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Footman in Training	By : imdirty Category: 1 through F > Downton Abbey Views: 2654 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Downton Abbey and am not making money from this story. And I'm hoping I'm doing this disclaimer thing right :)

Chapter List
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Thomas nodded to Price as he headed out the next morning to meet Lady Mary. He was still a bit shaken by his run in with Mr. Bates, though unkind words and accusations were commonplace for Thomas long before he came to Downton. As he went about his duties that morning, he wondered if the same had been true for Price, or whether the other man had avoided such things by being friendly and likable. He knew Price’s relationship with his father hadn’t always been easy, but in the end, Price spoke a touching eulogy that seemed quite genuine from where Thomas was sitting. Thomas wouldn’t have been able to muster a touching sentence about his father let alone an entire speech.

He recalled the first good friend he made as a boy. Curiosity around puberty led to exploration of each other’s bodies, and as other boys were falling for girls, Thomas found himself falling for the friend. Reality came down on him like an ocean wave when his friend confessed a crush on a girl. Thomas struggled as though he were drowning, grasping to understand how their young intimacy could have meant nothing to the other boy. His friend left that day in disgust, vowing not to come back, despite Thomas’s begging and pleading that he would never mention it again.

As though his first puppy love had not ended badly enough, out of fear that someone may find out about their kissing and petting, the friend told Thomas’s father that Thomas had confessed his love and he wanted Mr. Barrow to keep Thomas away. Thomas was dragged to his father’s workroom by the shirt. He anticipated a beating, and would have preferred it over the string of heinous insults his father hurled. All of the beastly things said to Thomas by others since could never compare to the bite of his father’s words.The look in his father’s eyes that night never softened afterward.

Thomas always wondered how life may have played out if not for that day. Could he have kept himself hidden, at least enough that his father wouldn’t have to admit he knew Thomas’s true self? And if he hid well enough, would he have inherited his father’s clock making business, instead of his father selling it after the war? Or would he at least have had the kind of support he needed to get a job in the field? Perhaps he would be in a shop right now like Price’s brother, not at Downton, he thought.

Price returned from his lesson with Lady Mary quite tired. He changed into his livery and sat with Anna in the servant’s hall as she tended to a pair of Lady Mary’s evening gloves.

“How was your ride with Lady Mary?” Anna asked.

“It was lovely, though a bit challenging at first. I started by confessing to her my actual reason for fearing horses.”

“Which is?”

Price picked up one of the slate gray silk gloves and ran it between his fingers. “I was run over by one during the war. It broke my arm, my leg, my ribs, to say nothing of my spirit.”

“That’s awful, David, I’m so sorry to hear it.”

“There are worse things that happened, but that one still lingers. I was nervous to share it with Lady Mary, but she seemed very understanding.”

“Well, she’s no stranger to what war does to men.”

“She explained that as well. She’s delightful, really. An exquisite rider, and a striking beauty. I must admit, it was hard to focus on the lesson when I kept picturing her frozen in time, recorded with paint on canvas,” Price said, still playing with the glove.

“My my, David, do I sense a special fondness for my Lady?”

“Oh, no, no. No, not like that, at least.”

“Like what, then?” Anna asked, giggling.

“I just hold her in high regard, that’s all. Anyway, you never have to worry about me falling for someone in the family. They’re so far above me that I don’t even see myself in the same species.”

“David, that’s a silly thing to say,” Anna said, comparing the glove in his hand to the one in hers before continuing her work. “It’s not as if they see you so far below them. Why, Lady Mary was the one who asked you to come out for a lesson.”

“I’m not pitying or belittling myself, please don’t misunderstand me. They’re the family, I’m the servant. It’s a clear line.”

“But we are more than that to them. We spend every day together, sharing their lives with them, even their most intimate moments. You shouldn’t feel so far removed. Afterall, they came down here to wish you a happy birthday last night.”

“You’re right. I’d forgotten that.”

“I’m surprised you remembered any detail from last night,” Anna teased. “You do look a bit fatigued. Are you alright?”

