Thank you all! Enjoy!

Chapter 7

Anna grabbed her book and walked down the stairs. As she reached the last step, she heard footsteps racing toward her. When she turned the corner, Mr. Carson stood in front of her with a tray in his hands and his eyes wide.

"Mrs. Anna, you're supposed to be in bed. Lady Mary said I am to –"

"I'm not on bedrest, Mr. Carson," Anna answered. She reached out for the tray, but Mr. Carson pulled it back away from her.

"It's much too heavy for you. Lady Mary gave me specific instructions on what both you and I were to be doing today," he said, eyeing her carefully.

Anna let out a loud breath of frustration.

"I'm sure she did. The doctor said I'm just to take it easy, but that I am not on bed rest. I was going to go sit next to the window and read for a little bit. I'm not planning on rearranging the house."

Mr. Carson tightened his lips. Anytime it was just the two of them, they would bicker about the tiniest of things. Anna knew Mr. Carson and Mary shared a bond, but sometimes Anna would just like to enjoy her house without someone over her shoulder.

"All right," Mr. Carson finally conceded. "Go on then."

Anna went to sit on the bench next to the large window. It was her favorite location in their house. It gave a beautiful view of the Downton property. She could sit here for hours. It always made her feel at peace.

Her peace was disrupted temporarily as Mr. Carson grabbed a small table to place beside her and put her tray on top. He grunted, reminding her of his disapproval for not staying in bed, before walking away.

Anna laid back on the bench and brought her feet up with her. A happy sigh left her lips, and she opened her book. But before she could get past the second sentence, she heard a knock at the door.

"I'll get that!" Carson yelled out, nearly frantic. Anna rolled her eyes and continued reading.

"Hello," a voice said a moment later. Anna glanced up and smiled.

"John."

John stood in front of her tray, holding some flowers. Anna adjusted herself before standing and pointing over to the living room for him to follow her. He handed her the flowers. She took them, breathing them in.

"How are you feeling?" He asked as they sat down on the sofa.

"Much better," Anna answered. "The doctor said I can go back tomorrow, but Mary wants me to stay home all week." Anna chuckled.

"Well, she only wants the best for you and the baby," John said. "And the baby is all right?"

"Yes," Anna said. "Has Mary told you what we're having?" Anna bit down on the corner of her lip, and her hand lingered over her bump. She felt the baby stir beneath her hand.

"No."

"A girl."

John's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Yes. We found out at the hospital."

"How wonderful." His words were genuine, making Anna smile. She took his hand and placed it right where she'd been feeling the baby move.

"You won't feel her right now. She's still too small, but she's been moving around right here."

John fanned his fingers out and his lips curled up into a grin.

"She's a fighter, like her mama. Do you and Mary have a name, yet?" He asked as he drew his hand away.

"Not yet. We had a boy's name planned, but we can't seem to agree on a girl's name. Maybe as Uncle John, you can help?"

John laughed. "I think it's best I don't get involved. If I choose a side, one of you will hate me."

"Well, maybe not hate," Anna said, giggling. "All right, we won't ask for your opinion. I guess you have helped enough."

"I'd say so."

-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

"Matthew," Mary said, barging right into his office.

Matthew glanced up from his desk, furrowing his brows.

"Yes, Mary?"

"So I've been thinking about this plot of land you found." Mary walked up to his desk and sat the map down in front of Matthew.

"I'm in the middle of work," Matthew said.

"I only need to speak for a minute," Mary answered with a shrug. "You've seen this plot in person, haven't you?"

"Yes."

"You would say it is a nice plot? Good for maybe a cottage or something?"

"Yes, why?"

"I want to build on it. Carson is due to retire soon. While he and Mrs. Hughes have a small cottage they live in nearby, I was thinking we could build them a nicer home. One that's a little bit further from the house, so they have more privacy but are still on the property."

"Mr. Carson wants to retire?"

"Well, no, he doesn't want to, but he needs to. He's been taking care of everyone for most of his life. He deserves some time for himself. Also, I think if he stays in my house much longer, Anna might kill him."

