Chapter 17

Thomas and Jimmy made their way up the path back towards Downton both laden down with two heavy bags of flour apiece. Jimmy's arms were killing him something he normally would have complained bitterly about. Now however, there was more pressure to impress and Jimmy didn't want Thomas to think he was weak or whiny. Jimmy tried to subtly shift the bag in his right arm something that was proving difficult to do as the sweat of his hands would not allow him to hold a firm grip on his burden. Just as the abbey came into view Thomas dropped the bags he was holding heavily on the ground.

"Let's stop for a moment" huffed Thomas sitting down on top of one of the bags he began searching his pockets for his packet of cigarettes.

Relieved, Jimmy did the same and sat down next to Thomas who had now located his cigarettes and offered one to Jimmy. Lighting his own cigarette Thomas inhaled deeply before offering the still lit match to Jimmy. Jimmy cupped his hands around Thomas' so as not to extinguish the flame. They smoked silently for a few moments and Thomas reflected on what a good day they had shared.

They'd had lunch at the Grantham arms where it was nice to sit and spend time together without worrying about raising suspicion. Afterwards they'd stopped by the post office to post a letter for Mrs Hughes before popping into a bookshop where Thomas spent his time scanning the novels looking for anything new while Jimmy spent his time poured over the books of sheet music, staring at the notes intently as though trying to memorise them. When it was time to leave Thomas made sure to take note of the title of the book Jimmy had been most fond of, thinking it would make a suitable present for Jimmy's birthday in two months' time. When they had finished, they reluctantly went to the bakery to collect the bags of flour and while Thomas had already known that they would be late getting back he hadn't realised just how heavy the bags were and they were now much later then he had intended. Still, Thomas wasn't too concerned. He knew Carson could hardly kick up a fuss when it was he who insisted they go in the first place.

"Did you always want to be in service?" asked Jimmy.

Thomas was somewhat startled by Jimmy's sudden choice of subject. He pursed his lips considering.

"I guess" he replied. "What made you ask?"

Jimmy shrugged, "I dunno, just wanted to know more about you" he shrugged blushing delicately.

Flattered Thomas continued. "I didn't really have a lot of options. I left school when I was 12 to work in my dad's shop. But when business got slow I got a job as a field hand at Langston Park, but I didn't fancy it. When I was there six months they advertised for a hall boy and I made sure I got it. I've been in service ever since. What about you?

Jimmy shrugged "I had a few odd jobs here and there. Then I saw an ad for a footman at Lady Ansturther's. She happened to wander down to the servants' hall on the day of my interview and more or less offered me the job on the spot. The butler wasn't too pleased though". Thomas smiled at that.

"Speaking of unhappy butlers we should probably start heading back" said Thomas stubbing out his cigarette. Jimmy sighed but nodded in agreement and stooped down to pick up the bags of flour which felt heavier than ever. "At least we're nearly home" mumbled Jimmy as the pair set off towards the servants' entrance.

They arrived back just as the other servants were finishing their lunch. After putting away the flour for an ungrateful Mrs Patmore, ("I don't need any of this until next week! Just put it in the store room and get out of the way!") Thomas and Jimmy settled into their seats for a well-deserved cup of tea.

"Did you have a nice time in the village?" asked Ivy as she poured tea for the two weary men. Thankfully she seemed to have forgiven Jimmy for his earlier indiscretions and was much friendlier then before.

"It were alright" said Jimmy receiving a smirk from Thomas.

"Just alright?" asked Freddie glancing up from his conversation with Miss Butler.

"Didn't quite get what you wanted?" he leered though thankfully none of the other staff seemed to notice. Jimmy blushed hotly and Thomas frowned at the valet. Jimmy was saved from having to respond by the arrival of Mrs Hughes. "Miss Butler Lady Cartwright was asking for you." Miss Butler thanked the housekeeper.

"I better go see what she wants" she said rolling her eyes at Freddie before disappearing up the stairs.

