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"Carson." Lady Mary glanced at the man she had known all her life. "Are you well? I mean you seem unnecessary injured by all of this." She watched as the older man sighed.

"It has been a distressing time. For Anna more than anyone."

"Of course." She nodded. "Anna didn't deserve any of this. Actually there isn't a soul on Earth that deserves such treatment. She's lucky to have you and Mrs Hughes. I hope you know that." She watched as Carson looked away. "Carson."

"I fear, My Lady that I am the lucky one."

"Really? How so?"

"Since coming to Downton when, you were what? A baby?"

"I was four years old when you started working there. Edith was a baby and Sybil." She paused. "Was not yet born."

"That's right." He smiled slightly. "It is I that am the lucky one to have made the friends and acquaintances I have in my time there. I believe it is me that is lucky to have met and befriended Mrs Hughes, Anna and Mr Bates, aswell as Mrs Patmore."

"Yes." Mary smiled. "And you think of them as family?"

"I do."

"Good. Because I dare say Mrs Hughes thinks of you in the same way."

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Anna washed her hands in the bowl on the kitchen stand. She was exhausted but knew Lady Mary was out and had no idea when she would be back. Sighing heavily she looked at the clock, wondering if she should just get Mary's things ready and leave her to it. She knew the oldest Crawley daughter wouldn't mind. She was more independent than many gave her credit for.

"Anna?" Mrs Hughes walked into the room. "Did you not get the message?"

"Message?" Anna turned to face her friend.

"Oh child, you look exhausted." The older woman stepped toward her. "Have you had any rest?"

"No, not much. Not really." She sighed. "What message?"

"Lady Mary called. Spoke to Her Ladyship. She wont be home until late. Said you were not to wait up. I asked Ivy to tell you."

"Well, I didn't recieve any message but I am glad of it." Anna smiled slightly before sitting down. "I haven't seen Mr Carson today. Not since breakfast."

"No? He said he had some business to attend to. I don't know what, something about family I dare say."

"Family?" Anna frowned. It was not a concept she had ever associated with the older man. "He has never mentioned a family."

"Oh I know he has a sister, Maud in Lincoln and a younger brother in Leeds. Apart from that I don't know." Mrs Hughes smiled. "I really wish you would try to rest."

"I close my eyes. I try to sleep. I think I am so used to John being there that I just can't settle."

"Then go home. Go back to the cottage. There is no reason for you to stay here. Lady Cora will have her own Lady's Maid from tomorrow and Lady Mary is away with the fairies for all we know." Anna smiled slightly. "At least until tomorrow."

"I'm fine here." Anna sighed. "I can't go home. He'll see something is wrong. He'll see and then he'll do something and I'll lose him. I know I will."

"You're breaking his heart." Mrs Hughes sat down and covered Anna's hand with her own. "And your own at the same time."

"My heart." Anna stared at the ceiling for a moment. "Doesn't matter. I have to keep John safe. A broken heart will mend. Given time. A broken neck does not." She blinked back tears as Mrs Hughes glanced away. She had seen the figure in the doorway, knowing Anna had no idea their conversation had been over heard.

"Aye, well I dare say you believe it for the best." She got to her feet. "Oh Mr Bates! How long have you been there?"

"Long enough Mrs Hughes." He nodded as Anna closed her eyes.

"Aye, well. I bid you goodnight." Mrs Hughes hurried out of the kitchen leaving the couple staring at each other. Not for the first time she wished Carson would hurry home. She needed to talk to her friend.

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A/N More soon x Nearly at the end now.