A/N: Hey guys! I'm really sorry this chapter took over two months. That was not my plan, but school was absolutely full of work with no breaks. I've finally got chapter five ready for y'all, and I hope you like it. Now that it is summer, hopefully I can get chapters up with a little less time in between. Fingers crossed!

Chapter Five

February 3, 1890

Charles and Elsie had gone on several more dates on nights when the Crawleys were away, and they even went down to the village together spontaneously on their afternoon off a few times. Things had been going well for them, and they had kissed a few more times. Always briefly, but a kiss nonetheless. They still hadn't said those three magic words to each other, but they were getting closer to doing so. If only I could work up the courage to tell her what's in my heart, Charles thought. Maybe I will tonight.

That night, the couple was at a local restaurant. Their small corner booth gave them privacy and allowed them the freedom to talk about whatever they wished. As the night went on, their conversation grew deeper.

"I do miss Becky, but I know she is in good hands," Elsie revealed. "I also plan to try and see her once or twice a year now she is settled."

"I hope you can do that, Els," Charles stated sincerely, and Elsie blushed. It never failed that his nickname for her made her feel special.

"Thank you, Charlie," she said, trying out a nickname of her own for him.

Charles chuckled. No one had called him Charlie in years, but in Elsie's Scottish brogue, it sounded right and he knew he wanted to hear it many more times for many more years to come. Slowly, he reached out across the table and took her hand in his grasp. He began to gently stroke circles across it as he spoke, "Elsie, do you think..maybe..I could go with you to meet Becky someday?"

"Would you want to? I mean, it could be quite unsettling."

"Elsie, she is an important part of your life. Of course I want to meet her. I love you, and I feel it is important for your sister to know the person who loves you."

"Oh Charlie, do you really mean that?" Elsie asked, her eyes beginning to fill up with unshed tears. That's when it struck Charles what he had said, and he realized how naturally those three little words had come tumbling out of his mouth. He wanted to be saying them for a long time to come, to always assure this beautiful woman in front of him that she was loved.

"Els, of course I do. You are the most incredible woman imaginable, and I love you with all my heart. I love you," he confessed sincerely.

"I love you too, Charles," Elsie revealed tenderly, "I love you so very much."

Smiling lovingly at each other through their tears of joy, the couple let the gravity of their words linger in the air for a moment before once again focusing on their meal and continuing on with their night out. They were in love, and that was a truly remarkable feeling which they both knew would last all their lifelong.

April 1890

The late April air was refreshing as Elsie walked hand-in-hand with Charles to each of the stalls that had been set up for the fair in Downton village. They had enjoyed this time together as they went to each of the games, and Charles won various prizes and penny candies for Elsie. He also pocketed a few for Lily, who was on her own fair adventure with Nanny and the girls. That adventure was rather limited, though, because Mary and Edith were too small to do much of anything. Charles knew this and wanted to make sure his girl would have something to enjoy.

As he and Elsie began to head back towards the center of the village so they could return home, a doll caught his eye in a shop window. He knew he had to get it for his little girl. "Excuse me, Elsie, I'm just going to pop in here for a moment."

"Okay, I'll wait out here, and we can walk back together," she stated affirmatively.

"But, it's getting cool. You should go back and make yourself some tea," Charles said sweetly.

"Oh, Charlie, I'm quite fine, I promise you," Elsie replied with a soft chuckle.

Charles nodded and blushed lightly before heading into the shop. Elsie made her way over to a nearby bench and took a seat. She was only sitting there for a moment before she heard a tiny voice nearby, "Mrs. Hughes? What are you doing here?"

She looked up and saw Lily, who Elsie presumed must have wandered ahead of Nanny with the pram. "Well hello Miss Lily, how are you sweetpea?"

"Good," Lily responded. "I got a piece of licorice from the duck game," she announced proudly, taking the candy out of her pocket.

"Oh, how lovely. I got some sweeties too," Elsie answered as the eight year old got on the bench beside her. "Your daddy is just in that shop, there. I believe he won a teddy for you at the ring toss stall. When he comes out, he'll show it to you, I'm sure."

"That's nice. Did you have fun with him?" Lily asked, and Elsie noticed she had shivered slightly as the air was growing slightly cooler.

"Yes, we had a lovely time," Elsie answered as she began to unbutton her cardigan. "Of course, we always do. Your daddy is a very, very nice man."

"He is," Lily said with a nod as Elsie draped her cardigan over the little girl's shoulders who then leaned into the housekeeper's side. Elsie gently wrapped her arm around Lily and held her close until she saw Charles exit the shop. The little girl's face lit up then, and she waved to her father. "Daddy, daddy!"

"Hi princess," Charles said as he came closer. "Did you and Mrs. Hughes have a nice chat while I was in the shop?"

"Yes," Lily confirmed with a grin. "She said you won me a teddy."

