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 stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his suit and making sure his growing bump was not too obvious. It had now been six months since he and Ellie had moved to the coastal cottage, seeking a change of scenery and some tranquility in their lives. But now, it was time to return to Downton Abbey, their home.
He gently touched his abdomen, feeling the life growing inside him. It was a bittersweet feeling, knowing that he would soon be a father once again. He wondered how Mrs. Hughes, Mr. Carson, Anna, and the other staff at Downton Abbey would react to his new impending arrival.
With their belongings packed, Thomas ensured that Ellie had her leg braces and shoes on. As they made their way to the train station, Thomas held Ellie's hand tightly. He cherished these moments together, just the two of them, embarking on a new chapter in their lives. The overnight train from the coast to York awaited them, carrying them back to the grand estate they called home.
Sitting beside Ellie on the train, Thomas took out his diary, where he kept track of his pregnancy. He flipped through the pages, noting that he was now around twenty weeks pregnant, five months along. The excitement mingled with apprehension.
Twenty weeks along, his growing bump was still discreetly hidden beneath his suit and coat. He was relieved that it wasn't too obvious, allowing him to maintain some semblance of privacy while out in public.
The train began its rhythmic journey, and Thomas's mind drifted to the reactions he anticipated from those at Downton Abbey. Mrs. Hughes, his confidante and guiding light, had always been supportive, but he couldn't help but wonder how she would react to his decision to have another child. Mr. Carson, the ever-prim and proper butler, might be taken aback by the news. And Anna, his closest friend and ally, would undoubtedly offer her unwavering support.
The rhythmic sound of the train wheels against the tracks lulled Ellie into a peaceful slumber. Thomas watched her sleeping form, a wave of tenderness washing over him. He knew that he had to be strong for both of them, but at times, he couldn't help but feel a pang of vulnerability. The journey ahead held uncertainties, but he was determined to face them head-on.
Hours passed, and the train finally arrived at York. Thomas gently woke Ellie, and they gathered their belongings. Stepping off the train, he began the walk from the station back to the grand house.
As they arrived at the familiar grounds of Downton, Thomas felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. He entered through the back door, the servants' entrance that he had become accustomed to over the years. It wasn't long before he heard the sound of footsteps approaching, and he turned to find Mrs. Hughes, the housekeeper, standing before him with a warm smile on her face.
"Well, well, if it isn't Thomas Barrow and little Ellie," Mrs. Hughes greeted them, her eyes filled with genuine affection. "It's good to have you both back."
Thomas returned her smile, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. Mrs. Hughes had always been a pillar of support for him, a confidante during some of his darkest days. He trusted her implicitly and valued her opinion greatly.
"Thank you, Mrs. Hughes," Thomas replied, his voice tinged with gratitude. "It's good to be back. We've missed everyone."
Mrs. Hughes glanced down at Ellie, her eyes softening. "And how's little Ellie doing? Growing up so fast, I see."
Thomas nodded, a proud smile spreading across his face. "She's doing well, Mrs. Hughes. Getting stronger every day. And I have news. I've come back a bit top heavy." He gestured to his stomach, his coat buttoned up to conceal the growing bump.
Mrs. Hughes blinked in surprise, her hands flying to her mouth. "Thomas! Are you saying what I think you're saying?" Her eyes widened as she took in the sight before her.
Thomas nodded, a mixture of excitement and nerves bubbling within him. "Yes, Mrs. Hughes. I'm pregnant again. Ellie is going to have a little sibling."
Mrs. Hughes couldn't contain her delight any longer. She stepped forward, placing her hands gently on Thomas' stomach, feeling the life that thrived within him. "Oh, my dear boy, this is wonderful news! I can't express how happy I am for you and Ellie."
Thomas smiled, feeling the weight of the world lifting off his shoulders. Mrs. Hughes had always been a pillar of support and understanding.
As the news of his arrival spread through the household, the reactions varied. Mr. Carson, the staunch and traditional butler, initially wore a look of surprise on his face but quickly replaced it with a warm smile, his old-fashioned sensibilities tempered.
Anna, the kind-hearted lady's maid, enveloped Thomas in a tender embrace, her eyes glistening with tears of joy. She had been a steadfast friend throughout his journey, offering unwavering support and compassion in every twist and turn of life.
One by one, the staff members of Downton Abbey expressed their well wishes, offering congratulations and promises of assistance. The news created a ripple of excitement and anticipation that filled the halls with an air of renewed hope and love.
As he took a seat in his usual chair he removed his coat, revealing his gradually growing bump, and placed a hand gently on his stomach.
While Mrs. Patmore, approached him with a warm cup of tea and a plate of something sweet to eat.
"Here you go, Thomas," Mrs. Patmore said kindly, placing the tea and the plate in front of him. "You need to keep your strength up for you and the little one."
Thomas smiled gratefully at her and took a sip of the steaming tea, savoring its comforting warmth. The sweet treat melted in his mouth, filling him with a sense of contentment. As he sat there, surrounded by the familiar faces of his Downton family, he felt a wave of gratitude wash over him. In that moment, he knew that he and Ellie were truly home.
As Thomas settled back into his role as footman and embraced the joys and challenges of his pregnancy, he knew that he was not alone. The Downton family, both upstairs and downstairs, stood by him, ready to support him in every step of this remarkable journey.
Thomas Barrow, the footman turned father and expectant mother, had come a long way from the from the days of the man he used to be. He had faced adversity, fought battles, and discovered his own strength. Now, as he embarked on this new chapter of his life, surrounded by the love and acceptance of those he held dear, he knew that his journey would be one filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities.
