“I don’t know—yet.” Adam scrunched his brow. “It may be another from outside the hall with influence over Clement. But there is something about your steward I cannot put my finger on. He reminds me of someone, but who escapes me at this moment.”
James could tell from Adam’s expression that he was annoyed at being let down by his memory. “I am sure it will come to you sooner than later.”
“No doubt. In the meantime, I will continue to lead Clement on the dance of just how much sway I have over the new Earl of Crofton. He tried to hide it, but I didn’t miss the way his eyes widened when I mentioned you thought of me a close confidante.”
“You did not need to act there; you spoke the truth.”
“Lies are best hidden with a coating of truth. Perhaps I may have inferred, with a passing reference to your reputation at court, that there were more physical ways to coerce you.”
“Again, that is not a lie.” So very far from it, and James would’ve been more than happy to be coerced. “If we need to add some verisimilitude, there are ways and means.”
“I am sure you have many means at your disposal.”
Adam’s words were playful, and James wasn’t a man to miss an opportunity.
He placed his hand on Adam’s knee, before sliding it up the length of Adam’s thigh. Adam breathed deeply. He made no move to knock Adam’s hand away, but neither did he lean closer. James had never minded being the cat in a cat and mouse game. “No need to be coy, Adam.”
“Perhaps it would do you good not to get what you want from time to time.” There was no malice in the words.
“Yet it doesn’t seem to be too abhorrent an idea to yourself.”
“But it should be to you.”
That made James pause. Adam was not made of self-doubt; he had said things before to put James off, but this seemed different somehow, and James felt the need to offer reassurance. “There is nothing about you that makes me think so.”
“But that is because you do not know me as well as you think.”
“I know you well enough.”
The door to his room crashed open as Remembrance staggered in backwards under the weight of a tray loaded with supper for two. James sat back his chair, not happy that their conversation had been interrupted before he could get Adam to let his guard down further.
Before he could lecture Remembrance on the proper way he should enter his master’s room, James noticed Remembrance’s unusually flustered expression. He swayed a little under the weight of the tray, again unusual, and finally set it down with a characteristic rattle of pottery. At least some things did not change.
“You seem particularly unbalanced,” said James, sliding back in his chair. “Whatever is the matter?”
Remembrance clicked his tongue as he began to unload the tray onto a table by the window. “I know I should not speak ill of those who might be considered my betters, my lord, but some of your household would cause my parents to combust.”
“To be fair, from what I know of your parents there aren’t many things that would meet their approval.”
“Well, I am sure no proper young lady or senior servant would be as bold as they are in this house. Shocking it was what they said to me.”
James didn’t consider Remembrance the sheltered type, but then he hadn’t served beyond his household in London, and while he had witnessed the aftermath of one or two of James’s escapades, he would not have been personally exposed to anything too wicked. “Come now, it cannot be so bad.”
He puffed out his cheeks. “Some of these country folks have no sense of right and wrong. Tried to ply me with cider, and one of the maids offered to take me out back to the stables later.”
Adam laughed. “Hardly a terrible fate.”
“I am not some loose-moraled bandysnatch!” His gaze darted to James. “No disrespect, my lord.”
Adam guffawed at Remembrance’s unintended insult towards his master, and James scowled, but the boy was not to blame, not really.
“Right, can we have a little bit of civility. Remembrance, country ways are hardly the work of the devil and, I assure you, the girls in London would be equally as willing. I don’t think it warrants such concern on your behalf.”
Clearly embarrassed, Remembrance huffed again and returned his attention to the supper tray, laying out the plates and collection of cooked meat, cheese and bread which was James’s preferred meal when not entertaining a houseful of guests. He intended to say a few words to ease Remembrance’s troubles, but Adam didn’t give him the chance.
“I see you are a loyal servant to his lordship. A man who could be trusted beyond most, if not all, of the servants at the hall.”
Remembrance paused, setting down a jug of claret. “I would say that is true, Mr Dowson.”
“Then I have a suggestion for you. Our dear Lord Crofton needs to have a loyal man in the right place, someone who could be his ears when he cannot be present—like in the kitchens, or with the maids where gossip might be rife.”
“Of course I’ll help where I can, sir. But I don’t engage in gossip.”
“But they would not know that. And if they were to think you were a good source of information on Lord Crofton, they may be careless in your presence. Maids can be very silly at times. They may even be convinced of things that aren’t true.”
“Sir?”
“His lordship is the new earl, and someone might wish to take advantage of that. I wish to test certain individuals in this household to see if they are worthy of being in service to the Redbourn family. Those who aren’t will be looking for ways to take advantage, and I would like you to hint that I might have some influence where others might not.”
“Meaning what?”
“That I take supper with his lordship regularly, both here and when in London. That I am a close friend. Some people might read into that more than they should, like I would be able sway a decision a specific way. Let us call it a trap to ensnare the foolish.”
