Adance sorry guys :D
I like the way you sound in the morning
We're on the phone and without a warning
I realize your laugh is the best sound
I have ever heard
A week later...
Laughter echoed around the woods mixing with the twitting of the birds, the sound of the river and the rustling of the leaves. Charles had whisked Elsie for a day to take her on another picnic. A lot had happened that made Elsie either sad or angry, but still Elsie was still by his side. Arriving to the conclusion that he was really falling in love with her.
He had his talked to Carlisle and Grigg warning them not to come closer to Elsie and not to spill false story but he knew them they wouldn't stop until they get what they want. He also had feeling that someone was paying them but as he comb back to his memories, reminiscing if he made an enemy with someone but found none.
Today he wants to enjoy being with Elsie and enjoy while it lasts. He watched as she paddled the river, crouching obviously looking at something beneath the water. He was really enamored by her beauty, the wisps of her hair that escape the tight braid,framing her face make her look more younger. The happy twinkle of her eyes that always so soft as if she had never been mad which is far from the truth.
Elsie held her skirt and crouched as she saw a fish passed her feet. She couldn't deny that Charles chose the most wonderful to take their picnic. When the fish disappeared, she looked up at saw Charles smiling amusingly at her. She smiled back and make her way out of the river. She couldn't deny that he was looking very handsome today, he was only wearing a white buttoned down long-sleeved shirt but he unbuttoned the first three button which made him looked suave,taking her breath away. She stared at his soft brown eyes. Yes, she admit it she's falling in love.
I like the way I can't keep my focus
I watch you talk, you didn't notice
I hear the words but all I can think is
We should be together
Every time you smile, I smile
And every time you shine, I'll shine for you
As Elsie sat down beside him, he offered her a towel for to dry her legs. He looked everywhere except her while she dry her legs. He unpacked the remaining food laying them down on the blanket. After drying her legs, Elsie devoured the food that Charles just unpacked.
"If a dinosaur exist, you'll be one of them" he teased.
"If I'm not really hungry, I would hate you for that" she said though mouthful of foods. Charles couldn't love her more, she ate like she doesn't belong in the upper classes. He took notes in his mind that if ever he marry her someday that always take her away from the eyes of the servants and other people to see her eat more like this.
"Have you had suitors before? " he asked out of nowhere.
Elsie swallowed the remaining food in her mouth and took a drink then replied, "I haven't, your the first".
"Whyever not? " He gazed at her eyes softly.
"Because they only want me because of my title" she stared back at his eyes.
"What makes you think that I'm not one them? " He raised his bushy eyebrows.
"Because, " she started leaning forward to him then continued "I know you're a good man and if you wanted only my title you would've courted Alice instead" she blurted backing away from him, taking her previous seat.
"You may be right" he answered back leaning back on his hands.
"What makes you want to court me? " it was her turn to question him.
"Who wouldn't want to. You're beautiful and you have a good heart" he answered but not all.
"I'm not beautiful " she puffed.
"You are. " he reached for her face tucking the flying strands of hair around her face.
Both person don't want the day to end. If someone would see them right now, they would think that they are already married because of the coziness around them. Elsie lie down on the blanket after putting the remaining food in the basket. Charles was propped up on his arms looking down at his angel, ranting about her childhood days. Now he knew, that Elsie was not really a mama's girl, she grew up getting what she wants from her father. Allowing her to climb trees, to play hide seek around their house and fooling around.
Elsie admitted that she did not actually grew up like a young lady, prim and proper and all. Her father had spoiled her, letting her do what she wants. It only changed when her governess arrived. From that revelation Charles couldn't love, adore, like her more.
Charles cleared his throat after Elsie finished her story, informing her about the time. Regretfully, Elsie stood up tidying herself. She thanked whoever made her dress because the skirt was too long for everyone to notice that she's not wearing her stockings which made her a bit uncomfortable.
As they ventured through the worn path which leads out of the woods. Elsie was clearly bouncing Evey step she took, she held Charles hand swinging it up and down. Charles noticed what she was doing and couldn't help but chuckle, she's hilarious sometimes.
"Charlie. " He heard Elsie hesitantly said. It's been a long time since he had heard that nickname, he stopped her mother calling him that nickname. But the way Elsie said it he doesn't want her to stop calling him like that.
"Yes. " He stopped walking turning around and saw her standing a bit far from him.
"Can I call you that? " Her voice was like a child pleading for her parents to forgive her.
