This is the story of Thomas Barrow.
Thomas Barrow has been working as the first footman at Downton Abbey for years. He's always been careful to keep his personal life hidden from the prying eyes of the other staff members and the Crawley family. Bu...
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As Thomas made his way down the hallways of Downton Abbey, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and excitement. For the past few weeks, he had been carrying a precious secret deep within him. A secret that he had been keeping from everyone, including his fellow servants and given he was now twelve weeks along it would soon become harder to hide.
The bustling of the kitchen was a welcome distraction from his thoughts. Mrs. Patmore was overseeing the preparations for breakfast while Mrs. Hughes was discussing the day's work with Bates. Despite the busyness of the kitchen, Thomas' heart was filled with warmth. He was glad to be a part of this family, this community of servants who worked hard to keep Downton Abbey running smoothly.
As Thomas made his way to the pantry to get his supplies, he couldn't help but feel nervous. "What will everyone say when they find out?" he thought to himself. He knew that being a father as a male servant was not something that was accepted in their society. He was aware of the risks that came with his secret, but he couldn't help but feel that this was the right thing for him.
As Thomas worked throughout the morning, he couldn't help but be mindful of his growing belly. Every time he bent down to clean or pick up something, he was reminded of the life within him. The day passed by quickly, and before he knew it, it was time for lunch. As the family sat down to eat, Thomas couldn't help but feel nervous. He had a feeling that someone would notice his growing belly and ask questions.
To his relief, the lunch passed by without any incidents. However, he was met by Mrs. Hughes who had a concerned look on her face. "Thomas, may I speak with you for a moment?" she asked.
Of course, Mrs. Hughes," Thomas replied, feeling a knot form in his stomach.
"I couldn't help but notice that you've been looking a little different lately," Mrs. Hughes said, "Is there something you would like to share with me?"
Thomas hesitated for a moment before taking a deep breath and replying, "Yes, Mrs. Hughes, I'm pregnant."
"What? How is that possible?" Mrs. Hughes asked in shock.
"I know it's not something that is accepted in our society, this baby is a result of the attack on me but... it's life is innocent and I already love it very much.", he added his voice beginning to break a little.
"Oh, Thomas... I know you do and you don't have to look far to see that, but you will need to tell the other servants and the family before they find it out for themselves", she told him before gently patting his arm for comfort.
"I know.", he replied softly.
~
The day had been particularly busy, and he was feeling more than a little tired by the time he had finished with his morning chores. He had been looking forward to this afternoon for weeks, and he felt a sense of excitement and anticipation as he made his way to the village hospital to see Doctor Clarkson.
As he arrived at the hospital, Thomas was greeted by the friendly nurse who showed him to the doctor's office. He was feeling a little nervous, but he was eager to get his check-up over and done with so that he could put his mind at rest.
As Thomas lay down on the examination bed, he could feel the doctor's gentle touch on his stomach.
"How are you feeling today, Thomas?" asked Doctor Clarkson.
"I'm feeling good, thank you, Doctor," replied Thomas. "I've been looking forward to this appointment for weeks."
"That's great to hear," said Doctor Clarkson. "Now, let me just have a look at your stomach and see how your baby is developing."
Thomas felt the doctor's hands pressing firmly on his belly, and he closed his eyes as he felt the baby moving inside him.
"Everything looks good, Thomas," said Doctor Clarkson, with a smile. "Your baby is developing perfectly, and I'm sure you'll be able to feel it kicking soon."
"That's such a relief," said Thomas, feeling a huge sense of joy and happiness. "I've been so worried about everything, but it seems like everything is going well."
"Yes, it certainly does," said Doctor Clarkson. "Just keep taking care of yourself and your baby, and you'll both be just fine. Now for one final thing I'm just going to listen to the heartbeat."
The doctor began listening and after a moment he spoke up.
"It's a strong heartbeat, and your baby is doing well," Doctor Clarkson said, "Would you like to listen?"
Thomas nodded eagerly and put the stethoscope in his ears. He couldn't believe how real and close the heartbeat was. He felt a tear roll down his cheek as he heard the sound of his baby's heartbeat.
"It's beautiful," Thomas said, with a quiver in his voice.
