Downton Abbey - The Story of Emma Barrow

Bates Cottage (July 1922)

"No," Emma said quietly, as tears streamed down her cheeks. "Stay away from me," she pleaded. Her eyes remained tightly shut. Emma wondered whether she should start screaming, kicking, and hitting. They were alone in the stairwell; the servants were in the servants' hall. From up here, they wouldn't hear her at all.

"Keep your hands off, you disgusting bastard!" growled a familiar voice. Emma blinked through her tears, barely able to see clearly, but she could make out Mr. Bates grabbing Mr. Green by the collar of his shirt and slamming him against the opposite wall.

"You're despicable," he snarled, promptly driving his fist into the face of Lord Gillingham's footman. "You don't lay a hand on a child!" he hissed, pressing the man further against the wall, a threatening finger pointed at him. "Let me tell you this: if you come anywhere near my wife or Emma again, smile at them, or look at them the wrong way, I'll make mincemeat out of you! You'll wish you had never set foot in Downton."

Reluctantly, Mr. Bates released the man. Mr. Green straightened his shirt, cast one last glance at Emma, then at Mr. Bates, before silently going down the stairs. Emma stood there like a statue, unable to grasp what had just happened. Fear and confusion were reflected in her tear-streaked eyes.

"Emma," Bates said gently, approaching her cautiously. "Are you alright?" He placed his hand gently on her shoulder. Emma flinched and looked up at Mr. Bates for the first time. Overwhelmed, she shrugged her shoulders, unable to put her feelings into words. Mr. Green had come so close to hurting her.

Bates glanced at his pocket watch. It was late in the evening, a time when the girl would normally already be in bed. "I'll take you to your room," he said, trying to sound reassuring. Emma nodded silently and let Bates guide her.

Emma entered her room quietly, while Bates remained in the doorway. He felt distinctly uncomfortable standing in the ladies' quarters at such a late hour. He looked at the girl for a moment. Emma didn't know what to do and looked around her room in distress. She didn't want to be alone tonight. Suddenly, tears sprang to her eyes once more. How she longed to hug her dad. What if Mr. Green came after her again?

"Mister Bates," the girl said softly. It was as if the man understood what she was trying to say, as he cleared his throat, "Pack your things. You can stay with us in the cottage."

"Are you sure? Why would you do that for me?" Emma asked, puzzled. "You and Dad aren't friends."

"We can't choose our parents," Bates replied. "Just because I'm not friends with Thomas doesn't mean we can't be friends," he added, taking a deep breath. "I couldn't leave you here with a clear conscience. Not while Mr. Green is visiting."

"He wanted to hurt me," Emma said. Bates only nodded silently as Emma continued, "And he would have if you hadn't come." Emma paused briefly, then said, "Thank you, Mister Bates!" and wrapped her arms around the footman. Surprised by the child's gesture, he accepted the embrace gratefully.

Emma quickly packed a few of her belongings and followed Mr. Bates out of the house and to the cottage. The night was quiet, and the moonlight cast long shadows on the path. Emma felt safer with Mr. Bates nearby, though the fear still gnawed at her.

Upon arriving at the cottage, Anna was in the living room, waiting for her husband. She looked up in surprise as Emma entered.

"Emma will be staying with us for a while," Bates said briefly.

"Why? Did something happen?" Anna asked, visibly trying to understand why Emma had decided to stay with them and why she had specifically asked her husband. Emma had developed a certain aversion to John Bates, influenced by Thomas.