Dearest John,

Well, it's safe to say that you won't have to dread seeing a wearier version of myself than when you left me for it seems the wedding of Lady Edith and Sir Anthony was abruptly called off. The precise details have still not been confirmed - nor do I think they will be anytime soon - but have, of course, been the topic of many discussions downstairs. However, from what I can gather simply from my own observation of the entire incident, it would seem that Sir Anthony thought better of himself to put an end to it after all - his timing could, perhaps, have been managed better but better late than never I suppose.

As humiliating and dreadful the whole sorry incident must have been for poor Lady Edith, I can't help but say that it was probably for the best. I don't think she ever would have been content playing nurse to her crippled old husband much as she insisted she would have been, and as much as she would have meant well. And yet Lady Mary would still have been even less suited to such a life.

Already a few days have passed since Sir Anthony got cold feet and left a pitiful Lady Edith standing alone at the altar. It makes me sorry to think of all the fruitless work we've all gone to to put everything together in only a month, but even more sorry to think of the heartbreak that poor girl is enduring. I've hardly been able to coax her into touching a crumb of food, and she refuses to leave her room or even change into some decent clothes. Yet I have confidence that with time, she will find both the courage and energy to once again face the music. She is quite resilient that way - in that she is so accepting of what life can throw her way. Whereas Lady Mary won't settle for anything less than what she desires, and Lady Sybil will try whatever she hasn't already until her obstacle has been overcome. Of course each sister has their own way of handling things; and all are admiral in their own way; and each may work for some and not for others; and I can appreaciate them all for their different approach to tight situations, but I just admire the fact that Lady Edith can soldier on not matter what when she chooses to.

But enough talking of the poor girl while she is still recovering - oh Lord I pray no one ever finds these letters. How are you my dear? Staying out of trouble I hope! Have you finished any of those African War tales you promised me? I'm beginning to grow impatient over here.

On the subject of our future children - of course they will be spoiled rotten growing up! How could we ever deny them anything they asked for? And if you think for one second that I will agree to be the one to tell them no then you are sadly mistaken, for I refuse to be the one they end up resenting all because I didn't placate their desires. I wish for my children to actually like me, mind you.

Ah, but of course I grew up wanting things - which of us didn't? But was it not better that way? Was it not all the more sweet to grow up with wants that were never satisfied? Consider it, if our parents never denied us anything we wanted than we would never know what it would feel like to crave something we were never going to have, and ,if you ask me, that feeling is kind of nice to have in you life. We're only human after all my darling are we not? It would seem it is in our nature to want what we can't have. But yes, I am inclined to agree with you that when we are old and crotchety our children will owe it to keep us from going at each other's throats to compensate for all that we granted them growing up. This is probably a wicked thing for us to do as their parents but I just don't know how else they could possibly make it up to us for all the mischief I'm sure they'll cause us in their youth.

This week in Abbey entertainment, it would seem that Thomas and Miss O'Brian are at quite the odds with each other these days. Frankly, I hadn't noticed what already appears to be a tired feud of theirs until Thomas made his move inspreading the rumor that Miss O'Brian would be leaving the Abbey through Mr. Mosley - who, by the way, has been working here since Mr. Matthew and Lady Mary's wedding. Needless to say the rumors weren't true of course, but they certainly sent her Ladyship up in a panic. I don't know yet how Miss O'Brian intends to get back at Thomas but he had better watch out for I would hate to be on her bad side. Is it bad to say that I can't wait to see how things unfold between them? It's just so nice when they're plotting against each other rather than against us for once.

And in even more exciting new, you will not believe your eyes as you read what I write next but Mr. Matthew, after much debate, has at last accepted Mr. Swire's fortune and will be using it to pay off his Lordship's debts, which means we won't have to leave Downton after all! Oh, my darling, is this news not just wonderful? I won't have to leave the only home I've ever known for quite awhile now, and you will get to set eyes upon all its galore once more when you come home someday. I can't begin to tell you how happy this news has made me - I swear I must have wept at least twice already in my happiness. I think even Thomas shed a tear or two, which was quite the shock as we both know how heartless he can be. I probably shouldn't be saying that, not with such happy news to speak of - I don't wich to put a damper onthis after all, it can't be good luck.

And on this very positive note, I think I'll end the letter here before I start dripping tears all over it. Try to be on your best behavior my love, just think of the home and your wife waiting for you here.

Yours truly,

Anna

P.S. The only name of real significance I could find among the mountain of correspondences I had waiting for me when I got back was a Miss Audrey Bartlett. Does that name mean anything to you? I might be able to visit just after this letter reaches you so we can talk about it then.

Okay I've give up on apologizing for how long updates are taking me - just be prepared for extremely irregular updates guys! Hope you liked this chapter though, let me know in the comments! Thank you to Banna-nannas and Jamesluver for the reviews! I'm thinking MAYBE ten more chapters? I plan to write a few letters where Anna and Bates don't get any responses as, if you all remember correctly, the prison guard witheld their mail for an episode. Also, I can't remember exactly what episode Anna went to visit Mrs. Bartlett, does anyone remember? And I can't remember what episode she was promoted to ladiesmaid either, anyone? Going once, going twice... haha if someone could please remind me I would REALLY appreciate it:)

More to come!

-birdywings