This chapter is set 6 months into the future after the events of the last chapter…I hope you all enjoy and thanks for all of the wonderful reviews and for sticking with the story…happy days on the way J

Summer at Downton was Anna's favorite time of year. The gardeners worked hard to make the grounds as beautiful as befits a grand estate like the Abbey. Not that there was anyone there to enjoy it. Most of the family had decided to stay in London for a few weeks to air out their town home and to enjoy the Season. The only family members left in the house were Lady Sybil and Tom Branson. Her pregnancy was nearing its end and she wanted to have the baby at Downton. Tom refused to leave her side until the baby was born. Also many of the servants had gone with the family to London. Carson, Mrs. Patmore and her kitchen maids, and Thomas had gone of course. Mrs. Hughes and Anna stayed at Downton. Lady Sybil had asked that Anna stay with her while the family was away. She had never been a needy girl when she was younger but she found now with her changing body that she needed quite a lot of help to get dressed every day. One night when Anna was helping Sybil after a bath the young Lady had squealed with excitement, grabbed Anna's hand and placed it on her belly. A few seconds later Anna felt what must have been a foot kick against her hand. Anna had gasped in awe at the life growing inside Lady Sybil. Pregnancy suited the young woman. She had always been beautiful but now she radiated warmth and love. Anna felt an almost sisterly pride as she watched over Sybil.

Things were not how they used to be in London. Many families had given up their London homes during the War and there weren't nearly as many balls to be held as usual. Also there wasn't much point in the daughters going around to social events. Sybil was married and had a baby on the way, Lady Mary and Matthew were to be wed in a few short weeks and Lady Edith seemed to be very content to try and persuade Sir Anthony Strallan to marry her. But they were a prominent family and they were expected to make at least a few appearances. The main reason for going of course was Lady Mary's engagement party which no doubt would be a grand affair. Also Lady Mary's dress and all of the other finery that went along with planning a wedding would be ordered from London, the men would venture to Saville Row to be measure for their own suits.

One hot summer day, while Anna was busying herself by mending one of Sybil's favorite hats, the telephone started to ring. The sudden sound startled the young woman who'd allowed herself to daydream a bit. It had only been a week since she'd last seen John. He had recovered well from the knife wound he'd acquired after a fight though he'd carry the scar on his side forever. Just another to add to the collection he'd joked one day as Anna had visited him. Thought he had been in pain and Anna hated to see him hurt a small selfish part of her was grateful for that accident. While he was still in the infirmary she was allowed to visit him and touch him, to steal a kiss or two when the doctor was out of the room. Over the next six months his health improved as did the weather. He'd managed to put a little weight back on, though not as much as Anna would like. As the weather warmed his leg didn't bother him as much. His hair had gotten longer than Anna had ever seen it, but it was still of a proper length. She'd been thinking of him as she worked and had lost track of time. The telephone was in Carson's pantry and Anna hurried to the room where it was stored.

"This is Anna Bates, head housemaid of Downton, how can I be of service?"

"Anna? Funny you should pick up the phone, you're just the person I want to speak to." Anna recognized the voice on the other line, it belonged to Mr. Murray, the family's lawyer. He'd been tireless in his efforts to find some new legal avenue for securing her husband's freedom. Anna could feel her pulse quicken. Apprehension and fear crept into her heart. He wouldn't call if it weren't important.

"Is that so? Well then it's fortunate that I was near to the telephone. You have some news? Is it about John?"

"It is in fact. There's been some unbelievable new evidence Anna. My dear, I don't mean to alarm you but if you're not already sitting I think you'd better do so and quick."

Anna did as he bade, swallowing hard and steeling herself for what would come next.

"Are you sitting?"

"Yes…please Mr. Murray, I hate to be improper but could you just come out with it?"

"Yes alright. It seems that someone has passed away rather recently, and this person's will had a clause stating that if your husband were still in jail at their time of death he should be released immediately as he is innocent of the crime for which he's been convicted. The will also points to other documents and evidence that will prove the fact of this person's guilt in the matter."

"Mr. Murray, are you saying what I think you're saying?" Anna could scarce believe what she was hearing. The world seemed to fall out from under her feet a little and she had to hold fast to the desk or else she felt she might float away.

"Mrs. Bates, in a short matter of time, once all of this evidence is introduced and proved to be true, your husband should be cleared of all charges and released to you as a free man."

It took every ounce of Anna's self-control not to leap up from her chair and scream with excitement and joy. This was the moment she and John had been praying for. For nearly two years he had languished in prison and now justice would have its day! They would be able to finally and completely join their lives together. They could now properly start their lives as man and wife. Tears of absolute joy streamed down Anna's face and she did nothing to stop them.

"Oh Mr. Murray thank you, thank you thank you thank you!"

"Oh Anna I merely did my small part. The person to truly thank is the unfortunate soul whose death precipitated this news."

"And who is that? Who was really responsible for Vera's death?"

"Well my dear that's the biggest shock of it all. The will belonged to none other than your Lady Mary's former fiancee… Sir Richard Carlisle."