Author's Note: Thomas shares his thoughts with Miss Lane. I will definitely be updating and completing this ficlet soon. Thanks for reading. Reviews as always are much appreciated.

Thomas Brown

He knocked gently on the worn wooden door.

'Come in.' Came the gentle reply.

He entered the room, a little fearful of how his actions would be perceived by any inquisitive neighbors; particularly the dressmakers next door. "I thought you might like some of this." He held up a snifter of brandy.

"Thomas. It is very kind of you."

He put the glass down. He harrumphed a little, unsure of how to begin. There was an awkward silence for some seconds while Dorcas waited for him to say what he clearly was bursting to tell her.

"Ma'am you know that I would not willingly interfere, but I must tell you that I feel you have made the wrong decision here –"

"Thomas Brown feels?" she asked sharply.

Thomas blushed, his gaze falling to his feet. He began again, "You may mock me Miss Lane but I have never seen love expressed so fervently by a suitor ma'am. He truly loves you Miss Lane. He looked like death himself when you were lying sick in your bed. He's the one who rode to get Queenie. He bore a burden that was not his to bear Ma'am."

"Thomas! I have heard quite enough of Mr Dowland's heroics." She sat down in the chair at the window and took a sip of brandy to fortify herself.

"I hope you find it in yourself to forgive him, Miss Lane. A man has never suffered so much. He has changed remarkably in such a short span of time to the detriment of us all. Miss Lane, remember that the Lord always knows what's best."

"Then perhaps Thomas Brown, that is why he is making me feel what I feel." She replied curtly.

He stepped towards the door, taken aback by the ferocity of her tone. He had never, in all his time at the post office, heard her speak this way.

"I will pray then Ma'am." He replied stoically as if that was the answer to all of life's miseries.

Dorcas gave a small smile and took another sip of brandy. "I'm sorry Thomas. Thank-you for your concern, but I assure you, you have no reason to be worried. I know what is best."

Thomas became awkward again, unsure of how to end this unusual conversation. He shuffled his feet, his hand on the door. "Goodnight then Miss Lane."

"Goodnight Thomas." She replied sadly.