I am new at fanfiction and this is my first story ever. I wanted to write something for all of the Anna/Bates fans, because we seem to be currently outnumbered by the other ships. I have read so many great pieces and thought it was my turn to give back. I've tried to use neutral wording, but, I am not British, so, sorry if it sounds too American.

In S1, we went from nobody knowing about Bates and Anna to everybody in S2 knowing about it and accepting it. For the interest of time, I understand why JFellows would not include any scenes pertaining to the discovery of the relationship. There was no backlash for Anna, even if the constraints of the time would call her the "other woman". I want to explore everybody's reactions when they find out and some missing conversations between them, all set from the day he returns from his mother's funeral, to a little after he leaves with Vera. I am also assuming that up until 2X01, their relationship had remained exactly as it was throughout S1.

In this Chapter I explore what Lord Grantham was thinking when Bates spoke to him about Anna. If you like or don't like, let me know. I seek to learn by other fanfiction veterans

Since everybody does a disclaimer, I will too. I don't own any of the characters, they all belong to JFellows and Carnival.

ASKING PERMISSION

Lord Grantham was in his library trying hard to concentrate on the newspaper story he was reading when he heard the recognizable noise of his valet's wooden cane tapping against the parquet flooring of the great hall. That he heard it at all was amazing. The great hall was a cacophony of sounds and movement, as the entire staff and family worked hard to prepare for the benefit concert that would be held later that afternoon. He had just sought refuge from all of the commotion, hoping to have few minutes of serenity before the events of that evening started.

Bates? He thought to himself. Only earlier he had asked Carson when his valet would be expected back in Downton. As an only son, he had given him leave to attend to his mother's funeral and to arrange all of her affairs. He knew this could take several more days and Carson had confirmed this, mentioning that they had received word just recently.

Carson had conveyed that he would be back in a couple of days, but the tap, tap, tap he heard was undeniably a sign that Bates had come back. Just then, the door of the library opened and the valet was there himself, reporting back to duty.

"I beg your pardon, Lord Grantham. I am home and ready to begin my duties". Bates looked happier than ought to be right for a moment like this. His mother had just passed, and yet he was slightly grinning.

With that thought on his mind, Lord Grantham asked: "Is it all settled, then? Will you have to go back?"

"Most of my mother's affairs are now settled", he answered. "I still have the property she left me and will need to decide what to do with it soon. But, I will see to the house the next time your Lordship needs to be in London. I won't worry about that just now".

Bates shifted his weight from his injured leg to that of his healthy leg and it seemed he was taller and a bit more confident. "Your Lordship, May I have a word? I have another rather important endeavor that will take me back to London that I must talk to you about. I need to seek your guidance and permission on an important matter".

"Oh?"

"I must speak to you of Vera. After six years of not knowing where she is, she has finally turned up. She's in London and I have written to her."

"Oh My". Robert knew that Vera had been a nasty piece of work. Bates did not say much about her, but the information Anna had provided to him a year ago, had led him to understand just how detrimental a factor she had been in his life. He also thought back to their times during the Boer War. Most of the married men, when scared, would take out pictures of their wives and weep or reminisce. Bates never did. Whenever the men shared of their desires to go back to the homes they shared with their loved ones, Bates would always turn away. Once he went so far as to state that he had nothing to look forward to in England and that he might as well just stay in Africa.

Bates continued: "Your Lordship. My mother left me enough money that I can pay for our legal situation to be resolved. I hope to settle matters with her and provide for her comfort, if she will agree to a divorce. Does your Lordship see fit that I can go about with this process?"

Lord Grantham was a little unsettled. He knew seeking a divorce was always something to be requested as a last resort and not ever done by those in proper society. He knew that that marriage was over and had been for years, but he wasn't sure that Bates needed to pursue a divorce. He was really curious and asked, "But Bates….how will the court grant your divorce? On What grounds would you seek to dissolve your marriage? "

Feeling a little embarrassed just then, a flushed Bates continued: "I will take the blame your Lordship. On my return to London, I will seek the company of a wanton woman and give Vera recourse to claim adultery. I have no qualms in allowing Vera to be the injured party, as long as his Lordship does not see it as an offense to the pride of Downton to employ somebody's whose reputation will be tarnished in this way. I seek not to besmirch the good name of Lord Grantham or his family."

