The Bates's Irish Adventure

Picnic Fit For A Princess

John's POV

I wanted to surprise Anna. She had been so overwhelmed by all the relatives last night, I wanted to spend some time alone with her. So, I crept out of bed early, trying not to wake her. When I dressed as quietly as possible, I wrote a short note - just telling her that I had gone downstairs - and snuck down to the kitchen.

A wave of delicious aromas greeted me upon my decent. Sausages, fried eggs, black pudding, toast and rashers. The scent of my childhood holidays. Peggy and her eldest daughter Treasa, were cooking. " Hungry?" Treasa asked with a grin as she held out a plate piled high with food. I nodded enthusiastically, "Oh yes indeed!" She laughed and went back to frying the eggs. I began to devour the food immediately, almost forgetting why I had risen early in the first place. "I want to give Anna a treat, take her for a picnic in the woods or something. So, I was hoping that I may have some assistance in the preparation of this picnic" Peggy grinned. "Treasa is a bit of an expert on romantic picnics, thanks to her dashing beau Jimmy. Oh 'tis Jimmy this, Jimmy that with this one. He took her to Queenstown only the other day for a seaside picnic."

Treasa blushed furiously. "Ma.." Peggy ignored her, "He's english so he is. You know what, I think that he's from Yorkshire? He moved not long ago, he's a footman in the Big House." I rose my eyebrows slightly. "Interesting." I didn't want to presume, but it seemed quite likely that Treasa's beloved beau was Jimmy Kent, and if he was I hoped that he was treating her better than he treated Ivy. I wouldn't like to see my cousin's daughter get hurt.

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Anna's POV

"Anna, close your eyes. I have a surprise for you." John told me while holding my hand and guiding me to the picnic spot.
"You're the only person I would trust to lead me with my eyes closed." I said laughing, which is true, I trust John completely, with my life, my secrets and my heart. "And I wouldn't let anyone else lead you like this." he said while trying to make sure I didn't run into a tree - which turned out to be surprisingly difficult, trees were everywhere!"Can I open them now?" I queried."Yes, we're here." He replied and let go of my hand. I nevously opened my eyes and then smiled as I saw the picnic laid out before us.

"It's lovely!" I said and kissed him. "I bet the little one is hungry," he said as we sat down. He carefully placed his hand over my stomach. He cannot wait to be a father, and it makes me so happy. I cannot wait to be a mother and share parenthood with the love of my life. "Yes!" I giggled as I started to eat some fruit. The picnic was absolutely delicious.

"I'm sorry that my cousins can be a bit overwhelming, and that we don't have as much time as we might like, to ourselves."

"Don't apologise. I'm happy to meet your family, and it's nice to get away."

"Yes, it is nice to get away." He said. "Yes, well I think I want to stretch my legs for a second." I said. I then stood up and promptly tripped over the picnic basket - how ridiculously clumsy of me! Thankfully John had quickly jumped to my aid and caught me. "Are you alright?" He asked, deep concern very much evident on his handsome face,while helping me to my feet. I nodded and hugged him,"Thank you for saving me and our child." I told him. "Oh Anna, you've saved me so many times. From my past, from prison." "You've saved me too. You got me out of prison. We've saved each other." I said, kissing him sweetly .

We have saved each other. We are a team, John and I, and will soon be welcoming a new member.

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Although she had heard about his return, Frances Flanagan had been reluctant to accept it. How could he reappear after so many years, and act as though nothing had happened? He didn't come to visit her, or ask about her. It was as though he had forgotten all about her. She wasn't stupid. She wasn't under the illusion that a teenage romance meant anything now. But it wasn't just a teenage romance, it was a full fledged relationship, complete with promises of undying love and stolen kisses in the woods. If her father hadn't hated him so much, they would have been married and she would be living in England. She remembered all his promises and their dreams together. That is why it hurt so much that she had been so easily forgotten, discarded and thrown away. Love was a strong word, but Frances was sure that she had once felt that for him. But he had forgotten her the moment he stepped on English soil. No letters, no contact. When she needed him most, he was gone. She had cried herself to sleep because of him, he had all but destroyed her life.

She wasn't expecting to see him, picnicking on their old picnic spot. She was on her way to see her god-son. The cheek of him to bring that woman there, it was her place! She remembered all the times they had spent together, under the same trees he now sat beneath. The sky was a soft blue, with few clouds, quite a rare sight. Frances could see them nibble on fruit and sandwiches and sip lemonade. Her heart became cold as she observed the care he took with the woman, who Frances realised, was pregnant. She pursed her lips and fought back a tear. She had loved him, maybe she still did. The mysterious man who stole her heart.

John Bates, he forgot to give it back.

I got a bit poetic towards the end!

So, the mysterious Frances Flanagan - what will happen next?!

Let me know what you think, also

Welcoming anna_bates_forever , my excellent co-writer in this fanfic (she's in charge of Banna cuteness moments ie. The picnic)

Hope that you are enjoying so far..
More drama to come and hopefully some longer chapters. .

Yay!

{SaskatFishcakes } xxx

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Anna_bates_forever