Thank you for your reviews, I apologize for any errors as this was written quite hastily.

Holding her gaze, he once more brought the wet towel to her face, stopping just short of touching her. "May, I?"

Elsie held her breath for a moment and nodded. With every tender stroke he cleansed her of the events of the night. She closed her eyes and slowly exhaled, each touch of his fingers bringing her strength, letting her know that she could recover, with this man at her side.

Charles was in heaven, with her eyes shut he could soak in her perfect features unobserved. He soothed the swollen flesh of her cheek, wiped the dried blood from her mouth and continued lightly stroking her face. He unabashedly took in her high cheekbones, the line of her jaw, every wrinkle that made her the woman she was. He was in awe of her beauty.

At a certain point Elsie became aware that he was no longer using the towel, just simply caressing every part of her face gently with his fingertips. She opened her eyes and felt him still his movements.

Knowing he'd been caught Charles stopped and waited for her to take the lead. He was relieved when she smiled reassuringly and covered his hand with hers, further leaning into its warmth. He paused to enjoy the moment, then steadily continued on, she still had wounds to be taken care of.

He dragged a stool close, angling it next to her chair and freshened the towel. Gesturing for her to show him her hands, Elsie complied, the lesser height of the stool making it necessary for her to lean in close to do so. He brought her hands into his lap, gently stroking and washing each side. She winced a little as a few cuts made themselves known.

He finished with the towel and pushed the bowl to the side, picking up the ice instead. Elsie watched as he tentatively gestured towards her ankle, repeating his earlier question. "May I?"

She bit her lip to supress her growing smile and voiced her consent. "You may." He softly guided her foot into his lap, but soon realized that the long material of her skirt was hindering him from properly pressing the ice to her ankle. He was unsure of how to continue.

"Uh Elsie, could you, would you, maybe, if you would-" he made a movement with his hands for her to move her skirt up slightly. He was so adorably flustered that she couldn't suppress a giggle. Normally Charles would be slightly affronted at a laugh at his expense, but he was so happy at hearing that musical sound, given the circumstances, that he let out a low chuckle.

Elsie grabbed her skirt and pulled up to reveal her ankle as she playfully spoke, "Really Mr. Carson, it's just an ankle. I should think even you wouldn't be scandalized at such a thing."

As she repositioned her leg, her skirt pulled up just a bit more and she watched as all humour left him and the blood drained from his face. Every muscle in his body seemed to tense all at once. "What? Charles what is it?" Receiving no answer, she followed his line of sight to a spot on her leg just a few inches above her ankle. Her blood ran cold. There, staring at them both, standing out quite clearly on her normally pale skin were bruises. Angry bruises in the shape of finger prints on her skin. Finger prints of one of the men who tried to force themselves on her.

Suddenly feeling sick she let go of her skirt and stood, forgetting about the state of her ankle. She would have collapsed had it not been for Charles who'd stood with her and caught her as she fell. They were there wrapped up in each other for ages as she wept earnestly into his chest. Charles whispered soothing sounds into her hair, as her sobs began to calm he walked them over to her chair and sat, pulling her on top of him.

She was now lying across his lap, hands on his chest with his arms wrapped around her. With her head tucked under his chin, she felt his chest rumble as he spoke. "Elsie, I love you."

Unmoving, she shook her head. "Don't Charles, don't just say that because of what has happened." He took a moment to compose his thoughts before he spoke.

"Do you know why I was walking back from the village tonight?" He could feel her shaking her head, but their position prevented him from seeing her face.

"I was having the worst day that I've experienced in a long time. Not because, some silver wasn't polished correctly or the family was unsatisfied, but because you weren't a part of it. I thought of you constantly, your smile, your wit, your presence, even your teasing." He gave her a quick squeeze after that comment. "But I didn't get the chance to just experience you. Your warmth. I came to the village to find you, because there is absolutely no place else I'd rather be than by your side. Every day you are a part of my life I am a richer and better man for it."

She still hadn't spoken, so he continued. "I want you to know that this doesn't have to change anything from you. If you don't feel the same now, or need some time after… after what's happened, I will be fulfilled just spending every moment trying to make you feel as happy and as cherished as you deserve."

She sat up and turned to face him, now perched on his knees. His heart dropped as her eyes filled with tears. She pressed her lips tenderly to his cheek as her tears fell. "You dear man, how can you possibly doubt how I feel about you."

I know, I know! More emotions! Still that same night! I think there will be one more chapter of that night, then I will be moving on. I forsee some conflict between Mrs H and Mr C over how they should deal with the situation. Perhaps Mrs. Hughes will be questioned by the family about her state?

Thanks for reading. Let me know what you're thinking.