“I think between the wine and the horse, I’m worn out.”

“Well you best buck up, guests were announced for this evening.”

“Overnight and all?”

“Overnight and all.”

Price laid Lady Mary’s glove carefully on fabric Anna had placed on the table and went off to help with luncheon. He bumped into Mr. Molesley as he came around a corner, and apologized. Mr. Molesley stuttered an awkward “it’s fine,” without meeting his eyes. Price attempted to speak with him while they waited for dishes in the kitchen, but he gave one word answers and left the room as quickly as he could.

“What’s up with that one?” Price asked Thomas as they ran dishes to the dining room.

“What do you mean?”

“Mr. Molesley is being a bit funny to me. Did I say something rude to him when I was lit?”

Thomas considered whether to share the truth, and decided against it. “He’s probably just jealous that you had a ride with Lady Mary this morning. I know I would be if I were him.”

“I suppose. He’s never acted like that to me before.”

“Well, you weren’t such a threat before, but now you’re clearly in the good graces of Mr. Carson’s favorite Crawley.” As Thomas said the words, they didn’t seem like a lie anymore. Perhaps Mr. Molesley was being odd with Price for both reasons.

They reached the dining room, and Mr. Molesley was already there. Price smiled at him, and he looked away. “See?” Price whispered to Thomas.

“Hush, not here.”

The family discussed their guests for the evening over luncheon. A marquess and marchioness whom Price had never heard of were coming along with their adult children. Price realized he may have to tend to one of them that evening, and followed Thomas out during his next cigarette break for advice.

“You never dressed anyone at your last job?” Thomas asked.

“No, I was a hallboy, remember?”

“And you’re sure you haven’t had to since coming here?”

Price tapped his foot. “Am I sure? Yes, I think I would remember.”

“Why are you so nervous about this? It’s all very straightforward.”

“For you it is.”

“Are you feeling alright?”

“Anna asked me that, too. My stomach hurts a bit, actually,” Price said, rubbing his abdomen. “Between that and Mr. Molesley being odd, and now new duties for the evening - for a marquess’s family no less - I’m just out of sorts.”

Thomas held Price’s forearm lightly. “David, you’ll be just fine. Why don’t we walk through some of the things you may be required to do this evening?.”

“That would help,” Price said. He looked up and saw Mr. Molesley looking out at the both of them. Thomas’s eyes followed Price’s and he let his hand fall from Price’s arm back to his side. Mr. Molesley ducked out of view.

“See? Now he’s spying on me through a window. It’s getting ridiculous! I’m going to talk to him.”

“No, don’t,” Thomas said sharply. “What I mean is, focus on what you need to know for the guests tonight. Worry about Molesley later.”

Price followed Thomas to one of the rooms in a wing of Downton which Price rarely had reason to visit. It always seemed strange that he lived in the house and yet there were still parts that were a mystery to him. Thomas showed him a number of things to be aware of in the room, the right way to hang up clothing, where to put cufflinks, in which direction to brush a hat.

“You know, you may not even have to do this tonight. They could bring their own staff.”

“I will keep my fingers crossed. One more question.”

“Of course.”

“Who knows we’re here?”

“David…”

“You could probably give me at least one kiss and no one would know.”

“I thought you weren’t feeling well.”

“I could be dying and I’d save my last breath to kiss your lips.”

Thomas rubbed his temple. “Fine, just one. Not ten strung together as one. One kiss, David.”

Price stroked Thomas’s cheek with the back of his fingers. “Are you jealous thinking of me undressing another man tonight? What if he’s handsome?”

“I’ve seen the family. I have nothing to fear.”

Price laughed and caught Thomas’s lips with his, giving Thomas five quick kisses. “See, I didn’t give you ten. I compromised.”

When the convoy of cars soon arrived with the evening’s guests, Mr. Carson grumbled. There were four additional guests, cousins of the marquess, and none brought men of their own. Even Thomas was assigned to help.

“I had to help him when I was a footman,” Thomas told Price of the marquess’s oldest son as they scrambled to rearrange the dining room. “Such a bore, drones on and on when you’re dressing him.”

