Chapter 2
December 1921

It was a cold and snowy december night. And Anna and John were sleeping, snuggled up close to each other. It was the only way they could keep out the cold. In two weeks time it would be christmas. And John was very excited about the prospect. It would be the second time they celebrated christmas in their cottage. And it would also be the last christmas they would celebrate with the two of them. Because it was finally true Anna was with child. And she had been for five months now. But John had to contain his excitement a bit, because nobody else knew about it.

Anna was with child and she had never felt more perfect. There had been the morning sickness, but that was gone. She only felt more tired then usual and sometimes a bit agitated. But that didn't bother her, because they had started their dream. She dreamed about this for years. And now that it was real, she was the happiest woman in the world. She had the perfect husband and in a few months they would have a perfect child.

John started to stir and looked at his pocket watch. He kissed Anna awake. "Time to get up love"

When they were ready they walked to the Abbey.

"How are you feeling today?" John asked.

" I feel fine, only a bit tired that is all" Anna answered.

" Maybe we should tell everyone today, about the baby" John said.

" Can't we wait just a few more weeks?" Anna asked.

" We could but you already start showing. And i was hoping the housemaids could take up some of your work. So you feel less tired." John said.

" I know you are right, but I don't like the idea of leaving lady Mary. Not when she is still very sad." Anna said.

" Well you won't have to leave her immediately. But eventually you will leave her. And don't you think it would be easier for her if we would do this gradually." John said.

"Perhaps we could talk to Mrs. Hughes today, she usually knows what to do" Anna said with a smile.

They entered the Abbey and went to Mrs. Hughes sitting room right away.

"Mrs. Hughes", John said."We have some news to share, Anna is with child"

"That is wonderful news" mrs. Hughes said as she embraced them. "What is the matter Anna?, you don't look as pleased, as I thought you would be."

"Oh I am very happy mrs. Hughes" Anna said with a beaming smile. "But what about lady Mary?"

" Well, what about her, she is a grown woman. She will just have to get used to someone else dressing her" mrs. Hughes said. "But I think she will soon enough."

" I really hope so mrs. Hughes" Anna said.

"But for now you have to promiss me, you will tell me when you feel tired. So I can do some chores for you. In the meantime I will look for your replacement" mrs Hughes said.

"Thank you mrs. Hughes" Anna said.

" It will be hard to replace you, but I wish you every happiness for the future." Mrs. Hughes said. "And don't worry about lady Mary I will talk to her about this"

" Thank you for your concern Mrs. Hughes". John said.

That evening Anna went to lady Mary's room. To get her changed into her nightclothes.

"Ah there you are" Lady Mary said. " I have been talking to mrs. Hughes earlier. Is it really true Anna?"

" It is mylady, I am with child" Anna answered with a smile.

" Don't you think it a bit selfish of you. To leave me while I'm still grieving" lady Mary said.

" I'm very sorry I have to leave you. But I am not sorry for wanting to start a family. We always dreamed for this to happen. So I can only be very happy about it." Anna said.

"Sorry, Anna I was only thinking about myself." lady Mary said. " I can see how sweet you are with my George, so I'm sure you will be a wonderful mother."

" I will help mrs. Hughes with finding a replacement" Anna said.

" Whoever she will be, she can never replace you Anna" lady Mary said "And I wish you all the luck in the world."

Later that evening John and Anna sat on the sofa in their cottage. Enjoying some tea and a warm fire.

" How did lady Mary take the news?" John asked.

" Well she isn't to happy that I will be leaving her. But she understands and wishes us the best" Anna said. " It still seems so strange to me that I will leave Downton. I have worked there since I was fourteen years old."

" It will be strange for me to, not seeing you at work every day" John said. " I will miss you. But then my family will be waiting for me after a days work"

" Our family", Anna smiled. "The best two words in the world."

" That they are". John chuckled. " And I am sure you will be the best mother there is. Because you already are the best wife."

" And you are the best husband. Thank you for being you" Anna said. " I love you John Bates"

"As I love you mrs. Bates. Now let's get to bed and enjoy our undisturbed night while we still can. John said, as he took his wife's hand and led her to the bedroom.

That night they slept very well, in each other's embrace. Dreaming about the child that would live under their roof in a few months time. A child born out of their love for each other. Their dream.

A/N So this is the second chapter of my story. I really enjoy writing it and I hope you like reading it to. I appreciate it if you leave a review. Thank you for all the reviews I received so far. And I'm planning to update again this weekend.