Disclaimers: Although I wish I were the creative genius behind John's and Robert's character, they belong to Julian Fellowes.

Thank you for all your reviews, it means a lot to me. I'm sorry this one took a little bit longer to being published (work, work, work...) Hope you still enjoy it as much as I do writing it!

Chapter 5: Robert's sentence

John adjusted his uniform and made sure his hair was well smartened up. He couldn't afford to appear in front of the future Count of Grantham dishevelled. After he had related everything to Peter, his friend had explained to him who he had encountered. John tried to relax, but it was not an easy task. He had been turning and turning in his bed and had slept very little as a result.

The door opened suddenly, letting Captain Crawley appear, dressed in his immaculate uniform. John immediately made the salute and waited for orders.

"Good, you're already here. Come in, Bates, take a seat." With that, Captain Crawley went to sit at his desk and showed him with his hand a chair in front of him.

Once seated, John's nervousness only grew stronger. He rubbed his sweaty palms on the fabric of his trousers. Robert was looking at him intensely, analysing his body language. After a few seconds of awkward silence, Robert finally spoke.

"You seem to have made quite an impression on Regimental Sergeant Major Watson," he started, still staring at him.

"He has defended you to me, and it is why I will not go further with the matter." Hearing this, John's shoulders relaxed instantly.

"Thank you, sir," said John, relieved.

"It's not me you should thank, Bates. You may not be dismissed, however…" Robert paused. John looked up to see that Robert was still thinking of what he would tell him.

"However, I prefer to make my own opinion. This is why you will be doing extra time alongside me, cleaning my office, helping me get ready for occasions, maybe even dressing me, and making sure my schedule is in order."

John couldn't believe his ears. Working for the future Earl of Grantham? How will he manage to juggle between the training and serving Captain Crawley? He was about to protest when Peter's words came back to him: "Whatever he decides, you must accept it."

"Very well, sir," he simply answered.

"It's settled then. I will expect you every evening, after your training. And don't be late." He stood up and held out his hand to John. He did the same and shook on it before leaving his office.

John walked into the training room. A big black board was standing at the centre of the room with chairs displayed in rows facing it. Almost everyone had arrived and the recruits were chatting joyfully or playing cards while waiting for their training officer to arrive. John finally spotted Peter who was sitting at the back of the room and was waving at him. He sat next to him and as soon as he touched his chair, Peter started his questioning.

"So, John? What happened? Well, you're still here, so it must be a good sign, isn't it? Has Captain Crawley believed you? What did he say? Are you allowed to stay and fight alongside us?"

John sat there, astonished. His friend had uttered so many questions that John couldn't even remember what was the first thing he wanted to know.

"John? Are you okay?" asked Peter, sending a worried look at his mate.

"Y-Yes, fine. Thank you, Peter. Believe it or not, I'm not being sent back home. Apparently, Watson put in a good word for me."

"Hourray!"

But Peter saw that John didn't seem that happy about it.

"What? What is it, John? Isn't it a good thing? That you're staying? I thought it was what you wanted more than anything!"

"Oh yes, of course it is!"

"Then why are you looking so grim?"

"Well…" started John. "I'm staying, but on one condition. I have to serve Captain Crawley."

"Ohhhh…" Peter said. John could see that he was thinking and a smile formed on his lips. "But that's a great opportunity!"

"Sorry? An opportunity? What are you talking about? How am I supposed to attend training and then go serve Captain Crawley every night! I don't want to be a servant, I want to fight! I want to make a difference out there, not be stuck inside with diplomats, having to dress them."

"It may look like that right now, John. But I think Captain Crawley wants to groom you." John looked at Peter with wide eyes. What he was saying made no sense! "You said it yourself that Watson talked to him before he made that decision."

"Yeah, so?"

"So, Private Bates, you are maybe more naïve than I thought you were. And humble too. Thinking of it, that's surely why I like you so much and why it makes you such a great leader. You have it in you, John. You have great abilities and you're a born leader. I think that Watson sees you becoming more than just a soldier and he told so to Captain Crawley."

"You're way off track, Peter. Your imagination is limitless. But just to prove you're wrong, let's say it's true. Why would Captain Crawley accept it when he thinks I was stealing his books?"

Peter stayed quiet for a few seconds, then faced John again, gleaming.

"Because you judged him too quickly. Maybe he just wants to see for himself if what Watson told him is true and he'll decide accordingly? Do not under-estimate Captain Crawley. He may be as young as we are and as inexperienced, but he's a very learned man."

John was still very sceptical. His friend was clever, but he couldn't believe that officers would believe in him when no one else in his life had before.

"Look, you will know soon enough. But I'm convinced he wants to educate you on the ways of military art and how to lead by having you attend him during his meetings and elaboration of plans."

Suddenly, the classroom became quiet. Watson had entered with a big chalk in his hand. The course was about to begin. They would have to continue to discuss it later.