'It was Lord Brasher's request.' Mr. Carson boomed, his eyes never leaving the face of under butler. 'And I believe there won't be any problems, is that right, Mr. Barrow?' He didn't have to take a look around to know that everyone's eyes were focused at him, waiting for his reply.

'If Lord Brasher insists to have his footman in Downton, shall it be. Though I don't see any reasons why should we have another footman.' Thomas replied. 'We're doing very well.'

'That should not concern you, Mr. Barrow. I'm only asking you to take care of a new footman, when he arrives tomorrow morning, and introduce him to his duties. Am I clear, Mr. Barrow?' Thomas jaw clenched.

'I bet Mr. Barrow is dying to take care of new footman.' Jimmy snickered at the other end of table, unfortunately for him, loud enough to be heard by everyone in the room. Thomas glanced at him briefly, his heart ache. After their reunion last year he hoped he and Jimmy could start all over again, and forget about the past. And though he could call them being friends, it didn't stop the young man from throwing a nasty comments to him from time to time or point out his sexuality in front of everyone.

'I don't see any reasons for you to take a part in discussion, James.' Mr. Carson said in a deep and not very pleasant voice, while Mrs. Hughes shot him a warning glance. 'Mrs. Patmore wouldn't be pleased if your food gets cold.'

'Of course, Mr. Carson.' Jimmy nodded, his cheeks reddened with embarrassment.

'At what time should I expect the new footman arrives?' Thomas asked reluctantly, didn't hide his dissatisfaction.

'After our breakfast.' Mr. Carson replied shortly, his eyes stopped for a little longer at under butler. 'I believe you remember Patrick Coleman.' Fork slipped from between Thomas fingers and soundly hit the plate.

'This Coleman? The youngest son of our ex-gardener?' He couldn't believe his own ears.

'Yes, that's the one.' Mr. Carson confirmed, somehow looking very pleasant. 'Mr. Coleman was a very-hard working and trustful man, and I believe his son would not disappoint Lord Grantham.'

'Well, if he hadn't change even a bit during the last few years, I very doubt he'd be very pleasant if he sees how much stairs do we have in here.' He couldn't help a small smirk forming on his thin lips as in the back of his mind he recalled a corpulent lad with a long, greasy hair standing in doorway of the kitchen with his father. His plump cheeks and hands covered with dirt, a wide scar under right eye marred his whole appearance. Though he hadn't looked like the prettiest thing on the world, Thomas had to admit that his friendly behavior and puppy look on the face whenever he has felt bad about something, somehow compensate it. In the end not appearance, but heart makes a man, he thought with a wry smile.

'Mr. Barrow!' Mrs. Hughes scowled at him.

'I just hope you'd think twice, before you say anything around Mr. Coleman.' Mr. Carson boomed.

'We can always have faith.' Mr. Bates muttered with a smirk, earning a cold look from Thomas.

Jimmy shifted nervously on his feet, his gaze focused on the leaning against the wall under butler. The older man was smoking a cigarette and watched the coming out from between his parted lips smoke, which floated lazily into the night. He looked like he was too focused on his thoughts to notice him, but in truth Thomas was already aware of his presence. With the corner of the eye he had caught up a glimpse of blonde head, when the younger man only has crossed the threshold.

'Are you going to stand there for all night, or you're going to say something?' Thomas broke the silence as the first, deciding it was the right time to pull him out of oppression. Jimmy shuddered slightly, surprised.

'I thought we could play a round.' The younger man answered after short pause and showed Thomas a pile of cards.

'You're not tired, yet?' He smirked slightly and threw a cigarette on the ground, before stepped on it. 'I thought everyone are already in beds.'

'I couldn't sleep.' Jimmy said truthfully and kicked a small stone. 'So, you know that new footman…' He more stated, than ask.

'I saw him once, maybe twice, when he was a kid.' Thomas shrugged off and smirked slightly, deep down knowing that cards were only an excuse, and in truth the first footman wanted to learn more about his future, rival. 'He was nice, but nothing special.'

'Oh, I see you also like to check out young boys.' Jimmy said mockingly. 'And me was thinking I was special.' Though Thomas knew the lad was only winding him up, he felt hurt. Jimmy was threatening him like he was a predator, who's ready to jump on every male he passes by, regardless of his age or look, only to satisfy his needs.

'You're not a boy.' He murmured in response and looked gloomily over him. 'Shall we go inside?' He nodded toward the kitchen, hoping Jimmy would shut himself up and not bring up more awkward topics.

