February 14, 1927

Her mind is filled with a thin haze, much like a dewy spring morning on the moors by a crystal clear lake. Her rapidly beating heart can be heard loudly in her ears, and she can feel each little tremor that rocks her body, tremors almost too numerous to count. Her breaths are ragged and shallow which adds another dimension to her unfocused mind. She is trapped in her own body in a state of extreme pleasure, every sense heightened beyond anything she'd ever experienced, every nerve humming with excitement and euphoria. She has enjoyed pleasures with him before but nothing quite like this. He has pushed her over the precipice on more than one occasion, almost every time they made love, but somehow this time is different, more powerful, more intense.

Memories flood her mind as she basks in the afterglow of their lovemaking. Still unable to form words or coherent thoughts, she allows her mind to fill with images from their evening.

Charles arrived home earlier than expected, granted an early evening by the Crawley family. Their explanation had been that he should not be expected to spend his first Valentine's Day evening apart from his wife. She had just taken the roast from the oven and was putting the finishing touches on the potatoes when he surprised her.

His arms had slipped easily around her waist, his lips landing on that sensitive spot just beneath her ear. He hummed happily, breathing in the aroma of the mouth- watering dinner she had lovingly prepared and the scent of her vanilla soap. He expressed his surprise to find her already in her dressing gown, but she had teased him with words and gestures, reminding him that his wife was a woman of mystery and intrigue.

She recalled their easy banter at dinner, the warming effect of the wine, the way his hand curled around hers as she led him up the stairs to their bedroom. Briefly, she remembered worrying her lip for a mere moment before she allowed him to pull on the sash holding her dressing gown closed. And then she smiled as he gasped in delight.

He had taken a few moments to truly enjoy the view. His fingers had reverently touched the lace, the silk, the thin straps which held the garment in place. His eyes asked questions his lips didn't dare, his voice wouldn't allow.

"A little Valentine's Day surprise," she whispered softly. "I bought several new undergarments, less constrictive ones … prettier ones," she announced with a hint of trepidation.

"Very alluring ones," he said, his voice thick with desire and excitement. His eyes traveled over her body, drinking in the sight of his wife standing before him in the revealing bra and panties, once again thanking his lucky stars and fate for bringing her into his life.

In that moment before his lips crashed into hers, she saw something in his eyes, something new, something so intense that she could only now process it. Even now, she could remember the thrill it gave her and how it had awakened feelings and desires deep inside of her.

Now, as the haze is starting to lift, she becomes more aware of her surroundings. She smiles as she feels the little stubble from his chin against the inside of her thigh. Her lips curl into a smile as she slowly becomes aware of his fingertips dancing along the outside of her left leg from her hip to her knee and back up again. His warm lips are occasionally ghosting over her sensitive center.

One of her hands is still fisted in the crisp blue sheets of their bed. Her right hand, she now realizes, is threading through his hair, touching him, guiding him, though he has proven that he needs no instructions or guidance where she and her body are concerned. He has managed to arouse, excite, and pleasure her in ways she never dreamed possible.

"I love you," she finally says with a raspy voice. "I've never … that was … unbelievable." She can feel him smile against her leg and they both know that he has earned that praise and he has every right to feel proud.

"Welcome back to earth, Mrs. Carson." He lifts his head and props his chin on her stomach, staring into her eyes while his fingers dance along her side, over her breast, and out to her hand. Gently, he uncurls her grip until he is able to lace his fingers with hers. "How are you feeling, love?"

She giggles and can feel the heat infusing her cheeks. "Like I was dancing on clouds. It's never been that intense before, though I am not complaining, mind you."

He chuckles softly, his deep voice vibrating through her already humming body. "I never thought you were complaining, love. Even I could tell that this time was different to all the others. I couldn't stop myself. Those noises you were making and the way you were moving with and against me …"

She suddenly realized that while she had been enjoying all those new sensations, he had been waiting patiently for her. "God, Charles! I'm so sorry. You haven't … I couldn't help it …"

He closed the remaining distance between them and kissed her soundly on the lips, silencing her protests. "You have nothing to apologize for, Elsie. Seeing you in those new under things, all lace and silk with more of you exposed, no more rigid corset … it lit a fire in me and all I could think of was giving you everything within me, devoting all of my energy to your happiness and pleasure."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged his body to hers. "You have no idea how much happiness you bring to my life, in and out of this bedroom. Our life together has been, by far, the happiest time of my life."

Charles shifted so that he could draw Elsie into his arms, wrapping her securely in his embrace and drawing the blanket over them. "When I first arrived home tonight to find you in the kitchen, in your robe and slippers, I thought my life was perfect in that moment. You looked so relaxed and happy, so beautiful. And then at dinner, our conversation was so easy. It reminded me of how our love grew from friendship to what we have now. But, nothing compared me for the sight of you in those undergarments and knowing that you purchased them with me in mind."

"There are a few more in the drawer over there," she teased. "I thought I might as well buy a few since it had taken me a week to pluck up the courage to buy the first set. I hope you don't mind."

"Mind? I'd take you back tomorrow and buy you a set in every color if that's what you wanted, though it is going to make things more difficult for me."

"Difficult how? Did I spend too much money, do you think?"

"No! Not at all. You know I trust you completely with our books. I was thinking more along the lines of being at Downton, knowing you're not wearing that blasted corset anymore, and having visions of tonight scrolling through my mind. Or, seeing you dressing in the morning, watching as you put on those lacy things and having to work all day with the knowledge that it will be hours before I can help you out of them."

She moved closer to him and tossed her leg over his and whispered into his ear. "Good things come to those who wait, Charlie. You've only seen one set of garments. Wait until you see what else I purchased," she teased, her lips caressing the shell of his ear. Her hand drifted across his chest and down his stomach. Her purpose was clear. She was going to do her best to excite and entice him, push him to the brink and then beyond. Before the night was over, she was going to make certain he danced along those same clouds she had enjoyed earlier in their evening.

A/N: Thanks so much to ManonCinephile who wanted to read about Elsie experiencing a "petit mort." I hope you've enjoyed the chapter. A review would be much appreciated! xoxo