A/N: So, I know I first said this was going to be a 3 part story but it turned out even longer than I thought it would be. So it'll be 4 parts xD oops

Disclaimer: Same as chapter 1-2.

The sun was shining above their heads that afternoon, as everyone gathered around the ring to watch the training session.

Hall boys and maids kept their distance while His Lordship, Lady Mary and Mr Branson were given some chairs to sit on close to the ring.

'I didn't know you liked boxing, Mary,' Tom said rather impressed.

'Oh you know me, I like a good competition, be it horse riding, or cricket, or two men running after each other inside a square. I'm just surprise that one of the men is Bates. Anna's not one bit pleased.'

'Anna didn't know Bates when he was in the army,' Lord Grantham remarked.

'She probably wouldn't have married him if she did,' Mary raised her brow, looking ahead.

'Was he that good?' Tom asked.

'The best! He would knock out a man with just one blow. It was impressive to watch, and bare handed too. The smart would bet all their money on him and the fool would regret it.' Robert replied, with a small smile on his lips, remembering those years of his life. Times had been bad, very, very bad, but there were some memories worth sharing.

Soon, John and Thomas walked into the garden, side by side and chin up. When they saw the small crowd of people there, the two men understood that their wager was more serious than they had thought, and they had everyone's support.

'Forget them,' John advised. 'Our main objective today is to learn defense. The real fight is in two weeks.'

'You're scared I'll be too much for you?'

John stopped abruptly and turned to face Thomas. 'I am training you, Mr Barrow. I want you to win the fight, not just because of our deal but for this House, and I won't have you injured even before the actual fight begins. Now put your gloves on.' He threw the gloves against Thomas' chest, 'and get in the ring. I'll fetch the punch mitts.' The two men glared at each other before parting, and everyone watched them with curious eyes.

'I bet those three shillin's on Mr Bates,' said Jimmy.

'I'm betting on Mr Barrow,' one of the hall boys added. 'Mr Bates is old and he's got a limp.'

'I've read well enough about boxing here and there. It's more about knowing yourself and using more tactics than actual physical strength.' Mr Molesley commented.

'That's exactly why I'm betting on Mr John Peg Leg,' Jimmy grinned.

As John was fixing the mitts on his hands, Anna approached him from behind.

'Promise me you will be careful.'

'Don't worry, love,' he smiled. 'I have these to protect me.'

She tried them with her hands. 'They seem sturdy.'

'They are. There's no way he'll hurt me.'

'How about your leg?'

'Anna, boxing is punching, not kicking.'

'But we're talking about Thomas! What if he tries to kick you.'

'He won't do that. He knows those are against the rules and we are learning the rules after all. Now go to your place, I've heard you were granted a chair as well.' he said.

'I was,' she smiled. 'I would rather be granted a safe and sound husband, though.'

John rolled his eyes and Anna left. He saw her sitting down next to Mrs Hughes and Mr Carson. The other servants were behind them, even the kitchen's staff were there. He saw the excitement in their faces. If they would be this excited in two weeks the fight would indeed grant a good amount of money for charity. John was pleased of that, no matter what the result would be.

'So, Mr Barrow,' he began, joining Thomas in the ring. 'You have a corner to rest between rounds. That one,' he pointed, 'will be yours.'

'How many rounds will it be?' the under butler asked.

'I've heard six, could be more though. If the fighting turns out fair for both sides.' Thomas nodded stretching his arms. 'Did you tie the gloves well enough?'

'I did! Now, what's next?'

John brought his hands up,rising his brow at Thomas 'I'll tell you the punch I want and you hit them.'

'I can do that.'

'Alright then, jab!'

Thomas hit him hard and John was pleased with the results.

'And now upright stance!' Thomas did as he was told. 'As soon as you strike a punch you stance. It's important not to give any time for a payback from your rival. Sometimes you miss a punch and you can't let yourself be hit, else you'll fall onto your back. You'll be out of support and out of strength. So, upright stance always after a blow.'

'Yes, sir!' Thomas replied, focused.

'Alright, good. Hook!'

They trained peacefully for about half an hour, but Thomas wanted more. He hadn't forgotten about yesterday's dinnertime conversation and soon he was doing everything different from John's demands.

'I said cross, not uppercut!' John said, exasperated when Thomas almost hit him. 'Pay attention to what I say.'

'Come on, Mr Bates! I'm learning nothing new,' the other man teased.

Everyone was now rather confused as they watched Thomas trying to strike John with another blow.

'I didn't give you the order!' John yelled angrily. 'Stop, Thomas!' he said at last and everyone stilled. Lord Grantham shifted in his chair, and behind him, Anna had to take a deep breath.

