Just my luck," Mr. Carson muttered as he perused the morning post. On the front page of the London Daily, an ad for a Scottish reel, happening tonight. "She would love that," he whispered. "Hell, be honest, I would love to see her there, to dance a reel together." He let out a chuckle. "Deep in fairy land this morning we are." He sighed and quickly rounded the corner of the small hall, which held both his pantry and the London houskeeper's sitting room. There he unexpectedly collided with Mrs. Hughes. Letting out a surprised exhale.
"Ohpffh... do excuse me Mr. Carson" Mrs. Hughes exhaled as she staggered back, unbalanced by the sudden force of the butler, distractedly walking into her chest.
"Mrs. Hughes!?" Mr. Carson exclaimed. The letters in his hand scattered to the floor as he reached out to steady her. He had one arm wrapped around her waist, the other pulling her close and holding her steady. He dared not move a muscle; he could feel her breathe in and out, a deep, steadying breath.
"Why haven't you left with the others?" He whispered breathlessly. "You will miss the train." Once he felt she was steady his arms dropped to his side but he didn't move away.
Bodies still touching Elsie straightened to look him in the eye. "I'm staying on through the last few days in London. When I went up to report on our outing, Her ladyship insisted i take a few extra days to myself as a thank you... I had tried to tell ye last night, Charles, But you ran up stairs as soon as we returned from the beach... I waited quite some time for you to reappear i had 2 glassed of wine myself" her voice trailed trailed off.
Charles' heart leapt from his chest; he took a step back and a huge smile stretched across his face as he stared into Elsie's eyes. "Staying on," he exclaimed. "Excellent."
"Mr. Car...Charles there is a " Elsie started.
As Charles blurted out."Mrs . Hughes I've just read there us to be a scottish reel this evening..." he took her hand in his, to feel steady. She gave a little squeeze to encourage him to continue. Nodding knowing he is asking the same thing she was about i t to ask. "Would you allow me to accompany you to this event?" His eyes pleading with so many unasked questions.
A bright smile flashed accross her face. "of course, I would be delighted. But on one condition, Charles." She said pointedly.
"Whats that?" His mind whirling.
"I'll only go with you if you call me Elsie. " she smiled " just as we discussed on the ride home yesterday."
She felt his hand tighten around hers as he bent closer to her ear and whispered, "I'll meet you back here at seven." With that, he dropped her hand and continued on his way.