Best Laid Plans (A Gentleman of Misfortune, Book 2)

Chapter Thirteen

As far as I knew, Ingram did not send any more invitations to Ward. Odd how protective my friend had become a top priority, especially considering the worries already on my plate. But I was determined to be as good a friend to him as he had already been to me.

I hadn't realized how much Miles Russell's betrayal of our friendship had affected me. And why? So he could win the hand of the girl he loved? My closest friend had abandoned me when I had expected him to be the one who would stand by me.

It was while I was considering this that my new valet was shown in.

Alfred Pennyworth was a man of medium height, but slender of form. His fair hair was streaked with grays. His brown eyes were bright with amusement as he made a rather elegant bow in front of me. In short, he looked nothing as I had imagined a valet to look like.

"I am pleased to be of service, sir," he said, his voice a deep baritone. "I promise I won't let you down."

"You've certainly come at an interesting time," I said. "Not only do I have possession of an estate I'm not entirely certain can be saved, but I am being hounded by a strange young lady for some unknown reason."

He didn't even blink an eye at my blunt words. "Most unfortunate, Mr. Bywood. I am here to assist you in whatever way I can."

"Well, I'm sorry to say you may find my wardrobe in a sorry state," I said honestly. "The servants here at the Inn have been seeing to it. I've not had a valet since I went on my grand tour. I think you may find that I am—"
I was interrupted at that moment by a very loud howl. "My apologies, Mr. Bywood," Pennyworth said quickly. "That would be the cat I mentioned in my letter. Leo does not take kindly to being confined in a basket."

He gestured at the basket he had set at his feet. The lid bounced as though the creature inside was trying to escape. There was a growl followed by a hiss as Pennyworth lifted the basket off the ground.

"I see." Honestly, I had forgotten about the cat. I had no strong feelings about the creatures. My sisters had always fawned over and played with the kittens born in the stables each year. "I daresay I ought to wait to make his acquaintance when he is in a more amenable frame of mind."

"Indeed," Pennyworth said. "Shall I remove myself to my lodgings?"

Another expense I hadn't considered. Odd how preoccupied I had become with money since I had found myself in possession of Pearsend. Would it be helpful to me, or would I turn into the kind of miser my great-uncle Bywood had been?

Pennyworth's raised eyebrow reminded me I hadn't answered him. "Oh, yes. Of course," I said quickly. "I'm afraid I don't know the state of the servants' rooms here. I hope you will not find them too disagreeable."

"I'm sure they will be adequate. Shall I assist you to dress for an evening out?"

I had to take several seconds to think. Oh, yes. I was attending a concert. "If it would not be too much trouble."

 "Mr. Bywood, if I might give you a word of advice: I am employed by you. If I cannot be 'troubled' to do my duties, then I do not deserve to be in this position. Now, were you to ask something that is outside my stated responsibilities, then I might protest about the trouble."

Once again, Leo let out a howl of protest. "I will try to keep that in mind. I've not had a personal servant in some time, so I may need some time to adjust to the situation," I said to him.

He inclined his head. "Then, I shall return in time to assist you in dressing," he said firmly. "If you are going out this afternoon, I shall acquaint myself with your wardrobe. Is that acceptable, sir?"

 How long would it take for me to get accustomed to such deference? If Miss Darken were here, no doubt she would laugh at how uncomfortable I was with the situation. At least then someone would be amused.