A single flame from a candle nestled within its holder lit the long dark corridor. Light flickered and bounced illuminating pictures of old ancestors and long gone faithful pets. The floor boards creaked as the the Duke made his way along the the passage in search for the secret door that led up to the attic rooms.
As he neared the door and the winding staircase leading to the servants sleeping quarters he felt his heart race! What on earth was he doing? With Elizabeth and the girls asleep only a couple of floors down he was taking a giant risk! Nanny was prone to leave her quarters near the nursery and check up on the sleeping noble family. What would happen if she realised that the duchess was unaccompanied in her bed chamber?
He closed his eyes for a brief second and gulped. Sweat now covering his palms lubricating the brass candle holder. He ventured further, making his way up the stairs and near to the foot man's sleeping quarters. He finally came to a stop! Faced with a door separating the ladies quarters from the mens!
'This is too risky' he thought. He thought about turning back and making his way back to Elizabeth and the children. But his desire stopped him! His impulses took over. A carnal rage was burning deep inside him that he had to let out. With some trepidation he turned the knob on the door. He crept through, silently closing the door behind him and made his way to Edwards room.
As he neared, he could hear the snores and the mumbled groans of the other servants in their slumber. He loosened his night shirt and adjusted his robe. Just a few more steps and he was there. The excitement now was beginning to show. Gathering his thoughts and summoning more courage he turned the Handle of the door and entered the room. The moon shining through the skylight illuminated the bed space where Edward the new footman slept.
The rest of the room was in darkness. It was cold and hostile. Furnished with only a single bed, dressing table and wash basin. Cold floors where drafts swept along were covered with old disused rugs to provide some insulation. Luckily though for Edward, as first footman he was granted the luxury of a room with a small fireplace in it. Embers from the fire still glowed, giving off a faint smell of charred wood and coal.
The duke put down his candle on the dresser. He approached the bed trying not to disturb Edward. He was known to be heavy footed so had to tread carefully on this occasion. He sat on the bed, it creaked! Edward awoke blurry eyed and drowsy only to be confronted with a stranger in his room! Shocked he tried to let out a cry for help but the duke had cupped his hand over his mouth.
'Edward, Edward, don't be alarmed it is me, I mean you no harm.' Edwards shocked expression softened and turned to relief. Relief that it wasn't Mr. Howard the butler, coming to reprimand him for leaving a thumb print on the silver. Or relieved that it wasn't Mrs. Jenkins the housekeeper adding another job to his endless list of jobs to do around this huge baroque mansion. But what on earth could he have done to summon the master this late into the night and to his private quarters?
'Your grace'. The duke had removed his had from Edwards mouth. 'What brings you up here so late at night? Is there anything I can do for you?' There was trepidation in his voice. 'Edward, I've come here to see you. Since you arrived I haven't had chance to really see you and speak to you.' Edward was now sat upright in the bed. The moon shone down lighting up the duke who stared at the young footman with a lust in his eyes. 'Well sir, it is very kind of you to take time and to come and see me like this. Thank you I'm humbled to be forwarded such an introduction.'
The duke smiled. 'Edward, you're a gentle soul I can see it. I think you are going to be very happy here? In fact how would you like to be my valet? It would mean you'd get nicer quarters and privileges not even Mr. Howard gets.' The thought of not spending another night in this cold draughty room pleased Edward. And the prospect of further privileges delighted him also.
'That is very generous your grace, but I am just a mere footman not a valet!' 'What's in a name Edward, I'm looking for a man to be by my side whenever I need him. To help me in everyday tasks. And you my boy are that man.' Edward listened intently, he knew this could be a big step up for him. At last a position to make his mother and father proud. Valet to the Duke of Warren!
'Then in that case your grace I except gladly.' 'Excellent' replied the duke. 'Now in order for this deal to be made legal between gentlemen of my stature it must be sealed with a kiss.' A kiss, thought Edward. He's heard of sealing a deal with a handshake just like his father a working class boot maker had taught him. But never a kiss. Maybe it was different for the aristocracy? 'A kiss your grace?' 'Yes a kiss'. 'Please may I ask what kind of kiss?' 'Well if you lean in closer I will show you'. Edward moved closer to the duke.
