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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As Lord Morrison, a wealthy and influential guest at Downton Abbey, was leaving after a week's stay, Thomas let out a sigh of relief. Lord Morrison had been rude and disrespectful to the staff, making their jobs even more difficult. He had no appreciation for their hard work and often made derogatory comments.
"Good riddance," Thomas muttered under his breath as he watched Lord Morrison leave.
"What was that, Barrow?" Lord Grantham, the owner of Downton Abbey, asked as he walked up to Thomas.
Thomas quickly composed himself and replied, "Nothing, my lord. Just relieved that Lord Morrison is leaving."
Lord Grantham nodded in agreement. "Yes, he was a rather difficult guest. But he's gone now, and we can focus on more important matters."
Thomas smiled politely and excused himself. As he walked away and headed back inside, he couldn't help but think about how lucky he was to have a supportive workplace despite his past mistakes and his current situation.
But his thoughts were quickly interrupted by the sound of his daughter crying. He rushed to the nursery to check on her, and as he picked her up, he felt a sense of calm wash over him.
"You're okay, Ellie. Daddy's got you," he whispered as he rocked her back and forth.
Being a single father was challenging, but moments like these made it all worth it. He knew he had a long road ahead of him, but he was determined to provide the best life possible for his daughter.
~
After dinner in the servants' kitchen, Thomas moved to his favorite spot by the fire in his rocking chair. He had just settled in when he heard footsteps approaching. He looked up to see Emily, the young nanny who had recently returned to Downton after an issue at home with her family. She was holding Ellie, who was crying and fussy.
"Is everything alright?" Thomas asked, concern etched on his face.
Emily shook her head. "Ellie has been fussy all evening, and she won't settle down. I thought she might need her father's comfort."
Thomas nodded and took Ellie from Emily's arms. As soon as he held her, he could feel her tiny body relax against his chest, murmuring soft words of comfort to her.
"It's okay, sweetheart." he whispered.
"I'll leave you two alone," she said, giving Thomas a knowing look.
Thomas nodded, his attention fully focused on Ellie. "Shh, Ellie," Thomas whispered, rubbing her back gently. "It's okay."
But Ellie continued to cry, her tiny body wriggling in his arms. Thomas felt a pang of anxiety in his chest. Ellie let out another cry, and Thomas sighed. He knew that he couldn't make everything better, but he wanted to try.
"Let's see if we can find something to make you feel better," he said, standing up and carrying Ellie to the library room and looked for something to read to her.
He scanned the titles, looking for something that might distract her. "Ah, here we go," he said, pulling out a well-worn copy of "The Tale of Peter Rabbit."
As he returned to the kitchen and sat back down in the rocking chair and began to read, his voice low and soothing. "Once upon a time, there were four little rabbits, and their names were Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Peter..."
Ellie's cries began to soften, and Thomas smiled. He continued to read, his heart swelling with love for his daughter.
As he finished the story, Ellie let out a contented sigh and snuggled closer to him.
That night as he entered his room, he placed Ellie gently in her bassinet and began to change into his pyjamas. Once he was ready for bed, he picked up his little bundle of joy and settled back onto his bed, propping himself up with some pillows.
He placed Ellie upright on his chest and wrapped his arms around her tiny body, feeling her warmth against his skin. He gently rested his cheek against her head and began to shower her with soft kisses.
"You're such a little angel, Ellie," he whispered, his voice filled with love and adoration. "I'm so lucky to have you in my life."
Ellie stirred slightly, and Thomas adjusted his hold on her, making sure she was comfortable. As he gazed down at her peaceful face, he couldn't help but marvel at how much she had already grown in just three short months.
"I can't believe how fast time is flying," he said softly, his hand gently stroking Ellie's back. "But no matter how much you grow, you'll always be my little girl."
As he continued to hold Ellie close, Thomas's thoughts turned to the challenges of being a single father. He had never imagined that he would be raising a child on his own, but he was determined to give Ellie the best life possible.
"I may not have all the answers, Ellie, but I promise to always do my best for you," he whispered, his voice filled with determination.
With that, Thomas settled back onto his pillows and closed his eyes, feeling Ellie's gentle breathing against his chest. As he drifted off to sleep
