Chapter Nine
As soon as Anna finished helping dress Lady Mary, she raced to the hospital, breathless by the time she arrived. One of the nurses offered a smile in passing. She informed Anna, "Mr. Bates barely ate a single spoon of the broth, even when we offered to feed it to him."
"Mr. Bates can be so stubborn. Can you heat up some broth for him and I will make sure that he eats," Anna shook her head as she walked across the room to appear around the curtain.
Anna gave a smile and walked towards the bed. She sat down on the edge, "How are you feeling today?"
"My knee is throbbing, which is normal apparently, but I told Dr. Clarkson, who gave me something to help with it," John reached for Anna's hand and brought it against his lips.
The minute Anna's hand touched John's lips, he smiled, "I missed you Anna, but it's late for you to be out alone."
"I can handle myself, Mr. Bates, besides I wanted to see you. We finished later than I expected. The nurse told me you haven't eaten the broth they brought, so I had her heat up another bowl that I'll feed to you. If you want to get better you will need to eat and I won't take no as an answer," Anna met his eyes to issue the challenge.
The nurse brought a bowl of broth still steaming to set down on the dinner tray that remained over John's lap.
"Thank you so much," Anna said as she stirred the broth, so it was not too hot for John to eat. She spooned up a small bite and brought it to his lips, "Eat a little bit for me please. "
John opened his mouth and allowed Anna to feed him the small spoonful of broth still holding her hand lightly, "Is everything quite well at Downton?"
"Busy but good, though his Lordship seemed in a strange mood when I saw him and even Lady Mary said that he was acting differently after his trip into town," Anna stirred the broth again while she looked towards John.
The smile faded from John's lips as he mumbled quietly, "Oh, weird in what way exactly; perhaps he has a lot on his mind."
Anna offered John another sip of broth, "I don't know, but he did seem very far away, as if deep in thought. He also sought me out to see if I needed anything or wanted to take a lie down."
With a chuckle, John opened his mouth to accept another spoonful of broth, mostly to delay telling her about Robert's visit earlier.
"Now why couldn't you have let the nurse feed you like this earlier, instead of being so stubborn? And what are you hiding from me Mr. Bates, did his Lordship come in for a visit," Anna studied the guilty twinkle in his eyes. She could read him like a book.
"Because I didn't want to be fed by some nurse, but I also wanted to wait for you," John admitted, dodging the question.
Anna gave him a bit more, with a gentle wipe of his mouth using the napkin, "You haven't answered my question. Has his Lordship come to visit you today; though I don't know why that would make him act so oddly."
After he took another spoonful John nodded, "Yes, he came to see how I was feeling, and if i needed anything. Perhaps I was a little harder on him than I ought to be considering, but I was cross."
"John, what did you say to him?" Anna asked.
"I might have refused his help, because he let me go without any consideration as to what really happening. We fought together against the Boers in the South African War; his Lordship and I have known each other for over twenty years," John explained. He only stopped to oblige Anna with another spoonful before he continued, "He had already married, and had all three girls. We talked about his going home to his family, about life and personal things. "
"Is that where you got the limp? When you fought in the war?" Anna didn't dare look down towards his knee.
John nodded in confirmation, "We were in the fields and got separated from our group when several Boers jumped out at us, only I saw them, and his Lordship didn't. They had a clear shot, and his being ranked higher, he would be the better kill. I pushed him to the ground just in time,taking a bullet to my knee."
"So, you saved his life with a risk to yours and got injured doing so?" Anna spooned more soup into his mouth, with another as she confirmed what she heard.
"Yes, we kept in touch after we both got home, but I stayed a few more years in the service. I did alright until the shrapnel moved and got into the joint. I was married to Vera, so finding a suitable job was limited because of my knee and her need to control everything. His Lordship was my last chance at a steady job away from h, so I could finally save enough for a home of my own and maybe a little business," John leaned against the pillow. He was growing tired.
When Anna didn't offer him any broth John searched her face for a clue to what she might be thinking. Anna gently squeezed his hand, "I don't agree with how quickly you were dismissed either. We can only hope that the surgery worked so you can find a job where you will be happy."
"I know I can't give you much right now, but in time once I'm well, and have found a job I can buy us a cottage. I'd like to stay a valet, if possible, right now anyway. You might be able to stay with Lady Mary and still raise our son or daughter," John smiled.
