Hi everyone. So, in this chapter it will be mostly about John and Anna, but don't worry, I'm not forgetting Baxley!
Two months had passed, and summer was well under way at Downton. Baxter and Molesley could be seen together in every moment of freedom they could share. Molesley's frequent presence in the servants' Hall, even if he had no business there, often made Barrow roll his eyes in annoyance, but Mrs Hughes looked fondly over the two lovebirds, busy making plans for their wedding and their future common life. They reminded her of the time when she was absorbed in those same talks with Mr Carson, although Phyllis and Joseph seemed to have less difficulties finding common ground than she had had with Charles. That was mainly because Molesley basically said yes to everything Baxter would suggest.
Things went less smoothly for the Bateses, who had not yet found the inn of their dreams. Or rather Anna had not. They had visited about a dozen places, among which some appeared perfectly acceptable to John. But Anna always had objections about them. They were varied in nature, but John knew better and translated them all into the real reason for Anna's reluctance: they were not in Downton. He was getting worried that his wife had set her mind upon a perfect place that did not really exist, and thus did not accept the need to make the necessary compromises. He had tried to discuss the question with her, but she denied it. They had agreed a few months ago that they would have liked to be in their own place before the birth of the baby, but the likelihood of that happening seemed to fade away, with each week that passed and they made no progress. He had said to her some time ago that he liked it about her that she never gave up, but now he started to think that she was being unreasonable. And as he had learnt at his own cost when she had snapped at him a few times, implying to a pregnant woman that she was being unreasonable was a dangerous venture. Thus the mood was getting a bit strained in the Bates cottage during the long evenings they spent discussing the options.
x x x x
That morning, Mary had come down to breakfast in the dining-room, since she had planned to go early on a tour of the estate with Tom and Robert. As she dug into her scrambled eggs, his father's voice distracted her:
- Oh, Mary, I forgot to tell you yesterday. Old Anderson wants to retire. He's giving up the Grantham Arms' tenancy.
- Oh. Is he that old?
- Not far from seventy, I think. And he has some health issues.
- Alright. But he's got a son, doesn't he want to take on the tenancy?
- He has moved south when he married, several years ago.
- Then we'll have to look for another tenant.
- I've been thinking… said Robert. Shouldn't we offer the tenancy to the Bateses?
Mary looked up, frowning.
- Oh, I had not thought of that.
- They did say they'd like to stay in the area.
- Yes, they did. But they also said they want to buy a place, not take on a tenancy. They want to be their own masters.
- We could always offer. They'll do what they want of it.
- You can if you want. But I don't think they'll take it.
Moving on to another subject, Mary went on:
- We really need to decide what to do about the roof Papa. Otherwise we'll soon have water puddles in the servant's quarters.
- I know Mary… But it's such a large amount of money, where are we going to find it?!
- We'll have to figure it out soon, Mary insisted.
- Couldn't you sell something? suggested Henry.
- Like what, darling? said Mary with a cool look.
- I don't know how much we're talking about, but… A field? A piece of furniture? A painting? A cottage?
- It did help when we sold the Della Francesca, mused Robert. I'll think on it, he added, wiping his mouth and getting up. We should go now, Mary.
x x x x
People were slowly gathering around the large table for the servants' tea. Thomas Barrow was already sitting at his seat at the end of the table, reading the newspaper.
- So, Anna, Mr Bates, how's the search going, asked Daisy as she brought some cake to the table.
- Well, we'll soon have visited every single inn in the county of Yorkshire I think, said Bates, somewhat wryly.
- No chance still?
- But on Thursday we're going to see a place near Ripon. Looks good on the paper. Ripon's not too far from here, is it, Anna? he asked, looking to his wife.
- I guess so, she said, without real enthusiasm.
- Speaking about Ripon, listen to that, interrupted Barrow, reading from his newspaper: "Measles outbreak in Ripon, seventeen deaths and counting".
- Jesus, said Mrs Hughes. Well, do you think you should go there, Anna? What with your pregnancy, it can't be safe…
- Don't worry, Mrs Hughes, I already had measles when I was a little girl. I remember it all too vividly. One can't catch it twice, I think?
- No, agreed Baxter. I hope my nephews are alright, she added. I shall write to my sister to ask for some news… And what about you, Mr Bates?
- I had it too, Bates reassured her.
- Well, that's one good thing, said Mrs Hughes. If anyone here has never had it, please refrain from going to Ripon, in any case, she repeated to the entire staff.
x x x x
A few days later, the family had gathered in the drawing-room for tea. Isobel had dropped by, wishing to visit her grandson. Sipping at her cup of tea, she was telling the Crawleys about the measles outbreak that was raging through the refugees community she was helping in Ripon.
- We have already lost a four-months-old infant, and many children are ill. Some adults too, though fortunately many of them have already had it.
