A/N This chapter has a little bit of indulgent head canon in it concerning Gwen, but too bad. Also, I think if you like John's mum, you will enjoy this chapter. I hope so anyway. She is one of my favorite characters to write.
I probably should have split this into two chapters, but I've recently been informed that long chapters are enjoyable so…
I don't own...
Anna flung her purse into the booth occupied by her friend Gwen and went to the other side of the table to kiss her cheek.
"Excuse me," Gwen said with mock indignity, "Do I know you? You look vaguely familiar. Almost like my old friend Anna, but that can't be right because I never see her any more."
Anna rolled her eyes and slid into the other side of the booth. Gwen was a secretary in Mary Crawley's office where Anna had served as her mentor. The two had bonded quickly and were more like sisters than friends.
"Veeeeery funny, Gwen."
"Well, I haven't seen you in almost a week," Gwen continued to complain, "Let me guess, Lady Mary has been monopolizing your time."
"Errrr, not exactly," Anna bit her lip, "I've been seeing John."
Gwen didn't even look away from her menu, "Well that's hardly news."
Anna reached across and pulled the menu down to the table in order to make eye contact, "No, I mean I've been seeing John. We've been seeing each other."
When Gwen looked puzzled instead of gushing as Anna expected, she hurried on, "You know, seeing each other. Like dating." She felt slightly ridiculous that she was already blushing.
Gwen's expression went from puzzled to shocked, "You've got to be kidding!"
"Not you too," Anna sighed, "I was hoping my friends would be happy for me, seeing as how I've wanted this for so long. But Mary completely freaked when I admitted it to her."
"Well she would wouldn't she?" Gwen answered, feeling only slightly put out that Mary knew of this new development before she did. "She's known him practically her whole life."
"Please don't tell me he's too old. I won't hear it. Age makes no difference to me. He's a good man, and he's funny, and clever. I'm lucky to be dating him."
Gwen waved her hands in defense, "Whoa, whoa, whoa. I didn't say anything. I'm happy for you. Thrilled, in fact. I was just surprised that it's finally happening after all this time."
The waiter picked that moment to come and take their orders. They both perused the menu and made quick decisions. When he had gone, Anna apologized.
"I'm sorry, Gwen. I guess I'm a little defensive after the fuss Mary made."
"Why on earth did you tell her? You know how she gets."
"I didn't mean to. She came over yesterday afternoon when I was cooking for my date with John. She badgered me until I let it slip out."
Gwen laughed, "That sounds like her." She hesitated a moment and then continued, "You won't get any argument from me about Mr. Bates. I used to fancy him myself you know."
"What?"
"Mmmhmm, way back when he first arrived. I can totally understand what you see in him. He's very kind. And really fair. He's one of the few people in management who doesn't scare me to death. Well, him and Sybil. She's really nice. I'll never forget how he encouraged me to go for my promotion from mail clerk to secretary. Remember when I was ready to throw in the towel and the two of you refused to let me? And then he covered for me with Thomas while you took me to the ladies to gather myself again. Not everyone would do something like that. And I like his sense of humor. He's the only one who ever dares put Thomas in his place. What Daisy sees in him I'll never know. She's just too young I guess."
After the waiter placed their drinks on the table, Anna took a sip and said, "So you fancied him huh? I never knew."
"It didn't get too far. Once I realized how much you liked him and he liked you, that was it."
"When did you realize he liked me?" Anna asked with curiosity. It gave her a thrill to think someone had seen that John had feelings for her. Maybe even before she had noticed herself.
"Remember that time we had the company picnic with all the bounce houses and games and everything? You and I were watching them set up and talking about going and I invited Mr. Bates."
"Yes, I remember." In fact, it was one of Anna's favorite memories because of what had happened the next evening.
"He said he was going to come with us, but then when you got sick he backed out. I was disappointed, but I didn't think too much of it. Then on my way home I stopped by your flat to bring you a care package and Mr. Bates had already been there. He brought you soup and cold medicine and those little purple flowers. You looked so happy even though you felt terrible. I knew I couldn't harbor a crush on someone you clearly fancied that much. And someone as reserved as Mr. Bates must have been crazy about you to go to all that effort. I think he only said yes to the picnic to spend more time with you." She shrugged her shoulders to show she there were no hard feelings. "You're not mad are you?"
