Chapter 11: Return
Over the next two days Elsie and Charles enjoyed their time together immensely. They explored each other's bodies and discovered new lovemaking positions. They made it out to a lovely dinner one night and explored the town more. They had stimulating conversations and learned more about each other's interests.
Their only challenge was learning when to break apart before compilation of their lovemaking. It was a learning curve they both were having a hard time with. Their first session after enjoying themselves against the wall, resulted in Elsie not being entirely satisfied and discovering that she did not like his release shooting up towards her face. Charles had been embarrassed by her surprised expression. She expressed that it was not to happen again and for him to aim toward her stomach next time. His face was beet red after that conversation.
Charles learned to please Elsie in other delicious ways. A form of sex not known by either, but after her lost orgasms, he needed to come up with another way to satisfy her. Fair was fair. The first time he moved down her body with his intent in mind, she protested and tried to pull him back up. Her protest stopped when he made it to her core with his tongue.
They had a lovely time after that.
They took advantage of the large bathtub. Enjoying a soak together. There were candles and bubbles and a lovely finish for both.
All in all they shared a marvelous time together.
Now they stood at the station, waiting for their train. They would soon be back at Downton and establish a need routine. It seemed daunting to Charles. He hoped he was up to the task of upholding both rolls. He knew he needed to work on not taking his frustrations out on Elsie when he became overwhelmed. He knew he was a right curmudgeon when upholding standards and expectations. He was going to miss the freedom they experienced on their honeymoon.
Elsie brushed her hand against his, taking him out of his thoughts. He looked down to her. Her expression signified that she could tell what he was thinking, she proved this by saying "Once we are back, we will need to establish a new normal. I have no doubt that we will find a way Charles" she reassured him.
He was astounded that they could already surmise what the other was thinking. Happy to have such a connection. He honestly could not have found a better partner in life.
Charles turned his head when he heard the squeal and horn blast of the incoming train. Once it stopped in front of the travelers, Charles lifted both of their luggage cases and proceeded forward.
They secured a compartment together and took a seat on one side. Elsie shifted closer to Charles, so their thighs were touching. If she could not show her affections in public, she would at least have some contact. Charles did not seem to mind.
A mother and two children under five moved in to occupy the other side. Elsie looked to Charles for his reaction. He didn't look pleased, but remained unruffled. He still confused her sometimes. She saw how good he was with the Crawley girls. He held them sometimes and entertained them. Yet with other children he turned his nose up. She shook her head, deciding to discuss that with him at a later moment.
The oldest child looked at Charles in wonder. A little boy with bright blue eyes and blood hair. He was a cute chap. His face round and innocent. The boy moved up onto the bench next to his mother, while she settled the younger child on her lap. It looked as if it was a boy as well, but the clothing did not indicate which gender.
The mother spoke after she handed her youngest a snack. "I hope you don't mind, I tried to get an empty compartment, but it seems the train is rather full today."
Elsie spoke for them "We don't mind" she said before Charles could get a word in. She wanted to set the precedence that this little family was welcome.
"I know how tiring it can be traveling with young babes, I greatly appreciate your understanding." The mother continued.
Elsie nodded kindly. "What are their names?" She asked, trying to make the mother more comfortable. She knew every mother liked to talk and talk about their offspring.
"Oh! This is Samuel" She indicated to her youngest with a beaming smile. She then looked to her oldest "And this is Charles" she said moving her hand to brush his hair out of his eyes in a very motherly fashion.
Charles finally spoke "Good name" he said with an air of pride.
Elsie chuckled "That's my husband's name as well" she said to the fellow woman.
"Oh, well isn't that nice? Huh Charlie, this nice man has the same name as you!" She bumped her child lightly to get his attention.
The little boy was brought out of his thoughts and said the first time that came to his mind "You are very large" he said to Charles in his childlike voice.
Elsie could not help but full on laugh. The child's statement and Charles' gruff expression tore it out of her. She heard him huff beside her and continued laughing.
Soon the mother joined in after regarding Elsie's reaction. The boy was confused as to why his statement garners so much laughing. He looked to Charles for help, but only received a shrug.
Sometime later Charles had secured a newspaper and was reading a section in the political column. He heard the other woman ask his wife "How long have you two been married?"
Elsie replied "Oh, we are just returning from our honeymoon." he could see from the corner of his eye the smile that adorned her face. Pride filled him.
"That's funny, I thought to myself that you seemed like a couple who had been married for years. That's why I ultimately picked this booth. I thought you two probably had children at home, awaiting your return. That you two would not mind my small brood," she stated somewhat nervously. She rambled on "Silly me, I'm glad it worked out though."
