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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Throughout the day, Thomas couldn't help but think about his daughter, wondering how she was doing. He tried to focus on his work, but his mind kept drifting back to Ellie.
Finally, it was time to pick her up from school. Thomas walked to the village, his heart pounding with anticipation. As he approached the school, he saw Ellie walking as fast as she could towards him, her small leather backpack bouncing on her back.
"Daddy!" she cried out, throwing herself into his arms.
"Hi my darling, how was your day?" he asked, holding her tightly as he picked her up setting her on his side and using his free hand to brush her hair from her face.
"It was good," Ellie said, beaming. "I did a p - painting!"
Thomas smiled, feeling proud of his daughter's achievement. "That's wonderful, Ellie. I'm so glad you had a good day."
As they walked back to Downton, Thomas couldn't help but ask Ellie more questions about her day. He wanted to know every detail, Ellie happily answered all his questions, her enthusiasm contagious.
Ellie looked at her father and smiled. "It was good, Daddy. I - I learned a lot, and my teacher is nice. But I didn't make any friends yet."
Thomas felt a lump form in his throat. "That's okay, sweetheart. You'll make friends soon enough. Just give it time."
Ellie nodded, but Thomas could see the disappointment in her eyes. He wished he could make everything better for her, but he knew that some things were beyond his control.
Finally, they arrived back at Downton Abbey, and Thomas led Ellie through the servants' entrance and into the bustling kitchen. Mrs. Patmore was busy stirring a large pot of beef stew, and she looked up as Thomas and Ellie entered.
"Well, hello there, Ellie!" she exclaimed, giving the little girl a warm hug. "And how was your first day of school?"
"It was g - good, Mrs. Patmore!" Ellie replied, grinning from ear to ear.
Mrs. Patmore chuckled fondly at the little girl's enthusiasm. "I'm so glad to hear that, my dear," she said, ruffling Ellie's hair affectionately. "Now, why don't the two of you sit down and have some dinner? I've made beef stew, and I think it's just the thing to warm you up on a chilly day like today."
Thomas and Ellie took their seats at the kitchen table, and Mrs. Patmore served up steaming bowls of stew, along with thick slices of crusty bread. As they ate, Thomas couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment and gratitude for the simple pleasures of life - a warm meal, a cozy kitchen, and the company of his beloved daughter.
~
As dinner ended, Thomas scooped Ellie up into his arms and carried her up the stairs to the servants quarters to take her to the bathroom to give her a bath and get her ready for bed.
"Alright, Ellie, time for your bath and then bed darling,".
Ellie giggled as she clung onto her father's neck, "B - bath time!"
Once they reached the bathroom, Thomas closed the door behind them and placed Ellie on the toilet seat as he turned on the tap. He made sure the water was at the right temperature before turning it off and turning to his daughter.
"Let's get you undressed," Thomas said as he carefully helped Ellie out of her school uniform and laid it on the side, to then take off her leg braces, socks and shoes. He then lifted her up and placed her in the bath.
Ellie splashed around in the water as Thomas gently washed her with a soft cloth.
She giggles and continues splashing the water with her hands. "Daddy, stop t - tickling me!" she exclaims, laughing.
Thomas smiles down at her, his heart warming at the sound of her laughter. "I'm not tickling you, Ellie. I'm just trying to get you clean," he says, dipping the cloth back into the water and continuing to wash her gently.
Ellie looks up at her father with a grin on her face. "I know, Daddy. I'm just t - teasing you," she says, sticking out her tongue playfully.
Thomas chuckles softly, admiring the way his daughter's bright pale green eyes light up when she's happy. "You're such a cheeky monkey," he says, leaning over to give her a kiss on the forehead.
As he finishes washing Ellie, Thomas carefully lifts her out of the bath and wraps her in a fluffy towel. Leaving the bathroom and walking a short way down the corridor to his room, upon entering he closes the door behind him as he takes a few steps and sets Ellie down on her bed.
As he tucks her in, Ellie looks up at him with big, adoring eyes. "You're the b - best daddy in the whole world," she says sweetly.
Thomas feels his heart swell with love. "And you're the best daughter I could ask for," he replies, leaning down to give her a kiss on the forehead.
Ellie snuggles into the blankets, yawning sleepily. "Daddy, will you r - read me a story?" she asks.
"Of course, my love," Thomas says, settling down next to her and opening a book. "Which one would you like tonight?"
Ellie thinks for a moment, then points to a book on the shelf. "The one with the d - dragon, please," she says.
Thomas nods, opening the book and beginning to read. As he reads, Ellie listens intently, her eyes growing heavy. Eventually, she falls asleep, her breathing slow and steady.
He watches her for a moment, feeling for the bond they share. No matter what challenges they may face in the future, he knows that they'll always have each other.
