The Epilogue brings us to John back at the house, right after the "Good and Proper" scene. The original intention of the story was to bring us right to Molesley, where I would have ended it, but I thought an Epilogue depicting what how everyone finds out about their "engagement" was proper.

"Mr. Bates, what will we tell the others?" She was leant up against him; her palms flat out on his chest and her head cradled snuggly in between, her ears listening to the steady beat of his heart. His arms were around her, keeping her close to him. It had been such a long time since they were together like this, barely any space between them. She relished the moment, content at last. She hoped her questions didn't unsettle him. These questions must be addressed before too long.

"What do you mean? …. About why I am back? Shouldn't Mr. Carson address that with the staff?"

She pulled back momentarily and looked at him profoundly. He really didn't know everything that she had been through since he had left. They couldn't just take up exactly as they had before. The others knew too much.

"No, I meant about us. Where we stand…..of my waiting for you."

He looked a little lost; not understanding why they had to explain themselves at all. They were adults and there was no impropriety in his intentions.

"Nothing, I imagine. Why should we say anything at all?"

"Because before you left, Lord Grantham, Lady Mary, Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson were all aware of our intentions. I don't know how much his Lordship knows now, if you've told him anything about us, but, we cannot pretend that you coming back does not change a thing. Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes will ask. They'll not believe that we are not back together. Lady Mary will most certainly have those thoughts and I cannot lie to her if she asks."

He detached one of his hands to move through his hair. He often did that when he was thinking. She remembered if from before. He seemed to be reflecting on her words, taking them all in, making sense of her plea. He sighed with resignation.

"You're right, of course. My leaving and coming back did change things. It can't be as before."

Her lips transitioned into a small grin. He finally understood. She felt relief that he saw her side now, but he must know all of it. In the couple of times that they had seen each other in KirbyMoorside, she did not tell him what her life had been like after his departure. In those few precious moments, she wanted to hear about him and about his hopes for their future. She wouldn't waste it on the past, lest he take it as resentment from her. Today, though, he must know it all if they were to navigate in this new adventure together.

"Upon your departure, there was much talk about me. I wasn't well. I had an outburst the morning you left." She looked sheepishly at him, all the while twisting the ties of her apron nervously. "I'm sorry. It was just too difficult… and the maids saw it and the entire house knew about it. They know how much I must have cared for you. Anybody who didn't know before then certainly knew after that."

He took her hands and squeezed them. His heart felt pain whenever he remembered what he had done to her. He would spend his lifetime finding ways to make her happy, hoping to erase every bad memory from her heart.

"You needn't be sorry Anna. Leaving you was terrible. I will beg for you forgiveness every day." He placed a kiss on her temple.

She wore a look of love. How could he deserve her when he had caused so much pain? How could she forgive him so quickly? He could still remember her cold gaze when they saw each other for the first time in the Red Lion. She had every right to be perturbed with him, yet he saw her irritation vanish almost immediately. He honestly didn't know how she could be so calm, listening to him now. He deserved more anger from her, but when he gazed at her, she had the purest heart and kindest eyes.

He took the palm of her hand and kissed it reverently. It looked like she wanted to speak again.

"There's more. You should know all of it. There was Ms. O'Brien. She heard me, on the stairs, when I was asking you not to leave me. She told the others about that too."

He looked aghast and had not realized what she would have had to endure when he left her – not just the pain of losing him, but the gossip and humiliation in front of the others. He had to change this. He had to make this right. Anna could not be the topic of conversation in the house any more.

"Mr. Bates, they will talk again. You know where I stand on the topic of us. If you wanted to leave here tomorrow, I would go with you and I wouldn't care what anybody said. If we are to remain here, though, and work while we wait for your divorce, I would rather we not be scrutinized or be the topic of conversation."

"Yes. I agree."

"So, what do we tell them?"

"We tell them the truth."

Mr. Bates understood what Anna meant when she said they would be scrutinized. This was his first full day back; his first breakfast, his first start to the endless routine. He had taken back his usual seat, Anna beside him. The moment he sat down, every pair of eyes in the servant's hall were directed at them. There were some more discreet than others, but, they all wanted to know, or understand rather, what was going on between the Valet and Head Housemaid.

There was no time like the present. Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes were there, the footmen, Ms. O'Brien, the maids and hall boys. Thomas was also there, and sweet Daisy, with a pot of fresh tea.

