Happy Saturday!
Here is a nice long Chapter. Updates may be more sparse in future.
Warning there is birth scene in this chapter.
Let me know what you think!
Chapter 17: New Outlooks
Life went on. Regular routines were established once more and all was running smoothly within the household. Conversations were had and plans set in motion.
Elsie and Charles went about this secret life as before, stealing private moments whenever possible and indulging in the sanctuary of their shared rooms.
Elsie disclosed Lady Grantham's plan for Mr. Crawley. It was much the same as Carson's plan. Stay away from the man, have someone present when in his company, and avoid as much as possible. Lady Grantham also initiated the plans of keeping him busy when and if he visited the Abbey. She also stated she would dissuade him from coming at all if she had previous knowledge of an upcoming visit.
Lady Grantham assured her that her position was in no danger within the household. Elsie's chest felt less tight, finally able to breathe deeply.
Things felt settled again.
Charles was seated at his desk going over the books for the wine cellar. There were some inconsistencies that would need to be investigated. Several bottles were missing and he would need to go down and look around. He desperately hoped that one of the family members had wandered down and helped themselfs to their own collection. He had a sinking feeling that was not the case and it was probably a staff member with sticky fingers.
He signed. This aspect of his job was not pleasant to him. He honestly did not enjoy reprimanding staff and having to initiate an investigation against anyone. He disliked the responsibility of having to dismiss staff.
He was brought out of his thoughts when the door of his office opened.
Looking up he saw a small dark head of hair peeking around the door. He smiled, realizing Lady Mary had come down for a visit.
She opened the door wider and strolled in. Her little head was tilted up and she walked in with confidence.
Charles smirked a little. He noticed that she very much tried to emulate the adults around her.
The girl was tall for her age, or so he thought and at age 6 she was quite serious. Something that endeared him to her. He thought she looked cute today. Her long hair was braided down her back and she was in her play clothes. He bet she wandered inside through the servants entrance after escaping Nanny. He noticed dirt stains on the skirt covering her knees.
Her wandering off from nanny was a common occurrence that resulted in many discussions, more like reprimands, from both her parents and Nanny. Still the girl persisted.
She mostly found her way to him. He didn't know why the child chose his company so often, but he didn't mind.
"Carson, can you help me write a letter?" Lady Mary asked while she made her way around his desk and stood before him.
"Certainly Milady, and who are we writing to?" Charles knew the girl could read, but writing full sentences was still a challenge.
Charles waved her to join him at the desk and Lady Mary moved to sit on his knee. Charles pulled out a rest piece of stationary and dipped his pen into the inkwell, ready to be of assistance.
"I want to write to my friend Sarah, I met her while in London."
Charles nodded and said "Well just dictate for me and I'll write it down."
"What's dictate?"
"It means to say aloud, so I can write down your words." Lady Mary nodded and started to talk about what she wanted to say to her friend. Charles started writing, interrupting some to help guide her on proper sentence construction.
After her letter was complete he sealed it in an envelope and gave it to the girl. She would need her parents' assistance with the address.
Still on his lap, Charles reached into his pocket and pulled out a peppermint. Something he kept around for himself and Lady Mary. She took it, inclining her head in thanks and popped it into her mouth.
They silently sucked on their candy, when they heard a soft knock on his door. It was open, but common courtesy was expected throughout the household.
His wife walked into the room, but stopped when she saw the girl perched upon his knee. She met his eye and smiled.
He inclined his head, indicating for her to move further into the room.
Lady Mary looked up, taking note of the housekeeper. She stayed where she was, content to stay with the Butler.
"Aww, Milady there you are. Nanny has been looking for you….Again," she raised her eyebrow at the young girl.
Lady Mary looked down, but did not look guilty in the slightest. In fact she shuffled back into Charles' chest and looked quite happy with herself.
Charles looked down at the girl's action. He was somewhat shocked. The girl did not typically seek physical comfort from him. He didn't push her away though, figuring she needed some comfort for some reason.
He rubbed her arm in a soothing manner and the girl cuddled further into him.
Charles looked up to his wife and noticed the pleased look upon her face. She looked at the girl and then met his eyes. She looked very happy and he could not figure out why. There was a gleam in her eyes.
For her part Elsie thought the view in front of her was very endearing. Her husband looked so content with a child on his lap. Her stomach fluttered. She thought the look upon his face when Lady Mary snuggled closer into him was adorable. Thoughts of their potential children entered her mind once more. She could not help the longing she felt at that moment.
