A/N This chapter comes with a smut warning, nothing too graphic but thought I'd warn you all just the same. Things take a turn as we near the end of this story. Thanks for all of your reviews, they mean a lot :)

Disclaimer: All things Downton belong to Julian Fellowes/Carnival/ ITV.

John lay in bed, propped up against the headboard with a smirk on his face. Having just laid Ella down to sleep in record time, he was now warm and snug in bed, whilst Anna paced the other end of the room. Lily, albeit content, was still looking up at her mother, cooing in Anna's arms. Looking over her shoulder, Anna glared at John as he fidgeted, fighting to warm himself up as the cold winter air filled the room around him. The twins, now nine months old, were sleeping through the night, when they both eventually fell asleep. It seemed it would always take longer for one to fall asleep than the other. Usually, it would be Lily who gave into slumber quicker than her sister. Yet, tonight it was Ella, and in turn John was the victor.

'I don't know why you're looking so happy with yourself, Mr Bates.' Anna whispered, still rocking Lily in her arms. 'There's no point in getting yourself warm. As soon as I am over there I'll be clinging my cold body to yours for the warmth.'

'Is that a promise?' John said with a raised eyebrow and a smile that made Anna's breath catch in her throat. Turning her attentions back to her daughter, it was all Anna could do to not jump and down as Lily's eyes began to flutter shut. Despite not working, she still found it tiring looking after two nine month old babies the day long.

Anna gently placed Lily in the crib before stroking her cheek, then Ella's. Both now sleeping soundly, Anna turned her attentions to the still grinning man whose undivided attention she held. With a nod of the head, John pulled back the covers. Gently tiptoeing across the room, Anna got into the bed. It took barely a second for John's arms to find her waist, pulling Anna closer into his embrace. No words were spoken as John covered Anna's mouth with his own, past experience with the twins now telling them not to waist a moment whilst they were quiet. John's hand found it's way to the hem of Anna's nightdress, bunching it in his fist as they still shared they kissed languidly, savouring every moment.

Just as John's hand found the skin of Anna's thigh, a whimper could be heard from one of the cots in the corner of the room. Anna pulled away immediately, John burying his head on the pillow in frustration.

'It's Ella,' Anna whispered before silence fell again. As the silence stretched longer, John took this as his cue to continue with his ministrations, placing his lips on Anna's neck. Sinking back into the feeling of his hands on her, Anna began to unbutton John's pyjama top. She had just reached the last shackle keeping his bare chest from her when the whimpering began again, soon turning into a full blown cry.

'Oh, for heavens sake,' John hissed, highly irritated he had been interrupted. Anna wriggled from his grasp, wanting to settle Ella before she woke her sister. 'They should have moved into their nursery by now.'

'And as I've told you before, John,' Anna argued back in a hushed tone. 'I am not ready yet.'

'Anna, they aren't going to be babies forever. At this rate they'll be reading us bedtime stories.' She huffed out loud at his remark, treading the floor towards the door with Ella now in her arms. 'Are we ever going to get some proper time alone?'

'Is that all you can think about?' Anna hissed as she opened the bedroom door. 'Your needs, what you want, my duty to you?'

'Where are you going?' John asked as Anna stepped into the hall.

'To settle our daughter away from you.'

John lay back, rubbing a hand over his face as Anna left the room with Ella. He didn't mean to snap at her, God knows it was the one thing he promised wouldn't happen when Anna moved to Scotland with him. But they both had differing views on where the girls should be sleeping. In John's eyes, they should have been in their own room from the start. Anna wanted them close to her, and because John still felt indebted to Anna for everything, he agreed. Now, nine months on and the girls still occupied cribs in the corner of their parents bedroom.

Their times together since the twins had been born were few and far between. John had always felt rushed and uncomfortable knowing his daughters, although sleeping, were present. Anna would always have one eye on them both and it bothered John that she was always distracted. It wasn't right. John knew it. Anna deserved better than some desperate fumble, yet as long as the girls were in the same room he couldn't see how else it could be. Although Agnes would look after the twins on occasion, to give Anna a break, it didn't feel right despite her joking about it in the past to allow someone else to look after her daughters whilst she went to bed with John.

Something had to give, however. John felt terrible for how he had just spoken to Anna. As he lay in bed, listening to the soft sounds of Lily sleeping contentedly, John hatched a plan in his mind. Anna needed a night off, a night to enjoy herself without the stresses of making sure twin baby girls were looked after. She needed to be reassured that for as long as he lived, he wouldn't rest until her happiness was guaranteed.

