The walk to the Abbey was made in silence the following morning and despite the longing to huddle together to fight the morning chill both Anna and John made no move to touch each other.
When her tears had eventually stopped the previous night, she had heard the back door slam. Terrified at first that John had decided to go back to the main house she ran to the window but could make out his form simply standing at the gate of their small postage stamp of a garden. She swore she could make out the glow of a cigarette in his hand however given how angry she was that felt like the least of her concerns.
John had stood in that spot until the small lamp coming from their bedroom window had been extinguished. He'd smoked his way through the rest of the pack of cigarettes he'd been hiding at the back of his desk for the past 2 years. Caught in nothing but bliss and happiness he'd had no desire for that particular vice. Being honest with himself he had no desire for it now but at least he could pretend it was the reason for the disgusting taste that had settled in his mouth.
Though neither of them had acknowledged it both were relieved when waking up, John from the couch and Anna upstairs, to find the other hadn't left without them.
Reaching the courtyard John knew he couldn't face what was ahead without saying something, "Anna, I…", he touched her elbow and winced as she pulled away. Immediately he was taken to that night, how she'd pulled away as he'd moved to caress her battered face. The taste of ash returned.
"We're not discussing anything-", she started to reply but he cut across.
"I know that." He interrupted. "It's just … I want you to stay … stay away from him today."
"And how do you suppose I do that?"
"Speak to Mrs Hughes. No one, not you or Daisy or Ivy or any of the women under this roof should be near him. Stay with someone."
Anna felt her stomach lurch at the thought of finding herself alone and trapped by Green. "I will," she whispered back.
"I'll not let him hurt you," immediately Anna's eyes flew to his and John saw the same steely yet terrified look from last night. No words passed, aware they were now outside the servant's entrance and anyone could hear their conversation. Anna's response died on her lips as the back door opened behind her.
She didn't need to turn around to know who had joined them in the courtyard. Her husband's murderous expression said it all
"Ah Mr and Mrs Bates"
Wow. First update in years! I'm unsure of the direction to take this but I just know I'm inspired to write something!