'You think he'd stay for long?' The footman continued and followed the man inside the house.

'Why would he? He's here only because Lord Brasher is staying in Downton. But that wouldn't last long, he has his own residence.' He pulled out one of the chairs and sat on it heavily. 'Feeling insecure, Jimmy?' He mocked.

'Why should I?' The younger man snorted, his back straightened. 'He's Lord Brasher footman.'

'Sure he is.' Thomas smirked and shuffled the card, just loving to watch that sulky expression on his friend's face. 'So, what do we play, tonight?'

'Don't you 'ave nothing to do, Thomas?' Mrs. Patmore barked behind his back.

'I have.' He replied shortly, his jaw clenched as he again looked at his watch. He was standing in the kitchen for the last half hour, and yet the new footman hasn't show up, like Mr. Carson has promised. With each passing minute he was getting more annoyed, his fingers fidget nervously as his body was in need for nicotine. Mrs. Patmore was still lingering behind him, her burning gaze making a hole in the back of his head. He knew she was waiting for more eloquent answer, but he wasn't in mood to cooperate.

'What bites you, today? Didn't get a kiss from James?' Mrs. Patmore chuckled amused and finally passed by him to get to the oven.

'Why Thomas would want James to kiss him?' Thomas smirked when Daisy practically flew into the kitchen, in hands carrying the bucket, her face pulled out. Silly, little Daisy, he thought amused. She'd never stopped amazed him how naïve she still could be. Mrs. Patmore only rolled her eyes at her and sighed heavily, didn't feel strength to have the same conversation, once again. She thought Daisy already got a hint, but it turned out she was wrong.

'Have you peel potatoes?!' Mrs. Patmore roamed instead and with slam she put down a roast she has moment earlier took out from the smoky oven. 'And where's Ivy?!'

'She's in pantry, Mrs. Patmore.' Daisy said and grabbed for the pot. 'And no, I haven't peel potatoes, it's Ivy's job.'

'Oh, really?' The cook snorted and looked heavily at her assistant. 'So, maybe you just go upstairs and tell Lordship that they won't get any potatoes today, because peeling it's beyond your duties. I'm sure he'll understand that.' Daisy looked gloomily and Mrs. Patmore, before with a quiet, Yes, Mrs. Patmore, she reached out for potatoes. 'Thomas, will ya just go back to your duties, or you want to spend a day standing like a pile of salt and not let us work properly?'

'When the new footman arrives, ask one of the maids to inform me.' He muttered and with the last full of anger look at the door, he marched out of the kitchen.

It's Lord Grantham order. The authoritative voice of Mr. Carson was still lingering in Jimmy's mind, when he and Alfred were supposed to move the piano on the other end of room. They held it in the air for no more than minute, but it long was enough to turn their faces red of the exertion and cause problems with breathing.

'Does he really think we can do that on our own?' Alfred breathed heavily and leaned over the piano. 'We need at least two more men.'

'We could ask Mr. Barrow to help us.' Jimmy suggested, as the black spots danced in front of his eyes. 'I saw him in Drawing Room helping maids replace a bulb.'

'You think he can lift anything heavy like that?' Alfred asked, doubted that under butler could help them in any way.

'Why wouldn't he?' His eyebrow arched. 'You think he's too delicate to do it?'

'I've never said anything like that!' The other footman protested with flushed cheeks. 'It's always you who attacks Mr. Barrow, though you said you're friends with him.' He pointed out and crossed arms against the chest.

'I don't attack him!' Jimmy scowled annoyed with the man's accusation. 'I'm just joking, and Thom…I mean, Mr. Barrow, knows that.'

'Well, yesterday he didn't look happy about your remark.' Well, it's not my fault he's different.

'Maybe you just mind your business?' He bristled and gave him an evil glare. 'Stay here, I'll go for Mr. Barrow.'

'When I mentioned he might not be able to lift the piano, I thought about his hand. I heard Mrs. Hughes talking with Anna that Mr. Barrow's hand it's giving him a hard time recently. It hurts him a lot and even I noticed he's massaging it when he thinks no one looks.' Jimmy watched him baffled, his cheeks turned red. He's supposed to be Thomas friend, but he was the last one to notice his discomfort. Even such a stupid oak like Alfred saw that something was not right with under butler, and gladly used it against Jimmy. Then why him, who spends with Thomas a lot of his free time, wouldn't noticed he's in pain?