Smile still plastered on her lips she addressed both occupants in the room, but mainly Lady Mary "Well you both look very content, I'll inform Nanny that you're in good hands."
Elsie met her husband's eyes once more and smirked at him. Not worried that the young lady would interpret anything out of order.
He looked somewhat confused and that made him look even more adorable. She chuckled softly and turned to leave.
A few weeks later, Elsie noticed Clara and Tim's absent from church service one Sunday. She knew Clara's time was very near. She wondered if the time had come. Then thought about if it would be appropriate if she stopped by after the service.
Charles and Elsie wandered around the village after the service ended and pleasantries commenced.
"Did you notice Tim and Clara were not present?" Elsie asked Charles.
He raised a brow in thought, "I didn't."
"I'm thinking there is a new wee baby!" She thought for a moment and then said " or at least Clara is working towards having a new wee baby"
Charles scrunched his brow in disgust.
"Oh stop it you, this is good news. A new baby is always a happy occurrence."
"I know it is, I just don't want to think about how they get here."
Elsie laughed "Yes, dear" she said quietly, only for his ears.
"Do you think it would be okay for me to check on them?"
"I don't know Elsie, it's a rather private matter."
"Yes, but she does not have much support. Her mother is not able to come, I know that. Maybe a friendly face would be welcome."
"What if the baby is not here? Do you really want to witness all that?"
"Charles, I grew up on a farm. I have seen many animals born. Even been elbow deep in a ewe helping to deliver a lamb."
"Elsie!" Charles said a sickened look was plastered upon his face.
Elsie laughed again. "I think I will go. Help out in whatever way I can."
Charles nodded, knowing she would be going no matter what he said. They said their goodbyes and went in separate directions.
Elsie knocked upon the door of Clara and Tim's house. She waited a moment before the door was opened by a disheveled looking Timothy. His clothing was untucked and hair messy, clearly he had been running his hands nervously though it. His eyes were manic as well.
"What ever is the matter?" Elsie questioned.
"Elsie! Thank God you're here." He drew her inside "Come in, come in."
Once she was inside their home she heard loud shouting from upstairs. Well now she knew her earlier summation.
"I'm sorry, I have not sent a message to the Abbey. I was hoping baby would be here before I sent for you."
"No matter, I didn't see you at church."
"Yes, that would be telling."
They heard another loud moan. She looked at the disheveled man again and decided to help him first.
She moved to their small kitchen and filled the kettle.
"Sit down, I'll make you a cuppa." Elsie said over her shoulder.
She heard him shuffle about the room, following her instruction. Once seated on the couch she heard him draw in a large breath.
"She has been at it all night. The midwife has been most helpful, but I believe Clara could use a friend." He shook his head "I was truly about to send for you." He looked concerned.
"Tim, I'm here now and I'll go up once you have your tea." They waited for the water to heat.
Periodically they heard the telltale sounds of Clara's struggles.
When the tea was ready, Elsie placed the cup in his hand, patted his shoulder, and headed for the stairs.
Elsie knocked on their bedroom door and was bid inside.
Clara was kneeling on the floor against the bed. The midwife was behind her checking on her patient.
Clara looked up when the door opened. Her forehead was sweaty and her hair looked matted with sweat. Her cheeks were flushed and she looked to be in a great deal of pain. She still smiled when she saw Elsie.
"Elsie!"
The midwife looked up from her work. Thinking the husband was coming back for something and was surprised to see a new face.
"Who are you and what are you doing here?" The midwife said.
"This is my friend Elsie, It's okay Nurse Camden." She took in a sharp breath, another pain overtaking her focus. Clara pushed her head into the bedding. She moved her hips from side to side, hoping to alleviate some of the pain. Her hands curled into the bedding, while she rode out the contraction.
The Nurse massaged Clara's back "Not too much longer, it's almost time to push."
Elsie waited for the pain to stop before she asked Clara if she wanted her help.
Her friend nodded gratefully and said "Yes Elsie, thanks for coming."
The Nurse gave Elsie a once over, then stated "Well since it seems you're staying, might as well put you to work. Help me move her onto the bed."
Elsie jumped into action. She moved her way across the room and helped lift Clara. She took hold of her arm and helped the Nurse lift her onto the bed. Clara yelped in pain because of the movement.
"I know dear, but this will be a better position for pushing," Nurse Camden said, acknowledging Clara's cry.
