A/N: Thank you all so much! Baxter-day is a good day, because Baxter is the most optimistic of the downstairs bunch in this series. Please let me know what you think!
Running a loose hem through her sewing machine on a quiet afternoon is one of her favourite things. When some of the junior staff have their half-days and the Servants' Hall is empty for long stretches of time and you can hear Mrs Patmore and Daisy work on the upstairs meals. When there's the comforting sound of Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes talking in her sitting room (the door is always half-open these days and it makes her smile.)
The whirring of her machine helps her think. Happy thoughts these days - there is no need to fear Thomas spilling the beans (not now she has her own little secret to keep.) Mrs Hughes never once mentioned her past and nor has her Ladyship.
Joseph would never tell. She trusts him with her secret.
With her life.
She can't compare Joseph to… well. Him.. It's not exciting or thrilling; there are no empty promises or the sense of being swept off her feet. Just the feeling of being safe. He cares for her and if Downton is indeed being pushed into more modern times, perhaps it will follow the precedent set by the grand London houses where a married Butler and Housekeeper are seen as dependable and are much more favoured above a single man and woman.
But London is different.
The door of Mrs Hughes' sitting room swings further open. She watches Mrs Hughes straighten Mr Carson's tie in the door opening.
A mug of tea appears on the table next to her machine - it pulls her from her daydreaming.
"Thank you, Mr Molesley," she says and smiles.
He smiles back. Phyllis sighs happily.
Yes. She is looking forward to the future. She is sure that things can only get better.
She is certain of it.