Chapter 9
Two weeks before Christmas, the long-awaited decree absolute was granted, it was the best possible Christmas present. Bates almost wanted to run to Downton, but realised he was not the impulsive sort nor would his leg allow such fanciful actions, choosing instead to be sensible he sent a letter, suggesting they spend Christmas together if it can be arranged with Mrs Hughes. He sent a second letter to his mother inviting her to Ripon for Christmas - the two important women in his life should meet on this joyous occasion.
Anna was glad she read Bates' letter in the privacy of her room that night, she could not contain the happy tears that flowed as she thought of the plans they had talked about are finally coming true; being able to marry and freely love each other, buying and running the hotel together, and starting a family. She wondered how she was going to broach the subject with Mrs Hughes of taking a day off on Christmas - hardly anyone is allowed to take Christmas off, at least not since Anna worked there, there is still plenty of work to be done and there's also the servants' ball to prepare for. After much discussions with Mrs Hughes, Anna managed to get the day off on Christmas Eve, which was better than she had hoped for. Although she would liked to have informed Mrs Hughes the real reason for the day off she decided to keep the secret a little longer, at least until she heard it from Mr Bates and that it is not all a dream. Mr Carson was rather upset with the arrangement but she overheard Mrs Hughes assuring him that the household will continue to run as efficiently on Christmas Eve as any other day. She must remember to let Mrs Hughes how much she appreciated her support for this day when the time comes.
Mrs Bates made the trip to Ripon a few days before Christmas, intending to spend some time with John and of course, she could not wait to meet Anna. She sets about making John's cottage feel instantly like home, with her delicious cooking smells drifting out of the kitchen, including John's favourite - Christmas pudding using her family's secret recipe. She was preparing a feast - a feast to celebrate and to give thanks for a new beginning.
Anna stood outside the cottage, she could hear voices talking inside, she knocked on the door and waited nervously. John got up to open the door, Mrs Bates quietly moved into the kitchen away from the door. "Come in from the cold.." he quickly ushered her in, she walked right into his arms. She felt so good to be enveloped by his arms and warmth after all these months. He kissed her forehead and murmured, "I missed you" as he nuzzled against her hair, she looked up at him and smiled the brightest smiles he has ever seen and repeated his words to him. He caressed her cheek lovingly and gave her a soft kiss before guiding her in to introduce his lover to his mother.
Any nervousness John felt quickly disappeared as he listened and watched both of them chatting so easily, as though they have known each other for a long while. It did not take long before he was their subject of conversation, or rather, he was being teased for being unsociable, bookish and a brooder - he feint a hurtful look but he could not maintain it when Anna looked him with an arched brow and a playful smile on her lips.
Mrs Bates stayed on in Ripon the following few weeks after Christmas, she told John she was taking a small break from the city smog, but in actual fact, she wanted to spend more time with John as he seldom has the time to travel to London to be with her and she did not need to be in London during the holiday season. Her work as a seamstress was busiest in the period leading up to Christmas when ladies wanted nice new clothes, so she more than deserve a well earned rest now.
One day, while having an afternoon walk with Mr Lancashire, he told her he had offered to sell the inn to John. She is well aware that John's pride would not allow him to ask her for help, and she is equally aware that John is in no financial position to purchase the inn without any assistance or a bank loan - and which bank would provide a loan to someone with nothing to his name except a prison record. Mrs Bates is a prudent woman, she is also a very good seamstress with a good reputation, as a result she has a substantial savings and owns a home in London. John knows none of these; she could offer to assist him, except she knows he won't accept it. She would have to find a way to broach the subject carefully with him. She considered enlisting Anna in the plan, she was sure that Anna is one person who could talk some sense into him.
"No, I can't ask you to do that!"
Of course she's not surprised at his reaction, no matter how she approach it, he was always going to decline the offer.
"You didn't ask, John, I'm offering it to you - to you and Anna. Mr Lancashire is right you know, you won't be at the mercy of another employer, and you and I know that you've not heard the last from Vera."
"But it's your savings, your house - I can't do it, I just can't, where will you live? What kind of son does that makes me? I don't think Anna would agree either."
" You don't know that Anna won't agree before you even talk to her about it. John, think about it this way, who will get the money and house when I'm gone - you! You're just getting it now instead of waiting for me to pass on. "
"Don't say that," he mumbles, not wanting to hear it.
"Oh come now, it's going to happen, I'm not getting any younger," she said briskly, "I've thought about this for a while now, here's my plan - sell the house in London and purchase a small and cheaper cottage in Ripon, and you have the balance and the savings to purchase the inn. If it makes you feel better, it can be a loan. That way, I will have a small cottage here closer to you and Anna ...and my grandchildren," she added with a smirk.
He cannot argue with his mother, it all makes proper sense, he is not able to find a flaw in her plan - except his pride and ego. But he wants Anna to be part of this decision, "Let me speak with Anna first," he finally concedes.
