A/N: Some more fluff to pre-empt S4! This has nothing to do with it, really, but as we left off (sort of) in Scotland I thought that now would be a good time to revisit...
T rating seems a bit weird now, but that'll be explained later.
Disclaimer: All of Downton Abbey belongs to Julian Fellowes/Carnival/ITV (sometimes regrettably).
A Return to Scotland: Part 1
The September evening was still and pleasantly warm, giving the impression of all being at perfect peace. Soft chirping could be heard on the breeze that floated through the window and as she looked out, Anna's gaze was caught by two little birds perched on the tree that hung over into the garden from the adjoining cottage. A smile drifted onto her face as she watched them for a while, entranced. One was bobbing its head, seemingly in time to the tune of the other. The sound lulled her into a moment of calm towards the end of another busy day, making thoughts of what she still had to do drift away.
She shook herself before very long, though the cottage was just as serene. Turning back into the sitting room, she surveyed it with a sense of modest pride. She was glad that she had been able to find the time to give the room a decent tidy today on top of the other chores. It was the little touches that made all the difference, and she smiled at the cushions that were displayed on the small settee, picking one up and dropping it with a soft thud onto the floor to give it a final plump. It might not have had the same grandeur as the residence not too far along the road but to her, it was a palace. Adjusting the cushion back in its rightful place, she rested her hands on her hips and admired the space that was nearly spotless. She knew it never would quite be, but that was perfectly fine considering the reason why.
As the day had stayed so nice, Anna had thought about taking the pile of sewing that awaited her into the garden to finish off, thinking it would be rather nice to get some evening sun onto her face. As it turned out, her daughter wasn't interested in going out of doors, preferring to sit inside and play quietly, making up games with the teddies that surrounded her on the rug.
Sitting at the corner table, she kept a watchful eye on Eleanor, blonde hair curled up around her face. She seemed deep in her own little world, as was often the case, babbling softly and happily away to her favourite teddy, cradling it very carefully in her tiny hands. Anna's heart burst with love. She may have looked like her, but her gentle and thoughtful nature was the same as her father's. Anna simply adored watching her grow day by day, rejoicing as she picked up more of John's mannerisms. Right at this moment Eleanor was flailing her arms around in the air, caught in the flow of a very interesting conversation. Anna didn't stifle a giggle at the sight, her hands working beneath her like second nature.
She smiled once more seeing the fabric that she held in her grasp. Not that long ago she handled an endless line of blouses and dresses, delicate silks and laces. Now she had swapped them for sturdy workwear, suit jackets and trousers. It was amazing that a skill she had practised for the best part of her life took on such a thrilling new meaning now. She tended carefully to the tear at the shoulder of John's jacket, proud to do the work of a wife and falling into a dream, thinking of how well he wore it.
Pleasant thoughts mingled with more unsettling ones in her head; she thought she had managed to keep them at bay, but as the hour got later it seemed impossible to ignore them. She had not looked forward to this month edging on closer and a sickly feeling rose within her as she supposed they would know one way or another soon enough, even possibly before the day was out. Her fingers floundered in her lap and she let out a yelp as one was sharply jabbed by the point of the needle.
A pair of large, blue eyes were on her at the sound, a little face held still in shock. Anna smiled softly and soothingly at her daughter.
"It's okay, my sweetheart. Mummy was just being very silly and not thinking about what she was doing."
Eleanor was placated by her mother's voice, shaking her curls as she went back to her amusement. Anna folded up the jacket and walked across the floor, held in rapture by her young daughter. It was hard to believe that she was already a year and a half old; it seemed like only yesterday that she had told John in a fit of excitement and joy the news that she was pregnant, forever remembering the way his face had formed into such a wonderful smile. It was the same smile that their daughter wore now, as happy as anything, not in the least troubled by what the world could hold. She watched as her small hands pulled at her frilled white socks, considering the garments in her hands for a moment or two before, with her tongue poking out in concentration, she put them back onto her feet. Anna held a breath in wonder; what a clever girl they had.
