Anna's fingertips covered her lips and her eyes streamed upon reading the letter.
"What a generous offer..."
"I thought so."
John took the letter and passed his wife a clean handkerchief.
"Thanks..."
"Love, why didn't you tell me that things were so difficult for you?"
"Truth be told, I didn't know. Not until I was away with Lady Mary again this time. I missed you, of course I did. But being somewhere new, not seeing memories around every corner... I didn't realise how heavy it all was until I came back and it was there waiting for me."
John gathered his wife into his arms as she cried, patting her back and rocking her like a child.
"Shhhh, it's alright."
"I wish it were. But I'm not sure it will ever be right here again, and I can't bear it John..."
"Come on love, it's alright. Listen," he moved to look at her, cupping her face in his big gentle hands, wiping away her tears. "Shall we go? Shall I talk to Lord Grantham and see if he can spare the two of us for a little while?"
Anna looked up at him, smiling her first real smile in months.
"Yes please."