Date Night, Part 1

He sighed when Anna left the office without closing the door behind her. He didn't like opened doors. Some would think that strange, for a man who had been locked away for a period of his life. But John Bates liked privacy, especially when his family was with him.

He shook his head, trying to focus on the paperwork before him, work he had to do and organise before the week was over. William, sitting at one end of the desk, was drawing quietly, his tongue poking out between his lips, while Finn and Fee were having a short nap after a good feeding.

But no, he couldn't do it. He tossed the pen on top of the desk and took a deep breath before rising from the chair and walking toward the door.

'Mummy's coming right back,' William informed as he watched his father slowly closing the door.

'I know but she can just-' Anna's voice came to his ears before he could finish the sentence, and when he looked outside, through the small crack in the door, he saw her listening to Daisy's words with the most interest.

'And was it very good? I've heard wonders about it.'

'Oh it was lovely! Funny and so romantic.' Daisy sighed dreamily. 'Buddy Rogers is ever so handsome. Got me on the edge of my seat rooting for them.'

'Mary Pickford stars too, right? I love her, and she's so pretty,' Anna remarked, smiling.

'She reminds me of you sometimes. When she smiles, and how you style your hair now.'

'Nonsense,' Anna giggled, turning a little pink. She may have tried to copy the actress's hair for sometime now, but she would never say it. 'I really want to see it...I was hoping Mr Bates would say something when I mentioned it to him but he hasn't said a word about it.'

'Maybe he's planning a surprise,' Daisy speculated, biting her lower lip.

But Anna wasn't too sure. 'Maybe,' she said, shrugging her shoulders. 'Well, I better get back to work now.'

John inhaled sharply, as Anna turned around to walk back to the office, not wanting to be caught spying. Without thinking twice, he ran to the desk, sitting down as fast as he could.

'I'm back,' his wife announced a second later, and without giving anything away, John looked the most focused of men, reading notes and checking lists...working, just working. 'Well, Daisy said room four has a broken chair and the window in room seven is not sealing too well,' she continued.

'Good. I'll take care of that,' John said, writing it down on his notepad. 'But first,' he stood walking to her with a smug look on his face.

She immediately knew he was up to something, especially when he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pulled her to him. 'I want to make you a proposal,' he revealed after kissing her temple.

'Goodness me, what's this about?' Anna asked, looking up at him and letting herself fall into his embrace.

'Well...remember when you told me about that movie you really wanted to see? What's the name?'

'My Best Girl?' Anna replied, eyeing him.

'Exactly! Well...how about we go see it tonight?' John suggested.

'Tonight? What about the children?'

'We can leave the children with Sarah. She's always willing to take them.'

'But we have to let her know in advance. What if she and Caleb have plans for tonight?'

'If she has we can go tomorrow then,' John told her, rubbing his hands up and down her sides.

'You didn't show much interest when I mentioned it before.'

'I'm always interested in what you tell me, love.'

Anna shot him a suspicious look that he answered back with a smile. 'You do know it's a romance, John. There's no one to be saved from train tracks or men shooting each other on horseback,' she warned.

'I like a good romance,' he told her. 'And then, I'm happy whenever you are happy and if you are happy about seeing this film then-'

'You are happy too,' Anna conclude.

'Exactly, my darling.'

'Well, what do I have to do?' Anna asked, suspiciously.

John looked puzzled. 'What do you mean?'

'You said you had a proposal. That usually means each person has to offer something. What do I have to do in return?' she said, with a twinkle in her eye.

'Ah, yes, I see. Well let me think on that, Mrs Bates. I'm sure I can come up with...something.' He waggled his eyebrows at her and twisted the ends of his imaginary mustache.

'All right then,' Anna nodded contentedly, fiddling at his lapels. 'I'll speak to Sarah now and see if she can take the children tonight.'

'You do that.'

'You're behaving so well, my boy.' Anna ran a hand through William's hair as she walked out of the office in search of Sarah. She hoped she would be free tonight. She was really excited about the film and about a night alone with her husband. Well, part of it at least.

In the office, William looked up at his father, his drawing nearly finished. It was a portrait of his family, with every pet and even a granddad now. But the expression he held on his face was a knowing one, and John brought one finger to his lips, advising the boy to keep quiet about it. William giggled before going back to his masterpiece and John smiled.

He had done well, even if he did have to be reminded of it.