"Well, my darling, you won't need me soon enough," she said with just a touch of sadness as she scooped Eleanor into her arms, curling a finger around a loose ringlet. Eleanor beamed a wide grin, gurgling at her mother and fastening a fist onto Anna's shoulder.
Anna rocked her daughter happily, staring into her innocent blue eyes, trying to take her mind off the worry that was latching onto her. Eleanor wriggled around under her hands, reaching her little body and pointing towards the table on the other side of the room.
"Do you want to help Mummy with her sewing?"
Eleanor nodded eagerly and Anna gave a fond smile. Maybe she wanted to follow in her footsteps after all.
She had just settled Eleanor onto her lap, pushing the needles out of her reach and letting her stroke the spools of thread instead, when the door shut with a click, echoing in the hallway. Anna's heart couldn't fail to lift to the ceiling and as John arrived in the doorway, Eleanor greeted his arrival by clapping her hands and bouncing in Anna's lap.
Anna stood, bringing Eleanor's head up to meet John's lips, and then smiled as she got her turn, his mouth greeting hers with a soft and slow kiss. Her hand fell upon his arm, and she stayed stroking it when their eyes came to settle on one another. A look was usually all that was needed to catch up on the most pressing issues of the day, and they told each other enough in their shared gaze tonight. Anna wished dearly that she could let the harmony stretch on for the rest of the evening but knew she couldn't keep her head in the sand for much longer.
"Come on, then," she groaned, "give me the bad news."
John frowned a little, though affection remained in his eyes. "It's not like you to be the pessimistic one. Give me a chance to get through the door." He chuckled as he only now removed his bowler hat.
She sighed. "I'd rather know now than spend the time we do have together fretting."
John nodded in understanding and even though his countenance was soft, Anna started to go cold, bracing herself for what was to come.
The Granthams were due to take their annual holiday very soon, and though the last couple of years Lord Grantham had made do with some weekends spent up in London, now that the Flintshires had returned from India it was very likely that they would be returning to make a sojourn to Scotland for a prolonged amount of time. Anna had dreaded it for such a long time, the thought of John having to go on the trip. Of course, it was his duty and he couldn't dare refuse, and she realised she was being entirely selfish. She just couldn't bear being without him for so long, and Eleanor would pine awfully for her pa. The thought broke her heart. Though the Granthams were a wonderfully accommodating family, it would be a stretch even for them to allow them both to troop along with John, causing much commotion. He deserved a change of scenery, certainly more than most, but Anna rather it was with her and Eleanor. She would just have to grit her teeth and bear it, the best that she was able. She loved being at home, being a mother to their daughter, but it was at times like this that a little part of her wished she had stayed on.
"I spoke to Lord Grantham, and they will be going up to Duneagle in a couple of weeks."
Her stomach sank to beneath the floor. She tried to pin on a smile, but it slipped ill-fitting from her lips as she held Eleanor tighter.
He was smiling at her now, his hand reaching up to stroke Eleanor's soft hair as her head lay against Anna.
"But I won't be going with the house party."
She almost couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her nose wrinkled in confusion and John let out a little laugh.
"His Lordship didn't think it would be fair for me to be away, not for so long. Thomas has been getting a bit restless around the house lately and this has worked out well for the both of us. For once, I'm happy to let him step into my shoes."
Anna laughed, relief flooding through her body. It seemed that Thomas did have his uses after all, and she knew that his and John's working relationship was now a far more civil one. She was already giddy with the thought that John would be at home for more than a half day and her head began to buzz with plans.
John took up her hand, grazing a light kiss over the back of it.
"You can finally get round to fixing that leaky tap," she joked, smiling up at the look in his eyes.
"Well, I'll try to look at it before we head off."
He smirked as the faint shadow returned to cover her expression.
