CHAPTER 13: WHO THAT WELL HIS WARKE BEGINNETH
Mid-January, early morning
The Servants' Hall
Thomas had worked out his notice for Sir Mark and moved back into the Abbey attic the night before. Now he was ready for his first official day as the Downton Abbey butler.
He came to the servants' hall early and expected it to be empty. When he entered, he found Mrs Hughes, Bates, Baxter, and Andy waiting for him. They stood when he came through the door and applauded. Thomas was speechless.
"Thomas Barrow unable to speak," Mrs Hughes observed. "You might have knocked me down with a feather." Everyone laugh, and Thomas was relieved. Mrs Hughes and Baxter excused themselves. They had much to accomplish before breakfast.
Bates shook Thomas' hand. "Anna says I'm to give you her best wishes. She'll be back to work soon." Bates was careful to address Thomas by his last name. "I must get on, Mr Barrow," He winked. "That is unless you have some special task for me."
Thomas clasped Bates' hand and shook it once more. "That's all I need, Mr Bates." And so his first day had begun...
Later that morning
The Carson Cottage
Thomas wasted no time securing Carson's advice. He walked to the Carson cottage and knocked at the door. Carson was sorting through the personal items he had brought home from the butler's pantry. He was surprised, but not displeased, to see Thomas so soon. "What is it I may do for you, Mr Barrow?"
"Mr Carson, I've spent the last several days taking inventory of my qualifications for the position of butler."
"That seems a worthwhile effort. What was your conclusion?"
"I can't conquer all my shortcomings in one day, so I've selected the one that most urgently requires attention. I hope you will help me, Mr Carson."
"Won't you sit down, Mr Barrow? I certainly want to be of service if I'm able."
Thomas waited for Carson to sit at the table and then sat across from him. "As you know, Mr Carson, Lord Grantham has restricted his intake of wine to only two glasses for an entire day because of his ulcer."
"Yes, it's unfortunate that a man of His Lordship's discerning taste has been forced to deny himself."
"I'm sorry to say, Mr Carson, that I can boast of no expertise whatsoever when it comes to wine. I'm afraid I will bore His Lordship with my selections."
Carson was surprised by Thomas' humility on the subject ... on any subject. "I see."
"I know that you have made a study of wine over many years, and Lord Grantham has always appreciated your choices. I want to make the most of His Lordship's two glasses, but I don't have the slightest idea where to begin. Are you able to help me?"
Carson leaned back in his chair. "I see you've given intelligent thought to this matter. However, you must realize that it took me years to accumulate my knowledge of fine wines. I hope you're not asking me to make you an expert overnight."
"Certainly not, Mr Carson. I would be pleased to tell His Lordship when you have provided me with a recommendation that he enjoys."
Carson was gratified by Thomas' gesture. "That's kind of you, Mr Barrow, but certainly not necessary."
"Do you think, Mr Carson, with time, that you could teach me to make my own selections?"
Carson gave the question serious consideration. "That will depend upon your palate, Mr Barrow. I'm certainly willing to give it a go."
"I appreciate it, Mr Carson. I hope that I won't disappoint you." Thomas had a second thought. "I must confess, Mr Carson, that I may consume only a small amount of wine when you instruct me. I don't hold spirits well."
"Very wise, Mr Barrow, but not a concern. Tasting wine requires only the smallest sip. It's an art, as you will discover." Carson smiled. "I confess, Mr Barrow, that when I was a slim young man such as yourself, I didn't hold spirits well either."
Carson made some initial recommendations to Thomas explaining how to choose among them depending on Mrs Patmore's menu. Thomas took careful notes. Carson agreed to meet Thomas after tea the next day for his first lesson, and Thomas bade him good day.
When Mrs Hughes returned home that night, she was surprised to find her husband singing.
Who that well his warke beginneth,
The rather a good ende he winneth.
John Gower
