After working as a footman for the Crawley family in London, Andy Parker was disappointed to be returning to his job as a hallboy. He had hoped to be kept on but thought his escapades with Miss Denker had cost him his chance. Therefore, it came as a welcome surprise when he received a letter from Mr. Carson offering him a place at Downton Abbey. Somehow he knew he owed this bit of good fortune to Thomas Barrow. The two had gotten on well during their week together, and Andy thought of him often. Upon arriving at the Abbey, he was quick to seek out the other man and thought he seemed happy to see him again too.

The first few weeks were a struggle for the footman. He was determined to do well in his new post, but things had never come easily for him. Luckily, Mr. Barrow was always there to steer him in the right direction and keep him out of harm's way. Andy was very grateful for all his help. He was surprised therefore to discover that the rest of the staff didn't share his good opinion of the underbutler. He noted the barely concealed contempt downstairs and the snide comments made behind Thomas' back. It made him angry, but he kept his feelings to himself.

One day at luncheon, Andy overheard a couple of the maids eagerly discussing something called the Servants' Ball. He wondered what it was but didn't wish to interrupt them. Later, he spotted Thomas smoking outside in the courtyard despite the frigid temperature and set out to ask him.

Barrow turned to see Andy approaching and smiled. He had grown very fond of the lad and welcomed his company. "You're going to freeze out here."

"What about you?" Andy countered.

Thomas shrugged indifferently.

Andy nodded toward the cigarette in his hand. "Can I have one?"

Thomas looked uncertain. "Have you ever smoked before?"

"No, but I thought I might like to take it up." Andy knew the older man still saw him as a boy, and he hoped smoking would make him appear more mature and sophisticated.

Thomas obliged, watching as Andy placed the cigarette between his lips. He lit it for him as the footman took a long pull into his lungs. Andy immediately started choking. "You don't need to inhale quite so deep," Thomas advised him when the spell subsided.

Andy nodded in embarrassment. He tried again and managed not to cough this time although the smoke burned inside his chest. "I wanted to ask you about the Servants' Ball. I heard the maids talking about it earlier."

Thomas explained. "Every year, His Lordship throws a dance for everyone in the great hall. There's lots of food and punch, and everyone has a good time."

"A dance for us?" Andy looked troubled.

"It's for the family too."

"What do you mean?" Andy took another long pull from the cigarette. He didn't like it much but supposed he would get used to it.

"We dance with the family members. Mr. Carson opens the ball with Her Ladyship while Lord Grantham partners Mrs. Hughes. Then everyone else joins in too."

"Who do you dance with?" The footman was beginning to feel a bit light-headed and queasy.

"I always dance the first one with old Lady Grantham."

"The Dowager?" Andy was in awe; the aged Countess intimidated him.

Thomas nodded. Although he'd never admit it, he greatly admired the elderly woman. He thought her a very sharp and tough old bird.

Andy felt his stomach lurch. With a sense of horror, he realized he was going to be sick. Thomas was staring at him. "Are you alright, Andy? You've gone a bit green."

In answer, the footman promptly turned away and vomited his lunch. He was immediately apologetic. "I'm sorry, Mr. Barrow. Did I get any on your shoes?"

"It's fine, but perhaps you weren't cut out to be a smoker."

"I didn't really like it anyway."

That evening after all the servants had gone upstairs, Thomas heard a knock on his door, and Andy stuck his head in. "Can I please speak with you, Mr. Barrow."

Thomas put down the novel he was reading and waved him inside. "Better leave the door open."

Andy seemed puzzled by that but obeyed. He looked about the room but saw no personal items except a framed photograph beside the bed. Whatever else there might have been, Thomas kept carefully hidden away. "I was thinking about the ball. You said that the family dances with the servants. Did you mean just the senior members of staff?" the footman asked hopefully.

"No, I meant everyone."

"So that would include me."

"You and Molesley will partner the Crawley sisters for the first number."

"Lady Mary?" Andy looked aghast.

Thomas smiled, remembering his first ball at Downton and his waltz with the elegant aristocrat that had left him feeling foolish and angry. "You should probably leave her to Molesley and ask Lady Edith instead."

Andy didn't reply.

"Don't worry. After a few dances, they go upstairs, and then you can dance with Daisy."

"Daisy?"

"I see the two of you talking all the time. I thought—"

"We're just friends."

Now it was Thomas' turn to be puzzled. "Well, you don't have to marry her to dance with her."

Andy was lost in thought. "The thing is, Mr. Barrow, I won't be dancing with anyone. I-I don't know how."

Thomas was surprised. "You never learned?"

Andy hung his head in shame. "I guess I'd better let Mr. Carson know."

The underbutler's eyebrows shot him a warning. "He won't like that."

"What else can I do?"

"You've got time to learn a few dances. Why don't you ask one of the maids to show you?"

"I couldn't do that, Mr. Barrow. I'd feel too stupid." Andy gave him a pleading look. "Could you teach me? Are you any good?"

Thomas pretended to be affronted. "I'll have you know I'm very good."

"Then will you?"

The older man shook his head. "Andy—"

"Please, Mr. Barrow. All my life, people have laughed at me because I'm not clever and get things wrong most of the time, but you never laugh at me."

Thomas looked sympathetically at the new footman. He knew what it was like to be the butt of others' jokes. "If anyone laughs at you, refer them to me, and I'll set them straight."

Andy fixed him with a grateful smile. "Will you show me then?"

Thomas knew he couldn't be alone with Andy without causing a furor among the other servants. They were happy for him to help the footman with his duties, but that was all. The incident with Jimmy Kent was still fresh in their minds, even after all these years, and Andy was very young indeed. "I'm sorry, Andy, but I don't think that would be a good idea. You should ask Daisy instead."

The footman looked disappointed but nodded resignedly. "I understand, Mr. Barrow. Goodnight." He returned to his room and eventually fell into a troubled sleep.