Last chapter of this little fic. Apparently almost all my 'one shots' turn into four shots. Anyway this is what happens when John returns to Downton after writing the letter. Hope you enjoy. Please leave a note.
John Bates sat at his place at the table in the servants' hall trying not to fidget. He pretended to read his book but in reality he was only ticking off the seconds until he could check his watch... again. Although it seemed like an eternity, he was sure it had only been a moment since he had last done so. This whole day had seemed like an eternity.
He had arrived back at Downton in the late afternoon and since that time had not been afforded a single opportunity to be alone with Anna. He had to laugh at his eagerness, he was behaving like a 14 year old boy with a crush on his teacher and he knew it. But he hadn't even been able to sit next to her at dinner. He had arrived only moments before the meal began, having been occupied with sorting Lord Grantham's luggage. When he finally made his way to the hall he entered just in time to see Thomas slide into his own 'spot' beside Anna. The footman had done so with a smirk on his face, knowing they would want to catch up after John's extended stay in London.
Now the evening's work was done and several of the staff were enjoying the common area before heading to bed. Anna had looked at him knowingly a few minutes ago as she went for some air. He was only waiting now for an acceptable amount of time to pass before he joined her. Time which was passing much too slowly to suit his besotted emotions.
Like Pandora's box, once John had written of his feelings for Anna and she had assured him she received them willingly, they refused to be contained or restrained back in their rightful place. John glanced at his watch again and was not at all surprised to find only two minutes had passed.
"Are you alright Mr. Bates?" Mrs. Hughes inquired politely, "You don't seem to be making much progress on your book."
"No you're right , I'm not," John smiled slightly, "I just have a bit of a headache is all," he said, making an excuse.
"Well perhaps a bit of fresh air would do you some good? What do you think, Mr. Bates?" John wasn't sure, but he thought he saw a hint of a sparkle in the housekeeper's eye.
"Perhaps it would at that. Perhaps I'll just step out into the courtyard for a few moments."
"I'm sure that's just what you need," she paused just a second, "for your headache. I think Anna might be out there as well. Could you tell her I'll be locking up in fifteen minutes?"
"Yes Mrs. Hughes. Fifteen minutes." He was out of his seat and making his way to the door as fast as he could without drawing too much attention to himself.
Anna sat on a crate in the darkest corner of the courtyard waiting impatiently for Mr. Bates to arrive. When she heard the door to the hall open and close a huge smile spread across her face. But then as she recognized his familiar step she suddenly felt rather shy. She had no idea what was about to happen and she had very little experience in these matters to fall back on.
"Hello Mr Bates," she said quietly, biting her bottom lip and swinging her legs back and forth.
"Good evening, Miss Smith," John spoke with just a hint of teasing in his voice. "Mrs. Hughes sent me out to tell you she's locking up in fifteen minutes." He continued to approach her as he spoke, finally stopping directly in front of her.
"Did she? And is that the only reason you came out, Mr. Bates?" She asked tentatively.
John breathed deeply, "What do you think, Miss Smith?" He asked, gently taking one of Anna's hands in his and brushing his thumb across the backs of her fingers.
"I think today was complete torture and Thomas is a beast for taking your spot at supper!"
John chuckled softly and the sound sent shivers through Anna's entire body, "I agree completely." He stepped closer and raised her from her seat without letting go of her hand. Anna couldn't help herself and placed both her palms flat against his chest.
She was gaining confidence now, "So you missed me?"
"Every minute of every day I was away."
"And why is that, Mr Bates?" She slid her hands a few inches higher and looked into his eyes.
"Because I love you, Anna," he whispered softly. His hands went around her waist and rested lightly on the place where her hips met her back. "Because I'm in love with you. Because any day without you is sheer misery and any day with you is pure joy."
She rested her head against his chest and he wrapped her more firmly in his embrace. He tucked her head under his chin and they simply stood there for a few moments.
"This changes nothing you know," he spoke quietly and sadly.
"I know," she answered.
It was quiet again until she said, "This changes everything you know."
He didn't move, but answered, "I know."