A/N: Another chapter and more sad times to come, with some light moments of course. Life can't be just about the bad things. Anna and John start making some plans for their future.

Hope you enjoy! Happy Weekend to all :)

Disclaimer: Same as chapter 1 - 10.

The baby turned cold in her mother's arms, and Mary did not cry. She rocked her child instead, as if lullabying her for one last eternal time. The room became silent and the grievous shock they all felt pierced painfully through Anna's body.

It was early in the morning. The sunlight, pale and cold, was trying to make itself known through the cracks in the door, but even that light was dark. Dark and slender like a thief in the night. Breaking into this old house, and stealing two souls away. That's when she spoke.

'Anna,' Mary called, resting one hand on the lumpy mattress. 'Please,' her voice was dry and it was difficult for her to speak. Her eyes glazed and distant, as though she was already with her baby in the afterlife.

Anna sat down besides her, while John remained on the end of the bed, head down, tears gathering in his eyes.

'You will take care of them. I know you will,' Mary whispered. 'And I know... I haven't always been kind to you...'

'Mary, don't...' Anna tried to contradict her, even though she was right.

'Please,' Mary begged. 'I haven't been the greatest of friends but I've been preparing you for what is ahead,' she breathed heavily. 'Life was difficult before but now...it will really be a challenge.'

'Don't worry, Mary,' Anna said decisively. She could no longer deny what was about to happen, not when she could see it before her very eyes. 'I will take care of them. I promise you, as if they were my own.'

'Yes...I know. You are the best thing that ever happened to John. I'm just glad he found you in time.'

Anna tried to hold her tears. She looked down at the baby in Mary's arms and sniffed. Sarah looked peaceful...so at rest..

'John?' his sister spoke. 'Come here, my brother'

He kneeled on the floor next to Anna, resting his elbows on the bed and holding his sister pale hand in his own.

'I'm here, Mary,' he smiled, caressing her dark hair with his free hand.

'Here...' she began, drawing his hand to Anna's. 'Marry her soon. As soon as you can. That is all I ask of you.'

Anna and John held hands as Mary watched them looking at each other. 'I want you to be happy. That's my only wish.'

This seemingly cold hearted woman's last words pleaded for someone else's happiness, and Anna realised that she didn't know Mary after all.

Almost one hour later, Mary breathed for the last time, finally at peace. Anna could swear she saw the exact moment of Mary's death. She was still breathing when her eyes widened for an instant; she knew exactly what was before her. Holding her child in an everlasting embrace, she sighed heavily and then she was gone, and that's how they would remain, until their bodies turned to dust.

They had cried then, their hands still entwined. John had kissed his sister's forehead and his niece's cheek, unable to stop himself from saying goodbye to them for one last time. Anna had tried not to sob but she knew how badly she was failing. His hand squeezed hers tightly until it was painful, but necessary, and she understood that was his way of begging her to hold him in her arms. And that's exactly what Anna did. She wrapped her arms around him; this broad and tall man, fitting with extreme difficulty into her petite frame. She did her best to welcome him against her chest until his arms came around her as well, and he cried into her warm restless heartbeat.

XXXXXX

Mother and daughter were laid in the same coffin. In the same position as they had departed this world; neighbours and old friends were present for their last goodbye.

It was autumn now. The days grew darker and a bit chillier. It was overcast and the world seemed to be mourning with them. Not one single leaf moved. No cry was heard. The day had barely started and people already seemed so tired. The small crowd moved along a single line, to see mother and babe for the last time, but no words were spoken, no tear was shed, it was only a quiet, respectful mourning, maybe because one of them was only a baby.

Anna remembered Elsie's words:

'When a baby dies the heavens do not weep because another angel was born.'

Maybe that was it. Perhaps people were sad but they knew a new angel was guiding them from above, why should they cry then?

Mary's children, Elsa and George, were leaning against their uncle's legs, trying to find support and comfort in this fatherly figure, but John, at this very moment, was the image of pain and desperation himself. He did try to smooth their hair, he had spoken to them and tried to explain what had happened to their mother and sister, but these children were not much older than babies themselves, and in the morning after their mother's death they asked after her again. And they would for the months to come. They would awake crying for their mother's arms. They would beg to hear her voice again and very often they would arouse in John the will to shout at them, 'Stop asking after your mother! Don't you understand she's not coming back?!' but he never did. With time he would prove how patient of a man he was.

