Strange Days

Cora looked up as Tom bounded into the nursery. She could see her son in law was upset about something but had no idea what.

"Tom? Whatever is the matter?"

Her American accent hadn't softened in the forty years she had been in England. She wondered if it ever would.

"Mrs Morris?"

"She's gone into town. I'm afraid she's leaving us. Her, Edith and Mary had words."

"Really?"

"Yes. Apparently George asked Mary what a 'bastard' is and why Sybil was called a mongrel. By your demeanour I'm guessing you have had a similar conversation." Cora sighed as Tom nodded. "I dismissed her instantly. George and Marigold are with Mary."

"I know. They're visiting Anna and the baby."

"To think that woman came highly recommend! How dare she? How dare she say those things to innocent children? To my grandchildren?" Cora narrowed her eyes. "I refused her a reference. I'd rather a rat catcher care for the children than her!"

"Sybie has been asking some unusual questions. I'm glad she felt she could ask me. What now? I know Marigold will be educated in London but what about when she's here? Sybil is doing well at school as is George. Do we need a nanny?" He asked as Cora nodded. A quiet knock on the nursery door caught their attention. Tom stepped back as Thomas stood in the doorway with the new maid at his side.

"Lady Cora, this is Alice. She's been with us a few months now."

"I know. Is everything alright?" Cora frowned. She had always liked the young man her daughter had befriended but knew his morals had been questionable in his younger days.

"Yes, My Lady. Alice has experience of looking after children in her previous employment." Thomas smiled. Alice blushed.

"Is this right, Alice?"

"Yes My Lady."

"As a nanny?"

"Not as such." Alice paused, her long blonde hair trailing over her shoulder. "I used to look after the children of the house. Only four if them and only when Nanny Caswell was indisposed."

"Indisposed?" Tom smiled slightly, knowing the old woman's reputation.

"When the Ale House was open or when it was too tiring for her following a visit to the Ale House." Thomas explained. Cora raised an eyebrow.

"Alice? A trial period? A month? Would that suit you?"

"Yes, My Lady, thank you."

"Well then." Cora smiled. "Monday you can start being a governess of sorts. Thank you Thomas. Alice." They knew they were dismissed as Cora spoke. Alice practically skipped out of the room. Thomas rolled his eyes as he followed her, closing the doors of the nursery behind him.

"Thank you!" Alice gushed as Thomas shrugged.

"All part of the new me." He frowned as she tilted her head. Alice hadn't been there when he had cut his wrists. It seemed a life time ago. He shook his head as Dafydd appeared in the hallway. The young Welshman seemed to catch his attention every time he saw him. Simply being in the same room reduced him to the mental capacity of a teenage boy. He knew what Carson would say. Nodding to him he turned before heading towards the kitchen. It had been a long time since he had felt for anyone what he was feeling now. He liked Dafydd, but it was almost certain his feelings would be rebuked. He didn't want that again. He barrelled into Baxter before he could stop himself.

"Mr Barrow."

"Sorry. I'm sorry."

"Whatever is the matter?" She looked up at him, suddenly concerned. "Thomas?"

"I shouldn't have come back."

"Here? Of course you should. This is where you belong." She smiled kindly. "Come on, we're friends aren't we? Tell me what's troubling you."

He shook his head, aware of the prying eyes and ears that could be around. He nodded.

"You'll think me a fool."

"And then my opinion of you wont change." She teased as he sighed. "Oh Thomas! What is it?"

"I." He closed his eyes. "I think I'm in love."

"That's wonderful!"

"Is it?"

"Who is she?"

"Keep your voice down! It's a him, not a her and that's why it is anything but wonderful. It's illegal!" Thomas slumped, utterly defeated. "It's 1920s England and I am an abomination."

"No you aren't. You're my friend." She touched his arm. He smiled slightly. "And since when was love wrong? Come on, I'll make us some tea." She led him away hoping she could convince the new butler that everything would work itself out.

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