I do plan to go back and explain how they got here. Stick with me!~
Chapter 2
"Mrs. Hughes" Charles looked up at her and smiled as she turned to meet his gaze. "Elsie…." He cleared his throat smiling as he continued. She smiled back waiting patiently. "My Elsie… … I have wanted for so long to share with you…..,To have you…., To be with you…., To hold you." He cleared his throat and shook his head. "This shouldn't be this hard." He started again. "Elsie, I love you. Will you marry me?"
"Yes, yes I will marry you. You old fool now get up before you get stuck down there" She nudged him as she stood up helping him to his feet as well. She wrapped her arms around him breathing in deeply and enjoying finally being able to show her love for him publically without worry of being caught out. She reached up on tiptoe and gave him a peck on the lips.
He groaned as he felt her lips touch hers and when she tried to deepen the kiss he pulled back whispering in her ear "Later my love". She nodded and they both returned to their seats, though they refused to let go of each other's hand, to finish their drinks.
"Oh!..." Charles exclaimed reaching into his pocket and removing the ring box. "I have this." He presented the ring to Elsie. "I know it's not a diamond-"
"-Mr. Carson to break tradition?" Elsie teased smiling as she admired the ring.
Charles chuckled. "It's just, when I saw this I knew, It's as if it were made for you." He took the ring from the box and slid it onto her hand.
"Beautiful" Elsie beamed kissing Charles on the cheek, then holding her hand out to admire the Emerald green stone against the silver band.
They both sipped their drinks in content silence for several minutes both lost in their own thoughts. After draining his glass and returning from the bar with two fresh glasses Charles sat with a sigh.
"I muddled that… I had such a beautiful proposal prepared Elsie." Charles was mumbling and looking down at his class as he twirled the liquid inside. "I am sorry you deserve more-"
"-OH! Hush!" Elsie exclaimed reaching to steady his hand. "It was a beautiful proposal… You know I have wanted for just as long, I have wanted to be with you…." She paused leaning in close as she stroked his hand. "And now we have everything to look forward to… and two more days before we have to return to the house."
Charles shifted in his seat clearing his throat but not moving away from Elsie's touch. "yes two more days." He responded distractedly.
"Charles maybe we should head back to the room for a little more privacy?" Elsie whispered.
"Yes, Elsie I would love to return to the room" Charles had sprung to his feet and was pulling out his wallet to pay their tab before he even finished the sentence.
With the bill paid he extended his arm to her tucking her hand in tight. "Shall we?" He gestured as they left the bar.