She was sunshine, he thought. Standing outside the church in her yellow dress and blue flowered hat, she was the picture of summer. She was also walking towards him. No, she was strutting, definitely strutting.
"Mr. Bates" she had this way of singing his name.
"Miss Smith" he said. "Did you enjoy the service?"
"Yes I did. Do you mind walking back with me?
"It would be my pleasure." He said, and offered her his arm.
She had been a bit cool to him since she had returned from London. He didn't know if it was because she feared he would be cross at her, or because of what she had discovered there. Since their discussion at the garden party, she seemed to be trying to spend time with him again. To settle into some sort of friendship. He was grateful.
Anna was beautiful, loyal, and very smart. She was also cheerful, and frankly a bit of a flirt. He liked it about her, it made her excellent company. While all of these lovely characteristics were present in her today, there was something else there as well. She seemed… up to something.
They walked slowly, slower than necessary really, even considering his limp. It wasn't long before they had fallen behind most of the group. She pounced.
"So.." she says. "Mr. Molesley informs me that I have an admirer." She wouldn't take her eyes off of him.
He doesn't say anything for a moment, as a range of expressions fly across his face... surprise, worry, fear, and just there at the end… relief.
"I uhm, Anna.. I.. I'm sorry, I had no right.. I shouldn't have said anything." He was mumbling. She thought it was adorable.
"It was news to me.." she shrugged. "I had no idea someone fancied me." She was smiling.. He was very glad that she was smiling.
"You're not angry?" he asked… eyebrows raised.
"I'm confused" she said, letting out a breath. "Why do you find it easy enough to express your thoughts and feelings to Mr. Moseley… but not to me?"
"I have no right Anna. I truly am sorry"
"But you don't deny them?" The lightness had gone out of their conversation. He had turned serious, and she suddenly seemed sad.
He lightly shook his head no.
"Do you wish?" she spoke slowly. "That I had never said anything? That I would have just kept my big mouth shut?… aren't you glad to know… even if it is all we can have? knowing?"
"Yes.. I am glad to know, glad that you told me. But it is different for me Anna. I have no hope for potential suitors, you do.
I would not want what I say or commit to.. without any right.. to deter you from taking a potential suitor. "
She had an odd expression on her face, like a cat about to jump on a mouse.
"So.. just not Mr. Molesley?"
He should have seen that coming. Big breath, "no… preferably not Mr. Molesley."
"You are infuriating…" She began walking again, but her words were unlike her eyes. They were sparkling, as they did ever so often.
"Likewise" He said.
