Thomas was sitting at his desk, looking at the telephone on his desk. It was later in the evening, the sun had just set and this was the time that he and Richard usually spoke on the telephone. They agreed that it would be a good thing to have a specific time that they would call each other so that they could make sure the chances that someone else would pick up the phone, would be lower. Thomas had to admit how it was a shock that Andy would ask him to be his best man, and that Daisy was happy with this decision. He was not the kindest to her years and years ago, he didn't really know why he led her on when she had fancied him or why he had been cruel to William either. They didn't deserve it. He reckoned he was just angry or maybe jealous that everyone liked them both. So it truly warmed his heart to know that she thinks a lot higher of him now. Then there was what Andy had said about how he was beginning to understand him and his preferences. That was all he could ask for at the end of the day; understanding. He wasn't too surprised about Daisy suggesting that Richard should come to the wedding. Daisy had always been very liberal, and proud of it. Plus she was a bit of a romantic, Thomas thought, though he'd bet that she'd never admit to that. He did have a few doubts about how smart it was to invite Richard to spend time with him out in public away from the relative safety of Downton. They would both have to be very careful, more than usual, not to give away their feelings for each other. Richard was a lot better at this than he was. Thomas could hide what he feels about the majority of things very well, but when it came to Richard, just the thought of him would make Thomas smile or blush. He is so infuriating sometimes, Thomas thought, a smile reaching his face, demonstrating his last thought. But the thing is, he couldn't let that get in the way of having a perfectly good reason to have Richard around for a few days. He hoped that Richard would want to come to the wedding though. He understood Richard's dislikes for weddings in general perfectly. He did too, and probably for the same reasons. He had been to countless weddings over his life at Downton. He experienced it the same way each time. He would copy the happy and content smiles of those around him sitting in the church, make the occasional small talk about trivial things, and put up with the sermons about the sanctity of marriage and other things that basically didn't include him. He felt awkward going to wedding receptions afterwards, he usually slipped out before the end, no one ever asked where he had been and he reckoned no one noticed he had gone. He was happy for Andy and Daisy of course, they seemed made for each other. He hoped that Richard being next to him would help him enjoy a wedding more than he usually would. He hoped that Richard would also have a happier time than usual, spending it with him. Thomas picked up the phone and called the palace, waiting to be connected seemed to take a lot longer than usual. "Hello, Richard Ellis speaking,"
"Richard, good to hear your voice. I've missed it," Thomas said after Richard answered the phone. "Are you alone?"
"Thomas! You know you read my mind. I was thinking of calling you, and yes I am."
"How are you? Missing me?"
"I am desperate to get away from here for a few days at least. Breath in some of that clean Yorkshire air, whilst in your charming company. You know that I miss you from the moment we part each time Thomas."
Thomas closed his eyes a moment, Richard sounded so close despite there being hundreds of miles between them. "I may have a solution to that. I hope it can work out," Thomas said, feeling nervous.
"I'm all ears Mr Barrow," Richard said. Thomas could imagine him smirking, whilst saying that.
"Well, Andy and Daisy are getting married in a few months and Andy has asked me to be his best man-"
"Oh goodness! Thomas that's wonderful news. I hope you said you would," Richard said interrupting Thomas.
"I did yes. But that is not the main reason I'm calling you. You see they asked me if I'd like to invite you. That is, they extend the invitation to you, Richard. Now I know that you don't go much for weddings. I don't either as you well know, so if you don't want to come then its fine, I understand and I'm sure that they will too-"
"Thomas. Stop talking for a moment please," Richard said, cutting Thomas off again.
"Sorry, I'm a little nervous about asking you this. Don't know why exactly," Thomas said.
"It's fine. I just wanted to get the chance to answer you."
"I don't think I've actually asked you anything yet Richard," Thomas said.
Richard laughed, "Okay then. I'll let you ask."
Thomas took a deep breath before continuing, "Would you like to come to their wedding as my guest my, companion?"
"I'd love too. You are right about my opinions on wedding ceremonies, but I can't turn down being with you can I?"
"No I don't suppose you can," Thomas replied cheekily.
"I wonder if my skills as a valet will come in handy at all?" Richard asked.
"I don't think Andy will want anyone dressing him, even for his wedding," Thomas replied.
"Oh I wasn't thinking about the groom, Thomas. I was thinking maybe the best man may need my assistance dressing for the occasion," Richard said in a lower tone, "Perhaps also, he will need me to undress him too. What do you think?"
Thomas loved it when Richard flirted with him down the telephone, "I think he might just need you for that yes. Though the best man has some experience as a valet too. Do you reckon, you will need his assistance too? Maybe at night?" Thomas said, playing along.
"I think I may need that yes. Especially in the dark. I think we have a perfect arrangement here Mr Barrow," Richard said.
Thomas could have gone on for a lot longer, playing this game with Richard. They sometimes talked this way thought their letters, but it was so much more enjoyable over the phone. However, a noise from outside the room, jumped him out of this frame of mind. "I think we should save these conversations until your visit Richard."
"Hmm, I suppose you are right Thomas. I'll see about getting some time off for this. I'm assuming you know the date?"
"Yes, a few months from now. May 20th, a Saturday. Though you could stay over here for a few nights I hope?"
"I doubt they will stop me from going to a wedding. I'll see what I can do," Richard said.
"Brilliant! I'll tell you all the details in my next letter." Thomas said.
"Perfect. Well I will speak to you soon. Goodnight Thomas, I love you"
"Goodnight Richard, love you too." Thomas said, as they ended the call.