"Can I have everybody's attention?"

Anna turned to look at Mr. Bates with quizzical eyes. They had agreed to do the announcement today, but, had not agreed on a time. She realized by the determination set in his eyes that the moment was upon them.

The buzz of the hall died down as they all turned to look at Mr. Bates.

"I have an announcement to make. You are all probably wondering and I have no desire to prolong everybody's doubts. I would rather you all know this now, so we can move on…."

Mr. Carson eyebrow started to rise with certain concern and Mrs. Hughes was holding her breath. She already anticipated what this was about.

"I don't want any speculation or guesses, so, I will tell you. Yes, I am married. I have been for an unfortunate amount of years, most of which, I spent alone. All you need to know is that I have grounds for a divorce and am currently pursuing one. The courts will rule in my favor. I expect a quick resolution."

"How very convenient, Mr. Bates. Discarding your wife so easily..." The rancorous voice of Sarah O'Brien rang out.

"Believe what you will, Ms. O'Brien." He turned to look at everybody at the farthest end of the table. "Those are the facts whether you choose to believe them or not." He turned to look at O'Brien again "Nobody's opinion will alter my plans and I have his Lordship's support."

His head turned slowly as he spoke until he was facing Anna. This was it. She could see it in his eyes that were set so firmly gazing at her.

"When that divorce is final, I will be asking Anna Smith to marry me."

There were gasps heard in the hall and even Daisy fumbled with the kettle and let it drop onto the table after hearing his words. Hardly anybody noticed the mess that was made, the unfolding scene before them proving a much more absorbing story.

Mr. Bates usually stoic face deceived him and his lips curled upward, reacting positively to his own emotions. Anna's eyes were opened wide and bright, signaling how happy she was. Her entire face flushed a bright pink. Even if she had tried to not react and maintain an emotionless face, she would have failed. It would be impossible to feign passivity when the blood was rushing to her head and her heart was beating faster than it ought. For a few seconds, they delighted in looking at each other's response to his words. They seemed to be in their own little world, alone and far away from Downton.

Mr. Carson's annoyed huff brought them out of their own reverie. They turned to see everybody staring at them. Ms. O'Brien was shocked, so much that her jaw was locked in a downward position. She had never expected to hear that from the valet. When she had heard them on the stairs, she believed that John Bates was using Anna, that his interest for her was for self-gratification only. The sod actually loved her? The thought was revolting and she pursed her lips with disgust.

Mrs. Hughes' gaze was a mixture of relief and worry. She wished they could have discussed this before the announcement was made. When he came back yesterday and she saw him smile so tenderly at Anna the moment he walked through the door, she knew they would be right back where they had been shortly before he left. Anna had never stopped loving him, that she knew, and judging by Anna's apparent knowledge of his whereabouts, they'd had time to talk things over. She must have already forgiven him. The Housekeeper was actually befuddled at how they would manage his return in regards to the hearsay that would ensue concerning him and his relationship with Anna. Her relief, in part, was because now that it happened, she didn't have to figure out how to deal with that. This had been done for her. She courageously smiled, happy for them, even if she knew Mr. Carson might call her on it later. She would defend herself if necessary and remind him that no matter how curmudgeonly he wanted to come across, he too approved of them. It was a delight to experience the happiness of two people who loved each other that much.

Mr. Carson was ready to say something, Anna could see his brow rising. He looked displeased that the topic of conversation so early in the morning had included topics such as these, but, for all of his annoyance, he hadn't stopped them yet. Some part of him realized this was necessary if they were to keep the peace and limit gossip.

Thomas had nothing to say. He stared forward, too preoccupied with other matters.

Daisy broke the silence.

"Will you accept, Anna?" Daisy's eyes showed a bit of excitement. She pulled her hands together to clasp them, anticipating the answer. The others were flabbergasted, but Daisy really liked both of them. After her conversations with William, she understood that they loved each other and she wanted them together.

All eyes were riveted on the Head Housemaid waiting to hear her answer.

"Of, course she'll accept, you noodle." Ms. O'Brien grumbled. She would prefer to not be listening to the conversation. "I can't see why, though. Not a fair grand prize are you, Mr. Bates? Crippled and divorced? I could never be bothered."

