December 1920
- Will that be all m'Lord?, asked John when he had finished brushing the shoulders of Lord Grantham's day jacket.
- Yes, thank you Bates. You're taking your half-day today I believe?
- Yes m'Lord.
- Anything special planned?
- As a matter of fact, Anna's sister is introducing us to her suitor.
- Oh, and who might that be? If I may ask, of course…
- Oh, it's no secret I think. It's one of the Bakewells son, Daniel. So, we might be asked to a wedding some time in the future.
- Very good, very good. A young widow like her, it's good she finds herself someone.
- I agree m'Lord.
John didn't add, that however grateful he was to Leslie and what she had done for them while he was incarcerated, he sometimes longed for complete intimacy with his family in the cottage. Leslie was kind and discreet, but she still was there.
A few months had passed and the Bates family had settled into their new routine. They had still not come down from their post-reunion bliss, and every daily activity still felt like "the summit of all joy", as John had once said after another reunion. The incoming Christmas festivities were likely to feel the same, their first Christmas as a family.
About three months ago, Lady Mary had offered that Johnny might stay some time in the nursery with Miss Sybbie, which allowed Leslie to have more time for herself. No sooner was it put into facts, that Leslie had got herself hired as a part-time help at the Bakewells' grocery shop. John and Anna had exchanged a knowing smile when she had told them the news. No doubt the prospect of spending several half-days a week in Daniel Bakewell's vicinity had something to do with Leslie's new passion for grocery selling. The Bateses were expecting an engagement announcement in the upcoming months.
Johnny was striving, and had quickly adopted his newfound father. The two of them had soon become the best of friends. John was now the one person who made Johnny laugh the hardest, and a few days before, "Dada" had been his very first word, to both his parents' joy. John always made a point to stop by the nursery several times during his day's work to spend a moment with his son. John had happily gone back to his previous employment as Lord Grantham's valet, something that made both the employee and the employer's contentment.
x x x x
Around noon, John and Anna walked back to the cottage hand in hand. Leslie was not working at Bakewell's that day, so she had kept Johnny at home, so he could sleep later in the morning, with no need to be brought up to the Abbey in the early hours. She had told them she would have lunch ready, and Daniel would join them so that she could do the formal introductions. The delicious smell of a stew hung in the air as they entered the cottage. No sooner had they put down their coats that they were greeted by a noisy:
- Dada!
Johnny was coming towards them, toddling in a wavery fashion. He had taken his first steps only a few weeks before.
- Hello my boy!, exclaimed John, bending down to his son who was raising his arms as high as he could, demanding to be picked up.
John happily obliged, and once again, Anna thought her heart would melt with happiness at the sight of her husband and her son, laughing together. She could never tire of this sight.
- Hello, said Leslie, coming out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a cloth. Have you had a good morning?
- Pretty good, said Anna. Nothing out of the ordinary. This smells heavenly, she added, gesturing to the dish. The man who'll win you as a wife will be a lucky one, she winked, chuckling when she noticed the blush on Leslie's cheeks.
- Speaking of which, said John, just as a knock could be heard on the front door.
- Let me get it, said Leslie, hurriedly putting the cloth down on the kitchen table.
Anna had been watching Daniel Bakewell for the whole time they'd had been sharing lunch. He seemed to be a kind young man, and to treat Leslie with respect. But then she knew that some men didn't show their true face until alone at home with their own family. She worried for her younger sister, not wanting her to fall into the same trap she had found herself in with her first husband. But Leslie was all smiles with Daniel, and seemed really taken with him. The man was polite, outgoing, and so far was making a good impression. When lunch had been eaten, Leslie got up to get some coffee ready while Anna went to put Johnny down for his afternoon nap. For a moment, John and Daniel found themselves alone around the dining table. John joined his hands in front of him, and bent slightly forward.
- So, Mr Bakewell, I understand you might have some plans with my young sister-in-law.
- I might, yes, said the young man carefully.
-Very well, very well. I'm glad you do. There's only one thing I must tell you. I care for my wife very much, and my wife cares for her sister very much. Thus, it so happens that I care about her sister very much too. She might have told you, or maybe not, but Leslie has been through a lot of hardships already. She didn't deserve them. She is a fine young lady. So, if I ever come to the knowledge that you have hurt her in any way, you'll have me to answer to. And I won't be kind about it. Do you understand me?
The young lad swallowed hard, and wisely chose to answer with the right dose of humility.
- I do understand, Mr Bates. And I assure you that I don't intend to hurt her. I want to make her happy.
- Very well. We shall be good friends then, concluded John with a smile, as Leslie came back holding the coffee tray.
Moments later, they were all back at the table, sipping their coffee, when Leslie started:
- So, Daniel and I have some news to share.
- Do you, indeed?, asked Anna, feigning surprise.
She smiled as Daniel's hand came to rest on the top of Leslie's.
