His Two Miracles | Thomas Barrow

Chapter 6

As the family of Downton Abbey returned from their four-week trip to Scotland, the staff were eager to welcome them back with open arms. The butler, Mr. Carson, greeted them at the door, saying, "Welcome home, milords and miladies. We hope your trip was enjoyable."

Thomas, the first footman, was among the staff who were there to greet the family. Despite his growing baby bump, he tried to remain professional, but his uniform was becoming increasingly tight and uncomfortable. He struggled to keep up with the other servants as they carried the family's luggage into the house.

"Excuse me, Mr. Carson," Thomas said, panting as he tried to catch his breath. "I fear my uniform is not fitting me properly."

Mr. Carson looked at Thomas' rounded and swollen stomach and said, "I understand, Thomas. We will have to find you something more suitable to wear."

Thomas was grateful for Mr. Carson's understanding and said, "Thank you, Mr Carson. I just want to continue serving for as long as I can, despite my condition."

As the family settled into their rooms and unpacked their belongings, the staff worked hard to ensure that their every need was met. Despite Thomas' discomfort, he continued to serve with a smile on his face.

~

With each passing day, the discomfort and struggle to button up his waistcoat grew more unbearable.

One morning, as Thomas was getting dressed, he sighed in frustration and turned to Mrs Hughes as she passed by his room in the hall in the servants quarters, seeking her help. "Mrs Hughes, I'm afraid I can no longer fit into my uniform," Thomas said, pointing to the buttons that refused to fasten.

Mrs Hughes nodded sympathetically and replied, "Don't worry Thomas, I'll have a word with Mrs Patmore, she'll know how to make the necessary adjustments."

And so, it was decided that Thomas would wear one of his own day suits while Mrs Patmore made adjustments to his uniform.

"I never thought I'd see the day when I'd have to wear my own clothes in the house," Thomas muttered to himself as he gazed down at his attire. "It's a new reality, I suppose."

"It's all part of the journey, Thomas," Mrs Hughes said, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You're carrying your child, and at least this way you will be more comfortable."

Thomas nodded, appreciating Mrs Hughes's words. "I know. It's just a bit overwhelming at times," he said with a sigh.

"Take it one day at a time, Thomas. You're not alone in this," Mrs Hughes assured him.

But as the day went on Thomas couldn't help but feel self conscious and as he took a break in the kitchen in his usual chair he spoke with Mrs Patmore.

"It doesn't feel right," Thomas said to Mrs Patmore, "I'm supposed to be in my footman uniform."

"Nonsense," Mrs Patmore replied, "You're still doing your duties and serving the family. It doesn't matter what you're wearing."

But despite her words, Thomas still felt awkward and out of place. He missed the structure and uniformity of his footman uniform. Thomas couldn't help but feel like he was letting himself and the family down.

"I'm not a proper footman anymore," Thomas said, "I'm just a pregnant man in a suit."

"You're doing just fine, Thomas," Mrs Patmore encouraged him, "Just keep doing what you do best."

As they served dinner, Thomas's stomach was more noticeable and he couldn't hide it. "Everyone can see it," he thought. He felt embarrassed and out of place even though everyone now knew the truth it still caught him of guard when they looked at him. As dinner ended and the family retired to the drawing room, Thomas couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.

But he knew that this was just the beginning. He was embarking on a new journey and he had to be strong. He placed a hand on his stomach and smiled. "You're worth it," he said. "You're worth everything."