"Well, he'll not be asking you, he'll be asking me," shot back an upset Anna. Her snide remarks regarding Mr. Bates had the potential to ruin the moment. How dare she insult him? She turned to look at Mr. Bates again with a look of love. Anna was giddy just surveying their faces. Just about everybody who worked inside the house had heard his proclamation. He hadn't said he loved her. It was not necessary. His intent was all that was needed to validate her place in his life. When she remembered that every body's eyes were upon her, she lowered hers, bashfully.

"To answer your question Daisy - Yes. When he can ask me, I will accept."

Everybody was mostly silent, except for a couple of sighs escaping some of the maids.

Mr. Carson had had enough. He wasn't sure they had done the right thing, but it was done.

"Enough. Everybody finish your meals. There will be no more talk of divorce or weddings at this table."

John knew that his breakfast announcement would cause some concern with his Superiors. He was not surprised, then, when Mr. Carson asked him into his pantry. Mrs. Hughes and Anna were already there. Upon seeing him, Anna moved from where she was to stand next to him. He couldn't tell how long she had been held in the tiny space, or if she knew why they were there, but, her steps toward him felt comforting. They were a team, in everything they did. She was stood beside him, ready to defend their principles. Her enthusiasm energized him and he was now prepared for whatever was to come.

Mr. Carson shook his head slowly. He had an aura of defeat around him; almost resigned that he had no control over them and their relationship.

"Now, was that necessary?" is all he said as he sat back, waiting for a reply. Mrs. Hughes had a smile about her. She wasn't as concerned as the Butler. Oddly enough, she thought it the right approach. If everything was out in the open, there would be less idle talk.

"I apologize that we did not consult you regarding our announcement. Anna wasn't even aware that I would do it during breakfast."

"I was surprised," said the Head Housemaid, "but, I was the one who urged him to come forward."

"Can I ask why?" the Butler retorted without much energy.

"Certainly, Mr. Carson. When I left before, with no explanations – there was certain talk and speculation among the staff regarding my relationship with Anna. Only you two, his Lordship, and Lady Mary, knew the depth of my disgrace, as I left Anna cowardly, having just asked for her affections. Nobody else knew about that."

Mrs. Hughes face became cross as she listened to the words the Valet was using to berate himself. They all knew why he left. It was not necessary to be so harsh.

Anna just stood still. Her eyes glazed over. Even listening to him speak about that terrible time for her, produced much anguish.

He continued.

"Still, deductions and speculations stemming from Anna's grief were made. We also believe Ms. O'Brien may have overheard our conversations. The fact is, those who believed we might be together, but did not actually know, took it as a certain truth after my departure."

He reached down to hold her hand. Anna was surprised. They had never shown much affection to each other in public and much less in front of their superiors. She squeezed hard, though. She agreed with everything he was saying. It felt right holding his hand, facing this together.

"As I assured you then, I assure you now, that we have nothing to be ashamed of. Others, however, may hold a different view of our relationship. It was important to us that we come forward now, immediately upon my return, so that all talk dies down. If they know the truth, there is nothing else to gain by discussing the matter. We have no intention of calling attention to ourselves. The more they seek to find fault in us, the more they will be disappointed."

Anna could feel the warmth from her beloved's hand and she was certain he could feel the warmth from hers. Together, side by side, with this united front, there was nothing the Butler could say or do to protest.

Mrs. Hughes, having not spoken much before, finally gave her point of view.

"Although, I question your timing, I agree with what you did. It will be the topic of conversation the next few days, but after that, they will get used to seeing them together and not say anything else. As long as both of you maintain the decorum that you have showed until today, I dare say, they will find you boring." She finished the sentence with her Scottish brogue accentuating her last words, adding a comedic flair to her thoughts. Leave it to Mrs. Hughes to always lighten the mood. She was such a godsend in their relationship.

Anna and Bates turned to look at one another and laughed. Boring? Simple domesticity was what they craved and reveled in. Yet, they did not care what anybody else thought about them. If others found them boring, that is exactly what they wanted and needed. They did not want to be the center of conversation in the house.

Mr. Carson did not know whether to be amused or not, so, he just shrugged.

"Well, for your sake, I hope you are right. Now, can I have a word with only Mr. Bates?"

Mrs. Hughes nodded and turned around. She winked at the valet. He remembered how kind she had been to him when he was at his lowest ebb. He would have to find a way to repay her thoughtfulness.

