(Jimmy's point of view)

The next day Thomas was very absent-minded. He spoke to no one, carried out his work silently and avoided everybody. Jimmy didn't know what the matter was with his friend.

Your recent behaviour scared and confused him.

You're very good at that. Confusing people.

You must tell him! And this time not so disguisedly but properly. So that he's able to understand you.

Jimmy stared at the tray he was holding. If only this was so easy! But there was something more. Jimmy could tell that by looking at Thomas. Something that must have happened not long ago. But he couldn't remember anything. This endless back-and-forth, this avoiding-each-other, it really wore him down.

You have to end this!

The problem was that only he could do so. Thomas still had no clue what Jimmy had wanted to tell him.

But he must at least have an idea! Wasn't I clear enough?

Obviously not.

Or he knows it already and doesn't speak out because he's afraid it isn't what I meant.

Well, that would be an explanation.

And one that actually makes sense.

Suddenly Jimmy was dragged out of his thoughts.

Ivy was coming up to him. "You're quite the thoughtful one today, aren't you?" she asked in a happy tone and touched his arm.

Dangerously close.

Jimmy flinched.

Ivy withdrew her hand. "Jimmy? Are you alright?"

Jimmy threw a confused and at the same time angry gaze at her. "What do you want, actually?" he hissed.

The kitchen maid looked somehow hurt. "Jimmy! What's the matter with you?"

"Since when are we on familiar terms, he? Did I miss something?"

"But don't you remember? Last night…"

Then it began to dawn on Jimmy. He and Ivy, last night in the kitchen...

And Thomas caught us!

Bugger! That's why he's in that grotty mood today!

Oh no. What have you done now?!

He had to talk to him. Immediately.

"I don't know what you're talking about" Jimmy lied.

Ivy looked at him in consternation. "But we…"

"Well, I don't know what it is you dreamed of or if you just drank too much last night, but there was nothing between us and there won't be anything as well."

Explicit words. Hopefully.

Heaven, you were the one who was boozed! Ok, she also had had some drinks but you?

Drunk as hell.

For God's sake, Jimmy!

He put down the tray. "Excuse me" he mumbled before he stormed out. He didn't notice Daisy giving Ivy a mischievous look.

Where was Thomas? He had to find him!

In his rush he almost ran into Carson.

The butler eyed him suspiciously. "Where are you heading for in such a hurry, James?"

"I have to find Thom...err, Mr Barrow. Did you see him?"

"No, I have not. But I suppose he's got work to do, just like you." This wasn't only a statement but a very clear demand.

But Jimmy ignored it. He didn't have time!

"But it's important, Mr Carson! Really!"

"Well, whatever it is, it will have to wait. Mr Barrow isn't here at the moment."

Jimmy let down his guard. "Why? Where is he?"

"That's none of your concern! But if it's essential for you to know it, he's in the village to run an errand."

"And when will he be back?"

"You're quite curious, James. Since when are you so close to Mr Barrow?"

"We're friends, does that offend you?"

Not so bold, Jimmy! Watch out!

"Please, Mr Carson, I have to know it. It's very important!"

"I don't know when Mr Barrow will return. When he finished for what he went, I suppose." The butler's voice sounded sharp and obviously not very pleased about this conversation.

"If you could get back to your work then…"

"Of course, Mr Carson." Jimmy bowed his head and buzzed off.

Thomas was in the village? Then it could take hours until he would be able to talk to him.

Maybe he tries to get out of that. Perhaps that's the reason why he went into the village.

Quite possible.

Jimmy stopped and leaned against the wall of the corridor. He would have to catch Thomas as soon as he returned.

#

A few hours later, when Thomas still hadn't returned, Jimmy sneaked out into the courtyard.

When he comes back, he'll take this entrance for sure.

But he didn't come. Jimmy waited for quite some time in the cold; but when Thomas still was nowhere to be seen after a while he finally gave in and went back into the house.

You were right. He went because he doesn't want to see you.

Jimmy sighed. His heart hurt. And he was sure about his feelings now, though! There was nothing he doubted anymore!

Feeling crestfallen he leaned against the wall in the corridor. Then he suddenly heard a noise. In an instant Jimmy was alerted and looked up.

Thomas!

The under-butler was about to come in. Jimmy freed from his position and stepped up to him.

"Thomas!"

"I don't have time now, Jimmy."

How much it hurt to be rejected.

Now you know how he must have felt during the last two weeks.

"But…"

"I said I don't have time now!" And with that Thomas pushed past him and went down the corridor straight to Mr Carson's office. He knocked, opened the door and then he disappeared.

Why?

Jimmy didn't understand it. There he was, eventually ready to tell him, and then Thomas suddenly didn't have time for him anymore.

Well, after what happened last night…

But he hadn't meant to do that! He didn't even like Ivy! He just had been drunk and let himself get carried away into this!

That doesn't change anything.

Jimmy hung his head. That wouldn't lead to anything. He would have to leave it at that for today. Thomas would hardly show any more to willingness to talk to him later that day. Disappointed Jimmy shuffled back into the kitchen and addressed himself back to his work.


So this was the penultimate chapter. I hope you liked it! Thanks for all the nice reviews, they really complete my day! ;D