Kent?
Thomas questioned in his mind. The name was unfamiliar to him but was very familiar to the family. The Kents' were long friends of the Grantham since before Lord Grantham married. Apparently the Kents' were present and were also just married. Thomas really didn't care about all that, he was more interested in the fact he was to not only dress Lord Grantham, but the Kent's son, James.
"Why not let Alfred valet," Mrs. O'brien butted in. Mr. Carson sighed. Thomas rolled his eyes.
"I may have to agree with, Mrs. O'brien on this on, Mr. Carson," Mrs. Hughes said, "Unless Thomas thinks he can handle Lord Grantham and James Kent. I've heard he's quite a handful."
"Which is precisely why I'd prefer to keep Alfred as a footman. For people like the Kents', we must have our best."
"Then let Alfred dress his lordhsip and Thomas dress young Kent."
Mr. Carson looked at Mrs. Hughes then at Thomas.
"If His lordship is willing to replace Thomas with Alfred and Thomas has no objections," Mr. Carson said looking at Thomas.
"No, Mr. Carson," Thomas said. He was quite excited to valet for someone new, but he'd be sure to keep his wits about him this time and not fall again.
"Well then, I'll head upstairs and ask His Lordship if he'd be willing to accept Alfred as his valet for the time being until the Kents' have left."
"How long are they staying," Thomas asked.
"I believe only for three days, but the last time they were here, they stayed nearly a week. Would've stayed longer, but Lady Kent went into labor and they had to leave. Haven't been back since in fact."
Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes left the office leaving Thomas and O'brien alone.
"Thomas," O'brien said. He looked at her.
"Perhaps you can give him some pointers," O'brien said, "What ever difference we've had is behind us. All I'm asking is for you to tell him what is good to do and what is not."
"I never had help when I became his lordship's valet," Thomas stated.
"Because you never asked."
"Well then, Alfred's a big boy so surely he doesn't need his auntie to ask help for him. If he wants help then he can ask me."
O'brien glared then left the room. Thomas smiled slightly then as well left the office and prepared himself to serve this James Kent.
It was awfully cold to be standing out waiting but its what they had to do. Unfortunately, Lord Grantham was not happy about it, not to mention, the Kents' were five minutes late. Thomas took note of it as he pulled out his pocket watch to look at the time. Suddenly two black motor cars began to drive up and Thomas could not feel more relieved.
"Oh thank God," he heard Lord Grantham say. Everyone stood still and the Grantham's smiled as the cars parked in front of them. Lady Kent quickly got out of the car without waiting for Alfred to open it, so instead Alfred stood by the door.
"Oh, Cora," Lady Kent said and rushed over to hug Lady Grantham. Lady Kent was in fact a beautiful woman. Her hair was light brown and curled tight. The paint on her face was perfect and her lips were a nice shade of red. Thomas always grimaced when he saw women with coats and coats of red on their lips. Lord Kent was quite handsome. He reminded Thomas of the Duke the way he cared about his appearance. Not a wrinkle was seen nor sight of gray on his head. Thomas questioned if the Kents' were really the same age as the Grantham's or more interested in modern beauty.
"Maria," Lady Grantham said as she hugged Lady Kent. Lord Kent walked over and shook hands with Lord Grantham.
"Glad to see you've finally been able to make it to Downton," Lord Grantham said.
"Yes, every time we try, we run into trouble," Lord Kent replied.
"Speaking of trouble, I thought your son was coming along. Did something happen?"
Lord Kent turned around and sighed.
"No, he came along. He's in the car, reading a music book he purchased before we left no doubt. James!"
Alfred opened up the door to the other car and Thomas froze entirely in place. A very handsome young man walked out. Thomas took in every inch of James Kent and slightly smiled. He wore an ashy grey hat that matched with his ashy grey suit. His eyes were deep ocean blue and his skin was lightly tanned that made his eyes even deeper. His lips were full and pink, no doubt soft to the touch. Thomas swallowed as James looked over at him.
"Welcome to Downton, James," Lord Grantham said, extending out his hand. James took it and nodded.
"Thank you," James replied.
And he's got such an angelic voice too... Thomas noted. What it must sound like when he moaned or cried out in pleasure. Thomas immediately stopped his thoughts from treading down that road.
Besides, he's too young for you, Thomas thought. But he couldn't help but let his eyes wander.
"I thank you for letting us use one of your staff to valet for James."
"No, not at all, and I'm sorry for Rodger. Will he be alright?"
"We hope so, but he got a rather nasty illness. Not even sure what it was."
"I am dreadfully sorry, so allow me to introduce Mr. Barrow," Lord Grantham said and Thomas took a step forward, "He will be looking after your son and I can say for myself he will please. He has been taking care of me as a temporary substitute for my own, and I couldn't be more pleased with Mr. Barrow."
"Ah, well then thank you," Lord Kent said, "It is dreadfully cold. Perhaps we should go inside and talk more in the warmth."
"You are absolutely right, old friend," Lord Grantham said, "Mr. Barrow will show James to his room and all your belongings will be packed away while we talk about the changes of the world."
He carried James's luggage, with Alfred to help him, up the stairs, followed by James who was reading his music book. While they walked, James tapped his fingers as he would on a piano. Thomas took note of it in curiosity. Once they finally got to the room, Thomas and Alfred set the luggage down. They both couldn't believe how much someone could pack for just a couple of days. Thomas began to put away James's clothing, while James sat down on the bed and continued to read and tap his fingers.