The coffin was closed, the dirt had been thrown, and that was the last time anyone would see Mary Bates and Sarah Crawley.

William was beside Anna, holding her hand tight, staring at his heartbroken cousins.

'What is he doing?' he had whispered to Anna, when a tanned and dirty man had started burying the wooden casket. William couldn't form the words. Why is that ugly man putting my aunty and my little cousin under the ground?

'He's...' Anna thought for a few seconds. 'He's putting them to rest,' she said at last.

But the boy looked up at her with a questioning look on his face. Almost scared.

'There,' she pointed out to the grave. 'They won't be bothered. No one will bother them again.'

The boy nodded, unsure, but that was enough to cease his curious questions for now.

She looked around her then, taking in all the people who had come to this final goodbye. Everyone was wearing dark colours, but not because they chose them for this painful day, but because those were probably the only clothes they owned. Those thoughts brought her back to her brother's funeral, the only one she had attended before this one. Everyone had worn expensive clothes, most specially made for that not so special day. People had talked and gathered afterwards, as if that sad ceremony had only been an excuse for drinking together.

Her mother had not cried. She had been speechless for a good month after her son's death. Her father, almost the same. She also remembered Elsie, putting her to sleep, kissing her hair lovingly and telling her how much of a blessing she was. Her real mother, glad that her own child was alive.

She saw the same in these people now. Holding their own children tightly as they walked away from the cemetery. Death surfaces the selfish side of humans. A side that many try to hide. They hold their children and thank God it was someone else instead. Selfish yes, but only natural.

They stayed there until everyone else was gone, and some minutes later she felt John's hand on her back. It was sort of a caressed mixed with the hurry to get out of there. 'It's enough,' he said. 'The children need to go home...rest.'

She nodded, managing a small smile. He smiled back, heavily, hurt, but thankful. Thankful for her and for what was left of his family.

'John?' a voice struck them through the chilly air. 'I am so sorry for your loss.' Elsie looked down at her feet. A shawl around her shoulders and in proper mourning attire. She had been watching from afar and she wouldn't have said anything but for...her daughter, her future son in law, the children. She didn't have the will to turn her back and go away. 'Mrs Potter told me this morning.'

'Thank you,' his eyes turned teary. 'They are resting now.' Anna was staring at her.

The maid nodded then, and faced her daughter, and the young woman looked down at the children, trying to avoid Elsie's gaze. 'We should go home now,' she lifted little George in her arms and held him in place with one hand while the other reached for Elsa. 'Let's go William.' and she left Elsie and John behind.

'You were not expecting her to run to you and call you mother from one minute to the other, were you?' John asked, his voice was low.

'I just need her to forgive me. That's all.'

He gave Elsie a small smile. 'She already has...she just needs time to realise it.'

Head down, he bid Elsie goodbye, and soon he was again beside Anna and the children, walking slowly, as if all his energy had been buried away with his sister's body.

They arrived home at barely two o'clock. Anna busied herself with warming up soup from the big pot, and placing bowls and spoons on the table, but the children were too despondent to eat, and they soon left the table one by one, sitting on John's mattress, just staring at their hands. Funerals are indeed tiring, even for such energetic little ones as these.

Anna and John tried to eat but really didn't have much of an appetite either.

'Why don't you tell them a story?' Anna urged.

'That won't make them forget what happened.'

'No but, it might make them fall asleep.'

And she was right. While she emptied the bowls and washed them in the basin, John told the children one of his wonderful tales. This one had two princesses, who lived happily ever after for many years. Between a few tears and sad smiles, they finally slept and John sighed heavily at the sight before him.

'Neither have mothers, two of them don't have a father...how can life be so unfair for such little people?' he said slowly and stood from the floor. 'They won't even remember their mother when they grow up.'

Anna walked towards him and ran her hand up and down his arm. 'That's our job. To make sure they'll remember them forever.'

He sat down at the table again, and brought his hands to his face. 'Mary... ' he began. 'She was the last child my parents had. I had two sisters before her and they both died.' His tears gathered at his eyes. 'I was fifteen when she was born and for my parents she was a gift from heaven. She survived childhood, never had been sick. She was born strong and healthy, just like me. I remember that day,' he smiled into his hands. 'I entered the room and my mother was there, half asleep, and my father told me to take a look and when I did...I felt so much happiness. I saw her growing up, becoming a woman. I protected her from so many fights and boys, and I took care of her when our parents died.'

