title: Little Boy crawley
rated: PG
Disclaimer: The concept and all characters are property of Julian Fellowes, Gareth Neame. I'm just borrowing them for a spell.
Notes:Welcome to my first Downton Abbey fanfiction! I'd just want to say that I tried not to change Thomas' personality way too much but I think that things would have been very overwhelming for a man who came from nothing was suddenly plunged into life that was everything he was against. He wants to do good by them especially after his so called family ruined their lives. I feel he would have a deeper connection to Cora since she tends to be more understanding about things than Robert who needs time .
1896
Robert sat with his father and Marmaduke in the library, his leg shaking anxiously. Suddenly a glass was shoved into his hand. He looked inside, swirling the amber liquid around until swigging it back. He barely noticed the burn as it slid down his throat when the door opened, and Rosamund came in with a huge grin. "You can come up brother and meet your son."
He jumped up excitedly receiving friendly pats on his back from the two men. "Cora?" he asked.
Rosamund smiled. She's fine but very tired. make sure you pay attention to her as well as your son."
Cora thought she heard a noise outside then in the hall. When Robert didn't budge she thought it had been the hall boy until she heard a shrill scream pierce the night and Nicholas began to cry. Robert shot up as Cora put on her dressing gown despite Robert's protest that he go alone. Cora saw the nursery door was open but only one of the hall boys was there, no sign of the other. "What's happened, Henry?" she asked. He moved to shut the door. "You shouldn't go inside, Milady." "But what about Master Nicholas? Is he alright? He's not crying anymore." "where's the nurse?" She rushed to open the door before the boy could stop her and nearly fainted at the sight before her. "Oh mother of God," she whispered. "Cora," Robert said, seeing her staring into the nursery. He stepped up behind her. "Henry, Wake Carson! get the police and the doctor immediately! Where's Stephen?" "He went after whoever killed the nurse," the boy gasped out then ran down the servant's staircase. Robert took Cora into his arms. She was trembling. "Robert, who could have done this and why did they take my baby?" she cried.
May 1912
Cora was looking through the drawer in her vanity when she came across something she hadn't seen in years. She vaguely remembered shoving it inside there all those years ago. When the police decided to stop the search for their son. It was a handkerchief her then ladies maid had sown for her with Nicholas' name on it. She never showed it to anyone not even Robert. Cora folded it carefully and closed the drawer. It was going to be a while before she had the strength to go down. After all it was her baby's birthday. She took a breath, Picked up a book and a blanket and sat in front of the fire. She didn't last long as the warmth of the fire and emotional exhaustion had her drifting off to sleep.
Robert glanced at the clock It was almost luncheon and Cora had yet to come down today. "Papa, have you seen Mama ?" Mary asked.
"I went up after breakfast, but I haven't seen her since. I was about to go up to check on her."
"Anna said Mrs. Hughes told her it was a difficult day for her. Do you know what that means?"
He frowned, trying to think. "What day is it?"
"The fifth of May."
Robert stood and ran upstairs leaving a confused Mary in his wake. How could he have forgotten?
He knocked on her door but there was no answer, so he opened it a crack to discover her sleeping in front of the fire. he could tell she'd been crying. He walked over to her and kneeled on the floor, caressing her cheek. She stirred but did not wake. Robert kissed her forehead, and she did wake up. "Robert?"
"I am so sorry I left you alone today. Why did you not remind me?"
"Remind?" she asked. "I have to remind you of our son?" He shook his head "No, of course not, my love. I just didn't realize what day it was." She looked up at him. "He would be 20 today and we'd be preparing for the season for both him and Sybil," she said, voice cracking. "Do you think we were right keeping his existence from the girls? I feel it's like we don't want to admit he was ever born. Robert, I barely got to hold him!" she exclaimed breaking into sobs. He held her close as she cried allowing himself to grieve again as well. She was right they had no time with their boy. 2 days and he spent most of his life with the poor nurse who'd been killed trying to protect him from the person who stole him away from his family.
