Join the young gentlemen

Once luncheon had concluded, the atmosphere around Kingsmere Hall changed almost at once.

The older gentlemen retired to studies, drawing rooms and shaded terraces to discuss estates, politics and investments.

The younger men, however, had rather different ideas.

One of them caught sight of you as you crossed the courtyard.

"Harrington's man!"

He waved you over with a grin.

"We're settling a wager."

You glanced back towards the house.

Sir Edward had already disappeared inside with Lord Ashcombe and several neighbouring landowners.

For a moment, you hesitated.

Then you turned towards the waiting group.

The afternoon passed far differently than you had expected.

What began as a friendly shooting contest soon became a series of competitions.

Pistol shooting.

Archery.

A riding course through the park.

Even an impromptu fencing match with blunted practice swords.

Good-natured rivalries quickly formed.

Cheers greeted impressive shots.

Misses were rewarded with laughter rather than ridicule.

Though several of the young noblemen looked at you with quiet scepticism at first, that changed remarkably quickly.

"You've handled a horse before," one observed after you completed the riding course.

"A little."

"Modest too."

He laughed.

"I dislike you already."

By mid-afternoon, wagers had begun changing hands.

Nothing ruinous.

Mostly bottles of wine, favours, or the promise of buying the next round that evening.

It felt strangely liberating to be judged not as a servant, but simply as another capable young man.

Several gentlemen insisted you join them beneath one of the great oak trees overlooking the grounds, where bottles were passed around and stories grew more exaggerated with every retelling.

Conversation drifted between hunting tales, university antics, ambitious plans for inherited estates, and playful boasts about who would make the finest gentleman in another ten years.

For a while, distinctions of rank seemed less important than youthful confidence.

Eventually, however, reality returned.

One of Lord Ashcombe's butlers approached the gathering.

"Gentlemen."

"Dinner will be served within the hour."

Reluctantly, the group dispersed.

As you returned towards the house, you found Sir Edward waiting near the entrance hall.

"There you are."

"I hope I haven't inconvenienced you, sir."

Edward studied you for a brief moment.

"I was mildly surprised to discover my valet had vanished."

"I apologise."

He sighed, though there was little genuine irritation in his expression.

"I trust you enjoyed yourself."

"I did."

"So I gathered."

His eyes briefly fell upon the practice sword still hanging from your belt.

"I imagine you've made rather a name for yourself amongst the younger gentlemen."

"A small one, perhaps."

Edward smiled faintly.

"Just remember why we came here."

"I shall, sir."

Dinner proved considerably livelier than the previous evening.

Several of the young gentlemen greeted you with raised glasses or friendly nods, inviting you to join conversations whenever opportunity allowed.

You noticed more than one curious glance from older guests.

Whether they approved or not was difficult to tell.

Sir Edward noticed them too, though he chose not to comment.

As darkness settled over Kingsmere Hall and the conversations gradually died away, you accompanied Sir Edward back upstairs before preparing his room for the night.

As you finished, Edward looked towards you.

"You've certainly had an eventful afternoon."

"I believe so."

He adjusted his cuffs before offering a faint smile.

"Just don't let today's diversions distract you from tomorrow's responsibilities."

"I won't."

"I know."

With that, he retired for the evening.

You made your own way to bed shortly afterwards.

The afternoon had cost you a little of your discipline.

Yet as you thought back on the competitions, the laughter, and the respect you'd earned from men who would one day inherit estates of their own, you couldn't help feeling that the reputation you had begun to build might prove valuable in the days ahead.