Older and Wiser
Part 2
In the car on the way to Downton, Lady Anstruther patted Jimmy's shoulder as he sat in front.
"Don't worry, dear friend. We will prevail."
Why did she have to talk like a king leading his men into battle? Jimmy felt sick. What the hell was he doing? He was behaving just like her, lusting after a man so going to Downton Abbey to get him. If he could have taken the wheel from the driver, he would have turned the car round and driven off into the sunset.
The car pulled up at the Abbey, and Lady Anstruther shimmied out towards the Granthams.
"Robert dear. And Cora." She air kissed their cheeks. "I'm so sorry Peter couldn't come with me but it's so long since I saw you."
Lord Grantham's hair was pure white now, and to Jimmy's surprise, he stared blankly at him with no recognition.
"Peter?" he asked Lady Anstruther.
"Oh, Robert," said Lady Grantham. "You remember. Harriet married Peter Elsford two years ago."
"Oh, yes—er—I'm all muddled these days. Should we go into the—er—"
"The Abbey, darling." Lady Grantham's voice had the edge of impatience.
"Oh yes. Perhaps that young man could bring the cases—er—" Grantham tottered off clutching his wife's arm.
"He's aged badly," whispered Lady Anstruther. "He's forgotten who you are."
"Good." At least Lord Grantham wouldn't ban him from the house. But suppose Thomas had moved on? Jimmy braced himself. Whatever would be would be. He had nothing to lose, not really. The worst that could happen was going back to Anstruther Hall to his normal job.
As they approached the Abbey, Grantham turned.
"Carson will deal with your luggage and your—er—"
"Not Carson, dearest. Barrow, remember?" Lady Grantham patted his arm and said over her shoulder. "Carson passed away a year ago, so now Mr Barrow is in charge."
Jimmy raised his eyebrows—Thomas hadn't mentioned any of this in his letters. Then he suppressed a smile at the irony. Here was Thomas running a big house while he was still stuck as first footman. But he could only feel happy for him.
At the front door, Thomas stood patiently, but instead of his previous cold gaze, he wore a pleasant, open expression. His formerly black hair now had a slight touch of grey over his ears. Jimmy did a quick calculation. He was 30 now so Thomas must be nearly 40.
"Ah, Mr Barrow. Please take His Lordship to his room for his morning nap." Lady Grantham pressed the faithful butler's arm for a long moment and Thomas smiled at her.
"Of course, my lady." He turned to Lord Grantham, then he saw Jimmy with Lady Anstruther. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped a bit, but not enough to compromise his professional expression. He held out his arm to Grantham, who took it, and then with one quick glance over his shoulder at Jimmy, turned and walked slowly off up the corridor with the old Earl.
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Jimmy made his way downstairs to the familiar servants' rooms. Mrs Hughes stood at the bottom of the stairs, gazing into the distance.
"Hello Mrs Hughes," he said chirpily. She turned and he gasped at how much older she looked—her eyes dimmer, her complexion paler, her hair greyer.
"Oh! Hello Jimmy. What a surprise to see you again. What brings you here?"
"My employer—Lady Anstruther—wanted to visit Lord and Lady Grantham."
"Lady Anstruther? I see." She pursed her lips. "Are you keeping well?"
"I'm not too bad. Mrs Hughes—I'm so sorry to hear about Mr Carson. He was a—a fine man."
"He was indeed. I'm just glad to have Mr Barrow. He's been my rock since Mr Carson…" She sighed.
"Has he?"
"He changed after you left." She stared at him. "You broke his heart, so I hope you aren't going to do it again. I know how a broken heart feels now."
Jimmy felt a lump in his throat and patted her arm. "I'm so sorry."
She put her hand on his. "I mean it."
"Where is Thom—Mr Barrow anyway?"
"He may be in his room. The one Mr Carson used to…you know where it is." She smiled slightly and Jimmy smiled back. "But if not, he could be in the pantry, or polishing the silverware, or even in the wine cellar. Good luck on your hunt."