The Valet and the Stable Groom: M/M Regency Romance by Katherine Marlowe Page A

had left open, which cast light upon his dark brown hair. Everything about him was unprepossessing, including his neat but unexceptional working clothes, but the friendly, bemused smile on his lips.
    “Mr. Ogden,” Clement said.
    The stables were well-kept and clean. The horses and dogs seemed healthy and the structure appeared sound. Clement had no idea how one might further inspect the proper maintenance and condition of a stables, and was not about to question Hugo’s competence.
    “I came to see Titania,” he said, since that was the only excuse he could offer.
    Hugo’s smile widened. “She’s doing well. It will still be a week or so before she’ll be ready to move into the main house.”
    Reaching past Clement, Hugo unlatched the door to the stall. The puppies pushed it open and tumbled out around Clement’s ankles.
    “Oh,” said Clement, remembering the last time the puppies had been loosened upon the world. “Oh, dear.”
    Hugo gathered up one of the puppies and held it while the rest romped around their ankles. “Do you not like puppies, Mr. Adair?”
    Clement felt a deep longing to insist that Hugo call him Clement, though that would be very familiar for their one-day acquaintance. “I’ve never had much opportunity to find out.”
    “Opportunity,” Hugo said, offering the puppy, “has arrived.”
    Taking the puppy gingerly, Clement looked from it to Hugo in search of instruction as to what he ought to do now. The puppy squirmed in his arms, and yipped.
    “You missed the chance to see yesterday’s demonstration,” Hugo said, and then clicked his tongue. “Constance.”
    The mother dog, who had been waiting inside the stall with barely-contained worry for her children, trotted out and smoothly herded all the puppies into a neat line. They sat politely, like a row of school children, looking to Hugo with rapt attention.
    He distributed treats among them.
    The puppy in Clement’s hands squirmed more urgently, and Clement set it down. It quickly took its place in line, sitting proudly with head raised in order to receive its treat.
    “You’ve trained them,” Clement said, surprised to discover that the unruly puppies weren’t unruly at all under proper supervision.
    “They’re herding dogs. It’s my duty to train them.”
    “But they’re so small. Even Constance. What in the world could they herd effectively? Ducks?”
    Hugo laughed. It was a warm, rich sound, that went on for several moments. “I suppose they could herd ducks, if they set their minds to it. They’re meant to herd cows.”
    The row of tiny puppies gazed earnestly up at them. Hugo's gaze had a similar earnestness.
    “Cows,” Clement said.
    “They nip at their heels, and are too short to be kicked.”
    A brief huff of laughter escaped from Clement. He bit down on his lower lip to try and contain his mirth, but a delighted grin nonetheless curved his lips.
    “Cows,” he said again.
    “Constance,” Hugo said, snapping his fingers and making a circular gesture.
    With dutiful composure, the mother dog whirled into action and herded all of her charges neatly back into the stall. Hugo shut the door and latched it.
    Returning his attention to Clement, Hugo opened his mouth to speak, and then hesitated. After a moment, he managed, “They’re trained to do a variety of tricks, as well. I can show you their entire repertoire, if it pleases you.”
    “Sometime,” Clement agreed. “Perhaps. I haven’t enough time now.”
    “Did you require anything else?” Hugo asked. It wasn’t dismissive, but encouraging, offering him a chance to make some other excuse to stay.
    “I,” Clement said. “I have yet to see you in the servant’s parlour, with the others.”
    “Ah.” Hugo ducked his head apologetically. “I often prefer my own company. There’s an apartment above the stables, you see. My accommodations here are more comfortable than any I might be afforded in the main house, and I usually prefer to dine