You are all so very kind. Thank you so much! Here is the start to Part 3. Just a small jump in time, not too big. I have played a bit with the Downton Abbey timeline to make it work, but nothing too big that it makes that big of a difference. Thanks again!
Chapter 33
Spring 1971
It was a cooler day, so Jack made sure to button up his jacket and pull on his hat, before stepping out of the car. He felt raindrops on his head and glanced up at the sky. Soon, it might begin to storm.
Quickening his pace, he walked through the front door, where the butler was already waiting for him with the door open. The house was nearly silent and Jack furrowed his brows.
"They are upstairs," the butler explained.
"Thanks," Jack replied. Then he took the stairs, two at a time, much as he had as a small child. When he reached the top, he heard talking in one of the bedrooms.
"Knock, knock," Jack said a moment later, outside of the room. It was the Queen Caroline room, which was also Anna and Mary's room. Mary was lying in the bed with Anna sitting beside her, worry on her features. Maebh was also next to them, applying some sort of lotion on Mary's arm.
"Oh Jack!" His gran greeted. She seemed to be more of herself today and that made him smile. Lately, she recognized him less and less. But then his eyes fell back toward his Aunt Mary and he frowned.
"She's had a spell," Maebh explained. "She should be better in a little while. Why don't you take Anna downstairs?"
"No," his gran disagreed, her jaw jutting out stubbornly. "Absolutely not. I stay with Mary."
"Come here, darling," his aunt then called out, reaching over for Anna. Anna went back to her side, sitting down, and taking Mary's hand within her own.
"I can handle it from here," Jack assured Maebh. She nodded and allowed Jack to be alone with his grandmothers. He went and took the seat by the window, pulling his little notebook out. "Are you up to telling me more of your story?"
"Yes, of course," his gran replied.
"Was life much easier after you confessed your love for one another?"
Both women chuckled.
"In a way," Mary answered, sitting up slightly. "But it was never truly easy. You see, we had to hide who we were to everyone. In some ways, we still do. We're fortunate that we have a circle where we can just be who we are."
"But it was worth it," Anna added. "We were in love and look at us now. We are still together. We just had to get more creative with hiding things, especially as the children grew older."
1920s Downton Abbey
Glancing in the mirror, Anna made sure her hair was tied up neatly for the day. She was up before the sun, but she had many things she wanted to accomplish today. There were many items that needed mending for both her and Mary, as well as the children. They were all growing. Pippa's dress needed to be let out and lengthened. She also needed to go into the village to purchase new fabrics for clothing for each child.
It was fun for her though. She was mostly in charge of their outfits. Nanny did some of them, but Anna did most. Then there were times that Mary had to take George or Pippa down town for special outfits for special occasions, but that was still rare.
Pippa showed an affinity for purple and so Anna wanted to get her a beautiful purple dress made and make her a dress for her doll, as well. The little girl carried that doll with her everywhere. It was Anna's gift to her for her second birthday. She never let it go.
Sure she was ready, Anna tiptoed out of the bathroom. She didn't want to wake Mary. As she passed by the bed, however, she felt a hand dart out and pull her to the bed, making her fall against the mattress. Anna giggled.
"I have to get to work," she whispered. Mary met her eyes and then leaned forward, rubbing her nose against Anna's.
"I hate that you have to work, darling," Mary told her. "I wish you could just stay in bed with me."
"I know, but I don't mind it," Anna replied. She stood herself back up and rubbed her hand over her dress to press out any wrinkles Mary may have caused. Mary grumbled, missing her touch.
"You're too good to me," Mary then said, she plopped her head up on her elbow. "What did I ever do to deserve you?"
Anna met her eyes. Then she bent over, pressing her hands on the bed, and capturing Mary's lips with her own.
"You loved me. And I am so grateful for you." She stood back up, checking the time. "I have a long list of things I must be doing now, but I promise I'll be back in time for our picnic."
"Yes, please. I may go out as well. I'm thinking of cutting my hair."
"Your hair?" Anna twisted her lips. "But why?"
"Oh I don't know, I might need something new."
"Well, I think you look beautiful no matter what," Anna told her, with complete sincerity. "Would you like me to cut mine?"
"You can do whatever you like, darling, but I do love running my fingers through it." Anna blushed.
"Then I'll keep it long, because I also enjoy it." She stepped backwards to keep from climbing back into the bed with Mary. She already missed being in her arms. "I'll see you later."
"Yes, darling, I can't wait."
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
A darkness seemed to settle over the house. Mary felt the shift the moment it was announced that Michael Gregson had been killed in Germany. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, unsure of what to say to her sister now. Her eyes darted over to her father and then she gathered herself up from her seat. It might be best if she left the house now. Her sister would be coming down soon and she doubted Edith wanted to see her face.
"I'm going into town," Mary told her parents.
"Shouldn't you stay and wait for Edith?" Her mother asked.
"You think she really wants condolences from me, Mama?"
