AN: Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who reviewed. I forget to say that sometimes but I do appreciate your support :)
How could he have forgotten himself so? He will never find another employer as accepting as Lord Grantham and because he couldn't control himself he'll have to leave. 'On your knees...' His Lordship will never forgive him for that, let alone what followed.
Now that the lust has subsided and he's had time to reflect Thomas accepts the inevitable. He goes about his morning duties in a sort of daze, wondering if this will be the last time he oversees breakfast.
"Barrow," Carson addresses in a ruffled tone, "His Lordship has requested an audience with you." Already? Thomas didn't think it would happen this quickly but then he supposes there's no point in delaying it. Still, he will miss Downton Abbey. Better the devil you know and all that. "Quickly now, don't keep him waiting."
"Of course," Thomas assents and sets off to face the music. He finds His Lordship in the library, sitting at his desk. He sets down his pen and turns upon Thomas' approach.
"Ah Barrow," His Lordship begins cheerfully enough, "I wondered if we might discuss your departure-"
"I'll pack my things immediately My Lord."
"Pack? Whatever for?"
"I know I can't stay on." Thomas drops his eyes to the floor. His Lordship has gone above and beyond for him in the past, it's the least he can do. "I won't cause a fuss-"
"Wait, stop there. You're leaving?" His Lordship appears perplexed, and now Thomas is too.
"Isn't that what you want?"
"Quite the contrary. I find the thought rather distressing." Thomas is lost, he'd been sure he was about to lose his job. "Surely," His Lordship continues, "it wasn't that bad? Or was it so bad that you feel the need to go?"
"No," Thomas shakes his head assuredly, "I thought this is what you'd want."
"Ah. Well there's our first problem. Don't presume to tell me what I'm thinking. Ask me and I'll tell you."
"Yes My Lord." His Lordship watches him expectantly, so Thomas asks. "What is it you wanted to say?"
"I wanted to ask you about last night. I thought perhaps you were returning serve for London?" Thomas' eyes grow wide with realisation, of course that's how it must have looked.
"No," he hurries to assure, "I thought you'd be angry. I should've been more controlled." His Lordship studies him thoughtfully before standing and taking a step closer.
"Nonsense," His Lordship says, having dropped his voice lower, "I got exactly what I wanted. Mutual satisfaction though, does seem to be a problem for us." Us. Thomas likes the sound of that.
"There is a way," he ventures, "for both of us to enjoy it."
"Indeed? In that case," His Lordship continues, waving a hand in the direction of the papers scattered his desk, "this business requires my immediate attention in London."
xxx
Robert finds himself giddy as a schoolgirl at the thought of what is to come. Not that he knows exactly what that is but the roguish look on Thomas' face when he'd suggested it promised to make the venture worthwhile. He takes a seat his desk once more, and searches the papers in front of him. He'd best come up with some reason to visit his agent in town, and he'd best make an actual appointment with the man too. It wouldn't do to have stories that don't corroborate.
He reaches for some ink to begin composing his note to Murray, but the task proves to be more difficult than he'd first assumed. Robert can't get those sparkling crystal-blue eyes out of his thoughts. What is it that Thomas has in mind for them? He's lost in supple lips and velvet skin, when he's startled from his imaginings.
"Robert," comes Cora's unexpected voice. In his surprise his hand knocks the inkpot and the dratted stuff goes everywhere. Across his letters, onto his trousers...
"Blast it!"
"I'll call for help," Cora announces before ringing the bell.
xxx
What an unexpected turn of events. A few nights ago Thomas had been sitting in the servant's hall pondering the injustice of life when His Lordship had happened upon him. He'd been despondent that night, but now he finds himself staring at the prospect of a salacious outing in London. How things do change.
"Well?" Carson demands when Thomas makes his way back downstairs.
"Is there something you wanted to know Mr Carson?" Thomas doesn't have to tolerate being spoken to in such a way now, he's an under-butler, not some shabby footman. Carson puffs his chest out pompously.
"Is His Lordship satisfied?" Thomas bites back all manner of answers he might give, settling for a deliberately ambiguous one that will leave the butler just as clueless as when they began.
"I'd say so Mr Carson." The bell for the library rings. "Now if you'll let me tend to my duties..."
xxx
Upon entering the library Thomas finds His Lordship in a spot of bother. The earl appears to have soiled his trousers. Thomas' lips quirk up in a smile he is careful to hide from Her Ladyship.
He can't help the mischievous look in his eyes though, one His Lordship doesn't fail to notice judging but the exasperated, yet twinkling, way he looks back as Thomas leans down to inspect the damage.
"I'd say they're ruined My Lord. Shall I help you out of those and into some new ones?" The phrasing is perhaps a bit forward but Thomas finds the shackles of propriety have been somewhat thrown off with their recent plans still holding his mood aloft.
"At once."
Thomas nods.
"I'll send Jimmy or Alfred up to clean the desk. Carson can tend to the papers."
"Well," Her Ladyship chimes in, "it appears that I'm no longer needed here. Thank you Barrow, I'll let you get on with it." Just what 'it' might turn out to be Thomas awaits eagerly.