Of course they will. They wish to keep their posts. “I suppose. But they might gossip amongst themselves.”
“I can put a stop to that.” He said the words with surety.
“How?”
“By speaking to Mr. Fortescue. He will make it clear you will dismiss anyone caught passing gossip. That such things would be inappropriate in your lordship’s home.” He rustled the sheets. “Your father might not have been a wonderful father, but he was a generous employer. William barely had time to make any changes. Your staff are well-compensated and will not want to risk that.”
“You are certain?”
“I am. My father actively worked to ensure discretion. Fortescue is much the same.”
“You have much faith in those who work here.”
“They were devoted to the father. They will respect the son. My lord—”
“Henry. Honestly, Percy, is it really so complicated? We are alone. I wish for you to call me by my Christian name. By the name given to me by my parents. For good or evil, they chose to name me such. Specifically after Henry the Fifth, if precision is required.” Something about his success in the Battle of Agincourt. Hopefully not because of his short life. I hoped to live well past his short life. Although I had never distinguished myself in my battles against the French. I had survived, though, and that had to be good for something.
Percy sighed. “Henry.”
“Will you always…am I ever to be just your lord?”
“I am uncertain what you mean.”
“Nothing. I mean nothing.” Only after the words escaped in a rush, did I perceive their double entendre.
Percy clearly hesitated. “I do not believe that to be the case, Henry.” He cleared his throat. “You have always played an important role in my life. And you are certainlysomethingto a great number of people.”
I waved him off. Although in the dark, I suspected he saw nothing.
He grasped my hand, unerringly locating it, even in the pitch black. “You will not dismiss my words so cavalierly. I speak the God’s honest truth. You will respect that.”
“I…” Words escaped me. Because he was right. I needed to be more respectful of him.
Perhaps, also, of myself.
“Now, do you wish me to regale you with a retelling of a story I have read recently? Or will you be able to sleep without assistance?” His voice held strength.
“Will you…” I swallowed.
“How may I be of assistance, Henry?”
“What you did earlier…that was of great assistance.”Please let him understand. That I meant the help in the bath and not mounting Maestro or something else less important.
A long pause.
“Oh. Well, I am always pleased to be of assistance.”
“You were.” I rushed to reassure him. Then I hesitated. “So you might be induced to, well, assist me again?”
“No inducement required, Henry.” He rolled onto his side.
I could not see him…but I knew exactly where he was. In this moment, I regretted asking him to extinguish the light. I might be damaged, but he was physical perfection.
“Do you have a preference, my lord? Sorry, Henry.”
“Preference?”
“Well, the last time I held you in my hand. There are…other options.”
