The Footmans Love

Chapter Four

August 1912,

Thomas stumbled through the halls of the grand estate, after the duke had rejected him and burned the sole proof of anything ever occurring between the two of them.

Noticing Laurence's door slightly ajar he decided it would be the best course of action, he couldn't be seen by the other servants with this blatant display of emotion on his face. Laurence seemed to hear the slight sounds of stifled cries coming from the hallway, as he glanced out the door when Thomas was near.

"Thomas?" he questioned, still dressed in his dinner suit, the only item of clothing missing being the leather eye patch that always decorated Laurence's face. Thomas said nothing allowing Laurence to quietly usher him into the room, fearing they may gain curious eyes if they remained in the hallway.

Laurence carefully shut the door, careful not to make a sound.

"Thomas?" he questioned again, watching as the footman paced quickly across the room, the tears streaming down his face. Tears were a unusual sight to see upon Thomas' often smug face, and were quiet worrying to Laurence who stood watching him.

"The duke" Thomas began, his look of sadness soon turning to anger. "That bastard" he continued, causing Laurence to subconsciously engulf the footman in a hug in an attempt to comfort him. Laurence looked upon his friend with pity, what had happened that could derive such emotion from a man who could usually been seen with a permanent scowl across his pale face.

"I loved him Laurence!" Thomas had yelled, not caring if anyone had heard.

"I loved him" he whispered once more, falling to his knees in front of Laurence who placed comforting arms around Thomas.

"It's alright" Laurence hushed the footman in a gentle way, it could be said that the young man was too emotional but it helped in moments such as this, moments where he was needed to comfort his best friend. "He burned the letters" Thomas continued, the tears beginning to fade slowly but surely disappearing.

Laurence gently placed his hand on Thomas' head, stroking the hair, feeling the black locks tangle between his fingers.

Thomas quickly stood up, composing himself, returning to the cold and harsh nature both he and Laurence had gotten use to by now. "Thomas" Laurence whispered, glancing up at the man who now stood before him. "No" Thomas responded heading towards the door, "Thomas it's alright to feel emotions" Laurence raised his voice slightly, still remaining quiet soft with his tone, as not to alert anyone who may be near.

Thomas stopped, turning to face Laurence, looking at him with a disappointed frown.

"Laurence, listen" he began, "I can't let them" he continued mentioning the other servants. "I can't let them know I feel these things" "why not?" Laurence questioned, somewhat rudely.

"You don't get it" Thomas yelled hastily and harshly, exiting the room a moment later, making his way down the hall towards the servants door. Laurence stood in his room quietly, staring blankly at the wall ahead of him.

Did they just fight? he questioned himself.

His thoughts were interrupted by Sybil knocking quietly on the door, "is everything alright cousin?" she asked quietly, approaching him slowly.

"I believe Thomas and I just fought" he whispered in disbelief, while it was true he and Thomas had joked around before, they never truly fought. Sybil pursed her lips together, she knew that Laurence had feelings for Thomas even if he didn't know it himself.
It was simple to tell by the way the boy lit up whenever Thomas was around, she would frequently join the company of the two men whenever the chance arouse, and would frequently watch as the two so obviously fell in love.

But neither Laurence nor Thomas could realize it, "I'm sure you two didn't fight" Sybil said, staring at her cousin with watchful eyes.

Laurence starred up at Sybil, putting on a semi fake smile. "You're right cousin" he fumbled with his words, "I'm sure he'll forget in the morning" he added glancing at the floor and back again.

The two stood in silence for a few brief moments, "you do realize" Sybil began, only to be cut off by Laurence, who seemed enticed by her words. "Realize what?" he questioned, and she pondered, pondered wether or not she should tell him that he and Thomas were so obviously in love with each other. And she wanted to tell him, she truly did, and she would have if Mary and Edith had not bustled into the room.

"Sybil what are you bugging our dear cousin about?" Mary questioned, Edith nodding along.

"Nothing" Sybil reassured, deciding she would discuss the topic of Laurence and Thomas clearly being madly in love for another time.

"I suggest we all leave and let him rest, I'm sure Anna will be waiting for us" Sybil smiled, leading her sisters out of the room. Once the three were fully out of sight and the door closed, Laurence sat carefully on his bed.

Sighing deeply he moved to begin pulling off his evening attire, a previously opened letter sitting on his desk precariously. It was a letter from his grandmother, discussing how she believed he'd be a perfect fit for the Martins youngest daughter back in America. Perhaps he would, if he were into women, and if deep down his heart didn't truly belong to a footman in England.

Even if he didn't quiet believe it himself, he would once again say in his mind that he and Thomas were just friends.

Placing the fountain pen in his hand he began to draft a reply for his grandmother, stating that while he did believe the girl was lovely from what he remembered. He did not believe himself to be suited for marriage yet, these words would hopefully push his grandmother out of his love business for a short while. "Just friends" he whispered, mind once again flickering over to Thomas, "just friends" he repeated.

(A/N: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and once again until next time dear reader!)