Once she had gone Mrs Hughes began ushering the remaining servants back to their duties. Thomas and Jimmy gulped down the remainder of their tea before returning to their tasks.

…

Jimmy was kept busy over the next few days. He caught only glimpses of Thomas as the underbutler was equally as busy with Mr Carson going over preparations for the week. The Cartwright's were still here despite the rest of the guests having already left and they did not seem to have departure date set for anytime soon, something that Mr Carson considered abhorrent and Jimmy had to agree when their continued presence doubled his workload.

Tough he and Thomas tried to spend a little time together every evening their free time grew less and less with each passing day. There as always a meal to serve or a job to do. He was presently preparing the table in the dining room. Alfred had disappeared and so he was left to do it alone. The Cartwright's extended stay also meant the continued presence of Freddie whose frequent jokes and innuendos left Jimmy with a constant red face. Each time they got less subtle and even one or two of the other servants were beginning to raise an eyebrow at his constant remarks.

Jimmy wanted to say something, to tell the valet to keep his mouth shut, but he was afraid if he did Freddie might decide to tell Thomas about what they had done together. Though he did not like the idea of keeping secrets from Thomas, he was unsure of how the older man would react and he was desperate not to spoil things after they had taken so long to reach where they were. So he resolved to grit his teeth and say nothing and pray that Freddie did the same. He was pondering whether or not Thomas would be truly angry if he found out when the man himself spoke from behind Jimmy.

"You look deep in thought. Sorry, didn't mean to startle you" said Thomas seeing Jimmy jump. "Penny for them?"

"Jimmy felt his face go hot. "Err nothing really, just thinking of all the extra work with the Cartwright's still here. Jimmy hoped Thomas couldn't detect the wobble in his speech.

"Ah" said Thomas nodding before smiling slyly "So I guess you'll be too tired to visit me this evening? Seems like forever since I've seen you properly."

Jimmy felt his pulse quicken. "I think I can manage that."

"Good" smiled Thomas reaching down to straighten one of the many forks on the table while pressing his body close to Jimmy's. Jimmy felt a pleasurable shiver run through his body and knew Thomas had felt it being so close.

Jimmy jumped as Mr Carson appeared at the door. "Ah Mr Barrow, I was just going to check the dining room myself".

Though Jimmy felt the blood rush to his face Thomas didn't even flinch.

"Not to worry Mr Carson, James has everything I order".

Mr Carson nodded in approval, "Very good. I'm going to start decanting the wines, will you check if the evening post has arrived?"

"Of course, Mr Carson."

As the butler left Thomas heaved a sigh and stared longingly at Jimmy.

"I guess we'll see more of each other later then" said Thomas running his eyes over the footman.

With that the underbutler exited the dining room leaving Jimmy to ponder all the things they might do that night.

….

That evening Jimmy returned to his bedroom to wash his face in an effort to calm himself before knocking on Thomas' door. Most of the servants had gone to bed well over an hour ago so there was little chance of him being seen entering Thomas' bedroom. Jimmy began unbuttoning his waistcoat but his fingers froze on the second button. He found himself in a state of confusion on what he should wear. As silly as it sounded he didn't want to start the night off on an awkward note by dressing improperly. Should he change into his pajamas, or was that too presumptuous? Maybe Thomas didn't want him to spend the night and he dreaded the thought of what the other servants might make of his leaving Thomas' room in the middle of the night. On the other hand he felt foolish going to see Thomas in his footman's livery. It was stiff and uncomfortable and he didn't want Thomas to think he was uncomfortable about visiting him, even if he was a little nervous. He settled on removing his waistcoat and shirt and untucking his undershirt.

Peering nervously around his door he snuck down the hall and knocked quietly before entering Thomas' bedroom.

Thomas was sitting on his bed reading a book. He smiled and marked his place in the book before tucking it into a drawer. Jimmy was about to ask what Thomas had been reading when the underbutler swiftly got up from the bed and pulled Jimmy close for a deep kiss. Thoughts of books were quickly forgotten and Jimmy slid his arms around Thomas' waist pulling him closer still.