'Then she started living with Matthew, and he was such a fine man, a good one, you know? She became a mother and... they were happy together until last year.' John took a deep breath. 'She lived at the end of the street but she had no money to pay rent and she had two children and was pregnant with little Sarah...' He thought of his niece and the tears began to fall.

'I had to take them in else they would face the workhouse. It wasn't bad for me and my William before Mary but I wouldn't trade one bit of this miserable life for gold. We were all happy together. We didn't have much, but we had each other...I just wish I had been able to protect her from that bloody disease. It took her husband first and then her baby and herself.' His tears flowed down his cheeks. He couldn't stop them now.

'You couldn't have done anything. Just know that they are resting now,' she tried to console him.

'I've been thinking that for these past few days and it's not helping one bit, Anna. Not one bit.' He covered his face with his palms, somehow embarrassed for crying this much in front of her.

Even the strongest of men deserve some moments of weakness. So, she sat besides him, and rested her head on his shoulder while her hand caressed his shaking back. They stayed like that for a time, feeling their souls almost washed clean by their tears until there was nothing else left but a dry throat and red eyes. Anna knew that feeling all too well by now, and she relished in her experience of heartbreak and sadness. Sometimes even those awful feelings are necessary, they would make the happy moments they would share so much greater.

XXXXXX

One week passed and life slowly started to return to normal. A new kind of normal.

They had thrown Mary's mattress away, afraid the consumption would spread, together with her clothes and sheets from her bed and the baby's cot. While the children were outside, trying to bring themselves back into place and playing with the others, Anna and John cleaned the whole bedroom. Walls and floor, even the doorknobs and wardrobe. Every little corner was cleaned with boiling water and a bit of soap, and they prayed for that to be enough. They opened all the windows and let the fresh chilly air come into the house. Then they started to make plans for the future. Life must go on, for everyone's sake, and there were dreams yet to come true.

'We have to buy a mattress,' he sighed. 'And sheets.'

'I know.'

'And...' John pursed his lips before continuing. 'The bedroom should be ours,' he said at last, opening the old curtains, trying to avoid her eyes. 'We should sleep there when...we are married because, well...' he shook his head trying to mask his red cheeks. 'It has a door that we can lock and...privacy.'

Anna nodded silently. Words failing her in that moment. What was she supposed to say? Should she smile and tell him she couldn't wait? Wouldn't that sound...wanton? Wouldn't it sound like she was glad that Mary was gone? Her cheeks were flushed and her body hot and she didn't know how to react.

'I was thinking,' he continued. 'Mrs Oliver's James works in a carpentry shop and he always manages to sneak some wooden boards. Maybe I can build the children some bunks in the front room and they could sleep there and have each a bed. I think they would like that. What do you think?' He faced her now, his eyes vibrant for the first time since his sister's death.

'I think they would be very happy. They never had their own bed, and well, children do love bunks,' she smiled.

'What about the bedroom for us? What do you think?' he asked her, almost pleading for an answer.

'I think it's a good idea.'

They nodded, before he approached her. 'You decide. I don't want to-'

'No. I mean it, Mr Bates,' she said holding his gaze.

He smiled. 'Anna...' he slowly came nearer her and touched her sides gently, rubbing his thumbs in circles against the fabric of her dress. 'I am so glad you are here.' He held her waist between his hands and she fit so perfectly in them. 'All I wish now is for us to get married and have some peace in our lives.'

'That is all I want as well.' She placed her hands on his chest as he pulled her to him. She felt his racing heartbeat underneath her fingertips. They gazed at each other, both smiling and feeling the fresh air entering their lungs. Somehow the house felt almost serene, with the lazy light of autumn erupting through the windows warming its old, damp walls.

They felt joy in that moment, although there was still a strong sense of mourning lingering in the darkest corners. They felt determined to leave all sadness behind and start a new and happy life. Mary had wished it more than anything..she had begged. She had been a dramatic woman but not a mournful one, and John knew she would hate for them to be sad about something that had no solution. Thinking about his sister's words, wishing him to be as happy as he possibly could, he leaned towards Anna, until their lips met in a slow kiss.