"You've no other recourse, other than this? " Surely, there must be another way?"

"She has been untrue in the past, but, I cannot prove it. She has been very clever in her deception and I have no evidence. Taking the blame will earn her cooperation and it will be the easiest way out for both of us."

"Why do you think she'll accept? She may not want to accept the shame of being divorced."

"Vera is a very greedy woman. I am prepared to offer her the majority of the money my mother left me. This will secure her future in comfort. She would be crazy to deny such an offer. "

Lord Grantham was touched that his valet would readily give his honor and money away to accomplish this. He was only a little worried about the timing. Bates seemed a little rushed in getting this done. "Must you do this now?"

"I must do this now because I do not want to be associated with her any longer. I do not want to delay this when it is clear that Vera and I will never be happy together. Also, I do not want her to disappear again. And, most importantly, if I can get the divorce, I have plans for a different future. "

John lowered his gaze slightly, aware that the most important part of today's revelations was about to be shared with his employer. If only he would understand.

Plans for a different Future? Robert asked himself, his brow furrowing when he heard this. For a moment, he felt lost with this last part of the conversation. He was entirely confused.

Bates sensed his confusion, having seen Lord Grantham's brow furrow and demeanor change. He pressed further.

"Allow me to explain. I seek to be completely truthful in the full extent of my plans. You have been very kind to me, even after everything you have known about my past and I am very keen to continue in your employ. I wish to gain your approval on another personal matter. I feel I cannot move forward without your knowledge and consent. I wish to acquire a divorce, because"…. And he paused nervously, "because, I would very much like to marry again. "

"Bates! You, wish to marry again?" Lord Grantham was surprised. Now he understood why, with his mother recently passed, Bates could be grinning. He had never known John Bates to have a sweetheart, mistress or any feminine interests. Knowing how lonely Bates was, he'd never even seen him distracted by any pretty girls on the street when they were in London. Bates was married and since he had reformed his ways, had been a model of morality and integrity. This request, to talk about marriage when his first was still very much legally binding, under most circumstances, would be highly improper. He needed to understand more about what Bates meant by wanting to marry and gestured for Bates to continue.

"You see your Lordship, I've scarcely allowed myself to hope that one day I would find Vera again and that I would be able to erase my mistake. I'm no longer a young man and getting another opportunity to have a family is more than I deserve. But, I would very much like to try. Finding her gives me this hope. I can assure you that I have thought of how to approach this matter honorably and properly. My intended is unaware of what I desire, as I wish her character and reputation to remain solid and uncompromised. I also don't even know if she would have me, as a divorced, older man with an injury. I have nothing to offer her if I cannot remain in your employ and if I cannot gain this divorce, thus, I must seek your permission to affirm or deny this petition. If affirmed, I will go to her and seek an answer for the question I so long to ask."

Lord Grantham was a little relieved to see the issue presented to him in this manner. Apparently, his valet had maintained the decorum that was required in a situation such as this. He felt relieved, and was actually starting to feel happy for him. He rather smiled at Bates, who until then seemed to be holding his breath. With a mischievous grin, he asked:

"Am I to know the name of the woman that has captivated you enough Bates for you to want to propose? "

"It is Anna Smith, your head Housemaid. " Bates smiled back.

"Our Anna? Why, she is much younger than you." Lord Grantham was momentarily shocked.

"Yes, your Lordship. Anna is younger than I, but, hardly a child. "

Lord Grantham at first was surprised by their age difference. He calculated between 15-20 years, but quickly stopped any further thinking on this point. He, himself, almost two years ago, had allowed Edith to spend so much time with Sir Antony Strallan. Their association at that time shared the same age gap. If their relationship had not been a problem, he could find no fault in this one.