Anna leaned closer for a light kiss, "I will wait for as long as you need, if it means we can be together."
"I love you my dearest Anna and promise that I will love you until I take my last breath on this earth. Somehow, I will make you honest and marry you, as soon as I can figure out how to get Vera to agree for a divorce," John whispered.
"I love you John, and I don't care about that, just as long as we're together I will be the happiest woman on earth," Anna giggled as their lips brushed for a kiss.
Anna went back to spooning broth and continued to feed John until the bowl completely emptied. "There. Now, I will tuck the covers around you so you can rest, and I will be right here when you wake up."
With a smile Anna watched John's eyes close before she finished tucking the covers around John to keep him warm. She laid on the bed as best she could and gently played with his hair while she watched him sleep contently.
After their conversation, Anna said nothing to Robert, but confided in Lady Mary, the progress she saw when she went to visit.
Two months passed before John finally received a release from the doctor to find a room at another inn. The day of his release, Anna accompanied him to his new room and helped him lie down on the bed. She curled against him with a single cover pulled over their bodies.
"It feels good to hold you in my arms again," John dropped a kiss against Anna's forehead, smiling once she settled on his chest. His free hand caressed her six-month baby bump that popped out from underneath her dress.
Anna lifted her head and smiled a bright smile. "It feels good to be back in your arms especially now that we have privacy. Now, remember not to do anything too much that might strain your knee. I will come back soon as I am done with all my chores, and we can do the exercises that Dr. Clarkson suggested."
"I promise that I won't overdo it, but I do feel better walking already, though now it's a bit stiff," John spoke softly.
Anna was satisfied with John's answer, so she rested her head on his chest again and sighed, "How about I draw you a nice warm bath after you rest? You did quite well on the walk considering, but a warm bath will help."
John moved his hand to palm her lower back smiling, "I think that sounds lovely, but being with you will help even more."
"You are quite flattering," Anna tilted her head back so their eyes met for a moment before their lips met in a kiss.
As John's lips caressed Anna's his hand pressed firmer against her back in hold while Anna palmed his chest for the duration of the kiss. "You are absolutely the most incredible woman I have ever met Anna," John whispered. His fingers slowly caressed the softness of her cheek and traced across her jaw, then over the smoothness of her lips. "How are things at home, uh at Downton lately?" John corrected himself, seeing as it was no longer his home.
"Lady Sybil got hurt attending a political rally, she's fine, but his Lordship was angrier than I'd ever seen," Anna sighed.
"Well, thank God that's she's alright, one must be very careful at those because they can turn in a second. His Lordship has a temper, but he loves his daughters more than anyone except her ladyship of course," John glided his fingers over her back.
With a smile, John snuck a hand to cup over the top of her swollen middle tenderly, "I can't wait to meet our baby, Anna. I already love our son or daughter in a way I have never experienced before."
Anna giggled quietly, "I feel the same way, even though we haven't met yet, I just love him or her so very much."
"You are going to make such a great mum to our children," John lifted Anna's head from under chin for a quick kiss.
"What do you mean children? Are you saying that you want to have more after we have this baby, Mr. Bates? I must say it would be nice to have a son who looks just like you, and a daughter with your smile. When we come home, you'll be waiting for us, and we'll put the children to bed together," Anna spoke thoughtfully.
They shared a smile while John continued the dream, "We could take walks into the field, bring them to London...I would love to have six children, I 've always wanted a large family. I grew up an only child, so I've always longed to have siblings around."
Anna met his hand over her belly for their fingers to interlock, "I have a sister who is younger than me, but I suppose it would be nice to have a large family.
"I would meet you on the road so we can walk back to our cottage together while I carry the children in my arms. They'll tell us all about their day school while we walk, then we will put them to bed together," John trailed off dreamily.
When John looked down into Anna's eyes, he found them sparkling with tears, "At night, we can snuggle in bed and tell each other about our day. What's wrong Anna, why are you crying, darling?"
With a sniffle, Anna smiled, "Nothing is wrong, quite the opposite actually, because I am very happy. You are exactly who I am supposed to be with, so hearing you talk of our future together just makes me so happy."
"Good, because I never want to see you upset, Anna," John placed a light kiss on Anna's forehead, then one against her lips.
