We reached the final chapter (for now)! I hope you all liked this little story. Thanks so much for the follows an reviews!

I'm still thinking of continuing, but I have to take some time to write. I hope to be back with some more in a few weeks. In the mean time I'm trying to finish another (I think even better) story... so be sure you hear from me again!

xxx

7.

They had to search a little, but arrived at a small cottage about forty minutes later. It was just outside a small village. The chauffeur parked the car just a bit further, to give John some privacy.

John knocked at the door. He didn't have to wait long before an elderly woman opened it.

"Hello, how can I help you Sir?" the woman asked kindly.

"Good day,… I'm looking for Anna…. Anna Smith? She left this address when she left Downton Abbey." He hoped she was around.

"Ah,.. well, come on in and have some tea with me. Anna will be here soon. I've sent her out for some groceries. I hoped some fresh air would do her good. She's a bit out of sorts since she's been back here."

They both sat down at the kitchen table. He discovered the woman was her old neighbor who had taken care of Anna before. She had nothing but kind words about Anna and told him that she'd been surprised when she had suddenly returned.

He didn't think the woman knew the real reason of her sudden decision.

It was not much later when the door cracked and Anna entered with a basket on her arm. She was wearing simple dress and her hair in a loose bun. It was a bit messy, but he liked it.

He didn't like the pale color of her skin.

John could see she took a deep breath out of surprise and didn't know what to do. She just stared at him.

"Hello Anna," he smiled, happy to see her.

"Hello Your Lordship," Anna replied with a faint smile, not knowing where to look now.

"I shall leave you two alone." The woman winked at John and left the room.

Anna placed the basket on the kitchen table.

John got up from his chair and walked towards her.

"I hope you have not been feeling as miserable as I have, the last two days," he told her.

"I'm afraid I have, My Lord," her eyes sparkled at him. He noticed some color returned to her silky skin.

"Please call me John from now on Anna."

"But…My Lord,.." Anna tried to argue.

"Shhh,…" he whispered, taking her hand in his.

He continued, "I've thought about this way too long. I have known my feelings from the first time we met… and it has taken me long enough to accept them. I know I haven't been easy on you, but I beg you to end my struggle. I know you to be the kindest, smartest, softest… - he caressed her cheek – most patient, … most beautiful, … most wise woman of my acquaintance... I want to make you the happiest too. I will do everything in my power to make this my life goal…. If you accept me."

He could see the tears that had formed in her eyes.

"But I'm still a housemaid," she affirmed, reminding him of their situation.

"Maybe,… but you're also so much more than that. I never felt as equal with someone. In thinking, in our conversations... we can make each other happy."

Anna stepped even closer and looked straight at him, "I know you so little, but I couldn't be more certain."

She smiled, and before he knew it, she had closed the distance between them and her lips were on his.

He kissed her softly, thinking only of her needs, instead of his. He caressed her back, her bottom, the swell of her breast. Anna started groaning softly at his touches. It turned him on terribly.

Her hands wandered over his body too and it made Anna giggle softly. He already loved that sound and smiled against her lips. His hand reached for her neck and ran through her soft hair.

Through their movement, Anna's bun loosened completely. Her hair fell down at her shoulders. John had fantasized about this a lot. Again, he brushed his fingers through the silky strands of hair. He hugged her tight and then stepped away to have a look at her.

"You're breathtaking Anna," he said with a husky voice. This made her smile.

"I can't wait to have you with me at Downton," he whispered before he kissed her again.

Maybe Call the Midwife fans spotted a line from Sister Bernadette? ;-)

xoxoxox