"Mr Branson," Mrs Hughes said as he came rushing into the servants hall.
"I need someone to call for Doctor Clarkson. James, you need to come with me now," Mr Branson said and James rushed upstairs after him in confusion. Anna called for the doctor and everyone became worried.
"What's going on?"
"Why did he ask for James?"
"I don't know."
"Where's Thomas this morning?"
"He's going about his duties. There's not much that we can do now."
Screaming filled the air and James's heart fell when he saw Thomas. He was sat against a wall, his bad hand shaking and he was screaming in pain.
"What's wrong with him?" James asked as they knelt beside Thomas.
"I don't know. His hand became painful and now nothing is helping him."
"Thomas. Thomas, try to calm down. Just..."
"GARRARGHARGAHRAGRHARGH!"
"Thomas."
"Doctor Clarkson is coming, I fear that's all we can do."
"Can't we knock him out?"
"That may work," Branson said and he went to find a heavy candlestick. Feeling helpless, James took Thomas's good hand in his own and he gripped it.
"Bare it Thomas. We're getting you help."
"ARGHARGHARGHARGHARGH!"
"This is the best one that I could find," Branson said as he returned holding a candlestick.
"Why is his pain so severe? I don't understand."
"Neither do I," Branson said as he knelt down and he raised the candlestick.
"Arh..." Thomas sighed, ceasing his screaming, and he looked away. Branson lowered the candlestick.
"Thomas?"
"Thomas, look at me."
"Thomas? Can you hear us?"
"Thomas, it's James," James said as he rubbed Thomas's hand.
"Thomas?" Branson asked, and Thomas fell unconscious.
"What's happening to him?"
"I don't know," Branson said before he took Thomas's pulse. "He has a pulse and he's breathing. He's doing alright."
~
"Thomas? Are you awake? It's Jimmy."
"Jimmy?"
"Yeah. How are you feeling?"
"Terrible. Where am I?"
"You're in the hospital. You've had to have surgery on your hand. They've fixed it, so you won't be able to move it."
"Are you... holding my hand?"
"Yes. I am."
"Why?" Thomas asked with a small smile.
"Because I've been worried about you. And I knew that it would comfort you."
"Thank you," Thomas said with a smile and he gripped Jimmy's hand back. "How long have I been here for?"
"Two days. Mr Branson came by last night to see how you were, but you were in surgery."
"Mr Branson?"
"Yes. He found you first when you were in pain."
"Oh, yes."
"When I return to Downton tonight, I will let him know that you are awake and doing well."
"Thank you."
"What do you want to talk about?"
"Anything."
"Alright," James said. They talked until Thomas fell asleep and James left him.
~
"Mr Branson."
"James. Have you come from the hospital?"
"I have. Mr Barrow is awake and he is well."
"I am glad to hear that. Get some rest, you have done Thomas a great service by staying with him."
"He took a beating for me. It has been good to start to return the favour."
"Indeed. I will go to him tomorrow. Carry on as you normally are."
"Goodnight Mr Branson."
"And James," Tom called and James looked back. "Was the surgery successful?"
"It was. It has severely limited the movement in Thomas's hand, but it has stopped the agonising pain and he will be alright."
"Good. I am glad that it went well. Goodnight."
