Be sure you have read the previous chapter before you read this one. This story was going to be 37 chapters long, but after I wrote and posted chapter 36, two more chapters were born. This epilogue, however, is really and truly the last chapter. Thank you for reading.

There was no regular pattern, but from time to time Charles and Elsie wrote to one another even after their retired life had settled into a daily rhythm. There were always letters on special occasions, but letters and notes also turned up on ordinary days under Elsie's pillow or in the pocket of Charles's waistcoat, among other hiding places.

One evening, Charles came upstairs to find his wife in her nightgown, sitting up in bed and reading a letter. He watched her read as he changed into his pajamas. Just before he closed the wardrobe, he pulled a letter out of the pocket of the trousers he had been wearing. He climbed into bed with the letter in his hand and waited for Elsie to finish reading hers. When she looked up from the paper, smiling, he leaned over and kissed her.

"I'm glad you found my letter, Charles," she commented, noting the envelope in his hand. "I thought you would be reading that book today after dinner."

He chuckled. "Yes, you put it in just the right place. I'm a creature of habit, my dear, as well you know."

"I certainly do. I'm very glad today was not too much for you," she teased.

"Why should today be too much for me?" Charles frowned.

"We witnessed the world being turned on its head today."

"Oh, I don't know about that," Charles said. "Although I suppose it is rather unusual."

"It's not so unusual that we had such similar thoughts, though." Elsie indicated the letter in her hand.

"Not unusual at all," he agreed. "Sometimes I believe you think my thoughts before I do."

Elsie laughed. "And what happens at the Abbey now?"

Charles smiled. "I'm very glad that I have no part in finding an answer to that question."

Elsie pretended to be shocked. "Charles Carson! I never thought I'd see the day when you'd be content to leave the Crawleys to themselves!"

He curled up against her. "It's your fault, Elsie," he murmured. "Living with you has changed my priorities."

She smiled. "I'm glad to hear it."

"No more talk, my dear," Charles murmured, pulling her close and kissing her.

Elsie agreed without speaking.

#####

Dear Elsie,

I hope you enjoyed today's ceremony as much as I did. It could never compare to ours, of course, but it was quite fine. I think a letter is most definitely in order to celebrate the first wedding we have attended since we were married. I've had the good fortune of attending many joyous wedding celebrations in my lifetime, but not all of them are so blissful as this one. It was especially gratifying to see the true happiness of today's bridal couple. They seem to have been made for one another. I shared a glass of wine with the groom last week and he seemed surprised at first when I spoke offhand of children; he had barely given it a thought. The notion seemed to make him smile even more than he had already. However, I must say that he was highly distracted. I ought to have known better than to expect serious conversation from him when his beloved was within sight or hearing. She passed us by several times while we were talking and I could see his eyes following her. I also recognized how he strained to hear her voice down the corridor. I could perceive in him that sort of all-consuming madness that is quite familiar to me. I am just glad that two such deserving people found one another.

Our conversation made me think seriously on the subject of children. I can't say I haven't wondered in the last months how it might have been had you and I married when we were younger, and perhaps had a family of our own. I hope this is not a regret that troubles you, Elsie, but if it does, I am sorry for any disappointment wrought by my blindness. In truth, I am very happy just as I am, and I am not sure I would have been a very good husband fifteen or twenty years ago. I was not the same man then, and I might have been in danger of continuing to take you for granted. That is bad enough behavior toward a friend; it is even worse toward one's wife. I've made you wait, my dearest, but I like to think that your patience has been rewarded by your now being married to a better man than you would have if we'd been wed fifteen or twenty years ago.

I love you, my sweet one. You were and are the most beautiful bride ever seen.

Ever yours,

Charles

#####

Dear Charles,

Today isn't a holiday, but I think it is a special enough occasion to call for a letter. We watched two people in love being joined in holy matrimony. Can you think of a better day for a love letter? The ceremony was lovely and the bride and groom looked almost as happy as we did on our wedding day. Mr. Wendover and the former Mrs. Bute are so different from you and I, and yet there are similarities in our situations. They've not known one another for nearly as long as we have, and yet they seem somehow to understand each other so well. Watching them today I shouldn't think either of them cares one way or another, but I believe it possible that they will be blessed with a child, perhaps even several. What a joy it is that there are so many different forms of happiness!

Have you ever thought of what it might have been like if we had married when we were that young? I will admit I have thought of it, but I can't bring myself to regret that we did not. You have been well and truly mine for less than a year and I am happier than I could have imagined, but I feel like my whole life has been a good one. I was happy because I was successful and because I was by your side. You were not my husband, but you were my friend, something that has always meant a great deal to me. As for children, we had quite a few, in a way, borne by other mothers, but given into our keeping for a time. How many mothers and fathers might have envied us our time with their own beloved children?

I love you, dear one. This wedding has made me think of ours, although I remember very little of the preparations and ceremony. Mrs. Patmore and Anna were very kind, helping me dress that morning, and Mr. Branson teased me a little when I might have been nervous. I can't remember with any clarity who else was there or even all of the vows I repeated. I've forgotten most of it, because you were there and I could think of nothing else. I had heard the wedding day talked of as one of the happiest days of a person's life and I believed it, but there was no preparing me for the wonder of that day. I think it must be because there is nothing like the wonder of you, my man.

I must conclude so I can secret this message away in some place where you will find it today and read it before you come up to bed. Whether you prefer a passionate embrace or simply a night of sweet dreams, my arms will be ready to welcome you. I love you.

Ever yours,

Elsie

The End.

Thank you for all of your support throughout this epistolary journey. I couldn't have done it without you. Please leave a review if you can spare a few minutes.