"How could I be mad when you gave up on a great guy like John because of our friendship?"
"Sisters before Misters," Gwen laughed.
They suspended their conversation as the waiter came with their meals, but then Gwen continued, "So he came over for dinner, yeah?"
"Yeah," Anna was blushing again, "last night. And we went to the cinema on Friday and a concert the day before that."
"Blimey, three nights in a row? How come the two of you aren't together today? Did he need a rest?" Gwen smiled wickedly.
"Gwen...stop that!"
"Well it was your third date and you know what they say about third dates," Gwen added suggestively.
"That's what Mary said. Is that really a thing? How come I've never heard of it?"
"Because the last time you had a third date it probably wasn't a thing."
"Oh shut up you," Anna laughed.
They ate in silence for awhile when Gwen finally said, "Well?"
"Well what?" Anna responded.
"Did you?"
Anna took a deep breath, "Did I what?"
"You know...the third date thing. Did you shag him?"
"Oh my god, Gwen. You're starting to sound like Ethel."
"What? It's not like I'm implying you sleep around or that it was a one night stand. You've fancied each other for ages."
"Well we haven't," Anna insisted before returning her gaze to her Caesar salad.
"Ok, don't tell me. It's not like I'm your best friend or anything. But if I find out you told Mary when you refuse to tell me…"
Anna laughed, "You don't have to worry about that. When it happens, if it happens, you'll be the first to know. When it occurred to Mary that it could even be a possibility at some point, she practically passed out."
"I suppose it is a little odd for her, her best mate dating her dad's best mate. I mean, when you say it that way it is a little out of the ordinary."
"So he's older than me, so what? I like the fact that he's more mature. I hate all the games that men our age seem to play."
"Ok, ok, let's not start another row. I wasn't saying anything about you and Mr. Bates. You're perfect together. I was just saying that I can understand how it might be a little awkward for Mary. It's not that often that I stick up for her. Enjoy it while you can."
Anna chuckled again, "I have missed seeing you this week."
"Sure you have. I bet you didn't think about me once while you were on your dates."
"Well, maybe not, but now that I'm with you again I can tell I've missed you."
"I'm just teasing you," Gwen reassured her, "You'd never be one of those women who gets a man and drops all her friends."
"No way. And besides, I'm dying to talk about it with someone, and I certainly can't confide in Mary about this."
They shared a laugh at Mary's expense.
"Go on then," Gwen enthused, "tell me everything."
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John knocked on the door to his boyhood home but didn't wait for his mother to answer before he entered.
"Mum? I'm here. Where are you?"
"Here I am Johnny," she called from the kitchen.
She rounded the corner, wiping her hands on a tea towel. It only took John two steps to reach her, wrap his arms around her, and lift her into the air, practically squeezing the breath from her lungs.
"Put me down you daft boy. You're going to hurt your knee," she swatted him on the shoulder with her towel, laughing.
"I can manage, Mum," he scowled but complied anyway.
When she was on safe ground again, and with a twinkle in her eyes, she responded to her son, "We're both getting too old for that nonsense."
"If I'm not too old to sweep my best girl off her feet, then I'm too old to be called Johnny," he teased.
"Fair point," she admitted, "Come on through and pour yourself a glass of milk, A Stor." John loved that particular term of endearment. It meant 'my heart' in gaelic and she had used it for her only child ever since he could remember.
"Milk?" he complained, "Mum, I'm a grown man. Why do I always have to drink milk?"
"Because it's not alcohol and because it will make you big and strong," she answered on her way back to the kitchen.
"I'm already big and strong," he groaned, following her, "Haven't I just proven that by lifting you?"
"Aye, ya did. That just proves my point. I have a wee bit every day myself and the doctor says my bones are good and strong. Especially for a woman 'my age'. 'My age'. I ask you, what do you suppose he means by that?"
John took the opportunity to kiss his mum's cheek as he made his way to the table with the two glasses of milk, "I think it means that he realizes what I've always known. That you are one incredible woman, Margaret Bates."
"Ah, go on with you, you charmer," she fussed as she piled his plate with food, "Now eat up. I have a mountain of chores for you to do this afternoon."