“Did you see the cousin I was assigned to? Not half bad. You had me thinking they’d all be unattractive.”

“He only seems attractive compared to the others,” Thomas whispered. “He’s a toad.”

“I disagree. I’m going to undress him slowly so that I can savor every moment.”

“You’re a brat,” Thomas said, smiling.

“Is something funny over there?” Mr. Carson asked from across the room.

“No sir, Mr. Carson,” Thomas said. “Trust me, no one is enjoying themselves.”

Price pulled a few chairs to the table for the new guests, and then rested against one for a moment.

“Are you not feeling well?” Mr. Carson asked.

“This isn’t a convenient time to feel sick. I’ll be fine, thank you.” Price breathed for another moment and then reached for a place setting just as Mr. Molesley reached for the same. Mr. Molesley pulled his hand away quickly.

“Well if I am sick, it’s probably nothing contagious,” Price said. “You don’t have to be so jumpy.”

Mr. Molesley reached for a different place setting without responding to Price.

“I seriously cannot deal with his behavior,” Price told Thomas during the frenetic pre-dinner activities downstairs. “I must have said or done something.”

“Why is it bothering you so much?”

“I don’t like to be at odds with people, especially for no reason.”

“See, that’s your problem. It’s much more fun to be at odds with people.”

Price huffed. “I mean it. This is very upsetting to me. What could it be?”

Thomas gestured for Price to follow him to a quiet corner of the hallway.

“David, Bates and Molesley saw me come out of your room last night, and Bates questioned my being in there so long. Don’t worry,” Thomas said, seeing panic in Price’s eyes. “It’s not you he questioned, just me. He thought maybe I took advantage of you in your drunken stupor.”

“Accusing you of taking advantage of me? How could he say something so horrible?”

“Because they think I’m> horrible, David. I keep telling you that.”

“As if you would ever do something so nasty! I’m so surprised at Mr. Bates.”

“It’s not all his fault. I’ve earned my reputation here many times. Trust me, I have,” Thomas added in response to Price’s shaking head.

“I don’t care what you may have done in the past. I’m sure it wasn’t anything close to what he suggested.”

“Of course not.”

“Then you don’t bloody deserve it, and no one here better say anything like that around me, because I’ll tell him as much.”

Thomas laughed. “That is the most darling string of words ever spoken to me.”

Price crossed his arms. “Mr. Bates hasn’t been making faces at me all day, though, so why is Mr. Molesley?”

“Bates seemed content with my explanation.”

“But you think Mr. Molesley still suspects something?”

“That, or he just really hates the idea of you rising horses with Lady Mary.”

Upstairs, Anna dressed Lady Mary for the evening.

“David seemed to enjoy your lesson this morning,” Anna told Lady Mary, helping her into her evening gown.

“I’m glad to hear it. He’s a sweet young man.”

“Speaking of sweet, I think he may be sweet on you.”

Lady Mary smiled. “Mr. Branson said the same, but I think you’re both wrong. Still, it would be a bit flattering if he were.”

Anna straightened Lady Mary’s shoulder straps. “Would it really?”

“Well I’m not blind. I bet all the girls downstairs go crazy over him.”

“Of course they do. You should see how Daisy glazes over when he speaks to her.”

“I bet even Mrs. Patmore blushes. Honestly, I blushed a little this morning when he helped me into my saddle”

“My lady, I’m surprised!”

“Oh, don’t be. I’m just trying to have some fun before I spend my evening with the world’s worst conversationalists.”

“Are they really that bad?”

Lady Mary pulled on the gloves Anna mended that morning. “I’ll just say, prepare for me to turn in early tonight.”

“Well, maybe you can keep yourself entertained picturing David helping you up on your horse.”

Lady Mary laughed and shook her head. “Thank goodness you don’t repeat the things I say. Poor David, the victim of our teasing.”

“Yes, poor David, spending the morning with a beautiful Lady.”

“Did he call me beautiful?” Lady Mary asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I think he called you a ‘striking beauty,’ if memory serves.”