It was the least he could do.

John stepped into the living room, the two girls babbling happily in their highchairs as Anna went about cleaning. He had been treading on egg shells all morning, Anna never returned to bed the previous evening. John came downstairs early that morning to discover Anna asleep on the sofa, Ella sleeping peacefully on her mother's chest. Now it was time for John to start the lunchtime shift, and Anna had not uttered more than two words in his direction.

'So, how are my girls?' John asked tentatively sitting on the sofa to tie up his boot laces.

'Girls, I believe your father asked you a question.'

'Come on, Anna. You know I meant you as well. How many times do I have to say I'm sorry?'

'For what? Putting your urges before your daughters?'

'Anna, it's not like that at all.' John stood up, his laces now tied and moved towards Anna who had just finished dusting the mantelpiece. 'You've even moaned about it yourself. The girls interrupting us.'

'But I'd never put us before them. Which is what you were...'

'What I am saying is maybe it's time for them to move into their own room. It's a perfectly natural progression...'

'Which I am not ready to progress to yet.' Anna folded her arms, her expression cold as she stared back at John. He let out a sigh, before turning his attentions to his two little girls sitting in their highchairs.

'Well my angels, Daddy will be back later. Help Mummy out by being good girls, won't you?'

John walked back to Anna, leaning to kiss on her on the lips before she turned her head. He would have to make do with her cheek.

'I love you,' he whispered, stepping away.

'Have a good shift,' was all Anna offered in return.

Shrugging his shoulders, John turned on his heel and walked into the hallway. Putting on his coat, then his hat, he took hold of his cane and made his way outside. Once at the bottom of his path, he saw Agnes leaving the post office. Thoughts of his plan entered his mind as he watched her stride back towards her tea rooms. Looking at his watch, John was certain George wouldn't mind if he was a little late for his shift.

Reaching the door to the tea rooms, John looked inside to see Agnes behind the counter, trying up her apron before walking into the back room. Opening the door, John moved towards the counter, Emily noticing him and offering him a warm smile.

'Hello John, usual is it?'

'No, thank you. I was wondering if I might have a word with your mother.'

'Of course,' Emily furrowed her brow in curiosity before calling through for her mother. 'Ma, Mr Bates would like a word.'

'Certainly,' came the booming response, Agnes appearing in the doorway. 'What can I do you for, John?'

'I wanted a word. In private if that was agreeable?'

Agnes nodded before gesturing towards a table in the corner of the room. John followed Agnes, allowing her to sit before doing the same.

'I was hoping you might be able to do me a favour?' John began, his voice barely a whisper.

'Only if you speak up lad, I'm not blessed with the hearing of a cocker spaniel.'

'Sorry, it's just my request is of a sensitive nature.'

'I'm intrigued,' Agnes replied, leaning forward. 'It's not about that beautiful wife of yours, is it?'

'Well, yes. It is. As you know we have our hands full with the girls, and it's very difficult to, well. You know. Myself and Anna haven't. I mean...'

John's voice began to falter, Agnes's face had now erupted into a huge grin as she acknowledged what John was failing to say in clear cut terms. He was flashing a deep shade of crimson and his voice becoming more shaky with each word he spoke. 'Well, you know when a man and a woman, who are married I might add, love each other and they want to show that love...'

'Stop.' Agnes rose a hand to halt John's babbling. 'Stop right their young John. I am a woman of the world, I know what you are getting at.'

'You do?' John said in relief more than anything else.

'Yes. You want me to watch the girls so you and Anna can spend some time alone together?'

'Well yes. But my request would be for you to have them overnight.'

'Overnight?'

'Yes. So I could cook a meal for Anna and we could spend a proper evening together. I know it was our choice to have the girls but I can't remember the last time we have been free to have a cuddle on the sofa or read together.'

'When?'

'Tonight.'

'Tonight?' Agnes exclaimed.

'Is it too short notice?'

'No, but where do you expect them to sleep?' Agnes asked, folding her arms.

John hadn't thought of that, inwardly cursing himself at forgetting the most obvious of details. The clearest answer was to move the cribs to Agnes. But how without Anna noticing? He may need the help of his cousin to ensure his plan came to fruition.

'Can you be available in time for lunchtime closing at the pub?'

'I suppose so,' Agnes replied. 'About two?'

'Perfect. I'll see you then.'

John stood and left the tea rooms at a canter, Agnes looking on, shaking her head and laughing softly to herself.