"Sorry" gasped Thomas as they finally withdrew breathless, "But I've been wanting to do that all day".

Jimmy responded by pulling the older man close once more and passionately kissing him.

The pair froze as they heard a knock at the door. Thomas considered ignoring it until Alfred's voice came from the other side of the door.

"Mr Barrow? Are you still up?"

Thomas cursed and grimaced apologetically at Jimmy who moved to stand out of sight of the door. Thomas walked to the door and once he was sure Jimmy wouldn't be seen pulled it open and glared at the ginger footman.

"What?"

"Mr Carson says he needs to see you in his office, something about a missing wine decanter" said Alfred shrugging his shoulders.

"You better go see what he wants, he's in a foul mood".

Thomas groaned as Alfred wandered back to his own room.

Jimmy frowned "do you want me to go?"

Thomas gave Jimmy a look that sent a wave of desire coursing through his body.

"Definitely not. I'll go see what he's on about and come straight back." Giving Jimmy one last look he exited the room pulling the door closed behind him.

Jimmy glanced around the room unsure of what to do. He glanced at his reflection in the mirror above Thomas' desk and frowned at his cheeks which were bright red.

Deciding he needed to cool down Jimmy wandered over to the wash basin and splashed the cool water over his face and neck. He glanced around for a towel but there wasn't one readily available. Wandering back over to the desk Jimmy pulled open the top drawer and withdrew a handkerchief before drying the damp from his face.

Thomas wouldn't mind he thought, wringing the handkerchief over the basin he lay it out over the desk chair to dry. Jimmy was about to close the drawer when something caught his eye. It was what looked like a cigar box, though it looked nothing like the ones Lord Grantham used when entertaining. It was scuffed and the hinges were worn. Jimmy opened it and peered inside. There were a few pictures of what Jimmy assumed were Thomas' family, a pocket watch that didn't appear to be working, a handkerchief with the initials EC and underneath all this there were quite a few letters. Jimmy withdrew one guiltily and, though he knew he shouldn't, began to read.

My Dearest Thomas,

It's been too long since we last wrote, and even longer since our last meeting. Not a day goes by when I don't think of you and the time we shared. I wish I …

Jimmy jerked his head up as he heard the sound of footsteps approachig. He hurriedly returned the letter to its box and shut the drawer, turning jst in time to see Thomas enter the room with a face like thunder.

"Bloody old man" he muttered rubbing wearily at his eyes. He looked up and smiled tiredly at Jimmy.

"Are you sure you want me to stay? You look done in."

"Absolutely" said Thomas closing the distance between them and running his hands over the younger man's upper body. "I need some cheering up after that disaster." He kissed Jimmy deeply and Jimmy returned the kiss deeply all thoughts of the letter leaving his mind.

Thomas slowly walked backwards towards the bed bringing Jimmy with him until his legs met the edge of the frame and they both fell back onto the bed causing the springs to squeak in protest.

Jimmy felt himself melt into Thomas' embrace, kissing him deeply, he wrapped his arms around the older man's neck. Thomas responded by slipping his hands under Jimmy's shirt and running his hands over Jimmy's back and hips.

Jimmy tentatively ran his hand down the older man's chest pausing only long enough to undo the button of Thomas' trousers and run his hand over the bulge inside. In a matter of moments both men lay naked and writhing their clothes lay entwined on the floor and at the foot of the bed. Jimmy groaned as Thomas' kisses moved down his chest and stomach until finally he reached Jimmy's pulsing erection and Jimmy felt the other man's lips part and devour his cock.

"Wait" gasped Jimmy, using all his self-control to make Thomas pause.

Thomas looked up at Jimmy and gazed at Jimmy in confusion.

"I… I want…" Jimmy blushed deeply but forced himself to meet Thomas' gaze. "I wanted to do that to you."

