#annabates

Chapter XII of “Passage” is up.

Though is focuses on Matthew & Mary,this story includes many other characters you love.  Right now our favorite couple is visiting Rose & Atticus in New York and there is a bit of intrigue going on at the Aldridge residence.  

Excerpt Below:

"Hello Bridget. I expect you're here to fetch us?"

The maid nodded, "I hope I haven't come too soon, Mr. Crawley. Lady Rose asked me to make it clear that should you and your wife require more time, that is fine. She does not want either of you to feel rushed. "

Mary rose from the Chippendale vanity stool and replied on her husband's behalf. "That is very kind of her, Bridget., but as you can see, we are ready to go down…and we didn't feel at all rushed. In fact, Mr. Crawley and I had more than ample time to address our needs. Didn't we, dear?"

Looking over his shoulder, he flashed her a sly smile and replied "Oh, yes...to be sure."

Then, bringing his attention back to the maid, his expression changed to one of confusion as he found her bent back with her hands wriggling behind her.

"Is something wrong, Bridget?

She stopped fidgeting immediately and replied, "'Excuse me, Mr. Crawley. I'm having a bit of difficulty getting my apron tied. You see, young master Daniel has a habit of tugging on the bow when my attention is elsewhere and I just realized it has come undone.

"Our son George would do the same thing to my lady's maid when he was a toddler," Mary said, moving to Matthew's side. "It would have driven me mad if I were in her shoes, but she took it in stride."

"How could I not?" rang from the hallway. "One look into those big blue eyes and any mischief he got into was instantly forgotten," Anna said as she reached for the dangling apron strings and offered her assistance.

Bridget, appearing thoroughly perplexed, looked behind her and spouted, "You're Lady Mary's maid? But I thought…,"

Anna explained that she, along with her husband, had been employees of the Crawley family for many years, she as a lady's maid and he, a valet to the Earl that owned the estate.

"We both left service some years ago and bought a small hotel in Yorkshire, which we still own and manage," she added, giving the apron bow a hard tug on both ends.

"I see. You were lucky then, as I am now, to be employed by someone who encouraged you to better your circumstances in life. Mr. Aldridge and Lady Rose allow me time off to attend classes so that I can obtain my high school diploma. Once I have it, he has promised me a job at his bank."

That came as no surprise to Matthew as he was aware that Rose and Atticus were deeply concerned for the welfare of those less fortunate than them.

Smiling in the direction of her erstwhile maid, Mary said, "We were the lucky ones. Anna always went above and beyond her duties while in our employ…so much so that she and I formed a friendship that I have valued for over two decades."

The look on Anna's face made it clear to Matthew that she was touched by his wife's proclamation and he saw her tip her head in Mary's direction before returning to the apron bow.

XX

Find the rest of the story here: 

 https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12865038/13/Passage

The Feminist Aspects to The Final Season of Downton Abby

Here are ten feminist aspects of Downton Abbey Season Six that I noticed. Before the last season started, I made a predictions list which you can check out at this link to see if any of my wishes came to fruition:https://maewpower.wordpress.com/2015/09/09/as-a-feminist-fan-of-downton-abbey-what-do-i-hope-happens-in-season-6/ Lady Mary Crawley became the main agent for Downton Abbey, which means…