'So let me get this straight. You are going to take Anna out, then want me to move the girls cribs to Agnes's house?'

'Yes. I'll take Anna for a walk with the girls, then return your beloved Goddaughters to their Aunty Agnes's then take Anna back to our cottage to make her dinner. It's the least she deserves.'

John and George were conversing with Agnes outside the tea rooms, explaining his plan and the best way to execute it.

'And I'll have them all night?' Agnes asked, John nodding his head in response. 'Are you sure Anna will be party to that? It's a lot to ask of a first time mother. Your baby staying overnight with someone else.'

'I have to try. And I'm sure Anna will be fine with it. She trusts you more than anyone else we know. Except for you George, of course.'

'Oh alright. But I can't keep giving you time off just like that John. My other staff might see it as favouritism.'

'Just shove the wages I would have been getting into Harold's. He'll be fine with that. I just have to do this for Anna. We had words last night and I feel terrible. I need to make it up to her.'

'What's this?' They all turned to see Anna strolling towards them, double pushchair under her control.

'Hello my love,' John said, kissing Anna on the cheek. 'Just chatting with the neighbours. What brings you out and about?'

'I'm going stir crazy in that cottage, so the girls thought their Daddy might enjoy a walk around the village.' Her features softened as she looked up at John. 'And his wife thought the same.'

'That he would.' John couldn't stop himself from smiling back at her, their eyes meeting each others and their gaze holding for a few seconds. Breaking their silent link, John looked at George and Agnes in turn. George nodded at his cousin, letting him know everything was in hand.

'Lets get moving shall we?' Anna suggested, pulling the collar of her coat upwards. 'We'll catch our deaths otherwise. It's alright when you are wrapped up snugly in a pushchair.'

Anna and John began to walk up the main street in the village, it playing strongly in John's mind that now was the time to put his plan into action. Agnes house was a few yards away. As they reached it, John placed his hand on the pushchair.

'Something the matter?' Anna asked, looking up at John with a troubled look on his face.

In the next moment, the front door of her house swung open and Agnes came bounding up the garden path. She took the pushchair from Anna's grasp.

'I found the bag you left me, John. And their cribs were easily moved. Now you two have a nice evening and don't worry about a thing. Me and Emily have everything under control.'

'Right, very well then Agnes.'

'John Bates,' Anna said sternly as she watched Agnes walk the girls inside. 'What is going on?'

John shuffled on his feet, avoiding Anna's gaze until he had no choice but to meet her eyes.

'Well, I felt so bad about last night. About everything really. It's just, I adore you and I wanted some time, uninterrupted to show you how much. And it's not about us sharing a bed, or anything like that. It's about us spending some time alone together. Free of the stresses that come with looking after our daughters. Just for one night.' John stepped closer to Anna before continuing. 'I'd miss them too much if it was any longer.'

Relief swept through his body as Anna smiled.

'We best not waste a second then.'

Once dinner had been consumed, Anna's favourite of shepherds pie which Agnes has thoughtfully prepared, John and Anna moved through to the living room. Leaning his back against the arm of the sofa, John held Anna tightly in his arms, she resting her head against his chest. They sat in contented silence, simply happy to be in each other's company as the rain fell down outside.

'Thank you,' Anna murmured, breaking the silence and leaning up to look into John's eyes. 'I needed this.'

'Me too,' he agreed. 'And I really am sorry. I was completely selfish last night...'

Anna placed a finger on his lips to silence him. 'It's forgotten about. But keeping on the subject of last night, do you think we might be able to continue where we were so disappointingly interrupted?'

Sucking in a breath as the dulcet tones of her voice filled his ears, John felt a rush of anticipation flow through his body. 'Only if you are sure.'

Anna leant up so she could whisper in his ear. 'Take me upstairs.'

John obliged, leading the way with a confident stride. Once in their room, it didn't take long for garments to be discarded and for them to become reacquainted properly. John had no regard for his own pleasure as his fingers worked their way around Anna's body, instantly remembering how she liked to be touched, what brought her pleasure. Anna cursed the effects pregnancy and childbirth had on her body, even though she was only carrying marginally more weight than she had been before. John reassured her with his touch and softly spoken words, leaving her in no uncertain terms that to him she was perfect. Proceedings between them so far had gone no further than wandering hands and a few kisses but it was heaven to be able to touch each other unbidden, without the fear of interruption.

Both laying so they were facing each other, a thought played over in John's mind. Something he hadn't experienced since he was a young man. Something he hoped Anna would enjoy.

