Thanks so much for reading and for reviewing. I can see how many people have hit on the story and that definitely is giving my friend confidence in her Downton work. This story does move things along for John and Anna much faster than the show. Thank Heavens! Enjoy Chapter 2.

Ch. 2

Right after breakfast John brought his things out to the car for one last good look at the abbey before he left.

Footsteps drew closer and drew his attention to Robert who had approached and stopped walking just in front of him wearing a solemn face goodbye. "Bates, goodbye and the very best of luck," Robert offered a hand out.

"Thank you m'lord, " John shook his hand, though a look of disappointment showed all over his face.

He took the bags for the short walk to the car that he reluctantly climbed into sitting so the bag rested on his lap. As the car began its slow drive away, John kept his eyes ahead, not wanting to look back. He held his breath with the hope that Robert would change his mind and ask him to stay.

From the driveway, Robert watched the car drive further away with his friend and comrade in arms inside. If only the decision lay solely with him, then he would have kept Bates on no matter what anyone thought.

Instead Robert watched as the car left the property for the short drive into town where Bates got out to get a room in the inn. It held a single bed and dresser, nothing fancy but gave a roof over his head until he could figure out what to do next.

John laid on his back and stared towards the ceiling in order to listen to the silence that filled the small room. By this time, he would get ready to help his Lordship dress for breakfast, having just finished his own.

Now he needed to find another job that would take a chance on him, and because of his injury, it wouldn't be easy.

With a full free day ahead, John walked through town in time to catch the local bar just as it opened its doors. He walked inside to sit at a table in the corner happy to wait while they set up for the day.

Once ready he ordered a round of beers with orders for them to keep coming once he finished those. One at a time he chugged the beer down, ready for another by the time his glass hit the table.

Each beer drowned out a sorrow that weighed heavily on his broad shoulders, from his good friend firing him to coming so close to happiness, only for it to get ripped away from him.

By mid morning he stumbled from the bar to the inn having to fumble with the key for access to his room. "Bloody thing," John jammed the key into the hole a third time, still having no success at opening his door.

Anna's soft voice filled the hallway when she stopped beside him in front of the inn door he failed to enter. Her nose wrinkled at the distinct smell of alcohol, "Mr. Bates, you have been drinking. Here, let me help you get inside the room so you can lie down, and I will get you some water."

"Anna you came, I wasn't sure you would," John leaned on his cane so most of his body weight stayed off his bad knee.

"Of course I came, I said I would now come inside and I will get you all sorted out," Anna took his arm supportively so they could walk in together.

She stopped briefly to shut the door then helped him to lay in bed, "Let's get you more comfortable then. What made you go into a bar and drink this much, because I can smell it all over you."

"I lost the best job I could ask for, having been fired by who I thought was my friend and not being near you. You're beautiful, kind, and although my time there was short, I felt happy whenever you're near," John brought a hand up so it played with her hair.

"I feel the same, I want to be nearer to you," Anna slid his shirt over his head that she set aside without breaking eye contact.

Anna watched sparkles take over his eyes when he looked towards her so lovingly her heart sounded like a drum.

She leaned in close as he brought a hand up against the back of her skull so he could slowly play with her hair while they kissed. Their lips slowly brushed together with her small body pressed against his larger frame.

As the kiss lingered John fiddled with her clothes to throw them onto the floor while she worked off the rest of his, "Anna before we do this, I have to admit something to you. I am not a free man."

Anna paused taking him in before she whispered the affirmation, "Are you telling me you are married?"

"Yes, I have been married, but we haven't been together for some time now, but legally I am a married man. I don't want that sin on you so I had to tell you so that you can decide to change your mind. If you do, I will not blame you one bit for wanting something better for yourself," John brushed the hair away from her face tenderly. "Anna, are you sure that you want this?" John whispered gently winding her hair around his large fingers.

"I have never been more sure about anything, Mr. Bates," Anna assured him with a twinkle in her eyes. Everything about her showed exuded confidence, showing John she was nothing if not certain about her decision for him to be her first.

With one more kiss, John slid both arms around Anna's waist to guide her onto the bed. John maneuvered his large frame slowly and gently so as not to hurt her as they made love for the first time.

The bells outside brought a frown to Anna's face. It was nearly lunch time. "I have to get back, but I promise to come back tomorrow. When I do you best not smell like a keg If you want us to keep seeing each other, Mr. Bates."

"I promise, because I do want to keep seeing you every single day," John caressed her soft skin. smiling and dropping tiny kisses along her jaw and shoulder

"Good, so no more drinking, please, Mr. Bates."

John nodded his agreement. Anna was still speaking as she cuddled closer into John's bare, hair-filled chest. "I had really better get on to finish all the things I have to get done. Tomorrow I can come after breakfast, and stay longer because Lady Mary will be away until late afternoon, " Anna leaned in for a kiss.

She reluctantly threw the covers back to stand and dress with a smile that lasted the whole evening.

Although tempted to tell Lady Mary of what she'd. really been up in town, she didn't think it right just yet. If anyone were to understand it would be her, but how does one begin a conversation with that topic? No, she would keep it to herself for now, and every chance she could, she would sneak away to be with her Mr. Bates.