Family Secret
"Fancy a smoke?" O'Brien asked Thomas. He nodded, following her outside.
"You took a while with her Ladyship," He said.
"She was upset about something. So much that I heard her sobbing when I brought in her breakfast. I tried to see if I could help but she just said no one could unless they could find Nicholas."
"Nicholas? Who is Nicholas?"
"No idea."
"What did you say?" Carson grumbled angrily, appearing behind them. "Who?"
"Nicholas, Mr. Carson," O'Brien said. "Her Ladyship mentioned the name. Do you know who that is? She said he could help."
"That is not someone you should concern yourself and Miss O'Brien there was no need for you to share this with Thomas."
"Right," she said. Carson found Mrs. Hughes and pulled her aside to have her meet in his pantry. Noting the urgency, she immediately followed. "What in heaven's name is the matter? She asked. "Her Ladyship let the name slip." Elsie eyed him, then remembered the date. "Oh perhaps she was upset, and it came out. You cannot blame her; he would have been 20 years old today." He nodded. "yes and now we have a curious O'Brien and Barrow.
Soon enough the name Nicholas was known by all the servants and unfortunately repeated upstairs much to Carson's horror.
"who?" Mary asked. "Nicholas? no I don't believe our family knows anyone by that name. And That's the name of the person who can help Mama?"
"That's what Miss O'Brien says," Anna replied finishing her hair. "There is that all, milady?" Mary looked at her hair. "It is, thank you. I should go down. I'll speak to Mama later and ask her who she meant."
The Truth
Luncheon was a quiet affair. Once they were served and only Carson remained, Mary spoke up. "Do we know a Nicholas?"
Violet dropped her spoon; Cora's heart skipped a beat as she held her breath.
"Where did you hear that name, Mary?" Robert asked.
"It's been floating around downstairs," she said. Cora frowned knowing that was her fault. but when O'Brien asked what would help it just came out because it was true.
1896 - the Act
She slipped into the servants entrance. it was quiet, everyone had gone to bed, but she was on a mission for her brother and his wife, and this was her last chance to make their dream come true. It had been four years since she worked at the Abbey, so she was familiar with the layout of the home. She made certain the knife was ready just in case she needed it. Finally she was on the gallery and went to the nursery if they hadn't moved it. She crept in quietly causing her shadow to appear behind the crib. She peered inside and was about to pick up the child when she heard a voice. "Do not touch him!" the nurse said. She had her nightgown on and the funniest looking snarl on her face. Rosa didn't have time for this, so she turned to the woman, sinking the knife into her flesh as she screamed then frightening the child. she picked him up and running out the door ignoring the hall boys screaming at her.
She got to the cottage she'd been staying with to gather her things; She was certain the police would search the empty ones. She laid the baby in the pram she had stolen, caressing his cheek. "Let's go dear Thomas. It's time to meet your mummy and daddy." She heard people rushing around outside and peered out the window. She could easily slip away by going out the back and straight into the woods. it was a warm night, and she could leave for Manchester first thing in the morning. She would leave the child with a baby farmer for a few months then pick him up when Her brother was ready to meet him.
1912 - Admitting the truth of the past
Mary, Edith, and Sybil stared at their parents in stunned silence.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Mary asked.
Robert squeezed Cora's hand. "I thought it was best. I couldn't break it to you that your little brother was gone. It hurt enough that I barely even got to.. to hold him. I asked Carson and Mrs. Hughes to keep it from all the new staff. "Anna heard it from Miss O'Brien , Mama. You could tell her but not us!" Sybil placed a hand on her older sister's arm. "I didn't. That was an accident. It just came out," she replied, looking at Robert with wide eyes. "I don't. If I think of him I lose it like that night. I miss him so much. I can't. Oh, Nicholas!" She said dissolving into tears again. Robert rubbed her back and Violet ushered the girls from the library, nodding to Robert.
