His Wicked Seduction novel Chapter 43

Linley scowled. "He and I did not see eye to eye on the upkeep of his wardrobe. Clothes are there to help define a man's character, and my master did not respect the importance of that."

This young man had ideas akin to Charles's own mind. A proper wardrobe was crucial for a man to make a powerful impression upon society. This lad could well be the answer to his valet problem.

"Do you like your employment at Berkley's? Be honest. I shan't tell the club owners what you say." As he waited for the boy to answer, he was seized by a strange desperation to save this lad. Why he couldn't say. Perhaps he wanted to pass on the kindness his own friends had shown him. Linley was in sore need of someone to look after him. It wasn't hard to deduce that the lad's father was out of the picture and there didn't seem to be any brothers.

"It isn't wise to trust a man deep in his cups," the boy said warily.

"Ha! Never have truer words been spoken!" Charles laughed and spied a smirk from the lad. "Now, I am drunk enough to consider offering you a position, but sober enough to swear on my father's grave my intentions are good and I won't forget my promises in the morning. Would that interest you? I would pay double whatever you are getting paid now."

"But my lord, you do not know how much I'm currently paid!" the boy exclaimed, eyes widening to the size of saucers.

"Believe me, Linley, whatever you are receiving here, it is nothing compared to what I'd pay for a decent servant. I have need of someone to attend to me while I'm about town. For me a valet is more than a personal attendant."

"Surely you possess footmen for such duties?" Linley inquired.

"I do, but their duties keep them homebound. They're hard working, but not much fun to be around. There's only so much professionalism I can stand. I'd rather hire a scamp like you to entertain me." Charles had noticed Linley's articulated speech and controlled grace, something that only came from a person raised in a good environment. "You seem to be educated enough to provide amusing conversation."

"I am the son of the lady's maid to the Dowager Countess of Haverton," Linley supplied.

"Haverton? I know the earl, he's a good man. Now, what say you, Linley? Care to take on the job?" A delightful buzz was warming his veins as he mellowed. Linley was already proving a useful distraction.

"Before I agree...permit a question, my lord."

"Go on."

Linley fidgeted in his chair. "I am not the sort of man who would agree to-well I wouldn't allow you to use me." The young man's face flushed as he sought the words to clarify his meaning. "I mean, I have no interest in men and will not allow you to...to use me for physical sport. If that is your intention, then I must respectfully decline."

"What? Don't be ridiculous," Charles laughed. His sexual interests had always been towards women and he was amused by the man's assumptions. "I know I have a certain scandalous reputation, but it isn't for that. Mr. Linley, the truth is you remind me of myself when I was younger. Scared, alone and in need of a friend." He paused, shocked at how the truth came so easily. "I offer only a position and some companionship. Nothing else. Have I passed your test?"

Linley studied him before he replied. "I should like to know exactly how much I'd be paid and where I would expect to lodge. Also, I have a problem." Linley's brows furrowed. He paused to draw a slow breath. "I am the sole caretaker of my young sister, a babe only one year old. I must have a means to care for her as well."

Charles contemplated this news with a surprising level of seriousness. He did want the lad to work for him, and a baby seemed to be part of the terms. There was certainly room at Charles's house.

"Very well." He lightly smacked his hands on his thighs and stood up. "I should like you to start right away. No sense in you staying here a moment longer. I will speak with the management to secure your release on good terms. You may accompany me to dinner tonight at the St. Laurent house. Afterwards we can see about moving you into my townhouse and finding a nursemaid for your sister. I daresay my housekeeper would be up to the challenge whilst you see to your duties with me. Her own child just left for school and I fear she's becoming lonely." Charles set his glass of brandy down. "I am willing to offer thirty-five pounds a year as your salary. What say you to that?"

Linley's eyes grew round as he mouthed the words back in wonderment.