A/N: this is being continued due to reviews! Many people wanted this to continue, so hope you guys enjoy! Please don't forget to review.
Matthew paced the drawing room, as Tom sat quietly in a chair watching him.
"I cannot believe the Duke would do that" he finally exploded.
"I can. He's a lying, dirty…" muttered Tom. Matthew turned and raised an eyebrow.
"He is" defended Tom, "it's obvious."
"And how do you see it's obvious?" Matthew queried.
"The-the way he eyed James today" replied Tom.
Matthew sighed, "I just don't know who to trust."
~:~:~
Thomas sat next to Jimmy's bed, a position he had kept since Dr. Clarkson left. He tried to keep himself focused on the newspaper he had in his lap, but his eyes kept drifting to Jimmy's slack and exhausted face. Dr. Clarkson had said the fever would most likely last for another day and that Jimmy should be ready for work in another few days.
Jimmy stirred, "Thomas? What are you still doing here?" he murmured sleepily.
"Shh. Just try to get some rest."
"No" Jimmy shook off Thomas's comforting hand.
"I-I-I just feel sorry. I've been so horrible and you, all you wanted…was something I couldn't and can't give you" he said.
"You shouldn't be sorry. I'm the one who ought to be sorry" Thomas replied.
Jimmy pushed himself up against the pillows, "it's just…there's something I haven't told you."
"Well don't bother yourself now" joked Thomas, feebly trying to lighten the mood.
"No. Listen to me. I told you a bit about my family, but I told you nothing about my past. My family needed money, so I went to work for a rich man as his valet. My dad knew where he was sending me, but I didn't. The man…he was…"
"Like me?" asked Thomas softly, touched by Jimmy's beaten puppy look.
"Yes…but not really. He-he abused me. I asked my dad to take me out, but he refused. We needed the money, and that's all he cared about" Jimmy finished his explanation and looked wearily up at Thomas.
Thomas swallowed, "it isn't your fault" he replied softly.
Jimmy angrily wiped away the tears that were trickling down his cheeks and turned his face away, embarrassed.
"Uh, Dr. Clarkson suggested you take some of this" Thomas awkwardly changing the subject and reaching for a small bottle on the nightstand. He shook out one pill onto his hand and handed this and a glass of water to Jimmy. Jimmy shakily accepted them and swallowed the pill along with a sip of water.
After awhile, Jimmy fell asleep and Thomas returned, a bit distractedly, to his book.
"Thomas, get some sleep" Mrs. Hughes poked her head around the door to Jimmy's room.
"No thank you Mrs. Hughes. I'd rather stay here."
Mrs. Hughes clucked disapprovingly and said, "get some sleep. Or I will make Mr. Carson haul you to your room and into your bed."
Thomas sighed and placed his book on the nightstand and stood up reluctantly. He followed Mrs. Hughes out of the room.
"I'll bring some soup" Mrs. Hughes said, as Thomas yawned and practically fell on his bed.
He unfolded the newspaper and started reading, only to look up and say thanks as Mrs. Hughes brought in a bowl of steaming soup.
Meanwhile…
The Duke of Crowborough angrily paced his dingy room in the pub in the town. He would not let that Thomas or even Jimmy get the better of him. He was after all, a duke. Angrily he grabbed a few items off his bureau and jerked on a dark coat. The Duke stormed out of his room and down the rickety stairs, heading directly to one place. Downton Abbey. Only this time he would be entering through a different entrance.
Jimmy woke, and yawned. He had not felt this relaxed in a long time. Almost happily he snuggled into the blankets and was just about to drift off again when someone pressed a damp cloth over his mouth and nose.
Jimmy fought, his cries muffled by the man's hand and the cloth. After only a minute, Jimmy relaxed and slumped limply against his pillows.
Well, hope you enjoy this and please don't forget to review!
