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Chapter 18: 1899

As the years passed Charles and Elsie mastered the art of remaining a secret. They maintained their marriage and their positions with grace and precision. Working seamlessly together during working hours and after. The past few years moved rather quickly. The Crawley children were growing not like weeds, but beautiful flowers as they were raised to be. Each special and growing into their own different personalities.

Little Adeline was now walking and talking in short sentences. Her godparents watched her grow with great fondness. They made time to visit with the Bensons and spend time with Adeline. The toddler adored Charles, always wanting to show him new things and babble nonsense to him.

The plan for James Crawley was working swimmingly as well. The few times he and his son visited the Abbey turned out to be mundane affairs. He still showed interest in Elsie, but no opportunities presented themselves for interactions. Elsie remained cautious, but was more reassured with the help she received from others while he was at the Abbey.

Everything remained steady, the only bump was the health of Lord Grantham. He was not meant to stay in the company of the living for much longer. Sequestered to his bed, he was not well enough to feed, dress, or provide general care for himself. Nurses were hired and the family stayed close to Downton.

All the family looked somber, all except the younger children. Lady Mary had gained the concept of death, but the passing of her grandfather would be her closest encounter.

It was a waiting game at this point.

The holiday season was approaching fast, but the usual parties and celebrations were not in the works. Elsie was feeling a bit bored. All her work was completed. Stores were full and inventory books balanced. No guests were invited over, which meant less planning for social dinners and no preparations of rooms for overnighters.

She looked forward to this time of year. The uptake of activity and the planning of parties was something she enjoyed. It was understandable why the normal holiday traditions were not taking place, what with The Lord of the house being so ill. The sad fact was he would probably be gone before the new year. And what a new year it would be. A new century.

Elsie and Charles did have more time together. In fact throughout the last two years they had much time to themselves. The summer season in London did not occur for the past 2 years and the family did not take extended vacations. Robert Crawley stepped into the role of head of the family and was proceeding over the running of the estate.

The heads of staff took most if not all of their halfdays together and even found more time to escape the Abbey together.

Charles stretched along their bed. The wake up knock was just sounded, but he had slowly been coming back into consciousness because of his own internal clock. He reached for his wife and was met with cold sheets. Confused, Charles sat up and looked around the room. There was no sign of her and his confusion grew. Typically Charles woke first and he would encourage his wife to join the awoken world after his return from the bathroom.

Charles stood and stretched once more, then walked to his room. Grabbing his robe, he tucked it around himself and moved to the hallway, then bathroom.

Once he returned, he heard shuffling coming from the other. He entered through their shared door and found his wife getting ready for the day. He leaned against the doorway and enjoyed the view, he could not help the small smile that overcame his face. He would never not appreciate his wife's form. She was in her chemise and was working one leg into her drawers. He knew she would wait for him to help with the corset.

He was so very lucky to have her in his life. To share the small moments and soon enough the grief that would overcome the household. She was his grounding force. His light in the dark. He smirked to himself, amused by his sentimental musings.

Once her underthings were situated Elsie looked up and found his eyes. She didn't look startled at his sudden appearance, probably knowing he was there all along.

"Happy Christmas, darling," she greeted.

"Happy Christmas, dear," he replied.

Elsie moved to her vanity and picked up a smell wrapped gift. She walked over to him and placed it into his hands.

"I know we said we would not exchange anything this year, but I saw this and could not help myself."

"How can I argue with you, when you're in your underthings?" He said thinking it was a good thing his hands were presently occupied opening his gift. He undid the ribbon and pulled the lid open. He moved his eyes down from her blushing face to see what his charming wife got him. Nestled in a bed of cardboard cushioning was an intricate pocket watch. It was silver with a decorative golden center. Beautifully crafted, it was apparent this was a luxury watch. Charles was in awe.

"This is…." Charles was lost for words. How could she possibly have known how much a pocket watch like this would mean to him. He had always wanted one. Of course he had a standard time piece, but nothing as spectacular as the gift presented in front of him. Traditionally a father or grandfather would pass down their watch. Unfortunately Charles's father had died much too soon and did not have the funds or standing to possess such an heirloom.

