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Chapter 16:Reunited

Elsie drifted into consciousness after she heard a knock upon her door. The daily wake-up knock from one of the maids was typically an appreciated gesture, but this morning all Elsie felt was annoyance. She felt like she had just fallen asleep. She had tossed and turned practically all night. Excitement and dread combined together in anticipation for the family's arrival. Conflicting feelings about the return of her husband.

Of course she was elated to have him back, but also much apprehension about the conversation she needed to have with him.

Elsie sat up in bed and stretched. She rubbed her eyes then moved to get out of bed. She would be very happy tonight, not having to sleep in an empty bed and have her husband to snuggle into.

She proceeded to get ready, all the while thinking about how she would conduct the necessary conversation. Getting ready each morning would definitely become easier everyday with his help. She very much missed her personal "ladies Maid" or rather "Valet".

She thought about Charles' reaction to what happened. She knew he would be angry, but feared how he would handle himself. Would he take action? How could he? Would he be disappointed in her? She did fall into Mr. Crawley's trap.

Elsie's mind was going in circles. The only thing she was sure of, she needed to tell him.

Elsie had once again organized the staff to greet the incoming carriages. She made sure all the Hall Boys were at the ready to unload the luggage. Most of the maids were inside, looking over rooms and making last minute touch ups.

Elsie stood at the beginning of the line of servants. She stood tall and maintained her calm and confident disposition. On the inside she was nervous.

The first carriage came to a stop and first footman stepped up to open the carriage door for Lady Grantham. Once standing on the drive Lady Grantham looked around. She surveyed the greeting party and looked at Elsie. She gave her a once over, her expression unreadable, but her somewhat stern gaze, instilled an uncomfortable feeling in Elsie's gut.

She moved towards the house, but before reaching the entrance she turned and addressed the housekeeper "Mrs. Hughes, is everything in order?"

Elsie nodded and said "Yes, Milady. All rooms have had a thorough goings over."

"Good, Good. I will summon you at a later time," Lady Grantham turned back to the Abbey and moved inside. Lord Grantham followed slowly behind, not even taking the time to acknowledge his servants.

Sometime later after all carriages were emptied of both family members and luggage Elsie finally had a moment to greet Charles. They had caught each others eyes a few times, but were too immersed in their work to properly acknowledge the other.

They made their way to stand beside the other before going inside.

Charles had a gleam in his eye, clearly pleased to see her. Elsie smirked a little. Subtly letting him know she was happy to see him too.

"How are you Mrs. Hughes?" Charles asked. Sticking to her professional address, aware of the comings and goings of staff around them.

"I'm well Mr. Carson."

"Shall we move inside, perhaps discuss a few things in my pantry?" He gently lifted one side of his mouth. Not quite a smile, but the gesture was there all the same.

Elsie's stomach swooped, but not in the traditional way when she was around him. She hated that she felt this way while in the presence of her husband. This should be a happy moment, not tampered by the truths she needed to tell him.

"Yes, please lead the way."

Charles inclined his head and moved his hand to hover over her lower back, intending to guild her inside. Elsie moved forward, taking strength from his presents and warmth.

Once sequestered in his office, Charles brought her towards him and captured her lips. Elsie melted into him and moved her arms around his back. The couple kissed in union, welcoming the other. They moved in sync and just enjoyed finally being reunited.

The couple moved hands along the other and explored. Trying to detect any changes during their time apart. They stayed conscious of not taking things too far or becoming carried away. Both were aware they were on duty and needed to be at the ready.

Charles deepened the kiss and squeezed her tighter, but then drew back reluctantly. He pecked her lips one more time and then took a step away from her.

"Tonight," Charles said.

Elsie nodded, acknowledging his plan to finish what was started later that night. Excitement filled her tummy.

Charles moved to his desk and took a seat. He started perusing through his draws and pulled out one of his ledgers.

He moved his eyes back up to her and Elsie smiled.

"Why don't I get us some tea and we can have a chat," Elsie said while moving to the door, knowing his reply.

Charles smiled and inclined his head.

Once the couple were seated in his office with a cup of tea within their palms, Elsie decided that this was as good a time as any. The family's supper was a few hours away and the staff were all busy unpacking or doing other various tasks.

Elsie took a sip from her cup, letting the warm liquid soothe her nerves. She took a deep breath and said "Charles there is something I need to tell you."

Charles's content expression turned to confusion and then concern. Clearly tuned into her changed energy and the tension that was now permeating about the small room. She felt awful for upending his pleasant mood.

Charles said "What's wrong, my love?"

Tears flooded her eyes, she took a moment to try and blink them back. She did not want to have this conversation in general, but crying though it would be infinitely worse. She could not help but feel ashamed and more present, scared.

Seeing his wife fighting back tears, Charles moved closer and brought her hands into his.

