Iris had been adjusting well to life at Downton. She learned her duties well, and she was a good worker. One day she sat down in the servants hall across from Mr. Bates. "Where is Mrs. Bates?" she asked.
"She's in London with Lady Mary." he replied.
"Oh. Have you ever read Les Miserables?" she asked trying to make conversation.
"I believe so. It's by Victor Hugo."
"Yes! That's it. It's so sad. I feel bad for Cosette. Her mother gave her up and left her with such horrible people."
"Yes, it was very sad for her and her mother."
"Her mother shouldn't have given her up!" she exclaimed.
"I don't think that she had a choice." Bates said trying to calm the girl down. Iris nodded.
"Of course. I'm sorry." she said while calming down.
"Not a problem." Bates said getting up. Iris sat alone and pulled out her book.
"Mr. Bates, the girl's mother died." she said later that day, "And she did everything to support her. She really was a great mother." the girl said.
"Yes, she was."
"Does your wife plan on being a mother?" the girl asked him.
"We hope to have children someday..."
"Of course. What about you and Vera? Did you plan on..."
"I'll answer your question this once, but I'd rather not discuss my late wife. Vera never wanted children, so we never had any."
"Mr. Bates, I'm sorry to bring her up. I won't do it again." the girl said with a concerned look. Bates nodded. Anna had previously entered the room and did not like how Iris would try to spend every spare second with her husband. It's not that the girl was flirting, but she always mentioned Vera and Anna knew how that upset him. She walked over to them.
"Anna, you're back." Bates said standing up. They exchanged a smile.
"Iris, I want to speak with you for a moment." Anna told the girl.
"Why do you always insist on mentioning Vera? I thought you two weren't friends. It seems like you're trying to cause trouble." Anna said angrily.
"I knew I couldn't keep the truth from you," she sighed, "Alright, I'll tell you, but I think that your husband should hear this too."
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The Mysterious Housemaid
FanfictionA new housemaid has arrived at Downton. The housemaid has previously known Mr. Bates's late wife, Vera Bates. She seems to have a connection to Anna and Bates's past.
