This was another chapter where I wrote the dialogue and then built the rest up so again try to ignore the awkwardness! Thanks for reading!
Robert instantly released Anna's hand. He saw Bates' rigid frame relax, though he still sat hunched over, his face in his hands. The courtroom emptied until only Anna, Robert, and Bates were left. "Bates," he said, his voice breathless and elated. Robert stood up and on unsteady legs walked to Bates' side, Anna following close behind.
Bates raised his head and slowly pulled himself to his feet. He ran a hand over his eyes, wiping away whatever tears had been there.
"My lord." He smiled at the both of them, his entire body trembling. Bates' eyes moved from Robert to Anna. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her to him, holding her against his chest.
"It's over…all over."
Robert grinned and grasped Bates' hand. They looked at one another, directly, both of their hands trembling. Though neither of them spoke the tumult of emotions coursing through them was palpable.
"Congratulations doesn't feel like a strong enough word." Robert said, retracting his hand.
Bates laughed, genuinely laughed. "I'll accept it all the same, my lord. Thank you."
"And…I think you know this but should you choose to come back to Downton-though it is completely understandable if you don't-should you come back your position, well, it's yours."
"Thank you, my lord. I must consider."
"Of course! You have many things to consider just now."
Bates swallowed. His face was suddenly grave.
"My lord, please, let me say thank you. I think…I think it is not an exaggeration to say that I owe you my life."
"I assure you it is."
"No, my lord, it isn't but I don't much feel like debating this with you."
Robert chuckled. "What do you feel like doing?"
Bates glanced down at Anna, whose face was buried in his chest. "I want to go home." he said, candidly.
"Well, then, come."
The car ride back was just as silent as the one before it but it was not because of fear. Nothing was said because there was no need. Only when the car stopped did Robert finally speak.
"Goodbye, Bates. When you've come to a decision-"
"I'll write, my lord, with my answer."
"No, that won't do. Regardless of your decision, I would still like to keep in contact. Visit the house when you have your answer and only write to tell me when I should expect you."
"Yes, my lord, if that's what you want."
"It is." Robert said quietly. "I would say good luck Bates but I think you used all of your luck today."
Bates laughed.
"Goodbye then, for a little while at least."
"Goodbye sir. Good night."
The car started again and carried Robert the brief distance to Downton. He retreated to the bedroom and sat silently, relishing in the relief he felt. The door opened and Cora came in.
"Well, is your man free or not?"
"He's free." Robert said quietly.
Robert hardly noticed as Cora flitted about the room but when she opened the door to leave he was brought to his senses.
"Cora, wait a moment." Robert said. He slowly walked to the door, leaning against it until it closed. Cora examined him.
"Is everything alright?" she asked, puzzled.
"No and I'm afraid I'm the reason it isn't. I've been very unfair to you lately and I am sorry- deeply sorry. When you said that I had abandoned you and the girls you weren't wrong. I would like to blame the war for the change in me but I can't. I let it alter me and in the process I lost myself. I was selfish and unfeeling. Were I to be completely honest I resented the fact that you had changed into an even better woman than you had been before. I believe that now I might be able to find myself. I'm sorry, Cora, for everything and even though it may not have seemed like it I've always loved you-I do love you, my dear."
Cora stared at him. She blinked very quickly and then placed her hand on the side of his face.
"I think you're right. You aren't entirely to blame, though.-only mostly." She said with a wink. "I forgot that you needed me too." She stroked his cheek with her thumb. "We both should make an effort to be more understanding." She looked up at him; her eyes were very blue, very bright. Even after all of these years, Cora was still so beautiful. "I love you, Robert." She whispered. He chuckled and wrapped his arms around her. Leaning forward to kiss his wife Robert felt as he had not felt in a very long time-at peace, with himself and his life.