CHAPTER 71: THAT'S THAT
Late afternoon
The Abbey's Attic Storage
Thomas hadn't returned from his meeting with Dr Clarkson yet when Bates hobbled home at noon carrying the day's mending for Anna and Mrs Patmore's hamper. After lunch, Bates busied himself in the Abbey's attic in order to avoid Thomas. He was afraid of losing his temper to no good purpose. He spent the afternoon examining Lord Grantham's winter wardrobe and pulling items in need of repair. He tried not to think about the conversation that must be taking place between Thomas and Minnie's father.
Bates was setting aside a sturdy but outdated suit for the missionary barrel when he heard someone scuffling up the stairs. He turned to greet the intruder when Minnie ran into the room and threw herself, sobbing, onto a dusty fainting couch. Bates was alarmed. No woman was less given to tears than Minnie. "Minnie, what is it?"
Minnie sat up with a start. "Oh, it's you, Mr Bates. I thought I was alone."
"What's wrong, Minnie? Should I fetch Mrs Hughes? Are you sick?"
Minnie pulled out her handkerchief and tried to compose herself. "Don't be ridiculous, Mr Bates. If I were sick, I wouldn't be running to the attic, would I?" Her tone was uncharacteristically sharp.
"Do you want me to leave?" Minnie nodded. Bates took Old Ram in hand but hesitated before heading to the stairs. "I thought you and Thomas would be with your father now."
"There won't be any conversations between Thomas and my father. I know that will make you happy, Mr Bates."
"It doesn't make me happy to see you upset, Minnie."
Minnie took a shaky breath. "I know. I shouldn't have said that."
Bates propped Old Ram against the wardrobe and eased himself onto a discarded Chippendale chair. "You know I'm not in favour of this marriage, but I've told Thomas that once it's a fact, I'll do all I can to support it."
"It won't ever be a fact."
Bates absently fingered the tin of mints in his pocket. Why don't I feel relieved? What could have happened between them since breakfast? "Minnie, we're alone up here. It's safe to call me John. Won't you tell me what's happened?"
"Do I seem in the mood for conversation, John?"
Bates thoughts were in turmoil. How can I feel relieved? Thomas has deflowered this woman, and now he's turned his back on her. He has a duty. "Is Thomas afraid to face your father? It's only a case of cold feet. Minnie. I'll have a talk with him, and everything will be rosy again."
"No, John, it's nothing like that. Our situation has changed, and a marriage is no longer ... it wouldn't make any sense now ... except that I ..." Minnie could not withhold her tears. "Forgive me, John, I don't mean to embarrass you."
"I'm not embarrassed, Minnie." Bates could not bear to see Minnie so miserable, but he could not help himself. "Won't you tell me? What do you mean your situation has changed?"
Minnie shook her head. "It's not for me to say. John. You'll have to hear it from Thomas. It's not his fault, you know. It's not my fault, and it's not his fault, but it's happened, and that's that." Minnie blew her nose. "John, you'll see that he's all right, won't you? He stood there staring at the wall while he told me. Please, John ... you'll know what to say to him."
"I'll check on him, Minnie, I promise, but what about you? I'm afraid I've been an oaf. What can I do for you?"
"Please, John, leave me be. I need to wail a bit, and I don't need a witness. I thought this would be a safe place. I didn't know you were here."
"I understand." Bates stood and took hold of Old Ram. "Can't you see, Minnie? Better a small pain now than a greater pain after you were wed."
"Tell that to Thomas and see where it gets you." Bates turned towards the stairs. "John, I'm sorry. I won't be snippy after I've had a good cry."
Bates turned back one last time. "Anna's alone at the cottage, Minnie. She would love some company, and if you want to talk, you can trust her to keep your confidences ... even from me."
