In this chapter you will discover Bates' fate! Thank you for reading, you're all very kind!

Anna stayed away from Downton just the one week. By the time she had returned Robert had managed to get one of the cottages set aside for her and Bates.

"How was your mother?" he asked as they stood together in the library.

"She's fine, thank you, my lord."

"And does she feel any better about Bates or should I start drafting that letter?"

"I think I've convinced her and if I haven't it seems like she'll at least keep quiet about it."

"Well, that's something. While you were away I went to see Bates and we were wondering if you wouldn't like me to act on my proposal of providing you and Bates with a cottage. Of course it would just be yourself until Bates is released but should you want to move in everything is prepared for you to do so."

"I..of course I'd like to!" Anna replied with a grin.

"Good. As I said everything's in place for you to move in directly so as soon as you find the time…"

"Thank you, your lordship."

The next few days consisted of overseeing Anna's move to the cottage and then it was, finally, the last day of Bates' trial. The car ride to the court-house was silent. Neither Anna nor Robert spoke. Occasionally they would find themselves looking at one another but unable to think of anything to say. Robert was certain that if he uttered a sound any luck that they had would be lost. So he only stared out of the window, watching snow fall.

As much as he tried he found he couldn't keep his mind from drift-ing onto the unfortunate end this story could have. If Bates was found guilty there was no question that he would be executed. And then it would be difficult, almost impossible, for Robert to convince Cora to keep Anna on. If she was left without work and pregnant the desolate vision Bates had had would be a reality. But that won't happen, Robert reminded himself, He'll be found innocent because he is innocent.

He offered Anna his hand as she got out of the car. From the side he could see that she was just beginning to show. She took his hand as she stepped onto the ground but he didn't let go.

"Forgive me, Mrs. Bates," he choked out, trying to keep his voice as even as possible, "but I think I need something to hold onto today." An-na opened her mouth but as tears formed in her eyes she shut it and looked away. Robert felt her squeeze his hand. He nodded and they made their way into the courthouse.

They were the only people in the courtroom. Their footsteps echoed as they made their way up the aisle, adding to the threatening air the room already had. Robert held tightly to Anna's hand. He hadn't expected to feel so…frightened. He thought that he should try to say something comforting to Anna but he knew that as soon as he tried to speak he wouldn't be able to contain himself. Even now he felt his chest becoming heavier and heavier. He stared dumbly at the floor, trying not to think of anything. Robert noticed that Anna's head was bowed as well, but not in the same attitude, the same stupor that he was in. He realized she must be praying and fleetingly thought that he should do the same. But before Robert had a chance a door slammed shut, causing both he and Anna to look up.

Bates was being led into the courtroom. He glanced over at them, his face very pale and blatantly afraid. He managed a small, unconvincing smile before he turned his back to them as he sat down. Robert felt Anna press his hand and he was sure that the further this went on the further his ability to stay composed was tested. There was no escaping the feeling of misery in the room and as the other legal officials entered the room and took their places, it only increased.

The prosecution offered their closing statements. Robert tried to ig-nore the sound of his voice, ignore the fact that he was well spoken and more than anything else ignore the fact that his speech was the worst of things- convincing.

Instead Robert alternately stared at Bates or Anna's hand wrapped in his own. He thought that he should not have brought Anna. If…things should not go the way they ought to she would be shattered and Robert knew that he wouldn't be able to help her at that moment because he would be reeling himself.

He listened raptly, however, when Bates' lawyer stood and began his own conclusion of the case. Robert repeated each line in his head, telling himself that this man was just as well spoken and convincing as the other. Bates' innocence was so clear to him; it must be just as clear to everyone else.

Both sides rested and there was a small recess before they would know the verdict. He turned to Anna, still holding her hand.

"If you…don't want to stay I can have the car brought around." He murmured.

"No," Anna replied quietly, "I have to stay. I have to know."

So do I Robert thought. He pressed Anna's hand and felt her press back. They sat in an overbearing silence for an undetermined amount of time. Bates and the lawyers eventually returned, followed by the judge.

Robert couldn't look at Bates. He shut his eyes and hunched over, waiting. It was so strange, he thought, that the next sentence that this man utters would alter so many lives, forever. And though the moments leading to his decree felt endless, the final statement came out in a rush, so much so that Robert was only able to catch one word: innocent.

Bates is out of danger! Hooray! There will be another chapter and then an epilogue so stay tuned...I guess lol. Thanks for reading.