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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The morning at Downton Abbey was like any other, with the staff going about their duties as usual. However, in the servants' kitchen, Thomas Barrow was feeling quite worried. His three-week-old daughter, Ellie, had just brought up her milk for the umpteenth time, and he was growing increasingly concerned about her health.
As he sat there feeding her, he couldn't help but fret over her constant vomiting. "She's been doing this a lot lately," he muttered to himself, "and she's struggling to keep anything down. I don't know what to do."
Anna, who was sitting nearby, noticed his distress and asked, "Is everything alright, Thomas?"
Thomas looked up, his face full of concern. "No, it's not. Ellie keeps bringing up her milk, and it's getting worse. I'm starting to worry that something's wrong with her."
Anna, who was always a calming presence, reassured him, "I'm sure it's nothing serious, Thomas. Babies often have trouble with their digestion. But it wouldn't hurt to have her checked out by Doctor Clarkson, just to be on the safe side."
Thomas nodded, grateful for her words of comfort. "Yes, you're right. I'll speak to Mr Carson and see if we can arrange for doctor to come and see her."
She was so tiny and fragile, and he felt a deep sense of protectiveness towards her. He knew that he would do anything to keep her safe and healthy.
Mr Carson, the head butler, soon arrived in the kitchen, and Thomas explained the situation to him. "I think we need to have Ellie seen by a doctor, Carson. She's been bringing up her milk a lot, and it's getting worse. I'm really worried about her."
Mr Carson, who was always very practical, replied, "Of course, Thomas. I'll arrange for a doctor to come and see her as soon as possible. In the meantime, try not to worry too much. I'm sure it's nothing serious."
Thomas nodded, feeling relieved that something was being done. He knew that he couldn't bear to lose Ellie, and the thought of something being seriously wrong with her made him feel sick with worry.
Thomas continued to look after Ellie, making sure that she was comfortable and well-fed. However, his worry only grew as she continued to struggle with her milk. He couldn't help but think about all the things that could be wrong with her, and he found it hard to concentrate on anything else.
Finally, Doctor Clarkson arrived, and as the doctor examined Ellie, Thomas held his breath, waiting for the verdict.
After a few minutes, the Doctor Clarkson looked up and said, "I don't think there's anything seriously wrong with her, Mr. Barrow. It's quite common for babies to have trouble with their digestion, and it should improve over time. However, I'll prescribe some medication that should help to settle her stomach."
Thomas let out a huge sigh of relief, feeling like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. "Thank you. I was so worried that something was seriously wrong with her."
The doctor smiled kindly. "I understand, Thomas. It's natural to worry about our children. But I'm sure Ellie will be just fine. And if you have any concerns, don't hesitate to contact me again."
With that, the doctor left, leaving Thomas and Ellie alone.
~
A short while later Thomas sat in his room, holding his daughter in his arms. She was restless and fussy, and he did his best to soothe her. "It's okay, Ellie," he whispered softly. "I'm here."
As he held her, Thomas couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and love for his daughter. It was hard to believe that she was already three weeks old. Time seemed to be flying by so quickly.
Looking down at Ellie, he couldn't help but wonder what the future held for her. He wanted her to have a good life, one that was filled with happiness and opportunities. But he also knew that it wouldn't be easy, he knew all too well the challenges that lay ahead for his daughter.
But for now, he pushed those worries aside and focused on the present moment. Ellie needed him, and he was determined to be the best father he could be. "You're going to be amazing, Ellie," he whispered. "I promise you that."
As he sat there, rocking his daughter back and forth, Thomas couldn't help but think about how much his life had changed in the past few years. And now, he was a father.
It was overwhelming at times, but he wouldn't have it any other way. "You're my little miracle, Ellie," he said, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "You saved me and I'm so grateful for you."
As the day wore on, Thomas continued to comfort his daughter, holding her close as she slept in his arms. It was a moment of peace and quiet, a rare moment in the midst of the chaos that was Downton Abbey.
But even in the stillness, Thomas knew that he had a lot of work to do. He had to prepare for the upcoming holidays, making sure that everything was in order. But for now, he was content to just hold his daughter and watch her sleep.
