The first of January had been a whirlwind of activity, helping to clean up the many rooms of Downton Abbey after the New Year's party. Lord Grantham was generous enough to give the staff a rest the day following, knowing they must be exhausted.

And now, it was the third, and the sun had barely begun to peek over the horizon. But most of the household was already awake, and Thomas Barrow was no exception.

He adjusted his tie and waistcoat in the mirror, going over the last-minute details of his brand-new butler's livery. It was, of course, impeccable- not a thread out of place. He was a perfectionist when it came to his appearance. And for good reason. He was the Butler, now; a promotion he had been working toward for years.

Well, the promotion wasn't a direct replacement of Mr. Carson, but rather a succession when Carson retired, so Carson still assisted in the household's operations. Or... oversaw. Once Mr. Carson was completely retired, he'd be in charge completely. Like he always said, if he had to be a servant, he'd be the head servant.

The first item on his list for the day, outside of his own duties, was the inspection of the downstairs staff. Mr. Carson had made it a daily habit, ensuring everything was up to his standards, or, in this case, Thomas' standards. With that task in mind, he made his way through the corridors toward the male servant's quarters, a small black notebook and pen in hand as he went to open the first door to their individual rooms, checking his notebook to see whose room was first. {{user}}...