A sense of understanding fell over Cora's face and she sighed, "I guess not."
"Will you be taking the children?" Her father questioned.
"No. Why?"
"No reason."
But Mary smiled. Her father was smitten by all his grandchildren. She often found him up in the nursery with them all, playing blocks or making them all giggle. Pippa had already gotten him under her spell. She would climb right into his lap and demand he read to her.
"I will be back later."
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
Mary couldn't stop looking at herself in the mirror. She had done it. Her hair was all gone. She smiled, touching the ends of her dark locks. Briefly she worried that Anna wouldn't like it. But then she remembered how Anna's lips loved to suckle right under her ear and how this would make it easier for her. Her hand fell to her neck and she rubbed against the spot.
Oh, how she needed to see what Anna thought. Perhaps she would be granted some extra care to that special spot tonight.
A blush climbed up her cheeks and she had to remind herself to remain cool. She inhaled and exhaled, before standing from the chair.
Thanking the hairstylist, she left, ready to see everyone's reactions about her new hairstyle.
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
"Pippa!" Anna called out, as the little girl rushed down the hallway downstairs. She had brought the three children downstairs to grab their food for their picnic. But Pippa was fast. The moment the little girl had begun to walk, she also had begun to run. She was always darting to and fro, wanting to see everything around her.
"Got her!" Thomas said, swooping down to lift the little girl into his arms. She giggled and spun in Thomas' arms, trying to escape. Anna walked toward him and took Pippa from his arms.
"Thank you."
"Well, we can't have Miss Pippa getting lost, can we?" Thomas asked.
"Will we go fishing soon?" Johnny then questioned, tugging on Thomas' pants. He looked down and patted Johnny's head.
"Soon."
"Yes!" He and George happily replied.
Anna realized that Thomas looked a little pale. She furrowed her brows and met his eyes.
"Is everything alright, Thomas?"
"Mr. Barrow," he reminded her. She just shook her head and chuckled. They got a long much better these past couple of years and they had an understanding between them.
"But really," Anna grew serious once more, "You look like you might fall over."
Thomas cleared his throat. "I'm alright."
Anna wanted to ask him more, but the boys and Pippa saw Mrs. Hughes.
"I should take them on," she then said. "Please let me know if you need anything," Anna paused to tell him, before she smiled over at Mrs. Hughes.
Johnny was the first by her side. He grinned up at her, taking his finger to wiggle the tooth that was starting to get loose.
"Oh wow," Mrs. Hughes grinned. "You're about to lose it."
"Mummy says I'll get a shiny penny when it falls out!" He exclaimed.
"I want a penny!" George declared, pursing his lips into a thin, frustrated line. Anna walked up to the both of them and placed her hand on top of George's head.
"You'll get one when your first tooth falls out," she assured him.
Pippa wiggled in her arms, insisting she wanted to get down. Anna slowly let her down, but kept her hand firmly in her grasp.
"Ah, there is my Pippa girl," Mrs. Hughes happily said then. Pippa allowed Mrs. Hughes to gather her up into her arms and kiss her cheek. The little girl adored Mrs. Hughes and always wanted to be with her. It was such a lovely sight for Anna to see, because Johnny was also close to her. She was almost like their surrogate grandmother and that made Anna so very happy.
"Mrs. Hughes, what is wrong with Mr. Barrow? Is he sick?"
"I don't know. Why does he look ill?"
"Yes, he's very pale."
"I haven't the inkling of a clue. Are you, the children, and Lady Mary going out for your daily picnic?"
"Yes," Anna told her. She tried to keep her grin at bay. This was one of her favorite times of day, but it was best she didn't give that away. "Lady Mary has taken such great care of Johnny and Pippa."
"And me!" George didn't like being left out. Anna bent down and pulled him into her arms, hugging him close. She loved him just as much as the children she bore.
"Oh yes, darling, your mummy loves you and takes great care of you too."
Mrs. Hughes eyed her carefully and Anna realized she had slipped up by calling George darling. But was it really that bad? She was always around him and the children were all treated like siblings.
"Well, perhaps you should take Master George and the other children upstairs." Anna didn't miss the way Mrs. Hughes enunciated the term Master. Even though she was one of the few people that actually was pleased that Anna and Mary were closer than a typical lady and maid, she still did not enjoy all of the blurring of the lines, especially within possible earshot of the others.
"Yes, Lady Mary ought to be here soon. She'll be waiting for us."
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
Mary couldn't believe just how anxious she was before showing Anna her new hairdo. She hadn't shown anyone else, yet. She decided she would keep that for before dinner. But their reactions meant little. Anna's was all that mattered.
The moment Anna stepped outside with the children, Anna gasped. Her hand flew over her lips, making Mary suddenly self-conscious. She touched her hair and took in a shaky inhale.
"You hate it," Mary said, knitting her brows.
