My Dear Mr. Bates,

I hope you won't mind that I reply to your letter backwards because I simply won't listen to the nonesense you've managed to write up. I'm sorry but I won't. The only way you've so far managed to fail me is by repeatedly shaming yourself, which, for you information, has put quite a damper on what has become the highlight of my week.

How can you possibly tell me that you are undeserving of my love? Do you have to be so gallant that you will go so far as to regect any and all forms of affection? And have I not the right to decide who is worthy of my love? So I'm sorry to say this Mr. Bates, but I've chosen you; although I can't think why at the moment. I would say that perhaps it was your irresistable charm but I'll flatter you no further in telling you that you actually have some. So perhaps you are just as mysterious as you'd like to think yourself to be after all. So you can stop trying to talk me out of leaving you or one day I really will - and that's a promise.

Have you learned nothing since we married? Face it, you're wife is a fool. A fool and a hoper of far-flung hopes; for I am a long way from believing that underdogs never win. Does it not take a braver man to admit defeat rather than perish in the attempt to conquer? What of greater strength to endure humility rather than bask in the riches and spoils you did not truthfully earn? They may appear to play the smallest part but it most often the not affects the story in the biggest ways. So you will be wise my dear, not to underestimate their worth; for you, Mr. Bates, are the most unremarked underdog of them all and who is capable of more than many guess of you. So make sure you always have the readers turn a blind eye from you.

Excuse me, but when have I ever pretended to believe that the world was in my debt? I am more than aware that it isn't and have never acted as if it is. I may not be a woman of the real world, mind you, but I do realize it it isn't all sunshine and bliss underneath its clouded veneer of black and white and know more about it than I let on. So forgive me, but you aren't the only one who walks in the footsteps of your past self. However, I believe it would be wise of me to heed you advice to take kindness wherever and whenever it is offered; for it is, I believe, dwindling in mankind with each day that passes.

And now onto a happier note, if you don't mind.

You will not believe the state of the Abbey. The entire staff - indoor and outdoor alike - are in such a disastrous frenzy that it's a wonder the roof hasn't blown right from over our heads yet. I reckon Mr. Carson's likely the worst - but then, of course, even a butler has his favorites! And we all knew that Lady Mary had no intention of marrying on the cheap side when she finally stopped disappointing her long and ever-growing line of suitors; for I doubt they'll stop lining up even after she and Mr. Crawley have made it official...

Well, would you ever believe it; my husband harbours a secret desire for a society wedding of all things. Don't worry, your secret's safe with me! Although I can't say I feel the same way to be honest - just talking of aĺl the guests we're expecting makes me feel claustrophobic! I much prefer what we did, although I suppose it would have been nice to have invited a few close friends and even something as little as a cake but there's no sense in dwelling on that now. I'm still not sorry we did it when we did!

I can't say who the bridesmaids are since I don't yet know (and I doubt she'll be asking Lady Edith to be one - Lady Sybil maybe - but not Lady Edith) but perhaps if I keep my ears open I can pick their names up somewhere. As for the groomsmen I haven't the slightest clue what sort of friends Mr. Crawley has made. Perhaps Mr. Branson is a possible candidate? A mystery yet to be solved! Speaking of whom, I look forward to their visit for the wedding - it'll give me the chance to congratulate Lady Sybil in person.

I gather we're taking on a new footeman to help with the preparations and Lady Mary's eager to add a housemaid or two to that so that I may be promoted as soon as they're married. So the house is bound to be as crowded as it was during the war! But hopefully a little less gory than it was, although I suppose war isn't meant to be a pretty thing - you would know that beeter than anyone.

I feel so silly talking of weddings and guest lists and cake flavors and flowers and maids and footement while you're stuck there... For a moment it makes me feel as though I've forgotten you. But I haven't. I'll not forget you ever, not until there isn't a breath keft in my body. How are you? Truly. And don't even think of lying because I could smell it all the way from hear if you did. Are you settling in alright? Has your cell-mate caused you any trouble? Although I have a feeling I should be asking the opposite - honest man or not.

I'll be up to visit just as soon as I can spare a moment. I'm sorry for the delay, suppose I can ask Lady Mary and Mrs. Hughes for a half day on Friday. In the meantime, please take care of yourself.

With love,

-Anna

P.S. I don't think of it as sinking down to her level so much as fighting fire with fire. And don't even pretend to know how many admirers I have. Perhaps I'm more popular than you realize.

Thank you to Alice'sAbbey for the review! Hope you liked and don't forget to review!

Stay tuned for more!

-birdywings