The Valet and the Stable Groom: M/M Regency Romance Read Free

make discreet inquiries about his staff.
    In Herefordshire, there would be little use for Clement’s impeccable taste in apparel and far less opportunity for Hildebert’s waistcoats to catch the attention of appreciative dukes. It would mean the death of Clement’s career, leaving him permanently in the single position of Hildebert’s personal valet until he’d reached the same advanced age as Mr. Midgley and become mired in the same lack of ambition.
    Clement paused in the quiet servants corridor. If he left now, he could use Hildebert as a reference, and he would have the opportunity to find another position within London society. It was the better choice. More sensible, and ambitious.
    Forcing himself to resume his course, Clement walked into the servants kitchen and found a cluster of household staff in discussion of the new baby.
    “I heard they’ll be hiring a new nursemaid, of course,” the head maid divulged, chin lifted with pride at sharing this new information.
    “They’ll have to find one in a hurry, now,” someone else said, “seeing as the babe has come early.”
    “Oh, to be sure they will. Crake is out looking now.”
    None of them had so much as glanced up at Clement’s arrival.
    He had the full respect available to an untitled younger brother’s personal valet, which, in such a large household, equated to almost nothing. Even Lord Devereux’s under-footman had more authority than Mr. Devereux’s personal valet. Lord Devereux had three valets entirely to himself, in addition to a gentleman of the chambers and several grooms of the chambers.
    “Pardon me,” Clement said, and cleared his throat.
    The conversation fell silent and the group turned to regard Clement in stunned surprise.
    “Mr. Midgley,” Clement said, drawing himself up to his full height, which was middling at best. “I have been tasked with informing you that in light of the new arrival to the household, Lord Devereux and his brother have decided that Mr. Devereux shall be establishing a household of his own and a more permanent residence at his Herefordshire estate, and your name has been put forward for the role of butler.”
    Jaws fell open and glances were swiftly exchanged, but no one spoke, not even to whisper, as they all hung upon Mr. Midgley’s imminent response.
    Mr. Midgley gaped like a fish. He was a plain man with a round face and no particular distinguishing features. Of average height and with the beginnings of a stout belly, Mr. Midgley was possessed of the particular sort of bland respectability of which nothing extraordinary is expected. From what Clement knew of him, he was reasonably competent at maintaining the household operations which Head Butler Greene dictated, and went about his tasks with no more and no less diligence than what was expected of him.
    No immediate response seemed to be forthcoming, so Clement took it upon himself to fill the silence. “You are of course welcome to decline, if you prefer to continue your own position in Lord Devereux’s household. Herefordshire is, after all, very remote.”
    “To… to be sure,” said Mr. Midgley, smoothing down his waistcoat over his belly and coming to his senses. “I am honoured that Mr. Devereux would think of my own humble self for the position.”
    He didn’t , Clement thought, but he kept the remark behind his teeth.
    “I will of course accept. At once. I… hrm. Hrm.” Mr. Midgley pressed his lips together and creased his brow in thought.
    “Shall I take the liberty,” Clement prompted him, “of sending word ahead to Gennerly House of our imminent arrival? I am certain that the existing staff will wish to know, so that they may prepare the residence in anticipation of your exacting standards.”
    “Ah, of course!” Mr. Midgley said, visibly relieved by the suggestion of this course of action. “How thoughtful of you, Mr. Adair. Yes, do so at once.”
    “Do you suppose we will want to expand the existing staff of Gennerly