It also made sense that Bates would consider Anna. She had selflessly pursued the truth regarding his conviction for theft and took it upon herself to save his post. For a housemaid to undertake such actions, Lord Grantham surely thought that Anna might be smitten with Bates. Also, if Bates wanted children, she was still young enough to be a mother.

Robert considered not asking the next question, as it might be considered inappropriate, but, he was too intrigued to stop. "Do you have any reason to believe that she would or would not have you if you proposed?"

Bates was a little surprised that Lord Grantham would ask him this question and thought about how to best answer. He knew Anna had confessed her love years ago, and while he had always hinted of his love, there was still so much he did not know or dare ask of his Anna. They had spent countless hours in the courtyard and servants hall sharing innocent moments, talking, sometimes their fingers intertwined as they held hands, but he never allowed any of their conversations to deal with the issue of love. He could never be sure that he had anything to offer her, so, he made sure that the topic was never brought up. Sure, they had almost kissed once and she had remained by his side through thick and thin, defending him and seeking the truth when his past was discovered. She had even provided support through the heartbreak of his mother's loss. Still, he could not be sure that she would still want him in that way, and he endeavored to answer as honestly as he could.

"We share an affection borne of friendship. As a married man, I have never discussed any possibilities with her, as I have not wished to promise or imply any sort of attachment beyond the friendship we share. Years ago, she might have conferred some feelings and I told her I was married. Since then, Anna's sense of duty and loyalty towards the house and her desire to set an example for her younger charges has dictated her actions. I am sure that her steadfast morals have not allowed her to develop any further sentiments towards the foolish married man I am. My regard for her may very well not be returned. Although a loyal friend, she is a sensible young woman and it may not appeal to her to accept a man, branded inferior through the stigma of divorce and infirmity. So, you see, your Lordship- I do not know".

Lord Grantham heard him talk about Anna and noticed how the usually stoic Bates was transformed. A smile was creeping upon him and there was much hope in his eyes. This was so different than the very early version of Bates he had known during the war and the Bates he knew since his arrival in Downton. He had no real sense of purpose in his life and his gaze was usually vacant and soul-less. It seemed that there was finally purpose in his life and he knew then, that he could not be the one to deny this man the opportunity of a full life.

"Well, Bates. I cannot question your choice of woman. Besides being lovely and kind, Anna has been exemplary in the years she has labored for us. For your sake, I hope she agrees, and with that, I bid my consent. Go forward with your divorce and if you desire to propose to Anna, the Crawley family will not get in your way.

Mr. Bates flashed a reserved smile as his heart leapt for joy. Lord Grantham understood everything he had proposed and was allowing him to move forward. Something in his life was finally working out for him.

Lord Grantham continued: "I do not wish to offend you or her by stating some obvious guidelines that you must already foresee, but, I will state them anyway. If she accepts, Carson and Mrs. Hughes must be made aware. Even with your desire to obtain a divorce, you currently do not have it, or Mrs. Bates' consent, so, you must be keenly aware that Anna's acceptance of your proposal puts her in a compromised situation. You could not possibly court her in the manner that would be naturally assumed. You would have to understand that your every action, and hers would be scrutinized for any hint of indecency. You are an honorable man, no doubt, and will understand that she could be marked permanently if you were to get too "close" to her, regardless of your future intention.

Lord Grantham stopped to look at Bates and to make sure he had not been offended by his words.

"Yes, your Lordship", Bates answered. " I fully understand your position and the situation in which I will place Anna. Please be assured that I will always act in accordance to the high moral standard that this house and her honor bid me to follow. I will keep you informed of any outcome."

"Bates, when your divorce is granted, and you have gained a bride, we'll see about moving you to one of the cottages that Matthew has renovated. " I don't see why you shouldn't continue to be my valet.

"How generous your Lordship. Thank you for this consideration on your part. I bid you farewell, as I must prepare your uniform for tonight's concert."

With that, Bates turned to leave, eager to find Anna. The uniform could wait a few more minutes.