After a few minutes Clara started to breathe heavier, an indication of another contraction approaching. Elsie offered a hand and Clara clasped it quickly and gave her friend a tight squeeze. Elsie winced, but tried her best to sooth her friend. She whispered encouraging words and coached her through the following contractions.
Sometime later Nurse Camden was between Clara's legs once more, checking her progression.
"Alright Clara, it's time to push. When you feel the next pain I want you to bear down, Okay?" She looked over at Elsie, her expression signifying that if Elsie did not want to be a part of this next phase, then it was time for her to go.
Elsie lifted her chin in answer. Gesturing that she was staying.
The Nurse nodded and Clara cried out as another pain came upon her.
"Give us a gentle push" Clara grunted and followed the nurses instructions.
This proceeded for the next 30 or so minutes. Clara pushed with her pains, the nurse gave encouraging instructions, and Elsie supported as best she could.
"Nice work Clara, I can see baby's head, now take a breath." The nurse patted her leg in praise.
Elsie was impressed with Clara's strength.
Soon enough Clara was gearing up to push again. Mid push she shouted in pain "This is bloody awful!" And then stated "I don't want a baby anymore," Clara said while shaking her head and breathing heavily.
The nurse wisely chose not to laugh, but instead said "You don't have much choice love. Come on baby's head is almost out."
"Do you hear that Clara? You're about to meet your baby." Elsie encouraged her friend.
Sure enough a few pushes later a baby's cry was heard throughout the room.
"It's a girl" Nurse Camden exclaimed, she cleaned the baby some and then placed her on Clara's chest.
Elsie watched her friend's first interactions with her child. She noticed the awe upon her face, as well as the shock. Clara moved her arms around the girl and started rubbing her tiny back. Elsie thought this moment beautiful. She could feel the love permeating in the room.
The Nurse turned her attention to Elsie, "Can you grab a few more towels dear?"
Elsie moved from Clara's side to do as she was bid. She grabbed them off the nearby dresser and brought them over to the Nurse.
Shaking her head as Elsie was about to hand them to her the nurse said "Cover mom and baby please." Elsie did as she was told and looked back at the nurse for further instruction.
"I'm going to clean up your friend and get her and baby settled, why don't you go tell dad the happy news?"
Elsie nodded her head, but before she left she looked at her friend. Clara seemed to not be paying attention to her surroundings, only to the new being resting upon her chest.
Elsie smiled at the sight and turned to leave.
Much later in the day Elsie was back home at Downton and telling Charles of her exciting day.
"She was amazing Charles!" She praised Clara's hard work.
"Yes, that's good. What did she have?" They were seated in her pantry late at night. Discussing the day before they headed up to bed.
"Oh, a little girl. A wee precious thing."
Charles nodded "Does she have a name yet?"
"I didn't stay very long after she was born, I told Tim the news, cleaned up around the house, and then left."
Charles nodded once more in understanding.
"I'm hoping you will go with me in a few days for a visit and we can learn of her name then?"
"Elsie, I don't know if we can find the time. You were already gone most of the day and there is much to do. I don't think the family will be happy if you keep disappearing." Charles informed her.
Elsie took a breath, understanding the merit of his words and the truth he spoke. The family indeed would question her frequent absences.
"What if we stepped out for just an hour? Say we needed to see the General Shop manager for some reason?"
Charles looked doubtful.
"I just want to have a nice moment with my husband and friends. We will make it quick!"
Seeing how much she wanted him there and wanting to congratulate their friends himself he said "Alright dear, I'll come up with something and we will go."
Elsie jumped up in excitement and grabbed his face to land a kiss upon him.
She pulled herself from him and said "Thank you!"
"Yes, dear" he said while gathering her into his lap. "You promise it will not be awkward. I've only interacted with them a few times?"
"We've all had dinner together and tea. They're practically as much your friends as mine now!"
He nuzzled his face into her neck and gave her light kisses over her neck and jaw before he reached her lips. He kissed her deeply. Relishing in her warmth and happy mood.
"Ummmm, Charles." She moaned against his lips.
Pleased he said "Your settee looks very inviting wife, perhaps we should move over there?"
Elsie nodded against his lips, her desire growing, she could not think of a better idea.
Charles lifted her into his arms and carried her to the small couch. He placed her in the middle and looked into her eyes. Enthralled by the desire he saw, he moved to lean over her body. Balancing himself on his arms and he took her lips again. He felt her move her arms around his back, drawing her hands up and down the length of his body.