1901 - Barrow Family
"Rosa, we have you to thank for our sweet Thomas. 5 years ago today! He is such a handsome boy! His mother must have been gorgeous!"
"I never met her. Just heard she was a harsh woman who only wanted daughters."
"Oh my, Rosa. Who is this horrible woman?"
She didn't answer, Her husband, George did. He looked angry. "The Countess of Grantham!"
"What? You took him from the Earl and Countess? How could you, Rosa? You said you picked him out from a baby farm. He was a boy no one wanted! How could you?" Rosa obviously did not know what it was like to lose or not be able to have a child. Cynthia Barrow loved the boy but felt the need to return him to his rightful parents.
Of Course Rosa prevented this. "Do not do anything drastic or I will kill him!" Cynthia looked at her husband. "Do we have the right to keep someone else's child without their knowledge. I cannot even fathom the pain she must be going through the past five years.
Guilt
Louise eyed her mother sadly. Before they adopted her brother, she was very happy. but after Thomas came she seemed very sad, and her father didn't even seem to like him. It made her wonder why they even adopted him. "Mama, would you like some tea?" she asked. Thomas left because Papa was angry at him for some reason and wanted to get out on his own. Cynthia shook her head. she should have said something after all these years, after Rosa died she should have. the poor boy had a horrid childhood because of her husband and his sister, and she felt she must let him go. Now she decided maybe she should write to the Countess of Grantham that her son was a footman in her house.
The Letter
Cora was reading in the library while Robert wrote letters when Carson entered with the evening post, handing them to Cora. She flipped through and found one for her and the rest for Robert. Here you are, darling," She said placing them on the desk. She opened hers and began reading. She let out a soft gasp and her hands began to shake as she read the words on the paper. She felt dizzy and she had a hard time catching her breath at the shock. Robert looked up at her when he noticed the hitched breaths, jumping to his feet. "Cora?" He exclaimed but she didn't move or speak. He grabbed her arms, but she did not acknowledge him. Finally she gasped out again. "Read this," she whispered. Before he did he had her sit. "Carson!" The butler appeared looking at Cora with concern. "Tea, Milord?"
"Yes!" He said as she handed him the letter. "What is this?' he muttered. "Who is this from?" Cora wiped her eyes. "Barrow's mother. Do you know what that means Robert?" No, He thought. Thomas cannot be his son. That meant he missed his son growing up and he is currently his servant.
She looked up at him expectantly and he knew what she was asking with her eyes. Robert gave her a kiss then went to speak to Carson. "Are you certain, Milord? How do we not know she's lying?"
"I'll be talking to Murray, and he'll coordinate with the police. I don't want to get her Ladyship's hopes up, but we should investigate it. " Carson nodded. "I shall get… Thomas milord."
He nodded. "Tea as well please. We do not wish to be disturbed." "Of course."
Revelation
Thomas arrived in the library. "You wanted to see me , Milord?"
"Yes, Barrow, please have a seat. He paused looking at him. "A Seat?"
Lady Grantham smiled, and it looked as though she was about to cry. "Yes, sit down if you would. We need to speak to you about something." His mind was spinning with what it could be about. Lord Grantham spoke up. "We have received rather a curious letter from your mother."
"Milord?" Robert stood and handed it to him. "Feel free to read it as it involves you as well." Thomas was stunned by the words, written in his mother's hand, and read by him. "Uh… I guess that was why my mother didn't care for my Aunt Rosa. I guess I can say I agree with her. The man I thought was my father was not kind."
he looked at his employers and saw his eyes in her Ladyship, she looked at him with such love as though she wanted to sweep him up into his arms, but he wasn't sure he should because if his parents were lying to gain something then
he wanted to protect Lady Grantham the most. He had always liked her.
Robert frowned at that. "For now were going to have Murray investigate this and speak with the police. Once we have more information we'll go from there. Does your aunt live in Manchester as well?"
"She did. She died before I came here, Milord but I believe she worked here as a maid."
