reward our years of loyalty and ensure our security with an adequate pension for the rest of our lives- and not many in the future will be able to boast that entitlement, surely."

"No, I think you are right on that front, Charles."

"And yet, here I have been, trying to dissuade Daisy from her chance to be able to cope with what all those changes will mean for a young lass in her position."

"Then, why Charles? What made you be that way with her?"

Charles sighs out long again, "I don't know, Els… I think maybe Ms Bunting brought out the worst behaviour, not only in His Lordship but in me too. … You see, it is as I have said to you- I feel like everything that I believe in, and everything my life has stood for is going to be held up to ridicule and scorn in the years to come… and then there was Ms Bunting- doing it all- and so vocally and stridently- and right now- …denigrating all that I have held dear- as if my life was somehow…worthless."

"Oh, it could never be that Charles," Elsie whispers to him, her hand reaching to stroke the back of his soothingly.

"… and then, Elsie, I was also right in the middle of trying to work out how to function out in the wider world like Mrs Patmore was quite ready to start embracing -trying to work out what on Earth retirement might look and feel like for me – what I would do to support myself, and us really, and how to occupy myself… and I didn't know if you really wanted any of that with me yet, anyway- or at all, ever. Which scared me half to death in itself- the thought of not being stuck by your side anymore. And he looks at her with a wet wry smile in his eyes. "And then I didn't even know how to propose to you or how to even allude to how much I truly love you… I was just lost, Elsie- a scared silly and lost and old lonely man flailing about trying to find some firm footing in the huge sea of change… and I guess… I just wanted to hold onto that part of the past- that concept of indentured service that could actually have a young, and not so smart child like our Daisy kept safe and secure and employed for a lifetime in the one place- with the peerage supporting the poor as best they can. And I guess, now that I think of it that way- it is like Lord Shaftsbury tried to do in his lifetime for others, and certainly as Lord Grantham has aspired to do over so many years too. I was pretending that the Abbey could always provide that to the likes of Daisy- and all of us, really. And then Ms Bunting just seemed to be making such a mockery of all that I have worked alongside Lord Grantham on over the years- in my own way - the support of the people of the Estate through his endeavours. She made it all sound so…so... worthless."

"And it is most assuredly is not worthless, is it Charles?" Elsie repeats with greater conviction this time.

Charles smiles at Elsie through his heavily clouded eyes- for her understanding and unconditional support. "No, it isn't." He sounds a little choked up. "But I guess I was just trying to hold on to all of it for a little while longer, that's all, Els. And it all meant that I was rude and unfair to Daisy because of it. I have no excuse, really."

"Well, there is no excuse for rudeness, that is true. But I think I better understand why you were behaving that way back then."

"But –you know, in the end… my life in service, I really I am still proud of it all, Els- all of my life's work. I guess I just lost sight of it for a while. And… you know, it is not all just about the outward style of my work, either Elsie, contrary to how Miss Bunting may see the way that things are done in a great house by the aristocracy, with these dinners and the finery and customs and manners."

"I know that Charles, I think I understand you much better on that front now too… it is about the quality and the hard work and the intent beneath it all, isn't it? – You can't have true style without some real substance underneath it to hold it all up, can you?"

"That is it exactly, Elsie."

"Well, maybe that is what we both saw in what Mr Astaire and his sister do- even though it might seem very frivolous on the surface and at first sight- like a big flashy dinner at the Abbey. But the Astaire's- they work very hard to do something for other people too, don't they Charles?"

"That's true."

"And that is what you do Charles. That is what life in the service of others is, isn't it? - Working hard to make other people's lives better."

"I think that is so, Els. I do really believe that. My support of the family helps them do what they do for others on the Estate. I hope I am helping them to be their best selves- as much as anyone can influence another to that sort of degree. And that is why I could only ever work for a man like Lord Grantham, who truly believes that is his life's work too- to work for the support of others - that is what makes a true nobleman, Elsie, not the birthright or the title or the house or the money. And so I could never have worked for the likes of that vile, ill-bred mercenary Carlisle. Never," he finishes adamantly.

"No, I knew you would not have liked that, even at the time. You really would have been quite miserable. You know, we really do agree on so many things Charles, you do see that, don't you?"

"And I am eternally grateful for it too, my darling," as he keeps rubbing at her hand on the table.

She takes both his hands and encases them securely between her own now. "Charles, You must never let the likes of someone like Miss Bunting take away from what you done with your life or what you have given of yourself to others, and what you can still give to others Charles- for, we both will continue to do that in our lives- helping others within the village when we retire- and through the connection that we will always have to the family and everyone at the Abbey- they are our people- you said so yourself- and that is a very grand thing to be a part of indeed- to be close to others and support them. I do see now how the Crawley's aspire to that- even The Dowager Countess, in her own pithy way. None of the family has ever tried to actively or knowingly undermine the people they come in contact with… well… with the exception of the Dowager and Mrs Levinson, I suppose! And Lady Edith and Lady Mary always at each other's throats, of course! But as I said, there I have had my moments my own sister in the past… perhaps that is the way of all sisters."

