Offer your assistance to the household staff.

You quietly closed the door behind you, leaving Sir Edward to enjoy a well-earned rest after the long journey.

The corridor beyond was no less busy than the entrance hall below. Footmen passed carrying polished firearms to the gun room, maids disappeared into guest chambers with fresh linen draped over their arms, and somewhere in the distance you could hear the muffled clang of pots echoing up from the kitchens.

Although you had no official duties for the moment, standing idle felt strangely out of place. Kingsmere Hall was preparing to host one of the year's most prestigious hunting parties, and every servant in the house seemed to have found a purpose.

You made your way downstairs, careful not to obstruct those hurrying past. The grand staircase soon gave way to narrower passages, where the polished marble floors were replaced by worn flagstones and the scent of beeswax lingered in the air.

It did not take long to realise that life below stairs was every bit as busy as life above it.

A pair of footmen wrestled with an enormous dining table as they attempted to position it perfectly within the dining room. A young maid hurried by carrying an armful of freshly pressed napkins almost taller than herself. From behind a half-open door came the sound of laughter, quickly followed by someone reminding the others that guests had already begun to arrive.

No one seemed to notice that you did not belong to this household.

To them, you were simply another servant with work to do.

You paused for a moment in the middle of the servants' corridor.

There was no shortage of tasks waiting to be done, and lending a hand would not only pass the time until dinner, but perhaps earn you a few friendly faces amongst the staff before the hunting party truly began.

After all, a guest might stay for only five days...

But the servants of Kingsmere Hall would remember how he had treated them.

You soon discovered that offering your assistance at Kingsmere Hall required little more than making yourself available.

Before long, a weary-looking footman spotted you lingering near the servants' corridor.

"You there," he called. "If you've a spare pair of hands, the silver's being laid out in the dining room."

You gave a polite nod and followed him.

The dining room was magnificent even without its guests. A table long enough to seat more than twenty stretched nearly the length of the room, its polished surface gradually disappearing beneath crisp white linen, gleaming silver cutlery and delicate crystal glasses.

Several servants moved with quiet efficiency, each seemingly knowing exactly where every plate, fork and candlestick belonged.

You quickly fell into the rhythm beside them.

For the better part of half an hour, conversation remained scarce. There was simply too much to do.

Only once the final place setting had been adjusted did the atmosphere begin to soften.

As the last of the silver was set in place, someone stepped up beside you carrying a polished serving tray.

"I believe I owe you another apology."

You turned to find the young maid from the upstairs corridor smiling at you.

"The bed linen."

You looked at her for a moment before realisation dawned.

"The collision."

"It wasn't much of one," she laughed softly. "Still, I did nearly bury you beneath half the laundry cupboard."

"I'm relieved you managed to save the linen."

"Oh, the linen was never in danger."

She shifted the tray comfortably beneath one arm before offering a polite smile.

"I'm Emily. Emily Carter."

You nodded.

"Thomas. Sir Edward Harrington's valet."

"So I gathered."

"You did?"

She glanced towards the head of the table where Sir Edward's place was being prepared.

"You unloaded only one gentleman's luggage yourself. It wasn't terribly difficult to work out."

You couldn't help but smile.

"I suppose not."

"Welcome to Kingsmere Hall, Thomas."

"Thank you."

"I hope you enjoy your stay." She paused, amusement returning to her eyes. "Well... as much as anyone below stairs is allowed to enjoy anything during hunting week."

A quiet chuckle escaped you.

"I'm beginning to suspect we'll all be rather busy."

"You've no idea."

Emily's smile faded ever so slightly as she glanced towards the open doorway.

A tall gentleman had just entered the dining room, removing a pair of fine leather gloves as though he had all the time in the world. His dark coat was impeccably tailored, and he carried himself with the quiet confidence of a man accustomed to being obeyed.

"Mr. Blackwood has arrived," Emily murmured.

"You know him?"

"I know of him."

Her answer came a touch too quickly.

"He visits often enough."

Before you could ask another question, one of the footmen approached the gentleman with a respectful bow.

"I'm terribly sorry, sir. It appears your luggage has been taken to the wrong chamber."

Mr. Blackwood's expression did not change.

"Has it?"

"Yes, sir. We'll correct the mistake immediately."

"I should hope so," he replied coolly. "One does rather expect competence in a house of this standing."

The footman apologised once more before hurrying away.

Emily let out the smallest sigh once he was out of earshot.

"He’s already complained about the maids four times this morning”

Before either of you could continue, a sharp voice carried from the doorway.

"Emily."

Mr. Graves stood with his hands clasped neatly behind his back.

"The flower arrangements for the drawing room won't arrange themselves."

Emily immediately straightened.

"Yes, Mr. Graves."

As she passed, she offered you an apologetic smile.

"It was nice meeting you, Thomas. I'm sure we'll speak again."

And then she was gone, disappearing into the endless bustle of Kingsmere Hall as though she had never paused at all.

The household carried on around you. Footmen hurried between rooms with silver trays balanced effortlessly in their hands. Somewhere nearby, a housemaid laughed before remembering herself and falling silent once more.

You glanced towards the staircase leading back to the guest chambers.

Sir Edward would likely still be resting before dinner, though it wouldn't be long before he expected your attention once again.

On the other hand, there was still time to make yourself useful. Judging by the pace at which the household was moving, there was certainly no shortage of work to be done.