- Jesus, said Mary. I hope it doesn't come here. None of our children have had it, or at least I don't think so? she said, looking interrogatively to Tom. I don't remember Sybbie having measles? And I'm sure George and Caroline have not.
- No, she hasn't, confirmed Tom.
Mary kept silent for a while, a worried frown on her face. Her father broke her reverie moments later:
- Say, Mary, have you spoken to Anna about the Grantham Arms?
- No, not yet, why?
- Well, I've been thinking on it since the other day, and I wonder if there isn't a way that would solve both our problems at the same time. I mean the Grantham Arms, and our roof.
Mary looked puzzled.
- What do you mean?
- We could make an offer to the Bateses, to purchase the inn. Bates told me yesterday they were having difficulties tmaking a choice because Anna really wanted to stay in Downton. That would solve three problems at once really. They would be able to settle in Downton, we won't have to worry about who's going to get the Grantham Arms, and we would have more than the necessary funds for the roof repairs.
- That's clever, Papa! exclaimed Mary, a little too impressed for her father's liking.
- Don't make it sound so unlikely! I am clever, thank you very much.
Tom was softly laughing in his corner. But Cora interrupted:
- But can we afford to lose the inn's rents? That's a valuable source of income…
- Well, right now, we're in a place where we can't afford to repair the very roof over our own heads, Mama, pointed Mary. We'll use a part of the money from the sale for that, and invest the rest. Oh we must tell them! I can't wait to see Anna's face, I'm sure it's exactly what she would want.
- Well, Tom, Mary, let's go to the library, and discuss how much we should ask for it. Then when we're agreed, we could talk to them tomorrow morning? What do you think Mary?
- Let's! said Lady Mary with an unfeigned enthusiasm.
She was so relieved to know that she would not lose her friend and companion, and she was deeply convinced that Anna would be thrilled about the offer. And she knew perfectly well that if Anna agreed, Bates would never go against her.
x x x x
- So, Mr Bates, Anna, how was the visit in Ripon? inquired Mrs Hughes as the servants sat down for tea that afternoon.
Bates's mood seemed a bit tense, and he answered:
- The place had some undeniable qualities… Yet it seemed they failed to convince Anna. Again, he added pointedly, shooting an annoyed glance to his wife.
- You have to keep looking, Mr Bates, tried Baxter, in a soothing attempt. The perfect place might be the next.
- Yes, it might. Don't you think, Anna?
- Hmmm, maybe… she replied pensively.
Later that night, as they were settling into bed in the cottage, John sighed in frustration, and decided to speak truly to Anna.
- Anna, my darling, do you really want us to buy a hotel and move?
She looked at him, puzzled at his question:
- Why, yes, of course I want to. This is all I've been dreaming of for years.
- Alright, I'm happy to hear it. Because the way you've been reacting to our countless visits, I'm starting to wonder if you wouldn't prefer we stayed in service.
- What do you mean?!
- You've refused to consider several places that I think would have been perfectly fine, included that last one in Ripon. I think you're looking for something that doesn't exist…
Anna pouted and stubbornly crossed her arms on her chest, atop her now bulging belly.
- Well, I'm sorry John, but I didn't feel at home in any of these places! I didn't picture myself raising my family there! What do you want me to say? Do you want me to pretend? Because I can do that, if that's what you want!
Her voice had started to break a little as she finished her tirade, and tears were flowing on her cheeks. John immediately felt guilty for triggering her outburst. He turned to her, and circled her shoulders with his arms.
- Of course not, my darling, I don't want that. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. We'll find a place that suits us both. We'll go on looking. Like Miss Baxter said, the perfect place might be the next.
Anna snuggled against his chest, wiping her cheeks.
- Thank you John. I know I'm being difficult… But it's hard for me, the Abbey has been my home for most of my life now… It's been our first home. I can't settle myself to choose the next best thing…
- I understand my darling. We'll find what we need. I know we will.
He kept holding her close, gently stroking her hair, until she fell asleep.
x x x x
It was the middle of the morning the next day, and both Anna and John were settled at the table in the servants' Hall, doing some mending. Miss Baxter was sitting near, reading a letter. As she finished it, she sighed in relief, and said:
- Well, I'm glad. My sister tells me none of her children have caught measles yet.
- Oh, that's good to hear, replied Anna amiably. So, Miss Baxter, have you and Mr Molesley settled a date? she inquired.
Miss Baxter flushed a bit, and said:
- We might have. We're planning on doing it at the beginning of September, so that we can take a short honeymoon trip just before Mr Molesley starts class again. We're waiting for Father Travis's confirmation to settle the date.
- That's nice. I'm really glad for you two, said Anna, smiling to her.
As she was finishing her sentence, Andy the footman appeared in the door frame and called out:
- Anna, Mr Bates? His Lordship and Lady Mary are asking for you to meet them in the library.
Anna and John looked at each other, wondering if the other had any idea what this could be about, but neither had a clue.
- Thank you Andy, we're going.
They both put their mending away, and went up the stairs.