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January, 11th, 1928 ~ 2:35 pm

My father finally completed his move into the room at the back of the pub last night. It forever because Anna wanted to freshen it up, repainting it, new curtains, etc. He was grateful for her efforts, but he's not exactly used to first class arrangements. I know he was touched when she scattered a few family photographs around the room. Even a favorite picture of my mother.

I'm feeling a little more confident about the whole thing. As Anna tells me, we can't change the past. We can only accept it or not. I've decided to accept it.

The pub patron's like him, certainly better than Sam. He says he loves the work and that it's not too much for him. I'm more than happy to have the help and Will is thrilled to have his granddad for supper every night. Even the twins are taking notice of him, smiling when they hear his voice. I think they like his beard. They grab hold of it enough. Anna enjoys him too and is happy when I'm happy.

After the new year, business started picking up faster than expected. Mostly salesmen passing through the village. It's been mainly overnight visits, but some longer and they've booked for their return trips.

The two banquets were a success. One was held in the daytime and Eamon handled the extra business well. The night time banquet was a bigger event. Remo entertained on the piano and with Will as his assistant, he put on his magic act.

Anna and Will have walked some letters down to the Post Office and my beautiful little girls are sitting in their pen jabbering up a storm. I'm certain they know exactly what they're saying to each other but I haven't a clue what it is. We found the play pen we bought them for Christmas so helpful we decided to buy a used one just for the hotel. Now Anna and I can be out of the office for a few minutes at a time and know they'll be safe.

I find myself in the enviable position of having a date with the most alluring woman in the world tonight. Anna has been wanting to go see a certain film lately, a romance. Sarah's agreed to watch the children and we're going to make a real night of it. I have flowers being delivered to her later today and I've bought a box of chocolates and a bottle of scent. The scent was at my father's suggestion although why I'm taking advice on women from him, I'll never know. Caleb elbowed me in the ribs and made some crude comment about priming the pump.

I think we'll plan for a date night every month. Anna certainly deserves it and I think I do too.

I should to be getting back to work. I need to look at the window in room #7.

~John Bates

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January 11th, 1928 3:00 pm

Hi, it's me William Bates. I'm under the desk. I like being under things. People can't see me. My dad says he'd like to hide under here with me sometimes, but he can't fit. Dad's going to be checking this over for me because I don't always get my words right. He'll fix them for me. Mum says he's to check to make sure I don't tell more than I should. I heard Mum tell him, Little pitchers have big ears. I don't know what that means but Dad told her not to worry.

I like Granddad sleeping next door and he gets to eat supper with us every night. Sometimes we wash dishes for Mum. And she said one day Granddad can make his sailor's stew for us to eat and I can help him because I know all about cooking. Archie showed me.

My dad and granddad are teaching me to add my numbers. I don't know why sailors need to know them but granddad says they do. And last night me, dad and granddad drew a map on a big piece of paper so I can learn where places are. A sailor needs to know where he's sailing. I told Dad I'd help him run the hotel when I've sailed the seven seas.

I'm going to be a magician too. The Amazing Remo is teaching me his tricks. I'm not supposed to tell anyone how they're done. Especially not Percy.

Dad just leaned back in his desk chair and Mum sat on his lap. Yuck! I'm going to get out of here.

.

Bye, William Bates

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Date Night, Part 2

'Mummy got them!' William ran to his father, stopping at the edge of the desk, panting, one hand over his chest. 'They're here.'

'Oh good!' John rubbed his hands together before walking to the office door and peering into the hallway to see the surprised expression on his wife's face. Will squeezed his way in front of him, not wanting to miss a thing.

'Goodness, for me?' Anna blushed as the others around watched her accepting the flowers. A bouquet of red roses and white lilies.

'Who from?' Daisy asked, ever so curious, her eyes grew wide waiting for an answer.

'From…' the young delivery man looked down, checking his list. 'I...I don't know,' he said with a shrug of his shoulders. 'There's no name.'

'Oh my…' Anna and Daisy said in unison.

'Thank you,' Anna spoke softly, admiring the bouquet in her hands, before glancing toward the office, only to see a sneaky husband and son looking back at her. They ducked out of sight the second after and she couldn't help but smile. She knew they were in cahoots on this lovely surprise.

'They're beautiful Anna!' Sarah gasped in delight. 'The most beautiful bouquet I've ever seen.'

