So lovely :) sad to see it end

What a sweet opening scene. The Bates girls are so very cute. I am so glad to see Banna naming one of their little ones after Robert. It is a very good thing that teething does not last forever. You grace us with another beautiful scene as John comes upon Anna snuggling Robbie. I doubt Anna will ever get bored of hearing John compliment her. Everyone needs love in their life. I like the relationship you have built between Archie and Will. I wonder what was in that letter John pocketed. Ahh, Anna and Will are going to pick some flowers together. The joys of childhood! Nice reminder of their time spent in Scotland. Hahaha! The King and Queen indeed! Ahhhh! Robert, Cora, AND The Dowager? Now, this is an occasion. So The Dowager is not staying? Too bad for that because it would have been pretty entertaining. So cute how all the kids want to draw her pictures. I like the way many of their friends have come and stayed at their hotel. Mary and Anna's relationship is such a special one. Wow, thirteen years already? Hooray for a family holiday. So many new memories to make together. Oh yeah being on another sexy garter! I adore the final line too! Thank you so very much for sharing this story with all of us!

PS: I must admit to waiting to read this chapter because I was reluctant for it to end. I have enjoyed it ever so much!

Gotta get my review in before I go see the film but... this, this is the quality content that I like to see! To me, this is the future that A/B were meant to have (it was... meant to be!). In this chapter, I love the call backs (e.g. waking up natural, the garter), and of course I love seeing Anna and John with their lovely family :') And they are so happy in their hotel! It's great that they have so many familiar guests ;) They will have a very happy 13th anniversary! ;)

Thank you so so much for this wonderful fic!

I loved this chapter!

I’m always happy to accept a happy ending, lord knows these two deserve it!

Kids create their own timeline and that is a fact! I am sure it isn't the first time Anna has caught John staring at her with affection, and it certainly won't be the last ;) Too funny the way John is trying to talk himself out of this latest opportunity before they have even viewed it! Such a pessimist is John. Looks like things are going well. This could be The One! It is a good idea for Banna to split up and get their own impressions along the way. The Ainsworths are so sweet and definitely ready for retirement and spoiling grandchildren. So 's parents were also in service. It looks like Banna have made up their minds and the Ainsworth's are acting as if the deal is already done. John is such a worry-wart! Hooray, The Swallow Bank Inn is The One! How nice that Baxley were able to lend a helping hand. You mean Banna didn't break any furniture while redecorating? The beginning of the next phase of their lives. Another dream come true! Thank you for posting this wonderful happily ever after for Banna!

It is interesting that John's mind would wander to the first time when he had almost left Downton. He does seem to be coming and going a lot ;) I had often wished there were more scenes with Robert and John in them. They have a very long history and yet canon ignores it for the most part. This scene is tremendous and has such huge emotional undertones. Someone get me a hankie! I can totally see Robert and Cora coming to stay with Banna. How nice of the downstairs folk to have a party. I am sure there would be lots of tears as this is the end of another era at Downton. So many emotions. Robert tries to do what is right no matter what the occasion. Go Robert! It is good Banna are being careful in their selection of properties but John is going to have trouble going back to work after spending so much time with his children. Finally a lucky break! John is going to burst with the news if he doesn't get back to tell Anna soon. Will is a smart one that is for sure :) I love the details and pace of this story. Thank you so much for another superb update! Sorry it took me so long to review this chapter...

First and foremost, thank you for correcting Goodwin's errors in Victoria *cough*. I will accept this as my headcanon ;) And the Ainsworths seem very lovely!

I am so glad that Anna and John have found the perfect hotel for them and the children! I really liked the little touches and call backs (like the lilacs and also Will with his hand on the cane!). So wonderful that they have finally fulfilled this dream!

OMG, I love my RoBates bromance. John's last day had me in bits!

I loved this chapter. Especially the paragraph about her wedding ring. Could anything be sexier than daddy Bates? I don't think so. And what a nice man the photographer was. As for what I'd like to see? I'd like to see that photograph!

So wonderful. I love seeing Gwen again. And I loved eves dropping on their memories. And I KNEW Gwen had a thing for Bates once upon a time, but...sisters before Misters!

I don't have to imagine it because you've written it beautifully.

I fully buy into your head canon.

Very Nice!

Nice parallel with the ending of the first episode! Great scene between John and Robert, and the send off party was lovely as well. Of course John's talking about Anna in his little speech :') I really hope that Swallow Bank Inn will be the place for them! It goes without saying that I love all the bits with them interacting with their children, but I especially love Will and his o'tel *hearts*