✔️ shadows of desire | downton abbey

chapter 2

Thomas and I stood opposite each other, the flickering candlelight casting shadows across the room. My heart skipped a beat as I took in his appearance; I had never realized how striking he looked in his livery. In contrast, I felt self-conscious in my housemaid dress, convinced I looked ridiculous.

The dinner had just concluded, and we were busy clearing the table. As Thomas passed by, he leaned in and murmured, "You seem to have impressed his Lordship tonight."

Trying to appear nonchalant, I replied, "Well, if I want to stay here, then I must, mustn't I?"

Thomas chuckled softly, a familiar sound that brought a rush of childhood memories. "Oh Denny, don't worry about that," he said, using my old nickname before disappearing into the kitchen.

I sighed, rolling my eyes at his casual reassurance. Despite his words, I felt the weight of expectation pressing down on me. I returned to the dining room, diligently cleaning off the table as Mrs. Daughtler had requested.

The door creaked open, and I expected to see one of the other servants. Instead, I looked up and found myself face-to-face with the familiar man from the train. His eyes lit up with recognition, and he smiled warmly.

"Can I help you?" I asked, trying to mask my surprise and curiosity.

He stepped closer, his smile deepening. "I do remember you. From the train."

My heart fluttered at his words, and for a moment, the bustling world of Downton Abbey faded away, leaving just the two of us and the unspoken connection that lingered between us.

"Yes. Is there anything else you need?" I asked coldly, my voice dripping with icy disdain.

"No," he replied, with an infuriatingly nonchalant tone, "I just wanted to be sure I recognized you from somewhere. Glad to see you made it to your destination."

I forced a smile, one that barely concealed my irritation. "Glad someone found their eyes in the back of their head."

He had the nerve to look sheepish. "Again, I'm really sorry. Everything just happened so quickly."

I nodded, feigning understanding. "I understand. I forgive you. Now, if you don't need anything else, I need to continue with my work."

"How long have you been working here?" he persisted, as if this conversation was the highlight of his evening.

"I started yesterday. I'm a housemaid," I said, with a pointed look that screamed, 'Can you not tell I'm busy?'

His eyebrow furrowed in a way that made me want to punch it. "A housemaid that serves dinner?"

"One of the footmen had gotten ill before my arrival," I snapped, my patience wearing thin. "I know a thing or two about serving. My brother has been doing it for years."

He nodded, finally taking the hint and leaving the dining room. As he walked away, I couldn't help but think what an odd encounter it had been. Of course, I remembered him. From the train. How could I forget? He had thrown his goddamn suitcase to the ground and nearly knocked me over while picking it up.

"Denny, you alright?" Thomas asked, his voice softening with concern as he stepped closer.

I sighed, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on me. "Yes, just a lot to take in."

"You do know you can tell me anything," he said, his eyes searching mine for any sign of trouble.

I nodded, offering a faint smile. "I do. I'm fine."

Thomas studied me for a moment longer before nodding slowly. "Alright, but don't overwork yourself. You're still new here."

I glanced back at the now-empty dining room, the echo of that infuriating encounter still ringing in my ears. "I'll be fine, Thomas. I just need to get used to everything."