'But...who sent them?' Daisy insisted.

'A secret admirer,' Sarah replied back, sharing a knowing look with Anna.

'But…'

'It was Mr Bates, Daisy. Who else?' Sarah rolled her eyes.

'Oh!' Daisy giggled, covering her mouth with one of her hands. 'Ever so romantic. I've always known he was. Always.'

'Well then, I should go thank my secret admirer and put these beauties in fresh water,' Anna remarked walking away. Her cheeks were flushed and she felt very proud. Proud for having a husband as wonderful as John, and proud her friends knew it.

'She's coming,' William whispered to his father as they tried to look casual.

'Well, well, well...look at the two of you,' Anna said slowly when she walked in. 'Someone sent me these flowers just now, but there's no name attached.'

'Really?' John tried out his best curious expression. 'Aren't you a lucky girl!'

'Aren't I, indeed?' she grinned.

'I wonder who sent them?' he asked her, rounding her with a curious frown.

'A secret admirer, perhaps?'

'Most certainly. A very romantic, secret admirer, if you ask me.' He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. 'No less than what you deserve.'

'But…' William wrinkled his nose in confusion. 'Didn't you send the flowers, daddy?'

'Ah, you don't say?' Anna tried to look rather shocked.

'Guilty as charged.' John brought his hands up as she turned to face him. 'I'm the secret admirer, my darling wife.'

Anna shook her head lovingly, a tender smile gracing her features. Indeed, the best secret admirer she could ask for. The only one she ever wanted.

'I need to put them in a beautiful vase when we get home,' she said then, walking around the office, trying to find a container that she could use in the meantime, but something else caught her attention. 'Oh my...what's that?'

'What's what?' John asked innocently.

'Those wrappings?' she pointed to two beautifully wrapped boxes on top of the desk.

'Ah! How did those get in here?'

'Daddy…'

'Shhhh, we don't know about those, Will' John winked. 'Listen son, why don't you go keep your granddad company? I reckon he would like that very much.' He gently took Will by the shoulders and pushed him toward the door.

'All right...' William replied, a bit confused. 'Granddad did promise he'd tell me another pirate story.'

'Go on then. Hurry, hurry.' John shooed the boy out, closing the door behind him. 'Big mouthed monkey, that's what he is.'

Anna giggled.

'But...alone at last, my darling...why don't you open them? I suspect your secret admirer has two more surprises in store for you.'

'I'm a lucky girl indeed. Ah!' Anna squealed as she opened one of the presents. 'My favourite chocolates, John? Whatever is the occasion?'

'No occasion. You deserve it, and so much more,' he whispered seductively.

'And this one?'

'Well...open it and see.'

'Oh, John…' Anna sighed dreamily.

A fine French perfume, one she had only dreamed of buying. The package was so pretty and elegant - suited more for the likes of Lady Mary than herself.

'You are too much, Mr Bates,' she looked up at him and he was smiling broadly. He loved to surprise her with new things if for no other reason than to see the happy look on her face, her sparkly eyes. 'Thank you so much! I don't deserve-'

'What are you saying?' He came closer, resting his hands on her hips. His gaze sure on hers. 'You deserve every bit of it. You deserve the moon if only I could give it to you.'

'You sweet man.' She pulled him into her embrace.

'Oh, you sweet woman.'

xxxx

They walked back home hand in hand later that night after a wonderful date at the local cinema. The snow was just beginning to fall, turning the village of Downton into a magical snow globe world. The wind was wintry, but gentle, the night pitch black, except for when the moon showed itself from behind the clouds. They seemed to be the only ones out on this chilly evening.

'Did you like the movie?' Anna asked, squeezing his hand. Her voice echoed in the silence as they turned down the street that would take them home.

'I did, more than I thought I would, to be honest,' he smiled. 'And you?'

'Oh yes, it was such fun! They made a beautiful couple and I wasn't sure they would end up together at all. I'm glad they did,' Anna sighed contentedly. 'But my favourite part though was the intermission,' she giggle to herself before looking up at him with a mischievous expression on her face.

'Oh, you liked how we chose to pass the time, did you?' he teased, pulling her to him and kissing her cheek.

'I think the lady behind us was shaking her head though. We were being ever so shocking, Mr Bates.'

