Love

John walked into the cottage he shared with Anna and their son absolutely exhausted. The only thing keeping him awake was the thought of seeing Anna and his son at the end of the day.

"Hello." Anna smiled as he walked into the kitchen. "You look all in."

"Hello to you too." He smiled, crossing the room to kiss her. "It's been a very long day. I heard you had visitors."

"We did. I think Miss Marigold was very taken with the baby. Asked where he came from. I thought Lady Mary would choke on her tea!"

John burst out laughing. The idea of the four year old girl asking such a question of the most contained member of the Crawley family made him laugh. Anna rolled your eyes.

"It's not funny."

"I think it is. What did she say? Mary?"

"Once recovered she had three little faces staring at her. I had to step in." Anna shook her head, heading towards the stove. "Tea?"

"Please. What did you say then?"

"Love. I said he came from love as did each of them. That when a couple love each other like we do magic happens and sometimes a baby is the result but you should be a grown up first." She smiled as he wrapped his arms around her, kissing her neck.

"Good answer."

"It's the truth. Arthur did." She closed her eyes as he kissed her again. It amazed her that after everything they had been through they were together - a family.

Xxxxxz

Thomas looked up as Dafydd walked into the room. The kitchen was deserted as the young man made his way towards the sink, pouring himself a glass of water.

"Busy day."

"As it always is." Thomas answered. "You'll find things a lot busier here than in north Wales."

"Yes, I can see that." Dafydd paused. "Mr Barrow. Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead." Thomas looked away, finding the marking on the table where Daisy had put a too hot pan down once. He stared at the mark, determined not to look Dafydd in the eye.

"Have I offended you in some way? Please tell me if I have."

"No." Thomas looked up, immediately captivated by the blue eyes that stared back at him. "Not at all."

"I would hate for us to get off on the wrong foot." Dafydd sat next to him. Thomas nodded.

"I would hate to think we had, although I'm sure there have been plenty of stories of me in this place."

"I prefer not to listen to gossip. I know there's been plenty about me." Thomas looked up as he spoke. "You may heard of my indiscretion back in Prestatyn." He covered Thomas' hand with his own.

"I." Thomas snapped his hand away before staring up at the younger man. "I can't do this."

"Oh." Dafydd pulled his hand away as if he had been burned. "I overheard you with Miss Baxter- I'm sorry. I misread the signs."

"Eavesdropping." Thomas shook his head, not sure whether to laugh or cry. He sighed heavily before leaving the room.

Xxxx