Thanks for the reviews on my last story, everyone! And thank you Phoenix-Talon for editing! Enjoy!
Walking into our modest little cottage, I could smell a deep cinnamon scent wafting from the kitchen. I made my way to the fireplace and set down the little pile of wood I had gathered. I knelt down carefully on my good knee and began to start the fire. I heard a shuffling from behind me, the cinnamon scent suddenly very close and overwhelming. Fingers brush along my neck making the hairs on the back of my neck prickle up with the warm sensation. A delicate hand caresses the nape of my neck and moves down under my shirt collar. Closing my eyes, I couldn't suppress a shuddered breath from escaping.
"Anna..." I sigh and lean into her touch.
"How was your day, John?" She whispered lightly. Her voice affecting me as only she could.
"Well," I turn around slowly and take her hands in mine. "much better now that I'm here with you, my love."
Her lovely face breaks into a huge smile and her eyes light up. She is simply radiant with joy and love. Love for me of all people. It is still hard to fathom that this woman could possibly love this gruff old man, but I have learned by now not to doubt it. She traces my lips with her dainty fingers then cups my cheek. She leans down and kisses me softly but full of adoration. Stroking through her soft hair, I pull her close and sit down with her resting in my lap. She is intoxicating. I kiss her deeply, and then break away when the need for air makes itself known. I rest my forehead against hers and look into her brilliant eyes.
It's finally Christmas Eve; we both have tonight and the following day off. I can see the faint lines under her eyes due to the past two months. The house has had a deathly pallor over it since Matthew's death. Mary has been going through hell on earth. She had refused to believe he was gone until she finally saw his body at the burial. Isobel could not be consoled. Her source of joy in the world had been extinguished. Mary had tried everything in her power to avenge him by throwing her wrath at the people in the other car. Lord Grantham has holed up in his rooms, barely responding to me at all anymore. Lady Grantham had taken to escaping her grief by caring for Mary's child. Everyone was in a state of shock.
Anna has helped Mary immensely. She was the only source of strength Mary could turn to; she would keep her far longer than normal. Sometimes Anna had not been able to make it home in the evenings; she'd stay up consoling Mary.
The tiny flame had now turned into a crackling fire. The heat was becoming uncomfortable. Anna must have thought so too, since she got up, then took my hand to help me up.
"Come to the kitchen with me. I made a little treat for us to enjoy today," She requested.
She intertwined her fingers in mine, smiled impishly and led me through.
"What are you up to-" I trailed off as I took in the sight of our tiny kitchen table. It looks as if she had decorated it for one of the family. She had borrowed one of Mrs. Patmore's silver gilded cauldrons filled with a rich smelling stew for this special occasion. The cinnamon scent was coming from the coffee cake in a little glass dish set on the counter next to two mugs seemingly for dessert. She had set out two extravagant plates with silver ribbons that swirled from the outside into the center of the plate and utensils that matched quite nicely. Neatly folded napkins tucked under the plates and crystal wine goblets to complete the arrangement. I look up and see her eyes jumping with excitement and a smile creeping over her features.
"How do you like it?" She asks giddily.
"I think anything you do would be wonderful. But this is so grand! What's the occasion?" I ask her playfully.
"Oh, you cheeky beggar," She beamed radiantly.
I pull her into me, one hand on her waist and one on the back of her elegant neck, and kiss her quickly. She pulls away, giggling.
"You know full well what this is all for. It's our first Christmas spent together," She smiled but her eyes had a distant pain in them. I cringed and had to avert my eyes from hers at the thought of her having to endure what I put her through. If only I had handled the situation better. If only I treated Vera right to begin with. If only I had listened to Anna! So many regrets. Why had I behaved so stupidly... I was pulled from my thoughts as Anna gently lifted my head so she could look into my eyes once more. Her eyes are glistening as she wipes the tears from my face, those of which had appeared suddenly.
"Hey... its over. You're finally free. There shouldn't be anymore troubles."
"I know, but I just feel so awful. Anna, what you had to suffer these past years… sometimes I wonder how different your life would be if I had never arrived at Downton-" I was stopped by her finger on my lips.
"You really must stop that way of thinking. You know I would do it a hundred times over if possible. Leave the past in the past, but fondly remember the good times." She insisted.
"I shall try, Anna." I bent down and kissed her with as much reverence as I could show her. I withdraw slowly and look into her eyes. "Don't you ever wonder though…?"
"If I had never met you I would have probably taken Mrs. Hughes place. I have worries, too. If you ever… died… like Matthew did." She struggled to get the words out and her eyes were welling up. "I don't know what I would do, John. I know its silly thinking that way but I can't help but to think how the other would cope with one of us gone. I don't think I'd be as strong as Mary is. And she isn't faring too well to begin with." She gulped, trying to hold back tears.
"Anna, I don't plan on ever leaving until I make you the happiest woman in the world. And if something ever does happen to me just know that I will always watch over you, and hopefully our children, because you gave me the life I never thought I'd have." I explain to her sincerely.
"Oh, John," She wound her arms around my neck and pulls me into her loving kiss. She pulls back and smiles up at me. Even in the state she was in, eyes red and tear streaks down her face, she looks so radiant. "You know, I'm glad you've read so much in your life. You always seem to know exactly what to say to make me feel so cherished and loved. Quite the romantic." she adds cheekily.
"Always, Mrs. Bates." I murmur and kiss her soundly.
She broke away gradually, took my hand, and led me to a chair. "Now Mr. Bates, we need to enjoy this meal I painstakingly put together for us so we can move onto more appealing activities."
I look into her dark eyes and saw her tongue flick out to wet her lips. I didn't need to be told twice!