Heiress in Red Silk, Hunter, Madeline [good beach reads TXT] 📗

“That would be nice, but it isn’t that. When you leave this chamber, you are to forget that you saw him in London that day. On considering it, you realized that you never saw that rider’s face, and made unwarranted assumptions. Because you question your own memories now, you will never again, to anyone, insinuate that Kevin had something to do with his uncle’s death. You will tell your husband that you made an unfortunate mistake, so he does not continue suspecting Kevin unfairly.”

Felicity nodded without hesitation.

Rosamund stood. “Have your husband send me the name of the man from whom he accepted the money, and the exact amount he owes. I will have a draft drawn and left with Mr. Sanders. Matters can be resolved in his office. You will have to sign loan documents for it that say the amount will be due immediately if either of you ever again gossips about my husband.”

Chapter Twenty

“What is that?” Chase asked Kevin.

The two of them were in the library of Chase’s chambers on Bury Street. Chase had lived here prior to his marriage.

Kevin continued unwrapping his bundle. “It is a small steam engine. I stopped by the house on my way here and spirited it out.”

“I hope you don’t intend to fire it up in here.”

“It is perfectly safe. Even if there is a mishap, it won’t do more than take down some plaster. I need it for demonstrations.”

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