Work Text:
When Richard Ellis is stopped by Joseph Molesley of all people on his way through the corridor of the servants' quarters to Thomas Barrow's office, he thinks nothing of it at first.
Richard has visited Downton Abbey so often in recent weeks and months that he has realised, at the latest on his last visit, that he is more than welcome in this house.
Phyllis Baxter's winking grin, which greeted him when he opened the creaking back door, spoke volumes.
'I'm glad to see you' Phyllis whispered, gently taking Richard's coat, hanging it on one of the wooden coat hooks in the cloakroom and showing him the way with an exaggeratedly friendly and mischievous smile.
'Oh, why am I doing this anyway?' she murmured, giving Richard a suggestive grin, 'I'm sure you know the way in your sleep by now.'
Richard didn't know whether to laugh or cry at this point.
Phyllis had proved to him more than once in the last few weeks that she had both feet behind Thomas and would therefore automatically back Richard as well and defend him vociferously if necessary.
When Richard entered the Abbey this Sunday morning, two days after Christmas, he has hoped to meet either Thomas himself, Ms Baxter or in the worst case Mrs Patmore who would probably have made a smug comment, but would not have bombarded him with questions that he would not have been able to answer just like that.
His plan would have been so simple. He knows that the whole family has travelled to London to see Rosamund over Christmas until the New Year. So it would have been easy to persuade Thomas to take a walk around the estate first and then take him out to dinner afterwards.
But now being received by Joseph Molesley of all people, who not only has no idea about Thomas' and his... let's call it connection, but also thinks far too much of him just because he puts the king's clothes out in the morning and helps him put them on, certainly doesn't help to calm Richard's already shaky nerves.
But despite all this, Richard tries to uphold what little reputation he has in the house that has not yet been destroyed by Ms Baxter herself by giving Mr Moseley an exaggeratedly friendly smile.
'Mr Molesley ! How nice to see you. How can I help you?'
Richard can almost feel the annoyed undertone in his voice and is a little ashamed of his cold shoulder.
All these people are so incredibly nice to him, and not just because he works for the King of England. And Mrs Hughes, Ms Baxter, Daisy and Mrs Patmore support Thomas and him with such selfless love and affection that Richard sometimes feels like he has found a second family at Downton Abbey.
But Molesley ... Well... firstly, Richard doesn't know how much the teacher knows about him and Thomas, and secondly, Richard isn't entirely sure whether the former servant can be trusted.
Sure... Mr Molesley is one of the friendliest, most courteous and helpful people Richard has ever met in his life. And yet, Mr Moseley's unspoken talent for spilling secrets that shouldn't have been kept secret for nothing is undisputed.
But Molesley doesn't seem to realise this, instead giving Richard a genuine smile.
'Well... Mr Ellis... I was thinking... only if you don't mind... however...'
He stammers for a few seconds, a little perplexed, before he finally seems to compose himself.
'I was just wondering if I could give you some advice? You know... Apart from Mr Barrow, you are the only servant I know who has not yet found happiness in marriage.
With Mr Barrow it's... well... something else... And.. well.. I don't think someone so nice and caring like you should be alone during this time of the year.'
Molesley gives him an uncertain, almost embarrassed look and Richard has to keep the corners of his mouth from twitching treacherously and making him laugh unrestrainedly.
Molesley may well be the only person in this motley group who goes through life with such blinkers on that he has never even noticed these many signs.
Of course it's better that way. One more ignorant person is one less person who could one day use their grave secret to their own advantage or accidentally blurt it out with no ill intent.
And unfortunately, Mr Molesley is just such a candidate, who could probably cause the most damage with perfectly good intentions.
And the valet knows astutely enough how to prevent this.
Instead, Richard raises an eyebrow in mock astonishment before cautiously closing the door behind him that Mr Molesley did not bother to close, taking off his jacket and hat and hanging it on the wardrobe next to the entrance.
'Oh... you are very observant to have noticed this, Mr Molesley .'
