✔️ shadows of desire | downton abbey

chapter 36

Arriving at Downton Abbey still felt surreal. It wasn't the place that had changed—it was me. For the first time, I stepped through the grand doors not as a servant but as a guest, and the weight of that shift pressed on me like an unfamiliar garment.

"Eden Barrow. What a nice surprise it is to see you again," Mrs. Hughes greeted warmly as she approached from the hall, her eyes lighting up with recognition.

I smiled. "It's so good to see you, Mrs. Hughes. I've been meaning to thank you."

"For what, my dear?" she asked, her brow furrowing slightly.

"For believing in me," I replied earnestly, my voice softening. "For treating me like a human being when I worked here. You made it feel like I had a purpose, like I was worth something."

Mrs. Hughes's stern demeanor softened further, and she returned my smile with a warmth that could rival the fire roaring in the drawing room. "That's kind of you to say, Eden. But the credit belongs to you. You worked hard and earned every bit of respect." She patted my arm gently. "Now, there's some tea in the drawing room if you're staying a while."

"I actually came to see Thomas," I admitted, glancing around. "If he's not too busy, that is."

Mrs. Hughes frowned slightly. "I'm afraid he's got the day off today. You could try the village—"

"Ah, Denny," a familiar voice called from the entrance hall. "What are you doing here?"

I turned to see Thomas striding in, his coat draped over his arm and a teasing smirk on his lips.

"Ah, there he is. I'll leave you two to it," Mrs. Hughes said, excusing herself.

I smiled at Thomas. "Just the person I wanted to see."

His smirk turned into an intrigued grin. "What's on your mind, then?"

"I need to tell Ma and Pa that I'm getting married," I said carefully, watching his reaction. "Will you come with me?"

He raised an eyebrow, chuckling dryly. "Do you think that's wise?"

I sighed heavily. "Probably not. But I can't stand the idea of them throwing a tantrum on the day and ruining it. You know them. They'll find some way to poison the moment if I don't do this now."

Thomas let out a short laugh, his amusement tinged with resignation. "Yes, that sounds like them." He paused, thinking it over, then nodded. "Alright, I'll come. But you know how they'll react. Don't expect them to be happy for you."

I hooked my arm through his, grateful for his support. The walk to the village was quiet but pleasant, the air crisp and biting against my skin as the winter wind whispered through the trees.

"Remember something, Denny," Thomas said suddenly, his voice firm. "No matter what happens in there, I'll be with you."

I smiled up at him, my heart tightening at the thoughtfulness in his words. "Thank you. It means more than you know."

As we approached the familiar, weathered house, my chest tightened. "This weather reminds me of when Ma locked me out after I nicked that cookie," I murmured, a bitter smile tugging at my lips.

Thomas nodded grimly. "I remember. You were in that thin dress, shivering. But I let you back in once they'd gone to bed."

"We hid in the attic until morning," I recalled, the faintest smile crossing my lips.

"Our only escape," he replied, his tone dark but understanding.

We reached the door, and I knocked. The wood felt rough under my knuckles, and a chill settled over me as I heard heavy footsteps approaching.