CHAPTER 7

Matthew's funeral was difficult for everybody, particularly Lady Mary who had to be driven to the church and helped to the graveyard afterwards. She was held upright by Mr. Branson and His Lordship, with Mr. Carson hovering nearby in case he was needed. Everybody else walked behind the horse-drawn hearse that carried Mr. Crawley's body. It seemed such a short few years ago that Mary had made her way to that same beautiful stone church to marry Matthew.

Thomas looked at the grieving faces around him, each lost in thoughts and memories of their own. So many of their own loved ones lay buried in the same churchyard that was now Matthew's eternal home. Tom Branson had lingered at Lady Sybil's grave on his way into the church and Thomas knew that he would return there after the rest of them went back to the house. Daisy had placed a small posy of flowers on William's grave, and everybody had noticed the way Lady Mary had stopped and stared at Lavinia Swires headstone as Matthew's coffin was carried from the church. The expression on her face spoke of her distress that Lavinia was once more at Matthew's side instead of her. She looked like she would give anything to trade places with her, to be swallowed by the cold, dark, musty earth of a grave, to spend forever with Matthew in death, rather than be doomed to live in the bright sunshine without him.

After the funeral, a reception was held at the village hall instead of at Downton because Lady Mary did not want to contend with crowds of people in the house. Lord Grantham called the servants together after the service and told them that they were all to take the rest of the afternoon and evening off.

Mrs. Patmore and her girls had prepared the food for the gathering at the village hall and there was much more than needed, so an impromptu picnic was arranged for the staff down by the lake on the Abbey estate.

Blankets were spread out on the grass and everyone settled in for a pleasant afternoon in the sunshine. Ivy and Daisy shared a blanket with Thomas and Jimmy. The hall boys and stable grooms sat on another, the housemaids sat together on a blanket of their own, while Mr. Carson, Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. Patmore and the Bates couple sat on folding chairs in the shade of the big oak tree. Alfred sat on the ground with them, leaning back against the great oak's trunk, his long legs stretched out in front of him.

"It feels a bit strange having a picnic after a funeral, doesn't it?" Ivy said. "It feels wrong."

"Feels perfectly fine to me," Thomas replied. "I wonder how that lot are coping having to fend for themselves while we're all out here?" he said glancing over his shoulder back towards the house. "I wonder if any of them even know how to make a cup of tea?"

"Don't be so mean," Daisy said.

She picked up slice of bread and crumbled it in her hands, then got up and walked towards the lake to feed the ducks, calling back to Ivy to join her.

"Are you coming Jimmy?" Ivy said as she stood.

He shook his head as he lay down on the picnic blanket, folding his hands behind his head and closing his eyes. He relished the freedom of an afternoon off, and the rare chance to lie back and relax instead of being on his feet all day.

Thomas watched him out of the corner of his eye, wishing he could stretch out next to him and wondering if there would ever come a time when two men could publically enjoy each other's affections or share a kiss without breaking the law. Not in his lifetime he supposed.

"This would be so much better if it was just the two of us," Jimmy said, his eyes still closed but his face turned towards Thomas.

"How would that be so?" Thomas asked, a small, teasing smile playing on his lips.

"For one thing it would be quiet and peaceful without those two girls prattling on and on,"

Daisy and Ivy hadn't stopped talking since they sat down and it was starting to give Jimmy a headache.

"How to they still find so much to talk about? They spend all day chattering in the kitchen and all their time off too, surely they must have run out of words by now?"

Thomas chuckled and agreed that the mind of a woman was an unfathomable thing.

"But how do you know I wouldn't talk just as much as them if we were alone?" he asked, stretching his legs out and leaning back on his elbows. It was as close as he dared get to lying down next to Jimmy.

"Because my mouth would be firmly pressed to yours and I would be kissing you so hard that you wouldn't be able to get any words out," Jimmy replied.

He heard the sharp intake of Thomas' breath and opened one eye a crack to see Thomas nervously looking around to see if anybody had heard, but nobody was within earshot. Thomas exhaled and relaxed. But Jimmy wasn't finished toying with him yet.

"And while I kissed you, I would undo your shirt, slowly, one button at a time, letting my fingers wander over your skin as I did it."

"Jimmy…" Thomas warned softly.

"Do you see that bowl of fruit over there?" He didn't have to open his eyes to know that Thomas had turned his gaze towards it. "I would feed that orange to you, one segment at a time, and my tongue would lick the juice that spilled down your chin. It would taste like oranges and cologne, and summer sunshine."

"Jimmy," Thomas' voice was sounding a little bit desperate now.