Their kisses were more frequent now and Anna was glad of that, but sometimes, it seemed that he tried to keep his distance. She didn't know why yet. He had a way with her, she would never understand. The way his eyes hypnotized her, making her unable to look away, and how he touched her so delicately and urgently at the same time. She felt things that she was sure were forbidden. Things that she had only read about in books, very improper kind of books, truth to be told. Most of those things were foreign and strange, sometimes the intensity of what she felt frightened her. Every time their bodies touched she would feel electric jolts through her spine and when he hugged her and their chests would meet, their heartbeats would race erratically in unison and the pressure from his embrace on her breasts made her long for his hands to touch her naked skin. To have him as close to her as he could be…

They would have to be married for that, that's all she knew.

Now, what she really knew, was that she had children to feed and to care for. A house to keep up and washing to do. Yes, it would be a challenge but Anna was sure she was ready for the hard times that would come.

For John and little William, things were not a bed of roses either. They would wake up at six o'clock, every morning, and they would go downtown. Anna would prepare them a slice of bread with cheese or ham the night before and they would eat it at midday.

William sold his newspapers, screaming the breaking news of the day, trying, with his childish manners and big clever eyes, to seduce rich men to give him five pence for a morning paper.

'Mr Robbins' bankrupted due to the death of his former lawyer! The man was robbed from everything but his teeth!'

'Mr Robbins' is bankrupted?' a man in a fancy suit and bowler hat asked him.

'Oh yes, kind sir. For five pence you will be able to read the whole story! They reckon a murderer is the cause.'

'Murderer? Blimey! That Robbins always seemed a bit too fancy for my likes. Here chap, you can keep the change.'

'Thank you sir. Have a nice day in that elegant suit of yours,' the boy took his cap off and smiled and the man did the same with his bowler. At the age of seven, William Bates was indeed the finest paper seller in town.

John would sit on the most crowded street and wait with his polish box in place, all set and ready to start working. The clients were few but the ones he had paid him well. Still it wasn't enough, but he couldn't complain. Rich men often threw their old shoes away, no need for polish, and if they did, they would go to a fancy shoemaker.

It was October, the weather was turning blustery. The wind was strong in the morning and it turned to rain by noon. London was busy, dirty and crowded, but also the centre of modern world.

The day would end for both of them at four o'clock in the afternoon. William would meet John and then they would go home. Sundays were a resting day.

Today was Saturday, exactly six days after the funeral and when John arrived home, around five, it was already dark and threatening to rain again, he placed the income of the last three days on the table.

Anna looked at him, questioningly. 'What's that?'

'Money,' he sat down. 'For you.'

'For me?'

'You are the woman of this house now. You cook and you keep us clean, you know what we have to buy. So yes, the money is yours.'

'But...what about you?' she was stunned by his words.

He stood up then, and walked towards her. 'I have you and them. I'm good,' he smiled.

'If you insist. But I don't shop without you,' she furrowed her brow.

'You don't but...still. You should have the income. That's my job. To provide for you and the children.'

She chuckled. 'When you talk like that it sounds like we indeed have children together.'

John joined in her light moment, almost blushing. 'Not yet,' he took her hand and traced her fingers tenderly, looking deep into her eyes. 'We really need get married soon.'

'Yes, we do,' she said, biting her lower lip and looking down at their hands.

'I can't give you a grand wedding, I'm afraid.'

'I rather have the right man than the right wedding, Mr Bates, you should know that by now.'

He nodded. 'I know...and if you think I am that right man...then, you shall have me.'

Anna couldn't contain her happiness and she stretched her body on tip toes to place a loving kiss on his cheek. 'You're all I want.'

They smiled and he squeezed her hand in his, caressing her healed knuckles with his thumb.

'By the way...' she sighed sadly 'I want to go to church tomorrow. I want to pray for Mary and Sarah. It's been a week,' she turned serious. 'I know you are not religious but, I don't want to go by myself.'

'I'll go with you. The children can come as well. Mary taught them about God, I think she would like them to be there.'

'Yes, that's a good idea.'

XXXXXX

The church. It was the place she had visited every Sunday in her old life. The same place she would have married Charles. She looked around, memories flowing. John was beside her, her arm around his, and the children ahead, already sitting in the wooden benches.

They went at a time they knew no one from her old life would be there. Sundays at church would always be dangerous now. Mr and Mrs Smith were faithful attendees of the mass, and God forbid they would meet there.

The children behaved extremely well. They kneeled when Anna did and they did a good job with their prayers, following her word by word. John remained seated, head down in silence, praying his non-believer requests. 'I hope my sister and my niece are resting in peace...I hope they are in a better place, maybe...with Matthew, somewhere.'

