Work Text:
My darling,
It has been too long. I woke up thinking of you this morning, and not in that way, I'm sorry to say--nothing indecent. I missed the last time we spoke, your lips on mine, your hands grounding on my shoulders. I keep what you gave me on me always.
Downton stands and so do I. I wonder, sometimes, when I'll retire. Probably not from years from now, hm? The days are long, and the nights are short--I wake up exhausted more often than I care to admit. I am not a young man anymore. But you love me anyway.
Nothing new to report, my love. I wish I had better news, more interesting things to say.
I think of you always. Please write me, and soon.
All my love and heart
and everything, everything--
T. B.
Thomas Barrow finished the letter and reread it once to himself with the smallest smile gracing his face. It was a bit grim, he had to admit, but it was honest and true. A bit sappy too, but his beloved would not mind, he was sure of it.
He finished it, sealing the letter, writing a simple:
Richard
on the envelope. That was the secret after all.
Richard Ellis was a man. And there was never a truer one, as far as Thomas was concerned.