"Maybe, Els… but you are also right that both the young Ladies would certainly be far better served if they would move on from that childish behaviour. But, unfortunately, it seems that maintaining a regular physical distance between them is the best we can really hope for most of the year!"

"Sad but true I am afraid, Charles. Hmm…But now I think on it with Miss Bunting, Charles, for all of her radical and liberal politics, she really is quite black and white, and inflexible in the way she views the world- that it all must be one way- and her 'new' way. And In comparison, I think Mr Branson has learnt that there is more to it all than that. He sees the people at the heart of it all and tries to understand that there is more than one way to live well and to live truly. Isn't there?"

"You are the one that has shown me that, my Darling Elsie. How to live well and truly and in a different way. You always help me be my better self. You know that don't you- you always push me along when I need it most."

"Well… I don't know about all that. But, if it does work that way at all, Charles, I would wager it is only because I have been working with a willing participant in these endeavours. For I do not believe that anyone could change that stubborn old curmudgeon Charles Carson's mind in anything really, not unless he was already at least halfway to finding his way there himself in the first place."

"I think somewhere in there, Mrs Carson, you may have just flattered me!"

Elsie laughs heartily at this. "I believe I may have at that- and if I did it is because I will always believe you deserve it- even when you annoy me to the point of utter distraction, Charles Carson."

"Well then, it seems I am a very lucky man indeed…. To deserve your love and kisses." And he leans across and kisses Elsie firmly. "Anyway," he sighs out as he leans back in his chair, "I think I may need to do something to make amends to Dear Daisy- even though a little knowledge has d already grown like topsy in her dizzy little head and overrun any good sense she has ever had at times."

"Lord! You are telling me- what with the Mallerton Hall debacle! But, maybe you don't have to lose any face with her Charles, just use your influence to ensure she stays safe and well cared for- wherever she may end up. And Mr Mason is always there for her too. Maybe just gift her a book and give her a little encouragement- she won't need much- for she has learnt mostly to expect far too little in her life."

Charles is standing now and pulling Elsie into his arms as he feels compelled to spin Elsie in an impromptu dance once more. Humming and mixing up the lyrics of a particularly memorable tune from the stage show they have so recently seen- for the music of that fun night is still rippling through them both at strange intervals.

"Fascinatin' rhythm, you got me on the go, fascinatin' woman... hm, mm mm, mm, mm... Oh, my darling Elsie, how on earth did a silly old duffer like me still manage to convince the wisest and most beautiful… and most forgiving woman in the world to go ahead and marry me?"

"Well… now you are flattering me! But maybe it wasn't all just being born lucky, Charles- now that I think about it- for I am not entirely immune to a bit of romance directed my way from a one particularly fine and honourable gentleman, that much is for certain."

"Well, perhaps you might let this romantic and curmudgeonly old butler drive you to utter distraction … just a little bit more today," as he continues to spin her lightly about the balcony and actually ducks his head into her neck place kisses along that enchanting necklace he is ever so glad to see her sporting again.

"Well, I was given to understand that was to be part of your grand plan for this day, Mr Carson." But as he makes to spin her towards their bed again she pushes her hands to his chest to stop him. "BUT, I must ask you to wait a while for me to recover from your …earlier …entirely distracting behaviours. Plus... I still would like to go for a stroll, and I know exactly where I should like you to escort me now, my dear Mr Carson."

"Oh? And where shall I be lucky enough to parade my lovely wife on my arm this very fine summer's afternoon?"

"Oh, nowhere far Charles, just a short jaunt up Bond Street before all the stores close for the day. I shall tell you on the way. So why don't you just dance me over to that door instead, hmm?"

"Ah- ha! It would be my pleasure… although, I think I should first..." and he swings her ever faster, "dance you to your dressing room to collect your sun hat. Da- da- da-da- da... you got me on the go..." Which is what they do, but Charles insists that Elsie only grabs her hat when he has dipped her into quite a ridiculous back bend over her dressing table- which makes her squeal with delight whilst affording him the opportunity to kiss once more into the hollow of her neck. And once she has her day gloves and purse in hand as well, Charles continues spinning her out of the dressing room and across to the other side of their enormous suite to his rooms, all the time keeping up his little humming version of that catchy tune from two nights ago. Elsie is getting quite giddy by now and her still somewhat tired legs intermittently give out with the speed of his swooping foxtrot, so Charles increasingly just dashes her feet lightly to the floor as he lifts and glides her around their room. "Facsinaitn' rhythm you got me on the go, facsinatin' rhythm, do- do- do- do- do. And then!- I shall dance you all the way across the suite once more to grab my hat and coat… Hm- hm- hm- do- do- do... And then, my dear Mrs Carson… I think we just may be ready to step out again together!" He states jovially. Elsie is laughing like a giddy school girl by now. As they reach their little valet stand and she pulls on her light cotton day gloves.

