A/N: My first fic so please be nice and review! I know it's somewhat a short chapter, but it's my first.

Disclaimer: I don't own Downton Abbey!

''And I love you. For richer of for poorer, for better for worse,'' Anna declared to Mr Bates, before kissing him.

They had just returned from Miss Swire's funeral. Mr Bates had let Anna hold his arm the whole way back, and no one questioned it: it was a time of mourning and some needed strength from others. The newly-married couple loved it, because it gave them an excuse to hold each other in public, like they were technically permitted to do. Of course, no one was aware of their second reason, except for Lady Mary. Because to everyone in the household besides Lady Mary, that's all he was to her: John Bates, His Lordship's valet. But to Anna, he was so much more: he was John Bates, His Lordship's valet; and her husband.

Anna watched as the two officers took away her husband. All the other staff were watching as well. Though, after a brief moment Mr Carson cast a shocked glance at Anna. Anna, however, was too shaken by the event to notice. Then, finally, when her husband was out of the house, she broke down. Mrs Hughes immediately went to Anna to bring her into her sitting room

Mrs Hughes had somewhat expected Anna's reaction. The head housemaid and valet had become quite the pair during his time at Downton, and Mrs Hughes had been the one to comfort Anna when Mr Bates had left with his ex-wife. Now, however, her sobs then were barely a match for her sobs now.

''Oh Anna, I know this mustn't be easy for you,'' Mrs Hughes said, hugging the younger woman.

''Y-You dd-don't unders-stand!'' Anna managed to choke out.

''Then explain it to me so that I will,'' the older woman said softly.

With trembling hand, Anna reached for the lock on the gold chain that she constantly wore around her neck since her wedding day. It was where she kept her wedding ring, so that she always had it close. She took the off the necklace, and slid her wedding ring off of the chain. The fact was not lost on Anna that Mrs Hughes was observing her with wide eyes. Mustering all of her courage, she placed the ring on her ring finger.

''My god,'' Mrs Hughes uttered, almost inaudibly.

By now, Anna sobs had diminished to sniffles. She was watching Mrs Hughes make sense of it all.

''When did this happen?''

''Friday, ''Anna said.

Mrs Hughes thought about it for a moment. She remembered that she had wanted Anna to clean the guest room that had been Miss Swire's. She had gone upstairs to look for the head housemaid, but Lady Mary had said that Anna was feeling a little ill that morning, but that she assured her employer she would be tending to the ladies that evening. Only now, Mrs Hughes realised that Lady Mary was covering for Anna whilst she and Mr Bates got married.

''May I ask why?''

''Mr Bates was afraid that the police wasn't finished with him. I told him that if it was the case, I wasn't going through it without a proper place in his life,'' Anna admitted, ''so we married at the Registrar's Office in Ripon.''

The first thought that went through Mrs Hughes' mind was that Mr Bates and the newly appointed Mrs Bates had impeccable timing. She voiced this thought to Anna and they both let out a small chuckle. On a more serious tone, though, Mrs Hughes realised that Anna would have to tell everyone. Mr Carson saw them kissing, for goodness sake! Thankfully, Mrs Hughes didn't have to voice this realisation because Anna beat her to it.

''I'm afraid that you will,'' the housekeeper said, ''but know that you have my full support when you do.''

A/N: Please review!