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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By the morning Thomas realised that he hadn't yet had a proper check-up since falling pregnant. Concerned for the well-being of his unborn child, he decided it was time to reach out to Doctor Clarkson. He needed reassurance, a chance to hear the heartbeat and ensure everything was progressing as it should be being five months along.
With resolve in his heart, Thomas made his way downstairs, heading towards the servant's kitchen. He found Mrs. Hughes, the ever-attentive housekeeper, preparing for the day ahead. "Mrs. Hughes," he called out, his voice tinged with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.
She turned, her kind eyes meeting his gaze. "Thomas, is something the matter?"
Thomas took a deep breath, steadying his nerves. "I was wondering if it would be possible for Doctor Clarkson to pay me a visit and give me and the baby a check-up. I haven't had one since I found out I was pregnant, and I want to make sure everything is alright."
Mrs. Hughes placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, her voice gentle. "Of course, Thomas. I'll go and use the telephone in Mr. Carson's office right away. We'll have the doctor here in no time."
Grateful for Mrs. Hughes' support, Thomas nodded and retreated to his room, awaiting the doctor's arrival. The minutes ticked by slowly, the anticipation growing with each passing second. Ellie, sensing her father's unease, followed him into the room, her curious eyes fixed on him.
When the sound of footsteps echoed outside his door, Thomas straightened up, his heart pounding in his chest. Doctor Clarkson entered the room, his presence exuding a comforting professionalism.
"Good morning, Thomas," the doctor greeted him kindly, setting his medical bag on a nearby table. "I received a message from Mrs. Hughes about your request."
Thomas nodded, gratitude flooding his expression. "I just wanted to ensure that everything is going well with the baby. I haven't had a check-up since I fell pregnant, and I'd love the chance to hear the heartbeat."
The doctor smiled warmly, understanding the significance of this moment for Thomas. "Of course, Thomas. Let's begin the examination, shall we?"
As Doctor Clarkson conducted the routine check-up, Ellie watched with wide-eyed wonder. She had grown accustomed to her father's pregnancy, her innocent understanding of the miracle he carried within him. To her, it was simply another part of their extraordinary journey together.
With great care, Doctor Clarkson began the examination, checking the position of the baby within Thomas' womb. He explained each step to Thomas, making sure he understood what was happening.
"The baby is lying with its spine along yours," the doctor explained, his voice steady and professional. "The head is here," he pointed to the upper part of Thomas' abdomen, "and the legs are down here."
The doctor retrieved his stethoscope and placed it against Thomas's belly, listening intently.
After a few moments, Doctor Clarkson gently removed the stethoscope and held it out to Thomas. "Would you like to listen to your baby's heartbeat?"
Thomas's nodded as his hand shook slightly as he reached out, taking the stethoscope from the doctor. He carefully placed the earpieces in his ears, his trembling fingers guiding the cold metal against his belly. As he listened, a rush of emotions flooded through him. The steady thump-thump of his baby's heart resonated within him, a tangible reminder of the life growing inside him as a relieved and happy sigh left his lips with the world around him drowning out with the heartbeat being the only thing he could hear.
Beside him, Ellie stood, her eyes wide with wonder. She had been watching the entire examination with a mix of curiosity and excitement. Thomas turned to her, a soft smile playing on his lips.
"Come here, Ellie," he said, his voice filled with tenderness. "You can listen to your baby sibling's heartbeat too."
Ellie's face lit up, and she eagerly stepped forward, as he removed the stethoscope from his his ears and placed the earpieces in her ears so she could listen.
Her eyes sparkled with delight as she heard the sound that had captivated her father moments before.
"It's m - my sibling, Daddy!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with pure joy.
Thomas nodded, his heart swelling with love for both his children. "Yes, Ellie, it is."
~
With a hand on his belly, he instinctively moved his thumb up and down in a soothing rhythm, a gesture he had used countless times to comfort Ellie.
As Thomas settled on his bed, a book in his hand, he felt Ellie's presence as she joined him, snuggling up against his side. Her small body curled up, seeking comfort and closeness. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close, feeling the warmth of her against his skin. With a soft smile, he began to read aloud, his voice gentle and soothing.
"'Once upon a time,'" Thomas began, his voice carrying the magical essence of storytelling.
Ellie's eyes widened with wonder, her gaze fixed on her father as he continued to read. Thomas could see the curiosity and imagination blooming within her, and it filled his heart with pride. He had always been determined to provide her with the love and support she deserved, to ensure that her world was filled with possibilities.