"That I did, sweet one," Charles said as he pressed a kiss to his daughter's crown. "I will give it to you at bedtime, along with a few other surprises. Now, where's Nanny, hmm?"

"She said I could come over here," Lily stated proudly, knowing she wasn't supposed to wander off and feeling glad she had made sure it was okay before she had left her caretaker behind.

"Well, in that case, how about we all head back to the Abbey together? Nanny must've gone back by now. It's feeding time for the young ladies."

Lily nodded enthusiastically and hopped down from the bench to take her father's hand before looking back at Elsie and gesturing with her head to invite Elsie to come along. Elsie got up and took Lily's other hand and flashed a smile at the girl. Together, they walked and chatted happily about their respective days as they made their way back to the Abbey they called home.

Home, Elsie thought, this feels like home.

June 1890

As Elsie made her way into her sitting room to look over some things before dinner one evening, she heard Charles's steps behind her. Must be going to his pantry to sort the wine for tonight, she thought, her mind caught up in the day's tasks.

He came up behind her and gently wrapped his hands around her waist before whispering in her ear, "you look lovely, Els." She gasped in surprise and blushed slightly before craning her neck to flash him a smile. Recently, they had become a little bolder in their affection with one another, their love for each other growing stronger with each day.

They gave each other a quick peck on the lips before Elsie gently reached up and swept a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "You look rather dashing yourself," Elsie said sweetly, her eyes full of love as she stared up at him for a quick moment. "Now, get away with you," she teased, "we have work to do."

"I know, I just wanted to tell you that because I haven't been able to keep my eyes off you all day."

"Well thank you," she blushed before playfully swatting his arm and taking a step back to put some distance between the two of them. "Now, seriously, off with you before the others see."

"Alright, alright, I'm going," Charles said with a playful smirk before putting his arms up in mock surrender and taking a small step backwards towards his pantry. "I do love you, though, you know," he said as his hand reached for the doorknob to his pantry.

"I know," she replied with a playfully arrogant tone and a smirk, taking one last look at the wonderful man across from her before they both went their separate ways into their respective rooms.

Meanwhile, the Earl and Countess were about to make their way to their respective dressing rooms to change for dinner. However, as Cora stepped out of the nursery, Robert stopped in his tracks and waited for his wife to come over to him, hoping for a quick word and a kiss before they went their separate ways again.

"Hello, my husband," she said as she made her way over to him and loosely wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Hello, my wonderful wife," he replied before leaning in to press a gentle kiss to her cheek, which she then reciprocated with a kiss on the lips.

"How do you feel about tonight's dinner party?" he asked.

"A little nervous. It's the first time I am meeting the Branksomes, and I want to make a good impression."

"You'll be fine. I've known them since I was ten. They're nice people."

"I know. I just want them to like me."

"It's impossible not to like you, Cora," Robert said flirtily. "Especially if you've chosen that lovely dark pink dress you wore a couple weeks ago. You looked absolutely ravishing in that."

Cora blushed furiously before responding, "Actually, Harris and I are trying a new dress tonight. It's blue with little flowers on it."

"Well, I'm sure you'll look smashing in the blue dress with the little flowers on it, too," he said in a sweet yet saucy tone before kissing her ear and making his way down her jaw with his kisses.

"Thank you, my darling," she breathed, her cheeks slightly tinged from the desire building within her. "Now, you best be off before you make me untidy," she scolded and playfully pushed his arms away from her.

"What if I want to make you untidy?" he asked huskily.

"Not right now," she smirked with a raspy voice herself, "maybe later." He smirked with glee at that and she giggled softly. "Now, shoo, we mustn't be late."

"Alright, I'm going," he said, taking a few steps down the hall. "See you soon, my love."

"See you soon, my handsome husband," she said with a light chuckle as she watched him walk away, knowing his grin was wide with glee and feeling full of joy herself.

December 10, 1890

While the Crawleys were away visiting family in Scotland, Charles took the opportunity to ask Elsie out to dine once again. It was their favorite way to spend time with each other other than their occassional night caps in Elsie's sitting room. There was a little hotel above the restaurant, and the ambience was perfect. Christmas lights and candles gave it a cozy feel, and the home cooked meal made them both feel right at home in the quaint village restaurant. As they ate and chatted, Charles grew more comfortable and decided to tell a joke.

Elsie's laughter ricocheted through the restaurant, and Charles had to smile. He could listen to that sound all day, every day. And he was especially happy that something he said had caused it. This date was going better than he ever could have imagined. Elsie suddenly realized how loud her laugh had been and felt embarrassed at her bad decorum. She quickly moved to cover her mouth with her hand and blushed furiously. Charles gently moved her hand away and brushed over it with his thumb.

"Your laugh is so beautiful, Elsie," Charles said.

