It had been a wonderful evening, or so he told himself. Lady Edith had tied the knot- finally, and Baby Bates had finally arrived, in Lady Mary's bedroom no less. Everything had turned out wonderfully, but something was still missing for him at any rate, and hopefully her. She was delighted that Mr Barrow had returned, laughing at everything he said and for a split second he had a sly wish that it was him being laughed at. He made up his mind.

She felt the tap at her arm and smiled as he whispered "Miss Baxter, could you join me for a moment." "Of course, why don't we go and see Anna and the baby." He nodded and followed her. They smiled at each other and engaged in harmless small talk as they climbed the stairs.

"Miss Baxter could you wait a moment." he said before she could knock on the door. He beckoned her into the bedroom next door.

"The thing is I made a new years resolution, and it sort of involves, well, you." She stared at him expectantly. He swallowed. His throat had gone very dry all of a sudden and he wasn't quite sure why.

"Well, I had people I was friends with, but I never really had friends. I was sort of alone, until I met you. That was when I started to feel that I was worth something, that I could make a difference to someone, even be loved by someone?" He finished quite shyly looking up waiting for her reaction. She smiled. That was enough. He dropped onto one knee and stumbled over the phrase

"missbaxterwillyoumarryme" she looked at his pleading face and loving eyes and smiled

"Yes"

"Will you, Will you kiss me?" he stuttered. In response she leaned forwards and planted a small kiss on his cheek. Then she kissed him on the lips, slowly and tenderly. They only broke apart when they heard a cough from behind them. They sprang apart, scarlett flushing her face as he seemed to shrink under the penetrating gaze of Mrs Hughes.

"I am not going to ask what just happened here, but I would appreciate it if you could not repeat it?"

"That might not be possible i'm afraid Mrs Hughes." Miss Baxter said quietly.

"And why would that be?"

"Because we're engaged." The look on her face shifted from accusation to happiness

"Oh that is wonderful, have you set a date?"

"Well we only got engaged thirty seconds ago" She smiled them and left. They followed and turned into the room that held the Bates' and their baby. Mr Molesley smiled as his fiancee cooed over the little boy.

"Mr Molesley there's something we want to ask you. We were wondering if you would be godfather to our son" John asked.

"oh Of, of course Mr Bates, thank you.

Anna turned to Phyllis. "We would have asked you, but i'm afraid-"

"Don't worry. Lady Mary deserves it far more than I do, and anyway. Godparents shouldn't be married."