The pub, The Lion and The Lamb, was much nicer than Edith expected. She hadn't really visited many pubs besides the Grantham Arms in the village, which probably had been redone sometime between the wars. She'd certainly never seen one as nice as this. It seemed flower boxes adorned almost the entirety of the outside wall, hanging from the second floor windows and arranged all around the front. As they approached, she could see a small courtyard off to the side for patrons who preferred the out of doors when weather permitted.

Inside had the dark wood that she associated with the interior of a pub. But the table and seating was far beyond her expectation. In the center of the room were several tables with seating for two or for four. Along the front wall were sofas in various but harmonious shades of blue. Each had a table with chairs opposite, but allat a slightly lower height to accommodate the lower sofa seats. There was a huge hearth at the back and shelves to either side. One side held books and it appeared that several patrons were taking advantage of the collection as they sat at tables nearby sipping and reading. The other shelves had stacks of games. Just to the left of that shelf was a table for four where three people were obviously involved in an intense game of some sort. Stools at the bar sat largely unoccupied, save for one lonely looking gentleman nursing an ale. In a room around to the side of the bar the tables were prepared for evening diners. That's where Anthony led her.

Once they were settled at the table, Anthony smiled across at Edith. "I can recommend the fish and chips. But of course, they do have other food, if you prefer."

"Fish and chips? I wouldn't have thought you'd be drawn to fish and chips."

"Really?" He looked at her in surprise.

"No. More of a…. Beef Wellington sort of man, I would have thought."

"Beef Wellington has its place. But we are in a pub." His smile made his eyes glisten. "However, they have an excellent steak and ale pie too. Or there's always bangers and mash. Or of course, you might try the burger. But I don't recommend that. John has concocted his All British Burger, you see. He and Anna visited America and he came back grumbling about their All American Burgers and he was determined to devise a British Burger. Seems more like shoe leather than beef. Although, he does add bacon which is done well."

"So perhaps an All British Burger without the beef?" Edith teased.

"Probably best to just by pass the whole plate," he teased back.

Just as Edith was about to respond, a man appeared at their table. He appeared to be in his early forties, Edith thought. He had dark hair and brooding eyes but the first thing that caught Edith's attention was his cane.

"Sir Anthony," the man greeted with a smirk. "Haven't had the pleasure in some weeks."

"Now John, you know I told you I would spend the holiday in Yorkshire."

"Yes, you did. It was peaceful, I trust," John said as he eyed Edith. "Brought back a souvenir?"

Edith saw the color drain from Anthony's face. "Not at all." Then turning to Edith, his smile was forced. "Lady Edith, against my better judgment may I introduce the proprietor of this establishment, John Bates." Anthony's formality did not go unnoticed by Edith or John, both giving Anthony odd looks.

Turning to John, Edith smiled. "Please, I'm just Edith, Edith Crawley. I'm very pleased to meet you, Mr. Bates. Anthony told me you have a wonderful pub but it is even nicer than I expected. Far better than what I'm used to at The Grantham Arms in our village. "

"I pologize for my comment, Edith, and am very pleased to meet you. Grantham Arms? Crawley? Are you related to Lord Grantham?"

"He is my father," Edith replied. "Do you know him?"

"We served in the Army together. Well, not together exactly. He was my commanding officer. Please, when you speak with him again, give him my regards."

"You're Sergeant Bates?" Edith was genuinely surprised. "Papa told us about you, how you saved his life. He often wonders what ever happened to you. He'll be thrilled to hear you are here in London and have your own business."

Color rose in John's cheeks. "He exaggerates. I did my duty, as he did his. He was a good officer. I wish we'd had more like him."

"You're very kind Sergeant Bates. But I don't think I will tell him that you speak so highly of him. He'd puff up and strut around Downton for weeks." Pausing to look back at Anthony, Edith frowned. "Is that how you know one another? The Army?"

"Heavens no," Bates answered for Anthony. "Your father and I were Army. Sir Anthony here was intelligence. No, we met when he wandered in here one night a few years ago."

"Yes, it was just after I moved to the city," Anthony explained.

"And in all that time, Anthony never brought one of his women here. We are honored that he should bring you, m'lady."

"Oh please, John. I rarely use the title. Please don't dwell on it."

"And Edith is not one of those women, John. I'm finished with that life. She is making an honest man of me again." Then turning and gazing into her eyes, he smiled. "She is giving me back my life."

John tilted his head and looked at Anthony speculatively. "Becoming your life, I'd say; just is Anna has become mine."

Anthony's smiled broader. "Oh yes."

"Well, this requires a celebration. What will you have for supper? And then of course, there must be champagne," John chuckled.

Anthony nodded. "Yes, champagne. But first …" "Fish and chips," Edith supplied. Anthony's eyebrow lifted as he turned back to her. "Yes John, two fish and chips. And light ale."

""Right." John smiled. "I see you have corrupted her already." He limped away from the table jovially.

Edith looked around the room again and was just about to ask Anthony how often he came here when a squeal was heard from the area behind the bar. "The kitchen," Anthony shrugged. "John must've told Anna and Daisy that I'm engaged."