They stayed for less than an hour. And by the time they left it was almost lunch.

'Do we have everything we need at home?' John asked her as she circled his arm with hers. He walked with her proudly, almost as if he was carrying the biggest prize on his arm. He had never enjoyed a good walk as much as he did now, with his Anna by his side. On his other hand, little George was holding his thumb as they walked. His hand still too small to grasp more than one finger.

'Yes. We have bread and there's soup and cheese and a bit of ham,' Anna said. 'We have to started thinking about getting the mattresses and sheets though.'

'I talked to James this morning, he said he could get me some boards by the end of the week. He'll help me building the bunks.'

'Bunks!' William shouted.

'Like those they have at Mrs Oliver's?' Elsa asked.

'Even better,' Anna joined in their enthusiasm. 'Mrs Oliver just has two bunks, but we will have three!'

'Oh goodness, Elsa! Did you hear that?' William turned to his cousin and placed his hands on her shoulders. 'Three bloody bunks!'

'William!' John gave him a pointed look.

'He hears his father saying it...that's why he says it too.' Anna whispered over at him and he couldn't help but chuckle.

'Three bunks!' the boy grabbed his cap from his head. 'And I will sleep on top!'

'Why you?' Elsa kicked a stone on the ground.

'I am the oldest Elsa. My place is at the top. Then you, then George because he's still a baby.'

'I am not a baby,' the four year old pouted, squeezing his uncle's finger.

'Three bunks!' William walked ahead of them jumping in puddles and flailing his arms. Excitement written on his face. 'Three bloody bunks!' he called out, punching the air.

John shook his head. 'Children are easy to please. Thank God!'

They walked the streets slowly, Anna stopping to look at store fronts. Her eyes grew big at the sight of the fancy dresses and hats. She sighed.

'Maybe one day I'll be able to buy you a dress like that,' John said, standing close beside her. 'You shouldn't have sold yours.'

'Yes I should...I miss the thin fabrics and silk and lace but that's not my priority anymore. Also, I rather like this looser dress. It's easier to walk, and eat, and breathe,' she smiled up at him. 'And I take half the time to get dressed, I don't even need help anymore.'

John looked at her from head to toe as she faced the storefront once again. He would gladly help her to get dressed...but mostly to…

'You little beggar!' A shrill woman's voice made John look after his son.

'Amelia, for goodness sake!' Her husband rolled his eyes trying to hurry their steps.

'I am sorry Madam.' William looked down at his feet embarrassed.

'Get out of my sight!' The woman pushed him and the boy nearly fell. John came to his aid and caught him just in time.

'He's only a child. He didn't mean any harm.' John looked at her then, and saw Mrs Smith's cold eyes, full of realisation.

'Oh!' she smiled wickedly. 'I should have known that pest was your son, Mr Bates.'

John faced them bringing his chin up. 'Whatever is the matter?' Anna asked him with George and Elsa in tow. When she saw the sight before her she feared her heart would jump right of her chest.

'I see you've bought your harlot to window shop,' Mrs Smith ridiculed. 'Which one of those will you be buying her, hmm?'

'Amelia! Enough.' Mr Smith looked at his daughter with heavy sad eyes. 'Let's go.'

John was going to answer her but before he could speak a word, Anna came from behind him and confronted her mother.

'Don't you pretend to be a woman of high moral values, Mrs Smith.'

'And don't you dare to speak to me!' the woman spat.

'Is it so hard to talk to your husband's illegitimate daughter now? Not so long ago you were planning my wedding.'

'What are you talking about?' Mrs Smith lowered her voice. Her husband was looking at Anna in shock, his cheeks red and his eyes furtive.

'I know now why you are so bitter. Now I understand,' Anna said sadly. 'You're just jealous. Your husband has never loved you, your only child died...' she looked courageously from her father to his wife. 'No man has ever wanted you...that is why you are so jealous of me and Elsie...we were wanted and loved, and she has a child while you have nothing. Everything my father didn't give you, you blamed on me. I wonder who you take it out on now? Elsie? The kitchen maid?'

John was listening, holding Anna's arm to try to calm her down. She could hear his low voice calling her name, telling her to ease down on her words, people can hear what you are saying, please Anna.

The children were behind them, looking at their feet and silent as mice, trying to understand what the conversation was about.

'Who told you that? Tell me!' Mrs Smith approached her and tried to grab Anna's arm, but immediately, Mr Smith stopped her.

