That whole storyline really sent me over the edge. No warning. No nothing. And so violent. As someone pointed out, Lord Grantham could put the entire estate at risk every week and he gets saved, but no such luck for a working woman. Such an ugly, horrible scene.

About your question: It's been several months since I saw this, but I thought Bates' reaction was in keeping with Anna's. If he said what you say he said, then guess it was her shame that stuck with me, because I don't recall anything positive coming out of that.