An Unusual Request
"It's good to have you back, Bates," Robert said as his valet carefully removed his regular army uniform from his person. He was still frustrated that the army didn't want him at the front, but Robert supposed his uniforms were still a source of honor. And Bates knew exactly how to handle all his clothing, especially his military uniforms and metals with the utmost care. Not only that, but he was trusted servant, a friend even.
Changing was rather pleasant for Robert with Bates, despite the circumstance.
"Naturally, my condolences about your mother's death," Robert continued, as Bates retrieved the black trousers that belonged with Robert's formal army uniform, careful not to crumple them. Perhaps Robert had already expressed his regret about Bates' mother that when he left for London, but Robert wasn't certain what else to say.
"Thank you, milord," Bates said with a nod. "Although it saddened me to say goodbye to Mother, I have good news. I think I can finally permanently divorce my wife." His head was down as he assisted Robert into his trousers, but Bates' voice betrayed a relief.
Robert supposed he could understand. As much as the idea of divorce made him recoil on instinct, he understood Bates' wife had caused him grief for years. She was particularly harsh with him because of his injury and then there was that business of sending Bates to prison for a crime she'd committed. "Perhaps it would be best to be rid of her, but are you certain?" Robert couldn't help but ask, a part of him hoping that there might be another option than divorce.
"I'm afraid I'm quite certain, milord," Bates said, his voice showing uncharacteristic firmness. "Although if you think Downton cannot handle such a scandal, I understand." He stood up to meet Robert's eyes, showing how serious he was about this.
Robert immediately shook his head, unwilling to lose his valet and friend over something like that. And while Bates' name was already attached to Downton, his divorce would not cause the same sort of talk that a man of higher station would. "No, that not necessary, Bates."
"I appreciate that," Bates said with a nod and a small smile. He turned around to retrieve Robert's red suit coat. "Begging your pardon, milord, but there is another reason why I hope to divorce Vera besides our horrid relationship. I've become," he took a deep breath. "Particularly fond of Anna, the housemaid, and with your permission, I'd like to marry her once everything is sorted."
Robert sighed, uncertain of how to respond. As a friend, Robert wished Bates happiness, especially after his troublesome relationship with Vera. And Robert was well aware how a happy a man could be if he found a wife that was truly right. But as Lord Grantham, Robert didn't wish to lose his valet or his head housemaid. Especially not in the middle of a war when everything else was changing and countless tenants had already joined the front. "Must you do so right away?" he said, snapping a bit too much.
Especially towards Bates. A man who'd not only served him for several years but had saved his life in the last war. "I apologize, Bates," he said with a sigh.
"No, I understand your concern milord," Bates said as he assisted Robert into his red suit coat. "That's why I had hoped Anna and I could possibly stay in service after we marry for some time."
Robert considered the idea as Bates organized his metals perfectly. It was an unusual request, certainly. A servant wasn't to be married, and Robert's father would give him a stern lecture for considering such an idea, reminding him that a man could not devote himself to a wife and family and lord at the same time. But Bates knew this, as shown by his hesitant words. He simply had reason to believe the circumstances might be different this time.
Naturally, Bates was correct. Things were already changing because of the war. They only had one footman now, after all, and there may come time when they would have none. More importantly, Bates wasn't a random valet. He was Robert's friend and one of the best valet's he ever employed. No matter what Papa may have said, Robert refused to believe Bates work would suffer that much if he did marry. Especially as his prospective bride was another one of his servants.
"I think we could make it work, Bates," Robert said. "I could provide the two of you with a cottage near the house."
Bates nodded. "I cannot tell how much I appreciate that. Anna and I would continue to serve you and your family to the best our ability after the wedding, of course." He carefully gave Robert's clothing on final dusting.
"I know you would," Robert said with a firm nod.
Although not directly stated in canon, it is obvious that Bates is a "pet (or favored) servant" in Downton because of his relationship with Robert. Although it was not usual for lords to have one, it was actually more common than some people give them credit for today.
"Pet servants" knew they could ask for more than a normal servant, and sometimes did, when they thought it was important enough. (Usually, the extra favor was for a relative or a loved one, as it is about Anna for Bates in this case.)
Conversely, lords often gave the pet servants extra favors without asking (which we have seen Robert do time and time again for Bates things he wouldn't do for other servants).