“My goodness. Look out, Daisy, now I’m glazing over.”

Lady Edith came to collect Lady Mary. She exchanged a final smile with Anna before heading to the dining room. The conversation over dinner bored even the servants, though the handsome cousin was at least somewhat entertaining to Lady Mary.

During after dinner drinks, Lady Mary stepped away from the marquess’s tedious conversation with Lord Grantham and found Price. “Anna said you had a good time this morning. I wasn’t sure, I know it was hard for you to get back in the saddle.”

“I did, your Ladyship. I can’t say my fear is gone, but I can see now that, with time, it will be. Thank you for that.”

“Then we need to get you out there soon.”

Price smiled and took Lady Mary’s empty glass. “I would like that very much.” Price looked over Lady Mary’s shoulder at Mr. Molesley, who was watching their conversation intently. Price lowered his voice. “Though, I think it may make some of the others jealous.”

“So let them be jealous,” Lady Mary said, accepting a full glass from Thomas. She waited for Thomas to step away before continuing. “Some have been envious over things I’ve done for Anna in the past, but that doesn’t stop me. She deserves to be treated well and so do you.”

“I agree with you that she deserves it. I do adore her.”

“I find the relationships downstairs so fascinating sometimes. I know Anna is quite fond of you as well. And,” Lady Mary said, leaning closer, “it sounds like Daisy may have a bit of a crush on you?”

Mr. Carson interrupted the conversation. “My lady, we could use David’s assistance if you’ll excuse him.”

“You’re right, I’ve stolen him quite enough today. Thank you for indulging me, David.”

Thomas pushed in next to Price at the wine table. “Well if Molesley wasn’t already resentful, my god, that probably put him over the edge. What was she going on about? Did she ask you to marry her?”

“Yes, it will be a spring wedding and you can be my maid of honor.”

Thomas resumed the conversation once they were finally heading down for the servants’ supper. “On the plus side, if he thinks you have a thing for Lady Mary, it will put him off our scent.”

“That’s not what I’m mad about. As you said, he didn’t think anything of me. It’s you he accused.”

“I can handle myself. I have all these years. Don’t bother yourself with it.”

Price decided to sit next to Thomas at supper. He did occasionally, but usually he preferred to sit across the table to look at him. From this seat, he could instead stare back at Mr. Molesley.

When the meal was served, Price looked away from Mr. Molesley and stared instead at his plate.

“Not going to eat?” Thomas asked.

“I’ve no appetite all of a sudden.”

“They say being lovestruck can do that,” Mr. Molesley said with forced pleasantry.

“And just what is that supposed to mean?” Price asked. A few heads popped up from plates and tea cups at the first harsh words Price had uttered publicly since joining the staff.

“Nothing really, you just seem a bit enamored with Lady Mary.”

“Excuse me?” Mr. Carson and Price both said in unison.

“You’re just full of accusations these days, aren’t you?” Price added. He grabbed his side as a stabbing pain overcame him.

“What’s wrong?” Thomas asked.

“I had a sharp pain. I think I’m alright now.”

Thomas reached across Price. “Does it hurt to the touch?”

Price winced and pulled away.

“What wrong with him?” Mr. Carson asked.

“I’m not sure but it could be appendicitis. If it is, we should call the ambulance.”

“No!” Price rebuffed, but within seconds he was doubled over.

“Give him space,” Mr. Carson ordered as the staff all jumped. Bells on the wall began ringing. “Thomas, go call the ambulance. Mr. Molesley, take care of your man and then Price’s.”

Thomas ran to Mr. Carson’s office, Miss Baxter and Anna ran off for their ladies, but Mr. Molesley stayed, gaping at Price.

“Staring at me again, huh?” Price yelled at Mr. Molesley across the table and through his pain.
“Lady Mary was just being kind, so don’t be a pervert. Speaking of which,” Price pushed himself away from the table and leaned back against his chair, his hand fixed on his side. “Mr. Barrow told me what was said to him after he helped me upstairs last night.” Price looked back and forth between Mr. Bates and Mr. Molesley. “You know, Sean Moore threatened to do to me what you accused Mr. Barrow of doing last night, and it was Mr. Barrow who stopped anything from happening.” Price grimaced and then continued. “Not only would Mr. Barrow never do what you say, he’s prevented that kind of wretched thing from happening to me in this very house.”