James wasn’t convinced it was fair to involve Remembrance, but as the young’s man chest puffed out with importance, he thought Adam might have a point.
“I daresay I could act the part well enough. Make them think I’m willing to drink a little more than I should to loosen my good sense, maybe say the odd thing here or there.”
“I would be very grateful and would consider it a personal favour,” said James.
“It would be my honour, my lord. As I have said, I am willing to help you and the family in whatever way you need me.”
“Then go and take a drink or two. Do not feel you need do anything that might endanger your immortal soul, but do it with my blessing.” James smiled. “Now, leave me for the evening. I will disrobe at my leisure.”
Remembrance smirked as his gaze darted to Adam, but he had the good sense not to make a comment. “Yes, my lord. I’ll see to your wardrobe later.”
Adam helped himself to something to eat as Remembrance left. “I hope you do not mind me involving your servant. It was too good an opportunity to miss.”
“I have some reservations, but I don’t think the maids will need him to stoke the fires of gossip.”
“Not when I’m having supper with you daily.”
“Perhaps you should leave my room looking a little ruffled?”
Adam laughed, and retrieved a small leather notebook from his coat. “Maybe another time.”
James saluted Adam with his glass, his easy dismissal disappointing. He was sure earlier Adam was wavering, but Remembrance’s arrival had put paid to that. Adam had hinted he was hiding something about himself that James would find too shocking to overlook. He watched as Adam flicked through the pages of his notebook. Somehow he couldn’t think of anything Adam would be capable of that would dissuade him, but perhaps he should be more cautious. He had thought they were growing closer, but in reality how much of the real Adam Dowson did James know?
Chapter 18
James had spent much of the last two weeks r
eacquainting himself with his family home and grounds. He had pored over accounts and ledgers, had audiences with the local sheriff and neighbouring landowners, but he still felt no nearer to deciphering his father’s accusations. Alongside his frustrations with the hall was the lack of development with Adam. Adam had excused himself for a few days, citing the need to help a friend. He had returned as engaged in the project to expose Clement as before, but towards James he was still reticent. James was beginning to think he might never persuade Adam to deepen their relationship beyond friends.
He slammed shut the book he was reading about arable farming. As much as he wished to know all he could about the estate, there was only so much he could absorb in one sitting, and he could not face the topic a moment longer.
A knock to his study door was a welcome reprieve, until it opened to reveal Clement.
“Yes?” he asked, unable to keep the displeasure out of his tone.
“I hope I am not disturbing you, my lord. But I thought you might be interested in the harvest figures so far.”
“I would have thought it a topic for discussion with Mr Dowson.”
Clement did not look in any way discouraged. “You mentioned, my lord, a desire to know about the estate, and the harvest is an important income.”
“Very well.” He waved him forwards. “Continue.”
Clement placed a list of figures on the desk and proceeded to explain the crops and volume collected. While it was very useful, James wouldn’t have known if the figures were real or if he were showing James a set of already tampered numbers.
“So you see, my lord. The estate is extremely profitable.”
“That does seem to be the case.”
“You can trust me to keep it that way.”
Clement was an excellent actor; if James hadn’t known better he would not have doubted his sincerity. “I’m sure you will.”
Clement bowed low and excused himself. A slight rumble from James’s stomach alerted him to the fact it was nearly supper time, and he had no desire to pick up his reading where he had left off. After carefully putting his papers away, he headed to his rooms, stopping a servant on the way to have Remembrance bring up his supper and a chess board.
Sometime later, he was still waiting for Adam to join him for supper, and he had set up the chess board. His plan was to get Adam to linger after their meal. It wasn’t as if he bolted after eating and imparting the news of the day, but neither did he stay as long as James would have preferred. A game of chess could change that.
His stomach rumbled and he helped himself to a thick slice of salted beef and a chunk bread that had been left out. He could no longer focus on the papers in hand, his eyes tired and his brain unengaged; it was pointless trying to chase the words across the page.
A gentle knock preceded Adam slipping into the room. “Apologies. I was delayed by our dear friend Clement.”
“He seems to seek you out more and more.”
Adam sat. “Yes, the plan is working. His trust in me is growing. We are sure of his involvement in the pilfering, but I do not think it long before he will start to confide even further and we may get the answers we are desperate for.”
“He came to see me earlier, brandishing harvest figures and trying to convince me the estate is profitable in his hands.”
“Clement is a canny fellow. He mentioned he might speak to you, but did not say he had. I think it wise to examine the numbers and see if they are reliable. To be honest, I had not expected him to seek you out just yet. We should be vigilant.”
Adam’s passionate support was one of the many things firing James’s attraction. To have him so devoted to helping made a warmth grow within, beyond the sexual fire to which he was accustomed.
“You are a marvel, Adam. I do not know what I would do without you. Now, please help yourself to supper, and I had hoped you would keep me company in a game of chess.”
