Finally got around to writing the last chapter. I'm really sorry for the delay I just lost my motivation.
Despite her best intentions Elsie couldn't find Charles. It wasn't as if she'd tried particularly hard, because
A) Dr Clarkson was still keeping an eye on her and
B) Everyone seemed to need a word with her.
Beryl had stopped her to tell her that one of the judges was vegetarian and what on earth was she supposed to feed him now? Make him a couple of salad rolls had been her reply. Molsely had apologized to her three times for not pegging his tent down sufficiently until eventually Phyllis dragged him away. Sarah O Brien was searching for the show manager, and informed Elsie that she planned on laying a complaint against Phyllis for dyeing her dog. Thomas came marching up saying there was a que of people waiting for their certificates and would she mind coming to print them out? By the time she had finished that and dealt with everyone who was either complimenting, complaining, lamenting, or inquiring it was nearing three o clock and therefore nearing best in show so she made her way to the main ring.
"So, who are our winners today?" Elsie asked Anna, sitting down next to her at the ring side while surreptitiously keeping an eye out for Charles.
"Uh Tom Branson got the terrier group with his Kerry Blue, Mathew Crawley won the working group with his Sibe, John got the Gundog group with our flat coat, Ivy was the toy group winner with her chihuahua, Herding was Violet Grantham with a corgi,and Utility was Phyllis with her lhasa." Anna rattled off, counting down the groups on her fingers
"That explains why Sarah is laying a complaint against her" Elsie mused "what about Hounds?"
"Oh" Anna said brightening suddenly "that was Edith with her long haired dachshund."
"Really?" Elsie asked with her eyebrows raised in surprise "that's nice for her to finally get a look in."
"You're not disappointed it wasn't Mr Carson?" Anna asked slyly. Elsie shot her a look out of the corner of her eye
"No, I'm not. Bruno is still young. He hasn't grown up enough to win groups just yet." She replied "and Edith has a lovely dog. Its about time she got some recognition."
"I agree. So when are you going to dinner with him?" Anna asked
"I haven't found him yet" Elsie answered glumly. Speak of the devil because at that moment Charles stepped into the ring and started marshelling exhibitors. Elsie hadn't noticed what a good job Anna had done with decorating the main ring until now. She had done it in gold and blue ribbon which she plaited together to make the ropes, each post had several bows tied on and each corner had a large bouquet of white roses perched on top. Each group marker had a rosette pinned on top and the judges table had a gold table cloth draped over it.
"Before we let our judge commence with his judging" Charles announced "we have a few people to thank. First of all, to our various sponsors. Without you we wouldn't be able to hold a show at all. Second of all to all your exhibitors, thank you for all coming out and supporting our club and our panel of judges. Then to our judges, we hope you enjoyed your time with us and lastly to my brilliant committee. They've put so much work in behind the scenes and I'm very lucky to have them."
"I'm going to talk to him" Elsie muttered to Anna
"Good luck" she replied, applauding as Mr Carson finished his speech. Elsie hurried around to the entrance of the ring and caught his arm as he came out
"May I have a word?" She asked quietly
"Now?" He asked looking decidedly uncomfortable. She nodded
"Please"
"Very well." He sighed and followed her away from the crowds
"Did you ask me out earlier?" She asked "or was that just a side affect from being hit on the head?"
Charles hung his head and refused to meet her eyes
"I did." He admitted "I'm terribly sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, it just slipped out."
"You didn't mean it then?" She asked sadly, her face falling slightly. He stared at her for a long moment
"Did you want me to mean it?" He asked gently, not stopping to think what that might sound like. Elsie sighed and pushed past him
"It doesn't matter now does it?" She asked as she went. Charles watched her hurry away with a perplexed look on his face. Suddenly it dawned on him what she was trying to say.
"Elsie!" He called, jogging after her, not caring about the people her jostled as he went. She stopped and turned towards him
"I did" he blurted when her reached her "I did mean it."
"Why did you run away from me then?" She asked watching him carefully
"I don't know." He sighed "I suppose I thought I'd frightened you by crossing that line."
"Oh Charles" she sighed and reached over to take his hand "you couldn't frighten me away you silly man."
Charles glanced down at their entwined hands and then back at her face. She was biting her bottom lip again and watching him with shining blue eyes. Before he knew what he was doing he had tugged her closer, cupped her cheek with his free hand and pressed his lips against hers. She placed one hand on his chest, letting her fingers curl into his jacket and sighed. He took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, allowing his tongue to lightly stroke hers as she freed her other hand and wove her fingers through his hair
"...and our best in show winner today is the Miniature Long Haired Dachshund from the Hound group!"
The crowd all started clapping and cheering, causing them to jump apart in surprise
"Elsie" he said very seriously "would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow night?"
"Yes Charles, I would." She said, before giving him the most beautiful smile he'd ever seen.
"Thank god" he murmured, leaning in to kiss her again just as the DJ started up the music
...I...I will be king...and you...you will be queen...and nothing! Can drive us away! We can be heroes...just for one day.
Thank you all for reading this very strange fic. I did enjoy writing it! I hope you won't find me too forward if I ask if you guys enjoy my writing?