As they sat eating and chatting, Margaret couldn't take her eyes off her son. He was tucking into his tea like there was no tomorrow and there was an uncharacteristic smile on his face.
He looked up and grinned, "What? Do I have food on my face? Or a milk mustache? You're staring."
"I can't help it. You look so...happy."
John chuckled around the piece of homemade bread he was stuffing into his mouth, "Don't I always look happy to see you?"
His mother hesitated, "Well you don't look unhappy...I'll grant you that."
"Mum," John scolded gently.
"Alright, alright. I'll say no more about it. It's just good to see, that's all." She hesitated a moment and then added, in a seemingly unrelated manner, "And how is Anna doing these days? I always enjoy spending time with her at the Crawley's when I get the chance."
John felt his color starting to rise and quickly raised his napkin to hide his face, "Fine I suppose. What made you think to ask about her?"
"Oh, just a random question. I know the two of you enjoy each other's company. I thought she might have something to do with your good mood is all."
He shook his head in disbelief. His mother could always read him like a book. He had seldom misbehaved as a youth because it took her no time at all to catch him out. He wiped his mouth and threw his napkin onto his plate. Rising, he made his way to the sink.
"I better get going on those chores or heaven only knows what time I'll get home tonight."
"Any special reason you want to get home early, son?" she asked, eyes twinkling.
"Good lord, Mother," John warned.
She stood as if nothing had happened, "I want you to start with the window in your old room. It's letting in the cold air something awful. And don't use the Lord's name in vain, Johnny."
"Yes, Mum," he muttered on his way to the car to get his tools.
As he worked, his mind kept drifting to the conversation his mother had tried to start at the kitchen table and the conversation that he and Anna had been having the night before. It wasn't right to have to keep his relationship with Anna a secret from his mother, or Rob. He needed to tell them sooner rather than later; they would both be hurt if they found out in some other way. Mary already knew and Anna was more than likely telling Gwen at this very moment. On the other hand, he didn't want to tell either of them until he was sure something would come of it. He knew they would both be over the moon and he couldn't stand their excitement now, much less their overly kind support later, if things didn't go well.
He was serious when he told Anna last night that he worried what would happen if Vera found out he was seeing someone. The last thing he wanted to have happen was for her to be cast in the role of 'the other woman'. But then, by keeping their dates a secret, wasn't that exactly how he was forcing her to act? He knew that neither he nor Anna were the type to flaunt their relationship at work, but at the same time, they shouldn't have to hide how they felt about each other, not that they had been doing a very good job of that anyway.
John still couldn't understand what Anna saw in him when he was sure she could have her choice of just about any man in the building, but it was obvious that she had no regrets about them beginning to date. He was taking this step very seriously. He wasn't exactly sure where they stood right now, but he knew he wanted to move forward with Anna. And he knew he couldn't do it while he was still tied to Vera.
By now, he was finished with the list of repairs and cleaning his mother had set for him. He made his way into her sitting room and found her dozing in front of the telly, her knitting having fallen from her lap. He leaned over the back of the sofa and softly kissed her on the top of the head.
"I'm sorry to wake you Mum, but I'm about to go."
Margaret started, "I wasn't asleep, I was just watching my programs."
"Really," John raised his eyebrows, "Huge fan of Big Brother, are you?"
"Oh you," she swatted at him, "it's just the noise while I do my handwork. Have a sandwich and something to drink before you go."
She rose from the couch and started back toward the kitchen.
John looked out the window, noting that it was already dark, "If I stay, do I have to drink milk?"
"You can have anything you want if you agree to stay," said his mother, smiling at his cheek.
"I'm not really hungry, but I'll have a cuppa with you before I head off."
"That's grand," Margaret smiled. Her voice turned sentimental, "Thank you, Johnny."
"You don't have to thank me for spending time with you, Mum. God knows you've done enough for me over the years. I owe you."
"You don't owe me a thing, Johnny. I'd do it all over again to get you where you are today. And don't use the Lord's name in vain."
John chuckled. That was so typical. She had been scolding him for his language since he was a teen, but she never gave up on him. She never lost hope. And thank god she hadn't.
They sat at the table and she brought over a freshly baked tart, slicing off two big pieces.
"Two?" John asked.
"You said you weren't hungry so I thought you could wrap them up and take them home."