- Do you want to tell it, or shall I?, asked Leslie, looking to her suitor.
- It's your family, I'll let you do it.
Leslie inhaled deeply, and went on, with a bright smile:
- Daniel and I are going to get married.
Daniel cast a sheepish look to his soon-to-be brother-in-law, who was looking at him kindly now.
- Well, congratulations to both of you, said John.
- I'm happy for you, Leslie, said Anna.
She got up and kissed her sister's cheek, before holding her hand out to Daniel.
- So, I guess you'll be family soon, welcome.
Daniel shook her hand with a friendly smile.
- Thank you.
- There's something else, though, added Leslie.
- Yes?, asked Anna, sitting back on her chair.
- We'll be getting married in January.
John's back tensed a little, and Anna's eyes grew wide with surprise.
- Oh really? But why so soon?
As she uttered the question, the obvious answer came to her mind. Leslie was now looking to her hands, her cheeks flushed crimson.
- Oh, Leslie…, said Anna softly.
- Yes, well, we need to be married sort of quickly, muttered the young woman.
John noisily scratched his throat, looking sternly towards Daniel, who looked mildly embarrassed.
- Yes, sorry, we got a little… carried away, he admitted. But I'm taking full responsibility, and we'll be married as soon as possible. My mother already knows, and she's been wonderful to Leslie.
- Has she?, asked Anna. Well. I guess this is for the best then.
- Yes, I think it is, concluded Daniel, taking Leslie's hand up to his mouth to kiss it lightly.
Anna looked at her sister, and thought she looked happy.
x x x x
Later that day, John, Anna and Leslie had been having a late night tea before going to bed. John put his book down and yawned.
- Shall we call it a day?, he asked Anna. I'm going up to bed.
As he got up, Anna looked up to him and replied:
- I'll be right there. I'd like to talk to Leslie first.
- Alright, he said, wisely knowing better than to ask for some details.
He had some idea about what she wanted to discuss, and knew it was a conversation she wanted to have alone with her sister. When he'd gone up the stairs, Anna turned back to Leslie, who was eyeing her warily.
- What do you want to talk about?, asked Leslie.
- Well, that hasty wedding…
- Please, don't scold me about it. I'm a grown-up.
- I won't, I promise. But… Are you sure about it?
- I'm pregnant, Anna.
- Yes, I get that, but…
Anna sighed, and came to sit closer to her young sister.
- I'm worried about you Leslie. I don't want you to relive the misery you've already been through with that jerk.
- Daniel is a good man. He's nothing like him.
- I do hope so. But do you really want to marry him? Because if you don't, we can find another way for you. I don't want you to be forced into another unhappy marriage!
Leslie smiled to Anna.
- Thank you for your concern, Anna. Really. I'm very touched.
She squeezed her sister's hands, and went on:
- But don't worry. This is nothing like the first time. Daniel is a good man, he's not a drunkard, he doesn't gamble. He loves me, and I love him too. His family is nice too. Yes, if things had been different, we'd have probably waited a little longer to get married, but well. This has happened. But I'm happy really. I'd like to have my own baby too!
Anna felt the sincerity in Leslie's tone, and she relaxed.
- Alright. I believe you. I'm glad for you then. I'll be happy to come to your wedding.
Leslie chuckled.
- Do you think John might agree to walk me down the aisle?
- Well, you'll have to ask him, but I think he'll be happy to, Anna smiled. I'll help you sew a nice wedding dress. You're not showing yet, she noticed, studying her sister's waistline. How far along are you, anyway, I didn't even ask!
- About a month and a half, said Leslie. So, it's still early days.
- Alright. It shouldn't be embarrassing yet at the wedding.
Anna smiled as she realized:
- I'm going to have a little niece or nephew…
As she settled into bed next to John moments later, Anna snuggled next to him.
- So, he said. Had a good talk?
- Yes, she replied. I think they'll be alright.
- I think so too, he agreed. And I myself warned him about hurting her.
- You did?!
- Absolutely. She deserves to be happy, doesn't she?
- Yes she does.
- As much as you do, my darling.
- I am happy, she stated, quietly nuzzling his ear.
- I'm very glad about it, he murmured, before taking her lips into a loving kiss.
x x x x
August 1921
Anna had just come back in the servants' Hall, after dressing Lady Mary for the day, when Mark Bakewell stormed in from the back door. He came across Mrs Hughes first, who asked:
- May we help you, Sir?
- Yes, sorry, I'm looking for Mrs Bates? It's about her sister!
Hearing Mark's words, Anna came out of the servants' Hall and walked up to him.
- I am here, what's the matter, Mr Bakewell?
- It's Leslie, she's in labour! She asked that you'd come.
- Oh. Yes.
Anna turned to Mrs Hughes, who immediately smiled reassuringly:
- You go, dear. I'll cover for you until you're back.
