His heart is racing as he packs his final suitcase. He reaches for the small silver picture frame on his nightstand, smiling down at the lovely woman in the photo before placing it gently into the suitcase. He couldn't wait to be home and see her smiling face and hear her sweet Scottish brogue. He's sure when Elsie had gifted him the frame she had no idea he would immediately replace the photo of Alice with one of her own. Why would he need to stare at a woman from his past, when he could gaze at the lovely woman of his present ad future. She really had no idea of the depth of his adoration for her, but how would she. He had never crossed that line between them. He had hoped he always showed her he cared for her deeply as a friend and respected colleague, but more than that he could never offer her.

It's true he had wanted her from the moment he laid eyes on her, all sass and fire, confidence and beauty. He knew within days she felt the same. They only needed to be in the same room and could feel the heat and tension passing between them. But to have started an affair behind closed doors would have damaged both their self respect and worth. He would never have dreamt of tarnishing her sweet and honest nature. To have married her would have been the end of their livelihoods. They started their relationship at a crossroad, where the only safe path was the straight and narrow. To go left or right would cause ruin for both. Theirs was a love contained before it even started. Trapped within each and buried deep down never to be allowed to surface. Their were many times over the years it had been absolute torture to suppress their longing for one another. At times it had taken everything in his power to not pull her to him and kiss her senseless. To not grab her by her hips and drop to his knees begging for her touch. He never considered himself a pathetic man, but when it came to Elsie Hughes, she unknowingly held the power to crush his soul. Alice Neil leaving him for another had injured him. But if Elsie Hughes chose another, he would certainly die.

Charles said his goodbyes to the London house staff and left for his train. In only five short hours he would be walking through the doors of Downton to see his beloved Housekeeper. "Mrs. Hughes." He whispered to himself as he sat alone on the train. "Elsie." He said, trying out her name. He was bound and determined come winter her name would slide from his lips easily as he held her close in his arms. "Elsie Hughes, I love you." He said quietly as he stared out the window.

...

The wait for Charles was testing Elsie's nerves to the full. She had been up all night tossing and turning. Charles Carson was coming home today. What would he say to her? How would he greet her upon his arrival? The romantic in her played out elaborate scenarios of him pulling her into his arms, his lips crushing down onto hers as he confessed his love. The realist in her knew he would greet her as always, waiting until they were behind closed doors to discuss his letter and intentions. Where would they go from here now that she knew what was in his heart? The only thing she was certain of was that she would leave him to make the first move. To bring up the letter and speak to her of what he had written. She would do her best to show him she was more than eager to receive his love, and give hers in return.

"Oh Elsie! Sit down before you make me dizzy." Beryl orders her as she paces her sitting room floor. "He'll be here in half an hour at most. You look like a lass on her wedding day! You're making even me nervous."

"I can't help it Beryl. I haven't seen him in so long." She pauses, as if lost in thought. "Things will be different. He assumes I'm walking out with another man."

"Well, I hate to be the one to break it to ya. But technically, you are." Beryl says with a smirk, as she sips her tea.

"That's really not helping, thank you very much!" Elsie snaps at her friend as she hears a soft tapping on her door. She smooths her hands down the front of her favorite black dress and nervously folds her hands in front of her. "Come in." She says sweetly, a big smile on her face as she expects to see Charles walk through the door.

"Oh! Ian.. Mr. Tavish! To what do I expect the pleasure of your visit." Elsie fumbles, glancing at Beryl, a look of sheer panic on her face. Charles will be here any minute. What would he think to come home and find this man in her sitting room. She silently scolds herself for even getting into this predicament. But she looks up at him and he is smiling so sweetly at her.

"Good afternoon, ladies." He addresses them both smiling. "I hope I'm not intruding. I was just out for a drive taking in the beauty around me, when it occurred to me the most beautiful sight I could hope to see today would be right here in this room." He finished, looking right at Elsie.

"Well... I'll just leave you right to it then." Beryl said standing. She glanced over at Elsie on her way out and mouthed "fifteen minutes".

Elsie was in a panic. Her heart was pounding in her chest. Charles would be here soon and find her with him. What would he think? What would he say? Then she looked back up into Ian's face. He was so kind, so incredibly handsome, and he wanted her. He cared for her and treated her so well. He was a good man. Maybe not the man for her, but also not one she wanted to hurt. "That's very kind of you, Mr. Tavish."

"Back to , I see. Have you been thinking then, Elsie? Have you been thinking about me? About us? Because honestly, you're all I can think about." He says reaching out and taking her hand.

"Oh, Ian. You really are such a wonderful man, and I don't want to hurt you. It's just this...this is really not a good moment to chat. You see, Mr. Carson should be home from London at any minute. I'm very glad to see you, but I must apologize and ask you to postpone your visiting for a bit." Her voice was soft and kind.

"Just a bit, Elsie?" He asks, his eyes full of hope.

"Yes. Just for a bit. I need a few days to get my footing back with him." She looks at his face and it shows kindness and understanding. "Do you understand?"

"I think I do. Will you see me out?" He asks, offering his arm.

"Of course I will." She smiles and takes his arm as he leads her towards the backdoor and out to his car. "I will see you soon, Mr. Tavish." Elsie says smiling. She can't seem to help herself and gives him a little wink.

Ian smiles back and just as he opens the door, he leans over and kisses her on the cheek. "Soon will not be quick enough, my beautiful lass."

...TBC

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