When I had him situated, I made my way down to the kitchen.
Martha eyed me over the heavenly smelling food. “Two trays?”
“Yes. So I may be close to attend him.”
She grinned. “Of course. It is…nice the lord is home.”
“He will need time to settle.” Words that felt like an understatement. The lord had been sent away to school more than fifteen years ago. After the disastrous affair with Caroline and his brother, he had settled into a life of bedding and debauching young women. Eventually, news of his rakish behavior had reached Crosswood Hall. His father had summarily cut Henry off entirely.
With what little money he had left, he bought a commission in the army.
“I will ensure he descends when he is able.”
“Yes, that would be good.” Mr. Fortescue approached. “I have a long list of families who wish to greet his lordship properly. The Earl of Hartridge has responsibilities.”
My hackles rose. “He is grieving the loss of three dear family members. He is newly returned from the war with injuries that almost cost him his life. I will not allow him to be pressed into social niceties until he is ready.”
Mr. Fortescue arched an eyebrow. “I do believe the choice is not up to you. Lord Hartridge needs to be made aware of his duties—”
“His duties?” I bit back the words I wanted to use. “His duty is to Isabella and the tenants and farmers. He owes nothing to society. When he chooses to meet these so-called obligations will be entirely up to him. On his schedule—not theirs.”
Martha’s eyes widened.
Right. She has never heard me speak like this. Let alone to Mr. Fortescue.
Said butler cleared his throat. “I will kindly remind you what your place is in this home, Mr. Dankworth.”
“To protect the earl. To ensure his every need is cared for. To see to his well-being. If he decides I am too overbearing, he has the right to ask me to go. Until then, I will stay at my post.” I nodded and headed up the stairs.
Only to find Henry sleeping soundly in his bed.
Poor man. He’s exhausted.The journey from London was not easy at the best of times, but in late November, the cold rain made the trip treacherous. At least he had arrived before the first snow.
When Joanie and Jenny arrived with the trays, I sent one back and put the other on the small table. I pulled up a chair and dug into the food.
The stew was superb, the bread delicious, and the butter churned to perfection. Even without a master for several months, the house ran like clockwork. We all knew our responsibilities and, under Mr. Fortescue, we did as expected.
If Henry needed time to recover, it would be his. Mr. Wiggins had the accounts in order. Cook ran her kitchen in military fashion.
Or so I understood militaries to be operated thus.
Mrs. Fernsby cared for Isabella and, even now, no sound reached this room. Henry could rest in peace.
If that was what he wanted.
Perhaps not. He had been active as a boy. We had played together as children—me with the chastisement to keep Henry in line. As the son of an earl, he had expectations heaped upon him. Even if he was merely thespare.
He had also been a scamp full of mischief.
I struggled to keep us both out of trouble.
Then he was sent away to school.
Remaining behind, I had been fortunate to continue to receive an education until the time came for me to train to be a footman.
Valet was a significant move upward. My close connection to Henry had been, I understood, the deciding factor for Mr. Fortescue.
Henry stirred.