They embraced the other and moved together to remove necessary clothing. Charles moved onto the settee and maneuvered Elsie onto his lap. Elsie started grinding her core upon his straining manhood. After a few joyish moments, Charles could not take it any longer and needed to be within her. He broke the kiss, lifted her from his lab, and drew his pants and underwear down. He kicked them to the side and rejoined her.
Elsie moved to straddle him once more. She moved her hand down and grasped his manhood. Stroking it a few times and then guiding it to her entrance. She gently moved down and then up, letting slip a small moan at the feeling of him filling her. Charles groaned as well. Joining together in their familiar dance, Charles trusted up to be fully seated within her and Elsie moved her hips in a steady tempo.
Elsie loved how well they worked together. How perfect their bodies fit. Their lovelife was overwhelming sometimes. Passionate, but always filled with love. Both giving and taking. The hardest aspect was finding the time to be together. It was challenging, but once they did, it was breathtaking.
Both reached their peaks soon after they started. Caught up in the other and both wanting to meet their pleasure quickly. They were careful not to make much noise. The couple covered the other's vocals by swallowing each other's moans.
Settled together on the settee, Elsie laid on top of him and gathered her breath. She placed kisses along his clothed chest and moved her fingers in a pattern along his abdomen. She wished she could feel the skin beneath. Their intimate time together downstairs, in one of their offices, was always quick. A necessary evil to not undress fully.
Charles breathed in her scent and nuzzled his nose further into her hair. He loved the smell of his wife. Clean and a little floral. Her smell signified home to him.
Both cherished the other's warmth and love. Knowing all too soon they would have to go up and then rise early for another day.
Charles did find time for the both of them to escape the Abbey for an hour or so. He found himself standing in the Benson's living room. He stood behind their couch, directly behind where Elsie had taken a seat. She was chatting with Clara and he was half listening, they were talking about village gossip and baby things.
He could not help but feel a bit awkward. The couple had arrived when baby was napping and Charles felt the strain of having to make small talk. He was almost jealous of Elsie's natural way of making conversation and being just a pleasant person.
Conversation stopped when the sounds of the baby whimpering sent the new parents to check on their offspring. Soon enough Clara came back into the living room carrying the new baby.
"Would you like to hold her?" Clara asked his wife. Elsie nodded and the tiny baby was placed in her awaiting arms.
"What a beautiful sweet bairn," his wife praised. She looked adoringly into the baby's face. Charles could admit that his wife looked lovely with a baby in her arms. She had a sweet smile upon her lips and looked very content. Charles looked over her shoulder to get a better look at the baby's face. The baby was adorable.
Clara sat in her previous seat next to Elsie. She looked at her friend and daughter, smiling at the pair.
"She might be hungry soon, so don't be alarmed if she starts crying," Clara said to the room.
Elsie looked to her friend in acknowledgment, but moved her gaze back to the newborn. She wanted to take everything in. The weight of a new life, the smell, and just the experience. She did not have much experience with babies in general. She didn't have any close cousins or friends that had children. Until now.
Elsie could feel the familiar pull in her tummy again. Thoughts of her own children started filling her mind. She wanted the experience of holding her own child. Unfortunately, she felt that this was a bittersweet moment. She was doubtful that she would have this for herself. Sadness overcame her.
Elsie shook her head, deciding to enjoy the moment and be happy for her friends.
"Did you decide on a name?" Elsie asked, instinctively rocking the girl when she started to wiggle around.
Clara nodded and looked at her husband. Both shared a smile with the other.
"Adeline," they said together.
Still staring at the baby Elsie said "That's a lovely name." Her rocking was not having the intended effect, for little Adeline's brow scrunched in unhappiness and she started to fuss.
"Adeline Elizabeth," Clara said, not yet stepping in as it looked like her friend was still content holding her fussy baby.
Elsie looked up from the baby and gawked at her friend.
"Yes we named her for you Elsie. You have always been truly supportive of us and I know you will cherish Adeline. That's why Tim and I would like to ask you and Charles to be her godparents?"
Elsie's eyes grew wide, she turned her head and body to look at Charles. Trying to gauge his thoughts. Hers were all over the place. Honored their friends valued them to such high esteem, amazed they wanted to use a variation of her name. And a bit sad, still thinking about the fact that she may never have a child of her own.
