James (Hot Footman Secrets Book 1) Page 7

  Harry struggled against the restraints.

  “He controls himself when he likes,” James replied.

  Nigel leaned over the man. “You’ve been a bad boy, Harry. Are you sorry?”

  Harry stared with furrowed brows at the odd gentleman.

  “No offense, Colonel, but I think this man needs a more disciplined environment. He needs more attention,” Nigel said.

  Harry started talking but it was muffled. James removed the gag.

  “You’re crazy,” Harry said.

  Nigel slapped Harry across the face and Harry went quiet. His pants tented.

  James and Fred exchanged a look.

  Curtis chuckled. “I think Nigel has this in hand. I’ll head up and do some reading.”

  “Mr. Waterford might be willing to give you a trial if you can control yourself,” Fred said.

  Harry nodded. “I blew the money on some debts I had in London. I ran out and I needed more. I wasn’t going to say anything.”

  “You’ll get no more money from us,” James said.

  “If he valets for me, I’ll pay him well. Just feed him until we leave. I have a trip and I need someone who knows what I’m after and can keep quiet. He might be more fun than the Greek Isles. Untie him.” Nigel pointed to James.

  James untied. “I’m going to station two footmen outside your room. Holler if you need help.”

  “He might. I’ve handled his sort before.” Nigel crooked a finger.

  Harry followed like a well-trained dog.

  “You never said he was that way,” Fred said.

  James shrugged. “I didn’t know. No wonder he and I had no chance. I’m going to go up and attend Mr. Hemley. Then I’ll be to your room, Colonel. Unless you want to stay up.”

  “I can valet for the guest,” Charles offered.

  “Not tonight, Charles. You and Thomas take the first shift. After three hours, get some sleep and have Patrick and Paul take over. They can sleep in,” James ordered and led the way out of his sitting room.

  “Good plan.” Fred started up the stairs.

  Chapter Ten

  James hung up Curtis’ worn clothes

  “Tell me, Riggs. What do you think of my cousin’s scheme?” Curtis asked.

  “He’s trying to good since he can’t serve anymore. It’s admirable,” Riggs replied.

  “Admirable. Dangerous. I know he’s grateful to have you on with him.” Curtis nodded. “The men could use a bit more training.”

  “I agree, sir. It does help having more than the colonel for them to practice with,” Riggs said.

  “Is Charles fit for service?” Curtis asked.

  “Mostly he’s been working as a groom and driving. He doesn’t think the eye gone will let him be hired as a footman. He’s been in on the basic training for footman and will get more. No rush,” James said.

  “When he’s ready, I’d like to hire him. Nothing like gas blindness to make you appreciate your eyes. If he’s willing to travel, I’d like to give him a chance to be more than a groom.” Curtis sat on the bed.

  “I’ll discuss it with him. Will you be attending the other parties here?” Riggs asked.

  “I’m sure I’ll be invited. As long as I’m not traveling for work, I’ll be here. I’m glad you’re here for my cousin. He has very few people who know the real Fred and stand by him. His father might know but he’ll never approve.” Curtis sighed.

  James paused. “He’s my employer.”

  Curtis cocked his head to one side. “The point of this is to stop lying—at least among our own kind. Fred has ten first cousins but I’m the only one here. I’m not one to talk about feelings but I see the difference in Fred. He’s happier here than he was even in the army. He lost a leg and he’s smiling. That’s because of you.”

  “It’s just physical,” James admitted.

  “That’s a lie.” Curtis stood and cornered James. “I know my cousin. We grew up together. If you don’t care about him, find another job. He’ll give you a reference but don’t dare play games. I’ll be back and you’ll answer to me if you hurt him.”

  “This isn’t about romance or sex,” James argued.

  “The footmen, no. He chose you. Not because the earl fired you. Well, not just that. Both of you can excuse it a million ways but I see how he looks at you. He’s written about you. You’re a good butler but not the most polished I’ve ever seen. He thinks you hung the moon. If it’s just physical for you, get out. Fred’s been through enough.” Curtis turned. “That’ll be all.”

