Summary: You are Tom’s wife. You’ve married him to help conceal his sexual identity. Little do you know, Tom is beginning to realize that he may have feelings for you. He catches you asleep at the table and does everything he can to take care of you.
Warning: None
You woke to Tom calling your name and the sensation of his hand on your shoulder. Only you did not remember ever falling asleep.
“Yes?” You asked, shoulders giving a painful crack as you eased yourself up from the table that had served as an impromptu pillow.
“How long have you been like this?” Tom’s expression was furrowed with concern. He was standing beside you, his touch a comfort that brought you back to reality.
“I must’ve just closed my eyes for a moment.”
“It’s been much longer than that.” Mr. Bates looked up from his newspaper. He was seated by the cold fireplace and appeared to have been there for a while. However, you had no memory of hearing him or Tom enter. “It’s been close to an hour.”
“Oh, goodness, I didn’t know,” you pushed back your chair and got to your feet.
Tom’s grip on your shoulder tightened. “Easy, now. Take a minute to get your bearings.” He pushed you back into the chair. “Look, I’ve finished for the evening. Get Anna to do the rest of your work and come home to the cottage with me.”
“Oh no, I couldn’t,” you shook your head. “She’s got too much to do as it is, I could never,”
“She would be happy to do it.” Mr.Bates was still regarding you. “You truly don’t look well, Mrs. Barrow. Perhaps some rest would do you good.”
“Thank you, Mr. Bates.” Tom’s voice was soft, his gaze on the floor and not on him. Tom wasn’t much for thanking people, however considering the circumstances he seemed to be making an exception. You really must look tired, you thought, reaching up to smooth your loose hair back into your bun.
Mr. Bates gave a bit of a smile at this. “Take care of her, Tom.” He said softly.
“Always.” Tom turned his attention to you, reaching down to slip his arm about your waist. “Up you go, then.”
Before you could resist, Tom had pulled you to your feet and arranged himself so that you could lean on him as much as you liked. You wanted to scold him for thinking you so delicate, however at the feel of his warm body against yours you found yourself weakening.
“Come on, now.” Tom moved to brush a strand of hair from your eyes as you looked up at him gratefully. “I’ve got you.” He muttered, soft enough that only you could here.
You gave a tired smile and allowed him to escort you out into the hallway.