"Oh, no worries. We are late in the game for marriage. I had to wait awhile to find him." Elsie reassured. Not minding in the least that other's saw them in that way.
Charles lowered his paper and turned to Elsie "I waited a while for you too, dear" he then raised the paper in front of his face and continued reading.
Elsie could not help but smile. She very much loved this man.
The other woman smiled at Elsie after his statement "Looks like you found a keeper."
"Yes I did." Elsie smiled softly.
During their conversation, little Charles made his way to the older man. He slipped his way to the other bench and sat beside the big man. He looked at the paper, but was unable to read.
Charles noticed his little visitor. He turned his head to see what the child was doing. He was surprised to see the child squint his eyes at his paper. Charles thought he was somewhat cute. Trying to emulate an adult.
The child seemed well behaved. He was quite so forth, apart from his earlier outburst. He noticed the boy concentrate further upon some of the headlines. He thought the boy was too young to read. Probably on the cusps of learning.
Charles said in a quiet voice "Can you tell me what this says?" pointing at the first headline on the page.
The boy looked into Charles eyes in astonishment, but responded to the request by turning his head back to the paper and saying 'Hhhooww bilddd" Charles helped by saying "Buildings" suppressing his surprise. The boy nodded and continued "Bildings awww consstu, consuctdd" He looked up to Charles for help once more. "Constructed" Charles supplied. Little child read the last word "today".
Charles read the headline out loud so the boy could hear the pronunciation of the words. "How Buildings are Constructed Today."
Both women at that point stopped their conversation and stared at the two in awe. Elsie felt a familiar flooding in her stomach. She found it entirely endearing that Charles had gotten over his initial discomfort and was now interacting with this small child.
Charles felt her eyes upon him and smirked. He did not truly mind the company of children. He was just unsure if he was made to parent one of his own. He was glad that Elsie seemed to understand. He decided to just enjoy this small moment with this unknown child.
"That was good. How about this one here?" he pointed to another headline. This went on for a while until he didn't receive an answer to the fifth headline they were going over. Charles looked down, he noticed the child asleep against him. Charles looked back to his paper and turned the page to a different section. Not minding at all the warmth and pressure of the small boy against his side.
About an hour or so later, all inhabitants of the train compartment were munching on sandwiches supplied by the train. Little Charlie was back beside his mother after his short nap. He was now devouring his sandwich rather quickly.
"Slow down, love" The boy's mother said. She was preoccupied with her youngest. Trying to keep the area around him as clean as she could, practically wiping his mouth after every bite.
Soon everyone was finished with their meal. It was not too long after when a nasty smell started wafting around the compartment. The mother sniffed the air and turned her head in the discretion of her youngest. Lifting him to stand on the bench, she drew her head closer and sniffed the back of his shorts. Wrinkling her nose, the cause of the smell was evident.
"If you will excuse us, it seems we have a bit of a mess to change." She said to Elsie and Charles.
She turned to her oldest and said "Charlie do you need to use the loo?"
Little Charlie shook his head "Can I stay Mama?"
The mother looked to Elsie "Do you mind if he stays?"
Knowing the mother was asking her to look after her child, Elsie looked to Charles to see what he thought about the situation. He nodded his head slightly.
"I don't mind."
"Thank you" She picked up the toddler "Alright young ser, lets go" She moved to the door and was gone.
Little Charlie just looked up between the two. He looked like he was waiting to see who was going to entertain him next. He started rocking back and forth on the edge of his bench.
Elsie thought the boy was probably bored and was looking for something to disperse the energy gained from his short nap and lunch.
She looked around for something to entertain him. When nothing drew any inspiration, she just decided to talk to him. "What is your favorite color Charlie?"
The boy looked up to her face and said "Blue."
"Me too!" The child seemed distracted already, unfortunately the boy rocked too far forward and lost his balance. He started to fall towards the compartment floor. Elsie reached out to catch the boy, but was not quick enough. Charles was not paying attention, as he was looking at the passing countryside out the window.
Suddenly the boy started crying from the sudden impact of the floor. Charles startled from the cry and turned in the direction of the boy. He moved into action to collect the crying child, but his wife had already moved to the boy. She gathered him into her arms and moved him onto her lap as she sat back onto the bench besides Charles. She started rocking the boy to calm his cries.
"There, there. You just scared yourself lad. You're okay." She said into his hair. The boy was secure in her hold. Head pressed into her shoulder and hands tightly clasping fabric from her blouse. After a moment of continued comfort, the boy released her blouse and rubbed the tears from his eyes.