"Please don't say it's too much. I know how much you have wanted one. Plus your current watch is a bit worn." Elsie moved her hands to his upper arms and gave him a loving squeeze.

Charles looked back towards her face. Her open expression of love still stunned him. Charles moved his hand around her waist and brought her forward. He planted a passionate kiss upon her. She moved her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss.

Charles maneuvered them back a little and placed the gift box upon her vanity. Lips still attracted he backed her into the closest wall and ravished her as best he could.

When the kiss became more heated Elsie drew back "We haven't the time" she said breathlessly.

Charles chuckled and rested his head where her head met her shoulders.

He then whispered into her ear "We will finish this later." He was pleased to feel her wiggle within his arms, assuming a shiver made it throughout her body. He loved how she reacted to his voice. Something he learned to use to his advantage when they had a disagreement. Lowering his voice a few octaves generally worked in his favor quite often.

Elsie moved her head back to catch his eyes once more. She brought her dainty hands to encircle his face, stroking his jar with her thumbs. She stared into his eyes for a moment before bringing his lips to hers once more in a gentle kiss.

"I'm glad you like it," she stated against his lip, then drew back a little to give him a knowing look.

"I love it, now let's get your corset on, we are expected at breakfast."

Charles helped his wife with her most pesky garment, all the while thinking of some way to reciprocate her generous gesture.

He thought about gifts she might like, but he knew in his heart what she would like most. He decided he would put some plans into motion and surprise her later.

Charles and Elsie left the downstairs Christmas celebrations early. One slipped away unnoticed first and the other followed soon after. An early night was acceptable on holidays. The family did not expect the staff to work afternoons of those days. They knew they would not be missed.

Once both were safely inside their quarters, hands worked together to remove clothing. Lips explored and nimble fingers undid ties and buttons.

Once down to her sift Elsie moved away and started to light the candles throughout her side of their rooms. Charles watched her work, he took note of the candle glow illuminating her form through her sift. He felt his blood move south at a faster pace, his manhood twitching with want of her.

He decided to be productive as well and moved their top bed cover onto the floor. He had no plans of holding back. Not wanting to waste the opportunity of ravishing his wife truly while the rest of the staff were occupied many floors below.

After spreading the blanket out, he threw a few pillows down as well. After taking stock of his handy work he looked up to see if his wife had finished her task.

His jaw went slack as his eyes met her form, void of her sift and staring intently in his direction.

He straightened up and quickly disrobed fully, just as his underwear touched the ground she was upon him. Chest meeting chest, arms embracing the other, the couple started their familiar dance with much fervor.

Charles lifted her into his arms and she instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist. Lips battled together, tongues greeted each other with strong stokes.

Charles moved her over to the bedding on the ground and lowered her gently. He remained in a position over her and moved his manhood over her core. Peeling himself from over her he stained up, but remained between her thighs. Taking in the sight before him Charles grew even more excited. His wife looked glorious, chest moving up and down with her rapid breaths. Her deep blue eyes looked almost black with desire.

Elsie moved her hands to glide up his torso, then drawing her nails along his sides, inciting a pleasurable hiss from him.

Charles moved his hands to her hips, running his thumbs along her hip bones, then moving his hands up her stomach. He stoked the underside of her breast and then cupped them. He loved how her breast filled his hands. He moved his thumbs over her nipples, knowing how she liked them manipulated he moved to please her. She rewarded him with a low moan.

His ministrations elicited rhythmic movement from her hip. Her core met his manhood in a delicious fashion. She worked her pelvis against him, until he could not take it any longer. The need to be within her was overwhelming, he moved his hands back to her hips and guided himself to her entrance.

Charles rocked forward just an inch and Elsie mewed, signaling her permission and readiness.

He pushed further in, moving his hips back and forth until he was fully seated within her. He started his trust slowly, taking pleasure for her body, but also the look upon her face. Eyes closed, hair splayed around her head, a grin upon her lips when they were not open and releasing a moan.

