These are two little scenes that were screaming at me to be written. Thank you for the feedback and questions. Hopefully I will answer these in the next few chapters.
Part Two
John placed his cane over his left arm as he picked up the brush and began to remove the lint from his Lordship's shirt. It was an intimate gesture but one that for neither of them felt awkward or uncomfortable. The two men had known each other for twenty years, fighting side by side in war and bearing witness to the worst kind of horror, unable to share it with anyone but each other. Ten years later and they had been reunited as servant and master, a shared history making them unusual friends, another war and personal tragedy leading to a bond of trust and loyalty that surpassed even that of comrades. There was little they had not shared during the South African war and possibly even less since his employer had become his champion. John continued to brush, his mind dwelling on things he hadn't said or done. Several times he had almost expressed his gratitude, the words faltering on his tongue, but the Earl had brushed him away with his hand and a shake of his head. His pledge to himself was to show his thanks in deeds, if not words, taking as long as he needed to return the faith the man had in him.
John turned back to the table, returning the brush and picking up the tiny gold pins.
"So are you settling back in alright," Robert asked as casually as he could muster. In the two weeks since Bates had returned he had tried numerous times to enquiry after his former Batman's health. Each time one or other of them had changed the subject. For all they shared this was the one period in their lives that had created a wall between them.
"Yes, thank you, M'Lord."
"And no one is giving you any difficulties?" Robert continued. It sounded like an innocent enough question but his Lordship was a shrewd man. While he had never waned in his belief of Bates' innocence, he knew of others who held different views. There was no room in his house for such opinions.
Bates wanted to laugh, the idea that his Lordship was asking whether the servants were playing nicely was perhaps the strangest conversation of his day.
"In many ways it is like I have never been away," John answered truthfully, his fingers lightly pressing the cuff links into place.
Lord Grantham turned to look at him. "And in others?"
"I selected the pin with the crest, it seemed appropriate when you were dining with the whole family, M'Lord," Bates offered by way of reply. He had always been a man of action rather than one who told tales, and he really had expected nothing less of some people. Mrs Hughes had welcomed him with a firm handshake and an open heart, Mrs Patmore with an almost constant supply of cakes and tea, and Thomas with his usual disdain. Others had barely acknowledged him at all, either not knowing what to say or too scared of a former convict. He could deal with that and the endless gossip in the hallways, as long as he had beautiful, dear sweet Anna.
"Bates, if you need to talk." He held his hand up in surrender as a look of embarrassment crossed the younger mans face. Extending one arm, he waited. "The cottage had been made ready for you, you know that, so when you are both ready."
"Thank you," John said sincerely as he slipped the jacket up and over his master's shoulders.
"Is Anna looking forward to the move?" He turned slightly to glance at Bates' face trying to gauge whether there were problems on the home front.
As much as he respected the Earl, as much as he owed him his life, and his future, there were certain areas of his life he didn't want to talk about with him. His marriage was one of them. Of course that never stopped his Lordship from asking. Honesty, unfortunately would lead to further questioning, avoidance to a visit from Mrs Hughes. Both were things he would rather avoid until another time. There was no middle ground. "We are both looking forward to it."
"Good. A new start and you can put the past behind you." Robert turned in the mirror. "Matthew and I have matters to discuss after dinner so don't worry about waiting up." Go spend some time with your wife he wanted to say but Bates had made it clear that subject was off limits.
"Very good, M'Lord. I'll walk Isis and then return to hang your clothes."
Robert gave a deep sigh. "You know one of the hall boys can do that."
"I do, but she and I enjoy our nightly constitutionals."
Lord Grantham nodded. He could understand a little of what his friend must feel, suddenly thrown back into a world in stark contrast to the routine driven life he had been living. The first few days upon release he had witnessed first hand how hard the adjustment was proving. First there had been sickness as his body became accustomed to a new diet, richer food and more of it, and if the rumours were to be believed a more than healthy dose of Mrs Patmore's baking. That in itself was enough to unsettle anyone's stomach. For the last few days there seemed to be a desperate need for solitude whenever the noise became too much. Everyone needed that sometimes. The dark circles evident on his pale skin were a clear indication that Bates wasn't sleeping either.
"Was there anything else, M'Lord?" Bates asked suddenly aware his master was lost in thought.
"No," he replied, breaking from his reverie. "Don't worry about coming up afterwards. I can manage for one night."
"If you are sure."
"I should go down. I don't want to keep the ladies waiting." Taking one last look in the mirror he walked purposefully towards the door.
"Very good." Bates watched him go before he moved around the dressing room, tidying up the discarded clothes and hanging a fresh suit for the morning.
~~~~~~
The servants hall was almost empty when he made his way downstairs half an hour later, the footmen and maids were upstairs serving dinner, the kitchen staff adding the finishing touches to the main course. Bates let out a sigh of relief and settled himself at the table, reaching for the newspaper casually discarded. He began to read, his mind drifting thoughtfully as he saw each story through new eyes, with less trust and more cynicism.
"Slacking off, Mr Bates?" she asked with a smile in her voice, a note of teasing she reserved just for him.
He looked up and found her leaning on the door frame, a mischievous smile on her face. "I'm taking my lead from others. Are you going to tell on me?"
Anna slid onto the chair beside him, her thigh purposefully pushed against his, her body turned to face him. "Maybe. But right now I have something to tell you."
The paper was once again discarded as he waited for her to speak.
"Lady Mary is pregnant," she whispered, the excitement evident in her voice. "There is going to be a baby in the house."
Her smile was infectious, he had to admit as his own lips quirked upwards. A baby was cause for celebration, an heir to carry on the family tradition, and a final sign that tragedy was behind them, he hoped. It would bring with it change, but this time for the better. Her smile faded and he knew instinctively what she was thinking and he desperately wished that he could make her smile again. His hand reached for hers bringing it to his lips. "Our time will come," he said gently.
She nodded but the shine had gone from her eyes and she refused to look at him.
Lightly he lifted her chin with their joined hands, ensuring she was looking at him before he spoke. "For a long time I didn't think we would ever be together again. The idea of a future was something for others but now I have hope that we have one, that we will grow into old age with our children to take care of us." He smiled mildly. "That's hoping they are daughters."
"One of each," she stated determinedly, studying his face for sincerity or honesty, he wasn't sure.
"Two of each," he countered, lowering their hands.
Anna shook her head, grinning once again. "Mr Bates."
Noise drifted down the corridor as the maids began to return from upstairs and he gripped her hand tighter. "I mean it, Anna, our time will come." He did believe it, she made him believe it. "Will you slip out again tonight?" John couldn't help himself. He wanted to be alone with her in the night. It was as much as he could allow himself.
"Yes." She wanted so much more, to drift to sleep in his arms, to wake in his embrace, to start on the future they talked about so often, but he had asked her to walk with him. It was a sign, the first sign that he was starting to let her in. The rest would surely follow in time.
The giggling that had preceded their arrival drifted through the door as the maids appeared.
John released her hand, turning back to his paper, mindful of propriety even in marriage. Her hand dropped on his thigh, resting there as she joined in with the others.
~~~~~~