"We are in charge of a child for less than 5 minutes and he's already injured" She heard Charles mutter after little Charlie calmed down.
"Oh hush, you" Elsie rolled her eyes at him. "He just surprised himself is all. He's okay. Right lad?" she directed at the child.
The boy nodded his head against her chest. Looking very content to remain in her arms. Elsie started rubbing his back unconsciously.
Charles looked at his wife and little Charlie. She looked content as well. She apparently had a naturally maternal nature. He observed this for the first time. He did not see her with children often. The Crawley girls did not wander the house much, contained well by their nannies. Lady Mary sometimes made her way to find him, but that was a rare occurrence.
The sight did melt his heart some. He could picture her with her own children. Unfortunately it just could not be. His own feelings and the positions they filled made for an unrealistic vision. He could still enjoy the view now.
They all turned their heads to the door when it opened. The mother looked to her bench, noticing the boy was not where she left him, she looked to the adults.
She said "Oh no, what happened" noticing her child in Elsie's arms and dried tears upon his face.
The mother walked to her bench and sat with her youngest in her arms. She started rocking him. Hoping that he would drift off soon and stay asleep until they reached their destination.
Elsie stood with little Charlie and moved to place him beside his mother. "He fell off the bench and scared himself a bit." Elsie explained. Once the child was next to his mother he burrowed himself into her side.
"Are you Okay, Charlie?" She felt him nod into her side. She reached into the bag on her other side and pulled out a children's puzzle for the boy. She nudged her son to take the puzzle. He grabbed it and started working.
Elsie sat beside Charles once more. Placing a hand on his thigh. Drawing some comfort from him. Hoping that she did not overstep with the child. She felt Charles pat her hand. She gave him a small smile for his effort in recognizing her need for comfort.
After a while of silence in the compartment. The mother finally got the littlest of the boys down for his nap, the mother turned back to the couple and said "Thank you for watching him. Looks like he gave you a bit of a scare as well. Don't worry he's made of strong stuff."
Elsie smiled her way "Your welcome." She felt that that was enough interactions for now and turned to locate a book that Charles provided for her earlier. She opened the cover and began reading. Everyone was occupied and the silence was welcome.
The couple finally arrived at Downton Station. They had said goodbye to the mother and her two sons at the last stop. After their departure the couple relaxed in their compartment. They took advantage of their time alone and discussed strategy for their life back at Downton.
The plan was, spend time together late in the night after everyone was in bed, try to ignore the other during the day unless it was a work matter, and find the key!
Elsie explained that she was not able to find it and described all the places she looked. She also informed him of the changes she made to her pantry and bedroom. Elsie could already picture the two of them getting cozy on her settee. She fantasized they would be more than cozy.
Charles drew her more into an embrace. Taking advantage of their last quiet moments before departing the train and finding their way back to Downton. Back to the hustle and bustle. He kissed her hair and moved his hand along her side. Elsie burrowed further into him, enjoying the attention. They shared a small kiss and relaxed into the other's embrace.
Back on the platform Elsie and Charles collected their luggage. Charles looked around for an attendant to order a chart. Charles made his way over to the station booth, he heard Elsie following him. They both turned when someone said "Mr. Carson, I was sent for you." It was Daniel, one of the stable hands.
He stopped in front of Charles, but then said "Oh Mrs. Hughes! You're back too."
"Yes, Daniel. Myself and Mr. Carson ended up on the same train. A nice surprise and evidently very convenient." She indicated to his purpose of presents.
"Oh yes! Very lucky Mrs. Hughes." He reached down for the case next to her and turned around. Elsie and Charles looked to the other, smirking to each other. Then followed the lad. Both thankful for the foresight of whomever sent Daniel to fetch Charles.
Soon Downton came into view. Charles was happy to see home, but thought it bittersweet as well. Their honeymoon was over and tonight he would not be able to share her bed.
The card pulled up to the servant's entrance. Charles hopped down and turned to offer Elsie a hand. It was the gentlemanly thing to do. Nobody would question him helping her down.
Charles and Daniel carried the cases inside. Daniel tipped his hat in farewell and left to collect the horse and cart. Charles asked the first hall boy he saw to bring up his luggage.
"Do you want yours to be brought up as well or go to your pantry?" He asked Elsie, motioning to her cases.
"Can you bring them to my pantry? I'll have someone bring them up later." He nodded and proceeded to her office. They went their separate ways. She made it to the kitchen, wanting to get a report from the cook Mrs. Evans. She walked in and immediately stopped in her tracts. She automatically perceived tension in the room between the cook and one of the housemaids. Mrs. Evans was staring down Sofia, pointing a wooden spoon in her direction.