"His Lordship suggested that I may like to have a holiday, too. Or rather," he stooped to lay a loving kiss on Eleanor's forehead as she became suddenly tired, "that we all have a holiday."
The glint lying in his gaze was immediately infectious, and Anna gasped as she took the news in. They'd never been so lucky to have a proper holiday, just by themselves. Of course it had been nice to be able to take trips together while she was working and they'd shared lovely moments, but as she had been reminded at the times, it wasn't really a holiday for them. Having the time especially for that would be quite different, and was very exciting.
"I…really, John, do you think we should? I know we're not that short of savings but we're not made of money either." As Eleanor was growing fast and certain repairs were in need of making round the cottage, Anna was well aware that they needed to be sensible, but it seemed John didn't share that worry.
"It's fine," he reassured in his smooth tone, bringing his arms to her waist, "I think we're entitled to spend a little bit, considering all we've done so far."
He chortled as Anna tilted her head in thought, becoming quite influenced by the way his fingertips were kneading her softly through her skirt.
"Besides, his Lordship said he would be happy to meet some of the cost. I insisted that there was no need, but he would not take no for an answer. Said it was the least he could do after the years of good service from the both of us."
Anna smiled, flattered and warmed by the gesture.
"Well, I suppose it would be terribly rude to refuse," she trilled, moving closer into her husband's embrace, cradling their daughter so that she was nestled between them. "Do you have any particular place in mind?"
She had an idea of a destination that she would like to visit, but the decision would be one made between the two of them. John's eyes shone with possibilities, and she longed to know what was in his head. She didn't have to wait very long.
"Well," he brushed his lips over her cheek, making her insides somersault, "there is somewhere…"
Anna cradled the teacup in her palm, her back stiff and not meeting the back of the armchair. She cringed as Eleanor began to screech louder, her steps tottering across the floor and arms flinging out.
"Eleanor, that's quite enough! You must behave when Mummy and Mrs Hughes are trying to have a conversation."
The housekeeper only smiled fondly at the little girl who gazed up at her mid-run with apologetic eyes. Her gaze drifted over to Anna who was still sitting huddled, mortified at the chaos her daughter was causing.
"I'm terribly sorry, Mrs Hughes," she offered, pulling her lips into a tight line. "I'm not sure what's got into her today."
"Oh, my girl, there's no need," the soft Scottish brogue sounded. "She's just excited to be up at the big house, knowing both her mummy and daddy are here too. Aren't you, my wee one?"
Eleanor gave Mrs Hughes a big grin, nodding her head and beginning to giggle. Anna smiled as she walked with wobbly legs towards where the housekeeper was sitting, and Mrs Hughes met the little girl before she could carry out the whole journey.
"Now, why don't we see if we can find you some crayons somewhere," she suggested, balancing Eleanor on her lap while she rooted through the drawer in her bureau, pulling out some paper. "I'm quite sure you won't scribble all over the walls, like little Miss Sybbie did."
Eleanor ran a hand over her face before she planted both elbows onto the table, starting to doodle studiously. Anna looked on with affection, finally relaxing as her little girl had calmed down, thanks in no small part to the attention of Mrs Hughes. She took a slow sip of tea as she sunk into the chair, watching them behave so naturally, like grandmother and granddaughter. In the absence of John's mother and her own Anna supposed she was rather like a grandmother figure to Eleanor, and she was fondly reminded of how important she had been to her in all the years she had worked and lived up at the house.
"And you know that you can call me Elsie now," Mrs Hughes remarked with a smile, looking at a slightly flushed Anna.
"Oh, it's just habit. You never quite fall out of some things."
"That's very true." Mrs Hughes seemed suddenly wistful in a moment, but broke out of it before Anna could ask anything. "So, Mr Bates tells me that you're heading to Scotland soon."
Her face brightened at the tone of the housekeeper's words, a note of lightness and shared excitement that could be heard.