'You were busy flirting with a new maid.' Alfred offered with a smirk, and Jimmy realized he had to spoke up loudly his last statement. 'You'll make Mr. Barrow feel jealous.' The first footman watched him heavily, wishing he could wipe out that smug smile off his face. Before he could say anything back, Mr. Carson's voice came to their ears. He had to stand just outside the room and was scolding the hall boy.

In unison both Jimmy and Alfred grabbed for the piano and lifted it up. They barely made a few steps in the direction of first footman, when Alfred's foot stumble on the end of carpet and before he realized what's happening, he fall flat on the piano, sending it down with a loud thump, straight into Jimmy's foot. His yell melted with the rattle of piano keys, his hands wildly pushed up on the furniture to take it out from his injured limb. Alfred watched the other footman agape, his body still splayed over the piano.

'Alfred!' Jimmy cried in pain, tears streamed down his pale cheeks. Finally the other man pulled himself up and knelled down in front of Jimmy foot to help him slipped it out.

'What's going on, in here?!' Mr. Carson hollered as he appeared in the room and took a look at the scene in front of him.

'Piano dropped on James foot.' Alfred explained hurriedly, his heart running wildly in his chest as he watched butler's red face.

'Dropped?!' Mr. Carson snapped didn't believe in his impertinence. 'Just like that?!' Alfred knew what the man was implying, but he didn't dare to say nothing more to very angry man. He stayed on his knees and wrapped arms around Jimmy's who was rocking himself back and forth, in hands keeping injured limb.

'What happened?' The shouts coming out from the room quickly draw the attention of under butler. He stepped inside, surrounded by curious maids.

'Lord Brasher will arrive in few hours, and these two can't do properly even one thing, that's happened!' Mr. Carson barked. 'How Lord Grantham is going to welcome his guest, if nothing is prepared, yet?!'

'I think it's broken.' Jimmy almost squealed on the floor, his eyes stared with pleading at the under butler.

'I do hope, it's not!' Mr. Carson boomed and walked over the piano to check in what condition the furniture was, completely ignoring the footman.

'I believe James had in mind his foot.' Mr. Barrow said annoyed and gently grabbed for the younger man's arm. 'Caroline, help me get Jimmy to his bedroom, and you Alfred, ask Mrs. Hughes to call a doctor.' He ordered quickly and helped the footman stand up.

'Be quick, Alfred. Someone has to decorate the stairs with garlands.' Mr. Carson added, shooting a glare at Jimmy. 'I'm afraid, Mr. Barrow you'll have to replace James.'

'Of course, Mr. Carson.' Thomas nodded his head slightly and with the help of maid leaded the footman out of the room.

'You're still there?' The butler snapped as he noticed that the other footman was still kneeling on the floor, with a face of lost puppy.

'I'm on my way, Mr. Carson.' Alfred stuttered and quickly rushed toward the door. The butler couldn't stop himself from a quiet growl, when the footman stumbled on something and almost fall on the ground.

'Try to not ruin the whole house on your way.' Mr. Carson called after him and with a deep sigh looked down at the piano, wondering who's enough competent to make sure it's still able to use.

The pain in hand was getting beyond his endurance, but the list of his duties seemed to not have the end. They were already out of one footman and there was not too much use of limping Mr. Bates, so he was forced to cover them both. His throat was dry of constantly shouting at the female staff, and his back aching after he had to help Alfred polishing silvers. And sadly it took him only half day to feel ten years older.

He was on his way to Hall Entrance to scowl at the avoiding work hall boys, when he spotted the last person he wants to see that day. Mr. Coleman. An over-weighted man with a dark hair reaching his shoulders was standing with his back to under butler, and was jauntily chatting with Anna. Thomas felt how the blood in his veins boiled and jaw automatically clenched. Not only the man was late, but also wasn't working at all! Unless he got a task from Mr. Carson to bother all maids in residence to keep them away from working, though it was the same likely as Carson decides to give them a day off, today.

'Ah, there you are, Thomas.' The under butler stopped on his track and reluctantly turned around to face Mrs. Hughes.

'Something not right, Mrs. Hughes?' He asked politely, though he was far away from being nice and calm, and was ready to bite anyone's head off whenever asks him for help.

'I was trying to find Mr. Carson to tell him the news about James, but if I already spotted you, I can as well tell you.' Thomas face immediately softened as he thought about young footman.

'I hope it's nothing serious.'

'I'm afraid it isn't as good as we wished for.' Mrs. Hughes sighed worried. 'Doctor Clarkson said his metatarsal is broken and James isn't able to work for the next few days, if not longer.' Thomas ran hand over his face.