'Are you going to start a scandal in the public eye now? Isn't it enough what you've already done?' He glared at his wife.

'Maybe it's not enough that Miss Smith ran away with a millworker?' Anna stated. 'Or do you think adding the fact that I am a bastard will help the family's reputation?' she whispered then. 'Or that you paid someone to kill Mr Bates?'

'You wouldn't -'

'I would...I would if I had to. I am not that child anymore, Mrs Smith, I am under your skirts no longer.'

'That is enough the two of you,' the business man looked desperately at his daughter. 'Anna...I...'

'Anna is no harlot, Mr Smith. We are going to get married as soon as possible. Your daughter will be my lawful wife.' John said emphatically, placing his arm around Anna's waist.

The older man nodded, and John saw a faint look of thankfulness in his downcast face. 'I see there's nothing I can do about it.' Anna shook her head no. 'Let's go, Amelia.'

XXXXXX

Anna sat down at the table, furious with herself. 'Oh God! I shouldn't have said anything! Why did I have to speak to her? Why?'

'Anna,' he kneeled before her, taking her hands in his. 'She provoked it, it was not your fault.'

'She'll sack Elsie now,' she cried. 'And it's my fault.'

'You are worried about Elsie then?'

Anna looked at him and sniffed violently. 'She raised me, didn't she? And then, I don't want to be the reason why people are sacked...father already sacked you because of me.'

'Shush, don't say that, love. In the end it was the best thing that happened to me,' he smiled.

'You called me love?' She gave him a teary smile.

'Isn't that what you are? My love?'

'You never called me that before, that's all.' Anna caressed his hand.

'You should get used to it.'

'I will.'

He rose and kissed the top of her head. 'Don't you have washing to do?' he asked.

'Yes. I have three baskets,' she sighed.

'Well then, let's go. The water is coming, I'll help you.'

Anna smiled then, walking to the baskets. 'Maybe we can finish the three today! It takes half the time with two.'

'Oh yes and let me tell you, I am pretty good at washing.' He took a basket in each hand.

'Are you now?'

'Who do you think taught my sister how to do it?'

'Your mother! She told me!'

'Well, yes, but I was there learning as well.' They both laughed and went outside with the baskets and soap. It was going to be a long and tiring day but in the end they were able to finish the all three of them.

XXXXXX

'They finally fell asleep.' John sighed in relief, sitting in his chair, dressed in his nightclothes.

'That's good. We can rest now,' she told him, washing up the dishes from dinner. 'I need to wash before bed. Is there enough water?'

'Yes, I didn't use much.'

'You should stop saving for me. I don't need that much either.'

'I am sure you do with those long locks of yours.'

She chuckled. 'I am going now, don't fall asleep without me.' She walked past him and kissed his temple before closing the bedroom door. The room that would soon be their private place as husband and wife.

Some minutes after, John stood from the chair and walked towards the fireplace. Her book of poems lay on a small shelf above the old and blackened stove. He took it, opening it in his hands. Pacing the room he turned the pages one by one, reading two or three words at time, imagining how often she had done the same. He looked up then, to see where he was going and he noticed the bedroom door slightly open. The sound of water splashing became stronger and he frowned.

Without thinking, he walked towards the door to close it, but before he could bring himself to do that, he caught a glimpse of her pale skin through the narrow opening and as much as he tried to shut his eyes and protect her from his need to see her in such state, he was unable. He could only see the figure of a woman, a woman he desired more than anything. John swallowed hard as he saw droplets of water sliding down her shoulders and caressing her breasts.

This is wrong, John! he said to himself, but he was mesmerized by her beauty, so he stood there watching her until he almost dropped the book.

She dipped her hands in the water and began to wash herself, dragging her fingertips along her skin, throwing back her head and closing her eyes at the sensation. He shut the door then, ever so slowly, trying his best not to make any noise. His heart racing, he went to his mat on the floor, laying down, covering his body with an old sheet.

'Oh God...' he whispered. She was so much more beautiful than he had even imagined. His desire was pulsing against his bottoms and he fought the enormous urge rushing through his brain to push open that bedroom door and take her in his arms. It made him almost unable to think properly. We are going to be married soon, he told himself. They would be married and then he could make her his own.

The way she had closed her eyes while she bathed herself...would she do the same when his hands touched her? Would she even let him touch her so intimately once they were married? He hoped so. Anna was not a prudish woman...or at least, he didn't think she was.. All he wanted was to be able to worship her in every way possible….