"My hands would be sticky and you would suck the juice from my fingers. I would watch you do it, I'd watch your lips as I slid my fingers in and out of your mouth. I love your lips, I have a thing about them. I love watching you when you smoke, I love the way your mouth moves. I love the way your lips hold the cigarette, I'm a bit jealous of it actually."

It sounded like a silly thing to say being jealous of a bit a paper and tobacco and ash, but Jimmy was, he wished he could be the cigarette, trapped so firmly between Thomas's lips.

"You'll be the death of me yet," was all Thomas could manage to say.

Jimmy's boldness and teasing was one thing, but the images he planted in Thomas' head were quite another. He could almost feel Jimmy's fingers sliding between his lips, almost taste the sweet citrus flavour of them. He let his gaze drift down Jimmy's body from his pretty face, turned towards the sun, eyes closed, to the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. Then further down still, to where his crisp white shirt was tucked into his trousers. How Thomas longed to pluck it out, pull it up and press his lips and tongue to the soft, golden skin of Jimmy's stomach.

The sound of Thomas' breathing coming deeper and faster encouraged Jimmy. He still had more to tell Thomas about the things he wished to do with that orange and Thomas' mouth, but he heard Daisy and Ivy's voices as they approached so he sat up again, noticing that Thomas had a pleasantly pink flush to his cheeks. Their eyes met and Jimmy smiled, then his eyes moved down and he fixed his gaze on Thomas' mouth, licking his own lips as he did it. Thomas flushed a deeper shade and looked away, gazing out over the lake, turning his head to the sky, watching Daisy pour a glass of cordial for herself. He looked anywhere but at Jimmy's sinfully erotic expression.

"Ivy, be a dear and pass me that orange please," Jimmy said, flashing a charming smile.

He grinned when he heard the hiss escape from Thomas 's lips, but his expression turned to surprise when Thomas suddenly stood up, picked up his jacket and began to walk away.

"Where are you going?" Ivy called after him.

"To the pub for a proper drink," Thomas said, without looking back.

"But that's not the way," Ivy said, puzzled.

"There's a shortcut through the woods," Jimmy told her as his eyes followed Thomas' retreating form.

Jimmy sat for a few moments longer while he peeled the orange and offered a piece to each of the girls. Ivy took hers with delight.

"I'd never eaten an orange before I came to Downton," she said, savouring the segment and remembering her first taste of the fruit that first Christmas she spent at the house.

"Yes," Jimmy said pensively, gazing back at the magnificent façade of the building. "There are many new experiences to be had at Downton."

His gaze lingered on the house, then he got up as casually as he could, "I think I'll join Mr. Barrow for a drink," he said as he sauntered off in the direction of the woods.

Mrs. Hughes and Mrs. Patmore had left the shade of the oak tree and were strolling slowly along the edge of the lake when they saw Jimmy disappear into the woods after Thomas.

"I hope that boy knows what he's doing," Mrs. Patmore commented, shaking her head.

"Oh I think he'll be just fine," Mrs. Hughes replied, "Jimmy's big enough to look after himself and believe it or not, Thomas has a good heart underneath that icy exterior."

"It's Thomas I'm talking about," said Mrs. Patmore. "That Jimmy Kent is a right little firecracker, I hope Mr. Barrow knows what he's let himself in for."

They both chuckled as they continued on their walk.

It took a minute for Jimmy's eyes to adjust to the dappled light inside the woods, but he soon made out the silhouette of a man leaning casually against a tree, waiting for him, just as Jimmy knew he would be. He walked slowly, watching Thomas who was silent and unmoving. When Jimmy was within an arm's length, Thomas reached for him, grabbing him by the shoulder, spinning him around and trapping him between the rough bark of the tree trunk and his own warm, smooth body.

"You are an evil tease," Thomas purred, his lips brushing against Jimmy's mouth as he spoke.

"Who… said… I… was… teasing?..." Jimmy punctuated his reply with a soft, fluttering kiss between each word.

Thomas felt him squirm, then the sharp, fresh smell of citrus filled his nostrils. Jimmy was still carrying half the orange and he pulled a segment free now, stroking it teasingly against Thomas' lips. His eyes glued to Thomas' mouth as he watched him bite into it, the juice spilling down his chin.

