My favourite character from this series is Thomas. And I think he does it so well, that he should definitely have a storyline of his own. So I came up with this. It takes place after his departure from Downton. This is just a prquel.

"Thank you so much for doing this", said Alison as she sat next to him after filing up the papers at the County Clerk's office.

"Anything for a friend", replied Thomas. He was feeling a little uneasy. He was not sure why he was doing what he was doing. Alison was looking around at all the couples who had come to file papers as well. The women looked really happy and some were carrying flowers. One of them even wore a white dress beneath a leather jacket. She however did not feel to hassle with a commitment that was merely a way to sort out the financial aspects of her life.

"Will your step mother going to be here?" asked Thomas. He knew she wasn't but he really needed tot talk about something. The awkward silence was killing him.

"No. I don't think so", replied Alison as she looked down at her handbag and then back at Thomas. She had light green eyes; it was the first time Thomas had noticed it. "This whole aspect of marriage is not something she would enjoy, given the consequences after."

"Have you decided anything about the house….our house….as in how we are going to…?" asked Thomas, trying to find suitable words to ask the question he was trying to ask for a long time.

"Well, it has small bedroom and I am getting a sofa in the drawing room with some sheets and pillows. So I won't have a problem sleeping", said Alison.

"Oh no, you sleep in the room", insisted Thomas.

"Absolutely not. It is your house and I…"

"I insist because it is my house. I am used to sleeping on sofas. And the Colfers are often arranging dinner parties so I might be late many days so instead I will sleep in the room at the mansion."

"Oh Okay", said Alison and turned around to look if they were being called or not. She did not if that reply hurt her or comforted her. She of course knew Thomas' nature and his attractions but she was happy, that she can now start a life. And she would not have to hunt for suitors, men she hardly knew or worse, who would only marry her for her fortune or what wicked men often marry women for.

Thomas was glad she helped Alison out. As far as he could remember, Alison was the only friend, a real friend he ever had. He did not have the pleasure of having friends at Downton Abbey and not so much when he was young. Alison knew him well, his past he had come clean about. And it was like a trade, a mutual satisfaction. Some of his workers at the mansion were talking about him, why he wasn't married or seeing someone. A man of his age. These talks don't stay within a small circle of people they always manage to travel to the subject's ears eventually. SO when he introduced Alison to everyone else at the mansion including the owners, everyone was taken aback. He swore that a few of the under butlers and chauffeurs were staring at Alison throughout the evening. And why wouldn't they? She was lean and fit, long black hair tied up in an elegant bun, good posture and a very pretty face. It almost gave him pride that she would now be his wife, this beautiful woman sitting next to him and staring the door hoping that their names would be called soon.

But he had doubts, for sure. Was he doing the right thing? Would it be fair to her? She deserved better, someone who could love her, give her all the joy and happiness she deserved, a family if she wanted. Alison never discussed these things before. She always talked about the arrangements at their tiny house at the village, asked him if Thomas was happy with his job and how she wanted to continue with her baking career. She never talked about the needs women have and wanted, the expectations from a husband, children. And Thomas could never really ask her. He wanted to but couldn't for some reason.

"Do you think we should host some kind of a small gathering for your workers and mine now that we will officially wed?" asked Alison, when she realized that this whole procedure of getting married would take longer than expected.

"Why? It is not like they have asked for it", replied Thomas.

"I know that but wouldn't they?"

"Maybe. We will see it then."

"I was thinking of taking Betsy out for lunch tomorrow. She seems like such a good girl and she seemed genuinely happy for you."

Thomas did not say anything but he did not approve the idea. Betsy had her eyes on Thomas since the day he arrived at Eaton Heights. Thomas knew that and so did a few other staff members. She even tried to kiss him when they were alone in the kitchen making preparations for dinner. He pushing her immediately was an insult and when he introduced Alison to her as his fiancé, it felt like a big slap on her face. But he did not share all these details with Alison.

"You know what? Maybe we can gather at the pub later tonight after work and have a little celebration. It would not be the worst thing to do. We need to keep up the appearance after all."

"I agree", smiled Alison. Her smile was the only thing that made Thomas weak in the knees. A small dimple appeared on her left cheek everytime she smiled.

"And maybe", whispered Thomas approaching towards her "We can invite your step mother. I can tell for certainty that she would not be happy. " Alison smiled.

Please post your comments and suggestions. The next chapter will be up soon.