"We are."
Anna tried to hide her smile behind the rim of the china cup. Even though she was in more than familiar company, she still felt rather shy and wary of letting certain things slip. Old habits were hard to shake out of.
"That is wonderful. You deserve some time away, all of you."
Anna felt the sincerity in Mrs Hughes's words, remembering how supportive she had been to both of them always, and nodded graciously.
The housekeeper lowered her teacup, adjusting its position by the handle in its saucer a few times. "Where about are you going?"
"The Isle of Skye," Anna replied, and grinned when she saw Mrs Hughes's eyes light up. "John…I mean, Mr Bates holidayed there when he was a child. I'm looking forward to seeing the places that he knows, and to bringing Eleanor there too. I just hope she'll be able to remember it in years to come."
"Oh, I'm sure she will. She's such an inquisitive little thing, and you don't realise how much they pick up at this age." She smiled seeing Mrs Hughes smooth an errant curl out of Eleanor's eyes. The housekeeper's face set itself into a far-off smile. "I know it quite well. I went myself a few times when I was a girl, and know of some people there. It's a lovely place, you'll all enjoy it very much, I'm sure."
Anna could detect the reminiscence in her words and smiled softly.
"You should go, sometime. I'm not saying with such short notice, but Mrs…Elsie," she corrected herself with a blush, "if anyone is deserving of a break, it's you. You haven't had a day to yourself since I've known you."
Mrs Hughes shrugged in her chair, bouncing Eleanor slightly with the movement. "Oh, I don't know. You know me, Anna, I'm happiest when I'm kept busy. I can't imagine what I would do with myself."
"Relax, that's what you would do," Anna replied, daring to be a little cheeky with her old superior. "The Granthams are very good, they'd be happy to let things run without you for a little bit."
"Oh, it's not the Granthams I worry about," she exclaimed, "I daren't think what it would do to Mr Carson."
Both of them chuckled, thinking about the harassed butler. Mrs Hughes was rather the calming influence on him.
"Don't fret yourself about me, my dear. I have enough time to myself once the day is done." She gave Anna a little smile that reassured her. "And I'm sure Mr Bates is knowledgeable enough, but I can give you some tips on where to visit, if you should need them."
"It can't hurt."
A soft knock sounded on the door, and after Mrs Hughes beckoned his entry, John pushed it open, the polite smile growing on his face when he caught sight of his wife sitting daintily in the armchair.
"Mr Bates," Mrs Hughes said heartily, "Is everything okay?"
"Quite, Mrs Hughes. I just wondered if I could have a word with Anna?"
"Well, of course you can." The housekeeper made to leave, Eleanor still held in her arms. The little girl reached a hand out towards her father and John took it with a grin, making her giggle when he made to 'steal' her nose. "I'll take her up to say hello to Miss Sybbie and Master George. They've rather missed their playmate."
Anna smiled at their daughter, rising to her feet and waving her off as Mrs Hughes took her from the room. She gazed up at John, thrilling as his presence was so close to her once more.
"I should do this more often, bring Eleanor up to the house for a bit. It's lovely thinking that we're both under the roof again."
"Then I'd never get any work done," he rasped, placing his hands at the small of her back and making her giggle.
"There is that," she conceded, trailing a finger softly over his jaw. It was rather surprising how quickly they could become so acquainted with each other. "Now, what did you want to speak to me about?"
"Well, I realised I never got the chance to kiss you before I left this morning," a twinkle gleamed in his eyes, making them seem more green than hazel at this moment. "And I believe that is a terrible wrong."
Anna tutted, trying to disguise her smile. "And you got rid of poor Mrs Hughes for that?"
He looked rather sheepish before the flame rose up in his heated gaze again.
"Knowing that it's crucial to the state of our marriage, I'm sure she'd be happy with it."
