My Beloved Anna,

I can't justly describe how happy your letter has made me. I feel as if I've sunk into such a shadow of misery since I last saw you that I forgot what happiness feels like. But never again will it slip my mind; for I hold it here in my hand, and no gift, no matter how mighty or grand, could've made this Christmas merrier than you've made it.

Taking charge has always been in Mrs. Hughes' character, especially when she has the opportunity to give orders where she wishes. Don't be too cross with her, she only wants to give you time to recover, which is something you are rightly deserving of my dear. I would ask you to sit down and put your feet up to have a breather if you were at all capable of it. But we both know better. I will, however, I that you not worry about me - I'm sturdier than I look, I assure you, however much I may stumble on my own two feet. So let this Christmas be a time to begin again before the battle of my liberation begins; for I have a feeling it will be a long one.

I would be lying if I told you I hadn't forgotten we were on the eve of the holidays, so I tell the truth because I want to remain the honest man you've made of me. Addimitedly, Christmas seems such an unusual thought from where I'm sitting but I'm sure the spirits remain high at Downton Abbey. Especially with everyone getting along as you say... Even Lady Edith and Lady Mary? Now that's a surprise I wish to witness. It sometimes gives me a heavy jeart to see them at odds as often as they are. That is, you only get one family after all. Should you not enjoy one another's company? Or at least apprecoate each other? I can only hope that both young ladies will grow to an understanding in the future.

I would scold you were I with you for saying such things, even of Thomas and O'Brian. But alas, I am here while you are there, so I suppose I cannot criticize you for your sins nor have I any right to disapprove of them... and who knows? Perhaps there's even a certain man out there admiring you for them; for it is impossible to find you at fault.

You don't ever doubt do you? Not even once? It's hard to fathom that you are still able to confidently believe me to be innocent despite all that you know and the evidence that says otherwise. God knows I don't deserve you. Not in this lifetime or any other. But you are never far from my thoughts, and I love you more everyday for your strength and preseverance. You are what keeps me going and what I wouldn't know what to do without, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

A merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you my love. I only hope you get everything you wish for. God knows I only wish to be with you.

Yours truly,

John

P.S. The trial? It's a date.

And that concludes the second letter! Already updating because of the amazing feedback this story's already received so kudos to my reviewers: Barbra (guest) and MugBrownies (guest), and to my followers: tlcj and cpa1969.

And to Barbra (guest); thank you for correcting me on my first letter. You'll be happy to know I already fixed the error for future readers:)

Hope you like John's response and feel free to review!

-birdywings