Charles gave her a smile. It appeared he was happy to be considered worthy enough to be Adeline's godfather. They continued to have a silent conversation. Both agreeing to be a part of this young girl's life.
"We would be happy to be her godparents," Charles announced to the new parents.
Both parents beamed.
"But It would be best to just name Elsie as godmother and I'll be a silent godparent. Can't have the entire village wondering why we would both be named godparents, now would we?"
"Yes, we understand," Tim stated, stepping up to shake Charles hand. Charles returned the handshake joyfully.
Elsie looked on at her husband, happy to see him so welcomed by Tim and Clara.
She looked back down to the baby and noticed her little eyes opened. The fussing had stopped after a few minutes. She was exploring the world with a bit of a cross-eyed gaze. Elsie looked into her blue eyes and imagined how this little girl's life would turn out. She knew her parents would protect her with all they had. And now she and Charles would be a permanent fixture in her life too.
Elsie had an overwhelming need to see Charles with this little girl in his arms. She stood and moved around the couch.
"Charles, would you like to hold her?" She didn't really give him a chance to answer, already extending her arms and settling the bundle within his arms. She helped maneuver his arms to better support the baby. Once the baby was secured, she took a step back to admire her handy work.
Charles was caught off guard, but adjusted to the situation his wife put him in quickly. This was not his first time holding a baby. He had held all the Crawley girls before. They were never this small though. She felt so light, so precious. He looked down into her face and noticed her eyes. They were open and looked as if she was trying to figure out how she was transferred to someone else. Her little nose and forehead started to scrunch up again. She started to whimper and Charles knew to start moving his upper body from side to side in slow motion. A technique that always soothed the Crawley girls.
Elsie very much appreciated her view. Her husband was such a natural. He looked so calm and assured. Her heart started beating faster. Her love for him grew in that moment. She felt the pulling again in her abdomen, almost like her body knew it was missing something. Perhaps they needed to have another conversation. She needed to express that she wanted a child. A fact she could not hide from.
Charles was smiling down a little Adeline when she burst forth a sharp cry, turning her little head in search of something and wiggling around.
"Aww and that would be my summons," Clara stated, standing to gather her baby.
She gently lifted Adeline from Charles arms.
"We better go anyways, we are needed back." Elsie informed everyone.
"Thank you for coming, we can discuss the christening later," Tim said. His wife nodded along with his statement, her focus was primarily on the crying baby.
Elsie smiled and nodded, then moved towards the door. Charles followed, he tipped his head in goodbye and then they left.
On their way back to the Abbey, Elsie decided to voice her desire. She was nervous but also invigorated. Thoughts still on how the weight of the little girl felt in her arms.
"Wasn't she just a precious little thing?" They were strolling together, just a bit of space between them. She so wished she could grab his hand. Maybe her touch would persuade him some.
Charles looked down towards her. He smirked and said "Yes, beautiful."
"You looked so natural with a wee bairn." She raised a brow at him. Maybe having him picture the baby in his arms would start making him think about one of his own.
Charles just nodded, his brow pinch a bit, but he didn't reply.
"Are you happy they asked us to be her godparents?"
"Yes," He said. Elsie saw that he was thinking about something. Perhaps she should be more direct.
"Charles, we should reconsider not having a child. We could make it work somehow. Your investments are going well. We could find work in a shop, maybe do something like Clara and Tim. If we are lucky we could even find something in the village," Elsie spouted her thoughts. Hopeful that if she addressed some alternative arrangements, he might be more open to the idea.
Charles had somewhat caught on to her agenda from her first statement. He knew she enjoyed their visit and that her thoughts were probably filled with images of a child of their own. He listened to her hopeful persuasion. He even thought about her suggestions for an alternate path to make it possible.
He drew in a breath and stated the obvious "Elsie, we've had this conversation before."
Shaking her head and pinching her lips together in irritation she said "I know Charles, I was there." Her stomach dropped and hope dwindled.
"My reasoning is still the same."
"Yes, but.."
He interrupted her "I don't want a child Elsie."
"How can you say that? You are so good with them. You dote on Lady Mary and I just saw how well you look with a baby. How can you say that's not something you want?"
He stopped in his tracks and turned to her. He looked around for any observers, thankfully they were alone. They were walking along the trail next to a vast field, on their way back to the Abbey. He placed his hands on her shoulders and made sure she stopped and was looking at him.
