Disclaimer not mine
I had wanted this to be finished by Christmas but unfortunately that didn't happen. This is the penultimate chapter.
Friends
Mrs Hughes sat in the rocking chair next to her fireplace and tried to order her thoughts. Anna had always been a good friend to her, a surrogate daughter in many ways. Now this dreadful dreadful thing had happened to her in the house where they should all feel safe and she couldn't stand by and watch the girl hurt more.
"Mrs Hughes?" She snapped her eyes open, unaware that she had been asleep for more than a moment.
"Mr Carson? When did you return?"
"A few moments ago. Lady Mary has gone up to her room. She has asked that Anna wake her later tomorrow morning."
"This morning you mean." Mrs Hughes smiled.
"Yes, well. It has been quite a day."
"And are you goinf to tell me any more of your day? Did you speak to the people you needed to?"
"Yes. Yes, Lady Mary was very influential. I dare say her words were taken seriously and that Mr Green will not be bothering the ladies of this house again."
"Oh Thanks Heavens." She touched her chest as she spoke. Mr Carson smiled. "I was so worried."
"Worried? Why?"
"You were gone so long." She shook her head. "I was being foolish. Take no mind to what I say."
"Mrs Hughes." He touched her hand, forcing her to look up. "I always pay heed to what you say. You knew that in every likelyhood Lady Mary and I would be some time with Lord Gillingham. Why were you worried? Did you think something would happen?"
"I was concerned that Mr Green would be there. That's all. What with Lady Mary there too and you both knowing his actions here, in this very house."
"He was there." Carson sighed. "But we did not see him. His butler, George Johnson let us in and we met a young maid, Emma. That is all. A valet should be out of sight until required."
"I wish this particular valet stayed out of sight forever."
"I share that wish." Carson glanced down, aware she hadn't pulled her hand away. He smiled slightly.
"I think John, Mr Bates overheard Anna and I talking."
"Good." Carson frowned slightly. "He should know. Anna does not give the man the credit he deserves. He would never risk them being separated again. He knows how she suffered with all that nasty business with his wife. No, he would not put her through that again. Not for revenge."
"I hope you are right." She squeezed his hand as he stood up.
"I am." He smiled slightly. Mrs Hughes glanced up at him.
"But what about that young lady you met, in the Parson's Terrier?"
"Lucy and her boy are better off without him. It is best the boy doesn't know and I know Lucy has no wish to tell the child his parentage. I also think this is the last we will see of such behaviour from Mr Green. Now, Mrs Hughes. I bid you good night."
"Good night." She smiled as he left the room. She had no idea what had gone on during his visit to Lord Gillingham's estate and she knew he would never tell her. Part of her was glad of his discretion.
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"Anna, my love." John looked at her. "Please, tell me what I have done wrong. How can I make amends if I do not know? If you simply do not love me anymore please just tell me."
"You have done nothing wrong." Anna sighed, tears on the verge of falling. "You know that. And of course I still love you."
"Then what did I over hear? Better a broken heart than a broken neck? Anna?"
"I would do anything to protect you."
"And I you." John stepped forward as it suddenly began to dawn on him that someone had hurt his wife. He didn't know who or why or how but he knew she had been trying to protect him from the realities of the situation. "Anna, talk to me. Please." He frowned slightly as she stepped nearer to him, shaking her head as the tears fell. Seconds later he pulled her into his arms, silently praying his worst fears were wrong.
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A/N more soon. Please review. Oh Merry Christmas and I thank you all for reading.
