Thomas was turned into a statue the moment he heard that name. Mr. Carson turned away and walked down the hall, completely oblivious of the trance he placed Thomas in. What was he going to do? What on earth did the Duke want? Surely he wasn't after Mary. Thomas read in the papers that the Duke found an heiress two years after he last left Downton. He doubted the Duke was here for vacation. He was on business, no doubt, and Thomas was going to be in the middle of it.
"My what's gotten you turned into a pillar of salt," Mrs. O'brien came up from behind him. He closed his eyes. He really didn't need this right now. He wished he could talk to her though. She could offer the best advice, but with her on a mission to end him, he doubt any advice from her would save him from trouble.
"Nothing of your concern, O'brien," Thomas said without looking at her. He left the hall and went into the boot room. He needed to be alone. As he closed the door he placed his head on the door.
"What am I going to do," He asked himself. He was afraid that despite what the Duke has done to him, he wouldn't be able to resist. He was so close to breaking with Jimmy that he would be a lost cost with the Duke. What was he going to do?
I wish I had someone to talk to.
"You alright, Mr. Barrow," Alfred asked when Thomas almost collided with the footman.
"Yes," Thomas said then shook his head, "No."
"You want to talk about it? I'm a real good listener."
Christ, he's the last person I should talk to.
No, Jimmy and Phillip are the last I should talk to. He's all I really got.
"I'm afraid its a bit more complicated than just talking about, Alfred."
"Y'never know, Mr. Barrow. Even just talking it out could help you find an answer. That's what me mum always says."
Thomas shook his head then sighed.
"Alright, but...if I tell you, you have to keep it a secret. My job and possibly my life could be in your hands."
Alfred swallowed then nodded. Thomas nodded then proceeded to lead Alfred to the boot room. When they both were in the room, Thomas closed the door and took in a deep breath.
"Promise me, Alfred," Thomas said, "Promise me that what I say in here does not leave this room."
"I promise, Mr. Barrow," Alfred said quickly. Thomas nodded then began to tell Alfred everything. All the while Thomas spoke, Alfred sat and stared. No judgement crossed his face when Thomas confessed about his feelings towards men. All Thomas got out of that was Alfred raising his eyebrows. He then told his tragic tale with the Duke and then quickly followed up with recent events with Jimmy.
Thomas then sat in a chair and awaited judgement from Alfred. Instead Alfred remained silent for a while then looked at Thomas.
"I would've never suspected, Mr. Barrow," Alfred said, "I have every right to report you for what you told me."
Thomas knew it and he supposed he deserved it.
"But my gut tells me that it would be the wrong thing to do. You don't go do that to a friend."
Thomas looked up at Alfred.
"A friend," he asked.
"You just told me your deepest darkest secret," Alfred laughed, "I think that fits into the category of friendship, or else you would'nt have said anything to me."
Thomas smiled and nodded.
"Thank you, Alfred."
Alfred nodded and smiled.
"As for what you should do about the Duke and Lord James...I …I guess if I was in your position I would run for the hills, but you're more brave than I. I suppose what you should do is let them know you're not a "boy-toy". If they wanted it so bad they can go...bugger eachother."
Thomas arched an eyebrow at Alfred's language. He smiled and nodded.
"They may be handsome Thomas, but I always say that a pretty face doesn't make up for an ugly person."
Thomas nodded once more.
"You're right, Alfred," Thomas said, "thank you, truely I mean it Alfred, thank you. How can I ever repay you?"
"You can be nicer for one thing and maybe give me a few tips later on."
Thomas laughed then held out his hand.
"Of course," he said as Alfred grabbed his hand, "friend."