Thomas stood, slightly shaking as they awaited for the Duke's arrival. Mrs. O'brien looked over at Thomas with a smirk.
"You seem a little nervous, Thomas," Mrs. O'brien stated.
"Mr. Barrow," Thomas hissed without looking at her.
"Pardon me," she said, "I was just being a good friend. I didn't see you this morning at breakfast again this morning. Did young keep you up for entertainment?"
"That is none of your concern, and no he did not. I was busy doing my job."
"Yes, doing your job. You are too good at that, Mr. Barrow."
Thomas blocked her out the moment he saw the vehicle approach. He felt his heart in his throat. He tried to swallow but he couldn't get rid of the feeling. The car pulled up and Alfred opened the door. The Duke walked out and took his hat off. The world went silent to Thomas as old feelings began to surface. The Duke looked at him and smiled. Thomas was thankful that he could hear once more as the Duke smoke.
"Thomas isn't it," he asked. Thomas wanted to roll his eyes.
"Yes, my lord," Thomas replied.
"My, still here I see," The Duke said, "That's what I love the most about Downton, it never changes. It keeps true."
Thomas had to look away to keep his mask from falling.
"I heard you were not bringing a valet, so if you do not mind it, I've asked to valet for you."
"Actually," The Duke began, "As great as a service I got the last time I visited, I would love to offer the opportunity for another one of your men."
"If you insist so," Lord Grantham said, "I could spare Alfred for you, he's been valeting for me and I can say he does and excellent job."
"Excellent," The Duke said then turned to Alfred and shook his hand. Alfred smiled with glee. Thomas, on the other hand felt his entire body go numb. He couldn't believe what just happened. Part of him wanted to smile and jump with glee, the other part wanted to sock the Duke in the face for choosing someone like Alfred.
I suppose it won't be so bad now.
It seemed like that was the case. Throughout the day, Thomas had no run ins with the Duke nor did it seem like he had any reason to. Instead he spent the day quite relaxed. He was curious how Jimmy was doing knowing he would have to sit, chat, and dine with the Duke. He imagined how uncomfortable it must be.
When dinner came, Thomas kept his eyes on Jimmy majority of the time. He ate in silence and kept his eyes away from the Duke. When the Duke would address him, Jimmy did not make eye contact. was indeed rude to address a Duke in such a way but no one seemed to mind, or suppose care.
"So James," The Duke spoke, "I heard that may have been some bad investments on your father's part."
"All men make mistakes, don't they," Jimmy replied, not looking at the Duke, "But if a man can get back on his feet then the mistake was probably a decent lesson to be learned."
"I'll drink to that," Lord Matthew said raising his glass and Lord Grantham did the same and they drank. The Duke's jaw tightened. Thomas smirked. The Duke was stirring the pot for some sort of drama, but Jimmy held firm. The Duke often questioned Jimmy, especially when it came to rumors of certain scandals. Jimmy would laugh as if it was a joke and "correct" the meaning. It made it obvious the Duke the was trying to start something and so Lord Grantham decided to take the attention off of Jimmy and onto the Duke. The dinner was no doubt uncomfortable for the Duke with his plan backfiring making him squirm Thomas had to say it was the best dinner service he's ever had to serve in.
"You've got some wit on you, Jimmy," Thomas said as he poured them two glasses.
"He irks me," Jimmy replied, "Thinking he can come here and try to make me into a fool. No doubt his plan was to make me uncomfortable enough to try and woo me."
"How does that work," Thomas asked as he handed Jimmy a glass. He sat down on the bed next to Thomas.
"He's done it before," Jimmy said, "I always thought it was a flirting technique but boy was I proven wrong. Didn't woo me, just irritated me."
Thomas laughed and took a drink.
"I do have to say though, I noticed how I wasn't the only one uncomfortable with the Duke. I noticed Lady Mary roll her eyes a few times at the questions he would ask and Lord Grantham would take a big drink. Did something happen?"
"I'm not sure of the details, but Lord Grantham hoped that the Duke came here to ask for Lady Mary's hand, that didn't happen and Lord Grantham spoke a little ill of the Duke for a while."
"Ahh I see," Jimmy said, "Well he's leaving tomorrow and I still have one more day. So I suppose we started the day off right to have such a good day."
Thomas looked at Jimmy and smiled. Thomas leaned in and kissed Jimmy. With his gloved hand, Thomas stroked Jimmy's face. They kissed and soon began to fumble with each other's with each other's clothes.
Little did the two know, they were being watched.