"Of course but if it's only just us" He offered her his hand which she took with a tight grip.
They resumed their journey with their hands locked together. Elsie's amusing personality continue to surprise Charles, no matter how much they spend together. Charles watched her as she giggled whenever she saw an animal hiding.
"Charlie, do you think we can come back here soon? " She wondered.
Charles think if they could seeing though he won't be busy for a long time he replied " Of course just tell me when you want and we'll come back here".
She looked her arm through his leaning her head on his forearm "Okay".
Whoa, oh, I'm feeling you baby
Don't be afraid to
Jump then fall
Jump then fall into me
Be there, never gonna leave you
Say that you wanna be with me too
So I'mma stay through it all
So jump then fall
As they got nearer to their house Elsie couldn't but feel a bit melancholy. Why does the day always needs to end? She thought childishly. Charles put his hand up to ring the bell when Elsie's hand stopped him. He looked at her and saw that she was looking at his eyes going down his lips. He put his hand down and gently grab her waist and kissed her gently on the lips before kissing her forehead. He rang the bell and waited. A few minutes later the door opened, Elsie bid Charles watched as a cab pulled down to get Charles. She turned around and walked to the library where she knew her mother and father taking their tea.
Lady Gaisabeth turned her head as she heard the other door opening and closing " Did you have a good day? " She asked sipping her tea.
Elsie walked over and poured herself a cup of tea before replying "wonderful" her happiness radiating all over her body.
"Credits to the Great Carson then" Her father teased.
She hummed in agreement for leaving the room yet again. Elsie made her way to her room, plopping herself on her bed. She giggled at the memory of her and Charles kissing, of how good it felt. She herself don't know if she's acting silly or just in love, but she won't know if it's love since she doesn't know what it meant.
Lady Gaisabeth followed her daughter to her room. She knocked and waited for her daughter to let her in when she heard her inviting her in. She smiled at Elsie before sitting down next to her. She watched as Elsie suddenly have this dreamy look.
"So, what happened? " She asked could not keep her curiosity anymore.
Elsie sat up and beamed at her mother "Oh Mama, it was wonderful. The picnic and everything " she exclaimed.
"Just be careful,alright? I don't want you getting hurt" She warned.
"Charles won't hurt me" Elsie positively replied.
"You don't know that" she watched as her daughter's face suddenly become serious. "Of course I'm not implying that Charles is a bad man, just be careful".
"Alright I'll be careful" Elsie sighed
Well, I like the way your hair falls in your face
You got the keys to me
I love each freckle on your face, oh
I've never been so wrapped up, honey
I like the way you're everything I ever wanted
Charles just got home feeling a bit light headed from the excitement. He ventured through their library and found none other than Alice and his mother talking.
"Oh here he is now" His mother informed. Alice tilted her head to look at him and smiled. Charles didn't know, why he's getting uncomfortable in her presence, he felt he don't want her to smile like that at him. Charles walked to his mother and kissed her cheek but he only nod at Alice.
"Where did you go? " Alice asked studying him.
Charles was about to answer her but his mother beat him to it "Alice dear didn't I told you that he went to the Hughes's"
"Of course. I forgot" she replied.
"What brings you here? " Charles sat down and waited for her answer.
"Nothing. Do I need a reason to visit a friend? " She said sipping her tea. Charles studied her more and saw something in her eyes, he didn't know what is it but he have a feeling that it is not good.
"Not particularly, no. " He drew out the words.
"But I really have a reason. Robert wrote to me, he invited us to attend his wedding it turns out he's marrying an American folk" She informed focusing on the information she gave.
"When will this be? " He asked as he rubbed his temple.
"Tomorrow" Alice replied nonchalantly.
"Tomorrow " He exclaimed " Are you kidding me? I haven't informed Elsie about it" He was devastated that his will to court Elsie will be interrupted.
"Why is she so important? Robert is your best friend and he just want you attend his wedding is that so difficult" She scolded.
"Fine I'll attend the wedding but I need to write a telegram for Elsie" he stood up and went to write the said letter. Alice hid her smirk while watching Charles write the letter, thanking Robert in her mind for giving her the chance to continue ruining Charles relationship with Elsie. There wouldn't be a doubt that they will stay at the same roof which gave her a very easy escape.
Charles was very disappointed, he didn't want to leave Elsie because of the fact that they were in the middle of courtship. Why does Robert chose the bad time? He selfishly thought. Charles wrote the letter in lickety-split so that Elsie will receive it immediately.
