A Discussion was meant to be a one shot, though I flirted with the idea of adding on to it and when some of you subscribed I figured I would. Thanks so much for reading! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

The further the car took Robert from the prison the more confident he felt in his decision. This was not what he had expected. He assumed that his own desire to believe his old friend was innocent would override his rationality and he would want to retract the offer of help as soon as he left. He didn't however. He only felt eager to hear from Murray and to speak with Anna.

As he walked into Downton he felt confident. Once again he was useful and important, no longer an apathetic bystander.

He passed quietly into the study, mentioning to Carson that when Anna had a moment he would like to speak to her. Robert settled himself at the desk and began a brief letter to Murray.

"You wanted to see me, your lordship?" a quiet voice asked. Robert glanced up from his desk. Anna stood, clasping her hands, waiting. Looking at her he was once again remained how grief takes its toll. Anna was small to begin with but now she appeared weak and tired.

"Yes, I did. How are you, Anna?"

She smiled sadly. "If you don't mind, your lordship, I'd rather now talk about how I am. I'm trying not to pay much attention to the way I feel just now."

"I see. Well, that's perfectly understandable. However I have some information that might make you feel better. I've been to the prison and I've seen Bates."

He heard Anna inhale sharply.

"And…how is he, your lordship?" she asked quietly.

"I hope he will be doing better in the near future. I'll be sending my lawyer word that he should be hearing from the lawyer of John Bates and should look into his case. Murray is the one of the greats of his profession; he should be able to help him in some way."

He glanced over at Anna, standing very still, as though breathing too hard might cause her pain.

"I…forgive me if I was too bold but I told him that I would make sure that you are able to visit him." He swallowed, "Would you like to see him?"

Anna smiled, but her lips were quivering.

"I'm sorry, your lordship." She said, wiping her eyes with her palm. She sighed and took a minute to compose herself.

"It's alright. No doubt this past week has been a trying one for you."

"Yes, my lord. I would like to see him."

"Good. I thought it might be better if we went together. I don't know how practical it is for a young woman-even a married one- to visit a prison alone…unless, you wish to go by yourself?"

"No, your lordship." She said with a sad smile, "I would appreciate your company."

"No doubt Bates will appreciate yours."

Anna nodded. Robert sat back down at the desk.

"Your lordship…" Anna had not yet left. "Mr. Bates might have already told you but…we're both grateful, so grateful for everything you've done for him, for us."

Robert swallowed. "I only wish I could do more."

Later that evening, just as Thomas had finished helping him with his clothes, Robert heard the door open again. He turned and saw Cora.

"Hello." He said brightly but Cora didn't seem to notice. She stared at him, her eyes incredulous.

"O'Brien says that you've just come from the prison."

"Yes. I have. What of it?" Robert asked coolly, and then added, "How does O'Brien know this?"

"She heard it from Anna because it seems you also offered to take her to the prison to see Bates and are going to give him legal aid!"

"Yes, I have done all this."

Cora still stared at him.

"Do you realize what you've done, how this is going to look?"

"Yes, I realize what I've done." Robert snapped, "I'm helping a friend in need and his wife but enlighten me, Cora, how is this going to look?"

Cora's brow was furrowed. "The Earl of Grantham aiding a suspected murderer and ushering his new wife to and from the prison? You don't see how this is going to look terrible for us, for all of us, for Downton?"

"I don't see how wanting to aid people who need it- deserve it, is wrong. My mind won't be changed."

"You don't think you've helped Bates too much already?"

"Do you know him Cora? Were you there with him and me in the middle of Afri-ca?"

"Robert, sto-"

"This is my affair! If any censure comes from my actions, it comes from just that- my actions. It needn't apply to anyone else."

"But it will, Robert, whether you grasp it or not."

Robert sighed and glared at her.

"Bates needs my help. I can't abandon him." he muttered disgruntledly.

"Yet you've readily abandoned-!" Cora stopped, her eyes blazing.

"I've abandoned you, my family? Is that what you think?"

"It's been obvious for some time now." She said

"Not to me." Robert muttered through gritted teeth, his face very warm.

"I won't talk about this anymore, Cora. I won't involve you in it, if that's any con-solation, but I also refuse to discontinue my plans." Feeling furious, Robert swept from the room. What right did Cora have to pass judgment? She didn't know Bates, she hadn't heard his story. Robert was reminded fleetingly of how, so long ago, Cora had wanted Bates fired and he felt more anger flood him. She had no concept of he and Bates had been through and yet she dared to direct him.