Prologue

Hollywood, California 1929

As I stand on the bustling streets of Hollywood, the neon lights reflecting in my eyes, I can't help but feel a sense of exhilaration. Working as Guy's assistant has been an unexpected turn in my life, but one that I've come to relish. Here, nobody knows the weight of my past, the shadows that once cloaked my every move. It's a fresh start, a chance to rewrite the narrative of Thomas Barrow.

As I stride through the studio lot, a spring in my step, I feel a sense of belonging wash over me. The familiar hum of activity, the smell of fresh paint mingling with the scent of ambition – it all feels strangely comforting. America may be miles away from my homeland, but somehow, it doesn't feel so unfamiliar anymore.

Guy, with his charming smile and easy demeanor, has been nothing short of a godsend. Handsome, charismatic, he embodies the glitz and glamour of Hollywood effortlessly. And yet, beneath his polished exterior, there's a genuine warmth that draws people to him. I couldn't have asked for a better mentor.

But as the days turn into weeks, and the weeks into months, I find myself wrestling with a nagging question that refuses to be ignored: What now? I've achieved everything I set out to accomplish – a career, recognition, a sense of purpose. And yet, despite it all, there's a hollow ache gnawing at the edges of my contentment.

"Congratulations, Thomas! You've really made a name for yourself around here," one of my colleagues chirps, breaking through my reverie. I offer a tight-lipped smile in response, the words ringing hollow in my ears.

Later, as I sit at my desk, sorting through a stack of paperwork, Guy's voice cuts through the silence. "You seem distant today, Thomas. Is everything alright?"

I look up, meeting his concerned gaze with a forced smile. "Just thinking, Guy. Wondering what comes next, you know?"

He nods knowingly, his expression softening. "I know the feeling, old friend. But remember, sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination. And who knows what adventures lie ahead for us?"

As I reflect on Guy's words, a pang of longing washes over me, like a wave crashing against the shores of my consciousness. Despite the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, despite the allure of this new life I've carved out for myself, there's a part of me that still yearns for the simplicity of England, for the familiar halls of Downton Abbey.

I miss the rolling hills of Yorkshire, the stately grandeur of the estate that was once my home. And yet, as I gaze out at the palm trees swaying in the California breeze, I realize that there was nothing left for me there. My time at Downton had served its purpose – I had achieved my goal of becoming a butler, of rising above the station I was born into. But in the end, I had never truly belonged.

I had never wanted to be a servant, to be at the beck and call of those born into privilege. And though being a butler afforded me a certain degree of respect and autonomy, it was still a life of servitude, of subservience.

But amidst the ache of homesickness, there's one thing I miss above all else – the children. George, Sybbie, Caroline, Marigold, and all the others who had once filled the halls of Downton Abbey with their laughter and mischief. They were like family to me, their innocence a balm to soothe the wounds of my past.

As I navigate the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, a quiet longing tugs at my heart – a longing for the kind of bond I witnessed between Carson and Lady Mary back at Downton Abbey. Despite the miles that separate us, I hold onto the hope that one day, I will have the chance to form a similar connection with George. I carry with me the hope that one day, our paths will cross and I will have the opportunity to play a meaningful role in George's life. Until that day comes, I hold onto the memory of Carson and Lady Mary's bond as a beacon of inspiration, a reminder of the profound impact that a genuine connection can have, no matter the distance or circumstance.

I still receive updates on their lives through letters, snippets of news that offer fleeting glimpses into their world. But it's not enough. I long to see them again, to witness firsthand the people they are becoming, to be a part of their lives in a way that mere words can never capture.

As I sit in my office, surrounded by the trappings of success, I can't help but feel a sense of emptiness creeping in. For all the accolades and achievements, for all the glamour and glitz of Hollywood, there's a part of me that will always belong to Downton Abbey, to the family I left behind.

But perhaps, in the end, that's where I truly belong – not amidst the stars and the spotlight, but in the quiet corners of a grand estate, surrounded by the ones I love. And as I close my eyes and let the memories wash over me, I know that no matter where life may take me, a part of my heart will always remain at Downton Abbey.

As I contemplate the tug-of-war between my past at Downton Abbey and my present in Hollywood, a glimmer of possibility begins to emerge. Guy's words echo in my mind, stirring something deep within me – the promise of a life free from the constraints of class and servitude, a life built on camaraderie and shared experience.

His words strike a chord within me, stirring a flicker of hope amidst the uncertainty. Perhaps there's still more to discover, more to aspire to beyond the confines of my current success. And with Guy by my side, I know that whatever the future may hold, I won't have to face it alone.

With a renewed sense of purpose, I turn to Guy, a spark of determination igniting in my eyes. "You're right, Guy. Perhaps it's time for a new chapter, a fresh start."

His smile widens, a flicker of pride dancing in his gaze. "I knew you'd see it, Thomas. And who knows, maybe we can even start that cricket group I've been talking about. I hear you were quite the player back in the day."

A surge of nostalgia washes over me at the mention of cricket, memories of lazy summer afternoons spent on the village green flooding my mind. Despite the passage of time, the thrill of competition, the camaraderie of teammates, still lingers in my veins.

With a nod of agreement, I reply, "I'd like that, Guy. A chance to reconnect with my roots, to find a sense of belonging amongst fellow expats."

And as the prospect of a true community, a community of equals, begins to take shape before me, I feel a weight lifting from my shoulders. No longer bound by the expectations of my past, no longer confined to the roles society has assigned me, I am free to forge my own path, to write my own story.

As I gaze out at the sprawling expanse of Hollywood, the lights twinkling like stars in the night sky, I feel a sense of anticipation building within me. The road ahead may be uncertain, fraught with challenges and obstacles, but with Guy by my side, and a community of friends to support me, I know that anything is possible.

And so, with a newfound sense of purpose burning bright within me, I take a deep breath and step boldly into the future, ready to embrace whatever adventures lie ahead. For the first time in my life, I am truly free – free to be myself, free to pursue my dreams, free to live an honest and authentic life. And as I take that first step, I know that the best is yet to come.