'Whatever with her…' John whispered. 'I want to kiss you whenever I want and how I want. I'm in love, Anna. Don't you understand? I want the world to know it.' He shouted as loud as he could, taking the hat from his head and looking up to the heavens, 'I'm in love!'

'John Bates!' Anna laughed heartily as he pulled her into his arms and twirled her around. 'What's got into you, you silly?'

'You have, my darling! Come here…'

Before she could say another word, he was kissing her fiercely. His mouth opened to hers, their tongues meeting. They sought out a nearby tree for support. His hands roamed her body possessively, her gasps and squeals only making him eager for more.

'John...' she moaned in his ear as he tasted the skin of her neck. 'You're so naughty!'

'You like it when I'm naughty, don't you?' He looked deep in her eyes with a smug expression on his face as she she bit her lower lip, and he couldn't help but kiss her once again.

'I love it...' she told him when they broke apart. But now it was her turn. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him to her as one of her legs entwined around his.

Seeming to forget where they were, John's hands slid beneath her coat and up under her dress, feeling the smoothness of her stockings mixed with the heat of her thighs. She moaned at his touches and he did the same when her hand grazed over the bulge in his pants.

'Oh God Anna!'

'Shhhh...What was that?' A noise came to her ears and she froze. 'John?'

'Nothing, Anna, here…' he continued kissing and touching, his hand dangerously close to her knickers.

'Listen!' she pushed at his shoulders for him to stop and when he did, the sound of steps became stronger. John's eyes scanned the darkness.

'Mrs Bates? Mr Bates? Is that you?'

'Andy?!' They both spoke in unison, composing themselves as much as they could. Thankfully the moon had disappeared under a cloud and the lane was dark and the tree wide enough to have covered them. The sounds they made though, had not been masked.

'I...I was…' Andy stammered, quite embarrassed as the couple came from behind the tree. This was awkward, for all involved. 'I popped 'round the pub to see Daisy,' the young man continued, averting his eyes.

'Ah, I'm sure she appreciated it...' John nodded trying to sound confident. His tie was hanging loose from his neck and the top two buttons of his shirt were undone.

'I was just going back to the farm…' Andy explained, grasping for words. His hands fiddling nervously with his cap.

'Right, lad…' John replied back. Anna was being silent as a mouse, practically hiding behind John with a contrived grin on her face, trying her best to smooth her hair back under her hat and hold her coat up tightly around her.

'Well...goodnight to you then.' Andy managed to speak one more time before briskly walking away.

'Good night, Andy,' they both replied at the same time.

'Goodness,' Anna brought a hand to her face. 'I feel like a teenager being caught in the act.'

'We were caught though. Well and truly caught,' John chuckled and she answered him with a smack on his arm.

'But we aren't teenagers. We are adults and we have children! What if someone had actually seen what we were doing and not just heard us, because he surely did hear us. How will we ever face him again?'

'Well, we're married, Anna. That's how children happen. It's too dark anyway. He didn't see a thing, but I dare say it will be just as hard for him to face us.'

She rolled her eyes at him. 'Let's go home, Mr Bates. See to our beautiful children, put them to bed and then...well,' she approached him again, this time to button his shirt and fix his tie, but the look on her face was far from innocent. 'We can finish what we started.'

'Oh, I do like that plan, very much, Mrs Bates.' He kissed her forehead tenderly, before she grabbed one of his hands and began to pull him toward home.

'Let's go then...hurry, hurry.'

He laughed at her words as he hurried his steps, he certainly didn't want to wait long for what was yet to come!

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January 11th, 1928 10:45 pm

I won't be writing much tonight. I'm just waiting for John to come to bed. But what a wonderful night it was - the whole day, actually and it's not over yet. We've decided to pencil in a date night once a month. Every couple needs to. You know, sometimes life and family pull you in so many directions and you forget about each other. Well, forget is not the right word, but you know what I mean. You need to take time for each other. And that's what we did tonight and it was wonderful and romantic and amazing.

The children were asleep when we got home. I hated to wake the girls up to feed them but I knew if I didn't they wouldn't sleep long into the night. They went right back to dreamland, bless them.

I hear John coming up the steps now. He's stopped in the doorway. He's smiling, waiting for me to put my writing away. You know, even after all these years my heart still does flip-flops in my chest whenever he smiles at me.

I'll write more next time.

~ Anna Bates

All entries are written by Handy-for-the-bus & Terriejane. Your review sure would be appreciated. :)