First fanfic, yay! Anyways, I'm really excited to see where this story goes. I know the story isn't completely accurate (the Earl of Carnarvon lived in Highclere Castle at this time) but I really wanted a new and exciting plot. Also, this prologue is extremely short- it's just a way for me to dip my feet into fanfiction. That's all; thanks for reading!
While everyone else in Downton was fast asleep, Thomas was awake. He stood against the slightly open window in his room, smoking a cigarette as he watched the peach-colored sun slowly rise. This was the only time he had today to relax and contemplate- the Earl of Carnarvon would be visiting Lord and Lady Grantham for three days to show some of the artifacts he had found in Egypt. All this mummy business is quite mysterious- I wonder if there's still some magic left in that tomb. After a moment of pondering, Thomas shook his head and proceeded to rather violently extinguish his cigar in his ashtray. There's no such thing as magic, or curses, or anything of that sort, Thomas thought, hoping to reassure himself.
After he finished putting on his livery, he stood in front of his mirror and combed his thick, black hair. He ran through his duties in his head. Serve breakfast to the family, wax the floors, polish the silver, wash the windows, serve lunch, receive the Earl, help move the artifacts, unpack his cases, dress him, serve dinner, serve after-dinner drinks. He took one last, deep breath before opening his bedroom door and proceeding to start the day.