"But why two?"
"Oh, I don't know.," she fiddled with the placemat and eyed him with a sideways glance, "I thought you might have a friend you wanted to share one with."
"You mean Robert?"
"Yes, Robert... Or someone else."
John frowned, and for a moment she feared she had taken her gentle nudging a bit too far.
"Do I need to apologize, Johnny?"
"What? No, of course not. It's just…" He couldn't make up his mind if he wanted to continue his thought or not. He rested his head on his hand and rubbed his temples, feeling relieved when the kettle began to boil.
Margaret went to the cook top and fixed the tea. Returning to the table, she prepared him a cup and sat without saying a word.
"Mum, I want to tell you something, but I don't think you're going to like it."
She patted his hand, "You can tell me anything, A Stor, you know that."
John took a deep breath and released it slowly, "I want to give the house to Vera."
Fire rose in Margaret's eyes but she held her tongue.
John leaned back in his chair and quickly ran his hand through his hair, "See, I knew it would make you angry."
"Did I say I was angry? I didn't say anything at all."
"You didn't have to. You fancy you can read me like a book, but I can read you too."
She reached for his hand again, "I'm not angry Johnny. It's true I don't think Vera deserves the house. In fact, I don't think she deserves anything more from you than that which she's already taken. Not even that, truth be told. But it's your house, you can do with it as you wish. Only…"
"Only what?" he asked sincerely.
"Only I wonder what's caused you to change your mind? You've fought Vera tooth and nail over that house for almost a year. It's the only thing holding up the divorce as far as I know. Why do you want her to have it now?"
"Precisely because it's the only thing holding up the divorce."
Margaret knew that wasn't the whole story, "And?"
John sighed, "And you were right about Anna."
"Oh?"
John smirked at his mother, "Don't play innocent with me. You've been hinting around almost since the moment I walked in here today. And now all the sudden it's 'Anna? Anna who? I don't know any Anna.'"
Now it was Margaret's turn to chuckle, "I wouldn't go that far. Tell me what's happened."
"She asked me out on a date this past Thursday… and I accepted."
She tried to keep her outward appearance calm but inside she was thrilled. This was exactly what she had prayed for many, many times since meeting Anna and seeing her and John interacting with one another. There was no doubt that Anna brought out the best in her boy and there was even less doubt that she made him happy. And Margaret Bates wanted her son to be happy more than anything else in the world.
"So, when is this date?"
"It already happened. She asked me on Wednesday and we went to a concert on Thursday."
"And...how did it go?"
John couldn't keep a huge grin from splitting his face, "Amazing. So amazing that I asked her out for Friday night. And then I had supper at hers last night."
The look in her son's eyes as he spoke almost put tears into her own, "Oh, Johnny, that's wonderful."
"Not so wonderful, Mum. How can I pursue this relationship with Anna while I'm still married to Vera?"
"What does Anna say?"
"She says she doesn't care."
"Well then…"
"I care."
"Of course you do," Margaret sighed, and the disappointment in that sigh wasn't lost on John.
"So you suddenly approve of a married man having an affair with a young woman? That's not very Catholic of you," he accused.
"It's not exactly an affair, Johnny."
"Isn't it?"
They glared at each other across the table.
"Johnny," Margaret continued in a calmer manner, "are you trifling with Anna's affections?"
"No," he replied softly.
"And are you leading Vera on? Does she think that the two of you will ever get back together?"
"God no!"
"And you say Anna knows the whole situation with Vera and the divorce?"
"She does."
"Then it's not an affair," Margaret concluded.
"What would you call it then?" John challenged, feeling she was splitting hairs.
"I'd call it dating, and I approve of you dating Anna Smith," she countered, "Just like I approve of you divorcing Vera. And that's not very Catholic either I suppose. But Catholic or not, I know it's right. And I know God won't mind it one bit. Give Vera the house and get your divorce, Johnny. But in the meantime, for God's sake, enjoy your courtship of Anna. Don't let it be clouded with guilt or regret. You've had enough of those already."
"You used the Lord's name in vain," John smirked.
"Yes, well, in for a penny, in for a pound. I'll go to confession tomorrow."
"And no one uses the word 'courtship' anymore."
