His Two Miracles | Thomas Barrow

Chapter 98

Thomas gingerly touched his nose, feeling the dried blood on his upper lip. He sat up slowly, his belly making movement more difficult. "I'm not sure, Mrs. Hughes. I felt a bit strange, I was out in the courtyard mending a clock and decided to come in and rest. I must have dozed off."

Mrs. Hughes placed a comforting hand on Thomas' shoulder. "Rest is what you need, but we can't ignore the nosebleed. Let me fetch Dr. Clarkson. He should have a look at you."

Thomas nodded, grateful for Mrs. Hughes' concern. 

As Mrs. Hughes left the room to telephone for the doctor, Thomas took a moment to compose himself. The reality of his situation began to sink in. Not only was he responsible for caring for Ellie as a single father, but now he had another life growing inside him.

Anxiety coursed through Thomas's veins, his mind racing with worry. He had never experienced such complications during his previous pregnancy with Ellie, and the uncertainty of this new development unsettled him. He clutched at his slightly swollen belly, a mix of fear and anticipation swirling within him.

"I... I don't understand, Mrs. Hughes," he stammered, his voice laced with concern. "What's happening to me? I've never felt like this before."

Mrs. Hughes approached the bed, her wise eyes filled with compassion. She took Thomas's hand in hers, offering a reassuring squeeze. "Sometimes, my dear, every pregnancy is unique. Our bodies react differently each time, and it's only natural for things to feel unfamiliar."

Soon, Dr. Clarkson arrived. The doctor examined Thomas, checking his blood pressure and listening to his heartbeat.

He asked him a series of questions. Thomas answered them as honestly as he could, detailing his recent symptoms and the nosebleed he experienced.

After a thorough assessment, Doctor Clarkson gently confirmed his suspicions. "Thomas, it appears that your blood pressure is low, and you're showing signs of anaemia. This could be the cause of your fatigue and the nosebleed. I'll prescribe some iron supplements to help boost your blood count."

Thomas felt a mixture of relief and concern wash over him. Relief that there seemed to be a plausible explanation for his symptoms, and concern about the well-being of his unborn child. "Is the baby going to be okay?" he asked.

Doctor Clarkson smiled kindly at him. "From what I can tell, Thomas, your baby is strong and healthy. However, we'll need to keep a close eye on both of you. I'll schedule regular check-ups to monitor your progress and ensure everything is going smoothly."

Thomas exhaled a shaky breath, grateful for the doctor's reassurance. He was determined to take whatever measures necessary to safeguard his unborn child and himself.

~

Time passed, the sun continuing its descent beyond the horizon. Thomas drifted in and out of consciousness, his mind clouded by fatigue and the remnants of his earlier dizziness. As the evening drew nearer, the door creaked open once again, revealing the figure of Mrs. Hughes, bearing a tray of steaming tea and a plate of ginger biscuits.

"Thomas," she called softly, placing the tray on the bedside table. "I thought you might be in need of some sustenance."

Thomas managed a faint smile, grateful for Mrs. Hughes' thoughtfulness. He propped himself up on the pillows, allowing her to settle the tray on his lap. The aroma of the tea filled the air, its comforting scent lifting his spirits ever so slightly.

"Thank you, Mrs. Hughes," he murmured, reaching for the teacup with trembling hands. The warm porcelain felt soothing against his skin, and he took a tentative sip, relishing the familiar taste.

Mrs. Hughes watched him intently, her eyes filled with a mix of compassion and worry. She had known Thomas for years, witnessed his struggles and triumphs, and had become a confidante to him. She understood the weight he carried, both as a footman and as a single father to Ellie.

"How are you feeling, Thomas?" she inquired gently, her voice laden with concern.

Thomas sighed, his fatigue evident in his weary expression. "I'm not sure, Mrs. Hughes. I felt a little strange earlier, and the dizziness was overwhelming."

Mrs. Hughes nodded, her face etched with understanding. "It's not easy, what you're going through. Carrying a child and tending to your duties, it takes a toll on anyone."

Thomas nodded, a mixture of gratitude and weariness in his eyes. "I knew what I signed up for, Mrs. Hughes. I wanted this, another child, but sometimes it feels like I've bitten off more than I can chew.", he replied with a small sigh as he placed his left hand on his stomach.

The housekeeper placed a gentle hand on his arm, her touch conveying both comfort and support. "You're stronger than you give yourself credit for, Thomas. You've faced hardships before and come out the other side. This is no different."

A tear escaped Thomas' eye, rolling down his cheek in a silent testament to the emotions swirling within him. "Thank you, Mrs. Hughes."

Before long she got up to leave, "Rest well, Thomas," she said softly, her voice a soothing presence in the room. She closed the door with a gentle click, leaving Thomas to find solace in the warmth of his bed.

As the room grew dimmer, Thomas nestled into the soft embrace of the blanket, grateful for the respite. He could feel the weight of exhaustion tugging at his body, his limbs heavy and drained from the events of the day. The comforting darkness beckoned him further into slumber's embrace.

His mind wandered as he lay there, reflecting on the recent changes in his life. The return to Downton had brought a mix of emotions, both familiar and new. Being back amongst the grandeur and routines of the estate felt like slipping into a well-worn garment, yet his heart yearned for the simplicity and tranquility he had experienced by the coast with Ellie.

The weight of his thoughts began to fade. Sleep wrapped around him like a comforting cocoon, easing his weariness. In his dreams, he saw visions of a future filled with love and joy, his family expanding with each passing day.

Images of Ellie's radiant smile and infectious laughter danced in his dreams. The moments they had shared, the milestones they had celebrated together, filled his heart with an overwhelming sense of pride and love. He knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, he would face them head-on for the sake of his children.