John awoke with a start from his sleep. He had had that dream again. The dream where Anna walked out the gate, but they pulled her back/ he was terrified that it would happen. But today he would find out. Because Anna was coming home! With that thought, he leapt out of bed. Dressing quickly, he ran down the stairs as quickly as his stick would let him.
Daisy was in the kitchen.
"Good luck Mr Bates."
He smiled in return. He was too excited to speak. Grabbing a slice of toast, he wolfed it down, and hurried outside to meet the motor.
The chauffer held the door for him. On any other day, he would have relished the opportunity to sit in the back, but he could only think of Anna.
Driving through the countryside, he remembered the walks he had taken with Anna shortly after his own release, years before. He was so far into his own head, that he started when the chauffer said
"We have arrived Sir."
Jumping out of the car, he just stood and stared at the gates, he was delighted to see them open. Anna had been away for a couple of months, but he was as excited as she had been after his release after a year!
The gates opened wide, and he took a step forward, muttering a prayer under his breath. He had never prayed before, but his nightmares had made him doubt. After what seemed like an eternity, he saw a figure step through the gateway…it was Anna! With a scream, she ran forward. He opened his arms, and soon they were locked in a passionate embrace. Stroking her hair, he whispered
"Oh Anna, Anna… How I have missed you.
"And I you" she replied.
His breath hitched at the sound of her voice. She laughed. He had missed that as well.
"My darling, we need to get in the car" she called, dragging him towards the vehicle. He did not resist.
The whole way home, he held her hand tight, and kept trying to kiss her. He was hurt when she dodged it, but she kissed him back in return. She was already teasing me, after only 10 minutes, he thought. She must still love me.
After a car journey that seemed far too short for its own good, the car pulled up at the front door. To their both surprise and delight, Lady Mary ran out of the house.
"Oh Anna! I missed you, how good to see you! Oh, I'm sorry but-"
And Mary pulled her best friend into an embrace. Anna was stunned, but John just smiled. He was glad to see that his Anna had an amazing friend. Finally releasing Anna, Mary smiled.
"Spend the day getting used to being home, and I will see you tomorrow. Mrs Hughes will dress me tonight, so you can rest."
Anna looked at John and smiled.
"Thank you mi-lady, I will see you tomorrow then."
Mary smiled and wandered back into the house. Anna took John's arm, and they walked round to the servants' entrance.
As they walked into the servants' hall, everybody cried out, and Mrs Hughes hurried to greet Anna.
"Anna! How good to see you!
"Thank you Mrs Hughes, I am glad to be back.
"Of course you are. Have you seen Lady Mary, I will-"
"I have seen her Mrs Hughes, and I am very grateful."
At this, John spoke up.
"Mr Carson, may I have the day off to go off with Anna?"
Mr Carson turned, and graciously replied that he could.
After saying her final 'Hello's' John took Anna's case, and led her back to their cottage once more.