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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Thomas woke up early, as he did every day, to prepare for his duties as the first footman. He carefully put on his uniform, ensuring it was impeccable. Once he was satisfied with his appearance, he turned his attention to his daughter Ellie, who was still sleeping soundly in her bed.
Thomas quietly approached Ellie's bed and gently shook her awake. "Good morning, my little bunny," he whispered, planting a soft kiss on her forehead. Ellie stirred and rubbed her sleepy eyes before sitting up in bed, ready to start the day.
As Thomas helped Ellie get dressed, he couldn't help but notice the bruises that adorned her legs. They were a deep shade of blue, almost black, and were clearly the result of physical trauma. Thomas gasped softly in shock and disbelief, wondering how his daughter had gotten hurt.
"Ellie, sweetheart, where did these bruises come from?" Thomas asked, his voice filled with concern.
Ellie looked down at her legs and then up at her father. "The lady who t - took me made me wear my leg braces a - all the time, even when I didn't want to," she said softly. "And sometimes she would h - hurt my legs on purpose."
Thomas felt his heart sink as he listened to Ellie's words. He couldn't believe that someone had hurt his precious daughter in such a cruel and callous way. He hugged her, trying to soothe her and let her know that she was safe.
He decided not to put on her leg braces that day and instead put them to one side. He didn't want to risk hurting her further or causing her any discomfort.
Thomas carried Ellie downstairs to the kitchen, where Mrs. Patmore was already busy preparing breakfast. As soon as she saw the bruises on Ellie's legs, she too was filled with concern.
"Oh my dear, what happened to you?" Mrs. Patmore exclaimed, rushing over to examine Ellie's legs.
Thomas explained what had happened, and Mrs. Patmore's face turned dark with anger.
Despite the trauma she had experienced, Ellie remained a bright and resilient little girl. She was a joy to be around and always had a smile on her face, even in the face of adversity. Thomas was grateful every day to be her father and to watch her grow and thrive, despite the challenges she faced due to her cerebral palsy.
~
That afternoon, Thomas was informed that the police would be coming to speak to him. He sat at the table in the servants kitchen he sat nervously holding Ellie close to his chest as lay peacefully in his arms as tucked loose strands of hair behind her ear using his free hand, and placed a soft kiss to her forehead.
As he waited for the police to arrive, Thomas's mind raced with thoughts of what might have happened to his daughter if she hadn't been found. He couldn't bear the thought of losing her, and the fear and anxiety he had experienced over the past two weeks had taken a toll on him.
When the police finally arrived, Thomas stood up to greet them, still holding Ellie close. "Thank you for coming," he said.
The police officers, introduced themselves and sat down opposite Thomas. "We're here to talk to you about the kidnapping of your daughter," the man said, looking at Thomas seriously. "Ida Kirkpatrick, is in custody and will stand trial for her actions."
The conversation turned to the details of Ellie's kidnapping, and Thomas recounted the events of that day as best he could. He explained how she had taken an unusual interest in Ellie wanting to spend time with her and take her out around the gardens and that late one night she was taken.
Thomas's voice grew more emotional as he spoke about the fear he had felt for his daughter's safety. "I was beside myself," he said. "I didn't know what to do."
The police officers listened carefully, taking notes and asking questions. When Thomas showed them the bruises on Ellie's legs, they agreed that a charge of abuse should be added to Kirkpatrick's charges.
"We'll make sure that justice is served," the man said, reassuringly.
Thomas nodded. "Thank you."
As the police officers left, Thomas sank back into his chair, Ellie still nestled in his arms. He felt exhausted and emotionally drained, but also grateful and relieved that his daughter was safe. He knew that the road ahead would be long and difficult, with Ellie's condition presenting daily challenges, but he was determined to be there for her every step of the way.
"You're my brave girl," he whispered to Ellie, pressing another gentle kiss to her forehead.
After taking Ellie to her bed Thomas felt a weight lifted off his shoulders as he stepped out of the back door of Downton Abbey. The cool evening air felt refreshing against his skin, and the quietness of the afternoon was a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of the house. He took a deep breath and reached into his pocket for his cigarettes, the familiar routine calming his frayed nerves. Inhaling the smoke deeply, he tried to clear his head. The events of the past few weeks had taken a toll on him. The kidnapping had been a nightmare that he wouldn't wish on anyone. The mere thought of Ellie being taken away from him still sent shivers down his spine.
He exhaled slowly, letting the smoke drift into the air as he leaned against the wall and closed his eyes.
The whole ordeal had left Thomas and his daughter shaken and exhausted.