- Thank you Mrs Hughes. Er, have you seen Mr Bates? I need to tell him…
- No. But don't worry, I'll tell him when I see him. It's not like you're going all the way to Spain. You'll be at Bakewell's.
- Alright, thank you, repeated Anna as she grabbed her jacket and hat on the hangers. Well, I'll see you… whenever I get back.
- The best of luck to your sister, Anna, said Mrs Hughes kindly, as Anna rushed after Mark Bakewell.
x x x x
The labour had lasted all day long, but Leslie had done well, and at last, Anna had gone out of the small bedroom where Leslie and Daniel slept above Daniel's parents' shop, and called after the anxious father, to introduce him to his newborn daughter.
- Daniel?, she called out in the hallway.
- Yes!, exclaimed the lad who had been nervously pacing the floor for hours. Is she alright? Is the baby doing well?
Anna smiled.
- Yes, everyone's fine. You have a daughter! Come in.
Daniel hugged Anna fiercely before entering the room, a dazed smile on his young face.
- Leslie darling! You alright?
Leslie smiled back at him, proudly holding her baby.
- Yes, I am, she said. Tired and sore, is all. But very happy. Here, there's your daughter, she added, holding out the white bundle to her husband.
Daniel gingerly took the baby in his arms, looking bewildered.
- Jesus… She's beautiful, darling. Thank you so much.
The matron who had helped Leslie give birth was finishing to put her things back together, and came up to the new father.
- Congratulation Mr Bakewell. So, what is this young lady's name? I must tell Dr Clarkson for the birth certificate.
Daniel looked back at Leslie, and asked:
- No change of mind?
- No, replied Leslie. We are calling her Janet Anna Margaret Bakewell.
Anna's eyes filled with happy tears. She knew that Margaret was Daniel's mother's name.
- Oh, Leslie, I'm so honoured, she said.
- You deserve it, said Leslie. I hope she grows up to be as strong as you.
- If she's half as strong as her mother and her aunt, she'll be fending for herself, said Daniel.
- And you'll be her godmother, won't you Anna? Please?, added Leslie. Mark will be her godfather.
- I'll be proud to be, replied Anna with a large smile.
There was a moment's silence, as everyone marvelled in admiring the new baby.
- You should go home Anna, said Leslie. Your husband and your son are waiting for you.
- I can stay as long as you need me.
- It's alright Anna. You've done enough. The shop's closed now, my mum will be here to help, said Daniel.
- Alright then. I'll come by tomorrow though. See if everything is going fine.
- Of course.
Anna kissed her sister and brother-in-law, just as Margaret Bakewell was coming in.
- Congratulations Mrs Bakewell, said Anna. You've got a beautiful granddaughter.
x x x x
Anna yawned widely as she took the last steps back to the Abbey's back door. It was time for the servants' dinner. Today had been a long day, and to be honest, she felt quite tired these days. John was sitting at the large table, and got up right away when he saw her.
- So?, he asked eagerly. Did everything go well?
- Yes, said Anna with a bright smile. We have a new niece! Her name's Janet.
- Oh, what a pretty name, said Mrs Hughes who had overheard Anna. I'm happy for your sister Anna. She's a fine young woman.
- I am happy for her too, said John. And I'm looking forward to meeting my new niece.
- Maybe we can go visit in a few days, said Anna.
x x x x
On the following Sunday, Anna and John were walking leisurely back to the Abbey, hand in hand, after paying a visit to the happy new parents and little Janet. The baby seemed to be striving, and Leslie to get over the birth quite well. As they walked in silence, enjoying the late summer sun, Anna noticed a somewhat bittersweet look on John's face, and heard him sigh.
- Is something the matter, John?, she asked.
- No, nothing, he said. It's just… well, you know, seeing Daniel holding his daughter, all happy and everything, it reminded me of everything I missed with Johnny. Made me a little sad. I can never get those moments back.
Anna looked at him and smiled.
- I understand. Although…, she added mysteriously. Maybe you can have another chance to enjoy those moments, like some time next year…
John's head jerked round towards her.
- What… What do you mean?
Anna's eyes shone with joy as she squeezed his hand tight. A wide grin lit up her face as she told him the news she had been keeping carefully for a few weeks:
- I'm expecting again.
John stood aghast for a few seconds, before breaking into a happy fit of laughter.
- Oh my darling!, he exclaimed, sweeping her off her feet.
- John! Put me back down, you're going to hurt yourself, she scowled, laughing too.
- Is it true? Is it really true?
- Of course it's true, silly beggar!
- Oh Anna, I love you so!
And before she could tell him she loved him back, he had taken her lips into a fiery kiss.
THE END
Well, here we are, the end of another story. Never had I thought that the epistolary style would be so hard to write! (if I had I would maybe not have ventured into it...). Thank you to all those who read, and I hope you enjoyed it. Reviews are much appreciated, as always! ;)