May 21st, 1927 ~

My vacation is over and it's time to get back to the hotel, and truthfully, I could use the rest! But what a grand time Anna and I had working on the cottage, and we got quite a lot done. These past couple weeks have been so happy, still at times, I found myself longing to get back to the buzz of a working life again. Even so, as I write this, I know how much I'll miss Anna and William. Not seeing them around whenever I please will make me a bit sad. A life of working side by side with your wife can spoil you, indeed.

Anna has promised that she would bring William and the three of us will lunch together every day. And from my office window, I'm able to see them in the garden. William, running after Jack and my beautiful wife, sitting in the shade, mending or knitting. She does a good deal of knitting lately.

Anna will be staying at home, of course. In her state, being on her feet all day wouldn't do her any good, but she'll be popping in now and then, just to check on things…and me, surely, as I will on her.

After the twins are born she'll come back to work again. She wouldn't have it any other way. Anna's not a woman to stay at home, even with children around her…that's what she says…we shall see when two babies and a toddler will keep her occupied.

By the way, the cots were delivered yesterday and I must say, I got a bit teary eyed when I saw them set up in our bedroom, where they will be for the first few months. Will's anxious to meet the twins and share his room with them. I'm afraid that excitement may wane when they cry during the night and wake him up, but that's the life of a big brother. He'll do splendidly!

It's almost seven and I must go. Sarah and Caleb are probably waiting for me already. For us, life at the hotel starts as early as life in the Abbey.

Note to myself ~ Put an ad in several newspapers for a full-time cook.

~ John Bates

So here I sit, in the shade of a tree writing in the journal. If I look up there's a good chance I'll see John standing in his office window looking back at me.

What a beautiful sunny day we are having! William's been playing outside since we arrived with lunch, even though John has had to return to work. The wooden horse Lord Grantham gave him for his birthday is his favourite toy at the moment and he's been riding it nonstop. It does look like fun! Jack had a hard time figuring it out, and the horse received a few mad barks at first. He settled down, once he deemed it posed no threat and is sleeping under a lilac bush.

I took the opportunity to…Oh! I can't really say it yet because it's a surprise, and John will read this, but don't worry my darling John, you'll know as soon as it arrives. It may take a while but I'm sure you'll love it!

I already miss having John at home. Of course, the hotel is just steps away, but not having him here under the same roof is strange. So this will be our days until after the twins are born…I only hope that the hotel won't keep him until late at night because I want to, at least be able to fall asleep in his arms. I know sometimes the hotel business is unpredictable. But lately, I've been so sleepy after dinner, I'm afraid I won't have the energy to wait up for him.

Fortunately, this won't be for long. And yes, I'll be back to work after the twins are born and once I'm able to resume my normal life once again. I want to be part of our hotel too. I do so love to be there and after we find a cook, everything will be much better for all of us. I want our children brought up in the business too. After all, one day that hotel will be theirs and they need to know how to run it properly. It's so nice to meet new and different people. I do believe it makes us wiser and more knowledgeable about the world we live in.

Let me tell you about the cots! John didn't say, but we have matching white bedding in both. They brighten up a corner of our bedroom, where much to Will's dismay, the twins will be staying for the first few months. Besides the new cots, we borrowed two moses baskets from the Downton attics. Of course, when William saw them he asked what were they for and now he says he wants to sleep with us and the twins too. I don't know how we will manage but John is eager to make it happen. I think maybe a bed on the floor or something. William is as excited about the two babies as we are. But we shall see when the time comes. Maybe when he hears them crying he'll want to be as far away from them as possible.

I think I've written enough for today. I'll go play with my son now. I want to give him all the attention I can before these little two arrive.

~ Anna Bates