"No, not at all," Anna disagreed, shaking her head and stepping closer toward it. "I think it's marvelous, Mary." Her lips quirked up slightly and Mary could tell she was having some very inappropriate thoughts that she couldn't say in front of the children.
"Really?"
"Absolutely."
"Pretty hair, Mummy!" George exclaimed. He jumped up and grabbed at her hand.
"I like it too," Johnny replied. "Aunt Mary, will it grow back?"
"Of course it will, darling," she winked. "Over time."
Pippa squirmed in Anna's arms and she reached out for Mary, who took the little girl into her own arms. The little girl eyed Mary's hair carefully and then touched it with her fingertips.
"Well, darling?"
"Pretty."
"Well, I got her approval, then it must be good." She and Anna laughed.
They then made their journey to their special spot by the pond.
Things were different now that the children were older. Anna and Mary had to be more careful about how they touched and what they said. Johnny had always been a quiet child, but George and Pippa were not. Pippa was likely the most dangerous of the three. They worried for when she could speak more fluently.
"Nah-nah!" Pippa then exclaimed, now wanting Anna. It was the way her name had started to come out of Pippa's lips.
"Lady!" Pippa then called, changing her mind, yet again. Mary paused her steps and took her back. It was a game the child loved to play, going between the two of them back and forth. Neither of them minded. She was a spirited child, but she was theirs.
"Darling," Mary told Pippa, "You can call me- Mary or Aunt Mary, you know?"
Pippa screwed up her nose and strongly shook her head.
"No, you Lady!"
Mary heard Anna laugh.
"Oh well, I guess it could be worse."
They reached their special spot and sat down.
"Are you coming to the point to point on Saturaday?"
"Yes," Anna replied. "It's my day off. So Johnny and I will be in the audience. I can't wait to cheer you on."
"I'll look in the stands for you. Pippa and Johnny will be with Sybil, Tom, Mama, and Papa."
Anna nodded. Mary could see sadness in her eyes.
"I wish they could sit with you too, or you could be down with them."
"It's alright," Anna brushed off. "No other staff will be there. It would look odd. It's best we do it this way."
Mary reached over and gently touched Anna's cheek.
"One day we won't always have to hide in the shadows."
Anna smiled. "I do hope that's true, but until then, let's enjoy our time here and with the children."
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
Anna had been able to secure good seats for the event. She placed Johnny into her lap and the moment she found Mary, she pointed to her.
"Look, sweetie, there she is!"
Mary's eyes came across the crowed and she met Anna's. Anna waved and Mary gave a hello nod. Anna couldn't help but grin and feel proud.
"Will she win?"
"I hope so."
"Me too!"
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
"They're just about ready to go," Robert told the children, shifting Pippa in his arms. She peeked into his binoculars and then frowned.
"No, Lady," she just shrugged.
"Oh, you'll see her in a moment. She's going to race. George, are you excited to see your mummy race?"
"Yes!"
He smiled and turned to look at Sybil and Tom. Sybil had both of her girls with her, pointing out all the things for them to see. He smiled. She really was a wonderful mother, much like Mary was.
"Donk?" Pippa then asked, touching his nose.
"So, you're calling me that too, now?"
"She is!" Sybbie exclaimed, making Sybil laugh.
"Well, I guess I will eventually have to claim the title, won't I?'
"I think so, Papa."
He smiled over at Pippa. There was a familiarity with her that he couldn't pinpoint. While he knew she looked like Mary, that wasn't it. It didn't matter though, he did adore her, much like he adored all the children.
-X-X-X-X-X-X
"You were wonderful," Anna gushed. They were hidden behind the trees.
"I'm glad you thought so, darling."
"I really did," Anna said. Then she leaned forward so that Johnny couldn't hear and whispered into Mary's ear, "Keep the outfit on for this evening."
She stepped back and bit down on her lower lip.
"Will do."
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
The next morning, Anna woke up and turned to find the hat still on Mary's head. She giggled and sat up, pressing a kiss to Mary's nose.
"Love, I think you may have taken my keep the outfit on thing too seriously."
Mary lifted her hand to her head and slid off the hat. It was crumpled on one side. Anna took it from her and then stood.
"I'll take care of this later. You will be wearing it again, won't you?"
"Darling, I will wear anything that makes you happy."
Anna blushed. She gathered her clothes from the dresser and went to change in the bathroom.
Mary walked up behind her and placed her hands around her belly, before resting her head on her shoulder.
"I love you, Anna Bates. Thank you for spending your life with me."
Anna lifted her hand to place it on Mary's cheek.
"I wouldn't want it any other way, love. You make me complete."
To be continued...
If you are enjoying this story, there is now a M rated collection of one-shots that have now begun that take place within this universe. It is called If Love: Confidential. I didn't want to up the rating of this story, so I decided to add those one-shots for those who are interested.
Over time, there may also be another collection of one-shots that just show scenes that didn't quite make the cut of this story. If you are interested, that is.
As always, thank you for reading! More soon!
