About Thomas

by Roses-N-Runways

This story tells of various characters reaction to "The Incident" (O'Brien orchestrating trouble between Thomas and Jimmy, making Thomas think Jimmy liked him, Alfred witnessing it and the police being contacted). WARNING: things the characters say will be offensive, but remember I am trying to be as realistic as possible with the reactions to homosexuality in this time period.

7. Chapter 7: MRS HUGHES

Chapter 7: MRS. HUGHES

Mrs. Hughes felt sorry for Thomas.

That's all. Not shocked or disgusted, like he'd expected of her. Not even saddened or angry. Just sorry.

She couldn't pretend to understand him.

But, the poor man was obviously very troubled.

And everyone needed a bit of kindness.

If she had known, what would she have done? She wondered. Thomas was a grown man, yes, but she still sometimes felt a little motherly toward the younger staff members. Was there anything she could have done, anything she could have said, to ease his burden?

She doubted it.

It was a shame, too, she thought. So much wasted. Thomas was rough around the edges and too sharp tongued to make friends easily, but…he was a good looking young man. Tall, dark, and handsome as the saying goes. And he wanted to better himself, he wanted to work his way up in the world. He had promise.

He could have made any girl a nice husband.

She supposed if there was a way for Thomas to change, that he would have done it by now.

It was sad. But then- the poor dear – maybe, hopefully he could still find a way to happiness.

Somehow.

Although his options were limited.

He could try to find a girl who was willing to overlook this part of his character…a girl who understood that he could never feel for her what she felt for him.

But was that really fair? To either of them?

It would have to be more of a friendship marriage than any romantic calling.

Well, maybe he'd never marry. Perhaps it would be just as well.

It didn't mean he'd have to be alone, exactly- if he could begin to learn kindness toward others, he could make friends.

And having a few friends would be better than nothing.

Mrs. Hughes didn't want to think about the alternative. Thomas being with a man was- well, it just wouldn't do. Not only could he face prison if suspected, but…well, how could he live his life with a man? It might make him happy, in the moment, but…was it right?

Well, right or wrong, Thomas would have to do what made him happy, and weigh the risks accordingly.

Nevertheless, Mrs. Hughes knew he was going to have a long and difficult road ahead of him. But in the end, she hoped he'd find some happiness.

She hoped.