Thomas returned to the doorway just in time to hear Price’s words. He knew Moore had threatened Price, but not to what degree. His expression was as shocked as Mr. Carson’s, both over the revelation and the fact that Price was announcing it to the entire staff.

“The ambulance is on its way,” he managed to say.

“Is what he says true?” Mr. Carson asked, his voice deeply serious.

“Well… yes, Mr. Carson.” Thomas said. All eyes were on him now.

“And you didn’t think to tell me?”

“I found out only the night before he was fired. I was going to tell you, but by that time it just seemed like salt on the wound.”

“Mr. Molesley, why are you still here? Go like I told you.” Mr. Carson waited for Mr. Molesley to disappear.

Mrs. Hughes knelt down and held Price’s free hand as they waited for the ambulance. “You did nothing wrong. Either of you. I can understand why you wouldn’t want to run to Mr. Carson with that kind of information,” she said, looking up at Mr. Carson.

Mr. Bates was near speechless. “David, I’m not sure what to say to that. Sean really threatened you that way?”

Price nodded.

“Ghastly,” Mr. Bates said to himself.

The bell rang for Thomas’s man. “Go, Thomas. Mrs. Hughes and I will stay with David.”

Thomas nodded and ran up the stairs. He gripped the railing on the way up, his eyes still wide.

Mr. Carson dismissed the rest of the staff and he and Mrs. Hughes waited with Price. He gritted his teeth and fought back tears. “I’m sorry I can’t help tonight, and I’m sorry I made a scene.”

“Pain can bring out the worst,” Mrs. Hughes reassured him.

“Mr. Molesley was being disrespectful, of Lady Mary and of Thomas. But I should have kept my mouth shut.”

“We can talk about it when you’re well,” Mr. Carson said. “I hear them coming now. Don’t strain yourself further.”

Price was encircled by the emergency staff and rushed into the waiting ambulance. Thomas’s diagnosis was correct, and Price’s appendix was removed at the hospital. He was sent back to Downton early morning three days later with orders for at least another three days of bed rest. The mood cast over the staff was just beginning to clear up as he returned.

Mr. Carson sat by Price’s bedside once he was settled. Price had feared what he may return to, but Mr. Carson was quite paternal. “There will be people who challenge you,” Mr. Carson advised, “but you can’t let it get the best of you.”

“I often let things get the best of me, I just do it more privately. I’m so embarrassed. No, ashamed more like,” Price said with a timid smile.

“Well, I can’t blame you for defending Lady Mary’s honor. Mr. Barrow, however, I don’t know that his honor needed defending.”

“I resented what they said. It wasn’t fair that he should be blamed for the very thing he protected me from. Do you not agree?”

Mr. Carson sighed. “I do wish you had come to me directly, David.”

“Yes, Mr. Carson. I should have let you deal with it.”

“It reminded me of what Sean said about you in my office, about what you ‘get up to’. I understand now he was trying to get you in trouble for his actions.”

“Exactly. That was exactly what he was doing.”

Thomas knocked on the casing of Price’s open door. “I thought I’d come see if you need help changing your dressing.” He had a stack of books under one arm and the first aid kit in the other.

Price lifted his shirt and saw some blood seeping through the gauze on his side. “Mr. Carson, is that alright?”

“Yes. This task, I am happy to let Mr. Barrow handle,” he said, excusing himself from the room.

Thomas placed the books on Price’s nightstand and took Mr. Carson’s place in the chair. Price held his nightshirt up and let Thomas remove the gauze.

“How do these sutures compare to your handiwork?”

Thomas gingerly cleaned Price’s wound. “These are acceptable, but I consider myself more of an artist. Not a hint of a scar on your finger.”

