Those last few chapters were a little dark. Essential to get done, but I figured we needed a lighter touch! You can probably guess what happens in chapter 11... ;)
The rain Hetty had predicted caught up with them at the bridge. There was no way to run without slipping in the mud, so they plodded on getting steadily wetter.
By the time they reached the porch, they were soaked through.
"Do you think Bill would mind if we drew a bath?" Anna wrung her hair out as much as she could as John opened the door.
"Bill won't mind at all!"
A deep chuckle came from the kitchen. They turned to see Bill himself sat at the end of the table, a plate in front of him with the remnants of a slice of cake and an empty tea mug.
"Y'poor devils, I thought you might get caught in that. Good walk though?"
"Great walk, right up until the first raindrop" John tipped the water from his hat out of the door, closing it behind him.
"Water's hot, and there's plenty of it. Bath's upstairs, you can fill it from the geysers, no need for lugging pans up and down."
Bill heaved himself to his feet and knocked his pipe remnants out into a big clay ashtray.
"You're not going back out in that?"
"Aye, lots to do lad, I'll be in the sheds for the worst of it though."
"Has Hetty gone?"
"Aye, but she's left you a tray for tea." Bill motioned to a covered tray over beside the range. "Tell you what, make up a pot and take it up with you. Mug o' tea, bit of cake and a bath will do you both good. Have a nap to if you want. I'll see you at 8 for dinner."
Dusting himself off, Bill shrugged into his great coat and reached for an old sou'wester as Anna bustled to fill the teapot from the kettle on the range. On his way out the door, Bill stopped close to John and dropped his voice.
"Sleep alright last night?"
"Perfectly, thank you Bill."
"And... no cherry cravings?"
John understood his meaning.
"I noticed it was gone. And it's best gone. But I won't go looking for it."
"I'm sure you won't. You needed to unwind last night, but that's done now," Bill grinned toothily.
"Right... these horses won't groom themselves. I'll see you both later."
Anna swirled the water in the pot and spooned in some tea.
"Do you want the first bath or second?" asked John.
Anna grinned widely at him.
"Who said anything about taking turns?"
Taking up the tray, she walked upstairs, swaying her hips just so to turn John's stomach and make his heart thump faster beneath his damp shirt.
"Don't forget your towel Mr Bates," she threw back over her shoulder.
Loosening his tie, John followed behind her with much haste.