Love Bite

Chapter 2

Jimmy was thankful at how professional Thomas was when people were around. He was much more relaxed with Thomas when at least another member of staff was included among the gathering. Jimmy tried to at least have Alfred around, although it seemed to make it awkward. Alfred and Thomas would exchange strange looks between each other. Looks of warning. Thomas smiled when he exchanged these looks while Alfred only grimaced back at him. There was some sort of secret conversation going on between them and Jimmy did not want to be a part of it.

The next few months Jimmy felt more at ease in the big house and was now recognized as member of staff instead of the new man. As the months past, the house became restless as Lady Sybil's due date approached. Both upstairs and downstairs were getting excited and nervous for the coming arrival. The maids mostly talked about babies and families and Jimmy only shook his head and went on his way. Of course he wouldn't mind settling down and having a family of his own, but not right now while he was young. That's what he didn't understand about women. The moment they were out from their mothers, they were husband hunting. They didn't seem to care about adventure or learning about the world. They were interested in making babies, which Jimmy was not.

"I'd be in the city if I were having a baby," Ivy said as she picked up the breakfast dishes, "With all the modern inventions."

"Far away from everyone you know and trust," Anna questioned, "I don't think I would."

"Why're you talkin about having babies for Ivy," Mrs. Patmore interrupted.

"Its always an idea to be prepared," Jimmy said with a smile. Ivy smiled back at his response. Shew as a nice girl, and was practically in love with Jimmy, but she wasn't really his type. Infact, Jimmy really didn't know what his type was.

"I expect you're always prepared," Thomas said looking up at Jimmy. Jimmy swallowed as he tried his best to be polite and not look at his eyes, or lips, or nose, maybe look at his hair.

"I try to be, Mr. Barrow," Jimmy stated. Thomas smiled as Mr. Carson cleared his throat.

"I don't like the direction this conversation is taking," he said, "Could we all begin the days task please?"

At that everyone stood up.

"Now remember, Lady Sybil is in a delicate condition so no noise on the gallery."

Jimmy walked out the room, as Ivy continued her baby talk but was stopped by Mr. Carson.

"James," he said.

"Yes, Mr. Carson."

"Would you be so kind as to wind the clocks?"

Jimmy froze before he answered.

"Yes, Mr. Carson. Right away."

Mr. Carson nodded then went on to his office, while Jimmy stayed in the hall puzzled. He's never been asked to wind a clock and doesn't know much about them except they tic and tell the time. He wasn't sure how long he stayed fidgeting but suddenly he heard a woman's voice.

"You look a bit puzzled," Ms. O'brien said.

"I am," Jimmy replied, "Mr. Carson asked me to wind the clocks."

"You must be doing well," she replied, "In this house, that marks you down as first footman more than anything."

"That's just it," Jimmy said, "I said thank you, right away, but I know nothin about clocks."

"You'd better ask Mr. Barrow. He's the clock expert. He used to wind them but of course it's quite wrong for a valet to do it."

Jimmy became jumpy.