"What's going on here?" She said in a commanding voice.
"Oh Mrs. Hughes, your back. Perfect. Please tell miss know everything that the kitchen stores are running low and supplies need to be ordered. She doesn't seem up to the task of writing a simple list." Mrs. Evans smirked in Elsie's direction.
Elsie did not like Mrs. Evans' tone towards her housemaid. "Mrs. Evans, Sofia was just following my orders. I asked that supply orders be suspended until I returned. We still have plenty of time before the family arrives."
"Well that should be under my control in the first place Mrs. Hughes. I'm the one who cooks the food, I know when we run out!" The older woman complained.
"Well it isn't and it will stay that way. We will create a list later and send it off tomorrow." Her tone left no room for further argument. She only just arrived and was already mediating problems, Elsie thought and shook her head.
"Sofia, come with me." Elsie didn't want to talk to the cook any longer. She would get a satisfactory update from Sofia and later Clara. Elsie turned on her feet and moved down the hall to her office, knowing that Sofia would follow.
She shut the door behind the girl and moved to sit in her desk chair. "Now, please tell me anything that I need to know."
Sofia gave her a direct report about the household. All of which Elsie could surmise. She was right that some of the staff slacked off while the two heads of staff were gone. Well they would get a rude awakening in the next few days. They would make up for their laziness. She would make sure of it.
Sofia told her that the inventories for the family were just fine, but the staff essentials needed to be stocked.
She thanked Sofia for her help, "Can you take that case up to my room?" She indicated to the one closest to the door. Sofia nodded her head and left.
Elsie took a breath and relaxed into her chair. She was happy to be home. She would just be more happy once she and Charles settled into their new reality.
Charles was doing much the same as Elsie by getting a report from the first footman. Once he released the lad, Charles made his way down the servants stairs. He wanted to be reacquainted with the wine logs. He planned on ordering a few cases from the distributor. The family tried a few new bottles and he thought it would be nice to add them to the collection.
It would be a few hours until the staff had their dinner. He made his way to the cellar, wanting to grab a bottle of his favorite from his collection for himself and Elsie later in the night.
They joined together that night in Charles's office. They were so busy that afternoon, they did not see the other until dinner. Both had a hard time keeping their conversation to a minimum and not drawing attention to themselves. Attention they received anyways, since many staff members asked about their time away. They both gave vague answers to questions, until the questions stopped.
Back in his Pantry Charles was opening the bottle of wine he selected and poured it into two glasses.
"Here you go, my dear." he handed her a glass.
Elsie took a sip and groaned. Enjoying the selection he chose. The wine was splendid and hit the back of her taste buds perfectly.
Charles raised a brow at her reaction. He felt his pants tighten at the sound of her groan. His blood was already raised by her mere presents. Apparently it was very good. He took a sip as well. He was also impressed. This bottle had been in his collection for a number of years now. He almost forgot about it until his search today.
He moved his seat closer to hers and took a seat. He reached for one of her hands and clasped it in his larger one. He missed her touch. He rubbed his thumb over her hands. Feeling the slight raise of her veins and texture of her skin.
"We have our work cut out for us before the family's return." He stated the obvious.
Elsie nodded in agreement. "We have quite a few slackers, it would seem."
"Yes, it's not surprising, dear. Both of us being away. You still a relatively new housekeeper."
Elsie agreed with this statement as well. She needed to better enforce her station. She would start by putting them to work and getting the house ready.
Elsie squeezed his hand. "Did you unpack?"
"Yes, all set in my lonely room." Charles said with a sigh.
"I understand my love. I feel the same. I'll start looking about the upstairs while airing out the rooms." Elsie alluded to the lost key.
"We can't find that key soon enough," he said gruffly. He took another sip from his glass. Humming at the taste.
Elsie's eyes were drawn to his face from his small approving sound. He looked blissful at that moment. She brought her own glass to her lips and took a long pull. She stood and pulled him up as well.
"Where are we going, my wife?" He asked in a low timber. His voice tumbled through her body. The tension between the two had been growing since he closed both doors to his office.
"I think it's time you see how I reorganized my pantry, Mr. Carson. I should like your opinion." She pulled him to the door.
"And would you make changes if I do not like the result, Mrs. Carson?"
"You will very much like the result, no doubt." She giggled.
From there they hurried to her office and locked the door. Once the door was closed they were locked in each other's embrace. Lips joined, Charles did not even have a chance to look around. Elsie pushed him in the direction of the settee.