"Anna and I will run along. Come with me please," she gestured at the Head Housemaid who let go of Mr. Bates' hand to follow her out of the pantry.

When they were out of sight and the door closed, Mr. Carson looked him over once again. His gaze was a little harsher than just a minute before, but he'd seen worse. Mr. Bates felt a slight Déjà vu moment. He knew what the conversation was about. He knew he'd have to convince the Butler that he was true to Anna. That he really did mean it this time and that he would not run away.

"You do know I am glad you are back?"

This startled the Valet. He wasn't expecting their conversation to start like that.

"Not with certainty Mr. Carson. No. I have felt, though, very welcomed and for that, I must thank you. I know you are aware of the circumstances that led me to leave, yet, I still feel humbled that I have found so much favor with you and his Lordship. I am a lucky man, for I don't believe I deserve any of it."

"Well, I am pleased you are back. The situation has been exceedingly difficult for all of us. Let's hope that we can now get on with our lives and that all of this is past us now."

"Yes, Mr. Carson, I want to move forward."

He furrowed his brow, trying to emphasize his point.

"….regarding Anna. She was affected greatly by your departure. She is a resilient girl and a very forgiving one to have taken you back so quickly."

"I don't deserve her. I know that. She has a pure heart and I intend to honor her in every way I can the rest of my life."

He was much pleased with the Valet's answer. He didn't want to have this conversation either. That would suffice.

"See that you do, Mr. Bates. You know I will be watching…Now, I trust you have work to do?"

"Yes, Mr. Carson. I will be on my way."

"Anna dear, do you not think that was premature?" There was no ill will or harsh questioning. Mrs. Hughes' voice was soft and melodious.

"Mrs. Hughes –I know my heart still needs to heal. I have forgiven Mr. Bates because I know that his leaving was for other reasons, but, there is still some hurt. It might be premature, but if there is one thing I know is that I want nothing more than to be Mrs. Bates. If we can rebuild our relationship without the gossiping eyes of our fellow servants, it will be much easier. The road ahead to his divorce will not be easy, so, I trust we will have enough time to mend our fences."

"I know how much you love him. I just saw you go through so much pain, that I would have hoped that this time around you might have wanted to wait until his divorce was official."

"Perhaps it would have been the sensible thing to do, but, I cannot fool myself and we could not fool the others. I will be patient as long as it takes, Mrs. Hughes. If it takes a lifetime, I will wait for him, but, it will be by his side."

"You look cheery today."

Mary knew why. Her papa was so happy at breakfast, touting the return of his trusted valet, that Anna's smile was likely due to that too. Her Lady's Maid was grinning from ear to ear and after seeing her forlorn for the better part of the year, she was pleased for the return of Mr. Bates as well.

"Yes, M'Lady." Anna continued her work, helping Mary step out of her day skirt and into her riding outfit. It had been a long time since Mary had taken a break from the ever present Hospital duties and worrying about Matthew. Mr. Lynch had suggested she ride Shadow, as the horse was getting restless without being walked regularly.

Mary was smiling although Anna could not see her. She would rather hear it from Anna than make any assumptions. She wanted to draw out the information and turned to face her.

"I couldn't imagine why. Is there a reason for such happiness?" her lips curled up playfully.

"You know why M'Lady." Anna responded bashfully. Her face and neck flushed.

"Yes I know why. You must tell me about it. Is he back for good?"

"I would like to think so, Yes."

"And what about you two? Have you forgiven him?" Mary realized that smile couldn't mean anything but. If she was harboring resentment, she would not have been that cheery.

Anna was milling around her and Mary took her hands to stop her from continuing her work. She wanted a straight answer.

"Yes, I have. There was more to the story of his leaving, just as I always suspected. This knowledge has been a blessing, and we are able to move forward together. I know what I need to know. His divorce is being processed, and when he is a free man, he will ask me and we will be married."

Mary could not hide her genuine excitement for Anna.

"Oh Anna! How wonderful for you." She took her hand and squeezed it.

"Are you keeping it quiet like you did the first time?"

"No, M'Lady. Mr. Bates announced it this morning at breakfast. He thought it best if we came out with it. It would lessen the talk. Everyone downstairs knows."

Just then, Edith and Sybil walked through the doors. Sybil was a little annoyed that Edith had dragged her up to Mary's room. She had many duties to fulfill and could not spare the time, but, Edith had insisted they take a break and seek Mary out. She had heard some chatter from some nurses and needed to find out if what she heard was true. Anna's last statement helped her bring up what she wanted to know.