Then Elsie remembers what her little proposed outing was meant to be all about.

"Oh! Just a moment, Charles, I should like to carry my little nosegay with me today." And she dashes back to their luncheon table to retrieve the lovely boxed arrangement.

"Won't you take it from the box then, Elsie?"

"Oh no. I want to keep it fresh for as long as I can."

"But where are we off to Elsie?" he asks as he escorts her through their door and towards the elevator.

"MacCulloch and Wallis" her brogue rolls roundly over the name.

"Oh dear, why am I suddenly afraid you are about to drag me to a solicitor's office!"

"Ha, not likely! What do you think I am going to do? Ask for an annulment after our first disagreement as a married couple!" she laughs as they step into the lift. "Or maybe I am dragging you along so I can force your hand into signing over all your worldly goods to me in a will so that I can promptly bump you off and live the high life- like a black widow in Wallace novel, hmm?!" she continues ribbing him. And as they see the semi-shocked but bemused look on the lift attendant's face, they both start giggling like silly children together again.

CECECECECE

Author Notes:

*On Nymphs: It is important to recognise some of the romantic history of how nymphs in classical culture and particularly in the Romantic arts movements of art of the 17th and 18th century that Charles would have been interested in and viewed over time in the British National Galleries in London. It is actually far removed from how we may see that term today. We can tend bring heavy connotations of female sexual excess, dangerous allure used to entrap men and nymphomania as a psychiatric disorder into play a little too much these days, even though those theories were actually developing during the 19th century. Also, these sorts of painting would not have been viewed as some sort of objectification of women as we see in the use of the female nude in our current 21st Century advertising culture.

Instead, for Charles, I see the viewing of such paintings as being more about the essence of mystery, wonder and naturalism to the erotic life. And so now he gets to share that with Elsie- that sensuality is a natural part of his life as human- and of course, this is practised with respect and reverence with his wife. So, Nymphs can be instead be seen as empowered femininity in this context, rather than dangerous. This essay from the Tate Britain around a Bodies of Nature exhibition is an interesting read. And the single Gainsborough full nude of a Nymph bathing (later renamed Musidora) is really the vision I have in Charles' mind for his Elsie as she bathes. It is slightly voyeuristic- yes, but secretive and still natural- set in a space outside of time itself- like an alternate universe- which can be the sense I think honeymooners can get in their little private universe for a short time before the broader outside and 'real' world encroaches more fully on any partnership. And, I think being painted by one of the most well-known British artists would also appeal to Charles. Plus, it is not too highly sexually charged, and so is unlike other contemporary nymph paintings to this one can be- what with leering satyrs all about- those ones can tend to feel that way, and I don't believe they would have been quite so much Charles' cup of tea. I think the delicacy and understated nature of the Gainsborough one would appeal more to Charles- it is somehow not as racy. There is a comforting dream-like quality to this unfinished painting I think you will find. /whats-on/tate-britain/display/bp-spotlight-bodies-nature/essay

**On Nosegays: these may also be known a Tussie-Mussie (or variant spellings) and where popular Victorian era flower arrangements to give to someone, where the interplay of meanings of the flowers incorporated in them could be 'read' by the receiver so as to know the givers thoughts and feelings about them- as per the language of flowers notes left at the end of the last chapter. They could be worn on a wrist or as a corsage by the lady. Nosegays, were a common courtship gift in the Victorian era, because their impermanence could assure a young maiden of no permanent obligation to a courting male because of their gifts being too opulent or expensive (which would have been seen as uncouth in a male anyway- like they were trying to buy a lady's affection).

I have chosen that Charles and Elsie would not have called this nosegay a 'tussy-mussy', as the etymology of the word is difficult to track, but from this link on the wide world of words .org website qa/qa-tus it seems highly likely that the term in Chelsie's era was seen as a very course word for female genitalia instead. And, although that is not entirely out of lie with what I have actually written and the blooms I have chosen for them!- I do feel that 'A nosegay' seems far more in line with how Chelsie would speak. 'Nosegay' literally refers to how the scents of the flowers would make the nose- happy!- cute hey? Nosegays can still be made by florists, and of course are very popular as bridal posies, where blooms are still carefully chosen for their symbolic meanings.

I envisage only a few more chapters for this fiction now. I wanted to cover some perplexing aspects of canon - especially from S4 and S5 with Chelsie- hence this discussion about education.

I will probably cover just a little more angst, briefly- but mostly it will be fluff and romance to finish it all off.

Fluff and romance only up next, though!

Regards,

BorneToFlow : )