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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Ellie's eyes widened with wonder as the horse started to move. "Look, Daddy, look!" she exclaimed, pointing at the scenery around them. Thomas couldn't help but smile as he felt her small body press against his own. "Yes, Ellie, it's beautiful, isn't it?" he said, his voice filled with joy.
As they rode gently back to Downton, Ellie's excitement grew. Thomas chuckled, feeling a sense of pure happiness his heart full of love for his daughter.
When they arrived back at Downton Abbey, Thomas lifted Ellie off the horse and held her tightly. "Thank you, Diamond," he said, patting the horse's neck. Ellie giggled, her eyes shining with delight. "Again, Daddy, again!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands.
Thomas laughed, feeling grateful for the moment of happiness they had shared. "Maybe tomorrow, my love. Maybe tomorrow," he said, looking down at his daughter with all the love in the world.
Later that night, as Thomas lay in bed with Ellie snuggled up beside him, he felt his emotions finally catch up with him. He held her close, resting his chin atop her head, as slow gentle tears fell down his face.
"I missed you so much, my darling," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "I was so scared I would never see you again."
Ellie stirred in her sleep, and Thomas kissed her forehead softly, feeling his heart swell with love for his little girl. He knew that being a single father was never going to be easy, but he also knew that he would do anything for Ellie.
"I love you, my sweet girl," he whispered. "I will always love you."
Ellie snuggled closer to her father, her small hand resting on his chest. Thomas closed his eyes, feeling her warm breath against his neck, and whispered a prayer of thanks for her safe return.
As he drifted off to sleep, Thomas knew that the love he had for Ellie was stronger than anything else in the world. He was grateful for every moment he had with her and promised to cherish each one, no matter how small or ordinary.
For Thomas, the two weeks without Ellie had been an endless nightmare. But now, as he held his daughter close, he knew that he would do anything to protect her and keep her by his side forever.
~
As Ellie stirred in her sleep, Thomas immediately woke up, his eyes adjusting to the darkness of the room. He felt her small hand patting his cheek, and he couldn't help but smile despite feeling groggy.
"Daddy, I n - need a drink," Ellie whispered, her voice barely audible in the silent room.
Thomas sat up in bed and reached for the candle on his bedside table, lighting it with a match. He carefully picked up Ellie and held her close to his chest, feeling her warm breath on his neck.
"Alright, my darling," Thomas replied, his voice soft and gentle. "Let's go get you some warm milk."
With Ellie securely in his arms, Thomas made his way out of his room and down the hallway. As he walked, he held the candle in his free hand, its flickering flame casting a warm glow on the walls.
When they reached the servants' kitchen, Thomas set Ellie down on the kitchen table and started to heat up some milk on the stove. Ellie watched him with curiosity, her big pale green eyes wide open.
Once the milk was ready Thomas poured it into a small cup, blowing on it gently to cool it down before handing it to Ellie. She took a small sip, her eyes closing in contentment as she savoured the warmth and the sweetness.
"Is it nice bunny?" Thomas asked, a small smile on his face.
Ellie nodded, her eyes still closed, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. Thomas reached out to brush a strand of hair away from her face, his heart swelling with love and gratitude for his precious little girl who had brought so much joy and meaning to his life.
As he sat there in the dimly lit kitchen, holding his daughter close as gently lifted her from the chair to set her onto his knee, he basked in the warmth of her smile, Thomas knew that there was nowhere else he would rather be. For him, there was nothing more important than being a father to Ellie, and he was willing to do whatever it took to ensure that she was safe, happy, and loved.