"Everyone knows what Anna?"

Mary looked at Anna contritely, embarrassed that she should be put in the position to have to speak when she was very private about her affairs. They'd only recently opened up to each other. Her relationship with both her sisters was different. She shouldn't have to broadcast her affairs if she didn't want to.

"Never mind, that. What are you up to?" She tried to deflect the attention away from her maid and turned to look at her sisters, expecting them to answer her. Edith stayed put. She wouldn't be deflected that easy. Apparently, Anna had news and she wanted to hear it from her herself. In these times of war and people's worsening moods, this gossip helped change the monotony of their dreary days.

Sybil was only now catching on that there was a story that everybody else but her knew.

"I don't mean to pry, but, what does everybody seem to know, that I don't?"

Anna turned to Mary. "It's all right M'Lady. Everybody downstairs knows. I don't mind."

"Is what I heard true Anna?" asked Edith excitedly.

Sybil was getting more forceful in her questions. "What don't I know? Tell me please."

"Lady Edith probably heard some news about Mr. Bates and I."

"Yes, I did. Is it true that he is divorcing his wife to marry you?"

Sybil gasped. "Edith! Don't be so unkind." Edith had not meant to be cruel, but the question came out sounding sordid, like one of the stories often found in the penny dreadfuls.

Mary rolled her eyes. "What a way to change a story."

"So it's not true?" Edith just wanted to understand.

"We've known Anna most of our lives, Edith. She is not that type of girl. There must be an explanation and we should let her speak, if she wants to talk at all." Lady Sybil, with ever a temperate disposition, stood apologetically.

Anna's coloring flushed.

"People who don't know us might say that. I'm not sure how word reached you M'Lady. I would tell it a little differently."

"I didn't mean to embarrass you Anna. I was not implying anything."

"I know M'Lady… and I also knew that when my attachment to Mr. Bates was discovered, people would think what they wanted to think, especially since he left and came back, so, I've been ready for this for a while now."

"You don't have to justify anything to us Anna." Sybil reassured her. "It is none of our business."

"Thank you M'Lady. Now that you know, I would rather explain it my way."

She took a full breath to give her the confidence she needed.

"Mr. Bates is married. I cannot speak for him, this is his private matter, but he has grounds for a divorce and is pursuing one in the courts."

Mary interjected. "It's true. Papa is aware. Bates has been trying to get a divorce for a while now."

Anna smiled at Mary, thankful for her positive intervention in her story.

"For years, we have worked side by side. He's been an excellent colleague and friend. He's not pursued me hoping to find a younger wife, and I have not sought him out, stealing another woman's man for my own. We've grown attached to each other is all. This is not new. This has happened gradually, but very strongly."

Sybil looked like Anna's last words were reaching her. Gradually, but very strongly…She was moved by the candor in the words being spoken. "As love ought," she said, barely able to contain some feeling of her own that were threatening to bubble to the surface.

Anna smiled. Both Sybil and Edith looked like they weren't judging her.

"In his absence, the distance and separation proved difficult for us. He's come back now and secure in the knowledge that the courts will favor him, he's promised me that he will ask me to marry him as soon as he is a free man."

"So, you will?" Edith was happy, hoping to hear the right answer.

"Yes, M'Lady. When he asks, I will accept."

"Oh Anna, Congratulations." Both girls were chatty and free with their exclamations.

"Thank You. I am happy. Mr. Bates is an exemplary and honorable man. Those who don't know him will say anything. Those who don't know me will believe anything. Our story is private and we don't have to justify ourselves to people who will make up their own minds about us. We know, though, that we have nothing to be ashamed of."

Anna stood tall and proud. The smile on her face could not be removed.

"Well, now you know. Anna doesn't need my approval, but she knows she has it. I believe in her and her plans and hope you do too." Lady Mary voiced her opinion strongly, primarily aiming her comments at Edith.

"Of course we do, right Edith?" Sybil implored.

"Yes. What's more, Anna, I will make sure to correct those I heard speaking on the matter."

"Thank you M'Lady. Thank you all." Anna couldn't believe that all the Crawley sisters supported her. Telling everybody had been the best decision possible.

