Later that afternoon, Anna returned to the hotel with Lady Mary and Lady Grantham. She settled the ladies in their rooms and while they rested for a few hours, made her way back to her own room to find Erich waiting for her in the lobby.

Smiling, she greeted him, "hello."

"So then, the ladies have arrived?"

"Yes, they're both resting before we dress for tonight."

"Good. Mr. Branson has arrived as well. He's down at the pub."

"Shouldn't you join him?"

"Actually Anna, I was hoping I could have a word with you."

"Of course, is everything alright?"

"It is ...Anna, you'll see Mr. Bates soon then?"

"Yes! I can hardly believe it."

"I'm so very glad for you."

"Thank you Mr. Adler, for everything you did. I can't imagine how badly this could have gone had we not involved you to assist us through this entire process. I'm ever so sorry you lost your job."

"I'm very glad you did involve me, I only wish things would have resolved sooner, for your sake...and Anna, please, call me Erich."

Anna paused, her voice cracking with emotion, "I'm so ever grateful for you."

He gave her a smile but there was sadness behind his eyes. "Anna...I would like to share something with you, that is, if you don't mind my honesty."

She tilted her head at him, with playful encouragement. "Erich, I think it is safe to say that we are friends now. And I don't mind your honesty at all. In fact, I truly think you are very misunderstood."

He smiled in relief and tilted his head in gratitude for her compliment. "Thank you for saying that."

"Now what is it you wanted to say?" She asked with such brightness in her voice.

Erich hesitated for a moment then began after a deep breath, "You see, years ago, I stopped believing in love. I thought it all a fleeting and whimsical idea that fools hopelessly chased after. You however, have restored my faith. I envy your love for John - but because I have witnessed it, I now believe in the happiness that kind of love can bring."

Anna blushed. "That's quite flattering. I think given the right opportunity, its safe to say you will find such love and happiness in your own life."

Giving her only a small smile from one side of his lips he shared more truth, " The problem is I have found it. Only, I can never truly have it. How does one live with that?'

"How do you know you can never have it Erich? Have you told this person how you feel?"

He smiled softly again, looking dejected. She really had no idea. How could she? She never saw past John's love for her, and her love for John. "No Anna. I've not told her. She is in love already." He continued to look at her with big brown adoring eyes.

She stood more upright and straight, "oh."

Erich let out a long breath and reached for her hand, "Anna..."

She pulled away from him and politely said, "I think I'd better go now, its time for me to get ready."

Erich politely folded his hands together behind his back and leaning into Anna's ear, whispered," You know who I love don't you?"... "Its you Anna. I love you."

Anna looked up into his beautiful face, her own grew red, and she looked away as quickly as she walked, "No You must not say those things to me. I appreciate everything you have done, but I really must go now and prepare for John's arrival."

Erich followed her with his eyes as she ran up the stairs and safely back to her room.

Anna waited anxiously in the lobby with Tom, Lady Mary, and Lady Grantham, a crowd of people had gathered at the hotel to welcome Robert & John back. The rumors had spread. The papers had been writing about the story for several days now. John and Robert were on their way, any moment they would arrive by car. Anna had done her best to avoid Erich for the rest of the afternoon, and he allowed her the space to do that. Sharing his heartfelt truth with her was all he really desired. Or so he thought.

Erich watched as Anna made her way quietly to the powder room in the lobby. He didn't even consider if anyone was watching as he simply followed her into the room, closing the door behind them.

Anna turned suddenly, realizing he was in there with her. "Erich? You shouldn't be in here."

"I needed to see you. To talk with you privately one last time."

"I don't think we should."

"Perhaps not, but I must. Anna, as the day progressed, I could only consider how this joyful event is marred by the fact I will never see you again. I simply cannot allow this final moment to pass without a proper farewell. When they arrive, and you are reunited with John...I know I will have lost you forever."

Anna felt consumed by his words, she hadn't thought about never seeing Erich again. The fact was, as the reality of what he said sank in, her heart slowly grieved. She had been through so much the past several months, without a word from John. Anna had started to rely on Erich, anticipate his kindness and expect his care as he had a way of looking out for her and encouraging her daily through these, the very worst of times.

"Well, we've had quite a time of it, haven't we?" She considered her words carefully, ignoring her racing heart and clammy hands. "You know, perhaps you are captivated by the tension of our experience or the fact you enjoy a hearty challenge..."

"Don't diminish my feelings for you." He interrupted. "I know what it is, and accept it for the bitterness it will be when you leave with John Bates. I ask only that you receive my honesty as a compliment, and allow me the honor of a simple parting kiss." He slowly backed her into the wall. There was nowhere for her to run. And then she realized she wasn't trying to.

As Erich leaned in toward her, Anna felt her eyes close. In that moment of feeling the loss of his friendship, and the entrapment of confusion, she allowed him to softly kiss her lips.

Realizing she hadn't resisted him, Erich eagerly gathered her face in both his hands and together they embodied the consequence of wanting and needing and resolving. The kiss, brimming with passion and longing, flowed thoroughly with his confession and ache of love.