  “Yes, sir,” James left.

  In the hall, James leaned on the wall. He’d convinced himself it only physical. Fred was just another user like all of them. Deep down he wanted more but how could ever trust anyone that much?

  He walked down the hall, ignoring the smacks and groans from Nigel’s room. Charles and Thomas had it under control.

  Knocking on Fred’s door, James walked in quickly and shut the door firmly behind him. His heart raced like it might break. James never let himself feel or believe.

  “Are you ill, James?” Fred moved toward him.

  James moved to the bathroom and started the water.

  “Riggs. What is it? Harry?” Fred asked.

  “No, sir. Nigel and Harry seem to be getting on well. Your cousin is interested in hiring Charles with a bit more training. He’ll be back. He thought maybe I should consider another job,” James said.

  Fred frowned. “What? Why?”

  “If I don’t feel…the same as you do.” James nodded to the bath.

  Fred eased into the water. “I’m fine with things. I wouldn’t pressure you.”

  James returned. “Before I worked for your father I was in another house as a hall boy. I’ve never told anyone about this.”

  “If someone hurt you, I’ll handle it. tell me,” Fred said.

  James shook his head. “One of the footmen fell in love with a daughter of the family. We caught them kissing. They stole moments. It was romantic. We all covered for them at one time or another. But the father found out. That footman was sent to prison because the girl was only sixteen.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. What does it have to do with us?” Fred asked.

  James smiled. “He was normal. He liked women. No one called him an abomination. He was a love-crossed fool as far as the servants were concerned. If she’d been older, he’d never have served time at all but he’d still have been fired with no hope of a job elsewhere.”

  “That’s why you don’t think the classes can be crossed for love?” Fred braced himself on the tub and managed to stand. James wrapped the robe around the man he’d fallen for. It hurt more than any war wound.

  James nodded.

  “And if it can’t work for normal people, it can’t work for us?” Fred asked.

  “It’s such a risk. The girl was ruined too. I resolved myself back then to only dare make a move on other servants. It was self-preservation. You were just a dream until the war. I was weak. Now it’ll ruin everything.” James carried Fred to his bed.

  Fred grabbed James’ suit lapel. “I own this place. I have the deed, dairy, livestock, farming and more plans. I’m not leaving here. I’m not going to find someone else. There isn’t anyone else for me. Unless you think you’ll do better.”

  The smile on Fred’s face broke James’ self-control. It wasn’t about sympathy or convenience. It was about feelings longer running than either had admitted.

  “Are you handing in your notice?” Fred teased.

  “Never, Fred.” James kissed Fred and pinned him to the mattress. “I love you.”

  Fred tugged at James’ clothing. “I love you too, Admiral.”

  The kissing went on and on until Fred couldn’t stand it. He pulled the grease tin from his bedside table. Rolling on his left side, Fred pressed his back to James’s chest.

  James kissed the back of Fred’s neck as he stroked his cock. Fred moaned as James filled him. Finally, Fred didn’t have to watch his word
s or hold back on affection. He had the butler’s heart and body forever.

  Epilogue

  The doctor James had called examined Fred’s wound. Love had many pluses but there were some annoyances. James being so worried he rang the doctor whether Fred liked it or not. Fred couldn’t be mad. He was too happy.

  “Your wound would heal better if you stayed off that leg for a week or two. We can lend you a push chair. It’s only temporary,” the doctor said.

  “I can buy one. I just refuse to be a cripple,” Fred replied.

  “Once that scars and toughens up, you’ll be good to go. You risk infection like this,” the doctor replied.

  “Fine. I’ll buy the chair. Send one over and add it to your bill,” Fred grumbled.

  James smirked from across the room.

  “Did you see Charles?” Fred asked.

  The doctor nodded. “I did. His eye socket is healed up. The tissue is sound. I’ve given him a patch which should make him and others more comfortable. You keep up the salve and washing the area with soap. But give that area air and no pressure for two solid weeks. I promise you’ll see a difference. Then you can slowly begin walking again and that’ll toughen the skin.”

