Disclaimer: Sadly, we don't own Downton Abbey.

May 6th, 1927 ~

The funniest thing happened during the night! And of course I had to write it in our journal. I don't want to tell this story to my children one day and see their father denying everything.

There was a storm last night and Mr Jack is terrified of thunder. So after much whining and shivering I invited the poor dog up on our bed. John was not pleased with the idea but after a bit of persuasion on my part he finally gave in, but only if Jack slept on my side of bed.

Now, you have to understand that John has very strict bedtime rules. He has no problem with the dog sleeping with William, but it's a totally different set of rules when it comes to the marital bed.

As I was saying, Jack jumped on my side of the bed and fell asleep right away, while my husband was on his side curled up like a big brooding ball with a pout on his face. A gentle elbow in his ribs was enough to make him chuckle though. I don't like to go to sleep with either of us in a bad mood. And as usual in the middle of the night I felt John's arms around me, and that's when I finally could settle into my sleep.

Well then, in the morning I woke up feeling terribly cold and noticed right away that my husband's arms were not around me anymore.

My first thought was that John had probably gotten out of bed earlier, as often happens… But no. I was completely wrong. John Bates was still there, in bed, sleeping like a babe. He was snoring ever so gently, with his back to me, and when I took a better look I found out the reason why his arms were no longer around me. Jack was the reason.

John and Jack were both sleeping peacefully. John with his arm around the dog's furry tummy and breathing against his curly ears. Of course I had to laugh at the sight. It was one of the sweetest thing I've ever seen. I will never forget it as long as I live.

Now, John claims he didn't know it was the dog. He said he was dreaming and probably turned around without even noticing it, and that Jack apparently just hopped up on his side all on his own. I reckon Jack is smarter than we thought and he went looking for the cosiest pair of arms he could find…and he found John's.

I should get back to William now, it's almost time for his breakfast and I can hear him calling for me.

- Anna

I'll never deny that such thing happened, but I will deny that I planned it or I liked it. Waking up with fur all over your face is not the most pleasing of things. I'd rather wake up with my wife's hair in my mouth.

Although, there's something I must say about Jack, at least he doesn't have cold feet.

But you know, my sweet Anna, that I wouldn't trade your cold feet for the world!

- John