Anna was half way up the stairs when she collapsed. She fell against the green door, causing it to swing open, so she lay in the hall. She knew she would loose her job, but that didn't matter anymore. She wanted to go, to leave, to escape, to die. Just when she felt like she couldn't go on, she felt a warm hand on her shoulder. It was John. He bent down, and carefully, lifted her up.
"Anna. I love you, and I will do everything in my power to make sure we can be together. I promise."
For a single moment, they stood together, in the grand hall of Downton Abbey, before a sound caused them to break apart. It was the delicate flutter of Lady Sybil.
"Mama!"
Before anyone had a chance to register anything, both Anna and John were safely behind the velvet door.
For one perfect second, they were locked in an embrace.
Finally, thought Anna. Finally, I have found a promise of forever.
