Thomas opened the door to his bedroom and gestured Jimmy to come in. The footman noticed how the under-butler was still unpacking; the well-used valise was on the foot of the bed, along with some shoes. The wardrobe still had some clothes on it and he noticed a mysterious green packet on it.

"Please," Thomas gestured to the chair, "have a seat."

Jimmy sat down and took a deep breath. For a moment, he felt profoundly embarrassed of the things that he did on Thomas' bed. He looked at it and felt himself burn; for seven straight nights, Jimmy pleasured himself on Thomas' bed by smelling his shirts and even used the shirts on himself. Before he knew it, Thomas spoke.

"Hm, that's odd," he said. "I thought I had ten of these."

Jimmy turned to look at Thomas standing by the wardrobe, the second drawer was open. That's where he keeps his… Oh fuck! The shirts! I have two! I forgot to put them back! Jimmy was completely horrified and mortified. He chuckled. "Did you leave them in New York, perhaps?" He tried to keep himself composed but he knew he sounded nervous He's going to find out I had something to do with it!

"You know," Thomas carefully said. "I think I did. Now that you mention it, we did leave in a hurry. I had to get my things together as well as Lord Grantham's. Oh well… two less shirts won't hurt me, won't it?"

Jimmy grinned at Thomas who returned the contagious smile. "I suppose not," he let out a shaky laugh. That was bloody close!

Thomas took the green packet and sat on the bed. "So, as I said before," he looked at Jimmy shyly. "I brought you some things that I thought you might like." Thomas handed the Jimmy the bag. The blonde smiled brightly and looked into the bag and gasped. He took out several music sheets and eyed them carefully in wonder. "According to the store clerk," explained Thomas. "These are the notes of the songs that are currently popular in New York. I'm not at all familiar with them, but the clerk was convinced so I got the ones that he recommended." The under-butler shifted uncomfortably on the bed. Have I gone too far?

"Mr. Barrow," Jimmy finally spoke hoarsely. "These are… wonderful. You- you shouldn't have."

"You're my only friend, Jimmy and I wanted to. You love music and I enjoy to hear you play because it makes you happy and that, well," he rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled. "That makes me happy."

Jimmy felt an urge to throw himself into Thomas' arms and kiss him senselessly and it was very difficult to restrain these feelings. But he was determined to show gratitude in a friendly way. "I am so happy to have a friend like you," he murmured as he stood up and sat next to the under-butler on the bed. "Your friendship is the most cherished thing in the world." And I love you so…

"Ah, I, um," stammered Thomas. "I'm glad you liked your presents." All of a sudden, he felt very nervous to be this close to Jimmy. I can't touch him, I won't touch him. "I also cherish your friendship, it's so valuable." Thomas couldn't help it and lost himself in Jimmy's eyes.

Jimmy was also lost in Thomas' eyes. I've never noticed their color, they're so beautiful, and it's like I can see who he really is… A kind and gentle man and I believe I have fallen in love all over again.

The knock on the door broke the spell. Both men stood up and moved away from each other. Thomas cleared his throat. "Who is it?"

The muffled voice came. "It's me, Moseley, I just wanted to welcome you back and bid you a good night."

Thomas frowned. "Thank you, Mr. Moseley; it's nice to be back and good night to you too." He looked at Jimmy who was looking at the music sheets. Then the footsteps disappeared along with a door closing.

"I should be going too," the footman said softly. "Thank you for these again."

Thomas smiled, "you're welcome."

"Good night, Mr. Barrow," Jimmy said as he opened the door.

"Good night, Jimmy."

The door closed and Thomas was alone again, but this time, he didn't feel that lonely now that Jimmy appreciated him. The world didn't seem so bad after all.

The next couple of days, everything went back to normal at the Abbey. Thomas and Jimmy fell back to their usual routines but whenever they would see each other on the hallway or the kitchen or anywhere in the house, they would smile warmly at each other.

Jimmy tried his hardest to not seem too obvious whenever he would see Thomas. Every time the under-butler came into view, Jimmy could feel his stomach do backflips and he always held his breath. This is so bloody hard!

It was lunchtime and everyone was eating in the servant's hall. Mr. Carson came in and everyone stood up. "There is a guest coming tonight for dinner. I'm sure you all remember Lady Hardwick." Thomas head shot up and his eyes widened, Jimmy did the same. "She regarded you very fondly, Mr. Barrow," the butler murmured.

"Did she now?" He tried his best to sound cold. "Oh dear God, what did she say?!

Mr. Carson nodded. "Yes, she did mention that you were a remarkable dancer."

Some of the younger maids giggled and Jimmy shot them a dirty look. The older man cleared his throat. "Yes, well, I expect things to go smoothly tonight. Please carry on," he said as he sat down.

Jimmy looked at Thomas who still looked stunned. The footman never forgot that fateful night when the mischievous countess spoke about her dancing with the former valet. The night that he realized he was in love with Thomas Barrow.

"Jimmy!" Whispered Rose as the blonde walked by the hallways as he was winding the clocks. He looked around and went to Rose. She ushered him inside. "Emma Hardwick is coming tonight," she whispered once the door was closed.

"Yes," he whispered back. "Carson told us."

"What did Thomas do?"

"He was pale as a ghost when Carson said mentioned that she had danced with Thomas."

Rose gasped. "Oh my goodness! This is going to be interesting!"

Jimmy smiled and shook his head. "I have to get back to work before they find out I'm missing."

Rose giggled as she opened the door and shooed Jimmy away, no one noticed.