The next day...
As Elsie walked down the stairs, she caught a glimpse of Doctor Clarkson leaving. She wondered who was taken ill but maybe it's one of the servants. She opened the door of the dining room where she found his father reading the papers and whistling. She sat down on the chair, her father still not noticing her. Barrow handed her a letter and when she saw that it was from Charles. Her shoulders slumped when she read the contents, although she understands she was a bit unhappy about it. Robert's wedding, meaning that Alice is with them which is not good. When she saw her father lowered the papers she decided to ask him what was happening.
"What's going on, Da? " She inquired with raised eyebrow.
"Oh good morning Elizabeth, I didn't saw you there" Her father gave a chuckle. Something about his happy mood irritates Elsie.
She rolled her eyes at him "obviously ".
"Doctor Clarkson was here earlier " He stated,eyes twinkling.
"Is that something to be happy about?" Her obvious unhappiness was showing. She knew it was because of the letter but no one can blame her about that.
"No, not really. But he gave us a happy news" Lord Eric informed.
"A happy news from a Doctor? Are you well Da?" She raised her hand up to feel if he has a temperature but she felt that he was cool enough to be I'll.
He gave a chuckle and decided to spill the beans "Your mother is pregnant " Elsie almost spilled her tea at the information. She dabbed her mouth with the towel and gaped at her father.
"You're joking,right?" She searched his eyes father's eyes if he was joking but his eyes convey that he was serious.
"I'm not joking" He assured. He watched as his daughter slumped which is very unladylike but he couldn't found the nerve to scold her about it.
Elsie's unhappiness grew more, another sibling meant she need to share her parents attention. She was happy to have a sibling but why not earlier than this, she's already got used to the attention her parents giving her. She scolded herself for acting childish and jealous. She stood up and strode purposely to her parents suite.
"I wondered when you will arrive" Her mother greeted.
"It's true then" She sat beside her mother.
"Yes" Lady Gaisabeth eyed her daughter " Are you well? " she asked noticing her eyebrows knitted together.
"I am" She replied not looking directly at her mother.
"Somehow I don't believe that" Her mother smirked, putting her breakfast away.
"Can I have a hug? " She looked at her mother inquiringly.
Lady Gaisabeth softened at her daughter they might have another child but no one can replace her sweet daughter. She took her daughter in her arms and felt her released some of the tension that she was holding. Her daughter might be already a young woman but she was still her baby.
Elsie was relieved that her mother didn't say anything about her needing a hug. She must really act like her own age now, especially now that she's going to have a sister or brother. But she need one last hug from her mother then she can begin.
I had time to think it all over
And all I can say is come closer
Take a deep breath then jump then fall into me
Cause Every time you smile, I smile
And every time you shine, I'll shine for you
Charles and Alice arrived just as the ceremony starting. He can already imagine Elsie walking down the aisle, if anyone knew what he was thinking they will think that he's already insane. He watched as Robert and Cora married each other. He let his gaze to wander all around the church when he saw a familiar face. He didn't know that Beryl was invited nor she knew Robert so it means Robert and Elsie are related with each other.
Then why on earth Elsie's not invited in his wedding? He asked himself.
While Charles was lost in thought he hadn't realized that the ceremony was over and that the newlyweds already leaving the church. His thoughts was broken by none other than Alice.
"Well that was a beautiful service, don't you agree Charles? " Alice smiled sweetly at him.
"I do" He replied starting his way out of the church.
As Charles really walked out of the church, he spotted Beryl alone looking like she's waiting for someone. He decided to approached and talked to her.
He nodded his head as a greeting "I didn't know that you're a friend of Robert? " He started.
"How can you know? We hardly talk" Beryl said stating the obvious.
Charles was taken aback by her replied "You're right of course " he cleared his throat "Are you waiting for someone? " he asked looking around.
"Not really " Beryl answered.
"Can we take the same cab? I'm avoiding someone and I don't want to be in the same place as her" He knew he couldn't avoid Alice especially at a place like this but it's worth a try.
"By means of her, you mean Alice? Of course, never liked her anyway" She agreed. There must be something that Charles not telling about Alice if he's avoiding her like that. They both got in to the car and waited for the chauffeur to start driving.
"Does Elsie and Robert related to each other? " He dropped the question.
"Yes, third cousin I think " Beryl answered.
"Then why on earth she's not invited? " His curiosity taking over.
"Her parents send their regretful letter for not attending his wedding" Beryl stated.