"A Maid?" Cora asked. "What's her name?"
"Rosa Williams after she married. "Oh God," she gasped, a hand on her stomach.
He looked at them both and finally she said. "She was my ladies maid before O'Brien. She left a week before Nicholas was born.
Thomas wasn't sure what to say. The only family he knew was in Manchester not Downton Abbey. How could he be someone posh when all he knew was the life of a servant? "May I be excused?" He asked.
"Of course," Cora said with a sigh. She could tell he was confused and upset.
"I should think he'd be happier not to have to be a servant for much longer."
"Papa." Sybil said, she and her sisters came in for tea, so Robert invited them to stay. "If that's the only life he's ever known this must be very overwhelming. Not only that he's a servant in the house he was meant to grow up in, but he's also supposed to inherit."
Robert squeezed Cora's hand. "I'll call Murray right now."
Cora went up after the dressing gong rang. Robert had been talking to Murray for almost an hour and she thought it best to lie down before dinner because her head was pounding. She hoped they could figure out Rosa's reason for this.
Cora dreamed of the firsts she missed with her son. His first steps, first words. the first time he would have said I love you when she kissed him good night. She tried to keep her sobs quiet as she fell asleep with Robert's arms around her. She thought she succeeded but he had indeed heard her wishing she could have been spared this pain.
Murray's Investigation results
Robert received a telegram from Murray. He confirmed most of Mrs. Barrow's letter and he would arrive after luncheon with what information the police had gathered and the next steps. Robert had Carson tell the staff but to remind them of the sensitivity of the subject.
Cora went down for luncheon. Robert was worried about how pale she looked. After they spoke to Murray he'd call Clarkson although it may be from the shock and stress of it all. Cora sat across from him looking uncertain about eating. He was not surprised she didn't, so he asked Carson to bring some tea to the library after they ate.
Cora sipped her tea and Robert was beside her, arm over her shoulder. Their daughters sat across from them, Violet in an armchair close to the fireplace and Thomas stood stiffly beside the tea tray as Murray entered.
Robert nodded to him, and Murray spoke. "Mrs. Barrow said she found her sister in law's diary after she died with all the details of the plan to kidnap Lord Downton for her brother and his wife but neither of them knew. They were told he came from a baby farm in Yorkshire. There was one just 2 miles north of here and when the police search the remaining buildings of the compound they found this," he said holding a small blanket. Cora gasped and Murray gave it to her. "My Mother had made this for Nicholas she whispered, folding it, and laying it on her lap. Robert rubbed her hand as Murray continued. "It turned out George Barrow was not keen on raising a son that wasn't his." Thomas snorted at that. "Sorry," He replied. " I know that part was true." Robert frowned. It really upset him that this woman deprived his son of a life with a family who loved and cared for him.
Carson entered the servant's hall for tea. "Mrs. Patmore, Daisy please join us as soon as you're finished serving. there is something important His Lordship would like me to discuss with everyone. It is a matter of privacy for this house. He began by telling him of the son and heir of Downton. "The boy has been found and he is now a young man. He's been working as a servant at a prominent house because of not knowing who he is and being raised by a poor family. "Is this the Nicholas her Ladyship spoke of?" O'Brien asked. "Yes." Carson replied. "And I'll thank you to not burden her with questions about the boy!" "Are we allowed to know, Mr. Carson?" Daisy asked. "Not yet, Daisy. Mr. Murray still has a few things to verify first but I daresay we'll know by the end of the week."
April 1912
Robert couldn't decide if the news of the Titanic coming at the same time as the end of the investigation into his son's kidnapping was a good thing or not. Sadly the two heirs to the Earldom perished on the Titanic, but now that he found his son, it was going to take some time for Thomas or Nicholas to be schooled on the ways of an Aristocrat. He wasn't sure who was more nervous of that. Him or mama? Cora didn't seem phased. She said that, per Carson, Thomas was a fast learner. He'd believe it when he saw it. Per Carson he could be hot headed but maybe with the right mentors he would be just fine. He trusted Cora's assessment on things implicitly.
