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Chapter 67
Fall 1971
Mary settled into the bed. Anna was already laying down, her blankets pulled all the way up to her shoulders. Maebh had come in to check both of their vitals before leaving the two of them alone.
Mary looked forward to these moments when it was only them. Their family and the nurses surrounded most of the day. At night, it was just her and Anna. While she enjoyed that their family was with them all the time now, she needed this time alone with her Anna.
"Hey," Mary whispered.
Anna's eyes lifted to hers. She licked her lower lip.
"Are you tired, darling? Would you like me to read to you?" Mary combed her fingers through Anna's hair.
"Read." Her answer was simple. Mary smiled. She didn't get many words from Anna anymore, but Anna did still cuddle with her at night. That was enough for Mary.
She lifted the book from the bedside table before tucking Anna into her arms. Then she began to read.
1940s
While his shoulder ached, Johnny found that his head hurt worse. It pounded harshly. Every small sound made him wince. The doctor told him he had a concussion and that it would take time to heal, much like his shoulder.
"Johnny?" It was her. Johnny turned his head slightly, smiling up at Molly. Molly sat down next to him. She pulled the flimsy sheet around them, as though it could actually provide them any privacy. It helped with the brightness.
"Hi," he whispered.
"You received a telegram from Downton," Molly told him. She kept her voice much lower than the first time he met her. But she still held that warmth about her. "Would you like me to read it to you?"
"Yes, please."
"Oh, it's from your mother," Molly smiled. "I mean, I should have guessed that. But what about your father?"
"He died before I was born," Johnny said. Molly frowned.
"I'm sorry."
"It's alright," he answered. He always longed to know his father. While his mother did everything in her power to teach him about John Bates, there was nothing his mother could do to completely fill that void.
"My mum died when I was fifteen," Molly said. "She was in an accident." Molly shook her head. "It's hard, isn't? Not having a parent. Probably harder for you, since you never even knew your dad. At least, I knew my mum."
Johnny's lips curled up slightly. Molly had a way of saying more words than needed. He found it endearing.
"I don't think either of us is more or less fortunate," Johnny replied. "Losing a parent is hard."
Molly let out a low breath. Then she lifted the telegram.
"Dear Johnny,
Your Aunt Mary and I were so pleased to hear from you. We have been worried about you since we heard you had been injured. Please take care of yourself. If I was allowed, I would be right at your bedside.
Love,
Mum."
Johnny smiled. He reached over to take the telegram from Molly's hand. His eyes moved over the letters on the page. If he knew his mother, there would be a handwritten letter coming, as well. But it was comforting to have this telegram in his hands, a bit of his mother.
"Who is Mary?"
"Oh. My mother is her Lady's Maid. Well, actually, now she is the head housekeeper at Downton Abbey. My Aunt Mary is actually Lady Mary. Her son will be the future earl."
"An earl," Molly giggled. "I didn't realize you lived in such fancy quarters."
"Well, I am a maid's son," Johnny reminded Molly. Even though his head ached, he didn't want to stop speaking to Molly.
"Nothing wrong with honest work. And it sounds like your mum has worked hard enough to earn head housekeeper status. Plus, the house keeping her with a son is rare. Has she worked there since you were a child?"
"Longer," Johnny said. "Many years before I was born."
"I grew up in the city. My dad works at the bank." Molly tucked the one hair that kept falling from her bun back behind her ear. "He hates it, but it brings home good money." She shrugged. "I want to be a doctor."
"A doctor?"
"Yes, I'm only volunteering as a nurse, but in a few weeks I'll be done here and I will go back to school."
Johnny chuckled, making Molly frown and her brow furrow.
"Do you not think a woman can become a doctor?"
"No, of course I don't think that way. I think that's an admirable goal. My sister is going to school to become an archeologist."
"You have a sister?" Johnny nodded. "I always wanted a sister or a brother. I don't have any siblings. I wanted many. Do you have any other siblings?"
Johnny shook his head, though he wanted to say that he had George. But that made it more complicated. He'd already taken a chance by speaking about Pippa as his sister. That was still a secret to the outside world.
"Are you close to your sister? Are you older or younger?"
"Older. And yes, we're close." Johnny rested his head back against the pillow.
"You're tired. You should rest. I'm going to do my rounds, but I'll be back in a little while."
"Alright."
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
Anna yawned. Since she'd heard of Johnny's injury, she hadn't slept well. Her worry kept growing that Johnny wasn't doing as well as he promised in his letter. She also worried that something would happen to George.
The door to her parlor burst opened. She jumped, ready to scold whoever just felt they could come into her parlor like that. However, when she saw it was Mary, she stood from her chair and smiled.
Mary closed the door behind her before lifting a paper in her hand.
"George is coming home for Christmas!"
"What?" Anna breathed, not sure she was hearing it correctly.
"Yes! He gets to come home for a short while and it will be over Christmas."
"That is wonderful!" Anna brought her arms around Mary, pressing her lips against Mary's cheek. She felt Mary's hands run over her back. They melted into one another, relieved to have this delightful news.