"No, it isn't, but I appreciate you saying so," Elsie said sweetly as she gave his hand a squeeze before picking up her fork and gently pushing some food around on her plate.

"Elsie, I'm serious," Charles said earnestly, "I love you, and I want to hear your laughs everyday. I want to spend each and every day I have left on this Earth with you. I want to wake up with you by my side and hear your laughter from downstairs as it radiates through the house. I want to watch you and Lily play and bond and smile together. And most importantly, I want us to be a family."

"Charles, is this a proposal?" Elsie asked.

"Yes, Elsie, I'm asking you to marry me." Charles confirmed. "I want the pleasure of calling you my wife. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

He hadn't meant to propose on the spot like this. He didn't even have a ring. But he loved her and couldn't imagine his life without her, so here he was asking her to marry him. And hoping she'd say yes.

"Of course, I'll marry you, Charlie. It would be a privilege and an honor to be your wife."

Charles breathed a small sigh of relief. He was so thrilled to hear those words, and he could not wait to move forward with their life together. They were already a unit in so many ways at work, but now they would be a unit as a family too. They would raise Lily together, and perhaps have more children together, he hoped. "Oh, Elsie, you've made me the happiest person living!"

"Well, Charles, if you're the happiest person on Earth, I guess I'll have to jump to the moon. You've filled me with so much joy, I honestly think I could get there," she said with a small chuckle and a huge grin. She couldn't wait to embark on their adventure as a married couple, and neither could he.

December 31, 1890

After Charles had ensured everyone upstairs had everything they needed to celebrate New Year's Eve, he made his way downstairs to tidy up. He wanted to look his best for what he was about to do.

As Elsie was rounding up the staff so they could ring in the New Year together, he asked her if they could have a moment with just the two of them in his pantry first. She took his hand and went with him in reply.

Once the door was closed behind them, Charles took a breath and asked Elsie what he had been longing to ask her since he had had the ring that was currently in his pocket made a couple weeks ago.

"Elsie, were…were you serious when you agreed to marry me."

"Of course I was serious. I said yes, didn't I?"

"I know you already said yes, but I didn't have a ring then."

"Oh, Charlie, I don't need a ring to know how happy you'll make me and how committed we'll be to one another," she said seriously. Charles was happy to hear this, but he still wanted to ask her again.

"Well, in any case, I wanted to ask you properly now I've got a ring," he said, slowly making his way down onto one knee. "So, Elsie May Hughes, will you marry me?"

"Yes," she said with tears forming in her eyes. Gently, Charles took her hand in his and placed the ring on her finger. It was a slim gold band with a row of 5 tiny green emeralds inset into it, and she could feel the grooves of an engraving on the inside of it. It was her initials. E.M.C. Elsie May Carson.

"Green represents growth," he told her. "I want us to grow together, Elsie. To learn new things about each other. To grow in our love for each other with every passing day. I love you, Els, and I am so incredibly honored you are becoming my wife."

"And I am honored you're becoming my husband," she said, placing a kiss on his lips and wrapping her arms around him in a hug. As she rested her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat, she knew she would never feel out of place in his arms. This was her home. She was right where she belonged.

"You know something Charlie?" she asked into his chest.

"What's that, Els?"

"I think…I think I was right to leave home when I did."

Over the course of their courtship, Charles had come to learn about her past, and he knew Elsie had left a relationship with a man named Joe Burns behind when she left Argyll at the age of 17. She had realized she only truly saw Joe as a friend and wanted a different life than that of a farmer's wife. She had taken a position as a maid in Edinburgh for a while before coming to Downton just shy of her 21st birthday. Charles was glad she felt so at home here and was confident in her decision to leave Joe behind and be with him. He pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head and held her close for a moment longer.

"I'm happy you're happy, Els."

"And I'm happy you're happy, Charlie," she replied with a sweet smile. "I feel like this has come at the perfect moment," she said looking down at the ring on her finger once more. "Divine intervention saved me from making a mistake back then. It saved me for a far better man and his adorable little girl."

"Oh, Elsie, do you really mean that?" Charles asked, tears forming in his eyes.

"Absolutely," Elsie assured him enthusiastically. "I love you so much, Charles Earnest Carson."

"And I love you, Elsie May Hughes."

They began to kiss, their tongues gently tracing each other's lips. Just when their kiss broke, the clock struck midnight.

"Happy New Year, my darling," Charles said.

"Happy New Year," Elsie responded. "I can't wait to become your wife in 1891."

"And I can't wait to become your husband," he said before gently pressing another peck to her lips as was customary to ring in the New Year.

They stayed there staring at each other with eyes full of love for a moment more before returning to their colleagues to celebrate the start of another year at Downton Abbey.

A/N: So, Chelsie are making things official! What do y'all think will happen next? Let me know your guesses and if you liked this chapter with a review if you have the time. Thanks for reading!