The sound of gunfire has subsided and darkness has collapsed over the land; shrouding and blocking his path back towards the camping ground. Only the faint tint of the gaslight produced by the burning candle that hovers in the midnight sky overhangs his journey towards the tent. Bates walks at his side, respectfully quiet. He knows His Lordship's last thought at night and the first thought in the morning is fully focused on his wife. But what he cannot imagine is the smile that spreads across his companion's face at the prospect of seeing her again. Such a thing is impossible for him; his life in England strained and torturous, Vera not making anything worthwhile looking forward to. The thought of leave terrifies him, the sight of her pale, hard-faced form greeting him off the train filling him with pure dread. He envies Lord Grantham. Glancing across at him, he glimpses the easy and loving relationship he holds with Lady Grantham and a tear slips down his cheek. How lucky to be so in love. How lucky to be fortunate in life.
"You did well today, Bates. Well done."
The appraisal shocks the batman and he looks sharply at his partner. The man, his features lit up by the now starry sky, smiles at him; kind and appreciative.
"Thank you, milord."
He hesitates. Dare he ask the impossible?
"Milord, I wonder if you would allow me to speak out of turn."
"Please."
"What makes - rather, what is it about Lady Grantham that never makes you doubt?"
Robert knows what he means instantly, not taking offence but smiling. "We are easy together. I never doubt her loyalty and I believe she could say the same about me. I love her unquestionably. I would die for her."
Bates has to smile at the perfection of the situation.
"How wonderful. I wish I could say the same."