"Mr Bates!"

A few days later, John was sat with his mending for Lord Grantham in the servants' hall when Daisy's bright face peeped around the door at him.

"Yes Daisy?"

She scooted in, holding a letter.

"I were thinking about what you said, about having nowhere to go. And I wished there was summat I could do, and then I realised – I had somewhere you could go. So... I hope you don't mind or think it cheeky or owt, but I wrote to Mr Mason. William's Dad, who has the farm. And he's written back! And, well..."

"DAISY!"

"I don't have time to tell you, y'd best read yourself..."

Daisy stuffed the letter into John's hand and raced back off down the corridor.

"Sorry Mrs Patmore...!"

Stunned and taken aback, John read the short letter.

Dear Daisy

It's a joy to hear from you pet, I'm glad to hear you're keeping well. I got your letter, as you can see, and I'll come right to the point.

Of course they can come.

William always spoke well of Mr Bates, right nice feller he sounded, and you've been singing the praises of Anna since you started coming here. It sounds like they've had a rough time and you did right asking if I could help, and of course I will. They're welcome here, as friends of yours, as they will be when the place is yours one day. I'd be glad of a bit of company, but the place does keep me busy, so they'd have time to themselves without me bearing down on them. There's plenty going on if they want stuff to be doing, and places to go besides if they don't.

You know the train they need to catch, so you just write and tell me if they want to come and I'll meet them with the trap. But Daisy, don't take it too bad if they say no. I know this place is heaven on earth to me and you, but it might not look that way to everyone. I've no doubt that Mr Bates will know what's best.

Love to you sweetheart, and come see me yourself one of these days.

Mr Mason.

John fumbled for a handkerchief and wiped away the treacherous tear which threatened to escape. What a kind and generous man, to open his house to two people he had never met, on the word of his long dead son and his daughter in law, and his trust in her judgement. There were not enough people like Mr Mason in the world.

He folded the letter and resolved to speak to Lord Robert about some time off. But first, he would talk to Anna. She might be cross that so much had been planned without even mentioning it to her first, but she knew Daisy and her impulsive behaviour better than most.

Hopefully, she would agree that it was a good idea.