“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. I look forward to hearing from you regarding opportunities.” As Roberts turned to go, the clerk merely grunted. It was then that his eyes landed on West.
“My lord, I am so sorry to have kept you waiting!” He leapt to attention, irritating West with his cordial tone, completely different from the way he had spoken to Roberts. Roberts offered him a small smile and a nod as he walked past, pointedly ignoring the clerk’s sycophantic display.
West found himself quickly escorted into Mr. Stoddard’s office, where he endured a few more minutes of fawning as tea was provided before he was able to finally settle into the reason why he was there.
West patiently explained to Stoddard the specifics of the trade school he was looking to set up and the personnel required for the endeavor. Mr. Stoddard looked somewhat stunned atthe end of his explanation but worked to quickly compose his features so as not to give offence.
“That’s quite an unusual scheme,” he said after clearing his throat. “It may take me awhile to find qualified men for what you are seeking.”
“It will be quite some time before we are ready to open,” West replied. “An ideal location still needs to be decided on, and structures will need to be built or modified to house the operation. I simply wanted to bring the matter to your attention today so you could begin looking for prospects. If you find someone qualified to help with the planning process, I’d like to retain them as soon as possible.”
“I see. Well, thank you for looking to Stoddard’s for this, I can assure you that we’ll find the best candidates. Is there anything else I can help you with today, my lord?”
“Actually, there is. I’m in need of a new valet. Would you be able to provide me a list of potential candidates I might interview?”
Mr. Stoddard began to squirm a bit but withheld the emotion from his face as he answered West. “Ah, my lord, I’m afraid I don’t have anyone who would fit the bill at the moment. My last valet was engaged only yesterday.”
West frowned and rubbed his eyebrow, knowing this statement was patently false.
Seeing his displeasure, Mr. Stoddard hastened to placate him, confirming that he would contact him as soon as another candidate became available.
“But you do have someone available,” West said, looking the man directly in the eyes. “As I arrived, I clearly heard a Mr. Roberts saying he was looking for a new position. He is a valet, is he not?”
Now Stoddard really did squirm. “I did not suggest Mr. Roberts, as he is not a good choice for a man such as you.”
“Whyever not? What do you mean a man like me?” West was getting irritated as he knew exactly what the man was implying. Well, he wouldn’t get out of it that easily—West would force him to say it aloud and confront his own bigotry.
“He was not with his last employer long. It does not bode well for the man’s temperament,” Stoddard offered, trying to find a valid excuse for why he had not offered him as an option to the marquess.
“Yes, but it seems that was not Mr. Roberts’ fault. As I understand, his previous employer recently died. We can hardly blame the baron’s death on an incompetent valet, can we?” West didn’t like using his position to get his way, but he wasn’t above letting his level of influence intimidate the man.
“Of course. You are right, my lord. If you would like his direction, I’m happy to oblige.”
“Yes, thank you,” West said stonily. Stoddard quickly consulted a ledger before scribbling out Roberts’ address and handing it over. Taking the offered paper as he rose, West was sure to make his position known before leaving.
“Mr. Stoddard, you will find that I do not believe the color of a man’s skin has any bearing on his character or ability to do honest work. If I believe for one moment you are not sending me every available candidate for my school, I will not hesitate to take my business elsewhere. Is that clear?”
Stoddard audibly took in a breath before standing to see West out. “Yes, my lord. Most clear.”
CHAPTER 11
Looking in the hallway mirror, Priscilla fussed with her hair one last time before stepping back and pulling on her gloves. Hampton was due to pick her up any second for their first outing as a couple, and she was rather nervous to see him again.
They’d not seen one another since she’d agreed to their scheme and proposed an affair as part of the deal in the process. She knew she had shocked him.
Quite frankly, her ability to speak so boldly had shocked her as well. It’s true she had been brazen enough to gossip about other girls in the past, but she hadn’t felt particularly bold in doing so. Having been raised to think herself above those she had spoken ill of it seemed natural at the time and not at all out of place. But now that she knew how her actions could negatively impact others, Priscilla didn’t speak up the way she used to, and being so blunt with Hampton had felt bold indeed.
Sharing her intimate desires with another man made her feel almost light headed, but Priscilla was determined to go after what she wanted and chart a new path for herself, discovering who she was and what she truly desired along the way.
Another piece of that puzzle had also been set into motion in the past few days. Now that everything with Stern’s estate hadbeen handled and her period of mourning was over, she was in full possession of all her funds and there was no reason she could not live on her own. Priscilla engaged her man of business to look for a rental property in town that she could use for the remainder of the season. It would be nice to have a private place to go with Hampton, as she knew his mother was residing with him while in town.
“Your Grace, a carriage has just pulled in front of the house,” a footman told her with a bow.
This was it. There was no turning back now. Once she and Hampton arrived at the ball arm in arm, in the eyes of thetonthey would officially be declaring themselves an item.
Just then, she heard the door open, and the Wrexham butler announced Hampton.
She’d obviously seen him several times lately, but the sight of him this evening made her catch her breath. His unruly hair had been combed into submission, and though he always wore fine clothes, there was something about them this evening that lent him an extra level of presence that she couldn’t quite put her finger on. Knowing she would soon see this fine man without his fine clothing made her blush slightly.