"Silly beg…"
Before she could finish, his mouth had crashed onto hers, taking her very pleasantly by surprise. At first frantic with longing and passion, the kiss slowed down by pace and knowledge of each other. Anna felt her body going limp as she fell deeper, saved by the strength of his arms which tenderly caressed her while his tongue played gentle strokes against her lips.
She was dizzy and rather dazed when they concluded, both with wide smiles on their faces. It took her a while to come back to earth and think straight, and she could only wonder at what their break away would hold in store if a mere few hours apart had this effect on them.
"Mrs Hughes said she would give us some pointers of things to do," Anna said, her reedy voice slowly steadying out, her fingers toying with the edge of his jacket. "If we did run out."
A delicious smirk spread across John's lips, still red from their efforts.
"Oh, Mrs Bates, I have a feeling we won't go short."
A soft thud sounded on the floor behind Anna's feet. She jerked around and smiled when she saw John standing in the doorway, leaning on his cane, giving her a warm look from beneath the brim of his hat.
"I'll just go and get the rest of the luggage."
Anna sighed as she rocked Eleanor, the little girl very sleepy in her embrace.
"I feel terribly useless not helping out. You shouldn't have to do all the work," she frowned, feeling guilty for the several trips he would have to take up and down the narrow staircase.
"It's no bother," John assured with an honest smile, walking into the room specifically to press a kiss to her temple and stroke Eleanor's head softly before he left again. "You've handled the most precious cargo."
Anna beamed down at their daughter, now completely tired out from the journey. She was feeling quite worn out herself, partly from the lengthy travelling but also she supposed by the exhaustion that came from such frantic excited energy coursing through her veins.
She had quite forgotten how long it would take to get to Scotland; it had been a while since the last trip, she supposed. As they were departing on the same day, the Granthams had been kind enough to let John, Anna and Eleanor travel up with them on the train. They were especially overwhelmed to learn that Lord Grantham had arranged a compartment in first class just for them, tipping his hat to John and saying that it was just a small token of his appreciation. Anna had worried that Eleanor might get a little giddy with excitement and disturb the quiet of the carriage, but she was perfectly behaved. It made her heart swell with pride and love to watch from across the compartment, quietly reading her book but really taking no notice of it when she could behold John with their daughter held close to him in his lap, keeping her enraptured with all kinds of stories, pointing out the hills that swiftly turned into great mountains and lochs that began to flow from outside the window.
Later when Eleanor settled for a nap Anna snuggled at John's side, him having shifted to allow her the seat by the window. She mewled with contentment as he whispered tales and well-worn memories of the country unfolding before them in her ear, and laughed as they reminisced about their previous train journey to Scotland spent in the slightly awkward company of Mr Molesley and Miss O'Brien. Such talk led them to be more grateful than ever for their private surroundings and they took advantage readily, indulging in deep and breathless kisses. Anna's blouse was half unbuttoned when the loud whistle sounded to signal the end of the journey and after the shock of it they were helpless with their laughter, John adeptly fixing her dishevelled appearance with nimble but gentle fingers, leaving a kiss brimming with sweetness on her cheek which did little to cool its flush.
The ferry ride over to the island was a less smooth trip, but thankfully it took less time than expected. Anna sighed in frustration when she discovered it would be a further trek up to the inn where they would be staying in a somewhat secluded village. John, as always, knew just what it took to soothe her frayed nerves and she allowed herself to melt into his arms moments before they boarded the cab that would take them there. Her troubles soon faded away as they were rocked by the chug of the wheels over the road and John's touch smoothed across her shoulder. She couldn't fail to be happy; this was only the start of their adventure away from the day-to-day realities of life, as sweet as they often were for them when they had each other.
