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As the softness of her breasts pressed against his chest he was suddenly aware that he was in bed. With his betrothed. Who was still in a state of undress.

Charles felt his body begin to react to their situation. Needing a few moments to compose himself, he pulled back slowly and put some space between them, her leg still resting against his. Elsie quirked her brow at his actions. "What's this?"

He pulled her hand between his and stroked it softly. "I just want you to know how happy you've made me, you can't possibly know how much."

Her hand looked so small and delicate between his. She frequently watched his hands at work, handling the most delicate crystal and china with ease, had even felt a twinge of envy as he assisted the upstairs ladies out of their motors. Such large hands capable of the most gentle caress. She shivered as her thoughts of his touch began to wander.

"Oh, I think there's a chance I know how you're feeling."

They both smiled in unison, Charles brought the ring out of his pocket and slid it onto her finger.

"Charles, it's beautiful." She stroked the ring with her fingers, admiring its beauty.

"It was my mothers."

"Well, I am honoured to be the one wearing it now."

She ceased her study of the ring to look at her fiancée. He was so handsome, with that smile on his face. He didn't smile near enough. She leaned in and placed a light kiss to the tip of his nose. His smile broadened. Deciding she was going to keep that smile there forever, she continued her attentions, placing more kisses on his forehead, cheeks, corner of his mouth. She began to migrate as she kissed up the line of his jaw, heard a groan as she reached his ear. Encouraged by the noise, she moved down to his neck, tasting his pulse point with the tip of her tongue.

Her progress was soon impeded as the hand that had made its way to her hip, slid up to her shoulder and gently held her back. "Elsie you must stop."

She pushed back and placed another kiss to the underside of his jaw, "Why must I?"

"Because darling, as much as I enjoy what you are doing, we cannot continue without being married."

She leaned back at his words, "you can't mean – you mean you want to stop," she gestured her hand between them, "stop this altogether?" She felt a hurt settle over her at thought that he could so easily resist her attentions.

Quick to dispel her fears he pressed a kiss to her lips and continued, "Goodness no, not unless that's what you want. As it is I don't know how I'll make it through a day without being able to touch you, let alone wait until we're married. I just believe these sessions should not take place in your bedroom while you're in such as state of – of undress. You are an honourable and respected woman and I would never want to threaten all that you've worked so hard for."

She quirked a smile, "Now why would you have to make it through a day? I believe there is a sitting room and a pantry downstairs, both of which we have access to."

At her words his mind drifted to a scene in his pantry involving Elsie and his desk. He felt heat rush to his face and shook his head to dispel his thoughts. "I don't think you realize how much of an affect you have on me."

Noticing his affected state she couldn't resist the opportunity to tease him. She leaned in a whispered in his ear, "Mmm, something to explore later."

His breath caught in his throat, "impossible woman."

Respecting his decision and agreeing with him really, she kept a little distance and sat next to him on the bed. She glanced at her ring and felt such happiness, but knew there were things they needed to discuss.

"Charles, has everything been—is it all sorted?"

"Yes it has, your injuries are the result of a bad fall. I've informed her ladyship that you will need some time to recover. Thomas seemed a little skeptical, but he has accepted the explanation."

She could tell by his tone that he was still affected by the events. She patted his leg and spoke, "I know you don't agree with this, but I want you to know how grateful I am. It's important to me that you support and respect my decisions, and you've done so by not revealing… the situation to anyone."

"You don't ever have to be grateful for my support, you will always have it."

Smiling at his words she continued the discussion. "We need to talk about our plans for the future. What does this marriage mean for us? I know you don't want to leave your position-"

At this, he felt the need to interject, "Elsie, I want to retire."

"What?"

"I have spent the majority of my life devoted to the family. And while I have felt honoured to fill that role, you are my family now, and I want to spend the rest of my life devoted to you and your happiness. I have enough saved, I believe I could provide a comfortable home for you, though it could never be as much as you deserve."

She wiped at her tears, "You dear man, it will be our home, not mine, and your love is everything I need. Don't forget, I have a savings as well. But perhaps we should keep this to ourselves for now? Until we get our plans all sorted."

Charles nodded his agreement, "Quite right, otherwise our every move will be closely watched. We can't have that, especially now." He leaned in and placed a tender kiss to her forehead."

"Cheeky. Charles I also, I was wondering if you would be willing to petition for a license? I'm not sure I can wait three weeks to be married to you."

"You read my mind."

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