  “See in you in two weeks. Riggs will make sure I listen,” Fred said.

  “Yes, sir,” James replied.

  “Excellent. I wish all my patients were so accommodating. The push chair will arrive by the end of the day. Don’t be afraid to turn a small room on the ground floor into a bedroom for ease. I know it’s unpleasant to be carried up and down that many stairs.”

  “I don’t mind,” James replied.

  “No, you’re not putting your back out. We’ll turn my study into a makeshift bedroom. It’ll be fine. There are bathrooms on that floor. No covering on the wound?” Fred asked.

  “Only when you sleep. Put on the salve and a covering then. During the day, have it clean and in the fresh air. Good day.”

  “Thank you, Doctor,” Fred said.

  “Paul will show you out.” James opened the door and shut it behind the doctor.

  “That is two weeks’ privacy gone. I didn’t think you’d be grinning so much,” Fred said.

  “As long as it works. Once it’s healed, you’ll move faster with the leg on. And we’ll find ways to be together.” James leaned down and kissed him. “I won’t let you die of infection now that I’ve finally got you.”

  “I love you too. I should have dinner on a tray up here. One last night in my proper bed for us. You can carry me down in the morning.” Fred played with James’ tie.

  “I have to run this house for a few more hours at least.” James grinned.

  “You work far too much. You deserve a raise.” Fred flopped back in bed.

  James fixed his tie. “I don’t need a raise. I need you healthy and safe. But I did come across that bonus money from when you first hired me.”

  “Thinking of running?” Fred asked.

  James shook his head. “I think I should just give it back.”

  “No. Buy yourself something. I’m glad you don’t think you’ll need it to leave.” Fred smiled.

  “I was thinking of helping out my brother. He has kids and they struggle a bit,” James said.

  “Are in they in trouble?” Fred asked.

  “No, his wife caught Spanish flu. She survived but he had to pay someone to watch the little ones and cook and clean. He works a factory job that pays him well enough but the doctors aren’t cheap either. That might put them back right. But it’s your money,” James said.

  “It’s ours. Everything is ours. The rules of the household make it seem odd but if we run out of footmen who need placing, we can have a small staff and drop the formality. Give your brother the money to help. I’m glad his wife survived.” Fred kissed James slowly.

  James chuckled. “I know how he feels. I’m happy to have you any way I can. But you won’t put a tiny bit of pressure on that stump until it’s healed. Two weeks or four.”

  “I’ll be fine with you in charge. And we’ve had our first successful placement. Nigel wrote me. Harry is quite happy with their arrangement.” Fred chuckled.

  “He needed a firmer hand than us, it seems. As long as he’s not coming back here.” James kissed his perfect man playfully. “The new hall boy arrived. He’s staying with the women for now. but I have to get down and make sure the footmen don’t spook him.”

  “Hurry back,” Fred teased. James didn’t need to know now that Fred had a pension account at the local bank in James’ name.

  “Always.” James smiled.

  Don’t miss a single Sherrington Park story!

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  And check out the personal note from the Colonel on the next page!

  Thank you for visiting Sherrington Park!

  Dearest Guest,

  Your attendance was most welcome during this opening dinner party of Sherrington Park. We trust you will keep secret what needs to be kept secret and share the information of this noble endeavor with those trusted and in need of our help.

  Please consider yourself to have an open invitation for all of our events at Sherrington Park. Do enjoy the next party and see how our footmen progress in their skills and potential opportunities.

  Please leave a review of your stay and include what you enjoyed as well as where our young men can improve. Our butler cannot improve the hospitality without your priceless feedback.

  Kindest Regards,

  Colonel Fred Hemley

  P.S. Please admire the cover for the next novella…this party may have more playboys than we’re used to.

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  About the Author

  A lover of unusual things, Cheryl Dragon enjoys writing unique stories with sinfully hot erotic romance. She loves New Orleans and Las Vegas, where anything can happen.

  Cheryl lives in the Chicagoland area and writes in other genres as CC Dragon.

  Find out more about Cheryl at http://www.cheryldragon.com