"How long have you worked here," James asked. Thomas jumped slightly but quickly regained himself.
"I've worked here for ten years, my lord," Thomas replied.
"Please don't call me that," James said, "And don't call me James."
Thomas turned around and looked at James, confused.
"Then, what am I to call you, sir," Thomas asked.
James smiled.
"Jimmy," he replied, "Call me Jimmy and don't say sir to me again. Well...maybe downstairs you should, but not up here. I hate being called James."
"Of course, Jimmy," Thomas said, a little uncomfortable with being so familiar but also, quite intrigued.
Jimmy smiled and Thomas blushed.
What a beautiful smile. I wonder how many times I can make him smile.
Thomas shook his head then continued on packing Jimmy's clothes.
"My father hates it," Jimmy said, "When I make the servants call me Jimmy. They get so confused so it tends to get a little frustrating, no doubt, well...it did until he finally gave up and let them call me Jimmy. Unless there were company then I'd have to suffer in silence."
Thomas smiled at Jimmy as he set out the shoes.
"I'd get a good slap on the ear from Mr. Carson if he ever caught me calling them by their name."
Jimmy laughed.
A wonderful laugh too.
"You poor sod, I never understood why that was. My father always says, 'Don't think of them as servants. Think of them as members of your family. You'd do anything for your family and it is our job to make sure they are taken care of while they take care of us.' Yes, such as pay them for cleaning up after us, bringing us food when we're hungry, decorating, making the beds, and even dressing us. Honestly, I don't want a valet. I have arms and I can dress myself, but father says 'Its improper. You have to have a valet."
"I'm sorry," Thomas said.
"I don't mean to insult you," Jimmy said standing up, "its just...I never understood why we need people to dress us. Are we too high and mighty we can't even touch the garments before they reach our bodies?"
Thomas laughed as well as Jimmy.
"Some believe so," Thomas answered.
"Well, I know we are supposed to provide jobs but if you don't need someone, then why have them. I wouldn't just sack the lot of them. I'd keep them on and make them do...other more useful things."
"Well, one day you are going to have to make that decision," Thomas said as he closed the wardrobe and turned to Jimmy. Jimmy made a disgusted face and looked down.
"Don't remind me. I hate being the heir of our estate. Why couldn't they find someone who wants it. I'd love to switch places and be a servant. Be useful."
Thomas laughed.
"Trust me, you don't want to be a servant."
Jimmy smiled again.
"What do you want to be," Jimmy asked.
Thomas was quite taken aback by the question. He never thought about it. He thought about improving his rank to the highest and become a butler but that was it.
"I never thought I could be anything, really," Thomas replied.
"Oh that won't do," Jimmy said and walked over to Thomas, "Surely there must've been something you dreamed about doing at one point."
Thomas thought hard about it.
"A clockmaker."
Jimmy's eyebrows shot up and he smiled.
"My, a clockmaker," Jimmy said, "Why aren't you going for it now?"
"My dad was a clockmaker, but..." Thomas didn't know how to say it. How could he tell someone as high up as Jimmy that his father threw him out on the streets after learning of the "sort" Thomas was. He searched and searched for the right words.
"...we had some differences in views and...we had a fight. I left and found a job here. All I could think about was being the best and showing my father wrong."
"I'm sorry," Jimmy said then clasped Thomas's arm, "Truly."
Thomas stood frozen at the warm touch.
"So," Jimmy said, "I do have a certain way I like things so," Jimmy leaned in closer to Thomas, "be gentle, Mr. Barrow."
Thomas's breath hitched as he looked at Jimmy's amused face. He looked into his eyes and saw nothing but amusement.
He's playing me.
Thomas swallowed then turned away.
"We're short a footman, " Thomas said shaking, "and I must serve as a replacement until we find one. I should be polishing silver right now so I'm afraid I must be going now, my-Jimmy."
"Oh," Jimmy said with an eyebrow raised, "Well then, I don't want to keep you from your duties."
"Good day, Jimmy," Thomas said and quickly before Jimmy could say a word back. Thomas let out a heavy breath and looked at his hands. They were shaking bad. He wanted to reach up and cup Jimmy's face, then pull him in, but he couldn't. He wouldn't make the same mistake again. Jimmy was only playing him. He was a form of entertainment during his stay.
Spoiled brat, Thomas thought while he made his way back downstairs.
Thinks he can play with me, well JIMMY, you want a game...you've got a game.
Jimmy sat on his bed in a huff. Why wasn't Mr. Barrow playing along. Mr. Barrow was no doubt interested in Jimmy and it was no surprise. Jimmy was handsome. Too handsome. He could catch the eye of anyone he wanted to. He was bored and always needed some form of attention. Never really found it in his parents but his servants. His servants were the perfect source of amusement, and all sorts of fun. It was illegal, but he wouldn't get in trouble. No, he was a Kent, a well known name. It'd be a scandal, and a wonderful scandal indeed to seduce a Grantham's servant, much less, his own valet. But this one, was resistant. The way Mr. Barrow had shivered and blushed only showed Jimmy he was caught. Poor Mr. Barrow was caught in Jimmy's web. A little fly and all Jimmy had to do was wrap him in love and he only had three days to do it.
That's the problem.
He doubted he could make Mr. Barrow fall utterly in Jimmy's spell in such a short amount of time, so he needed to get more.
Maybe that won't be a problem. I can always ask father to stay a couple more days. Perhaps even request I show Mr. Barrow exactly the way I like things done. I'll have you Mr. Barrow. You are already trapped with no where to go.