'That's the last thing we need to hear, Mrs. Hughes.' He growled, couldn't believe his luck.

'I know, Thomas, and I wish I could bring better news.' She offered him gently smile. 'But I'm sure we manage to prepare everything on time, for Lord Brasher arrive.'

'When Mr. Carson hears the news, he'd get a fit.' The under butler muttered, hoping he wouldn't be the one to bring the bad news.

'It's very unfortunate that accident happened at the same day when Lord Brasher is going to visit us, but we can't do nothing about that. I'm sure Mr. Carson would understand.'

'And I'm sure I'd be the one to be blamed.' He said with a wry smile, having even greater desire to smoke.

'I don't see any reasons why Mr. Carson would blame you for that. Alfred and James were carrying a piano, when unfortunately it fall down on James foot.' He arched an eyebrow at her. 'Thankfully Lord Brasher insisted to take footman with himself, so if we play it right, he could replace James.'

'At least one good news, though I already have some reservation about his work.' Her face told she would like to know more about his reservation about Patrick Coleman, but she hadn't ask, deciding to drop it for now. Though if there would be any problems on the line between Thomas and Patrick, she'll be the first to learn about their dislikes to each other.

'So, he finally arrived? I heard from Mrs. Patmore he was late.'

'Indeed he was.' Thomas absently nodded his head, while his eyes darted around in search for a new footman. Unfortunately there wasn't any signs of him, anymore. Thomas swore in mind, hoping Mr. Carson wouldn't spot him as the first and learns that he hadn't told him about his duties, yet.

'Well, I see you're very busy.' Small smile appeared on her face. 'I won't keep you longer, Thomas.'

'We all have what do to, haven't we, Mrs. Hughes?' He managed to give her the nicest smile his tensed muscles of the face were able to form and walked toward the servant's hall. He was ready to find the missing footman and calm his nerves with one of the cigarettes he was already gripping in the hand.

Mr. Carson didn't know how to keep a poker face. Every emotions he felt was passing over his face, each muscle and wrinkle moved under the influence of his mood, betraying what was going on inside his head. It was easy to read Mr. Carson and was easy to know what kind of reaction you could expect from the old man when you approach him. Maybe that's why Thomas kept hiding in the shadow, behind the pillars in Hall Entrance, as with a smirk on his face, he kept watching fidgeting on his feet butler. He was all tensed as he waited next to the door, knowing that in few minutes Lord Brasher and his family will arrive in Downton. Alfred stood as far away he could, looking like a kitten dragged out of the water, his unnatural long limbs dangled back and forth, before one, heavy look from Mr. Carson turned him into pile of salt.

'You're still there, Mr. Barrow?' He looked over his shoulder at smiling kindly to him Anna.

'Mr. Carson didn't give a sign to go outside, yet.' He replied warily. 'And you better not be in his bad books today. He is…' His eyes suddenly lit up as he spotted his loss nonchalantly walking out of the servant's hall. 'You!' He sneered as quiet as he could to not catch the butler's attention. 'Come over, here!' He demanded, the look of horror on the man's face just a little compensate for what Thomas has to gone through today.

'Did he do something?' Anna asked carefully, already feeling bad for the poor lad.

'I'm waiting for him since the morning. He was supposed to report to me so I could tell him about his duties. Since we're out of one footman, we were hoping Mr. Coleman would replace him.' Thomas snapped, his cold, blue eyes burned into the eyes of terrified man.

'I'm sure Mr. Coleman would help you, if he arrived on time.' Anna said after a moment of silence.

'And I'm sure Mr. Coleman can talk by himself.' Since Mr. Bates rescued him from the prison, he tried his best to be in good terms with him, as long like with Anna, but sometimes it was beyond his capabilities to be nice to her. She just loved to stick her nose to not her business and was always first to appease the situation, though she hadn't know what is all about, yet. Not to add she always takes the side of Thomas opponent, whenever he is right, or not.

'But, I'm Evans!' The lad said with squeaky voice. 'Not Coleman!' The under butler looked dumbfounded.

'Then who are you and what are you doing, in here?'

'I'm Matthew Evans, sir. I'm a new chauffer.' Thomas glanced at Anna, feeling completely lost.

'Mr. Carson forgot to inform us that Mr. Evans will start his work today. I believe he was so absorbed with Lord Brasher visit and Ball, he completely forgot about it.' Anna explained with a kind smile. 'I'm sure there had to be some misunderstanding.'