The light was still streaming through the window when they got to their room; it really did never seem to get dark here, probably as they were still quite far in the north. Maybe one day they would get the chance to go to a more southerly part of the country. Anna drew the curtains over anyway, taking a look out at the view of the mountains in the distance before the room fell into shade. She swept her fingers over the curls nesting on Eleanor's forehead, slowing the motion of her rocking and kissed her a few times before placing her delicately in the little cot just beneath the window. She snuggled down in an instant, only stirring with sleepy eyes to reach out for her favourite stuffed bear. Anna gave it a kiss before placing it into their daughter's welcome arms, and then she was completely content.
A rather nice surprise awaited them when they got to the quaint inn; a kindly older woman was at the desk, greeting them with a warm, wide smile and already calling them by their names. Anna and John had stared at one another in puzzlement, until the owner introduced herself as Mrs MacLeod, an old friend of Elsie Hughes, who she had heard was housekeeper of a rather grand noble estate over the border in England. Neither of them had been aware when they had make the booking but it seemed like fate now, and when Anna had dropped into conversation the name of the inn at the last meeting before they left Mrs Hughes had telephoned her friend to let them know of the family's arrival and asked whether it would be possible to arrange a special room for them.
She wore the same smile, just a little wider, as she took them up to see what had been done. Anna instantly liked the woman, especially charmed by the way that she fussed over Eleanor when she had no need to. It was like a reminder of being back at Downton, and so they felt comfortable straight away. They both smiled graciously when Mrs MacLeod placed the key in the door and showed off the room. Even though she assured them it was the biggest suite in the inn and they didn't disbelieve her, it was on the 'cosy' side to say the least.
Anna wandered around, though it didn't take her very long to circle the space. It was just about big enough to house a double bed, the cot which had been cramped in, a small dressing table and a bedside cabinet. They did have a little private bathroom adjoining, which was a luxury. Anna's eyes raked up the walls, taking in the flecked wallpaper that was peeling slightly at the corner of the rail. There was a distinct scent of dried lavender coming from the flowers that had been placed upon the cabinet which didn't quite disguise the musty smell that lingered. She smiled to herself, being reminded of the absolute state of disrepair they had been confronted with when they first moved into the cottage. This was nowhere near as bad, and they managed to cope quite admirably with that.
She gasped a little when she turned around, not expecting to see John there. A smirk rose on his face as she blushed a rosy shade of pink.
"You took me by surprise, sneaking in like that," she exclaimed, pretending to be taken aback.
"You were worlds away," he replied, and Anna shrunk with a bit of shame getting lost amongst her reverie. John chortled fondly, letting the final valise drop down and walking towards her. "I don't mind. You should know you look very pretty when you dream."
"Do I?" she enquired, blinking her long lashes deliberately. "I feel rather lost when you're not there with me."
He smiled, a haze all of his own crossing his expression.
"That's because I'm held back in reality, admiring this gorgeous creature that is my wife. I still pinch myself several times a day just to check that it's all true. That you're mine."
Anna chuckled, a few strands falling from her bun that had become loose anyway from travelling.
"Well I am, so there's no need to inflict that on yourself."
Sentimental smiles flowed between them and Anna watched John's gaze drift around the room, following his movements as he began to check the contents over for himself, his brow furrowing as he ensured that everything was just so.
"It is a little bit smaller than we would have hoped," she heard herself sigh, seeing now how tightly the furniture was squeezed in. She winced thinking how painful it would be if John hit his knee on the edge of the cabinet getting out of bed, and reminded herself to make sure she slept on that side. "But I don't suppose it matters that much. Not when we'll be spending most of the time out of doors. As a place to lay our heads, it does quite well."
"Oh, doesn't it?"
She turned to find John sitting upon the bed, his long legs crossed at the ankles as his hands reclined back on the mattress, which she could see was very soft and pliable. He had removed his jacket and rolled up his shirt sleeves so that his muscular forearms were on display, and Anna teethed her bottom lip. If she was in a more refreshed state she would have pounced on him right there and then. She was aware of sensations stirring within her, replenishing her just by the sheer sight of him.
He patted the sheets with his palm, stroking the fabric reverently. His lips pulled themselves upwards and Anna was very drawn to them in that moment.
