"Barrow," His Lordships addresses Thomas, his tone reminding Thomas of the other man's superiority.
"Yes, My Lord," Thomas answers, a model of the perfect servant. His Lordship leans closer, ever so slightly, and his eyes dart about the room, surveying its other occupants. Thomas resists the urge to look over his shoulder and see who else is still here.
"I wonder if you might check that the liquor tray is fully stocked in the dressing room." Oh, it's just work. Hopes Thomas didn't even realise he was harbouring wilt. Damn, he thought he had this under control. "I'll be using that room tonight," His Lordships adds unnecessarily, fixing his gaze on Thomas.
"Of course My Lord," Thomas nods and the other man gives him an unreadable look before he turns away.
xxx
Everything seems in order, nothing needs replacing. Satisfied his duty is complete Thomas steps out into the hallway with the intention of retiring to his room for the night.
"Mr. Barrow," comes Carson's voice, "what are you doing up here?"
"His Lordship asked me to check his room. Everything's in order."
"I should hope so," Carson says, apparently ruffled by Thomas' response, "I saw to it myself only half an hour ago."
"That would explain it. Goodnight Mr. Carson." Thomas retreats before Carson has time to question him further, not that Thomas has anything to hide.
xxx
Thomas can't sleep. It's the same dilemma he faced only a few months ago that's keeping him up. He's trying to decipher the signals, if indeed that's what they are, that he's been receiving from His Lordship. All he's got is that His Lordship now sleeps in his dressing room, something that started the night they met downstairs. But that could have nothing to do with him, most likely does have nothing to do with him. He'd dismiss it completely except for that look His Lordship gave him earlier, 'I'll be using that room tonight' were the words that accompanied it. What His Lordship was implying seems quite clear but Thomas doesn't trust himself anymore. Not after what happened with Jimmy. He was sure he'd read those signs right and look how that ended... Damn, the memory of London won't leave him alone either and His Lordship had been more than willing. What if he did sneak down there? They've spent the night together before, they could do it again. But that was away from here, Thomas reminds himself. His Lordship is not going to risk everything here at Downton where the chances of getting caught are so high. But that look, those words... If Thomas does sneak down there without getting caught what does he risk? It's different to last time. His Lordship, unlike Jimmy, will be completely aware of his intentions and even if he is unwilling he'll just send Thomas away, he won't tell anyone and risk public exposure. There's the possibility he could lose his job but that seems unlikely. His Lordship fought to keep him here even after he found out about what went on with Jimmy, in fact, Thomas even got a promotion out of it. Eventually Thomas decides to attempt it. He's weighed the options and he's convinced himself the reasoning is sound, that he has more to gain than to lose. But if he's truly honest with himself he'd know that his decision has nothing to do with reasoning or sound logic and everything to do with the simple fact that he wants this.
Thomas pulls his clothes on, if he does get caught out of bed at least he might be able to explain it away if he's dressed.