Anna took his large hand, "It is getting late, so I should draw you a warm bath before I have to leave. "
Anna got up and started the water. Once the tub was filled, she returned to the bed in order to help John up so they could walk to the bathroom together. He did so without the noticeable limp.
Anna helped him take off his clothes, then helped ease him into the tub so the warm water washed over his bad knee, "Let your knee soak while I get the soap and sponge so I can wash you off properly. Is the water too hot or cold?"
"No, it's perfect," John felt his eyes close at the comfort of being submerged in warm water.
With a quiet chuckle, Anna let John soak for a bit before she began to wash him from the upper body all the way down. She allowed the sponge to glide over his smooth shoulders across to the other side of his large frame. At the top of his legs, she ensured that the sponge covered every inch of their substantial length. When she reached his more sensitive area. John let out a small moan despite the smile he wore. He had never known such pleasure in a tub.
"Now, let me get a towel. I'll help you get out and dry off, so you don't get sick," Anna brought a towel over that she wrapped around his body. "Your wound is healed, but you've been in hospital, and there are all manner of things in there you could have picked up. No need to be cold and make it worse."
When John was dressed again he turned the tables on Anna. He warmed up the water then said, "Now it's your turn, darling," John helped Anna undress then guided her six-month pregnant body into the warm water. He sat beside her while she soaked. He massaged the soap through her hair, slowly kneading her scalp with his strong hands. "How's that feeling, Anna?" John leaned closer so his warm breath tickled Anna's ear as he massaged her head. He used the extra water to slowly trickle it over her head, so the soap washed out. John slid his hands down her neck slowly but with enough pressure to take away all the tension she was holding there. His fingers felt light on her shoulders despite being so strong.
Once the water, cooled John helped Anna out of the tub and into a towel he wrapped tightly around her body, "I love you." He gave her a small peck on her nose.
"And I love you," Anna moved her head back to meet John's lips for a long kiss while their bodies swayed in the middle of the washroom. They entered the bedroom and walked to the bed where John took the towel from Anna's body and took her into his arms. He carefully laid her in bed immediately following her down and joining their bodies in an act of love.
Anna went to the inn daily to help John with his exercises. He didn't care for them but knew how important they were. Anna gave John's hand a light squeeze with each leg raise he completed. The sweat dripped down his face, but he smiled with success. "That's it, you've gotten so much stronger with practice. You can take a long rest."
"I feel stronger, and walking has been much easier, with less pain since I've been doing the exercises. I've haven't found too many jobs for a valet, but there are a small handful that I have applied to," John watched her snuggle against his chest, with a hand gently pressed against her swollen seven-month bump.
With a quiet giggle Anna met his hand for a cup, "I have money saved up, there should be enough for us to find a cottage to live in. "
John shook his head firmly, "Absolutely not, I am to provide for you, and that I shall do if you just give me some time. It won't be long, that I promise you. Now that I'm on my feet, I can start the process of job searching with earnest."
"You can be so stubborn Mr. Bates, but I have all the time in the world for you," she searched his eyes.
"I love you, Anna," John cupped her cheek, so his finger slowly caressed the soft skin. She slid her head closer so their lips met then whispered, "I love you John, and I know you will find something wonderful."
With her faith in him, John felt sure he would too, though it also sent nervous chills through his body. In just two months they would have a child, but he had no home or job for him to earn money so he could support his family.
When Anna left for Downton, John used the time to apply for every valet job he found in the paper, sending what seemed like endless letters to the potential employers.
In no time, he received requests to see each house and have a word with each employer, seeming to walk better since the surgery. None of the houses seemed as grand at Downton but were lovely in their own right.
The last house he visited was a little closer to Downton. There he found a man near his age and his wife sitting together, waiting on him on the living room couch. "Ah Mr. Bates I am Lord Fenton, and this is Lady Margaret."
"M'lord, m'lady, you have a lovely home," John spoke stiffly, as he studied them deeply as with all potential employers.
The man who introduced himself as Lord Fenton gave a quiet nod, "Yes, thank you, it isn't quite as grand as Downton Abbey where I believe you were previously employed, but we earned our titles and money. Beyond that, why were you dismissed from Downton?"
Without hesitation, John replied, "It was a misunderstanding, and out of respect for his Lordship, I left with no protest."
"I see, we do have quite a small staff, so you would be required to do other tasks, such as serving during dinner, and answering the door. Our last valet quit so suddenly, but those were his duties," Lord Fenton explained.