'Do you trust me?' he said suddenly.

'With my life.'

'Would you be willing to try something a little different?'

'Alright...'

He stood, moving to kneel beside the bed. She watched as he gestured for her to move towards him.

'Lay back,' he explained, 'but have you legs over the edge, so your feet touch the floor.'

Without a word she did as she was instructed, her feet touching the coldness of the floorboards sending a shiver through her entire body. John lent forward to capture her lips in a kiss before she gently fell backwards.

Moving forward, John positioned himself so he could whisper in her ear.

'If I do anything you feel uncomfortable with, please tell me to stop.'

'Why? What are you going to do?' Anna asked more in curiosity than trepidation. She meant it when she said she trusted this man with her life, he would never hurt her. She wouldn't have had children with him if she felt differently.

'I love every inch of you.' John continued, whispering in her ear. 'I want to kiss every inch of you. Every single inch...'

He placed emphasis on the last three words before placing his lips on her neck. Anna closed her eyes as she allowed John to smother her body in kisses, each individual kiss a caress upon her skin, each one unique. Lost in the moment, she suddenly became aware John's lips were moving lower down her body. He couldn't possibly be, could he?

Then he confirmed her suspicions. Anna stopped breathing for a moment before a moan escaped her. John moved his lips back to her stomach, giving her time to adjust to what his actions, time for her to tell him to stop if she wanted him to.

The first stroke of his tongue against her had come as a shock, almost like it hadn't happened. Her initial reaction was one of disbelief that John would want to kiss her there, of all places. She remembered maids telling stories in her time at Downton. How it was something disgusting, something to be frowned upon. In all their encounters, she and John had never engaged in this kind of activity. Anna admitted to herself his actions hadn't been totally unwelcome. It had felt strange, but left her feeling as if she were on fire, she wanted to feel more.

Which went for all the previous times they had made love. John always left her wanting more. He was the limit to her experience, but she was sure she could give her body to every single other man who existed in the universe, and they wouldn't come close to making her feel the way John did.

'Are you alright, my love?' John murmured looking up at her. 'I haven't gone too far?'

'You took me by surprise,' Anna breathed. 'We've never done this before.'

'Do you want me to stop?'

'God no,' Anna said, almost too eagerly, a smile playing upon john's face. 'More. Please.'

In the next instance, John's mouth began to explore the slickness of her folds, Anna moving her hips in rhythm to the motion of his tongue. She couldn't comprehend the feelings rushing through her, only able to understand that this was the most pleasure she had ever felt in her life. It didn't feel sordid or wrong, it was her and John and how could any representation of their love be wrong?

She felt her climax building, much faster, much more intense than she had become accustomed to. The noises emanating from her drove John on, he know had his hands resting on her bottom, lifting Anna's hips from the bed. She could hold on no longer as her body finally became undone, a long moan indicating to John she had reached her end.

As John made use of a handkerchief from the drawer of his bedside table, Anna kept her eyes shut, trying to catch her breath and get her head around what had just happened.

By the time she had opened her eyes, John was lying beside her, stroking her cheek gently, smiling warmly at her. Anna reciprocated his smile before closing her eyes again.

'I was just thinking that what you just did would be frowned upon in most social circles.' Anna raised her eyebrow, smiling deliciously.

'Well, it's lucky this social circle, which consists of me and you, quite enjoy it then.' John pressed a kiss to her neck. 'You're so beautiful, you deserve to be made love to in as many ways as possible.'

'Would you mind if I made a suggestion, Mr Bates?'

'Try me.'

'You lay back and allow me to take control for a moment. I can't allow you to do all the work, it's not fair. And you have been very kind to me.'

'If you insist, my love.'

Walking down the stairs, Mrs Hughes was surprised to see her sitting room door partially open. Furrowing her brow, she stepped closer to the room, the sound of papers being shuffled and a drawer being opened became audible. Pushing the door, Mrs Hughes couldn't believe what she was seeing. Miss O Brien, her back to the housekeeper with a handful of correspondences in her grasp surrounded by open drawers.

'Excuse me.' Mrs Hughes made her presence known, Miss O Brien turning sharply. 'What in God's name are you doing?'

Mrs Hughes turned her attentions to the letters in Miss O Brien's hand. They were her personal letters. She recognised some of them as coming from Anna. And then it all fell into place. Miss O Brien remained silent, a slight smirk playing upon her features.

'I'll give you one more chance to explain yourself,' Mrs Hughes hissed, stepping inside the room and shutting the door behind her. 'Why are you rifling through my personal letters?'

