With Heads Held High
The cell was damp and dark, reflecting on the lone occupant. Everything in this small space was gray, the walls, the prison uniform, even the meager light from the tiny window high on the wall was grayer then a winters day in London.
It was within these walls where John Bates sat on the lower bunk. His mood was as bleak as the cell itself. For the first time in several weeks he was able to look upon the photograph he now held. Taken on his wedding day it was a simple photo of his sweet Anna. How happy they both were on that day. Thankful that Lady Mary secured a room far from the rest of the household to celebrate as newlyweds should.
Tracing her image with his fingers he thought back to his last day of freedom. Both of them standing side by side with heads held high.
The first time was that morning at the graveside services for Miss. Lavinia Swire, who was to be married to the heir of Downton. Both of them standing together each deep in thought about how short life could be for some. Thinking how lucky they were to have each other in their life and what they had to endure in order to find happiness.
The second time was when they had returned to the house after the funeral. Before they had the chance to enter the servants hall Mrs. Patmore stopped them and informed Mr. Bates that there were two gentlemen waiting for him. With one look they were able to convey everything they were thinking and feeling. Knowing that the moment they were dreading finally arrived.
When the officer was done stating the charges and had him cuffed up , John leaned down and gave his beloved one last kiss. They led him out down the hall past the rest of the staff. He held his head high knowing that she was watching from the other end doing the same. Neither one willing to let the spectators see them break.
~fin