"Anna?" Matthew chuckled. "Surely, not your wife, Anna. She's a sweetheart."

"That's what she wants you to think," Mary teased. "No, Anna wants a simpler life. By the time the baby comes, I thought it might be a good idea to give that to her. The problem is, I have to convince Carson without making him think I'm firing him. That would destroy him."

"So, you think this cottage could be helpful?"

"Yes."

"All right. I can take you to the plot tomorrow after lunch. How does that sound?"

"Sounds great."

-X-X-X-X-X-X

Anna fell asleep on the bench by the window. She awoke when she felt a kiss on her nose. Her eyes opened to meet Mary's eyes staring back at her. Anna reached out, touching Mary's cheek before brushing a stray hair back behind her ear.

"You should be in bed," Mary said.

"Mary," Anna groaned

"You're going to have a backache sleeping here." Mary helped sit Anna up and sat next to her. "How was your day?"

"All right. Boring."

"Well, you won't be bored forever," Mary said. She placed her hand over Anna's. "You really scared me the other day," Mary admitted. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost you or the baby."

"Oh, Mary." Anna rested her head on Mary's shoulder as Mary began to comb her fingers through Anna's hair.

"I never knew I could love someone like I love the two of you," Mary whispered, pressing her lips against the top of Anna's head.

"We aren't going anywhere," Anna promised.

-X-X-X-X-X-

A week passed and it was time for another family dinner night. They entered the library to find everyone else had already arrived.

"Anna," Cora warmly greeted, kissing her cheek. She placed her hand on Anna's bump. "You both are doing all right?"

"Yes, Mama," Mary answered for Anna. "How are you?" They kissed cheeks.

"Lovely. Come on in, Edith says she has an announcement."

"Oh goody," Mary deadpanned.

They walked further into the room, giving kisses and hugs to everyone they passed. Sybbie ran up to Anna and handed her a flower she'd picked for her from the garden.

"You're the favorite Aunt," Mary said to Anna.

When they took their seats, Edith stood, grabbing Bertie's hand to get him to stand beside her.

"We're having a baby!" She said right away.

"Of course, she is," Mary said beneath her breath. "Can't let us have our time."

"Shh," Anna whispered back. Then she smiled and said, "Oh congratulations!"

Everyone was pleased, giving Edith hugs and congratulations. Anna nudged Mary to do the same.

"Are you upset she might have a boy?" Anna asked Mary. Mary adamantly shook her head.

"No, why would I care if she has a boy?"

"You've always wanted a boy," Anna said, frowning. "I don't want you to –"

"Anna, dear, I couldn't care less if Edith has a boy or a – a dinosaur, we're having a perfect, little girl. I couldn't be happier."

Anna smiled as Mary leaned forward to give her a kiss. Several people said awe around them.

"Of course, you're making my moment about you," Edith said.

Mary rolled her eyes. "Yes, kissing my wife was done just to ruin your moment."

"Girls, girls," Robert broke in. "Enough of that. We have plenty to celebrate tonight! Let's go and eat."

-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

That night, Mary kept her hand over Anna's belly as they watched some comedy on the television. Anna sighed contently, resting back against her wife.

"I meant it," Mary whispered into Anna's ear. "I don't care if Edith has a boy. I won't be jealous."

Anna turned onto her back so she could look up at Mary.

"Honestly?"

"Honestly. I get to have a baby with you, Anna," Mary said, rubbing her hand over Anna's stomach. "Our baby. What could be more special than that?"

"Nothing," Anna said.

"Exactly." Mary kissed Anna's nose, right as the baby gave a large kick. Mary's eyes widened. "Was that?"

Anna smiled. "Yes."

"Oh, do it again," Mary said to Anna's belly. She pressed her hand a bit more firmly against the belly, but there were no more strong movements.

"Don't worry, love, she'll be kicking up a storm before we know it and you'll be able to feel her lots then." Anna placed her hand on Mary's cheek before kissing her. "Our little girl."

"Yes, ours."

To be continued...