Keeping his promise, Jimmy licked up the sweet nectar, making Thomas moan. He fed the rest of the orange to Thomas with his mouth, holding each piece between his teeth and letting the under-butler bite away half of it. They shared it like that, one segment at a time, the sweet sticky juice coating their mouths and chins. Jimmy was breathing heavily by the time they'd swallowed the last piece, and more rapidly still when he pressed a finger against Thomas' lips and watched Thomas lick it clean, just as Jimmy had fantasized he would. There was a look of ecstasy on Thomas' face as he closed his eyes, and gently held Jimmy's hand, one finger after another disappearing into his mouth as he slowly sucked them clean.

Jimmy held his breath, his eyes fixed on Thomas' mouth, watching his digits slide between those beautiful lips. He felt Thomas' tongue swirl around his finger, his teeth gently graze his knuckle. From the time Thomas had shoved him against the tree trunk their bodies had been pressed close together, now Thomas began moving, slowly and deliberately. He ground his hips against Jimmy, making the younger man whimper. It was Thomas' turn to tease now. His fingers threaded into Jimmy's hair, clasping his head firmly as his mouth descended for a kiss, his tongue furiously claiming every inch of Jimmy's mouth. It was delicious and very dangerous. But for the shelter of the trees, they were out in the open with the rest of the servants close enough to hear if one of them called out loudly. Anybody could come along at any moment. Jimmy found that thought daring and arousing as much as it was utterly terrifying.

When the kiss ended he licked his lips, desperate for every last taste of Thomas. He sighed as Thomas took two of his fingers into his mouth again. But that peaceful sigh lasted only a moment when he realized that Thomas was no longer cleaning his fingers, but sucking seductively on them, teasing them, playing with them. The way his tongue circled and prodded, the way his cheeks hollowed as he sucked, filled Jimmy's head with luscious thoughts, images of other things that glorious mouth might suck on. His breath caught in his chest and he moaned.

"Oh dear sweet Lord," Jimmy exhaled and took another deep, disbelieving breath.

Thomas' smile was hungry and lustful. Jimmy had got the idea now, he knew what was coming next and Thomas couldn't help but gloat at his victory over the teasing footman. He slowly slid Jimmy's fingers from his mouth, kissing the tip of each one before moving down his body, placing firm, warm kisses along the buttons of his shirt as he sank to his knees.

"Oh God Thomas, you wouldn't, would you? Not out here… not with everybody just…."

He looked down at Thomas gazing back up at him with eyes that said, oh yes, he definitely would. He bit down on his bottom lip to stop himself protesting when Thomas, now settled on his knees, began to undo his trousers, one button at time, slowly, teasingly. Thomas pulled them down, letting them settle mid-thigh, delighting in the unexpected surprise that Jimmy wore no underwear.

"You really are a wicked young thing," Thomas' warm breath ghosted along the shaft of Jimmy's exposed cock, which was filling and hardening without even having been touched yet.

"You know me Mr. Barrow, I always like to be prepared," Jimmy replied, his voice trembling.

A strangled sound fell from Jimmy's lips when Thomas ran his tongue along the side of his erection. Thomas' fingers curled around it and he playfully rubbed the tip of it long his lips, wetting them with the glistening bead of moisture that had already formed there.

Jimmy began to shiver when he saw Thomas' eyes flutter closed as he opened his mouth. Mewling sounds were already coming from him before his cock even touched Thomas' lips. He felt Thomas press a firm hand to his stomach to hold him and ground him in the moment, then he saw Thomas' eyes open and look directly up at him.

"Do not cry out," Thomas warned him as he closed his eyes again and slid the head of Jimmy's cock between his lips.

"Oh bloody hell!" Jimmy yelped and then shoved his knuckles into his mouth to keep himself quiet.

The inside of Thomas' mouth felt like a furnace, his tongue felt like a flame lapping at Jimmy's sensitive skin. He had never felt anything like it, never knew such a sensation existed. The heat and suction when Thomas began to move his head back and forth almost undid him. His body shivered as he struggled for control. He shuddered when Thomas' talented tongue teased the very tip of him, flicking little licks at his slit and drawing more fluid from him. He bit into his knuckles when Thomas swirled his tongue around his hard length and ever so gently, with the lightest of touches, grazed his teeth along Jimmy's skin. His hips were bucking, he couldn't help it, he tried to stop himself thrusting into Thomas' mouth but the feeling was just too delicious.

Thomas encouraged him with a soft hum that vibrated around Jimmy's cock and sent a shockwave through him. His hips lurched forward, but instead of Thomas backing away, he moved his head closer, working his throat and swallowing around Jimmy's length until Jimmy felt his cock hit the soft heat at the back of Thomas' throat. It was incredible, Thomas' mouth was every bit as sinful and exquisite as he'd dreamed it would be. He didn't think he'd ever be able to watch Thomas smoke a cigarette now without blushing or getting hard.