Thomas seemed to hesitate for a moment, but then he smiled and nodded at his young lover. Jimmy tried to make room on the narrow bed as Thomas lay down beside him. Jimmy crawled awkwardly until he was settled in between Thomas' legs.

Jimmy glanced down at Thomas' swelling cock and rubbed his hands nervously on his thighs.

"I haven't done this before" warned Jimmy. "But, you can tell me if I do it wrong, and I'll get better."

Thomas sat up and brought his hands up to rest on either side of Jimmy's face. "That's not possible" he whispered kissing Jimmy softly. "You're already perfect."

Jimmy smiled at that, taking a deep breath he gently pushed Thomas back to his former position and reached between them to grip Thomas' length. After stroking Thomas until the older man was left groaning and gasping Jimmy leant down and licked the tip. He continued stroking as he licked glancing up every now and again to gage Thomas' reaction.

After one last look Jimmy took as much of Thomas in to his mouth as he could. He gagged slightly when Thomas' hips bucked in surprise. After taking a moment to adjust to the feeling Jimmy began moving up and down growing more and more accustomed to Thomas' length.

Thomas hands gripped the sheets tightly, he could feel his lower half spasm uncontrollably and tried calm himself so as not to startle the footman. He closed his eyes tightly as he felt his orgasm build.

Jimmy who had been watching Thomas' closely frowned at the latter closed his eyes. Though he knew he was being silly he couldn't help the nagging voice his head. Could Thomas be picturing someone else? Maybe whoever wrote the letter? Had he slept with whoever it was? It didn't take much for him to go to bed with Freddie so who knows how many others there were. All of whom were more experienced and skilled then Jimmy. How could he compare?

Jimmy mentally shook himself but he removed his lips from Thomas' leaking cock. Thomas, who could feel himself on the edge of orgasm, glanced down to see what had caused Jimmy to stop.

"I want you to look at me" said Jimmy, the words leaving his mouth before he had time to be embarrassed by them. "I want you to watch me and I want to watch you." He wanted Thomas to see him and only him.

Once again Thomas nodded, Jimmy returned to his previous task, eyes locked with Thomas'.

Thomas' lips parted and his body shook but kept his eyes on Jimmy as his orgasm crashed over him.

Jimmy spluttered as Thomas came but swallowed as much as he could. Afterwards he wiped his lips with the back of his and flopped down to lie next to the older man who was still breathing heavily.

Jimmy grinned in triumph at Thomas' reaction. His own erection was aching for attention and he reached a hand down stroke it.

"Oh no you don't" laughed Thomas, replacing Jimmy's hand with his own. "I'll do that, after all, it's the least I could do".

"I don't think I'll last that long" moaned Jimmy whose hips were already bucking frantically.

Jimmy gasped loudly as moments later he had his own release. Thomas silenced him with a lazy kiss. The two lay together for some time and it wasn't until Jimmy heard the hall boys familiar loud knock at the door he realised he'd fallen asleep.

"Damn" muttered Jimmy leaping out of the bed and searching frantically for his clothes.

"Wake up" he whispered shaking Thomas firmly "It's after 6!"

Thomas rubbed his eyes groggily but to Jimmy's relief rose quickly and pulled on his trousers.

"How am I going to get out of here?" asked Jimmy worriedly.

"Relax" soothed Thomas, "I'll go first and tell you when the coast is clear.

Pulling on his shirt Thomas glanced back to check Jimmy was dressed before opening his door and peering outside.

"It's clear" he confirmed, "want me to go with you?"

"No I'll be ok" said Jimmy praying no one came into the hallway.

"I'll see you at breakfast" said Thomas giving once last glance outside before stepping back to let Jimmy pass.

Jimmy moved as quickly as he could, he wrenched open the door to his bedroom and slipped in side. Only after he was safely on the other side of the door did he breathe a sigh of relief.

"I'll have to be more careful next time" he muttered to himself, because if there was one thing Jimmy was sure of after last night, it was that there would definitely be a next time.