"I rather hoped we could be content exploring our current surroundings for a while."
The rasp of his voice and its particular quaver shot straight to her centre.
"There's not that much to explore," she laughed, keeping her voice as calm and controlled as she could venture while hinting that she was very much aware of the terrains he was alluding to.
John heaved himself from the bed when Anna did not relent to join him. As he paced the floor, watching her, she gave out a tuneful giggle, smiling a vibrant smile and flickering the little guide brochure in her hands. She tried her best to focus her attention upon it, but it was rather difficult when his eyes were burning such a persistent hole through her very being.
"There are so many beautiful things to see here, and on some of the other islands not too far away too," Anna hummed. "I do hope we get a chance to visit most of them."
She glanced up to find his gaze had deepened upon her, the spark within unmistakable.
"I happen to think that I'm looking upon the most beautiful sight that there is."
He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and Anna relaxed in his hold, chuckling to herself. Her husband was in quite the provocative mood all of a sudden; she wondered to herself if it was his Scottish blood rising. Whatever the cause, she had to say she rather enjoyed the kisses he was nuzzling against her neck and the way the tip of his tongue poked out just teasingly to stroke over the sensitive line of skin there. They were intimate as much as it was possible to be, probably even more than most couples in their position were, but it was still tricky with a toddler who demanded both of their attention equally and so constantly.
"It's alright for you," she stuttered, willing herself to get a grasp. "You've likely seen a great deal already. I am a completely new tourist in these parts."
"Well, I'm more than happy and willing to show you around," his voice rumbled in her ear as he pressed her hips lightly. "I think you're only too aware of that by now, Mrs Bates."
She felt herself flashing heat from head to toe, even if they were alone. Perhaps since she had become a mother she just wasn't used to being quite so racy. A part of her felt rather unsure of herself, and even somewhat disappointed for John's sake. She knew that he did love her however, whatever and he couldn't have been more reassuring in the time that it had taken her to feel comfortable again after Eleanor's birth. They'd certainly been able to enjoy themselves in the meantime but she did wonder whether she had been rather reserved since, covering herself up more when they made love and being happy to let John take most of the initiative.
A long, gaping yawn escaped her unbidden as John moved his mouth round to her cheek. Anna shuddered again, feeling bad that she had spoilt the moment as it was just starting to simmer.
"I'm sorry," she murmured, "I think the trip has taken it out of me."
"Hush, you never need say that to me."
He laid a comforting kiss upon her warm cheek, his hands having risen up to her shoulders. Anna let out a prolonged sigh as John began to knead her through her layers, relieving the aches from her muscles until she felt as light and fluid as the lochs themselves beneath his fingers.
"Let me undress you."
Even though he meant it entirely innocently, she still shivered, as she believed she always would. Anna let her limbs loosen, relinquishing control as John delicately removed her items of clothing. She was still impressed at how quickly yet carefully he was able to untie her corset. His hands brushed her bare skin imperceptibly when he slid the nightgown over her head, taking the pins from her hair. Her smile was hazy as he led her to the covers, ensuring she was at ease, then he undressed himself. She was lucid enough to take in flashes of skin and the darkness of the hair upon his chest, and she felt pleasantly warm before he climbed in to meet her side, clad now in his pyjamas.
He dropped a feather kiss onto her awaiting lips, his arm in place around her.
"Let's get an early night tonight and refresh ourselves for the new day tomorrow." Before he leaned to turn the light out and let her burrow into his arms, he smiled a glance at the brochure that had been discarded onto the cabinet at her side of the bed. "There'll be time enough for us to go everywhere and see everything."
John breathed an almost silent chuckle to see that sleep had claimed Anna quickly; she was now snuffling lightly, her palm and head rested partially on his chest. He shifted very carefully down so as not to disturb her, his fingers stroking her golden tresses.
For now, she was in another place completely.
