First Kiss ficlet
Title: First Prize
Author: Aussie
Rated: T
Characters, Pairing: Hughes/Carson
(300) word ficlet
Elsie knew the identity of her visitor, even though she didn’t look up.
She’d known the sharp rap on the door which insinuated he was a very busy man, indeed. The footfall had been familiar; a graceful gait despite its owner’s size. Even the tangy aroma which had wafted in as the door had opened and closed was as well-known to her as her own scent.
She usually found his presence soothing.
Tonight, she was on edge.
She’d tried to understand his decision to leave, but still couldn’t grasp his dedication to a girl who didn’t deserve, in her opinion, such devotion.
She’d told herself that he was only relocating to the next estate, not the next continent, but it hadn’t helped. Church on Sundays, the occasional village dance; their chances of meeting seemed as limited as the chances she’d feel the same about his replacement.
She kept her head bowed, outwardly concentrating on the list of provisions Beryl had requested, and cleared her throat.
“Mr Carson--”
“I’m not leaving.”
She looked up then, stifling her excitement.
“I can’t work for a man like Carlisle.”
Of course his decision had nothing to do with her.
“You’re not pleased?” he finally asked when her nerves were fraught from their prolonged silence.
She stood on shaky legs. She’d already made a fool of herself a few days ago: “I’ll miss you.”
Suddenly, with a sigh, Charles leant down and brushed his lips across hers. It was such a fleeting touch that she thought she could possibly have dreamt the entire thing.
“I’ll interpret your silence as speechless enthusiasm, Mrs Hughes,” he said softly, before turning and leaving the room.
She sunk into her chair, her fingertips tracing her still-tingling lips.
Only then did she allow herself a small smile for the future.
.
Author: Aussie
Rated: T
Characters, Pairing: Hughes/Carson
(300) word ficlet
Elsie knew the identity of her visitor, even though she didn’t look up.
She’d known the sharp rap on the door which insinuated he was a very busy man, indeed. The footfall had been familiar; a graceful gait despite its owner’s size. Even the tangy aroma which had wafted in as the door had opened and closed was as well-known to her as her own scent.
She usually found his presence soothing.
Tonight, she was on edge.
She’d tried to understand his decision to leave, but still couldn’t grasp his dedication to a girl who didn’t deserve, in her opinion, such devotion.
She’d told herself that he was only relocating to the next estate, not the next continent, but it hadn’t helped. Church on Sundays, the occasional village dance; their chances of meeting seemed as limited as the chances she’d feel the same about his replacement.
She kept her head bowed, outwardly concentrating on the list of provisions Beryl had requested, and cleared her throat.
“Mr Carson--”
“I’m not leaving.”
She looked up then, stifling her excitement.
“I can’t work for a man like Carlisle.”
Of course his decision had nothing to do with her.
“You’re not pleased?” he finally asked when her nerves were fraught from their prolonged silence.
She stood on shaky legs. She’d already made a fool of herself a few days ago: “I’ll miss you.”
Suddenly, with a sigh, Charles leant down and brushed his lips across hers. It was such a fleeting touch that she thought she could possibly have dreamt the entire thing.
“I’ll interpret your silence as speechless enthusiasm, Mrs Hughes,” he said softly, before turning and leaving the room.
She sunk into her chair, her fingertips tracing her still-tingling lips.
Only then did she allow herself a small smile for the future.
.