A/N: I am still very curious that people read this. lol I don't know but I am not completely satisfied with this chapter. However, thank you for reading!

Winter Activities - Chapter 3

After taking his hand, they made their way to the middle of the lake. Charles was very steady on his shoes while Elsie clasped his hand with both of hers, very unsure of her skills but with a small smile on her lips because the man that dragged her with him was so strong and lovely and kind.

The children looked at them with curious faces but as they recognised the former butler and the housekeeper of Downton Abbey, they grinned. Even the village kids knew that the two of them loved each other very much and as some of the children themselves had little loves, they just made way for Mr. and Mrs. Carson with respectable nod of their heads.

"Elsie, are you sure you want to do this? We could always go back and just sit and enjoy the scenery…?" asked Charles with concern written on his face.

Elsie was smitten with this lovely man, answering "Of course, we're doing it now! You even bought me suitable shoes. Let's just start, my feet are a bit frosty."

Kissing her cheek, Charles held their clasped hands out so that she would let go.

She did so hesitantly to ensure that she would be safe. Charles skated professionally backwards.

"It is essential that you prostrate a bit, leaning forward with your upper body and then you start sliding one foot after another along… like this" said Charles, doing what he described in a very exaggerated way.

"You do know that this looks extremely silly and that I think that the style of skating on ice must have been altered since you were young?" Elsie teased with a mischievous smile.

"I don't know what makes you saying this. I am absolutely serious." declared Charles, trying to keep a straight face.

"If you want to ridicule me in front of the village kids, I will tell you that I am your wife and they would merely laugh at you because you are such a poor teacher."

To emphasize her snooty-acted speech, she stuck her tongue out at her husband.

Playing along, the mentioned man gasped in astonishment and covered his mouth with his hand but smiled at his wife's cheek. "If I wouldn't know how to go back and forth on the ice, I would be nice and kind to my husband who has a certain skill in that area. As you find my teaching methods to be quite old-fashioned, may I ask what you would prefer?"

"Well, we already observed that we feel quite safe when holding the other's hand, so what if I am holding your hand and you dragging me with you while I try to slide in a fluid motion?"

Charles took her hand immediately, slightly pulling so that she would move. Elsie concentrated on the task of keeping her body upright and it went very well for thirty minutes or so. They made their rounds on the ice, with Elsie getting better with every step.

"You're a natural, my dear" said Charles, delighted that his wife may like this winter sport as much as he did, nevertheless knowing that she was a bit strained.

"Thank you, darling but would you mind sitting down for a few minutes. My legs aren't accustomed to this kind of pressure…"

Kissing Elsie's cheek, he answered "Of course we will make a break."

And still hand-holding, they made their way from the ice, a lovely picnic awaiting them.

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