"We can't have a child Elsie and that's final." He told her more sternly, squeezing her shoulders tightly to get his point across.
Elsie bristled, not used to that tone from her husband. She tried to shrug out of his hold. Not at all happy will him holding her in such a way. He made her feel small at that moment and not in a good way.
"Charles let me go."
Charles released his hold and dropped his arms to his side. He still stared at her sternly.
Knowing they were at a standstill and not having words to argue Elsie decided to let the topic drop and started walking. Her steps felt more heavy and no more conversation took place.
Once back at the Abbey Elsie disappeared into the house. She did not go into her office, it was too obvious a place. Instead she searched for a quiet corner where she could be alone. She wandered the halls, holding in her emotions, until she found her way to the attic space where the old unused furniture was housed.
She glided her hand along a dusty couch cover and ripped it off. She forcefully threw the now bundled up sheet across the room and sat heavily on the couch.
Leaning forward, she put her head in her hands and let the tears fall. Disappointment clouded her mind. Grief radiated throughout her chest, mainly her heart.
She knew his decision was final and there would be no changing his mind.
She let herself cry, knowing she needed to let it out if she was ever going to move on from her dreams of children.
She didn't know how long she stayed there. She embraced the numb feeling that overtook her, letting it spread and create a balm for her broken heart.
Once her tears had dried, she picked herself up, collected the discarded sheet and put it too right on the couch.
She figured she just needed time. Time to get over to pull within herself. Time to forgive her husband.
About a week of silence between the pair was all Charles could take. They still interacted, but it was mainly work related. They still shared the same bed, but they had not touched intimately or made love. Their relationship felt strained and it was not a feeling he could handle for much longer.
Charles knew she was hurt and he hoped she used this past week to process. He decided it was time to break the ice and breach the silence. He did this in a somewhat cowardly fashion. He came across Sofia in the hall and asked her to summon Elsie to his pantry.
He didn't know exactly when she would come, but knew she would not ignore a direct request to meet with him. He started going over some of his inventory books while he waited.
He was dipping his pen when he heard a knock on his door.
He bid her in, knowing that it was his wife. He put the pen down and waited for his wife to close the door.
"You wanted to see me?" She stood before him with a no nonsense look about her face.
He stood from his desk and moved around to approach her.
"Yes, Elsie, I want to move past this. I don't like it when we are at odds," he indicated with his hand in a motion between the two.
"We are two different people Charles, we can have different wants and needs." Elsie said in a level tone.
"Is having a child a need for you?"
Elsie did not answer for a while. He could tell she was deep in thought, thinking about his question. Her brows were drawn together and she was biting her lip in contemplation.
He decided to ask another question "Can you be happy without a child? Be happy with just me?"
Elsie looked up into his eyes.
"I am happy with you." She said, never wanting him to doubt her commitment to him.
"I'm glad to hear that, my love. But will you resent me later if we do not have a child?"
"Oh Charles, I never really started to think about the reality of children before I met you. I was just going to work as long as I could and hope to be content. But I can picture them in my minds eye and the feeling of having little Adeline within my arms brought forth this longing." She moved closer to him. She very much wished he was not so against this.
"I didn't really think about them before you either, but that does not negate the fact that I still do not want a child." He held out his hands in an invitation to her.
Elsie moved into his space and grasped his hands. The first intimate gesture they had engaged in after their disagreement.
"Will you not have any regrets in future if we don't have a child?" Elsie asked.
"Maybe, I don't know. What I do know is that I like my life as it is now. I love my position and my work. Most of all I love having you by my side. My life has become very much richer when you decided to become my wife. I can't imagine losing you, but if having a child is an impediment to our union, please let me know now."
Elsie stood before him and nodded her head, thinking about his about the future, their future.
"I can't say I will not be disappointed in the future Charles. But, I can't live without you. So we will have to move past this."
Charles nodded "I want to make sure that you will still be happy," he brought his hand up to stroke her cheek.
"Yes Charles, I will still be happy."
"Thank God, I thought you had gone off me!"
"Never" Elsie said earnestly and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him.
"I can't say that I'm not disappointed Charles, but like I said before, I can't live without you." In order to save herself and her marriage Elsie decided, she would just need to deal with and bury her longings.
Charles nodded, taking in her words. He moved her securely into his arms and kissed her once more. The couple engaged in the kiss for a moment and then rested their foreheads against the other. Both relieved to be in sync again, or as in agreement as they could be.