Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

Walter

I stared at Marcus Stanhope. Earl Cockaigne. I blinked. "I apologize, my Lord. Could you repeat that?" My ears weren't full of wax. Or were they? Because I couldn't possibly have understood the master of the house.

Standing before me, he straightened. The earl was not slight in stature by any means, but he was a good half foot shorter than me. Trying to remain invisible as a servant often proved difficult with my height and bulk.

"You heard me correctly, Walter." He sighed. "My son is out of control. He spends far too much with friends who carouse, are coxcombs, and do not take the responsibility of being the heir seriously. I have attempted to speak to my son on numerous occasions, and I've never succeeded in getting his attention." He pursed his lips. "His sixth valet left our employ last week."

Given the generosity of the salary I was being offered, I didn't see cheap wages as the reason for the many departures. I cleared my throat. "My Lord, how precisely do you believe I can be of assistance ?

Stanhope met my gaze with sky-blue intense eyes. As if he could emphasize the import of the situation by his will alone. "A firm hand, Walter. He needs to be taken by the hand and shown the way to behave. To represent the family. No more carousing. No more inappropriate liaisons. And you know what I mean."

I could guess. But such topics were never discussed in polite company. And certainly not between a lord and servant. "I believe I can…exert the authority you require. This is…an unusual request." I needed to be honest. To have him see both my trepidation as well as my willingness to do as told. The money was certainly too good to turn down.

Stanhope smiled with what I would term grim satisfaction. "You understand me."

"Yes, I believe I do."

"Very well. You do whatever is necessary. Whatever . I want him whipped into shape. Lady Isabel and I, along with our daughter Catherine, will be heading to our country estate tomorrow. I believe you understand what you need to do."

I bowed. "Yes milord." I hesitated. "Would you be willing to leave written instructions to that effect? In case I have…naysayers?"

"Certainly." He nodded sagely. "If you require more assistance, Louis can assist you."

"Thank you." I left the room posthaste. I sought Louis, the butler, to receive further instructions.

"The young master is a challenge," he said after I had relayed the lord's instructions.

I wanted clarification.

"When the lord says a firm hand, he means that you should exert physical control. The lord hired you for your strength." The man looked me over. "And your ability to follow orders precisely."

"Strength?"

He nodded, his gray hair not moving even a whisper. His slight stoop also clearly indicated his age.

I aspired to his role one day, but first I had to survive being Kenneth Stanhope's valet .

"Brute strength." Louis leaned closer. "To be clear, the boy has…interesting tastes."

"And these…corrections?" Brute strength?

"His father has made it clear how punishment will be meted out. The boy is not unaware."

I swallowed. If the young man was aware and had clearly been given many opportunities to improve his behavior, then he was, in a sense, agreeing to whatever might happen to him. If he didn't wish punishment, then he would behave. "I understand."

Louis smiled. "Good man. I knew you were a perfect choice."

I wasn't certain about that, but I would certainly do my best.