'It's Mr Barrow to you.' Thomas spat, grimacing furious, and with that he hit John without warning.

The valet fell back and everyone gasped before the sight. Thomas was smiling, feeling victorious, and Anna stood up from her chair to run to the ring, but not before Mrs Hughes grabbed her by the wrist and told her to sit down again.

'Ah! It was easier than I thought,' Thomas laughed. 'And you are training me? Can't even take a proper punch.'

'Alright!' John stood up from the floor and took the punch mitts from his arms, throwing them violently to the ground. 'You asked for it!' He walked towards Thomas, bare handed, flexing his shoulder muscles and with a furious look on his face. 'You bastard,' he whispered at last.

Thomas protected himself the way John had taught him, but surely John would never teach the wicked under buttler all the tricks he knew. He threaten to hit him by the right side and when Thomas tried to stop his punch, John used a cross on his left.

'That's the cross I asked you!' he said, pursing his mouth.

'I'm not dead yet,' Thomas said, bringing his hand to his jaw in pain.

'Oh good one, Johnny!' His Lordship let escape, together with the simulation of a punch against the air, but didn't bother to correct or excuse himself when his daughter and son in law looked at him surprised.

'Mrs Hughes, they're going to kill each other,' Anna said in worry, bringing her hands to her face.

'Trust your husband, Anna. He's just going to teach Mr Barrow a lesson,' the housekeeper tapped Anna's leg gently, trying to reassure her.

'Come on, then,' John provoked. 'I see you didn't learn anything after all.'

Thomas ran towards him, and tried to punch the valet again, but that was his mistake.

'Boxing is not just about speed,' John began. 'Sometimes it's more about waiting and patience than you think.' He held Thomas under his arms, gaining time and tiring the under butler before striking again.

'Yes!' Lord Grantham jumped from his chair and flailed in cheer.

This time, John had used an uppercut, and hit Thomas right under his chin. The younger man fell to the ground, wincing in pain, and John hurried to help him after taking a few deep breaths.

'You are a fool, Mr Barrow,' the valet said, supporting Thomas. 'Take him inside, Jimmy. Give him some water.'

'I don't want your help,' Thomas spat, shaking Bates off.

'You don't but you need it. You better understand that we are on the same team now. I hate that just as much as you do. But that's what we have to do if we want the House to win.'

'Who says I'll win? I may lose just to see you biting your own tongue.' Thomas sneered supporting himself on Jimmy's shoulder and moaning in pain as he did so.

'Oh, you will win Thomas. You have more pride in yourself than you can even imagine. You will win and we shall be the best of friends until then. You can go on hating me after the fight. I'll do exactly the same.'

Thomas remained silent.

'We won't train tomorrow. You need to rest that face of yours.'

XXXXXX

'I know...' John began as Anna followed him to the servants washroom. 'What?' And he turned to face her.' Anna, you can't come in here with me.'

'Just go inside at once!' She pushed him through the door and locked it behind her.

'You are mad, woman,' he grinned. 'And yes, I know you are upset. I shouldn't have done it but did you see what he did? He was asking...' and before he could excuse himself even further he was surprised by a fierce kiss on his lips. He felt his wife's hands travelling up and down his body and stopping right above the small of his back.

'What's all this?' he asked when they broke apart, bringing his hands up to cup her face.

'You were so...bloody marvellous in that ring. So strong and confident,' she said at last with a reddish tinge on her hot cheeks. She brought her hands to his chest, caressing the bit of hairy skin that peeked from this much revealing collar. 'So...manly,' her voice was low, almost in a whisper, as she rubbed her nose against his neck.

'Anna,' he blushed a little, from the compliments but also because of where they were. 'I'm all sweaty.'

'Oh that's fine,' she smiled up at him, 'I quite like it.'

'You are a crazy woman, you know? If someone knocks or catches the both of us leaving together...'

'They'll understand. How can a woman resist such a wonderful husband, after all?'

'Anna,' he smiled rolling his eyes.

'I've heard them, you know? The maids.' She fiddled with his buttons and he wrapped his hands tight around her waist. 'They were all saying how charming and handsome you are. I don't mind them saying that...'

'You don't?' he asked seductively.

'No...they can say all they want, it's I who shares a bed with you.' She moved even closer to him, so close he could feel the heat of her skin through their clothes. 'Later...when we go home, I'll have my way with you, Mr Bates.' She kissed him again, this time quick and he only had time to grab her by the wrist before she left.

'I will be looking forward to it, Mrs Bates.'

Thank you for reading :)