'It's not right, that's all,' Miss O Brien shrugged, placing the letters back in the drawer and shutting it as if she owned the contents.

'What isn't?' Mrs Hughes was growing impatient at the ladies maids disrespectful attitude. She had been caught red handed and yet she showed no hint of remorse.

'Mr Bates. And Anna. carrying on playing happy families. Poor Mrs Bates is devastated.'

Mrs Hughes's jaw hung open, she couldn't believe what she was hearing. 'Are you telling me that you are in contact with Mrs Bates?'

'Oh yes, and after reading what I did a week or so ago, she knows where they live now. Peterhead, in Scotland. '

'A week ago?' Mrs Hughes bellowed before stepping closer to Miss O Brien. 'So this isn't the first time you've had free reign of my sitting room?'

'No. You shouldn't leave it unlocked.'

'Get out,' Mrs Hughes shouted, Mr Carson appearing at the door a moment later. 'And pack your belongings. You are instantly dismissed.'

'But what about Her Ladyship, it's nearly...'

'I will see to Her Ladyship. I cannot have you working here any longer. It's one thing that you go through my personal belongings, it's another that you are trying to ruin the lives of two people I care about deeply. Just leave.'

'Mr Carson, you can't let this happen,' Miss O Brien turned to plead with the Butler. 'You need me here.'

Mr Carson inhaled deeply before stepping aside so he was no longer blocking the doorway. 'I believe you were asked to leave. I shall have whatever is owing to you ready and waiting once you are packed.'

Miss O Brien turned back to Mrs Hughes. 'I cannot believe you of all people condone their behaviour. It's not right, it's disgusting in fact that they live together in sin, that they have brought children into the world outside of wedlock...'

'Miss O Brien, I suggest you leave now if you wish to leave with a reference.' Mr Carson's voice was calm and collected, although his words angered Mrs Hughes somewhat. Miss O Brien left, snarling at the Butler as she did so.

'If it was up to me, she wouldn't be leaving with a reference at all.' Mrs Hughes sat behind her desk. 'Poor Anna. And those poor wee bairns. Their whole world is going to be torn apart by that vicious woman and her accomplice.'

'You must send them a telegram. Give them warning.' Mr Carson moved so he was standing opposite Mrs Hughes. 'I can arrange it for you.'

'I'd imagine it would be too late now.' Mrs Hughes said sadly.

'Even so, you should try. For their sakes.'

George stood in the hallway in the middle of the two cribs he had carried from Agnes's cottage. John came down the stairs to greet him and stopped on the bottom step, Anna walking towards George from the direction of kitchen.

'Are you going to help me put these upstairs then, Johnny?' George asked. 'It was difficult enough carrying them up from Agnes's. And Jack has arrived on these shores, he's due at the pub at one.'

'Yes, yes.' John replied. 'Don't worry about my war wound or anything.'

'Best put them in the nursery, eh?' Anna remarked, searching for John's eyes with her own. Their gaze easily met, John smiling the most beautiful smile in her direction. 'They'll be old enough to read us bedtime stories soon otherwise, eh?' Anna added her final remark with a wink.

'They will be,' John agreed before the sight of the postman walking the path through the open front door caught his gaze.

'Good day, Mr Bates, a telegram for Mrs Bates.'

John gestured to Anna standing just to his left from the stairs, the postman handing the envelope in her direction as John and George began to carry the first crib upstairs. As John reached the top, he heard Anna screech his name in a way he had never heard before.

'What on earth is the matter?' John called back, he and George dropping the crib on the landing before making their way downstairs.

'Vera is coming.'

'What?' John could scarcely believe what he was hearing as he took the telegram from Anna.

'Mrs Hughes has dismissed Miss O Brien because she caught her searching through her personal correspondence.' Anna began to explain. 'It seems she found what she was looking for, and Vera is on her way.'

'This can't be happening,' John raised a hand to his forehead before offering the telegram to John.

'What are we going to?' Anna's voice was breaking, a shaky hand covering her mouth. All John could do was place an arm around her shoulders.

'We will sort this,' George said defiantly. 'There is always a way.'

'But how...'

'Johnny, Jack will be here soon, he'll know what to do. Just go and get those baby daughters of yours. All four of you meet me at the pub in an hour or so.'

'But what if...'

'Vera is unlikely to turn up in the next hour,' George interrupted his cousin. 'Just get Ella and Lily and meet me over the road.'