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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On a particularly busy morning, Thomas received some unexpected news. Lady Grantham had hired a temporary nanny to care for Ellie, not forgetting George and Sybbie, while their regular nanny, Emily, was away dealing with family troubles. The new nanny was an older woman, and Thomas was apprehensive about leaving his precious daughter in someone else's care.
As he made his way to the newly renovated nursery, since the fire happened, he tried to put on a brave face for Ellie's sake. The new nanny was already there, rocking Ellie in her arms.
"Good morning, Mr. Barrow," she greeted him kindly. "I'm Mrs. Jenkins, the temporary nanny. Your daughter is absolutely precious."
Thomas nodded in thanks, but couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He had grown accustomed to Emily's youthful energy and enthusiasm, and the idea of an older, more experienced nanny made him feel as though he was being replaced.
Thomas found himself keeping a close eye on Mrs. Jenkins. She seemed competent enough, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't quite right. Ellie didn't seem to take to her as easily as she had with Emily.
A little while later as he was passing by the nursery, he overheard Mrs. Jenkins speaking to Ellie in a stern voice.
"Now, now, young lady. You need to stop fussing and go to sleep. Your father will be very cross with you if you keep this up."
Thomas felt his blood boil at the sound of the woman scolding his daughter. He stormed into the nursery, ready to defend his little girl.
"What do you think you're doing?" he demanded.
Mrs. Jenkins turned to face him, a look of surprise on her face. "I was just trying to get her to sleep, Mr. Barrow. Is there a problem?"
"Yes, there is a problem," Thomas replied, his voice trembling with anger. "You have no right to speak to my daughter like that."
~
That afternoon after speaking to her about being harsh with his daughter Thomas hoped that would be the last of it and nothing else would happen but he was about to find out just how wrong he was.
Thomas was on an errand into the village for Mrs Hughes. As he left the house by the front, he saw the nanny out with George and Sybbie, pushing Ellie in a pram. Thomas's heart leaped with joy at the sight of his daughter, but as he approached the group, the nanny stopped him in his tracks.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Barrow, but I can't allow you to touch the baby," the nanny said firmly.
Thomas was taken aback by the nanny's words. "What?"
"Lady Grantham has given me strict instructions not to allow anyone to touch the baby without her permission," the nanny replied.
Thomas felt a wave of anger wash over him. How dare this woman tell him he couldn't touch his own daughter! He was her father, and he had every right to hold her in his arms.
"I have every right to touch and hold my own daughter," Thomas said, his voice rising in frustration.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Barrow, but I can't allow that. Lady Grantham will be back soon, and I'm sure she'll be happy to discuss this with you," the nanny replied calmly.
Thomas knew that arguing with the nanny would get him nowhere, so he reluctantly backed away from the pram. As he walked away, he felt a sense of despair wash over him. How could he be a good father to Ellie if he wasn't even allowed to touch her?
When Lady Grantham returned, Thomas wasted no time in seeking her out. He found her in the drawing room, and he marched up to her with determination.
"M'Lady, I need to speak to you about the nanny," Thomas said, his voice firm.
"What seems to be the problem, Mr. Barrow?" Lady Grantham asked, looking up from her book.
"The nanny won't let me touch my daughter. She stopped me," Thomas explained.
Lady Grantham looked surprised. "I had no idea. I'll speak to her right away," she said, rising from her chair.
Moments later, the nanny entered the room. Lady Grantham confronted her about her behaviour, and the nanny apologised profusely. She had not realised the impact her actions would have on Thomas.
"I understand that, but Mr. Barrow is the baby's father, and he should be allowed to hold her," Lady Grantham said firmly.
The nanny nodded, and Lady Grantham dismissed her. She turned to Thomas, a look of sympathy in her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Barrow. I had no idea that the nanny was being so strict," Lady Grantham said.
"It's all right, milady. I just want to be there for my daughter," Thomas replied, his voice choked with emotion.
