Chapter 1: Fresh Start.
Thomas walked into the servant's hall for the first time in two weeks. He had finally recovered enough from his injuries received at the fair to return to work. He felt happier than he had in months as he grinned at Jimmy who gave him a tentative smile in return.
"Morning Mr Barrow."
"Morning Jimmy."
"Glad to see you're doing better."
"So am I" replied Thomas. He moved across the room and took a seat next to Jimmy who stiffened for a moment before relaxing.
"So has anything exciting been happening in my absence?" asked Thomas pretending not to notice Jimmy's wariness.
"No not much. Mr Carson has been keeping us busy. Alfred and I have been setting up the new furniture in the guest rooms."
"Do you fancy a game of cards after dinner?" said Thomas trying to sound nonchalant as he pulled a packet of cigarettes out of his pocket, selected one, lit it and inhaled deeply.
Jimmy seemed to hesitate. "Not tonight. I think I might just get an early night. As I said we've had a lot of work to do lately. In fact I should probably get started. Mr Carson has us polishing all the silver. Are you coming Alfred?"
Jimmy turned to his left addressing the second footman as he rose from the table.
"Ye I'm coming" replied Alfred.
"Well enjoy" said Thomas giving the pair a strained smile so as to hide his disappointment.
"Some other time maybe" said Jimmy. "And again I'm pleased you're feeling better".
"Thanks" replied Thomas as he watched Jimmy and Alfred exit the servant's hall. As he slowly exhaled the smoke from his cigarette he tried to ignore the sharp pain in his chest he'd felt at Jimmy's refusal. But then it had only been recently that Jimmy had even begun speaking to him again after that night.
Thomas closed his eyes briefly as the shame; embarrassment and humiliation all came flooding back to him. He still couldn't believe how recklessly he had acted. He was always so careful when it came to things like that. But it had been a long time since Thomas had felt that kind of closeness with anyone and though he hated to admit it, he was lonely. The thought that there was even a slight chance his affections would be returned was just too much to resist.
But it was only a fantasy and having Jimmy reject him and the aftermath that followed was a big dose of reality. Jimmy didn't have the same kind of feelings Thomas had for him and Thomas's actions had almost cost him everything, his job, his freedom and his friendship with Jimmy. He opened his eyes and gave himself a mental shake.
After all he was lucky really. He still had his job and his freedom. And now he was even luckier as his relationship with Jimmy was beginning to be rebuilt. He was lucky. But he remained somewhat sorrowful for he knew it would be some time before his friendship with Jimmy would be what it was. And that is all it ever could be. A friendship.