Modern
Thomas rested his head back against his bedroom door, he was exhausted and confused. His tie undone as he tugged on the buttons. He wanted to sleep, keep his thoughts to himself and move on.
"Thomas." He took a deep breath as he thought about the young Welshman and the meeting in the kitchen. He knew that there was no way he could pursue the way he felt about the young man. He knew that the society he lived in wouldn't have accepted it. Falling in love was more difficult this it was for other people. He closed his eyes; the unfairness of it all made him feel sick. John Bates had courted and married a younger woman, Carson had married Mrs Hughes, Tom and Sybil had transcended class and status but him? He could be arrested.
"I can't do this." He ran a hand over his eyes before throwing his shirt into the corner of the room. He laid on the bed, face down he gripped the pillow in one hand and buried his face in it. Tears slipped unheeded from his eyes as his body shook with sobs.
Xxxxxx
Dafydd splashed water on his face as he leant over the small handbasin. He knew he had been uncouth, made the new butler uncomfortable. Sighing he had no idea if he should say something; apologise for his actions. Grabbing the small hand towel he ran it across his face, swearing under his breath. He had made a mistake. Clearly Thomas Barrow was not gay, but he had been sure.
"Idiot. Absolute idiot."
He drained the basin before heading towards his bed. Sleep, he seemed to think would help.
Xxxxxx
"Blast!" Elsie shook her head. The shoeboxes now emptied on the table. The various cards and papers hiding the pattern on the table cloth.
"I really thought it would be here. Somewhere."
"Doesn't matter." Elsie covered his hand as it shook slightly. "There'll be a record somewhere. Come on now. Bed." She led him away as he turned away from the table.
"Elsie."
"Och, we can clear that up in the morning. We can rest. Fresh mind tomorrow and I'm sure we can find something. I don't know about you but I'm all in." She smiled as he nodded wearily.
"You're right. I am tired." He kissed her hand before letting her lead him to the bedroom.
Xxx