"Ach, mind your ps and qs boyyo," Margaret said as she rose from the table, " Else I'll take you over my knee."
"I'd like to see you try," John challenged with a smile.
"Don't you think I won't," she slammed the cling wrap good naturedly on the table, saying, "Now wrap these up and get out of here. If you leave now, you might just have enough time to see that girl of yours for a few minutes tonight."
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John thought seriously about stopping by Anna's flat before heading back to his own. He longed to see her and he had the two pieces of tart for an excuse. But he felt uneasy about the conversations he had been having with the two most important women in his life and about how to distance himself permanently from the third.
He needed to go home and think about his next move. He needed to decide the best path to take with Vera so that she would agree to signing the divorce papers quickly. He couldn't let her get wind of the change in his relationship with Anna. He wouldn't put it past her to hold on to him then just for spite. She wasn't a happy woman, and she derived some kind of twisted pleasure in ensuring that he was not a happy man.
Except now he was. In fact, he was happier than he could ever remember being. He desperately wanted to have a deeper relationship with Anna. He wanted to have some sort of official status as a couple. But he wouldn't ask Anna for that type of commitment until he could promise himself to her fully and that was something he couldn't do until he was no longer married.
He entered his apartment and put the tarts away in the kitchen. Looking in the refrigerator he grabbed for a bottle of water. Flopping down on the couch, he was just about to flip on the telly when his phone buzzed. He smiled when he saw it was a text from Anna.
Missed you today. Let me know when you're home, else I'll worry.
He started to text her back, but then dialed her number instead.
"Hello," she answered immediately. John could hear the smile in her voice.
"Hello. I was going to text you but I wanted to hear your voice," he made no attempt to keep the smile off his own face.
"That's so sweet," Anna gushed.
"You're sweet," John replied.
"Charmer. How was your mum's?"
"Good, but I'm tired. She had a mountain of work for me to do."
"You're a good son."
"Hardly, I owe her more than I can ever repay."
"I don't think mums think that way, John. I know yours doesn't. She's such a lovely woman."
"Well the feeling is mutual. She even sent me home with two pieces of homemade tart, one for me and one for you." John waited anxiously for Anna's reply.
It was silent for a moment. Anna was rolling his comment around in her head. Why would John's mother send her something? Had he told her they were dating?
"That was kind of her," Anna said, "make sure to thank her for me."
"Alright," John cursed himself for not giving a more explanatory answer. He felt like he needed to sort his own mind before having another serious conversation with Anna.
"Shall I bring it to you for lunch tomorrow?" he added.
Anna hesitated for another moment, "Or I could get it after work…"
John grimaced, "I'd love to take you to dinner tomorrow but I have to get home and pack. Robert's sending me to Scotland for a few days, remember?"
"Oh, I completely forgot. I guess I just didn't want to think about it. I missed you enough when we were just friends. I can't bear to think how much I'll miss you now."
John grinned again, "Now who's being a charmer?"
"Don't you want me to miss you?" Anna knew she was flirting shamelessly, but she was enjoying every minute of it.
"Of course I do. Believe me, if I could think of any way to get out of this trip I would. The idea of not seeing you for three whole days," he sighed heavily into the phone.
"Will you call me?"
"Every night if you want me to."
"I want you to."
"I hate to say it," John muttered, "but I need to get in the shower and then get some sleep. Do you want to meet for breakfast in the staff lounge tomorrow?"
"I can't wait. Thanks for calling, Mr. Bates."
"My pleasure, Miss Smith. See you tomorrow."
They both hung up with huge smiles on their faces.
Before John went to his room, he dialed Mary's number.
"Hello?"
"Mary? It's John, is Matthew there?"
"Sure, just a moment," she thought of teasing him, but she wasn't sure that Anna had told him she knew about them, so she left it.
A moment later, Matthew came on the line, "Hello, John. What can I do for you?"
"Sorry to bother you at home Matthew, but I was wondering if you had anytime to see me tomorrow? It's not really about work."
"No matter. I always have time for my father-in-law's best mate. What time?"
"The sooner the better for me, but I'll work around your schedule. I know you're doing me a favor."
"How about first thing then?"
"Sounds great. See you tomorrow."
John felt better knowing that he had made a decision. He just hoped Matthew would agree to help.