It's Wednesday! That means: a new chapter! Chapter 4 already, so we're halfway.

Thanks to the guest who pointed out Anna should call Mr. Bates 'My lord' or 'Your Lordship.' I never really thought about it while writing. My editor and I aren't from the UK and thus never realized this. If anyone else spots any mistakes, please feel free to PM me! (or for guests: please write it in a review) But please feel free to send your thoughts and opinions too. I really appreciate them and they are a big motivation to continue writing.

Please enjoy chapter 4.

John felt like he was about to burst. After years of feeling unhappy, sometimes depressed even, he felt like he had the energy of an eighteen-year-old. Butterflies raced through his body when he thought about Anna beside him.

Reading with her,

Walking with her,

Buying things for her,

Kissing her,

Making love to her,

It was all that was on his mind.

He wanted to go downstairs just to see her, but he knew he couldn't. He also knew he couldn't offer her anything. He didn't want to ruin her or make her lose her position as a housemaid. He couldn't let her get into trouble because of him. And he knew she wouldn't get herself into trouble too. She was a wise woman.

Since their conversation, he had discovered she wasn't a girl anymore. She had grown-up thoughts about life, politics, things she wanted out of life. He couldn't imagine another woman beside him.

He was still in bed, daydreaming about Anna, when she came in. Maids never entered his room, except when they were cleaning, of course. So, he was a bit shocked. Anna carried a tray with his breakfast. He could see she was a bit embarrassed, her cheeks turned pink.

"I'm sorry My lord, Mr. Carson hasn't been feeling well this morning and the two footmen have to take over his business and chores,… so I suggested I would bring you something this morning. I hope that's alright."

John nodded and accepted the tray from her. His hand brushed her fingers.

"Anna,…" he whispered.

She waited for what was to come. "Yes,… your lordship?"

"I don't know what to say…" he said, disappointed in himself. She had occupied his thoughts all night and now he didn't k now what to do.

"You don't have to say anything. I really liked our time together yesterday afternoon, but I don't let my thoughts run wild so easily," she reassured him.

It wasn't what he wanted to say to her, but he thought it best not to mention anything more about the subject.

"I do think you're happier the last few weeks. Maybe it's time to enjoy life a bit more,... do things you always wanted. You told me about your loneliness,... why don't you write to some old friends?" Anna suggested quite forward.

John thought about this for a second. That wasn't such a bad idea. Not at all!

He missed his friends and comrades.

"Thank you Anna. That's a wonderful idea!" he said with enthusiasm. It would take his mind off of her. He needed some time to think.

It was a few days later when John walked into the kitchens downstairs. He scanned the room to see if Anna was there. She was, having a conversation with the cook, sipping her tea. He swallowed, before addressing them.

"Is Mrs. Hughes also around, perhaps?" he started. Both women were startled by his presence. He didn't come downstairs that often, and certainly not without warning.

Mrs. Patmore hurried of to get the housekeeper, which left Anna and Mr. Bates on their own.

He could feel her staring.

"I took your advice," he told her.

"That's great!" she said kindly. But John missed the warmth in her voice. It hurt him more then he expected, the distance between them. He wanted to find out what had happened.

"Are you alright?" he asked and stepped closer.

"Perfectly fine, thank you, your Lordship," she responded before the other women returned. John wasn't convinced and kept looking at her.

"So, what's this then?" the cook asked Lord Bates.

He was shaken out of his thoughts. "Well,…err,… I think this house needs some positive energy back. I decided to have a little house party, so, I will invite some long lost friends. I do believe you organized such events years ago, so I want to ask, if you can help me make the arrangements."

All three women were happily surprised. It had been far too long since there had been a party. Soon all came up with ideas for dishes, flower arrangements and music. They had much fun discussing and talking about the preparations.

It was supposed to be a small party. John had invited about 25 guests. He didn't even know he knew so many people. He looked forward to it. Anna could see it in his smiles. His eyes crinkled more than ever. He found her watching him more than once. He liked that.

Two weeks later, it was the evening of the party. John had bought a new suit to match with his friends. He knew he needed to renew his wardrobe to fit in. He spent a lot of time making sure he looked fine.

Dinner went wonderful. Every dish was a feast for the eyes and taste. The servants did great too, knowing they weren't used serving long dinner parties.

It was late when the men joined the women for a little dance. It was in a room that hadn't been used for more than a decade. Large doors led to a small and secluded garden for people to get some fresh air between dances.

John had only danced once. Most women were taken and he didn't fancy being close to anyone in particular. He walked outside and found a dark spot to sit and watch the scene from afar.

He heard some whispers close by. He recognized them easily. Anna and one of the other maids walked on tiptoes to take a sneak peek through the windows. They hadn't seen him.

"Oh, wouldn't you like to dance to this music, Gwen?" Anna whispered to her friend.

"Yes, I will; in my dreams," Gwen giggled.

"Shhh!" Anna whispered. Together the girls stared to the lovely couples, dancing the night away. They were silent for some minutes.

"I've seen enough, I'll go back before Mrs. Hughes catches us," Gwen giggled some more, before leaving.

Now only Anna was left. John could hear her sigh and didn't think for a moment. He stood up from his seat and walked over to her. She still had her back to him.

Softly he placed a hand on her shoulder and caressed her down her arm, softly grabbing her wrist. He could feel her lean back a little; she just brushed against him with her back.

Still holding her, his other hand reached for her neck. His fingers teased her sensitive but silky skin.

"God, Anna,…" he gasped.

She still didn't say a thing. John turned her around, still holding her wrist and placed his now free hand on her waist. Anna was weak in his arms, so he held her tightly.

"Dance with me," he whispered in her ear. It made her smile against his chest. Slowly he made them move to the music, much slower than the people inside.

"I hate to see you like this. So,… sad, somehow. You're such a bright young woman," he told her.

"I hate to see you like that too; hiding in dark corners," she looked up at him, her lips pressed together in a sweet and playful smile. She was on to him and his habits and she had known that he was there. It warmed him inside, to know she noticed these things and dared to confront him with it.

They kept quiet for some time, until she suddenly mentioned, "I finished the book. I want to thank you again, it was really good. Sad, but good. I loved it."

He held her as close as the dance allowed them and softly squeezed her waist. Her cheek rested against his shoulder.

After that, they both remained silent until the music stopped. John heard his name being called and Anna ran off, back tot the servants' quarters.

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See you friday!