May 28th, 2015

The weather is still gloomy, but the rain is not as heavy as it was a couple of days ago. It's warmer too and I feel like in two or three days the sun might be out again. The ground is drenched and the grass is so green. The flowers are bent over, heavy with raindrops. When they dry out they'll be all the better for it. Anna's chomping at the bit to be working in the garden again.

Mrs Patmore and Big Sam's lunch went splendidly! I gave them the best table I have in the pub, right next to the window, and they both enjoyed each other's company. I would catch a glimpse of them now and then and they would be chatting and laughing, it was very nice to see them so happy. I was the one serving them and although Sam was a bit constrained about it at first I let him know that would be my pleasure to do so. And indeed it was! I am glad they've taken an interest in each other. They make a fine couple.

Anna of course popped by just to see me, or so she said… I know she wanted to check on them, and Mrs Patmore was so happy to see William again. My wife even mentioned that she should be our cook, now that Sam and her are seeing each other…but Mrs Patmore would never leave Downton. She loves it too much.

Speaking of a cook, we found ours! A young man called Archie Bertram, twenty seven years old and with a good amount of experience. I will let Anna write about him because she was the one eager to hire him as our chef, as she calls him. He does remind me of Alfred. I hope he's as good.

We'll start serving dinners in two days. Archie was off to the markets early this morning to fill his pantry for the week, then we will be tasting his cooking for the first time at luncheon. I must say I'm quite excited about it!

Anna and William will be arriving shortly and I can't wait to see them. When I left this morning the two were still asleep. I kept her awake last night talking about names for the babies and what they might look and be like. The sort of things expecting parents like to talk about. The babies were moving a lot and I got to feel them while we chatted. It was a wonderful moment. They are such energetic little things.

I can hear William's voice calling for me now. My darling boy!

~ John Bates

I am so glad John allowed me to write about Archie myself! I am really happy with him and the lunch he made us today…it was utterly delicious! Roasted duck with boiled potatoes. I never ate something so tasty in all my life. John couldn't stop complimenting him.

So, he's twenty seven and from Rippon. He came to Downton to visit his uncle, who happens to be Mr Bertram from the book shop. What a coincidence! He saw our ad in the paper and he said he always liked Downton so he thought about trying his luck here. And indeed he was right! He told me he likes the peace and quiet of our village and that he always wanted to work in the countryside. He worked in two hotels in London and an Inn in Bath, but he never really loved those places, and from his reference letter he seems to be very professional and a good employee. Well, I know at least that he knows how to cook duck! I must say, he's a sight for the eyes. Very handsome, indeed. I'm sure we'll have a crowd of ladies waiting to get a table in our pub. William seemed quite taken with him too. But of course, I only have eyes for my wonderful husband.

I was so happy to see Sam and Mrs Patmore having such a good time. They make such a lovely couple, and they seem to get along perfectly. It's funny to see a man like Sam all flushed and cheery. He always looks so serious and sometimes even mad when the gentlemen don't behave that well after a few drinks. I heard a rumour that he once grabbed a drunk by his collar and threw him out of the door. Now, I don't know if I believe it or not, once you know him you can see that he's as gentle as a kitten, but… who knows.

Speaking of kittens, I'm sure there's one living in our garden. I heard him, but I haven't seen him yet. I don't really want to encourage it, but I have a soft heart and put a bowl of milk out just in case. We shall see what happens.

I am so tired. Dinner always makes me sleepy. Thankfully John is already home and I'm just waiting for him to finish washing up so I can fall asleep in his arms. William was already in bed when John arrived and he only got to see him at lunch…I know it makes him sad but after the twins are born we will be spending more time at the hotel, so it won't be so hard on us.

I really can't wait…this belly is already so heavy and my feet are starting to swell. The doctor said that with twins the symptoms would be more severe. Oh, wonderful! And that reminds me! I'm going to visit doctor Clarkson next week. He wants to see if everything is going as it should be, with twins we need to be more careful.

John has just come from the bathroom and I'm ready to sleep.

~ Anna Bates