Mere hours later, Elsie sat on her bed as the morning sun began to pass through her tiny window, illuminating the small bedroom she had spent the last two decades. The darkness of night always made things feel differently, released inhibitions and brought down barriers. In the light of day she was mortified by her actions, by what Charles had seen. He had seen all of her. Not just her body, but her want and desperate desire for him. His reaction had fueled her desire even more. The look in his eyes, the way his body reacted to hers. She had no doubt in her mind he had wanted her just as badly as she had wanted him. She just had no idea how he would react now. How would she even be able to look him in the eye? She giggled to herself as she remembered throwing the sponge at him. The look on his face! If anything, that image should get her through the day. She stood with a smile and love in her heart. She would see things right. Elsie would lead Charles to her, just a bit more gently than last night. She did not want to push too hard, or scare him away. He was always so slow and timid when it came to change. She needed to help him, to gently nudge him in the right direction. She was sure he would follow her lead. She also hoped that Ian would respect her wishes now and give her a bit of space. She did not want to hurt him, but knew she needed to set him straight once and for all.
Charles awoke with a throbbing erection. His dreams were filled with thoughts a naked and moaning housekeeper. My God, the way she said his name. It set him afire just recalling the purr of her soft Scottish lilt as she shuddered and convulsed, his name on her lips. He was not an indulgent man, but he knew he would not be able to survive a day near her without giving in and releasing his tension and need. He reached down and grasped himself firmly, stroking his length while imagining he was burying himself into the beautiful woman of last night. The soft, wet, shimmering siren with her beckoning lust filled eyes and parted mouth. It was only moments and he felt himself coming hard in his shorts. He felt a ridiculous boy, but knew it was necessary.
He reluctantly dressed for the day and paused for only a moment before opening his door. He would be fine. They would be fine. He put on his strict butler facade and made his way down to his pantry. He was glad he did not meet Elsie on his way. Though he attempted to, he still hadn't recovered from last evenings meeting. He wasn't sure he'd ever be able to recover from seeing her in that way. It was all he could do to focus on the papers in front of him. His eyes kept closing and envisioning Elsie's naked and moaning form. How many years had he longed to see her in just that way. To be the cause of her lustful moaning. The past twenty years he had imagined how every inch of her body would look and feel. How she would sound moaning his name while he worshipped her body. He could feel his body once again begin to stir. He was almost proud of this recent youthful vigor. Now if only he could use this gift, instead of it merely taunting him.
"Mr. Carson, breakfast." He heard Ivy call as she tapped on his door. He stood and readied himself. She certainly would not cause a scene in front of the staff. He assumes they'll be perfectly safe until alone. Would she scold him for his blatant and intrusive staring? He recalled the small smile he'd seen on her lips as he stumbled out the door last night. She did not look angry at all. On the contrary, she looked quite pleased with herself. She always did have a lot of spirit and fire, he thinks as he enters the servants hall. He sees her and it takes his breath away, much like she always has. She sits prettily in her chair next to his. Her face is slightly flushed and her eyes are sparkling. "Good morning." He says in his most dignified manner as the staff all stands in his presence. He sits down and they follow his lead. He is near her now and a warmth flows through his body. He finally feels like he is home.
Elsie prepares his tea as usual as he butters her scone and places it on her plate. It is their way. Their special dance they have perfected for all these years. Little ways of showing their care for each other without crossing lines or boundaries. They continue in this manner even after all lines and boundaries have been blurred. He glances at her and her cheeks are still a beautiful pink. "Good morning, Mrs. Hughes." He says softly to her, making sure the others are deep in conversation and not looking their way. He doesn't notice the subtle eavesdropping and stare of Miss Baxter. "Are we all set to welcome the family home today?"
Elsie leans over to place his tea cup down and her fingers gently slide over the back of his hand and down to his wrist. She knows the large porridge pot is blocking their hands from the others. "Yes, Mr. Carson. I believe we are. I'm ready for things to get back to normal around here."
"As am I." He said quietly. Caught in her spell, he turned his hand under hers and touched their fingers together before squeezing slightly. Realizing his intimate gesture, he pulled his hand back from the table, his face blushing and clearing his throat. They both gave each other a quick small smile and began to eat their breakfast in an silence.
Though silent as they ate, inside Charles was humming a tune. That was quite bold of them to touch hands right at the table. But he supposes not nearly so bold as their actions last night. He can feel his face reddening just thinking of it. He hoped this meant she would give up that blasted Tavish? His insides twisted in a knot just thinking of the man. Of how familiar he was with Elsie and how very much the man wanted her. He felt himself grimace. But quickly pulled himself together and smiled. No sense in her thinking he was upset or angry. She had touched him, smiled at him, and that would be enough for him now.
Elsie watched Charles at the table. She could not tell exactly what he was thinking or how he felt. He was usually so easy for her to read. However he did take her hand in his and squeeze lightly before pulling away. It gave her enough and filled her heart. One small gesture meaning so much more to her than a million words. She smiled as she ate. Feeling Charles' gaze on her the whole while.
When they finished Charles stood at the head of the table and gave the staff their usual "Crawley Family welcome home speech". He shooed them all away with specific instructions and soon he and Elsie were standing alone in the hall. There was certainly an atmosphere in the air around them. He cleared his throat, an obvious tell that he was indeed very nervous to be alone with her just yet. She tried to catch his eye, to calm him, when he looked down at her and smiled sweetly. She felt a tingle throughout her body as she stepped closer and gently laid her palm against his broad chest. "Mr. Carson, I think..."
"Mrs. Hughes. There is a Mr. Tavish at the back door for you!" Their youngest hall boy Edward called, as he entered the servants hall.
Charles' smile quickly faded. His eyes narrowed and he frowned, once again hurt and confused. He backed slowly away from her and shook his head.
Elsie went to him, taking his hand in hers. "Charles...I .." Elsie opened her mouth to explain. To say Ian was nothing more than a friend to her. To tell him she had not asked him to call. To tell him the only man who means anything to her, the only man that has ever meant anything to her, is him.
Charles pulled his hand from her grasp and turned away. He would not break in front of her. He left the hall and headed towards the stairs. He could not stand around and witness any more of her with that man. He didn't think his heart could take it.
As always, thanks so much for the kind and hilarious reviews. You are a great group of ladies! What fun we have on here :). I'm glad you're all still hanging in there with me :). I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint, but not to worry, they'll get there...I think ;) Mona xoxo