'Mr Bates?' Her voice made him jump.

'Anna!'

'I told you not to fall asleep without me,' she smiled.

'I wasn't sleeping,' he said nervously, bringing his sheet up.

'You had your eyes closed, I thought you were.' She finished braiding her damp hair.

'I was just resting them...that's all.' He cleaned his throat and opened the book.

'Are you quite alright?' She sat down on her quilt and touched his arm.

'Yes!' He backed away from her. 'I'm alright, it's just...I am so tired and William and I have to wake up early in the morning. I should get some rest.' He handed her the book and smiled shyly. 'Sleep well, Anna.'

'You too, Mr Bates,' she said pursing her lips, trying to understand why he was so eager to sleep. She shook her head then and smiled before placing a kiss on his cheek.

He didn't move or say anything, but he smiled at her and watched as she turned her back to him and rested her head on the pillow. When he heard her heavy breathing and was sure she was sleeping, he turned on his side facing her, and he fell asleep in that position, just enjoying the sight; sure she would be there when he woke up. Later that night his hand would slip around her waist and he would come closer to her, dangerously closer.

As usual, he dreamed of her. And in his dreams, Anna would come to him with a gentle smile on her face and he would kiss her hands or the soft skin of her neck. She would be wearing a white or light blue gown and her hair was always braided or up in a knot, and he would smell wildflowers and feel the sunshine. Not this night though. Maybe because he could feel the warmth of her skin spreading through his arm and down his body. Maybe because of what he had witnessed earlier.

This night, he was the one coming to her. He walked to his mattress and she was there, under the old quilt. Her hair was loose and her blonde locks cascaded around her. Her head on his pillow and she called his Christian name. 'John...come here,' she whispered in the night and he kneeled down on his bed, kissing her lips as he did so.

Her eyes were dark in his dream, and her smile was flirtuous, making him shiver as she bit her lower lip. Forgetting all thoughts of propriety and honour he had dragged the quilt from her body and she was naked before him. John couldn't make a sound as he took in her glorious body, staring at her as if she was a treasure, and to him she was.

'You are beautiful,' he had said to her before touching the soft skin at her thigh.

In his dream, she had pleaded for him to take her, and he didn't think twice before aligning their bodies and kissing her lips again. When he awoke, sweating and panting, his arm was still resting around her and he felt the heat in the lower part of his body.

Carefully, he backed away from her and laid on his back, looking at the ceiling and sighing, bringing the sheet to his waist. Oh God, help me, he thought, we need to sort things out soon.

John Bates was not often a man in a hurry. He was patient and caring, but he had never loved so urgently, and no woman had ever slept so wonderfully in his arms. The feeling of completion came so close every time they were like this, with every kiss and touch they shared. A feeling he so longed for without even knowing it. He did feel like a young man, in the peak of foolish desire and lust. He loved her so much, so desperately, and more than that, he needed her, and he wouldn't wait too long before making her his wife. Properly. As society required. He was desperate to be happy with her and he was equally eager to make her happy with him.

XXXXXX

In the late hours of that same night, Elsie Hughes walked the streets of London. A bag in each hand and a resolute look on her face. Carrying a lifetime of experience and disappointment on her back.

There was one time she thought she would grow old and die in that mighty house, or in one where Anna would want to bring her after an arranged and wealthy marriage. That would not be happening now. She had been sacked hours before. She had been called names, but at the moment she didn't care. She was a mother herself, and she did have dreams for her child. Dreams of comfort and status, dreams that now would never come true. All she wanted was for Anna to have a happy and long life...but she had seen her happiness with John Bates. Maybe that is the biggest treasure in one's life. Love and courage. And Anna had both.

Elsie stopped before entering the darkest of streets, the one that would lead to where they lived. She rested her bags on the ground and traced one hand with the other...if only she could see her own future...all that she knew was that her daughter was at the pinnacle of her twenty first year of life and had never experienced so much heartbreak and misery. Not one year had passed and her world had changed drastically, and she would be a wife before this month of October was finished.

One day, in the future, after many years have passed, Anna would remember this year as the most memorable of her life. The year when her life truly began. And Elsie would cradle her grandchildren in her arms and know she had played her part in this story. A fundamental part. She took her bags again before diving into the darkness of one of London's poorest streets, she took a deep breath and prayed for those golden days to come.

Next Chapter: Anna and John's wedding!

Thank you for reading :)