"Congratulations Anna" is what she heard time and time again as she walked through the rowdy halls and serene corridors of the house. There was no anticlimactic moment to their revelation. Mrs. Patmore had gone as far as hugging her and Daisy could not stop cooing. Their superiors were fine after the morning announcement; the Crawley Sisters had supported her when she'd been frank and even her Ladyship and the Dowager Countess had acknowledged her and winked at her when she encountered them in the hall. A wink from the Dowager Countess? It had been more than a decade working in this house and she had rarely been recognized by the great lady. In the middle of the Great War, she reasoned that even good news from servants was better than the relentless news from the front.

She giggled to herself as she waited for him, perched on the crates in their sacred place. They were not home free, the divorce was still pending, but she had not been cast out. So far, she'd not been labeled a floozy. She felt carefree and so very happy.

"Why are you laughing my sweet?"

Anna melted when she heard him call her that. He'd never used any terms of endearment with her before.

Mr. Bates saw her giggly face transform before his eyes. He couldn't tell what was going on, but, then he saw it, a solitary tear coming down her face.

"What is it love? Have I said something wrong?"

"You called me "my sweet" and "love" just now. You've never done that before."

He had concern in his eyes.

"Do you not like it? Would you rather I didn't?" He looked embarrassed and mortified.

She took his hand. "No, far from it. I'm just so happy."

He reached forward and kissed her temple.

"I want to make you happy." He said the words as his mouth lingered close to her ears.

"This feels different, you know." She shivered from his words, but felt the calmest she ever had in their relationship.

"What does?"

"Today, it feels different than all the times before."

"It does, doesn't it? She was right. He could feel an aura of peace around them.

"Yes, everybody knows about our intentions, despite you not being divorced, yet here we are and nobody is bothering us."

"I'm relieved. Really, I am… When you told me yesterday about your experiences, I felt horrible. I spent hours pondering it, whether a full disclosure really was the best way about it."

"Is that why you did it so early in the morning?"

"Yes, I couldn't bear for any other person to look at you and make conjectures. If it was to be done, I thought the sooner the better."

"Well, that was a surprise."

"It will be the last, from me, at least. We are together now. I want you next to me every step of the way. Any news from my solicitor, you'll be the first to know. There are no more secrets Anna. You once asked me to tell you everything and I failed you. I kept the reasons for my departure hidden. I couldn't find a way out and I thought that it was for your own good. I know now how much pain I caused you. I cannot find myself in that situation again, the cause of all your pain."

"I know love." When she uttered those words, she saw him transform before her.

"You've never called me that before either." He couldn't help it and it brought a tear to his eye.

She reached out to kiss it away.

He reached for her chin, leveling their faces.

"I love you."

"And I love you."

They kissed slowly and languidly, pouring as much love into it as they could. Their words had fueled the feeling. Knowing that everybody's knowledge of them did not grant them any additional rights, they pulled apart.

He lay against the wall and Anna followed, resting her back on his broad chest. His arm came around to secure her against him. They sat silent for a while, contemplating the night and the few stars that were visible in the clear sky.

"Will we always be this happy, Mr. Bates?" Her arms came up to hold his that were still wrapped around her under her breasts.

"Well, I can't promise you that we won't ever have problems, or any challenges. I still have to get the divorce and my leg won't ever get any better, but I can promise you will always have me, as long as you want me, that I will never want another woman and that I will always try to please you."

"You silly man. Of course, I'll always want you."

"This is all I've ever wanted though." He leaned forward to kiss her hair repeatedly.

"What is?"

"You and me together, a simple life, serenity. The feeling that everything things are working out for us that nothing will ever be as bleak as before." He held her tighter. "Anna, I promise you. The worst is behind us."

A/N: Thank you to everybody that read, reviewed, followed and favorited this story. Towards the end, it became incredibly challenging for me to write and I know it took forever. Thank you also for your patience. I never expected to take this long, but I finished it because I hate leaving things undone.

John Bates is a private man, speaking out in the Servant's hall would not have been something that would come naturally and is not typical in his character. At some point, though, I do believe they addressed there situation publicly. It would have happened before Jane's character was introduced and she was the one that confirmed it was public knowledge.

I added the conversations with the Crawley sisters because I've seen the posts touting Anna as the fourth sister and it seemed appropriate to me.

Also, thank you to Cherry88 who reviewed the last three chapters.