'Then, where on Heavens is Lord Brasher footman.' Thomas muttered, at the same time as Mr. Carson stopped behind his back.

'What's going on, in here?' He demanded like always, his eyes fixed at under butler, like he's the only responsible for the all chaos in Downton.

'I'm just trying to find the missing footman.' The younger man replied with forced smile. 'He was supposed to be after the breakfast, but somehow he hadn't show up, yet.'

'Well, maybe there was some misunderstandings, and the footman will just arrive along with Lord Brasher and his family.' Mr. Carson said with lost face. 'I'm sure we find the answer very soon.'

'Very well, Mr. Carson.' Thomas said unconvinced.

'But I do not understand why you hadn't told me earlier about this, Thomas.' He suddenly said, his brows frowned. 'I should be informed straight away that the footman is missing.'

'I was…'

'Maybe we're chatting here, while the poor lad is walking lost around Downton!' Thomas and Anna looked at him dumbfounded.

'I really doubt, Mr. Carson, that new footman is just walking over the mansion without being spotted by anyone from the staff or family.' Thomas said slowly, trying to be patient. 'He just hadn't arrived, yet.'

'Are you sure about this?' The butler looked at him heavily. 'The new maids might think he's the part of the staff and didn't think about report to anyone about him. The mansion is very spacious…'

'Mr. Carson we're seeing each other at least three times a day, and I can provide you, maids exactly know who is working in here, and who's not.'

'I think Mr. Barrow is right.' Anna suddenly stated. 'I'm sure someone will notice him.' Mr. Carson didn't look completely convinced, but sudden yell coming out from the mouth of one of hall boys about arriving cars, forced him to change his mind.

'Everyone go outside and please, do not disappoint your Lordship. And we…' He glanced at Thomas. 'Will finish this later.'

'Of course, Mr. Carson.' Thomas murmured and followed Alfred and Mr. Bates outside. They barely stood in a row, when the cars parked outside the mansion and Lord Brasher jauntily jumped out of the motor.

'I thought I'd never be able to see Downton Abbey, again!' The Lord beamed and ran up the stairs to hug Lord Grantham.

'It is so nice to see you back, my friend.' Thomas watched the pair for a moment, before moved his eyes back toward the motor, where just behind Lady Brasher and her daughter, were standing their servants. A young maid with hair black as raven and fastened into bum looked terrified. Probably it's her first time outside the Brasher mansion, Thomas thought, and looked over the old, very skinny man with a face reminding him of vulture. It made him shiver.

'Why don't we go inside?' Lady Grantham finally offered with a kind smile, motioning her arm toward the door. 'You have to be very tired after such a long travel.'

'Alfred and Mr. Barrow help with the luggage, please.' Mr. Carson ordered, and both men immediately approached the cars. With the corner of his eye he noticed a very young man with neatly arranged black hair, whose eyes were fixed at Thomas. He turned his head a bit and looked closer at gently smiling at him man. His alabaster skin and delicate features draw the attention of most of men standing outside the Downton. His red, plump lips looked so kissable, it'd be hard to resist.

He was disappointed when Milady wrapped her arm over the boy and he didn't has a choice like follow her inside. Thomas was still so absorbed, that he barely felt that there was something hard on his way. Until he felt a pair of hands grabbing for his forearms. Startled he snapped his head back and looked agape at the young man standing just a few inches from him.

'I'm so sorry.' Thomas stuttered, while the man in response dazzled him with his perfect smile, dark eyes watched with playful sparks in them.

'It was my fault, really.' The man said in a rich, melodic voice. 'I saw you coming down this way, so I should be the one to give you a space. But I was concerned you would land with your face in the mud, if you hadn't noticed on time it's almost the end of stairs, I had to do something about that.' The under butler knew he was already blushing. His cheeks were burning with fire.

'Thank you for your kindness, sir.' He bowed slightly, noticing a look of surprise passing across the other man's face, before he gave him another beautiful smile.

'Just be careful next time.' He said softly and brushed off a few strands of short, dark hairs which didn't hide under the cap he was wearing. 'You might not be so lucky.'

'I will, sir.' Thomas felt how involuntarily he smiled shyly back to him, and though the man already followed the rest of family, he just couldn't stop grinning.

'Everything's alright, Mr. Barrow?' Alfred asked confused as he noticed the change in older man's appearance.

'Why wouldn't be?' He simply said back with unfading smile and helped footman with the heavy chest.