The Valet of Darkshire Manor

  ***

  Edwin spent the remainder of the afternoon in his bedroom, feeling this might be the best place to stay until he became better acquainted with the rules of the estate.

  At precisely 4:00 p.m. he stood meticulously groomed for his first day as a valet at Darkshire Manor, knocking on the door of his master’s bedroom. The large double doors swung open. A massive, four-poster bed draped with red silk sheets was the focal point of the elegantly furnished bedroom. To the left was a red velvet settee and nearby was an ornate dark wood antique desk with matching chair. Red velvet curtains covered several floor-to-ceiling windows which lined the right side of the room. A finely cut, glass door led to a balcony. Near the end of the bed stood Lord Darkshire.

  “Draw me a bath, Edwin,” he said simply. Edwin drew on his instincts and moved towards the dressing room door on his left. A large, raised circular tub took up the majority of the interior. Edwin drew the bathwater and began to familiarize himself with the rest of the dressing area. It would appear that he would receive little instruction on where to find everything he needed.

  Years of experience as a valet came in to play as Edwin spent the next several hours preparing his Lord for the party. Few words were spoken. He went about his duties confidently, gauging his actions from unspoken gestures by Lord Darkshire.

  Dressed, his master stood in front of the full length mirror for several moments while Edwin held his breath.

  “Perfect,” he announced at last and swept from the room, his silk cape rustling papers on the desk.

  Edwin let out a slow sigh of relief as the door closed. He had succeeded in pleasing his Lord. He cleared the area, tidied up both rooms so they looked exactly as they had appeared when he first arrived, then quietly slipped from the bedroom.

  Edwin did not expect the party to go on into the wee hours of the morning as it did. It was shortly before dawn when the last guests departed. He had allowed himself to nod off for a few hours, the kitchen staff promising to wake him before he was needed. When it was time, Edwin straightened his attire, then hurried to his master’s bedroom. He arrived only moments before the large doors swung open and Lord Darkshire appeared.

  “I shall retire immediately, Edwin,” he announced. “Fetch my dressing gown.”

  Edwin quickly and efficiently disrobed the man, barely having time to slip the dressing gown over his broad shoulders before he was dismissed.

  “I shan’t need you until tomorrow evening,” the Lord said, waving his hand at his servant.

  “Your clothes, sir…” Edwin protested. “Shall I tidy the room before I leave?”

  “Out, now!” Lord Darkshire shouted, his dark eyes blazing.

  Edwin hurriedly left the room. His knees were shaking. He hoped he hadn’t offended the Lord.