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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Two years later ~
Thomas took a deep breath as he fastened the leg braces onto his three-year-old daughter, Ellie. With Ellie having cerebral palsy, which affected her balance, posture, and movement. She also had a slight speech impediment, which made communication difficult for her at times. But Thomas loved his daughter dearly and would do anything to make her life easier.
As he helped Ellie into her shoes, he smiled down at her. "Are you ready to go for a walk, my love?" he asked, his voice gentle and soothing.
Ellie grinned up at him, her big pale green eyes sparkling with excitement. "Y - yes, Daddy."
Thomas picked up his daughter and carried her out of the house. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, and the birds were singing. Thomas felt a surge of joy in his heart as he looked at Ellie, who was giggling with delight.
They walked down the road towards the village, Thomas holding Ellie's hand tightly as she wobbled along being sure to take careful steps. It was slow going, but Thomas didn't mind. He was just happy to be spending time with his daughter.
As they walked, Thomas watched Ellie closely, ready to catch her if she lost her balance and stumbled. Despite her condition, she was determined to keep up with him, taking small but steady steps.
"Good girl, Ellie. You're doing great," he said, his voice full of encouragement.
Ellie grinned up at him, her eyes sparkling. "Daddy, look at the flowers!" she said, pointing to a patch of wildflowers growing by the side of the road.
Thomas stopped to let Ellie admire the flowers. "They're beautiful, aren't they?" he said, smiling down at her.
Ellie nodded, her face lighting up. "Can w - we pick some, Daddy?"
Thomas hesitated for a moment. He knew that Ellie would struggle to bend down and pick the flowers, but he didn't want to discourage her. "Of course, sweetheart. Let's see what we can do."
Together, they carefully made their way to the flowers, with Thomas holding onto Ellie's hand to keep her steady. When they reached the flowers, he knelt down and carefully picked a few, placing them in Ellie's hands.
"Thank y - you, Daddy," Ellie said, her voice filled with happiness.
Thomas smiled at her. "You're welcome my darling, let's carry on walking."
As they continued on their walk, Thomas couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in his daughter. She had come so far since she was born, and he knew that she would continue to make progress with his love and support.
Suddenly, Ellie stumbled, and Thomas reached out to catch her before she fell. "Are you okay darling?" he asked, concern in his voice.
Ellie nodded, but Thomas could see that she was getting tired. "Let's head back home, Ellie. You've done so well today," he said, scooping her up into his arms.
He knew she was now too tired to make it all the way to the village but considering how far she had managed to walk, he was proud of that.
Ellie snuggled into her father's chest, feeling safe and loved. "I love you, Daddy," she said, her voice soft.
"I love you too, Ellie," Thomas replied, kissing her forehead. "You're my brave little girl, and nothing will ever change that."
Ellie's energy quickly began to wane, and her speech impediment became more pronounced.
"Are you okay, bunny?" Thomas asked, concern etched on his face.
Ellie shook her head, her lips trembling slightly. "I'm tired, Daddy," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Thomas could see the fatigue in her eyes, "It's alright, we're going home now", he replied.
As they walked back towards Downton, Ellie's head rested against Thomas' shoulder. He could feel her weight against him, a reminder of how much she relied on him for support and comfort.
"It's okay, Ellie," he whispered, his voice soft and soothing. "We'll be home soon, and you can rest."
Ellie nodded, her eyes closing as she leaned into her father's embrace.
~
Once back at Downton, Thomas entered from the rear of the house using the rear door, the servants door, he made his way straight to his room. Upon entering he closed the door behind him and turned to the two beds before him.
His room like many of the servants rooms fit in two single beds, a chest of drawers a medium sized wardrobe and a bedside table putting some space between the two beds. Once Ellie had outgrown her cot it had been dismantled and the other bed had been put back into the room for her.
Thomas had been told that Ellie could have a room with a female servant, but he had decided against it. He wanted Ellie to stay with him so he could look after her in case she needed anything and he could keep an eye on her, but he knew overall she wouldn't want to be away from him.
Thomas carefully placed Ellie on the bed next to his, putting her down for a nap. He removed her leg braces and shoes, tucking her in as he moved her raven hair away from her face. "There we go, my love," he whispered, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Sleep tight."
As Ellie drifted off to sleep, Thomas sat on his own bed and picked up the book he had been reading. He kept a watchful eye on her as she slept, making sure that she was comfortable and safe.
She was asleep for around forty minutes until things changed.
Suddenly, he heard a soft whimper coming from Ellie's direction. He looked over and saw that she had woken up, tears streaming down her face. "Hey, hey," he whispered as he got up and walked over to her, kneeling in front of her, "What's wrong darling?"
Thomas scooped up Ellie in his arms, cradling her gently as she clung to him. "Shh, it's okay my love," he whispered soothingly. "Daddy's here, Daddy's got you."
Ellie's tears flowed freely as she buried her face into his chest. "It's okay, Ellie," he continued to reassure her. "You're safe with me. Daddy's not going anywhere."
After a few minutes, her sobs subsided, and she pulled back to look at him with tear-stained cheeks. "Daddy, bad dream," she said in a small, trembling voice.
"I know, sweetheart," Thomas replied, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear. "But it was just a dream, it's not real. You're safe and sound."
Ellie nodded, still looking up at him with watery eyes. "C - can I sleep with you, Daddy?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Of course, my love," Thomas replied, with Ellie still in his arms. He carefully placed her next to him, pulling the covers up to her tucking her in tightly as she buried herself into his chest as he wrapped his arms around her continuing to gently rub her back.
