What Happens In London...
Summary: Robert misses having Thomas as his valet so he when he takes a trip to London he brings Thomas along. Slash. Crack. Twoshot. AU from 3.08.
"There you are My Lord, all ready."
"Thank-you Bates," Robert replies. With Bates back as his valet, everything is as it should be but still, something feels amiss. Robert pushes this thought away and heads downstairs for dinner. The shake-up downstairs is evident when Robert enters the dining room. There's James looking fine, even if a little too pleased with himself, in his first footman livery. Carson is here as always but with him is Barrow, in his position as under-butler. Robert is surprisingly relived to see him here in his new role.
Dinner is pleasantly relaxed, it finally feels as though everyone is happy and doing what they should be doing. Sybil's absence is the only dampener, but now that Tom has decided to stay on in the house, Robert will have his granddaughter close and that's a comfort. Of course in the last year Robert's had to reassess much of how he views the world and, for lack of a better phrase, sacrifice many of his principles. Now that everyone and everything is sorted and thankfully with no dramas to contend with, Robert is perhaps not quite as focused on the dinner conversation as he should be. Through no conscious effort on his part his thoughts keep wandering back to Barrow. He wonders if Barrow is happy in his new position and strangely it's not concern for the running of the house that's making him think this way. It's as though he actually wants to know, for Barrow's sake. Robert resolves to ask him when dinner concludes.
The ladies make their way to the drawing room and Matthew and Tom retire to the library, Robert promises to join them shortly.
"May I have a word Barrow?"
"Certainly My Lord," Barrow answers.
"How are you finding your new appointment suits you Mr Barrow?" Robert asks, hoping his question doesn't sound too out of place. Barrow looks at him consideringly before replying.
"Very well My Lord."
"I'm glad to hear it," Robert says, and he means it, even if he is slightly disappointed.
xxx
Robert has some business to attend to in London. He'll be gone for a few days and will need to take a valet with him. He's reluctant to take Bates away from his wife as they are still setting up their home. At least that's what he tells himself. Maybe Barrow would be a better choice, Robert's sure Carson will manage a few days without him.
"Bates, I thought to leave you here when I go to London. I don't wish to trouble you with leaving Mrs Bates alone at the moment."
"It's no trouble My Lord."
"No I suppose not. But I thought Barrow might be a better choice for it."
"Very well My Lord."
"Will you send him up when we're done here."
"Certainly My Lord."
They finish the task of dressing Robert for the day and Bates takes his leave. Robert's mind wanders back to his days at Eton, it seems like a lifetime ago he was there. At school he'd done things he's never done since and all this talk of it in the past weeks has brought the memories back. The door opens and Barrow enters the room.
"Ah Barrow, I wonder if you might accompany me to London as my valet for a few days? I know it would be a step down for you but I don't wish to part Mr & Mrs Bates so soon after his release."
"It would be an honour My Lord."
"Good. Then it's settled. We leave tomorrow."
xxx
"That's all for tonight Barrow."
"Very good My Lord," Barrow says turning to take his leave but now Robert doesn't want him to go.
"Would you care to join me for a drink?" he asks to prevent Barrow leaving. Barrow turns and looks at him with uncertainty.
"I'm not sure it would be proper My Lord."
"Nonsense," Robert replies, "come, sit down." Barrow looks at him consideringly and eventually an almost-smile forms on his face. He comes and takes a seat and Robert pours him a scotch. "I want to ask you about something Thomas. May I call you Thomas now you're off duty?" Thomas is taken aback by the question.
"If you wish My Lord," Thomas manages to answer. It's unfair of Robert to put Thomas in this position but he wants to be more familiar with the other man.
"Good. And you'll call me Robert for tonight."
"I couldn't My Lord."
"Of course you can. For now we're just two men sharing a drink." Thomas considers this for a long moment and eventually nods in reply, but he still doesn't look entirely comfortable with it.
"Where did you learn to play cricket? You're very good at it," Robert says. He's always admired a man who could play cricket well. And Thomas is by far the best player on the house team, probably the village as well.
"Thank-you My-...Robert," Thomas answers, correcting himself when Robert gives him a disapproving look. "My father taught me as a boy. A lot of the boys where I grew up played. It meant we got lots of practice."
"I'm sure," Robert replies looking Thomas in the eye. They really are remarkably blue. "Tell me Thomas, are you sure you're happy in your new position as under-butler?" Robert asks, secretly hoping that Thomas misses being his valet.
"Yes. And I want to thank you for your help the day of the cricket match and for allowing me to stay after….well after everything," Thomas says and Robert is touched by Thomas' gratitude.
"Don't even think on it. I'm glad you're still on the staff. Your preferences have nothing to do with the quality of your work." This comment takes Thomas by surprise.
"You're not uncomfortable with me as your valet?"
"On the contrary. Truth be told it's why I brought you along on this trip."
"My Lord?"
"Robert," Robert corrects.
"Robert?"
"I'm not quite the innocent you may think I am," Robert says with a twinkle in his eye. Now he's really got Thomas' attention.