Although he liked this position, he felt the need to be closer. He placed his hands upon her upper thighs, encouraging her to move her legs up against his hips, while he slid his upper body to lay upon hers. Chest to chest again, Charles balanced on his forearms, not wanting to crush her. He moved to place kisses along her neck and jaw, all the while keeping up his steady pace.

Elsie squeezed her arms around his back, hands placed just below his shoulder blades. She rubbed her hands into his flesh, scratching some up and down his back. She moved her body in rhythm with his. She could feel her pleasure growing. Wanting him to move faster she tilted her pelvis back and forth at a faster pace and he followed.

The passion between the pair grew and their world narrowed to just the two of them. Thrust became faster with more powerful strokes. The couple moved at a punishing pace. Elsie bit into his shoulders when her orgasm overtook her. She squealed a little from the intensity, her toes curled and she moved his hips against his, chasing the last pleasurable shocks from her climax. Breathing deeply she felt Charles still thrusting within her. She felt the moment Charles was about to follow her. She pushed on his shoulders, reminding him to leave her just in time for his release. He slipped from her and grunted into her neck, his climax meeting their bedding.

Charles collapsed upon her, not having the energy to do anything else. He drew in breaths quickly, aware and enjoying the feeling of her hands moving along his back.

Elsie did not mind his weight upon her. She liked the feeling of him surrounding her, the pressure of his body on her was pleasant and reassuring. She kissed his jaw, then moved light kisses upon his face until she met his mouth. He responded greedily, deepening the kiss and moaning into her mouth.

Regaining some strength Charles broke their kiss and moved off her to lay by her side. They rearranged themselves to face the other. Charles moved a piece of loose curls behind her ear as she rested her head upon his bicep.

"I suppose we should make the bed and move there," Elsie murmured.

"We could… or we can rest here for a bit." He said while caressing her jaw.

She snuggled her cheek into his upper arm and moved her body to be as close to his as possible.

He took that to mean she was content where they were and curled her within his arms to bring her closer to him.

In the dead of night the couple sprang up from their slumber by the knocking heard throughout the room. Sleep clouded their mind and they were unable to determine who's door the sound was coming from.

"Carson, please open the door," a familiar voice sounded from the other room.

Charles was the first to react, drawing the blankets back and moving quickly to the other room. The call fully sobered him from sleep. He closed the door between the two rooms, then made it to his bed and pulled the covers back, something he forgot to do before falling asleep.

He took stock of himself, taking in his undressed self. He went to his wardrobe and removed his thick rob. Putting it on while making his way to open the door. He was securing the tie when he made eye contact with Robert Crawley.

The pained look within the younger man's eye told Charles exactly why he was being summoned in the middle of the night.

"Carson, I need you to arrange for one of the stable boy to ready a cart."

"Yes, Milord," his voice gravelly from disuse and Robert Crawley's unspoken declaration.

The young lord's eyes glistened with un-shed tears and Charles felt moved to place a reassuring hand upon his shoulder. Giving into grief for the family and the meaning of the Lord's loss placed upon Robert Crawley, Charles felt the young lord needed some steady support.

"Who should I ask to retrieve?"

"Please have him fetch Dr. Clarkson and the Reverend."

"Yes, Milord."

Charles moved out into the hall and towards the oldest stable boys room.

The funeral was a somber affair. Many surrounding families of high status joined the family in saying goodbye.

The staff remained busy ensuring all were taken care of and guests were comfortable. Elsie felt she was constantly running around. Making sure rooms were cleaned and readied, then maintained during the guest stay.

Elsie reflected on her bored state before Lord Grantham's death. She was now too busy to think of much else besides the guest and family's comfort. The last two weeks had been the most hectic since she first arrived and then took her place as Housekeeper.

She took care of the family and comforted distressed servants. She barely had time to breathe let alone speak to her husband. And she knew he was grieving. He had worked for the lord for many years. Respected his status and worked tirelessly to uphold the standards and honor of the house.

At night they would be asleep once their heads hit their pillows. She was tired, but he looked exhausted. She tried to sooth him as best she could, but he preferred to remain silent and rest whenever he could. She vowed to look after him and ease his pain in whatever way she could.