His actions brought more emotion to the forefront and tears slowly made their way down her cheeks. She drew one of her hands out of his and swiped some of her tears from her cheek.

She took another deep breath and said "James Crawley dropped by unannounced a few weeks ago."

She felt Charles stiffen in his chair.

"There was an incident," Elsie said solemnly.

Charles rubbed her hands and Elsie met his eyes. She was met with an understanding expression. Tears started to fall again.

"Tell me everything Elsie."

And that's exactly what she did.

Charles sat in stunned silence. Elsie just finished telling him about her incident with James Crawley. The audacity of that man. Charles was outraged.

He sat in silence for a while, taking in everything and trying to determine the next course of action. He didn't want to distress Elsie further. Clearly she was upset and scared.

How to deal with this situation? How could he protect his wife?

He started culminating a plan within his mind. He thought about it for a while and then informed his wife.

"You are not to go within 1 meter of that man." He commanded. Elsie nodded. She did not protest against her husband's tone.

"If you need to be within his vicinity, you are to always have someone with you. Either myself and I will make that happen, or another member of staff."

Elsie looked down, thinking she deserved his commands. She conceded that it was a good plan and understandable, she just disliked that her husband needed to make these demands.

"Do you think it would be wise to inform Lady Grantham?" Charles asked.

"Yes, I had already planned on it."

Charles gave her a sharp nod, too agitated to soften his expressions towards her.

Taking a moment to settle himself, he took in a deep breath. Once he felt more calm he looked to his wife. He observed her sad expression and her body language suggested that she felt much trepidation. He instantly felt ashamed for not reassuring his wife. She had done nothing wrong.

"Elsie please look at me."

When she didn't respond, Charles stood from his chair and lifted her to her feet by their joined hands. He removed his hands from her, then moved his hands up her arms until they encircled her face. He tilted her head to look up at his.

She still had tears falling from her eyes and he used his thumbs to wipe them aside.

"You are not responsible for his actions."

Elsie squeezed her eyes shut, trying to cease her tears. His words brought a flurry of new emotions.

"I must have done soothing to provoke him."

"No, my dear. He is just a pompous ass, one who knows there are not repercussions for his actions." Charles said in a dark tone. Thinking about Lord Grantham's inability to reprimand his nephew.

"Elsie, my love. I will protect you?" She shook her head within his hands.

"I will, darling," he reassured.

"How Charles?"

"I will intervene whenever he is here. We will do as I said before."

Elsie nodded, not thinking there was much else to do.

Charles brought her face closer to his and kissed her. He tried to express his love within the kiss. He hoped she understood that he was always on her side. James Crawley was an entitled cad. Undeserving of being within Elsie's presents.

Charles held her within his arms. Reluctant to let her go, but then there was knock on his door.

After her conversation with Charles, Elsie was summoned to join Lady Grantham. She was currently standing before Lady Grantham in her bedroom as she was getting ready for dinner.

Lady Violet was seated at her vanity securing her earrings. She looked at Elsie through the mirror and said "I'd like a status on household inventories. We also need to go over the upcoming dinner with Lord and Lady Easton."

"Yes Milady"

"Are all inventoried in order? The stores full?"

"I have one order to place with the grocer before the dinner party, but aside from that all is in order."

Lady Grantham tuned in her set and faced Elsie. She looked the housekeeper up and down and looked to be contemplating something. The same look from earlier in the day.

Elsie was confused; perhaps Lady Grantham was not happy with her report.

Elsie did not have to wait very long in suspense as Lady Grantham said "Lord Grantham received a complaint while we were in London."

Elsie looked down in shame. Of course James Crawley would follow through with his threats. She suddenly felt sick, thinking she was about to be sacked.

Lady Violet took in her housekeeper's expression. It was obvious she was aware of the complaint filed and who made it. Lady Violet suspected this.

"I can see that you know who brought forth this complaint and what it was about," she said while trying to catch the housekeeper's eyes.

"I'd like to hear from you about what happened. It seemed rather far-fetched that you would proposition my husband's nephew into your bed. At least that is the impression I have gathered from your time working here."

Elsie whipped her head in the direction of the Countess in horror.

Lady Grantham gathered the truth from the housekeeper's mortified expression. Her husband was once again told a blatant lie from James Crawley. The man was a true nuisance.

"I do not believe a word of what Mr. Crawley said, but as your employer and because you have such a prominent position in my household I needed to confront you."

Elsie inclined her head and said "What he said is not true, if fact it's the opposite."

Lady Grantham nodded and said "I have surmised as much."

"I still need you to elaborate on the situation. I don't normally say this, take a seat before you fall over." She waved her hand at a nearby chair.

Feeling somewhat faint Elsie did not put up a fight and sat down heavily.

"Please continue Mrs. Hughes."

From there Elsie confessed about the matter of James Crawley.