Thomas could feel the tiny vibrations and convulsions in Jimmy's body that told him the boy was close. He wanted to be there with him, or as close as he could be. He curled his thumb and forefinger around the base of Jimmy's cock and squeezed gently, staving off his climax for just a little bit longer. With his other hand he worked the buttons of his own fly and extricated the aching erection that had been there ever since he took Jimmy into his mouth and got his first taste of him.

Releasing his grip on the root of Jimmy's shaft, he caressed his stomach and hip with firm, loving strokes of his hand. His other hand worked his own length, spreading the slick wetness he had leaked down over the length of himself, sliding his hand back and forth, revelling in the blissful feeling of it. His mouth increased its efforts, sucking harder, bobbing his head faster, taking Jimmy further and further down his throat. The whimpers coming from above him told him to expect Jimmy' climax as he clamped his lips down harder, increasing the friction and driving Jimmy further into the madness of oblivion.

"Oh God Thomas… Oh God… I'm going to… Oh Christ!"

Jimmy's voice was choked, his words stuttering and halting, and his release, when it came, was a long hiss exhaled through clenched teeth. Thomas' mouth received his climax gratefully, swallowing it without question, taking everything the young footman could give him and still longing for more. He relaxed his mouth, his tongue gently lapping, knowing that before long Jimmy's orgasm-sensitive cock would be too tender to touch. The jerk of Jimmy's hips and a soft cry from his mouth told Thomas that moment had come just a few seconds later. He reluctantly let him slide from his mouth and placed a soft, fluttering kiss on the very tip of Jimmy's length, pulling one more tremor from his over-stimulated body.

He rested his head against Jimmy's hip, kissing his hipbone and running his tongue over it, his hand furiously stroking himself to his own quivering climax. It only took three more thrusts into his palm before Thomas released onto the ground between Jimmy's feet with a shuddering, deep, contented sigh.

The cooling breeze on Jimmy's hot, wet skin sent heavenly aftershocks through him, but even the softest gusts of air were almost too much. He doubled over, folding himself over Thomas' body and hugged his shoulders.

"Thank you," he breathed softly against the side of Thomas' face.

The words brought tears to Thomas' eyes. He recalled the first time he had been sucked off. The memory wasn't a good one. He had been sixteen years old and at his first job as a stable boy at the manor house near Chorlton-on-Medlock where he grew up. It had been with the estate's gamekeeper, a big strapping bull of a man, not necessarily into boys but happy enough to use them when women were in short supply. Thomas had had a crush on him, and thought all his dreams had come true when one night, slightly drunk, the man had returned from the pub and shoved Thomas up against the stable wall and yanked his trousers down. The pleasure had been intense, too wonderful for his body to control. He had trust into the man's mouth with abandon, unable to help himself. He had ended up with a black eye from the punch he'd got from making the man gag and coming in his mouth without warning.

Now, here in the woods on Downton's vast estate, with Jimmy still curled over him, Thomas was thrilled that he had been able to make the experience for Jimmy a good one. Whatever happened in the future, Jimmy would look back on this day and recall the pleasant memory of it.

Rising slowly to his feet, he helped Jimmy to straighten and took the handkerchief from his pocket to clean them up. Jimmy watched him closely as he did it, marvelling at the tender, loving way Thomas handled him as he tucked him back into his trousers and buttoned them up again.

"What are you thinking about?" Jimmy asked as he helped Thomas get back into this own clothes and brush the creases out of them.

"That I wish this house was mine so that we wouldn't have to hide in the woods to take our pleasure," Thomas replied, telling Jimmy the fantasy that he'd had so often over past few days. "I'd lay you out on the front lawn wearing nothing but your beautiful smile and the sunshine on your skin, then I'd take you and make you mine. I'd make love to you and to hell with anybody who wanted to watch."

Jimmy laughed. "I'd love that," he said softly. "Not the being watched part, but the being made love to bit. I want that Thomas, I want everything."

Thomas pulled him close in a tight hug, pressing his mouth into Jimmy's hair and kissing his head lovingly.

"Tonight," he whispered his promise into Jimmy's ear. "I'll make you mine tonight."

"Yes," Jimmy answered, his mouth curving into a shy smile and his eyes shining with trust.

"Now how about that drink?" Thomas reluctantly released him from the embrace.

"I think I need it," Jimmy said as they began to walk, soon stepping out of the protective cover of the trees and onto the narrow lane that led to the village.

To be continued….