Sorry for the delay, but I was briefly out of comission after getting my wisdom teeth removed over the weekend so at least I have a good excuse! Plus I've got a long chapter to make up for it so ha! Has anyone else been tuning into the new series of Downton? I won't divulge any spoilers but this season was going fairly strong in my opinion up until last episode but hopefully it will improve for next week. I would just really like to see every character given the ending they deserve for this final season:) what do you guys think? Share your thoughts!

Thank you to Jamesluver for yet another wonderfully detailed review - I very much appreciate your input on every chapter:) and happy thanksgiving to all you Canadians out there and also to those of you yet to celebrate it!

Hope you like and don't forget to review!

-birdywings

Dear Mrs. Bates,

Golly, I haven't quite gotten used to calling you that... will I ever? Probably not. Because who would have thought that just when I thought my life was over it would begin again right from where I started? I remember thinking once-upon-a-time-ago that Vera would be it for me; that she was my first and last chance at life. But I see now that it isn't true. You, Anna, are my second chance; my saviour who has redeemed me in all ways possible and given me a life worth having. And it is my sincerest hope that, with your premission, I may be the one you waste your second chance on.

But for now I take my chances in here, and from where I will be removed come next week to an official holding facility. (No doubt I'll be acquiring a new cell-mate), and I can already hear you cautioning me to watch my back, which I will promise to do and even leave the wretched fellow be if it'd console you in any way. That is, only if he does the same - I can't make any promises for his behaviour after all can I?

It still surprises me that his Lordship managed to persuade the authorities that I be held in York, considering the crime was committed in London... Or was this miracle all the work of Mr. Murray? Nevertheless, please offer them both my deepest gratitude; for I wouldn't no where we'd be without their help.

I would have given anything to have witnessed the smug expression on the Dowager's face when she realized she was right - which was, of course, something she was already aware of I assume? (Between you and me I have a distinct feeling that she isn't too familiar with the notion of being wrong.)

So Lady Mary finally broke it off with Sir Richard did she? Well, I can't say that I'm surprised but I am, in fact, satisfied as I just couldn't see it lasting and am glad they didn't even attempt to take a relationship as bitter and doomed to fail as theirs any further. After all, you only get so many chances at love don't you? Wouldn't they at least want to get it right the first time? And marriage is a long business, whether or not everyone wants to - just ask Lady Sybil! But please give my congratulations to the happy couple and do send word of their wedding soon!

You will do well to forgive his Lordship for not attending the wedding - it may not have been right by his own daughter but he didn't quarrel with them did he? She and Mr. Branson are happily living in Ireland yes? Then there is no more to be said. It is none of our business what his Lordship does and does not approve of amongst his family. But I do hope to see them mend their fences in the near future. He does have a kind heart I can assure you, and I have no doubt that he will be generous to whom he lets into it. Have I ever told you the various tales about our time served alongside each in the African War? Because they speak highly of Lord Grantham, however much that may surprise you. It should be a bedtime story for our children someday I tell you; all about the nobility and honour of one man in the face of bullets and death with the trusty assistence of his manservant. It will be a bestseller!

Well, I suppose you shall have it your way then; because if I can't convince you to live your life and move on without me until I may be released then there isn't any use in wasting another breath in protest. There's no winning against you is there? You are too good Mrs. Bates, too good indeed. You have no faults to speak of and I can't hold you responsible for anything other then proving me wrong and putting me in my place when I require reminding of it. (Not that I need much reminding of it while I rot in here).

I confess it odd to think of what goes on without me beyond these bars, but I suppose I haven't much reason to complain; I'm still alive aren't I? And I still have a neck that isn't broken and a wife who never doubts. So I'm afraid I must disappoint my ill fate by saying that I, John Bates, am yet a long way from despaired.

With much love and admiration I await your next letter my dear Mrs. Bates.

-John

P.S. I probably didn't need to address you as 'Mrs. Bates' so many times but practice only makes perfect does it not?