"Anna is his wife, right?"

"Yes, and Daisy runs the kitchen. She actually trained under the cook at Downton."

"Mrs. Patmore?" Edith let her mind wander back a few years. "Yes, there was a Daisy in the kitchen. She seemed frightened of us. Married William Mason, the son of one of the tenants. But William was killed in one of the Underground bombings."

"Yes, I know," Anthony said quietly, his face suddenly pale.

"Oh, I'm sorry… your family… I am sorry for mentioning it."

"Wasn't the same one," he said. "But I knew about Daisy and when John was looking for help with the kitchen, I recommended her. They had planned to move here and William was in London interviewing for a job when … it happened. I wrote a note of condolence to her, thinking it might help her to know that she wasn't alone in what happened. She replied and we began to correspond. I knew she wanted out of the country, that she was eager for life in the city. The rest, as they say, is history."

It is amazing."

"What?"

"You, really. Think about it. You lived just a few miles from where I grew up. And although you and Papa did not serve together in the Army, you both know John Bates. And Daisy, who trained in the Downton kitchen, is here working for John because of you. And we're engaged. Rather a small world, isn't it?"

"Small? Perhaps. As for Daisy, the world of those of us who lost loved ones in those bombings is even smaller. Many of are in touch with one another. That she was at Downton is a bit of a coincidence; I'll grant you that."

"Oh you devil," Edith heard a woman exclaim from behind her. Anthony looked up, surprised at first, but then he broke into a wide smile. "So John has told you?"

A woman not much older than Edith walked over to Anthony and bent down to give him a peck on the cheek. "He did. And I am so very happy for you, Anthony."

"Thank you. Allow me to introduce you to my fiancé," he replied.

The woman turned and gifted Edith with a bright smile. "I'm Anna Bates. And we are so thrilled that you've hooked this one," she laughed as she spoke.

"Edith Crawley. Anthony was just telling me about your connections. You have a lovely pub." Edith heard a small gasp behind her and saw Anna look over her shoulder. "Come on, Daisy," she cajoled.

Daisy edged nervously next to Anna. "Very pleased for ya, Sir Anthony," she said shyly. Then turning she looked at Edith. "Lady Edith, he's a very nice man. I wish ya both well."

"Thank you, Daisy. And you as well, Mrs. Bates," Edith replied. "And really, please just call me Edith. I rarely use the title."

Anna smiled. "Then I'm Anna. Daisy says she knows you from her training at Downton Abbey."

"Yes, I'm afraid Mrs. Patmore has missed you quite a lot, Daisy."

"Thank you, mi'lady."

"Please, just Edith."

Daisy nodded and a slight blush crept up her face. "Yes, mi….. Edith." She looked at Anna and smiled shyly. "I best be getting' back to tha kitchen." And as quietly as she appeared, she was gone.

John had rejoined the gathering by then and stood behind Anna, smiling. "Never thought we'd see this one back in harness," he teased as he nodded in Anthony's direction.

"Neither did I," Anthony said, his eyes glittering.

Taking that as their cue to leave, the Bates' offered congratulations one more time and went back to their responsibilities, leaving Anthony and Edith alone again.

"You were marvelous," he told her.

"No I wasn't. Just answering their kindness."

"Daisy was obviously afraid to approach you, the title and all, I'm sure. But you handled it beautifully."

"Thank you. But I really am not all that impressed with my title, or anyone else's for that matter. Except yours. I think Sir Anthony fits you perfectly.

The couple had their fish and chips and lingered at the pub until almost closing, most of the evening in a world of their own making. Then Anthony walked Edith to her hotel, saying good night in the hall outside her door to avoid temptation, before walking to his own flat.

She had just settled into bed when her phone chimed, indicating a message.

You really are quite beautiful, you know, it said.

But I don't know. Thank you for saying it though.

As I shall until my last breath.

You really are from another century, aren't you?

Well, I was born in… The last one

Yes, but at times you are almost Victorian.

Oh dear, I realize that I am older, but that old?

No, not that old. Just, your manner at times, the way you speak. And of course, your sense of morality.

"Ah. Well, I'm far too old to change all that now.

Don't want you too. It is one of the things I love about you.

"Just one?

Oh, I have many reasons to love you.

Such as?

Well, you're very tall, and broad. You have gorgeous blue eyes. In fact, I think you are quite gorgeous all over.

Oh my…

Your intelligence.

I could say all those thinga bout you. Well, perhaps not the tall and broad and I much prefer your lovely brown eyes.

See, we are perfect for one another.

It would seem so.

I'll see you in the morning?

Yes, my dearest. Brunch?

Far too late in the day. Breakfast?

I'll arrive at your hotel about eight, then.

I can't wait.

Goodnight, my sweet

Goodnight my love.

Edith sighed as she reread their exchange. Excitement that she was actually going to marry the man rushed through her. Sleep would not come easy, she realized, as a longing for him took up residence in her heart.

"