Thomas Barrow Gets A Friend.
Thomas stood alone in the small vegetable garden of Downton Abbey on a fresh and frosty morning. Despite the cold he wore no jacket; his smart black waistcoat and perfectly groomed black hair contrasted against his crisp white shirt sleeves and the ground and trees that were covered with sparkling white crystals of ice. His steady breath hung like miniature clouds in the cold air.
He looked down at his shiny shoes as he methodically rocked the uneven paving slab under him; his mind reflectively running over the events of the last few days. A hotchpotch of memories, yet the butterflies in his stomach evoked within him feelings of the days of his youth, feelings of hopes and expectations. He looked up and with eyes closed, held his face towards the steadily rising sun, allowing it's gentle warmth to caress his face. It was comforting and a welcome relief from the cold.
A sudden noise; Thomas turned to see what had made it.
It was Jimmy, the new footman. Seeing he had been spotted, Jimmy quickly looked away, but then he found courage and looked up to return Thomas' stare.
Thomas smiled at him and raised his hand to say hello. Jimmy just stood there as if not knowing what to do...or was he just shy? They had never had chance to talk, they had only shared the occasional smile at breakfast or as they had passed each other in the corridor.
Thomas beckoned him over and the young blond footman slowly approached him.
Jimmy's face was serious. "What are you doing Mr Barrow?" he asked hesitantly.
Thomas shrugged and smiled at the younger man happily. "Just enjoying the fresh morning air...and thinking."
Jimmy nodded, thoughtful.
"I like it here" Thomas explained as he gazed upon the neat rows of vegetables. "It clears my head."
Jimmy moved closer to Thomas to share his view of the garden. They stood silently side by side, the young servants in their smart liveries.
Thomas sensed the blond footman looking up at him and turned.
"Where are you from?" Thomas tried.
"Scarborough...originally" Jimmy replied slowly.
"Scarborough" Thomas repeated, nodding.
"I worked for Lady Anstruther before I came here."
"Ah" Thomas acknowledged. "Do you like it here?"
"It's ok" Jimmy replied, glancing at the ground, "but..."
"Jimmy!" Alfred called, suddenly appearing around the corner of the tall hedge. "You're needed!"
Jimmy's face fell. "I've got to go" he said, a hint of sadness in his eyes.
"I'll walk with you" Thomas offered. "I'm freezing to death out here."
They walked towards the house in silence until Jimmy spoke. "Can I ask you something Mr Barrow?"
"Yes, of course" Thomas replied politely, but drew in a deep breath apprehensively.
Jimmy stopped and turned to face him, blinking nervously. "They say...they say..."
Thomas' face hardened. "What do they say?" he asked.
"...They say...you're trouble, and I should...stay away from you." Jimmy's voice trailed off. He couldn't hold Thomas' gaze.
"Do they?" Thomas asked, with suppressed venom in his voice. It wasn't Jimmy's fault of course but the words hit Thomas like a ton of bricks. Even after he had mellowed and no longer viewed the whole world as his enemy and was now a lot kinder as a person, the staff he worked with were still keeping their guard up against him. He had sensed this distance of course, but he had given them the benefit of the doubt. Now he thought about it, not many bothered to speak to him, unless it was a request or order. Maybe Anna was the exception, she spoke kindly to him on the odd days he was down and looked gloomy, but even she didn't speak to him when with her husband.
"What else do they say?" Thomas demanded.
"That's about it" Jimmy added, under his breath. He felt guilty now. Thomas had lost his winning smile.
"I see..." Thomas said, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other. "So, what do you say?"
Jimmy looked up at him. "I say they're wrong!" he replied eagerly. He turned away shyly and made his leave.
Thomas stared after him. Could someone be so kind to him? Before they even really knew him? Even though everyone had warned him otherwise? He saw it now. Jimmy was different; Jimmy was special.
"What were you going to ask me?" he shouted after the young footman.
Jimmy stopped and looked back, holding the door ajar.
"I was going to ask if you needed a friend" he shouted. He gave an awkward smile and then he was gone.
Thomas gave a gasp. "Yes...I do."