His Two Miracles | Thomas Barrow

Chapter 1

It was a busy day at Downtown Abby as Lord and Lady Grantham were expecting guests. The staff were rushing around, preparing for their arrival. Mrs. Patmore, the head cook, was in the kitchen, supervising the preparation of the menu for the evening. "We must make sure everything is perfect for their lordships' guests," she said to her kitchen staff.

Upstairs, John Bates was making sure the bedrooms were ready for the guests. He had a keen eye for detail and was meticulous in his work. "Nothing must be left to chance," he said to himself.

Meanwhile, Thomas Barrow, the butler, was overseeing the setting of the table in the dining room. He was a stickler for protocol and made sure everything was just so. As he worked, he noticed a man watching him from across the room. The man's name was John Carmichael.

Carmichael approached Thomas and said, "You seem to be very competent, Mr. Barrow."

Thomas replied, "Thank you, sir. It's my job to ensure everything runs smoothly."

Carmichael smiled, "I'm sure you do it very well. But there's more to you than meets the eye, isn't there?"

Thomas was taken aback by the man's words. He had always felt like an outsider at Downtown Abby and was used to people looking down on him because of his position. But Carmichael's words seemed to hold a different meaning.

Thomas asked, "What do you mean, sir?"

Carmichael leaned in close and whispered, "I know your secret, Mr. Barrow. And I like it. I like it a lot."

Thomas stepped back, feeling violated and exposed. He didn't know what to say or do. Carmichael just smiled at him and walked away.

Thomas felt a knot from in his stomach. He had always known that his secret could be his downfall, but he never expected someone to use it against him. He didn't know what Carmichael wanted from him, but he knew he needed to be careful.

~

Later that day Thomas crossed paths with him again and tried to remain professional and composed.

"Good day, sir," Thomas greeted politely, but Carmichael's reply was far from polite.

"I've been watching you, Barrow," he said with a sly smile. "I find myself quite intrigued by your...shall we say...unusual tastes."

Thomas's discomfort grew as he realized what Carmichael was implying. He had always been careful to keep his sexuality a secret, but it seemed that Carmichael had somehow discovered it.

"I don't know what you're talking about, sir," Thomas replied firmly, but Carmichael only chuckled.

"Oh, I think you do," he said. "I find it quite fascinating, actually. I've never met a man of your position who's...well, different like that. I think it's time we had a little chat."

Thomas felt his heart pounding in his chest as Carmichael led him to a quiet corner of the room. He was sure that this conversation was going to end badly, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of fear.

"Listen, Barrow," Carmichael said, lowering his voice. "I know what you are and I think it's time we came to an understanding. I could make your life very difficult if I wanted to, but I'm willing to be...discreet, if you catch my drift."

Thomas's mind raced as he tried to think of a way to escape this situation. He felt trapped, and he knew that Carmichael was using his secret to try and control him.

"I'm sorry, sir," he said firmly. "I have no intention of doing anything you ask. I'm a loyal servant of this household and I won't be bullied."

Carmichael's smile faded as Thomas stood his ground. He realized that Thomas was not going to be an easy target, and his eyes narrowed in anger.

"Well, well," he said. "It seems I've underestimated you, Barrow. But be careful. I have a lot of influence in this world, and I won't hesitate to use it if you cross me."

With that, Carmichael turned and walked away, leaving Thomas to shake with anger and fear. He knew that he had made an enemy, and he was sure that Carmichael would find a way to make him pay.

"I won't let him control me," Thomas whispered to himself. "I won't let anyone control me."