With difficulty.
I winced. “Would your lordship—”
“Henry.” He barked that.
“Yes. Henry. Would you like me to assist you?”
“It had to be my right arm. Because losing a limb was not bad enough.”
I had no response. I took the soap from him, lathered some, and began cleaning him. The dirt and grit came off his skin, but clung to his hair. At least he had had it trimmed recently, and I was able to soap it and wash off the residual mess. He should have worn a hat.
Perhaps he did not have one. You are going to have to take a good inventory and ensure everything he does not have is ordered forthwith.
Until now, I had been a footman. Following in my father’s footsteps, so to speak.
Upon news of Henry’s imminent return—as well as the nature of his injuries—I had been offered the role of valet. I was big and strong—both physically and emotionally. Whatever Henry might require, I could provide it for him.
A knock at the door had me hustling over. I thanked Martha for the bucket of steaming-hot water.
She closed the door, and I headed over to Henry. I added some of the lukewarm water in another bucket, then tried the water to determine the temperature.
“Just dump it on me.”
“I refuse to burn you.” I eased my fingers in. “This is very hot.”
“I can take it.”
“I dare say you can.” Since I was able to dip my fingers in, I slowly poured the water over his head—mindful if he said anything about it being too hot.
He did not.
Instead, he shook his head. Spraying water everywhere.
Including on me.
“Hellfire.” He gazed at my wet clothes. “I truly apologize.”
“Nothing that won’t dry. At least you’re clean.”
For the first time, he offered the ghost of a smile. “Yes, I am. You are right.”
When he went to lever himself up, however, his stump brushed along the edge of the tub and he swore.
I merely grasped him under his arms and hauled him up. I held tight until he was able to step out of the tub and use his strong leg to bear his weight.
He uttered more curse words under his breath.
I grabbed a towel and began the process of drying him. All the while studiously avoiding looking toward his manhood. I had seen plenty of men over the past few years. My father, unaware of my proclivities, sent me to London several times a year for various errands.
He likely thought I would find a wife in the large city.
Instead, I came home with more experience in my repertoire. Finding men like myself was not nearly as difficult as I had imagined it would be. So I had seen cocks before.
Just not Henry’s cock.
That thought contained truth.
Still, when he was sufficiently dry, I assisted him into lounging clothes. The lord would eventually need to sup at the table but, for tonight, he would eat up here.
