Chase appeared skeptical. “You had better explain that to Brigsby, and warn him whenever you intend to demonstrate.”
Kevin stood back and eyed the placement of the engine on the library table. “It is good of you to lend him, as well as allow me to let these chambers from you.”
Chase reached for the brandy decanter, then poured into two glasses. “You are doing me a favor on both accounts. Brigsby has been without a proper situation since my marriage. It has created complications. He refuses to be a mere valet but is not suited to manage an entire household. Due to his long history with me, he considers himself first among equals with the servants, much to the annoyance of the butler and housekeeper. You have your own valet at your house now, but taking care of this part of your life will keep Brigsby occupied. The suggestion he serve you here delighted him. He now has his own kingdom again.”
“I thought he served as one of your agents now.”
Chase sank into a chair. “Sometimes.” He looked to the door, then lowered his voice. “He is too notable to be useful most of the time. A more anonymous look and manner is often required. He has—”
The door opened just then, and the man in question entered. He carried a tray with coffee and cups and swept it over to a low table. He deftly poured and handed over the results, then beamed with pride at his own job well done.
There was nothing anonymous-looking about Brigsby, that was certain. Of middling height and slight of build, he exuded a self-confidence that often got servants sacked. His collar had been ironed to such perfection that its edge could be a weapon. Pomade slicked his sparse black hair to his skull. His expression stayed just shy of impertinent. He clearly was the kind of man servant who saw his charge as someone who needed help in the most rudimentary exercises in living.
“The coffee is very good,” Kevin felt obligated to say, because Brigsby appeared to be waiting for praise. Or something.
“I am pleased if you are pleased, sir.” He pivoted slightly so he faced Chase. “I was wondering if we might have a brief talk regarding my duties here, so I am able to execute them properly.”
“Certainly.” Chase turned an amused, expectant expression on Kevin.
“I expect they are the same as they were when you were here with Chase,” Kevin said, not really knowing what that meant.
“If I may say, sir—You have another home, so am I correct that you won’t be living here?”
“Not in the normal way.”
“Ah. I am an excellent cook. Far better than most households employ.” A quick, sidelong glance aimed at Chase. “Will you on occasion want meals here?”
“I suppose that is possible, if I am here late.”
“Very good, sir. Other than linens and such, will you need laundry done?”
“I doubt it.”
“I see. That will spare me much time. Because I will not be required to perform some duties, would you mind if I on occasion continue my employment in the inquiries, when I am needed?”
Out of the corner of his eye, Kevin saw Chase’s thin smile. “Let me think about that and see how things go here first.”
“Very good, sir. I do not want to be presumptuous, but it would perhaps be best if we also discussed my requirements.”
“What would those be?”
Brigsby smiled a smile that managed to appear both subservient and superior. “I prefer to receive my wages every fortnight. I know it is not the normal way to do things, but it suits me. And if you anticipate having a guest for meals, notice by that morning at the latest is necessary so I can procure the necessities.”
“That is very sensible.”
“Thank you, sir. Oh, there is one more thing. If you intend to have a lady stay the night, I ask that you remove the door pull that hangs off the latch to the cellar. I wouldn’t want to intrude by mistake.”
“I don’t expect to be doing that, but it is good to know the custom.”
With a gracious bow, Brigsby left the library.
“What have you done to me?” Kevin asked.
“He is an excellent manservant. He can even do your accounts if you want. Once that enterprise starts showing sales and profit, you might consider using him.” Chase drank the rest of his coffee, then set the cup aside and picked up his brandy. “You are lucky to have him.”
“I’ll let you know if I agree after a month or so.” He stood and examined the library. Most of the books had been removed to the house Chase now shared with Minerva. It reminded him of the empty shelves that so distressed Rosamund when she bought her house. That library now overflowed with Kevin’s books. Maybe he would move some here, so she could continue buying the ones she preferred.
He had come upon her yesterday, reading one of the custom-bound volumes she had bought. The pages turned slowly, but she had kept at it. Twice while he was in the library she rose and went to the dictionary she had left open on a writing table.
