New Traditions

A cup of coffee, that was just what he needed. John sighed as he leaned his head back against the chair, pushing his glasses to the top of his head. God, what a day. The work had been non-stop from dawn, and he was beginning to feel the effects of it now, especially after another sleepless night.

The prestigious Downton Abbey Hotel was currently hosting a large wedding party, famous guests descending on the swanky town from all corners of the world. John had never heard of the couple tying the knot, but he had been told in good faith by Anna that they two of the richest and most popular celebrities around. The modern music industry held no interest for him. It was little wonder that he had no clue. Anna had only smiled affectionately.

Robert was over the moon at having such a booking, of course; his bank balance would benefit handsomely. But for the rest of the staff, it meant one thing. More hard work than ever, and so close to Christmas at that. The bride and groom were due to tie the knot in a couple of days. Apparently Christmas Eve was the most magical time of the year to get married. John didn't understand the trend of marrying at Christmas. If he were to marry again, he would prefer something else, a mundane date that could be made special by such a glorious occasion. Then again, what did he know? His first marriage to his wife Vera had been a complete disaster, and here he was three years after divorce, still bitter and alone. He was tired, that was all. He hadn't had a minute to himself in the past four days getting all the preparations ready. He had barely had more than a couple of hours sleep each night.

John didn't mind the extra hard work. He liked being busy and having things to do. But it certainly didn't make it easier to bear with the likes of Thomas Barrow and Sarah O'Brien around. They were two of the more senior members of staff alongside him and Anna, but they did not set a good example to the younger workers, who would be easily influenced by their bad attitudes. It was exhausting trying to keep everyone in line at this time of year, but especially now.

His five snatched minutes alone were interrupted by the creaking of the door. Closing his eyes and breathing hard through his nose, he tried to block out the sounds of the clattering around the staffroom, nearly as large as his whole downstairs at home. There went his peace.

"You look like you're having fun."

At the sound of the voice, his eyes snapped open. Anna stood in front of him, one eyebrow raised, clutching a mug of tea in one hand and a plate of biscuits in the other.

"I didn't know it was you," he said. Having Anna interrupt his peace instead of someone like Sarah O'Brien made things infinitely better.

"A woman of mystery, me," she said, taking the seat beside him.

"You ought to have been an accountant. No one knows what they get up to."

"Or a burglar."

He snorted with laughter accepting the chocolate digestive she offered him. "Should I be worried? You know where I live."

"Yeah, but I like you. Thomas and Sarah, however..."

"I'll provide you a staunch alibi," he offered, and she giggled, bumping against his shoulder gently. He caught scent of her perfume, and shivered. She always smelled fantastic. "What time are you on 'til tonight?"

"Eleven," she groaned. "Tom's relieving me then."

"Tom?" John frowned. "I thought it had been decided that he would only work day shifts now that...now that he has to look after little Sybbie?"

"Well, that was the plan."

"Why wasn't I informed of the change?"

"Thomas wanted the night off. I think Robert okayed it."