Return to Sir Edward's rooms to ensure everything is in order before dinner.

Deciding your time would be better spent ensuring everything was in order, you made your way back towards the east wing.

The corridors had grown quieter now that most of the guests had settled into their rooms. Somewhere in the distance, a grandfather clock announced the passing of another quarter hour.

Reaching Sir Edward's chamber, you knocked gently upon the door.

"Come in."

Sir Edward was no longer resting. He stood by the window, looking out across the gardens while a small leather-bound notebook lay open upon the writing desk.

"I thought I'd see whether you required anything before dinner, sir."

Sir Edward looked over his shoulder.

"Thoughtful of you."

He closed the notebook before turning fully to face you.

"As it happens, there is something."

He crossed the room and gestured towards the wardrobe.

"My blue evening coat appears to have suffered rather more from the journey than I expected."

You removed it from its hanger.

A handful of deep creases had formed across one sleeve.

"Nothing a pressing won't remedy."

"I suspected as much."

You carefully laid the coat upon the pressing board while Sir Edward resumed his place by the window.

For a time, neither of you spoke.

The silence was not uncomfortable. After three years together, there was rarely any need to fill every quiet moment with conversation.

"You've made a favourable first impression, I trust?" Sir Edward asked at last.

"I've done my best, sir."

"I've no doubt of that."

He watched a pair of riders crossing the distant fields before continuing.

"Hunting parties have a curious way of bringing out the best and worst in people."

You glanced up briefly.

"They're social occasions as much as sporting ones."

"Indeed."

A faint smile crossed his face.

"You'll hear all manner of conversations over the coming days. Some intended for servants' ears... most not."

He met your eyes for a moment.

"I've always valued one quality above all others in a valet."

You waited.

"Discretion."

"I understand, sir."

"I know you do."

There was no suspicion in his voice.

Only quiet confidence.

"You've never given me reason to doubt where your loyalties lie, Thomas. I hope that remains true while we're guests beneath Lord Ashcombe's roof."

"It will, sir."

Sir Edward gave a single approving nod.

"I thought as much."

A knock sounded at the door.

"Dinner will be served in one hour, Sir Edward," came Mr. Graves' voice from the corridor.

"Thank you, Mr. Graves."

Sir Edward glanced towards the freshly pressed coat.

"Excellent work, as always."

Though the words were few, they carried more weight than lavish praise from most gentlemen.

As you returned the coat to the wardrobe, you couldn't help but feel that Sir Edward's trust was something to be earned every day... and something far too valuable to lose.