A quarantine re-read...and just as delightful as ever. You are a true artist with the written word. Thank you.

A holiday treat to myself...to read this again...what a beautifully written, moving piece! Well done!

oh I love this...

Enjoyed soooooooo much

Thank you ever so much for this Magnificent journey! Beautiful AU! Well-written as always! Chelsie on, you are brilliant! x

It was worth getting us there. Beautifully written. I thought you captured what Fellowes would never have on the show but would have written. I loved imagining this happening for Charles and Elsie. Keep writing!

This was written so beautifully! Loved this

This was brilliant.
A first-class study of the Chelsie relationship. And your literary quotes were superb! Especially as Elsie alluded in an earlier chapter how literature let them cross from friendship into love.
And Charles is so right; the longing would never cease, only grow.
Brava mrpoohnminnie!

JF had them quickly agree to an engagement, slight issue involving Mrs. Patz settled quickly, married, honeymooned, and then the problems began which seemed rather forced upon them.
I think your idea makes more sense. The problems would have came before the marriage because even though they knew each other well from being colleagues for years, both of them were very private people. They were not used to emotional intimacy and may have found it difficult to speak of their deepest fears and feelings.
Charles especially was astounded to hear of Elsie's fears; it would have never occurred to him. But he was determined to respect her wishes and would never press her on her decision.
Glad they got there in the end. Your journey was well worth it.

Beautiful!

Oh I just devoured this all and it's just AMAZING! I loved it! Can't wait to read it all again xoxo

BEST story EVER! I was upset with the beginning, but then could NOT put it down. I know I will retread this one many times! Kudos to you!

This story is absolutely beautiful. You have a superb talent and I've loved every word

This was beautiful. Thank you for sharing it.

Thank you for this glorious chapter and for giving them the ending they truly deserved. It was hard to read some of the chapters because my heart was breaking for them, but I'm glad I stuck with you and trusted your storytelling! You're totally forgiven, and thanks for the happy ending!