Thank you so much for taking the time to read this psychologically tormenting story. But this is a happy chapter :D Yay!
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Thomas thought he had strayed into a long forgotten dream the next morning when Mr Carson summoned him into the office and told him that he and James were allowed to go to London the next day for a night. Thomas didn't know how Mrs Hughes managed to do it and he didn't ask, but he was elated, especially at the news that she had also managed to arrange for Thomas to have that day off as well on top of the fact that she had kept Thomas' wine theft to herself as well. It may be down to his disturbed night's sleep but Thomas could have sworn he saw a halo about the housekeeper's head. The under butler was overwhelmed with the understanding and compassion he was being shown by his superiors, something he rarely expected from Mr Carson who managed to keep his reserve about letting two of his staff go away overnight, when he originally forbade it.
The first thing Thomas did when he heard the news, was ask Mr Carson if he could borrow his telephone. The butler left him alone, and as the door shut Thomas bounced on his tip toes (the nearest thing to jumping in the air with joy he could make), and made a phone call to the Blossom Guest House in London, where he asked to speak to one Victoria Watts.
Having secured accommodation for the night in London, Thomas was so pleased that when he sat next to Jimmy at breakfast he forgot all risk and squeezed the footman's knee under the table, he grew worried that maybe he made the same mistake as Jimmy had before and the knee he was touching was someone else's, but the feeling of slender fingers interlocking his own, reassured him that it was the young blonde beside him. Both men smiled at their plates as they shared a thought that they now knew each other's touch so well, and Jimmy could have laughed that his lover was not pushing him away, and maybe things were getting better. Thomas delivered his good news to the footman here as he whispered, "I told you I'd sort it out." The blonde smiled out the corner of his mouth which Thomas could see and said back, "I never doubted you would." The possibility of being free from his torments for just one day brightened Thomas' outlook on everything, and even though he was given the day off, he was determined to find some work downstairs, to keep his mind occupied.
Jimmy was alone in the servants hall polishing off silver, while Thomas stood in the doorway, leaning against the wall rebelliously, arms folded, and drew a line up the back of Jimmy's unsuspecting body with his eyes, while the younger man hummed deep melodious tunes which knocked Thomas' heart. The under butler pushed himself from the wall, turning to make sure no one could see what he was intending to do, and he came up behind the footman and gripped his sides. Jimmy lowered the silver and bit his lip, falling into silence, knowing the under butler's sensual touch was upon him. He emitted a small moan as he felt Thomas' warm breath on his neck and moist lips pressing into his skin. Jimmy's head fell to the side, at the mercy of Thomas' lips, exposing his neck, which strained for more of the older man's slow sweet kisses. Jimmy wanted to sweep the silver from the table and take the under butler right there, but he had to restrain himself, and keep it for London. Thomas squeezed Jimmy's sides before moving next to the footman, taking a cloth and rubbing the next piece of silver. They moved over to the other side of the table so they could see if anyone was watching them as the pair could exchange loving glances, lingering touches, and flirtatious whispers. Thomas endeavoured to make up for those lost hours with Jimmy by helping him with such tasks downstairs so when he distracted him with talk, Mr Carson could not complain that the work was not getting done. It was made all the more bountiful that Alfred was not there to scowl at them in their enjoyment of each other's company, and the idea that they might be able to do such things in London only made them eager for the day to pass, even if it meant an early night apart from each other. But Jimmy did not mind, it was worth it to see his Thomas return to him that day and the thought of him still being there the next.
Thomas slept easier that night. He was restless, woke early, and it took him a long time to drift off, but his nightmares were not as affecting, when they showed. He was able to sleep through them this time, and between their brief resurgences were happier images of him and Jimmy, and the possibilities of what might be awaiting them in London, including Victoria. He was worried about telling her how he had let himself slip the night before in stealing the wine, as he of course had to tell her, but knew she would understand. It was something he would be ashamed to confess to anyone, though that was not the only reason he neglected to tell Jimmy of the incident. As with everything, he thought Jimmy was too young and naive about the real world to truly understand and be able to deal with tough situations like this, and Thomas had enough trouble preserving himself without having to worry about Jimmy.
The couple caught the first train out the next morning, all that was available was a first class compartment, but they didn't mind as it allowed privacy for them to hold hands throughout the journey and to discuss important matters, such as Jimmy's quest to buy a new suit.
"Can't believe I have to use all me savings to buy a flamin' suit." Jimmy complained.
"You wouldn't get in otherwise."
"That up market is it?"
"Course it is. A hell of a risk starting up a business like that, you need to have the right clientele, make sure the profits are worth the dangers."
"So how do you know about this place?"
"I used to work there, just after me dad kicked me out. I were wandering about the streets and hit a bar, a bar for our sort, this bloke came up to me, we got talking. I told him me situation and he offered me a job, said I'd look good waiting table in tight trousers."
Jimmy couldn't suppress a lusty grin at imaging Thomas in such a garment, which was awarded with a light tap on the cheek. "How long were you there for?" The footman asked.
"Two years; before one of the regulars offered me a job in his household. I went back from time to time when I was valet to his Lordship and he would go to London. Don't get funny mind if I see anyone I know and I get a proposition, because we are both guaranteed to get some."
"Not when they see we're together." Jimmy kissed the older man on the cheek, staying close to him for a moment after to take in his masculine aroma, which smelt of so many things but only one stood out to Jimmy; the scent of Thomas.
The under butler stroked Jimmy's cheek, enjoying the footman being so close to him without pressuring him, and did not mind that the blonde's hand was on his upper thigh. "I think that would just encourage most of them."
"Really?"
"These places are made to accommodate the dangerous and the wild, they build it into the atmosphere, their business thrives on it, so they encourage it, they will play loud and tantalising music to get you going, get you drunk, send men to seduce you. It works, because when you're surrounded by other people who have fallen under the same spell, who will take the risk and be open, then you find you abandon all your instincts and you just take whatever you want."
"So long as you keep your instincts."
"Lucky all I want is you." Thomas pressed his lips to Jimmy's into a desirous kiss, as the pair luxuriated in the feeling of freedom and happiness they were both truly experiencing together for the first time.
The pair disembarked off the train when they arrived in London, they stood outside the station where they waited for Victoria, who had offered to meet them at the station in order to escort them to her parent's guest house. After a few minutes a figure came bounding towards them, using one hand to keep steady a hat upon her head she weaved among the hoards of people coming to and from the station, and threw herself into the arms of Thomas, who after a quick embrace immediately drew her away from him as he was still displeased that the girl had given up her job for them and didn't tell them. Amongst all the thank yous and apologies, on both sides, Thomas demanded an answer to his question of 'why?' All she had to say in response was; "You'll see at lunch."