Mary's lips kissed along Anna's neck, and her fingers dared against the buttons on Anna's dress.
"Mary!" Anna admonished, stepping back. "Anyone could walk in here."
Mary bit down on her lower lip. "I'm just… emotional."
Anna chuckled, stepping forward. She placed her hands on Mary's shoulders. Mary always enjoyed being more daring when it came to places to make out or make love. Anna couldn't even say how many times they'd made love in this very room. But those times, they had made sure the area was clear and no one would be knocking on the door.
"I understand. You must be so relieved," Anna said. "I am."
"I am so very relieved. I want to touch him, see that he is here, alive."
"I know you do. It will be so wonderful to have him home with us."
"I just wish we could have Johnny home, too."
"Me too." Anna tried not to dwell on the fact they likely wouldn't see Johnny by Christmas. He was still at the hospital with no sign of if he'd be returning to war or allowed to come home for a while.
"Should we do something special for the holiday?"
"Like what?"
"I don't know. Make his favorite foods."
"Have Daisy make his favorite foods." Anna grinned. Mary playfully rolled her eyes.
"You knew what I meant, darling."
"I did."
"Oh! George will be home for Christmas!"
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
When Molly came back to sit next to Johnny, she wore a scowl on her features. Ever since he'd met her, Molly always had a smile on her face. She sat down next to Johnny and crossed her arms firmly over her chest. Johnny cocked up an eyebrow.
"What's happened?"
Instead of replying, Molly huffed.
"Molly?" Johnny attempted to pull himself up, but his shoulder gave out and he fell back against his chair.
Molly stood, adjusting his shoulder.
"You must be careful."
"What's wrong?"
Molly's lower lip curled outwards slightly. She glanced over her shoulder.
"A soldier was just brought in."
"Oh. Bad off?"
"Beaten up, by other soldiers."
Johnny furrowed his brows.
"Because they assume he's….." Molly lowered her voice, "homosexual."
Johnny felt a tightness fall over his chest. His thoughts when to his mother and Mary. Sometimes the harsh reality of how they could be treated by society would hit him. It was why it was so important they kept their secret.
"Of course, they have no proof. No real proof," Molly whispered. "But they beat him up into a bloody pulp. He could die. No one will turn in who did it, not even him. Not that he would. I'm sure he's frightened." Tears welled up in Molly's eyes. "I don't understand it, Johnny. Why would anyone do such a thing? Who cares who someone loves? What does it matter?"
"You don't find homosexuals as deviants?" Johnny asked. Molly's head shook.
"They only love someone. What is wrong with that?" Molly's cheeks flushed slightly. "My parents have fought for rights of homosexuals my entire life." She shrugged. "Well, actually my mum was more vocal about it until her death. With my dad's job, he has to be more… well, discreet. But why shouldn't they have rights?" Molly then eyed him carefully, almost as though she was prepared for him to argue against her.
"I agree," he answered.
Molly smiled.
"Really?"
"Really." Johnny couldn't explain to Molly why, not now, anyway. But maybe one day, he could explain how he grew up with two mothers. How his Aunt Mary loved his mother, how they kept this big secret from everyone, even in their own home. He often wondered how different things might be for all of them if those secrets hadn't had to be kept. Would Pippa have been able to be raised with their mother as her mum? Could he and George be seen as brothers by the world? These were things he'd always wonder.
"You're a good person, Johnny. I enjoy spending time with you."
"And I enjoy spending time with you, too."
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
Anna received a letter from Johnny. Because of his wounds, they would send him home. He could no longer serve in the military. While Anna was sure Johnny wanted to continue serving his country, Anna couldn't lie that it relieved her he would be home safe with her. He would also be home in time for Christmas. She and Mary would have all their children at home with them again.
"Darling?"
Anna turned. She had been lost in her thoughts. Johnny should arrive home in a shortly. George and Pippa both would be home in a couple of days, just before Christmas.
"Let's go downstairs," Mary winked. She took Anna's hand in hers, bringing it up to kiss her knuckles. Before they stepped outside the room, she let go of Anna's hand. They walked downstairs and outside to wait for the car to pull up. It would just be the two of them waiting, but they didn't mind. In fact, they preferred it this way.
Finally, the black car parked in front of them. Anna clasped her hands over her chest. Then Johnny stepped out. He grinned widely, despite the sling over his one shoulder. He turned back toward the car, reaching out his good arm. Anna met Mary's eyes. Johnny hadn't said anything about bringing someone home with him.
Out stepped a young woman with bright auburn hair. She smiled brightly, but took in a shaky breath, showing she was nervous.
"Johnny!" Anna greeted first. She carefully hugged him. "And who is this?"
"This is Molly," Johnny explained.
"I guess we'll need someone to make up a room for you, Molly," Mary said. She patted Johnny's upper arm, showing how pleased she was he was home.
"She doesn't need one."
"Oh, is she not staying?" Mary furrowed her brows.
"No, she can stay in my room. We're married. Molly is my wife."
To be continued...
