After their snack, much more playing and dinner, Sybbie and George happily cuddled up with Mr. Carson as he sat in the nursery rocking chair. Sybbie had chosen her new book, The Velveteen Rabbit, for him to read before bed.
Mrs. Hughes, putting away various toys and many wooden blocks, delighted in the gentle, but animated sound of Mr. Carson's voice as he shared with the children the story of the much loved stuffed animal. She had finished with her tidying and was leaning against the door frame when Mr. Carson began reading the words:
"It doesn't happen all at once. You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real, you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand…"
Mr. Carson's pace had slowed as he reached the last few lines. The words took on a special meaning. Mr. Carson looked up at Mrs. Hughes with great tenderness. She smiled at him and began to dab at the tears collecting in the corners of her eyes. They held their gaze until Sybbie announced, "Hughsie is crying."
Mr. Carson looked down at the little girl's worried face. "It's all right. They are happy tears aren't they, Hughsie?"
"Oh, yes." She laughed through her tears. "They are very happy tears." Mrs. Hughes smiled sweetly at the little girl.
Satisfied that Mrs. Hughes was all right, Sybbie gave her a smile and leaned back against Mr. Carson as he returned to reading the book.
Mrs. Hughes didn't listen to the rest of the story. She was focused on the gentle smile and kind eyes that moved across the pages. There were lines around the smile and eyes, as well as an ample amount of silver hair at his temples, but they only enhanced the beauty she saw. The rare combination of dignity and kindness that defined this man made him more precious to her than anyone she had ever known. She suddenly wanted to tell him he was wonderful, as he had so unexpectedly told her the night before. Quite wonderful. A warm sensation bloomed throughout her body as she thought, "I am in love with this man." She knew all at once that it was real.
Both children were asleep by the time Mr. Carson reached the part of the story where the fairy emerges from the flower created by the Velveteen Rabbit's tear. He looked up and smiled at Mrs. Hughes and whispered, "Will you take Master George?"
She smiled and nodded, gently picking up the warm toddler. She shifted him onto her shoulder and the baby patted her back as she patted his. Mr. Carson stood up with Sybbie who wrapped her arms around his neck.
Both children tucked into their respective beds, Mr. Carson switched off the light as Mrs. Hughes joined him in the doorway. "They are quite sweet," she said turning to him.
He smiled and held out his hand. She took it and they walked back into the Nanny's room.
Once inside, he turned off the lights. She turned and looked at him. He laced his fingers through hers and whispered, "Elsie."
She placed her free hand on his chest and looked up at him. The small bit of light from the corridor allowed them to see one another's faces. He lightly placed his free hand under her chin, tilting her face up to his. He leaned down and kissed her lips. It was so gentle. He pulled his face back to look at her. A tear ran out of the corner of her eye. He wiped the tear from her cheek. They released their interlocked fingers and he placed his hands on her lower back, pulling her closer to him. She placed her arms around his neck and pulled his face towards hers'. He took her lower lip between his lips. The kiss that followed quickly grew in intensity.
She ran her hands into his hair as he ran his hands up and down her back. Every touch felt so natural to them both. Neither felt the pull of insecurities that plague most first kisses. It was as if they were made to fit with the other. He moved his mouth down her jaw line and to her neck. She let out of sigh that was part moan, part exultation.
He put his lips to her ear and whispered, "I love you so very much." Elsie pulled her head back and held his face in his hands. "I love you so very much." They held each other in a tight embrace.
Over the years they had certainly held hands and exchanged a few hugs and pats of comfort, but this embrace was strikingly different from any either had ever experienced before. She let out a laugh and continued to cry. He looked into her eyes. "Are you alright?"
"Oh, yes. I'm just so happy, Charles. It's just…" she shook her head in disbelief, "…joy." He smiled as he pulled out a handkerchief and gently wiped the tears off her cheeks. He kissed her forehead, each of her cheeks and the end of her nose before reaching her lips.
Charles finally released her from the kiss and pulled her tightly to him. "I would like to stay here, like this, forever."
Elsie's head was against his chest, "Wouldn't that be perfect?"
"Unfortunately, this house is full of people. And eventually Nanny will want her room back."
Elsie let out a small chuckle and stepped back from the embrace. He took her hand and they started towards the door. She suddenly stopped. He turned to look at her.
"What happens now, Charles?"
His look was full of love. "Everything."
He squeezed her hand and they left the room.