Notifying the servants of Murray's findings.
Robert entered the servant's hall. He told them to sit down. "I know you're all anxious to hear what Mr. Murray had to say. And, yes, we have found Lord Downton. He is here and you will meet him, but there a few things I would like to say first. He is a bit embarrassed because he is not used to living the life. He was a servant for many years without knowing where he came from. He's been on a bit of a learning curve and doing surprisingly well. Since the day the Titanic went down he has been studying with a tutor. For now he will dress himself as we all thought having a valet would be a might awkward at first. So now, I'd like to introduce my son and heir, Nicholas Crawley, Viscount Downton. There were gasps and murmurs as Thomas stepped through the doorway in tails and standing tall. Now looking at him beside Lord Grantham, Anna could see the resemblance. She was pleased for everyone and hoped this would humble Thomas
Thomas tried to hide his nervousness. Tonight was his first dinner with the family. His mother only invited the dowager… His Grandmother?!
Everyone was waiting in the drawing room. Cora looked at her son. "Don't be nervous, you'll be fine. I only invited Granny and will do so until you become more familiar with dining etiquette."
He smiled. "Thank you, for being so kind through all this. I only hope I don't disappoint you. She pat his hand. "Don't be anxious, you'll be fine.
The Season
Thomas had My and April to prepare himself . He was overwhelmed by all the etiquette he had to learn but He'd long been told that he was a fast learner and despite Carson's reticence. He did very well learning different conversation points; most he realize he did learn in school for the brief time he had gone. Now he was enjoy the season for a different reason and he couldn't fall back to his previous activities .
Thomas paced in his bedroom at Grantham house. It looked as though he wasn't going to get out of this, but of course he never told anyone of his preferences so there was that. He knew as the son the Earl of Grantham he was to start looking for a wife. How he would get by that, he had no idea. He knew the best way was to at least speak to his mother. She always seemed more open to things than his father, but this was something illegal and he didn't want to upset her.
Coming out to Mother
Thomas had ask to speak with her before dinner, so he was in his room waiting to change while she dressed. He paused at the knock. "Come in," he said trying to keep the nervousness from his voice. Cora entered, smiling. His mother was stunning he had to admit. "Darling are you ok?" She asked. Oh hell he thought she must have seen him sweating.
"yes I just need to tell you something important. You may be disappointed." Cora sat beside him on the edge of the bed, taking his hand in hers. "I doubt that. Just take your time." Thomas finally began she listened quietly all with a loving and not judging look. He had not been prepared for that and he began to cry when he finished. Cora held him knowing he needed reassurance about who he was. She hadn't expected this she wouldn't lie but she did understand why he was worried especially after the way his adopted father had treated him "We will figure this out, trust me. Do you want to speak to your father, or should I tell him? He took a breath. "You know him better than I what do you think?" "Why don't we talk to him together?" She suggested. He looked at her and smiled. "Thank you. As you know George Barrow did not approve and I know he's not him but I'm still nervous. She gave him a hug. "I know he may not be modern in his thinking but he's not going to kick you out after all that's happened. We'll work it out. Now take a breath and let's go to my room.," she said standing. Thomas nodded and followed. When they arrived, Robert was there. "Ah there you are," he said with a smile. "Nicholas would like to speak to you," Cora said. "Please listen before you say anything." Robert nodded inviting them to sit. Cora looked at her son encouragingly and he began. Robert was quiet, listening with wide eyes. He said nothing and Cora watched sadly as tears fell from Nicholas' eyes. "If you'll excuse me I'll get dressed."
"No. there's no need, Thomas!"
Cora stood, glaring at her husband. "Please get dressed darling. We'll meet you in the drawing room."
Once he was gone, Cora crossed her arms. "Robert! What was that? "No Thomas"? You will not treat our son the same as that man! He was hurt and bullied because of him!"