"I understand m'lord, and am willing to do whatever is required of me, should you hire me," John spoke quietly.
The slightly old man looked him John over, "We have spare liveries for you to try on and you will start immediately so that you might get to know the house. See if you can find one that fits you, then you can see the kitchen staff to serve lunch."
"Yes m'lord," John followed the hall with ease and without support from his cane, where he found a small room. He searched the spare liveries until he was finally able to find one that would fit him, which he quickly changed into.
With a deep breath, John continued to the end of the hall and down the back stairs, where he found a kitchen, already emitting the bustle of preparing food. "Hello, my name is John Bates, I am the new valet," he spoke softly.
The chef only slightly older than Mrs. Patmore barely looked up towards him, "This is ready to go then."
That was it, John was once again employed. Wordlessly, John brought the food into the dining room half the size of the one at Downton, though perfect for just the two people that lived in the house. He stood shoulders back with both hands folded and watched as Lord Fenton and Lady Margaret ate without a single word to him.
Once finished, they left the dining room, without saying a single word.
"After lunch the valet can clean all of his Lordship's boots and set out his clothes for the afternoon. He might be going into town, so you will need to drive him, but he'll let you know," the cook explained, since no one else took the time to do so.
John said nothing but slowly turned towards the hallway to get started on his tasks in the lonely room. It felt odd to not be surrounded by other employees who didn't seem to know much joy. Still, he had responsibilities to support Anna and their baby so for now this job would have to do as a source of income.
When John got back to the inn, it was late. Anna knocked shortly after to find his tired face greeting her when he opened the door. "By the look on your face, I take it your first day didn't go so well," she shut the door behind her.
"It was fine enough, the house is nice, but it's different from how his Lordship or her Ladyship spoke to their employees. The staff is much smaller, just me, the cook, and a lady's maid. It will be an adjustment," John took Anna's hands and forced a smile as he led her towards the bed.
As they laid together on top of the covers, Anna searched John's face, "That's just it, an adjustment, but if you don't think you'll be happy, there are other jobs that you can try for."
John shook his head, "The baby is coming in two months, and I am eager for us to settle in a cottage before that time. It's just different that's all, but they do seem very nice, and I will adjust in time."
"I know you will, but doesn't it seem fast that we're going to have a child in just two months," Anna smiled.
"Quite fast, but also exciting," John cupped her cheek, and slowly leaned forward so their lips met in a kiss. His free hand found her swollen baby bump and rubbed it. As his hand found her cheek again, he whispered, "How is everything at Downton? Well, I hope."
"Actually, very well as we just received word that her Ladyship is pregnant, which was a shock for his Lordship. Everyone is quite excited at the news of having a baby in the house, though they don't know whether they're having a boy or girl, of course. The worry is what will happen to Lady Mary and Mr. Matthew if it is a boy," Anna said.
John widened his eyes, "But still a baby is quite good news, if I write a letter to her ladyship, would you deliver it?"
"Of course I will, she will be most pleased to receive one from you as would his Lordship," Anna studied his face for the longest time, not seeing a reaction from him.
The following morning Anna knocked on the library door and waited for permission before she walked in, "Beg your pardon m'lord, I'm so sorry to bother you."
Robert looked up from his desk then stood to greet the young maid, "Not a bother at all Anna, what can I do for you? "
"I went to see Mr. Bates last night, and I told him the news about you and her Ladyship, so he asked that I deliver a note of congratulations," Anna brought the note forward to hand him, smiling.
With a slow smile, Robert took the note out only smiling wider at his friend's neat handwriting. When he lifted his head tears filled his eyes, "Thank you very much for this, Anna. I shall let her ladyship know but we are both very appreciative. I hope that you are not working too hard, being so close to giving birth yourself."
"I find time to put my feet up m'lord, yes, only a month or so before I have the baby, so we are getting more excited," Anna caressed her middle.
"I am sure, and I have no doubt that you will both make fantastic parents," Robert paused in thought. "When you see Bates again, can you please thank him with our sincerest regards from both her Ladyship and I?"
Anna nodded, "I am going to see him tonight, he found a job as a valet in another home, so I see him after we both finish."
"Oh, has he? Well, I hope that he is truly happy with the new place but I do wish he would come home," Robert whispered, unable to hide the disappointment.
