Greetings Dear Readers!

First and foremost, I want to apologize for the wait, (I really didn't mean for that to happen), and thank you for your patience. I've been tinkering with this chapter for awhile in order to really capture the mood of when they learn that Bates has been reprieved so I truly hope I did both him and Anna justice in this letter but I ask you to let me know whether I did or didn't in the comments:)

Plenty more to come!

-birdywings

My Dear Anna,

I don't know how soon you will get this nor do I know if it will be posted before your next visit, (assuming they allow me any visitors any time soon). But it's happened and it's done; Mr. Murray has just informed me that I've been reprieved!

I can't even explain to you how relieved I was when I recieved his telegram and could think of only the joy it would bring you when you heard the news. Of course it's still life imprisonment, but that's just it; I won't remain here for life because I have faith in not only his Lordship or Mr. Murray but you especially, and I know between the four of us we can prove my innoncence someday.

It will take time of course, perhaps even years, before I'm free and we've certainly earned ourselves a monumental task ahead but its not as if I'm planning on going anywhere any time soon. So I've got plenty of time to spare, and whether sooner or later, I will be free. Maybe not today, or even tomorrow, but someday. And it's a day I'm counting on.

In the meantime I ask it of you to enjoy the servants' ball, which I hope is keeping Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes hopping; for it just wouldn't be Christmas without keeping them busy, while you can - and also to give me a full report of the drama circulating around both upstairs and downstairs because who would want to miss that?

And do my eyes decieve me or have you really written that Lady Mary intends to renounce her engagement to Sir Richard? Not that I have any right to either an objection or opinion as only a valet but in truth I never considered them a compatible match. So perhaps it's what is best in the end, and who knows? Perhaps Lady Mary can find happiness with a certain available Mr. Crawley again. I hope so anyway as I alway felt each surrendered too easily the first time, and everyone deserves a second chance do they not? You were mine after all, and it's a chance I don't intend to either take for granted or waste.

Of course it's in Miss O'Brian's nature to stir up trouble, but by way of testfying I feel just isn't her style. We've had our history God knows, but she doesn't want me here; of that I am sure. As for Mrs. Hughes, you must forgive her. If you're not yet prepared to do so now I assure you I can understand, but eventually she must be granted your forgiveness; for she only answered truthfully to the questions she was asked, and that's something I just can't blame her for.

How are the plans for America going? Have you and Lady Mary booked your crossing? I trust you will proceed with your scheduled voyage and not remain in York for my sake; for I can solemnly promise you that I will still be here when you return. But for now and forevermore you have my undying love.

Yours truly,

John

P.S. It seems Christmas came a little late for us this year does it not?

Thank you to Jamesluver and Kuri333 for their reviews on my last chapter and to Loveslit for the favorite!