His Two Miracles | Thomas Barrow

Chapter 3

It had been a month since Thomas had been attacked by John Carmichael and he had been feeling sick lately. He had been ignoring the symptoms, thinking that it was just a cold, but after a week of continuous sickness, he decided to see Doctor Clarkson in the village hospital.

As Thomas sat in the doctor's office, he couldn't help but feel nervous. He had never been to a doctor before and he was starting to wonder if there was something seriously wrong with him.

"How are you feeling, Thomas?" Doctor Clarkson asked as he looked through his medical records.

"I've been feeling sick for the past week," Thomas replied. "I thought it was just a cold, but it doesn't seem to be getting any better."

"Let's take a look at you," Doctor Clarkson said as he started his examination.

After what felt like hours, Doctor Clarkson finally spoke up.

"Thomas, I have some news for you," he said. "You're eight weeks pregnant."

Thomas's eyes widened in shock. "What do you mean? I'm a man, how can I be pregnant?"

"You're a carrier, Thomas," Doctor Clarkson explained. "It's a rare condition where a male can become pregnant and give birth."

"I-I don't understand," Thomas stammered. "What do I do now?"

"You'll need to take care of yourself and the baby," Doctor Clarkson said. "I'll be here to monitor your health and provide you with the necessary care."

Thomas couldn't believe what he was hearing. He was pregnant with a child, and he had no idea what to do.

"You'll need to tell Lord and Lady Grantham," Doctor Clarkson added. "It's important that they know and can provide you with support."

What will they say?" Thomas asked, fear evident in his voice.

"I can't say for sure, but they are understanding people," Doctor Clarkson assured him. "They'll support you in whatever way they can."

As Thomas left the hospital, he couldn't help but think of the quote, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." He was faced with a new challenge, but he was determined to make the best of it and take care of himself and the child he was carrying.

~

Later that afternoon as he got back to Downton Abbey he continued with his duties and and as the family sat down to dinner and he, Mr Carson and Andy were serving them it wasn't long before the smell of food was starting to get to him and Thomas knew he needed to be sick.

"Oh no," he thought, "not now." He quickly made his way to the servants door, eager to get away from the smell of the food that was making his stomach turn. He ran out to the courtyard, finally reaching the edge of a flower bed where he bent over and was violently sick.

He stood there for a moment, trying to catch his breath and gather his thoughts. He felt a hand on his back and turned to see Mrs. Patmore, the cook, looking at him with concern. "Thomas, are you alright?" she asked.

"No, Mrs. Patmore, I'm not feeling well," he replied, his voice trembling.

"Oh dear, let's get you back inside," she said, taking his arm and leading him back into the servants' quarters.

Once inside, Thomas collapsed onto his bed. "What's happening to me?" he thought. He couldn't shake the image of the doctor's words from his mind: "You're eight weeks pregnant." How could this be possible? He was a man, after all.

As he lay there, he heard a knock at the door. It was Mrs. Hughes, the housekeeper. "Thomas, are you alright? I heard that you were sick," she said.

"I'm fine, Mrs. Hughes, just not feeling well," he replied, sitting up in bed.

"Well, let me know if there's anything I can do for you," she said, before leaving the room and closing the door behind her.

Thomas lay back down, feeling overwhelmed. He couldn't believe that he was actually carrying a child. He didn't know how to process this information, or how to tell anyone. He just knew that he had to continue with his duties, as usual, and keep this secret from the rest of the family.

"I must be strong," he thought, "for the sake of my child."