Joseph scratches the back of his head in embarrassment and gives Richard an uncertain look, which Richard returns with feigned nonchalance
'Well... I like to keep an eye on everything that goes on here in Downton.'
Richard has to stifle an inward grin.
Mr Molesley really is very observant. So attentive, in fact, that he has never asked himself why Richard Ellis visits Downton Abbey so often. Especially when its servants have so gleefully ripped off Mr Ellis work colleagues during the royal visit.
'Oh, really?' Richard raises an eyebrow and the corners of his mouth twitch suspiciously.
'I thought Ms Baxter would keep you reliably informed.'
Richard can literally see Molesley 's face turn an almost unhealthy shade of red within seconds. The teachers eyes wander hesitantly from Richard to the floor and back to the valet. Joseph doesn't seem like he knows what to reply and his hands are nervously playing with the loose buttons of his shirt.
'Well... um... well, I can't deny that this is true, Mr Ellis. You seem to have your eyes and ears everywhere.'
He lets out a nervous laugh that sounds more anxious than amused to Richard, and this time the royal valet cannot stifle his grin even with the greatest effort.
'I just like to take part in the conversations of the other servants. In the royal service, one should be vigilant in life' he replies nonchalantly, leaning his shoulder against the doorframe in front of which Moseley has stopped him.
This seems to snap Joseph out of his embarrassed trance, because he stands up a little straighter and nods affirmatively and with a smile at Richard.
'Of course, Mr Ellis. I'm sure that working for the King himself not only entails important duties, but also requires great discretion.'
Richard smiles, 'Quite so, Mr Molesley . Well... I'd love to hear what ideas you have in mind.'
Molesley nods eagerly and looks feverishly at Richard.
'Well... I thought... mhh. Well... women like it when you invite them to dinner, for example.'
Richard raises an eyebrow.
'Just like that? Without... Warning?'
Molesley's face flushes again.
'Not just out of the blue, of course. Maybe after you've had a conversation or two with her.'
Richard furrows his eyebrows and nods thoughtfully 'Yes... you're right, yes.'
This confirmation seems to have given Molesley new courage, because he continues to speak with much more confidence and excitement.
'And... well... flowers are always a good gift for a meal together. Maybe not roses for the first meeting. Something more discreet like tulips would be a good idea.'
Richard nods with a smile, rummages around in the chest pocket of his jacket and finally pulls out a pen and a small notepad. He hastily opens a new page and begins to write down Molesley's tips with concentration.
He makes a thoughtful gesture and nods his head encouragingly to Joseph to continue.
'Mm, any more ideas, Mr Molesley ?'
Joseph, who now seems to be completely in his element, nods excitedly.
'Of course. So... um... Lending the lady your own jacket is always a nice gesture. And thanking her after the meal and mentioning that you really enjoyed it and would appreciate a second meet-up.''
Molesley looks uncertainly at Richard.
'I hope that's helpful.'
Richard's face remains inscrutable for a few seconds as he carefully slides the small notepad back into his jacket pocket.
Just as Joseph is about to follow up, Richard gives him a cheeky grin.
'Thank you very much, Mr Molesley . Your advice has been more than helpful. I will take all your tips into consideration when I plan my next date with Mr Barrow.'
With these words and a satisfied smirk, Richard pats Mr Molesley on the shoulder and manoeuvres next to the teacher, who seemed to have been frozen into a pillar of salt, down the corridor to the other side until he's standing in front of the wooden office door.
Richard has revised his opinion in the past minutes. Molesley might be a little bit clumsy with some people. But even the teacher knows when a secret is grave enough to keep very well hidden. And Richard is sure that Phyllis Baxter will make sure of it.
The valet turns back at Molesley . 'You're right, Mr Molesley . I think I'll ask Mr Barrow for a walk in the beautiful snowy nature and then take him out for dinner. A gentleman like him deserves not less than a beautiful Christmas celebration. Don't worry, I'll tell him this was alone your amazing idea.'
Richard gives Mr Molesley one last, amused look before knocking gently on Thomas's office door and entering without waiting for an answer.
Thomas should have something to laugh about on this wonderful day.