-Come in! boomed Lord Grantham's voice when they knocked on the library's door. Ah, Anna, Bates, come in, come in.
Lord Grantham was sitting at his desk, Mary standing near him, smiling at the Bates as they approached.
- You wanted to see us, Your Lordship? asked Bates.
- Yes, indeed, stated Lord Grantham.
He got up, and led them to a small table, on which a pile of papers were sitting. He gestured to the four chairs scattered around it, and said:
- Please, every one sit down.
Anna and John looked at each other, more and more puzzled. Never before had their employers sat down with them at a table.
- As we understand it, started Lord Grantham, you have not yet made a decision about a place to buy?
- No, Milord, we haven't, answered Bates deferentially.
- Well, here we are. Lady Mary and I have an offer for you.
- Milady? said Anna, looking curiously into her mistress's eyes.
Mary kept smiling to her:
- It was my father's idea, but I must say it's brilliant. I'm sure you will like it! Go on, Papa, tell them!
- Here is the thing: the Grantham Arms' tenant is retiring. So we need to find someone to replace him.
Bates frowned a little, as a hopeful look had lit Anna's face.
- But… I mean, thank you very much, Milord, but we're not looking for a tenancy. We mean to purchase.
- Yes, I know. And Lady Mary and I have talked about it, and that is why we have decided to sell the inn to you, if you would so wish to buy it, of course. We are in need of funds, so I think it would solve both our problems at once. I think Anna wished to settle in the Downton area?
Anna looked at Lord Grantham, baffled, her hands clasped on her mouth. She couldn't quite believe that what she had dreamt of for so long without daring to voice it was happening. Her eyes shone with happy tears.
- Anna? called John to her, hoping to shake out of her stunned state before Lord Grantham took offence.
- Yes… she whispered. Yes…, I'm sorry, Your Lordship, thank you, it's just so… unexpected.
- Would you like to own the Grantham Arms, Anna? asked Lady Mary.
- That would be just perfect, replied Anna, hardly holding back her tears.
- Er, what price are you asking for it, Milord? asked Bates, keeping his feet on the ground.
- Ah, yes, said His Lordship.
He slid a folded piece of paper on the table, towards John and Anna. Bates, took it, unfolded it, and held it out so that he and Anna could read it. Anna's eyes grew wide. They had visited enough places in the area to know exactly what the market was like, and to be aware that Lord Grantham was doing them a tremendous favour.
- Milord, said Bates, shaking his head lightly. We cannot accept that. This is twenty percent below the market's prices. We would feel we are abusing your kindness.
- Ah, but Bates, you wouldn't be abusing anything, because Lady Mary and I are very well aware of the market's prices, and we are doing this of our own free will. Take it as a parting gift, a thank you for years of faithful and dedicated service. Of friendship, really.
Anna was not even trying to hold her tears back now, and even Bates's eyes were a bit red. He looked at the paper sheet a few seconds more, and whispered:
- Thank you so very much, Milord. Our dreams are coming true, thanks to you. And you Milady, he added, smiling to Lady Mary.
He looked around to Anna, and took her hand.
- You'll have to excuse my wife, Milord, I think she's a bit overwhelmed.
Anna straightened and reached to her dress pocket for a handkerchief. When she had wiped her tears, she looked up to Lord Grantham, and said:
- Thank you, Milord. I am so, so grateful. This is just what we've been looking for.
Lord Grantham nodded affably to her.
- So, Bates, I'll let you get in touch with your bank, and I'll have Murray prepare the paperwork. We'll settle a date for the sale as soon as possible.
Those words said, Lord Grantham got up, and extended his hand to Bates:
- I'm very glad we've secured reliable owners for the Grantham Arms. I'm quite fond of this inn. I'll be coming down for a pint now and then.
- There will always be a table waiting for you, Milord, said Bates, shaking his hand.
As they walked together to the library's door, Anna whispered to Lady Mary:
- Thank you so much Milady. I'm so happy.
- And I'm happy too, Anna, replied Mary, extending her hand to her Lady's maid too. The two women held hands for a few seconds, just the time needed to exchange one look that said more than a thousand words.
When they had parted form their employers, and found themselves alone at the top of the stairs that led back to the servants' Hall, the Bates stopped for a short moment before going down. They stood face to face, looking at each other in disbelief.
- So, started John, Miss Baxter was right after all. The next place was the perfect one.
- Oh John… replied Anna, just before she broke into sobs.
He took her in his arms, and felt his shirt getting wet from her tears. He was thinking that he would have to go and change his shirt before lunch, when Anna looked up and said:
- I just can't believe we've just been so lucky! This is just so perfect!
- Well, maybe God thought he was finally going to start making up for everything he's made us go through. It's about time we got a bit of luck, don't you think?
They looked at each other, a bright grin on their faces, and exchanged a chaste kiss, before breaking into a heartfelt laughter.
There we go! They've finally found their perfect love nest! ;)