"But you said… you said… you would marry me if only you could!"

"And I did mean that, Thomas! I really did love you, I did, and I sincerely thought it would last forever. But…"

"But what!?"

"The heart goes its own way."


"What was the reason you left your previous employer again?"

His heart ached at the butler's question. Thomas knew the man was going to ask this. And he knew he could impossibly tell him the truth. But he had prepared for this, prepared his story, prepared his lie, even talked it all through with Mister Wenchin. Brian…

"Mister Wenchin was a good man, but he was forced to fire a part of his staff due to financial troubles. For he expected me to be able to get a job elsewhere, he thought it best I was the one to be discharged."

Face straight, right tone, the butler fell for it without a single doubt. Throughout the years, lying had become a second nature for him. A skill that had come in handy, yet he'd rather wished it didn't.

"I see. I have to say, you do seem very suitable for the job: you have sufficient experience as a footman and a very decent reference. I understand you used to be first footman at Mister Wenchin's?"

A short moment distracted by the unexpected question, Thomas quickly regained his composure.

"Yes, that was my previous post."

"You are aware then the place you're applying for is that of a second footman? Mister Hill – Edward, that is – will be advanced to first footman when Mister Chapman leaves."

"Isn't a place as first footman in a smaller house as Mister Wenchin's equal to that of a second in such a great house as this?"

"Yes, it is." Carson mumbled. Though he wondered, whether he could place this young man a step higher on the ladder. Missis Hughes wouldn't approve, think it unfair, but Carson wasn't quite eager to give Edward anything any time soon, let alone a promotion. If it weren't for the fact Jake was leaving service, he would have kicked that insolent swine out of Downton this very instance.

"I only wondered, if you would be able to fulfil the duties of a first footman, if needed."

Thomas blinked. "Sir?"

"I can't guarantee anything yet," Carson clarified, "but doubt Mister Hill will be up to the job as first footman. You might find yourself skipping the part of second footman, and become first footman at once."

"That really would be a great honour, sir."

"As I thought it would. But I'm not making any promises, I'll first have to consider with his lordship and the rest of the staff, and Mister Chapman has to arrange things before he can leave. It will certainly take another few weeks before we will take you in."

"That won't be a problem, sir, I can stay at Mister Wenchin's till then."

"Good. You can expect to hear from us when Mister Chapman leaves, then you can come to us as soon as possible."

"Does this mean I have the job?"

"Unless a better candidate arrives before then, which I don't think likely, yes, you have the job."

"Thank you, Mister Carson. I will start as soon as I can."

Carson nodded, and Thomas left Downton.