His Two Miracles | Thomas Barrow

Chapter 8

Thomas sat in the servants' kitchen, rubbing his heavily pregnant belly. It had been a difficult thirty-six weeks, trying to balance his duties as a footman with the physical demands of carrying a child. As he stopped to catch his breath, he couldn't help but think that any day now, he would finally be able to hold his baby in his arms.

Just as he was about to get up and continue with his duties, he heard a little voice call out his name. He turned to see Lady Mary's young son, three-year-old Master George, standing in the doorway of the kitchen.

"Good afternoon, Master George," Thomas said with a smile.

"Hello, Mr Barrow," Master George said, already knowing about Thomas' pregnancy. "Can I play with you?"

Thomas shook his head, still smiling. "I'm afraid not, Master George. I'm not feeling well today."

Master George's face fell. "Why not?"

"I'm very close to giving birth to my baby, Master George," Thomas explained. "And I need to rest so that I can be strong for my little one."

"Oh," Master George said, his eyes wide with wonder. "Will it be a boy or a girl?"

"I don't know yet, Master George," Thomas said with a chuckle. "But I hope that it will be healthy and happy."

"Me too," Master George said, beaming with excitement. "Can I see your baby when it's born?"

Thomas was taken aback by the young boy's kindness. "Of course, Master George. I would be honored if you would like to meet my little one."

"Good," Master George said, turning to leave the kitchen. "I'll see you soon, Mr Barrow. I hope you feel better soon."

Thomas watched as Master George left the kitchen, still smiling at the thought of the young boy's kindness. He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, breathing deeply and rubbing his belly.

~

A few days later the mood at Downton Abbey was somber. Today was Remembrance Day, a day to honour the fallen soldiers from the War. The family and staff at the estate gathered in the great hall to pay their respects and lay wreaths at the memorial.

But amidst the solemnity, there was a sense of excitement in the air. Thomas Barrow, the first footman, was heavily pregnant and about to go into labor. The staff whispered amongst themselves, wondering what the future held for the baby and for Thomas.

Before long, Thomas felt a sharp pain in his belly. He stumbled, catching himself on the back of a chair. "Oh, it's time," he whispered to himself, making his way quickly to his room.

Mrs. Hughes, the housekeeper, followed close behind. "Don't worry, Thomas," she said reassuringly. "We'll take good care of you."

Hours passed and so, on the 11th of November 1924 the had baby finally arrived. Thomas held his daughter in his arms, tears streaming down his face. "Hello my beautiful girl, welcome to the world. Where did you you come from eh?," he said, his voice but a whisper as placed a soft kiss on her forehead, "My Ellie... Ellie Barrow."

As the staff gathered to meet the newest addition to their family, they couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. "Who would have thought that Thomas Barrow, of all people, would be a father?" Mrs. Patmore, the cook, said with a smile.

But there was also a sense of uncertainty. What kind of future would Ellie have, born to a single father in a time when societal norms were changing rapidly? "She'll face many challenges, but she'll have a family here at Downton who loves her," said Mrs. Hughes.

Thomas cradled Ellie close, determined to give her a better life than he himself had known. "I may not be perfect, but I promise to always be there for her," he whispered.

As the staff dispersed, Thomas sat upright in bed alone with Ellie, staring down at her tiny face. He knew that his life would never be the same, but he was filled with a love that he never thought was possible.

The sound of the clock striking throughout the house signaled the start of the two-minute silence. As the staff paused to pay their respects, Thomas felt a sense of peace wash over him. He remembered the fear and trauma of being on the front lines, but now, as he held his newborn daughter in his arms, he felt a sense of hope and comfort that he had never experienced before.

He gazed down at his daughter and whispered, "Ellie, you are the peace my soul needed." As he held her close, Thomas realized that the war was finally behind him, and a new chapter of his life was beginning.

As the two-minute silence ended, the staff returned to their duties, but Thomas couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of pride and gratitude. He was no longer defined by his past experiences, but by the love and joy that his daughter brought into his life.