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 sun shone through the windows of Downton Abbey, casting a warm glow over the room where Thomas lay. He had fallen asleep with Ellie, on his chest, and she stirred gently as he moved to kiss her forehead. With a smile on his face, he reached for the stocking he had hung on the end of his bed.
"Good morning sweetheart," he whispered to Ellie as she opened her eyes, "it's Christmas morning, and Santa brought you some presents."
Thomas had spent weeks preparing for this day, carefully selecting items to fill Ellie's stocking. He had bought her clothes, blankets, and even a plush bunny that he had seen in a store window and knew she would love.
As he pulled out the first item, a tiny outfit, a new little white day dress, he held it up for Ellie to see. "Look at this, Ellie," he said with a grin. "You're going to look so cute in this."
Ellie, who had been dozing off again, opened her eyes and stared at the outfit. Thomas couldn't help but chuckle at her innocent expression. "Don't worry, sweetie," he cooed. "I'll put it on you after we've opened all your presents."
He reached back into the stocking and pulled out a soft, plush bunny toy. "And here's your first teddy, Ellie," he said, holding it up for her to see.
Ellie, now wide awake, reached out for the bunny with her tiny hands. Thomas carefully placed it in her grasp, watching as she stared at it in wonder. "That's yours, Ellie," he said, stroking her soft hair. "You can keep it forever."
As he continued to pull out more gifts from the stocking, Thomas talked to Ellie softly, telling her about each one and what it was for. He didn't mind that she couldn't understand him yet; he just enjoyed the sound of his own voice and the way she looked at him with her big, pale green eyes.
Eventually, the stocking was empty, and Thomas had to pry the bunny from Ellie's grip to start getting her dressed. He carefully slipped the dress over her head and pulled it down smoothing it down smiling as she squirmed and kicked her little legs.
As he finished getting her dressed, Thomas couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with love and gratitude for his daughter. Holding her close, he whispered, "Merry Christmas, Ellie. I love you more than anything in this world."
Ellie, who had fallen back asleep, stirred at the sound of his voice and snuggled closer to him. Thomas leaned back against his pillows, holding his daughter in his arms, and watched as the first rays of sunlight began to filter through the curtains.
As he looked out the window, he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him. This was his family now, and he was determined to give Ellie the best life possible. With a smile on his face, he whispered one final time, "Merry Christmas, Ellie," relishing in the warmth and love of his little family.
~
As the day went on, the hustle and bustle of the Downton Abbey household was in full swing. The Crawley family and their guests gathered in the main hall in front of the grand Christmas tree, where presents were distributed to each member of the household.
Lord Grantham approached Thomas with a wrapped box, a kind smile on his face. "Merry Christmas, Barrow. This is for you and little Ellie," he said, handing over the gift.
Thomas gratefully accepted the present, feeling a sense of appreciation for his employer's kindness. He carefully unwrapped it to reveal a beautiful silver rattle for Ellie to play with.
"Thank you, M'Lord," Thomas said, a warm smile spreading across his face.
As the day continued, Thomas and Ellie spent some quiet moments together, enjoying the peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the household. He held her close, feeling her warmth against his chest and whispered sweet nothings to her.
Later in the afternoon, all of the servants gathered around the table in the servants' hall for their own Christmas dinner, lovingly prepared by the talented Mrs. Patmore. The mood was jovial as they laughed and chatted about their plans for the holidays.
"Mrs. Patmore, this is absolutely delicious!" exclaimed Daisy, as she took another bite of the perfectly roasted turkey.
"I must agree, Mrs. Patmore, this is truly a feast fit for a king!" added Mr. Carson, his eyes twinkling with merriment.
"Here's to a happy Christmas!" Mrs Hughes exclaimed, raising her glass of wine.
"To a happy Christmas!" the others echoed, clinking their glasses together.
Thomas couldn't agree more. As he looked down at Ellie's little face, he knew that this would be a Christmas to remember.
As they ate and drank, they exchanged stories and jokes, enjoying each other's company as they celebrated the holiday together. Overall, it was a memorable Christmas at Downton Abbey, one that Thomas treasure forever.