“Then you should have just laid me across the table and performed the operation right here. Saved me the trouble of a bumpy ambulance ride and lonely hospital stay.”

“Laying you across the table, I like that idea.”

“Cheeky.”

“As if you’re one to talk. Serves you right that you didn’t get to undress Cousin Half-handsome afterall.”

Price’s face brightened with a devilish grin. “Mr. Molesley had to take care of two of them that night. Did he pass out? Tell me he passed out.”

“Nearly. I had to help him.”

“No surprise there. By the way, what’s this stack of books?”

Thomas glanced at the books and back to Price’s stomach. “A mix of novels, just something to keep you busy while you’re laid up.”

“Thank you for that. I’m already stir crazy and I have a few more days like this.”

Daisy appeared in the door with a tray of breakfast and tea for Price. She froze at the site of Price’s exposed scar, and exposed skin.

“You can come in, Daisy,” Price told her.

“I heard you need to take all your meals up here, at least for a few days. Ellie’s busy so I thought I’d bring it for ya.”

“That was very kind, thank you Daisy. Can you put it on my dresser?”

Daisy looked away from Price’s torso and set the tray down for him. “Anything else I can do to help?”

“Do you want to throw this away?” Thomas asked, holding out the bloody gauze.

“Oh, be nice,” Price said, grabbing the gauze from Thomas’s hand. “No thank you, Daisy. See you here at tea time?”

“Sure, David. Yes. See you then,” Daisy said, turning on her heel quickly, scurrying out of the room.

“So what did Mr. Carson say of your outburst?”

“Not much, I think things are square.”

“If I caused a scene like I don’t think things would be square when I returned.”

“Oh dear, are you gonna behave like Mr. Molesley now?”

“I better not, or you’ll emasculate me in front of the entire staff,” Thomas said as he finished taping on Price’s new, clean gauze. He pulled Price’s shirt down and patted the pile of books. “These are in no particular order, read any you like. I expect they should keep you occupied for at least a couple days.”

“Thank you. You’re the very best nurse.”

“And don’t you forget it,” Thomas said, lifting the tray from the dresser and placing it across Price. He stole a strawberry and popped it in his mouth before leaving.

Price looked down at the tray a bit, but his appetite hadn’t returned. He selected a book from the middle of the pile and opened it. A colorful envelope fell out. He picked it up and turned it over. The glue wasn’t sealed and he could see writing on the paper inside, enticing him to take a look. His pulse quickened and he checked the doorway to make sure no one was looking. Despite his better judgement, he removed the paper and unfolded it, holding it beneath the tray lest someone walk by.

My dear friend,

It pains me to hear how unhappy you are with your employment. Perhaps you could appeal to Edith? There are many jobs at the magazine which are mechanical in nature. You could be well suited to them with your affinity for clockwork. A machine is a machine, is it not? I realize I know a different side of Edith, but she is always very helpful and understanding. I don’t think it would put your present employment at risk to have a conversation. Things aren’t as bad as they seem, even on your darkest day. They can get better. They will get better.

I know to London and back in a day is a chore, but a visit with a friend may cheer you up. Let me know if you can make it. It’s getting colder and I will be traveling less, so there would be more opportunities to see you. Kait would be pleased to see you as well. How she goes on about you!

On a more positive note, it’s comforting to know that someone who cares about you a great deal is there with you every day. I still picture your face when you told me about him, and I can see it in your letters. I can’t deny that I wish I made you light up like that, but if someone can these days I’m all for it. I would love to meet him. You should both come. We can take him out.

Write to me soon, you have me worried.

- E.

As if I didn’t feel guilty enough opening that letter, Price thought. He pushed the tray aside and pulled himself to his bare feet, walking carefully to his dresser to retrieve paper and pencil before returning to his bed. He hastily jotted down the return address on the envelope, then tucked it back into the book. He put the book at the bottom of the pile, deciding he would tell Thomas he didn’t get a chance to read it.

With pencil in hand, his fingers hovered above the paper as he thought through the exact words he would put down for Eric.
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Footman in Training