The New Maid

Chapter 4

DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything of the Downton Abbey series. Also, I apologize in advance for any typos or grammatical errors. I just write this story for fun. I hope you will enjoy reading it, as much as I enjoy writing it!

_________________________

The sound of cutlery being placed down sounded through the servants' hall as they finished their dinner.

"I see you did finish it in time today." Jimmy said to Katherine, who he was sitting next to.

"I did, I was quite hungry." She said and chuckled.

Mr Carson stood up and so did the rest. "Back to work everyone." He said and walked out. Everyone did as he said and started working again.

Katherine wanted to walk away too but she saw Mr Barrow looking at her. He beckoned her over to him.

"So, do we have a deal?" He asked quietly.

She looked up at him confused. "I'm not quite sure what you are talking about Mr Barrow."

"What we talked about in the boot room this afternoon." He said.

"Oh that.. I'm not sure, it doesn't feel right.." She answered.

"As I said, it can be very handy to have me on your side, I can help you with whatever your want. But it's up to you, if you don't think it's right.."

She wasn't sure of what to say and just stared the other way awkwardly.

"Look, if you want to stay, you help me, if not you'll have a very unfortunate time here." He said threatening.

She looked up at him again, feeling rather scared. He knew she was, he knew she was scared of him and took advance of that, which he very much enjoyed.

"What do I get in return if I help you?" She asked, trying to stand up as tall as she could. Be he seemed to do the same thing and when he did it, it was a lot more intimidating.

"Everything you want. It seems like Jimmy is rather fond of you." Mr Barrow said.

"If you say so." She said and felt herself blush.

"Everyone with eyes can see that, Miss Turner."

She didn't answer him.

"Well, do we have a deal?"

"Fine then." She eventually answered.

"Good. Now let's get back to work." He said and walked off like nothing happened.

Katherine still stood there a bit dumbfounded.

"Are you quite alright?" Anna asked as she looked at her.

"Yes, yes just fine." Katherine answered. She forced a smile and walked off.

The days passed by and Katherine started to feel more and more at home. One evening she was sitting in the servants' hall with Jimmy.

"Can I ask you something?" Katherine asked him.

"Go ahead." Jimmy answered.

"I don't want to be rude, but do you know Mr Branson's story?" She asked carefully.

"What exactly do you mean?"

"Well, he just seems different than the others, you see? He always is very kind to me, and he's been married to someone of this family, hasn't he?"