"because of his inversion, Cor! You know what that means! He will have no children! We will not have grandchildren! No heir again!"
Cora gasped, feeling as though she'd been slapped.
Robert stood, pulling her into his arms. "oh God, I am so sorry. I didn't mean to say that."
"But we have an heir whether you approve of him or not! There are ways to get around these things are there not?"
"that's how you want to play it?"
"Not what I want but we must. I will not lose my son again, Robert! I refuse to disown him because of what nature chose for him!" "Now invite him to dinner again and we'll speak in this on the morning after a good night's sleep!"
Thomas was seated in the drawing room beside violet, ringing his hands nervously. It would be the first time having dinner with Lady… No Aunt Rosamund. she seemed to take it all in stride. Now he was more nervous about his father than her. "Heavens Nicholas, relax," Violet said. "You're not going in front of a firing squad, It's just Aunt Rosamund." She did not know how that statement made him feel so nauseous. Cora went straight to her son, kneeling in front of him. She nodded with a smile and when she moved to stand she felt a wave of dizziness that only he saw. He grabbed her arm "Are you alright?" He asked. "Yes, just stood up too fast," she replied. He wasn't sure he believed so offered his arm as Meade announced dinner.
Back at Downton
The only people who were told of Thomas' proclivities were family. It seemed Violet was more open minded than Robert had been. He felt better when he learned of Sir John Mallerton's children, whom Thomas had met. Sir John's son was the same and their family was okay with the situation and, after speaking to John, it seemed that he and Robert concluded, one that ultimately Thomas was ok with because he had found good friend in both David and Flora. He always though Flora was lovely, for a girl. If he must spend his life with someone, he believed it could be her. After all her brother would be around as well. Flora was well born and would be a perfect fit as the next Countess of Grantham, even Violet thought it to be true. In the matter of the next heir, though, That was still a touchy subject one that Thomas only wanted to discuss with his future wife. So after the announcement of their engagement, they decided they would share their choice on the matter.
Robert stood up midway through dinner. It was a nice affair so far with a few cousins from Robert's side of the family including Susan, Shrimpie, Rose, Isobel, and Matthew. Thomas knew them all, mostly as a servant but now becoming more intimate. "Cora and I have some lovely news to share. Thomas looked up at him. They were going to announce the engagement today" But Flora hadn't even been invited. "It seems that we have been blessed again as she is Pregnant!" exclamations of "What?" "Congratulations!" and " How lovely! " echoed through the room. Violet sighed, shaking her head. "Isn't it wonderful, Cousin Violet?" Isobel asked. "It's not like they don't have enough children and to conceive at such an age. Vulgar!"
Cora frowned and Thomas reached for her hand. "Don't worry about her, It's great news, Mama." Cora smiled, tears swimming in her eyes. Once the excitement dwindled the dessert was brought out. Cora requested bread pudding, but Robert talked Mrs. Patmore into making Charlotte Russe, her favorite. She looked confused and Robert merely winked at her. As the ladies left the room, Robert grabbed her hand to kiss it. She smiled sweetly at him and left. Turning with a blush when Shrimpie cleared his throat.
Misunderstandings from Eavesdropping
"Mrs. Hughes, May I have a word?" Cora asked.
"Of course, Milady but you needn't come down in your condition. I would have come up."
"She smiled. Well I am here now and was wondering if you still could help me look through some of these responses for a ladies maid."
"Ladies Maid? Is Miss O'Brien leaving?"
"Oh no, it's for the Dowager. I placed an ad in the Lady for her since Simmons is getting married.
"I see, I'd be happy to look through them."
"Thank you and I would like to make a decision as soon as possible please."
"Certainly Milady."
O'Brien was just outside the door of the sitting room, near the grate in the wall and heard only parts of the conversation as she was pissed by what she heard. "That filthy ungrateful cow," she murmured then went to her room to channel her anger into something that wasn't Cora Crawley's head.