The door opened suddenly. They were discovered.

Anna's face red, her lips wet and swollen, her eyes filled with tears. Erich continued gazing at Anna with his love and adoration and never looked at Mary, standing in the doorway, slightly shocked. The sounds of loud cheers echoed in the background. Robert and John had finally arrived.

Erich pressed one last kiss upon Anna's forehead and spoke his final words into her hair. "Goodbye, my sweet and lovely Anna." And with that, he walked out of the room and was gone.

Mary only stared at Anna, who was clearly shaken by what had just transpired. She hurried into the room, closing and locking the door behind her. "My god Anna, are you alright?"

Anna covered her mouth and began to cry. "I can't believe that just happened."

Mary, anxiously concerned, gathered a towel for Anna. "Well it did Anna. But, Bates and father have arrived. You need to pull yourself together now."

"Oh god," Anna looked in the mirror and gasped. "I'm a frightful mess."

Mary smiled, "Its alright. No one will think anything of it. You'll only get more emotional when you finally see John...won't you?"

Anna's head snapped around to look at Mary. "You don't think...of course I'm so ever grateful John is finally here."

"Of course you are." I'm so sorry Anna, I should have warned you. I warned Erich to be careful, but I should have warned you about him."

"What do you mean?"

"Anna, it was clear to everyone that Erich was in love with you."

"To everyone? Not to me..." Anna dabbed her face and eyes with the towel. Then she rinsed her mouth and spat several times into the sink. She was thankful for the mints she carried in her purse, needing to rid her senses and taste of another man.

"Well it doesn't matter now, I'm sure he's gone. We'll not speak another word of this. Now go. I'm sure Bates is wondering where you are."

As Anna and Lady Mary returned to the lobby, they saw John and Robert surrounded by swarms of people. Lady Grantham was already at Robert's side and John stood there chatting with well-wishers and a few reporters before he calmly looked past them and met Anna's eyes. All thoughts of Erich diminished from her mind and Anna filled with every emotion possible as she quickly ran to embrace her husband. The crowd had followed John's eyes and parted knowing he was being welcomed back by his devoted wife. The crowd cheered as they embraced. Anna seemed awkward. John instantly felt it. He pulled away from her and gave her a joyful smile all the while searching her eyes. Her smile was sincere and intense but there was an aversion in her gaze. His heart beat with a slight twinge of fear. Wrapping his arm around her shoulders protectively, John held on to Anna for dear life.

The festivities continued but after nearly an hour past, John was ready to leave, he needed to be alone with Anna. They saw Robert and Cora still cheerily entertaining many people, but they were after all, accustomed to it. John leaned in to Anna's ear and reaching for her hand, subtly pulled her closer to him. "Are you ready?"

Anna felt herself shiver beneath John's voice. She turned her head toward him and smiled. "And what are you ready for Mr. Bates?"

John smiled playfully, "I can't take another breath until I have you all to myself," his eyes revealed a deeper story. He needed her. There were too many intimate thoughts, demanding be spoken.

Anna and John quietly escaped the hall and retreated to the privacy and comfort of their hotel room. Anna was delighted to be sharing the grand amenities of the room Mary had gifted them for John's return. A blend of excitement and nervousness entwined them as they climbed the stairs together. Anna, suddenly caught up with guilt and worry, didn't know how to tell John about what had happened. She knew she had to, there were never any secrets between them. Still. she didn't want to ruin his first night back, so she felt like carrying the guilt with her awhile was her punishment. "Its still very early you know. Won't people wonder where we've disappeared to?"

"I don't care. I only want to be alone with my wife." He squeezed her hand tightly in his and laced her arm through his own.

Anna beamed brightly at John, and then opened the door to their room. She looked around, still impressed by all the comfort they were free to enjoy. But John didn't care. He was only concerned with Anna. Where would he begin? He had so many questions. So much had happened in the time they were apart. The last time he held her, they had shared a loving and healing night together, having traversed through so much heartbreak.

It all seemed like another lifetime.

This was not the homecoming either of them had imagined while they were apart. John felt afraid. Anna felt guilt. There was an unspoken sadness lurking between them - neither knew why the other seemed so.

John closed the door and stepped quickly toward Anna, gathering her in his warm embrace from behind. He pulled her into him and as he closed his eyes, inhaled the wonderful scent of her hair. Anna allowed herself to release the tension of months into his arms. She had forgotten! She had forgotten for a short while, just how wonderful, loved and safe he always made her feel. Their emotions were billowing as Anna began to weep softly.

John turned her around to face him and she collapsed against his chest. Their tender embrace strengthening as he held her more tightly than he had ever dared. He kissed her head softly, massaged her back slowly, unsure who the tears were meant for.

John couldn't take it anymore. He had to reveal what was weighing so heavily on his heart.

"Anna...are you happy to see me?"

"What do you mean?" She tried to sound convincing.

"You seem...distant."

