May 9, 1926

They climbed the stairs, one weary step at a time. It had been an extremely long day, an even longer dinner party that evening, and much later before Charles and Elsie were able to retire to their own room at Downton. It had been decided, not long after their honeymoon, that they would occupy a room at Downton, but on their days off or when they requested additional time, they would happily return to their home on Brouncker Road. Tonight, they were ever so grateful for their Downton bed instead of the one waiting for them at their home.

With no ceremony at all, Elsie flopped onto the bed and fell backwards, her legs dangling off the side. Her feet hurt from running around all day. Her legs were achy after climbing the stairs so many times she lost count. Her head wanted to throb from listening to Mrs. Patmore barking orders at the kitchen maids. And her back … she was so tired of wearing a corset every single day. Some days, it felt like she couldn't catch her breath or even truly rest because of the oppressing garment.

Charles stood in the doorway and admired his wife. Though too tired to do anything about it this evening, he marveled, not for the first time, at how lucky he was to be married to this woman, his best friend, his love. All he could think of at the moment was shedding his evening attire, pulling on the pyjamas Elsie had purchased for him a few weeks ago, and climbing into bed with her.

In silence, they both began to undress for the evening. One month into their marriage, and they had already settled into a nice routine. Soon, they were both climbing into bed and burrowing down beneath the blankets.

"Was it just me or was that an exceptionally long day," Elsie asked with a sigh of relief. The comfort of the bed only adding to the contentment she felt in her husband's arms

Charles stroked her back lightly as he held her close in his arms. He pressed a tender kiss to the top of her head. "No, it wasn't just you. That's the last time I let Thomas choose a wine for a dinner party! Honestly, how could he have chosen the Claret when clearly what was needed was the …"

Elsie silenced him with her finger to his lips. "No need to get yourself worked up again, Charles. He's been properly corrected, now, and I'm sure he won't be making that mistake again. Not everyone is as experienced and knowledgeable as you, love, when it comes to wines. It will take him some time to learn the ropes."

Charles kissed the pad of her fingers then brought her hand down to his chest, resting his hand and hers over his heart. "But, how long do we have to wait for him to learn? These are things he should have been picking up when he was still a footman. Less plotting with Miss O'Brien and scheming to get ahead might have been time put to better use."

"While I agree with you, working yourself up into a fit state at this time of night, especially over something we cannot change, won't do you any good. It will only make you more tired tomorrow since you'll spend half the night fuming over it and getting little sleep."

He gave a rather undignified "hmph" and turned onto his side to face Elsie before giving her a smile. "You're right. And if I'm going to be up half the night and tired in the morning, I'd rather it be for a good and pleasurable reason than discussing Thomas Barrow," he teased.

Elsie laughed and shook her head. "Well, it's nice to know I rank higher than Thomas on your list of priorities, Charles Carson. It's a good thing I love you so much or I might take offense at the phrasing of that comment."

Worried for a moment, Charles's eyebrows rose high on his forehead. "Elsie, you know I didn't mean it that way. It was meant to be a joke, that's all."

"Daft man! Don't you think I know that already," she teased. She closed the distance between them and kissed him sweetly on the lips. Pulling back, she rested her head in the crook of his arm and snuggled deeper into his embrace. "Besides, as much as I love you and would like nothing more than to make love with you, I'm afraid my mind is very willing but my body is weak," she freely admitted just before a large yawn took her by surprise.

Charles couldn't help but laugh a little. "So nice of you to boost my ego with that very hefty yawn there, my darling lass. A man does love to know that he can inspire his wife to great heights of passion."

"Mr. Carson, you might be well advised to close your eyes … and your mouth … and get some sleep. Need I remind you that we are at our own house tomorrow afternoon and evening? If you have any hopes of keeping up with your very vivacious and passionate wife, I suggest you get as much rest as possible."

"Sound advice coming from my very sensible wife. Never let it be said that Charles Carson was too tired or sleepy to truly celebrate his one month anniversary with his wife."

Elsie drew the blanket around them a little tighter and hummed her happiness. Tomorrow would mark the dawn of a new day. She would leave her corset behind and introduce him to the latest in women's undergarments and something a little special in terms of nightgowns.

One month of wedded bliss and there wasn't a happier woman in all the world.

TBC …

A/N: THANK YOU SO MUCH for your overwhelming response to the first drabble. I cannot say how much I appreciate you reading, reviewing, and following this story. I hope you will consider leaving a review for this chapter, too. And if you have any idea for a pillow talk, let me know!