Disclaimer: I will say the normal stuff of course I don't own anything just barrowing Mr. Bates and Anna for a while, I also barrowed the Title from a song by Evanescence. There is No copy write infringement intended with the use either…

A/N I do apologize that this chapter is very short, however the next chapter will make up for it, I promise.

Chapter 2

The alarm clock buzz woke John first. Without opening his eyes he felt for the offending clock and with one quick slam of his hand the clock went silent. Looking over at Anna he watched her as she slept knowing he would miss doing that for the next two weeks. "Anna, Anna it's time to wake up," John whispered in her ear.

"What I wouldn't give to wake up naturally." Anna said as she yawned and rolled burying her face in his chest.

He smiled at her half open eyes as he brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, "I know, but we have to get up, you don't want to keep Mary waiting."

Grumbling under her breath Anna threw the covers back and made her way to the bathroom, "hate it when you're right."

An hour later they were both dressed, "I'm going to put your cases in the boot." John told Anna grabbing a rolling case and a garment bag.

Taking a last sip of her lukewarm coffee Anna poured the rest in the sink before taking one last look around she grabbed her purse and headed for the door. "Are you certain everything will fit in there?" She asked.

"Its tight, but I think so." John told her as closed the trunk with a quick shove.

"Okay we must get on," Anna said getting into the car. The ride to Heathrow was quiet on the busy motorway.

John drove and he watched silently as Anna stared out of the window. Taking his hand he covered hers that rested between them. "I love you," He told her, kissing her hand.

"I love you too," She smiled and held his hand tighter as the turn to the busy airport came into view.

Pulling the car into the private section of the airport John turned off the engine as Anna opened her door. Grabbing his cane from the back he got out and made his way to retrieve her cases from the boot. There were two cases and one garment bag for a banquet that as Mary's employee Anna had to attend. "Here you are," John said handing her the light bag. Walking towards the waiting plane he handed the two cases to a waiting flight attendant. While Anna had elected to carry the bag and her purse with her. "Mary is running late." John noted as they stood outside waiting. The wind blew and the air was cold, even with scarves and gloves they could both feel the chill.

"I'm not surprised." Anna said with a sly smile. Just then a limousine pulled into the lot. "There she is." Anna told him.

"Anna, John." Mary said as she got out of the car. "I know, I'm late." She apologized, but said nothing more as she mounted the steps to the plane.

"Well this should be interesting." Anna grumbled burying her face into his chest as she wrapped her arms around him.

"You have to go, my love." John whispered.

"I know," She said quietly. "I love you," She said placing her hand against his cold cheek.

"I love you too," John told her, with one last kiss. She looked so beautiful. John thought to himself as she mounted the steps. At the door she stopped to look back at him before entering. John stood watching as the flight crewman closed the hatch.

Making his way to the car he listened as the engines roared in takeoff. He would miss her as always, but something told him that this trip was going to be different. He couldn't know then just how right he was.

After the plane had taken off Anna and Mary both relaxed back into their leather captain's seats and prepared themselves for the long flight. Both women had chosen to sleep for most of the ten hour plus flight, only the voice of first officer Granger interrupted their slumber, "Ladies we are on approach. Please put your seatbelts on."

"Wonderful," Came the voice of Mary Crawley. Though she knew these trips were part of the business she couldn't help, but wonder why these horses and why this particular farm? Her questions she knew would be answered, but all the same she wanted to be home.

"Mary are you alright?" Anna asked. She knew Mary for the past twenty years and she could tell something was bothering her.

"I'm fine, I-I will be more forthcoming once we get settled."

"Alright."

The landing was as expected and the car was waiting to take them to H &A farm. Getting into the car Anna watched her friend, "Ok, Mary we have at least an hour before we reach the farm tell me what's bothering you."

TBC

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