Oh god. She was happy to see him. Wasn't she?

"What?" She asked, pulling away to look up at him. "Of course I am." My god, why didn't she sound like it? She struggled for her own answers. She hid her face in his chest - but it felt like there was a wall separating them. They both felt it.

It was time. There would be no getting around it. John had to know the truth, so he confessed.

"I saw you you know."

"What do you mean?"

"I came to find you. And I did. But you were preoccupied with someone, so very much that it scared me."

"John? When?"

"This morning. I came early to surprise you. I needed so desperately to see you. You were at the lobby bar with...who is he? He's quite handsome."

Anna's face turned pale, she pulled away from him. He let her.

John continued, "I love you more than life Anna...I just need to know the truth."

Anna's thoughts betrayed her. Her mind flooded with the infidelity of that lustful kiss. She couldn't speak. She held her breath.

"The truth Anna. Please."

After hesitating, Anna started, "Mr. Adler was the investigator the Grantham's hired to find you and his lordship."

John gave her a small smile, "but he didn't find us did he?"

"He never stopped trying," Anna chocked back emotions, realizing she was defending Erich.

John persisted, "what did he find instead Anna?" He spoke softly and kindly and lovingly to her. She didn't deserve it.

Anna shook her head slowly. The guilt was so deep, her heart began to race. She was silent.

"You looked at him as you once looked at me. That's what I found." He sounded heartbroken, not angry.

Anna closed her eyes, tears flowed freely. He knew more truth than perhaps she herself knew.

"Do you...love him?"

Her tearful eyes sprang open. How long had he watched them? Why did he think she loved him?

"No. No...I love only you." She sounded desperate.

"He loves you. I know that." John had pondered this thought all day.

"Yes. He told me." Her voice was low. She looked guilty. She felt shameful.

John took in a deep breath and looked up and away from her, deep in thought. How dare he infringe upon his wife like this? How dare he speak words of love to his Anna. Was she happy he loved her? Did it excite her?

"Where is he now?" For the first time since he'd returned, John's voice sounded angry. He was angry.

"I don't know. He said goodbye this evening, then left. I don't expect to ever see him again."

"I don't expect he can stay away..." I could never stay away from you.

Anna stood in silence. John didn't even know about the kiss and he was already very upset. How could she tell him?

"What else should I know?"

Ann, no longer able to compose herself, covered her mouth and ran into the bathroom. She couldn't believe she had just left John like that, but suddenly she was overwhelmed with too many emotions, more than she herself even understood. Anna closed the door and hid behind it. That kiss was still there. It had only been a few hours ago. And still, she had not kissed her husband in a way that surpassed the kiss she allowed Erich. Should she tell John? It would only hurt him more and deepen his anger.

John walked slowly over to the door. He had never seen Anna like this. Something more had happened. His fear grew, but he needed to know.

John spoke into the door.

"Anna...open the door please." He could hear her sobbing.

"I can't."

"You must. I need you to."

"I'm sorry."

"I'm not angry."

"You will be."

Oh god. What wasn't she telling him?

"Open the door Anna."

There was silence. She was paralyzed. Transfixed by her own emotions. Overwhelmed with confusion. Why wasn't she ready to let John back into her life? Why the door between them? Separating them. Keeping him out and away from her still. Did she possibly love Erich? No. How could she? She only loved John.

"Anna please..." John grew desperate with fear. "I'll not have you locking doors on me."

Anna could not pull herself together. She was heaving with emotion. Everything crashing down on her all at once. The kidnapping, Erich, John's return - it was all too much.

John's angst was increasing. He wanted to bust open the door but he composed himself when he heard running water and after a moment, the door unlocked. He waited, but when she didn't come out, he turned the handle and entered. He found her leaning against the sink, her head down.

John walked over to her and faced her side. Anna continued looking down into the sink when she finally confessed, "we kissed."

Sickness gripped through his stomach as John took a slow breath, processing her words. She felt the room flood with his severe defeat.

"Often?"

"Just once."

There was a long, arduous silence.

Anna was afraid to look at John. She felt him agonizing and could not bare to see it with her own eyes. And when she turned to him finally, he looked away, his face abundantly marred by emotion. "I'm so sorry. I didn't want it. It was good-bye and I got caught up. I didn't want it to happen."

John realized what she had said, and looked her in the eye, "so it was tonight?"

She simply nodded her head yes.

He closed his eyes and spoke. "Right as I came in, I saw him leaving. Then you were late meeting me, because you were with him?" There were unshed tears building in his eyes.

"Yes," Anna cried softly - her response biting at his heart. "There are no words to suitably qualify the regret of this evening. All I longed for, day and night, was your safe return."

John stood there silent, holding back the flood of emotions ... "Is there anything else?"

"I love you, John...I have only ever loved you."

John stared at her, still waiting for the answer he needed.

"No. There is nothing else," she finally answered.

John walked out of the bathroom and left Anna standing there alone. She heard him leave the room. The door closed quietly. She burst into tears.