Being a Barrow - A Sequel to Barrow's Boy

The Time is Out of Joint

     Theodore debated what he wanted to do for the parade for the entire walk there. He knew that he should go, as it seemed far too big of an event for him to miss out on. But, in the end, he did not really have to make the decision himself. 

    Thomas had opted to stay behind, so Teddy walked down with some of the Downton staff, staying with Mrs. Baxter and trying not to get annoyed at Carson's entire prideful attitude -  Honestly, you'd think the man had invited the King to Downton himself with how he was acting. With them were also Mrs. Hughes, Andy, Daisy, Mr. Bates, and Mr. Molesley. Teddy wasn't sure why he was surprised when they suggested he just stay with them; he'd known them all his life after all, but there was a sweet unexpectedness that convinced him to stay. 

    Anna joined them at some point as God Save The King started playing, but Teddy wasn't paying much attention to her. From where he stood, he could see where the Ashtons were standing near the stage, and he and Ashton were busily engaged in some sort of telepathic conversation. Ashton would raise his eyebrows, and Teddy would shrug, and then Ash would roll his eyes. Theodore wasn't even sure what exactly they were communicating; it just got cut off by Mr. Ashton noticing and nudging his son to act properly. 

     Was the King's Parade a very exciting event? Theodore couldn't exactly say yes. But every once in a while, he and Ashton would glance at each other and make some sort of gesture. Ashton's family had the privilege of front-row seats, so, from Ashton's sitting position, the young man made a gesture of wanting to fall asleep by closing his eyes and leaning his head toward his shoulder. Theodore, standing behind the seated Mr. Carson, held back his laugh and, trying to ask his question, pointed to the horses, then started counting on his fingers, then shrugged in that questioning way. Ashton, bless his soul, seemed to understand. He counted and then held up six fingers, pointed at the horses, and added a seventh. It was at this point that his father realized that they had continued their communication and once again chastised his son into paying attention. 

      "What are you two doing?" Andy asked in a hushed voice. Standing over Teddy's shoulder, he must have been able to watch the whole exchange. Teddy turned to look at him and smiled. 

     "If he understood my question, then he's saying that this is the seventh time he's had to watch this thing. I'm gathering that he's quite tired of it."

     Andy smiled, quietly chuckling.

     "Not his idea of fun then?"

     "Andy, please," Teddy answered. "We're medical students. We need a little more than this."

     Maurice, the fancy royal footman, was in Teddy's reading place again. Ever since he'd discovered that Theodore and Ashton were friends, he'd been smart enough to keep his distance. Theodore was glad for it, considering that he could not promise that he wouldn't go absolutely feral in their next interaction. Honestly, if the man even tried to say another word about Ashton, Theodore would not hesitate to grab the nearest sharp thing and just go for it.

     Perhaps he should still be carrying around that pen from Mae.

     Theodore had gotten through Hamlet now and was planning to shift back to one of his medical books to ensure he didn't forget anything over the summer. But how was he supposed to be reading about anatomy when Maurice was lingering, putting a gloom into the whole atmosphere?

     "Can I help you?" Maurice asked as Theodore situated himself in the room. It wasn't Maurice's Abbey, after all. A cigarette dangled from Maurice's fingers, smoke drifting up from it. It made Teddy want to snatch the thing and stomp it out.