As I am new to this particular fandom when it comes to writing fanfiction, I hope you enjoy my little one-shot. I am in love with the series and am so excited for this year's Christmas Special!
Side-note: Follow me on Twitter ( sparrowfanfic) for news, links to updates, polls, sneak peeks, fan art and even little chats! =)
Enjoy.
The weather was wet. Wet and bitterly cold. Anna walked briskly through the town, her maid dress comfortably protected by a long overcoat. In her arms she clutched a small notebook in a paper bag. She had purchased it for Carson. It was soon his birthday and besides her it was only Mrs Hughes, Mrs Patmore, Mr Bates and his Lord and Ladyship that knew about it.
At first she wasn't confident in her choice of gift. But Mr Bates had kindly reminded her of its practicality which had quickly altered her opinion.
She squinted against the rain that speckled her face. You see, it wasn't quite rain, so much as drizzle. The kind most common at that time of the year. Also, the kind that, unfortunately, seemed to put the entire Downton household in a glum, miserable mood and a sluggish state.
Anna arrived at the house and, quickly hiding the book under her coat, she wiped her feet and stepped in through to back door to the kitchens.
'For heaven's sakes Daisy, get a move on!' the familiar shrill of Mrs Patmore filled the air as pots and pans clattered and waiters swiftly picked up platters for the evening's dinner, gliding in and out the doors without distraction.
'Yes Mrs Patmore.' Daisy's reply came as she loaded a tray that Jimmy was holding.
'Don't put that on there!' Mrs Patmore exclaimed as she removed an item off the tray and returned it to the table. 'This one.' She handed Daisy a different dish and then noticed Anna walking through the kitchen, clutching her arms to her chest.
'Anna! You're soaked! Where've you been?' the cook asked, putting finishing touches to platters as they were whisked away.
'Just to get something from the town. Nothing much.' Anna replied and nodding towards Carson as he entered the room.
Mrs Patmore gave the head housemaid a knowing look before quickly pushing the oven door closed with her hip to conceal a certain cake from Carson's view.
'Good Evening, Anna.' Carson nodded. 'Might I ask why you're so wet?'
'Well it's not a good evening at all really Mr Carson.' Anna nodded through the door to the rain outside. Carson rolled his eyes.
'Hmm... .' he replied.
'Will someone shut that blasted door!' The cook exclaimed and rushed to try and preserve some of the kitchen's warmth.
'Sorry Mrs Patmore.' Anna said as she watched a scullery maid grab a mop and start to clean the floor of rain water. 'It was my fault.'
Mrs Patmore just nodded and continued to bustle about, flapping her arms in the air and brushing her copper curls out of her face.
'Well then,' Anna spoke after a moment and turned back to Carson. 'I'll go and change my apron then.' She nodded curtly at him before leaving the kitchen, silently praying he did not notice the lump under her coat.