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

alone.”
    “I see,” Clement said. His cheeks heated. “I’ve intruded upon your privacy. Forgive me.”
    “You haven’t.” Hugo said it earnestly, and then tightened his jaw. Some flaw in the wood of the stable door drew his attention and he fixated a moment upon it. “You… perhaps you’d be interested in a tour of the stables? If… if you have the time.”
    The offer appealed to Clement, though he knew that he certainly did not have the time. Hildebert would be wondering where he had got off to. If any summons bells were ringing for him, they would go unanswered.
    “I will find the time,” Clement promised. “I would very much like to learn more about the operation of a stable. And… and if you occasionally find that your nature does not wholly rebel at the prospect of dining in the servants’ kitchens, I would be pleased to see you there. From time to time.”
    “I am,” said Hugo, with a widening smile, “always there on Fridays. Mrs. Ledford, despite her, ah, stern temperament, makes a truly exquisite fish stew every Friday.”
    “Friday,” Clement repeated, his heart swimming with the pleasurable knowledge that today was Wednesday.

    A tentative guest list was drawn up by the end of the day. It relied almost entirely upon Mrs. Ledford’s judgement, since none of the rest of them had any knowledge of the local quality.
    In the morning, Letty and Jane began composing the invitations. Clement was glad to find that his skills were not required in this. Unfortunately, Hildebert lost patience for it almost as soon as he’d begun, which meant Clement was called upon to provide further entertainment for him.
    “What about the London Magazine of Industry and the Sciences ?” Clement suggested, placing a copy of it down within reach.
    Hildebert glanced at it, then away. “No.”
    “It has only just arrived. I understand that it has some dazzling newfangled inventions in it,” Clement pressed. “An engine that can propel a carriage.”
    “Dull,” said Hildebert.
    Clement breathed in through his nostrils and pressed his eyes shut. “Perhaps you’d like to review the household accounts?”
    “The accounts! Heavens, no. Leave it to Midgley.”
    “You have lands,” Clement said. “You might investigate whether they are rich in metals or minerals. Or raise cows.”
    “Cows?”
    “Cows would provide meat and milk for the household, and the region. You could turn it into an industry. An income.”
    Hildebert’s nose wrinkled. “A gentleman does not work.”
    Clement bit back a reply that a gentleman might honourably be expected to maintain his property and to derive a steady income from it.
    A decorous valet did not argue with his employer.
    “Of course, sir. Forgive me, sir. Is there anything else you require?”
    Hildebert sulkily took up the magazine, since Clement had been able to supply no better entertainment. “No.”

    C lement racked his brains for an excuse to ask Midgley about the accounts, but found none.
    It simply wasn’t his responsibility as a personal valet. As long as his salary was paid and the household was kept in meat and milk, he had no reason to inquire about the household accounts.
    Accounts in which Hildebert had no expertise or interest.
    Nor did Midgley have experience with the matter. Lord Devereux had kept a steward, which left his head butler with little need to manage anything more than his portion of the household budget, and the under-butler with even less. Clement didn’t know if Midgley had even looked at the accounts, but he couldn’t come up with a way to suggest it without blatantly questioning Midgley’s competence.
    There would, he supposed, be accounts of the estate that had been kept in the meantime, and he was certain that there had been someone filling the role of butler before Midgley had arrived. Mrs. Ledford would know, but Clement was not yet desperate or driven enough to apply to her for information.
    Rather, he let himself into