“I have already eaten. It was in part why I was delayed, as Clement asked me to dine with him. As for chess, I have not played in a while. I will not be much of a challenge.”
“That I doubt!” James motioned to the board. “White or black?”
“Surely white has an advantage in going first, yet you allow me to choose the colour. You know I will take advantage of that.”
James cocked his head. “I have told you several times I would have no concern of being taken advantage of if it were by the right person.”
Adam tutted, and moved a white pawn in front of a bishop out into the field. “You are incorrigible.”
“You say that as if it is a bad thing. How about a small wager?”
“I will not take my clothes off if you beat me.”
“A little faith, Adam. I was thinking more along the lines of trading a piece of information. A story from your past, maybe one a little spicy?”
“And if I were to win?”
James grinned. “Make a suggestion. I am a reasonable man.”
“Then I will request the same from you, spiciness not required.”
James had always been good at chess—something about moving the little pieces to do his whim had appealed from an early age. Many of his peers had been surprised by his aptitude for the game and on most occasions underestimated him. They only did so once. Despite not having the advantage of playing white, James managed to force Adam into a defensive game, and while his original intentions for the evening had been to extend Adam’s time in his room, the new prize was far too tempting to lose.
“Come now, Adam. I would have thought you better at this,” he said, capturing Adam’s knight.
“You are a rascal. I should have known better.”
Adam could do little to deflect James’s attack, and it was not much later when James declared, “Checkmate.”
Adam huffed, still staring at the board in disdain. “I will know better next time to remember you have a keen mind and that it extends doubly so to this.”
“Wise words. Now your payment please.” James crossed his legs and looked expectantly at Adam, eager to hear what he might tell him.
Adam sat back in his chair. “I was a young man, still somewhat naïve, but not unaware that I found the male form more to my liking. It was after the war. We were in France and my father had a gathering of many of his friends at the house where we were staying. One of these fine gentlemen was particularly pleasing to my eye—younger than others but at least ten years my senior. I did my best not to follow him around like some besotted pup, but my intentions failed. I was in the barn, running an errand for my mother, when he came upon me. I had similarly caught his eye, and what followed was a delightful hour when he tumbled me, oh so willing, into the hay. If I had any doubt that a man would fire my passions they were abandoned.”
Adam wore a faraway look in his eye and a gentle smile. James ached to be able to put the same expression his face, but the tang of a first experience would always be a beautiful memory, difficult to beat. “Did he regale you with his prowess again?” he asked cheekily.
“Every day of his visit, so a heady week. I learnt much at his hand, even more by others, but it was a glorious start to my sexual side.”
“You did not keep in touch?”
“I would not say that. But he has since married and is a respectable man. I see him from time to time, but only as a friend.”
A flash of jealousy burned through James like he had never experienced before. What had he expected, asking such a question? It was own fault he had brought himself such wretchedness, and he had no right to feel as he did. He had thought he wanted to hear about Adam’s lovers, but now he was grateful Adam had not been too lurid in his storytelling. “I sense you would not be pressed if I were to ask for a name, so I will not be so ungentlemanly. Still, it is a story to stoke your fires when needed.”
Adam looked at him through hooded eyes. “It was fleeting, never to be more than what it was. As a young man I craved such excitement. Now I would be happy with something more permanent, but for m
en like me, I do not think it likely.”
“Men like you?”
Adam chuckled. “I have told you my tale. My debt is paid.”
“But—”
He stood and bowed low in an overly dramatic manner. “Goodnight, my lord. Pleasant dreams.”
And then he was gone.
James puffed out his cheeks. The more time he spent with Adam the more he wanted him. This could drive him to distraction if he let it, and now was not the right time to lose his head.
His general malaise continued, the desire to return to London rising to the fore. Receiving countless letters from the capital did not help either. He was not used to a quiet country life, and he yearned to be back at court, elbow to elbow with other like-minded men at the card table, or dancing to a lively refrain. Tilly’s garbled letter had included a tale of how the Chivalrous Highwayman had eluded capture outside Hertford, and she wanted to know if he’d heard anything from the locals. He hadn’t, but Tilly did not need to know that. He’d toyed with the idea of throwing a masked ball, but with the ongoing issues the last thing he needed was guests at the hall. A few days back in the capital might be the respite he required.
He called for Remembrance, in order for him to make ready his carriage and to prepare for them to head to London for a few days. “It will be good to be back at the town house for a few days, my lord,” Remembrance said, as he collected items from James’s dresser. “I could do with a break from all the cider.”
Remembrance, too, had been playing his part well, reporting back on the nightly events of being gently pressed for information about the young new earl.
“We can add some tales from London on your return. I’m sure Mr Dowson will know the best options.”
“That he would, sir. The servants seem pretty taken with him too. I’ve heard Mr Clement speak highly of him, which isn’t in his nature from what I have heard him say of others.”
James, Earl of Crofton Page 16