Thomas' PoV.

"Thoma-Mr. Barrow, I mean, can I have a quick word?" I paused as I was walking out of the dining room-Mr. Carson was busy, so I had been over-seeing the two footmen Alfred and Jimmy as they served dinner-and would've sighed if it wasn't Lady Mary who had spoken. I did close my eyes briefly, however, before they popped open and I forced a smile.

"Of course, M'lady. What can I do for you?"

I knew Jimmy and Alfred were staring at me because I could see them, and that annoyed me. Alfred's eyes nearly popped out of his head, and Jimmy just smirked and shook his head. Anger surged in me. Just because I was different didn't mean I couldn't talk to a woman!

"I'd like to talk in private, if you don't mind," she added, looking pointedly at the door.

"Naturally. If you'll excuse me for a second, M'lady." I walked over to the stairway, to where my friends were waiting. "You two. Go."

"What're you doing?" Alfred hissed.

"Sweet-talking the ladies?" Jimmy put in, blowing his blonde hair out of his eyes. "Come on, Thomas!"

"You know me too well." I sneered. " And it's 'Mr. Barrow' to you. Now get." I pushed them out and sauntered over to Lady Mary.

She put on a smile that looked more like a sneer to me. Lordy, but I had to admit, she was pretty. Even to a man like me. " What was that all about, Mr. Barrow?"

"Oh, y'know...footmen." She smiled her smile again. "Now what was it you wanted to talk to me about, M'lady?"

"Step in here, please."

I hoped she couldn't hear how nervous my laugh sounded-because I could. "Hope I'm not in trouble."

Now her smile looked real. "Oh no. In fact...I wanted to say how well you've been doing."

I couldn't help but give a smile of my own. At least a small one. "Well, I try."

"Yes, but I know it's been hard for you especially."

My good feeling evaporated. It had been more than two years since the incident with Jimmy-we were even friends now-but whenever people talked about it, I felt guilty. Even if she didn't intentionally bring it up...or even know.

"Well, I was thinking of giving you a reward. You know," she said in response to my surprised look. "Something special for your service. Mama and Papa agree with me, of course. So what would you like? A raise, a special visit with a friend, a day off-or a day where you're in charge..."

I smirked at that last one. A few years ago I would've loved that, but I was more mature now. Couldn't have everyone getting nothing done under my charge (although that would be hilarious). It'd be funny to see how the others reacted too...

"I know!" the tone of Lady Mary's voice wasn't exactly reassuring. "I have the perfect reward for you, Mr. Barrow...!"

"Oh really?" I plastered a slightly uneasy smile to my face.

"Yes...I've had this idea for awhile now..." she beamed at me. I waited.

"Well...how would you like a romantic partner?" Lady Mary smiled.

I would, except we had different ideas surely. "I'd like that very much, m'lady." It occurred to me then that she'd pick out my...partner. (Different ideas, remember?). "But-"

"Great! I have just the girl for you! Have a nice day, Thomas."

Uh oh. Girls...

Wait until Alfred and Jimmy hear about this!

The end.