"He seems to need time to adjust as it is quite different from Downton, but he is determined to make it work. I do wish that he would come home as well, but he won't," Anna smiled sadly.
With a laugh Robert looked towards her, "No, he's stubborn, which I suppose I am too in a lot of ways. In spite of what happened, I have always counted him a friend, and I feel badly at how I treated him."
"Perhaps he'll come around m'lord, at least I hope he does, because I only want him to be happy and I know he was happy here. I should get on, please excuse me, but I will tell Mr. Bates what you have said," Anna nodded an acknowledgment and hurried off as quickly as she could at eight months gone.
Not far off Bates, busied himself at the new house while he adjusted to the new environment, as well as the new co-workers. "So, how long have you been working for his Lordship and Lady Fenton?" he watched the chef bring a steaming plate to set on the counter.
She took off the top and slowly stirred the contents inside, "Just take this plate into the dining room as you are supposed to do."
Without a word, John carried the metal plate into the dining room just as his Lord and Lady Fenton entered. "After breakfast, we have been invited to Downton Abbey for an overnight stay, so when you are done pack a few things."
"Yes m'lord," John brought their plates to the table then went to get the tea. He made no sound, even when they reminded him on his way out to make sure the right outfits were packed. Once he finished the dining room, he went up to pack some things for them both in preparation for the trip.
"Bates, hurry up and bring the cases downstairs to the car so we can go," Lord Fenton's voice rang from where he stood in the hallway.
With a sigh, John managed to bring all the suitcases down to the waiting car out front with only two trips. Footsteps tapped against the sidewalk behind him as he secured the luggage onto the back.
When he turned, Richard studied him, "I am not sure how Lord Gratham operates, but you will remain with me. We are to attend a luncheon then we there's some sort of dinner, but in between I will rest in the house. "
"Yes m'lord, he might have a reason for your visit as well in between, but I am prepared," John nodded.
Without another word, John opened the back car door for them to enter so they could be on their way. Before long the elegant castle came into view which brought a smile to his face. He glad to be going back even if it wasn't to work.
When the car pulled up John, noticed the doors already open with most staff lined outside in greeting. He said nothing on the walk around to open the back door with his eyes focused on his duty.
Robert took a single step ready to greet their guests with a smile when he noticed the unmistakable back of his former batman who turned around just then, "Bates."
"Well Bates, didn't Lord Grantham teach you any manners in how to greet someone who has invited us into their home. Never mind that, get these inside and unpacked before we dinner, would you?" Lord Fenton shook his head. He offered a hand to Robert, "Lord Grantham, what a nice surprise for you to invite us into your home. "
"Yes well, we are all so very glad that you could find enough time to spend a few days with us at Downton. The footmen can help bring the cases upstairs and show where you will be staying, and when you are ready tea will be ready in the drawing room," Robert cleared his throat, still not over the shock of seeing John.
Anna watched him hoping that he looked in her direction even just once during the exchange of greetings. The soft voice of Mrs. Hughes whispered quietly, "Did you know that he was working as a valet, and would be coming back to Downton?"
"I knew he's a valet, but not that he would be coming back today," Anna watched him stand at attention as he awaited his next order.
"No, Bates can manage as it's his job, just make sure everything is hung up," Lord Fenton took Cora's hand in greeting.
When the guests walked passed, Robert looked over his shoulders to his old friend apologetically. John ignored and began to take all the suitcases down from the car.
Carson called two footmen over, "Take the suitcases upstairs so he doesn't have to make multiple trips. Mr. Bates you look quite well, I have to say it is very good to see you again."
"Thank you, Mr. Carson, and thank you for the help," John took two of the cases and started for the front door.
"Anna will be by in a few minutes, as i know she is very eager to see you, and I am very glad that you have found employment," Carson led him inside.
"Thank you Mr. Carson, I do truly appreciate that, but I had better get these upstairs to unpack in case his lordship requires anything. I will see you for lunch, I suppose" John took the steps after the footmen eager to finish for his new employer.
With a sigh, John began to unpack more than eager for a private word with Anna while his new employers kept busy.
A/N: A lot of time passed in this chapter, and very soon Anna and Bates will be parents! How will things work out with the brisk Lord Fenton? Will John make a life on a new estate or will the pull of love call him home? What roll will the war play in all this. Read, review, favorite and follow. Thanks!