He almost tumbled onto his back from the force of her. He caught himself and sat upon the tiny couch. Soon he found his lap occupied by his petite wife. She pushed up her skirt and straddled his lap. She moaned when she felt his manhood pushed against her core.
Charles was not passive in this encounter. He moved his hands along her back and pulled her body into his by her hips. Setting a rocking rhythm with his hands. Her skirt was bunched up in the most delicious way. He could feel her heat through his trousers.
He moved his hands to the top of her dress to start undoing it. Elsie pulled back at his motion.
"Leave it Charles, we can't undress fully." She moved her mouth back to his lips when she felt his hand drift down her back again. She believed he understood her meaning. It would be a great risk to go upstairs in such a disheveled state. If he removed her corset, she would not want to put it back on.
Charles patted her hip. A signal for her to leave is lap. She did so. Charles kept his hand upon her thighs, keeping her skirt bunched. He reached further up and swiped down her undergarments. He looked up into her heated eyes the entire motion.
Elsie reached for his trouser buttons and undid them slowly. Knowing she would drive him crazy by drawing his undressing out. More confident in her knowledge of sex and him, Elsie grasped his manhood gently and gave it a few pumps. Making sure he was fully ready for her.
Once she was satisfied, she pushed him further onto the settee until his back was against the wall. She crawled her way to him and moved back into his lap. Charles was breathless from her eagerness and her commanding approach. She hovered over him until he looked her in the eyes. Then she lined him up with her entrance and moved down slowly. Drawing out their pleasure.
Once he was fully settled within her, Elsie pushed up with her knees and then back down at a lazy pace. Elsie wrapped her arms around his neck and started picking up her pace. Charles' hands were upon her hips. He was guiding her movements along as well. Working with her to find a rewarding rhythm. Low signs and moans were shared between the two.
Elsie released her arms from around his neck and leaned back to change the angle. Straightening her back, her hands met the cushion of the small couch and she braced herself. Charles gasped from the new angle. He also had more room to move. He started rocking his hips in a faster and harder motion.
Elsie cried out, new sensations traveled to her core. She could feel the buildup almost reach its conclusion. She rocked her hip in tempo with Charles. Soon she felt him start to shake. Knowing his climax was imminent she said "Stay with me Charles, I'm almost there." Knowing that if he finished first, it would be hard for her to reach her goal if she had to scurry off of him now.
Charles understood and tried to think of something to cool himself, until she finished. He started to think about simple equations to solve in his head. He felt her movements became rougher. It ignited a groan from him. She felt so heavenly. Even with most of their clothes on, every part of him tingled.
"Yes Charles, pleaseeee" Elsie murmured. Charles pulled her back to him and kissed her deeply to mask her noises. Elsie started a punishing pace upon his lap. He felt her squeeze him tightly in multiple places. She was shaking in his arms and moaned into his mouth. Then sagged in his lab. Charles didn't have much time to think. He lifted her from his lap, somewhat ungraciously and deposited her into the other side of the couch. Then grabbed his manhood. Just one touch and he finished onto her skirt.
Spent, he fell against the wall, panting for breath. Elsie moved to him. Careful to not pinch any important bits, she slid onto his thighs. She placed light kisses upon his face and kissed the corner of his mouth.
"That was marvelous" She stated. Once his breathing was under control she felt his arms surround and squeeze her to his chest. He nodded into her shoulder. Apparently not ready to form words.
They sat this way for sometime. Both enjoying their closeness.
"We should go to bed Mr. Carson." Elsie murmured against his chest.
"We should just stay here." He returned.
Elsie laughed, but took a moment to think about his statement.
"I don't think we will fit Charles."
"You're right, I just don't want to be without you" He said, kissing her shoulder.
Elsie hugged him, then released. She moved out of his hold and collected her undergarment from the flood. She shimmied them back into place.
Charles just watched. A smirk upon his lips. Happy to observe his wife and take in their last moments for the night.
"I'm relieved that you still want me in this way while under this roof." Elsie breathed.
"Why wouldn't I?"
"I was afraid you would think it improper." Elsie stated her concern.
"Elsie after I have discovered you fully, I'm afraid I can't just give you up." Charles said passionately.
Elsie beamed at him. She moved to help him up. He was currently working on buttoning his pants. She pushed his hands away and buttoned the last few. Charles gathered her hands in his. He brought both up to his lips and rested his mouth there.
"I can't give you up either Charles" Elsie said softly to him.
"We will find penalty of time to be together, Elsie. I promise."
They both moved to the door. Charles opened it for her. He guided her through the doorway and they started making the trek up to their separate rooms. Both hoping that they would not be separated for long.