"Why? " Charles has a feeling that he's starting to annoy Beryl but he just want answers to his questions.
"They just not have the time and Elsie's father was rather busy, if you get my point then I don't need to explain anymore" She looked at him as he nodded. It may be the truth but she don't know the real reason either on why they decline the invitation which is very unlike them.
After the wedding celebration, it was nearly midnight when Charles and the rest of the invited people who decided to stay at the house went up. Charles was tipsy when he went up, he was near at being intoxicated with Brandy. He shouldn't have drunk that much, he'll regret it tomorrow. After the valet help him out of his clothes, Charles made his way to take a bath. When he was done,he wrapped a towel all around his lower body not bothering to put his robe on. He walked out of the bathroom and was surprised by the door opening.
Alice watch as the valet who attended Charles made his exit. She knew Charles was tipsy when they went up, cursing that he didn't drunk that much. Nevertheless she decided to push her luck and made her way in Charles room. She saw him standing there with only a towel on.
"What are you doing here? " Charles fumed, trying to spot his robe on.
"Isn't it obvious? " She smirked looking at him up and down.
"It is but that doesn't explain anything " he thanked when he spotted his robe quickly wrapping it around himself.
Alice charged forward "Come on Charles, as if you don't want me" she continued to walked towards him while he was backing away from her.
"I really don't want you" he was getting angry by her actions "Get out" he instructed pointing his finger to the door.
"Not till I get what I want" Alice chuckled. Charles studied her if she was drunk but there was no sign of any drunkness.
"You won't get it. Are you insane? " He didn't want to be violent but he had no choice. He grabbed her upper arm dragging her to the door.
Alice wiggled to free herself from Charles tight grip on her but she couldn't. When they were out of the door, she suddenly heard heels clicking going in there place. She pushed Charles with her other arm effectively backing him away from her, when she heard the clicking getting louder she kissed Charles hard on the mouth surprising him more. Just then a gasp was heard from their vantage.
Charles was surprised at Alice action then he heard a gasp. He pushed her away from him looking whoever made the gasp and saw that it was Beryl. Charles couldn't be more mortified than at this moment, he walked towards Beryl but he saw the look she was giving to him so he decided not continue.
Beryl couldn't be more surprised, she couldn't believe what she just saw. She didn't know how to react seeing her friends suitor kissing another woman which he earlier said that he was avoiding her, and she didn't expect Charles as a liar. She saw him walked towards her but gave him a death glare that will make anyone crumble to their feet, making him stopped his action.
"I swear it's not what it looks like Beryl " He pleaded.
"Lady Mason please. And it is what it looks like" Beryl fumed making Charles swallow hard.
"Lady Mason let me explain please"
"There's no need to explain your actions speak louder. How long are you carrying a relationship with her? " Beryl glared at Alice who was smirking and clearly enjoying the show.
"There's no relationship with us" Charles explained.
Beryl doesn't know if she should believe him or not "You shouldn't have courted Elsie when you're already in a relationship. You could've spared her the hurt your actions will give her" Beryl throwed which make him almost cower.
"You know Lord Carson, I thought you are a good person but clearly I'm wrong. You shouldn't have made Elsie fall in love with you" Beryl shook her head in disappointment. Charles eyes widen when he heard that he already made Elsie fall in love with her, he wants to get back to her and tell her what he really feel about her. The statement itself knocked him backward,making him feel like crying. He watched as Beryl walked away, he knew that he already destroyed Elsie's trust at that moment. He looked at Alice and saw the satisfaction on her face making him more angry at her.
He grabbed her and shook her " Are you happy? " her unafraid attitude making him mad not to mention the fact that it was all her fault.
"Very" Alice smiled. Charles released her, locking the door to his room. He wants to kill Alice but it won't make everything alright.
Alice grinned triumphantly as she walked to her room. Laughing at the person who already fell in love with Charles, it seems she was a terribly unlucky woman. If she can't have Charles then no one can.
Every time you smile, I smile
And every time you shine, I shine
And every time you're here
Baby I'll show you, I'll show you
You can Jump then fall, jump then fall
Jump then fall into me, into me, yeah
A/N:
In case you noticed I don't particularly gave any specific location of the places. I don't like putting places without any information about it. I could research I know but sometimes goggle doesn't always give the best answers.
I'll just leave to all of you the house of the Crawleys looks like since the Downton Abbey's already taken by Charles.
Thank you for reading!