A/N I don't own anything.
Tom was the first one down for breakfast. He walked into the dining room to see Mr. Carson already at his place beside the sideboard.
"Good morning, Mr. Carson," he smiled at the man the same as he did every day. To his utter surprise the man smiled back warmly at him.
"Good morning, Mr. Branson."
Tom almost dropped his breakfast taking a second look at Mr. Carson. Mr. Carson had grudgingly accepted him as one of the family but he had never before been this kind, not even when Sybil had died. A small smile remained on Carson's face even when Tom went back to filling his plate with food. Tom kept glancing at the butler as he made his way to his seat at the table.
"Good morning, Tom. Carson." Edith smiled as she walked through the door.
Tom smiled at her, returning her greeting. He watched Mr. Carson smile as well. Edith didn't seem to think anything of it, but it was still confusing to Tom. He tried to catch Edith's eye to see if she found Carson's good mood odd. He threw her a questioning look but she only shrugged.
"What do you have planned for today?" Tom asked her.
"I'm off to London again in the afternoon. I'm meeting a few writers for the magazine. Are you still going with Papa to meet with the tenants?"
"I am," Tom said looking up as Lord Grantham walked in who greeted them before moving to the side table for food. Tom saw him look funny at Mr. Carson.
"You seem to be in a good mood today, Carson," Lord Grantham commented. Tom took the opportunity to openly look at Mr. Carson who quickly schooled his face into a slight scowl.
"Am I, milord? I apologize."
"No need for that, Carson," Lord Grantham laughed but Tom noticed that Mr. Carson made a decided effort not to crack a smile throughout the rest of breakfast.