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 Thomas Barrow descended the grand staircase, he saw his daughter Ellie in her wheelchair, surrounded by Lady Mary's son George and Tom Branson's daughter Sybbie. The trio of children were playing together, and Thomas couldn't help but smile at the sight.
"Look at you all having fun," he said, chuckling. "What's going on down here?"
Ellie giggled in response, and George and Sybbie both turned to greet Thomas. They were all around the same age, and it warmed Thomas's heart to see his daughter interacting so well with the children of the family he served.
"We're playing with Ellie's toy cars," Sybbie said, holding up one of her cars.
"She's very good at sharing," George added, beaming up at Thomas. "We love playing with her."
Thomas felt a sense of pride swell within him. He knew that Ellie faced many challenges in her life, but seeing her included in the playing with toys made him feel that she was just like any other child.
"That's wonderful," he said, crouching down to Ellie's level. "I'm so glad you're all having a good time.", as he leaned forward to give his daughter a kiss on the forehead.
Ellie giggled and reached out to grab Thomas's hand. "Daddy," she said, her eyes shining with happiness.
After a few moments of watching the children play, Thomas had to get back to his duties. He gave Ellie one last kiss on the forehead and said, "I'll see you soon, my love. Daddy's got work to do."
Ellie waved goodbye, still giggling with delight. As Thomas walked away, he couldn't help but feel grateful for the moments like these - moments of pure joy and happiness that made all of the struggles and challenges worth it.
~
The Crawley family were out hunting, leaving the servants to their own devices. The kitchen was bustling with activity as the servants ate their lunch, and Thomas sat at the table with Ellie on his knee, helping her eat her meal. He spooned soup into her mouth and wiped her mouth clean with a cloth.
"Here comes the choo-choo train, Ellie," Thomas said, making train noises as he held a spoonful of soup in front of her. "Open up for the tunnel!"
Ellie giggled and opened her mouth wide as the spoonful of soup went in as he smiled at her reaction.
As Ellie finished her soup suddenly, Mrs. Patmore, the head cook, burst into the kitchen. "Quickly, everyone, they'll be back soon!" she exclaimed, referring to the Crawley family's imminent return with none of them expecting the family back so soon.
Thomas sighed, wishing he could spend more time with Ellie. But he knew his duties as first footman were calling him. He gently lifted Ellie off his lap and settled her into her wheelchair.
"Okay, my darling, Daddy has to go back to work now," he said, leaning down to kiss her forehead.
Ellie pouted. "Don't go, Daddy," she protested, reaching out for him.
Thomas felt a pang of guilt, but he knew he had no choice. "I'm sorry, Ellie, I have to," he said firm but softly, standing up and straightening his jacket. "But I'll be back as soon as I can, I promise."
He gave Ellie one last wave before heading back to the main part of the house, where his duties as first footman awaited him.
As Thomas reached the grand entrance hall of Downton Abbey, he caught a glimpse of Lady Mary, one of the Crawley daughters, who was returning from the hunt. He straightened up, preparing to greet her.
But as Lady Mary approached, she looked past Thomas and spotted Ellie in her wheelchair. A look of pity crossed her face. Thomas bristled. He hated it when people looked at Ellie like that, as if she was a helpless creature to be pitied. He knew his daughter was so much more than her disability.
He took a deep breath and forced a smile as Lady Mary approached. "Good afternoon, M'lady," he said politely, blocking out the pity in her eyes.
Thomas then turned his attention elsewhere.
Welcome back, M'lord," Thomas said with a polite bow. "I hope your hunting trip was successful."
Lord Grantham, the head of the Crawley family, nodded in response. "It was a good day. We managed to catch quite a few pheasants."
Thomas smiled. "Excellent, M'lord. I'll make sure the kitchen is prepared for their arrival."
As the family made their way to the drawing room, Thomas stayed behind to collect the hunting rifles. He carefully lifted them one by one and carried them down to the servants' kitchen.
Once there, he placed the rifles on the table and began to clean and service them.
