PART FIVE
Phyllis went about her work quietly that day, constantly looking over her shoulder in fear of the under-butler. Eventually, Mr Molesley approached her and pulled her aside gently. "Don't fear Mr Barrow," he told her. "I won't let him do anything to hurt you dear. I promise."
"Thank you Joseph," she replied, smiling lightly. Joseph smiled and gently pulled her into his arms. Phyllis resisted the urge to rest her head against his chest, smiling lightly. He was her strength, there was no denying it. "Joseph, I have to get this mending done. Lady Grantham has ripped yet another nightgown. Personally, I don't mind, I'll have this done in moments, but Lord Grantham ought to be more careful with his wife's nightclothes. People might talk."
"I think they're already a topic of conversation in high society," Joseph replied. "But you have to be glad they're in love. It makes the house a much better place to work. Trust me, I've worked here when she's upset with him for a long period of time and it changes the mood around the house."
"I can imagine," Phyllis replied, not trying to leave Joseph's arms. "Was this after Lady Sybil passed?"
"It was; and it was a rough time for the entire family, including the staff," he replied. "But let's not talk about it now. Come on, we'll go downstairs together and I'll sit with you while you do your mending."
"Alright," she said, as Joseph loosened his grip on her, allowing her to leave his arms. He took her hand lightly and led her downstairs. When they got downstairs, they sat down side by side in the servant's hall, with Anna to Baxter's left and Molesley to her right. After a while, Baxter turned and asked Anna to help her bring her sewing machine downstairs, claiming her shoulder was hurting her. Anna agreed and the two left the servant's hall, going up the maid's staircase.
"Miss Baxter," Anna said. "Why did you really need my help? Even if your shoulder was injured, you could still carry your sewing machine. And how would you have even injured it in the first place? Is something the matter?"
"I don't think so," she said. "Except, I like someone that I probably shouldn't. And I think he likes me too, what on Earth is anyone to do then?"
"Talk to him, that's what I did when I realized I was in love with Mr Bates and it certainly worked. Is it Mr Molesley, by any chance?" Baxter turned her head and blushed lightly. She slowly nodded her head before turning back to Anna, seeing a smile on her face. "Then may I offer advice?"
"Of course you can Anna, I value your opinions, you're a friend," she said. "At least I hope so."
"Tell him how you feel about him, he's had a very rough time these last few years and you telling him how you feel might just confidence and make him believe that he can do anything," Anna said. "He's very kind and I consider him a friend, even though he used to fancy me."
"Of course he did," Phyllis said, her smile dropping slightly. "You're beautiful. After fancying you, who would look at me though?"
"Mr Molesley, because you're a kind hearted woman and he likes that," she replied. "And I can tell that you like him too. Who knows, maybe you'll end up like Mr Bates and I."
"I do wish," Phyllis replied, her smile returning to her face. "I really do like him. He's a kind man who deserves to be happy."
"You deserve to be happy too," Anna said, rubbing Phyllis' back as they entered her room. Phyllis picked up the case that held her sewing machine and the two went back down the stairs to the Servant's Hall.
"Thank you," Phyllis said to Anna before they entered the hall and sat down. "How are you, Mr Molesley?"
"I'm well," he replied. "And how are you?"
"I'm well," she replied. "Though I was wondering if you'd like to join me on a walk after the servant's dinner tonight."
"I'd be delighted to join you on a walk," he answered, the two of them smiling at each other.
"It won't be a long one, I just need some air," she said.
"As do I," Joseph agreed.