Elsie laid waiting for Charles in their bed. He had a later than normal night and was just finishing his nightly routine in the bathroom. She could not wait to burrow into his side and soak up his love and warmth.

Her conversation with Lady Grantham had drained her greatly, but she still needed to discuss it with Charles.

She heard the door from his side open and shortly after Charles entered through their shared door. He looked relaxed and clean. She could smell that he was freshly bathed and smiled. He smelled so good, the generic soap worked well for him.

Charles crawled into bed sans pajama top and gathered her into his arms. They were chest to chest. Elsie rested her head upon his shoulder and nuzzled her nose into his neck. Taking in his wonderful smell fully.

They laid in contentment, happy to be joined once more. Charles drew his hand along her body. Mapping her curves. Elsie cupped his cheek and rubbed her thumb along his cheek bone. They remained silent and breathed the other in.

After a while Elsie yawned and Charles soon followed.

"I suppose becoming truly reacquainted with my wife is not in the cards tonight." His tone was teasing and Elsie smiled, knowing he was just as tired as herself, if not more.

"I very much want to ravish you Mr. Carson, but I'm afraid that I'd fall asleep halfway through."

Charles burst forth a rubbing laugh. Delighted by her response.

Elsie joined in with his laughter, then brought his face closer to her so she could bestow him with a kiss.

They kissed for a time and then drew apart slightly to rest their foreheads together. Elsie yawned once more.

"I believe it's time to rest, my love."

Elsie made the subtlest movement against his forehead in agreement, her eyes already closed.

She soon fell asleep, forgetting to mention her earlier conversation.

Charles woke up in the most enjoyable way. His wife was half laid across him and was peppering kisses from his face to his chest. He entered wakefulness in record time. He moved his hands to her back and discovered the bare skin under his touch. Then became very aware of her bare breast moving along his chest. He figured they must have time if she woke him up in this manner.

He moved his arms around her more securely and flipped her in quick succession. She squealed from the sudden change in position, but smiled up at him and moved to attack his face with kisses. They laughed together at her action, then swiftly moved to a more prolonged kiss.

Soon they were rediscovering each other more physically. Light and firm touches were exchanged and limbs became tangled. Hands worked together to remove clothing that separated them.

Elsie drew her mouth away from his and said "We must be quiet and please be aware that we are still on the bed." Elsie very much dreaded that she didn't pick a more sturdy bed frame.

"Yes, my love," he murmured into her ear. He maneuvered Elsie further beneath him and moved into the candle of her thighs. Elsie drew her knees up around his hips and Charles slipped inside her. The couple moaned in unison, both experiencing the joy and completion of feeling at home. Charles started a slow pace, rocking gently into her.

They moved together, both immersed in their slow love making.

Charles was kissing her neck when he heard and felt Elsie release a low moan. Her sound spurred him on and he picked up the pace just a bit, still aware not to rock the bed too much.

He felt his compilation approaching, but knew she was not quite there. His thoughts moved towards memories of how he got her to completion in the past. These thoughts made his predicament worse as the thought of her in the throws of passion almost did him in. His movements ceased after that thought and he took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.

Elsie opened her eyes because of the change of pace and looked up at her husband. His face was pinched in determination. She moved her hand to his face and guided him to look at her.

He smiled down at her and proceeded to change positions. He moved to balance on his knees and drew back a bit, so he was not laying on top of her. Back straight and looking down upon her, he thought her the most beautiful sight. Splayed out before him. Flushed and jovial.

Charles started moving again, but also moved his hand to where their bodies' were joined. He applied pressure to her special knob and Elsie inhaled sharply. Charles moved his fingers in a circular motion and paid attention to his wife's reaction to his touch. He continued this way until he noticed the tell tale signs of her impending release. His wife clenched the sheets within her feminine hands and turned her head further into the pillows.

She was becoming a bit more vocal, but he could tell she was trying to remain in control of her reactions. Keeping up his pace Charles felt her shutter against him and felt her inner walls squeeze him tightly. He was proud of his restraint in not releasing into her right then, she felt absolutely marvelous. Instead he pumped into her a few more times and then pulled back, releasing himself onto her stomach.

Charles moved to his side of the bed and laid down. He breathed deeply and stared at his astonishing wife. Her face was an example of bliss and his ego flourished. Her eyes were closed and she was inhaling deeply. His eyes were drawn to her breast, moving up and down with every deep breath she took. She was just mesmerizing.

Elsie moved to look at Charles after she regained her breath. It was once again stolen because of the look upon his face. He looked enthralled and utterly enamored with her. She could not help the blush that bloomed upon her face and chest. It was truly amazing that he loved her so. She moved into his space and brought his lips to hers once more.

Just as the kiss was getting heated again the wake up knock was sounded upon her door.

The couple drew back from the other. Their eyes met in silent understanding. They needed to get prepared for the day ahead. Elsie gave him a gentle smile and started to rise from their bed.