You arrive at the farewell dinner with Edward (>80% TRUST)

The afternoon gradually gave way to evening.

Preparations for the farewell dinner were well underway throughout Kingsmere Hall.

As always, you returned to Sir Edward's chamber to help him dress.

His evening coat already hung ready.

His boots had been polished.

Everything was precisely where it ought to be.

Edward entered a few moments later, closing the door quietly behind him.

"You always seem to know what I'll need before I do."

"I've had good practice, sir."

He smiled.

"So you have."

You helped him into his waistcoat before carefully adjusting his collar.

Neither of you spoke for a while.

Edward studied his reflection in the looking glass before suddenly asking,

"Thomas."

"Yes, sir?"

"Do you intend to remain a valet forever?"

The question caught you completely by surprise.

"I... I've never been certain."

"You've thought about it."

"A little."

Edward nodded as though he had expected exactly that answer.

"I would be disappointed if you hadn't."

You looked at him in the mirror.

"I've served you gladly."

"I know."

"And I'll continue to."

"I know that too."

Edward turned to face you.

"There are many men capable of polishing boots and straightening my shirts."

He smiled faintly.

"Far fewer capable of earning my trust."

You remained silent.

"I've watched you these past few years. You work hard. You listen. You think before you act. And, perhaps most importantly..."

He straightened one cuff.

"...you care about what you do."

The compliment left you oddly speechless.

Edward noticed.

"I suspect no one ever tells a good valet when he's doing well."

"Not often."

"Then allow me to correct that."

He placed a hand briefly upon your shoulder.

"You've become far more than a valet to me. You've become someone I rely upon. You’ve become my close friend."

The words carried more weight than any title. More than any coin.

For a long moment, neither of you spoke.

Eventually Edward smiled.

"When we return home..."

He paused just long enough to choose his words carefully.

"...I'd like to begin giving you greater responsibilities."

You frowned slightly.

"Sir?"

"I won't say more yet."

He chuckled quietly.

"I've learned anticipation has its uses."

Whatever he had in mind, he clearly intended it as a reward rather than another burden.

You inclined your head.

"Thank you, sir."

"No."

Edward adjusted the final button on his coat before looking back towards you.

"Thank you."

Another comfortable silence settled between you.

Outside, the distant sound of bells announced that guests were beginning to gather for the evening.

Edward picked up his gloves.

"Come."

He smiled.

"I don't believe Lord Ashcombe would appreciate us arriving late to his final dinner."

You allowed yourself a smile of your own.

"I rather imagine he wouldn't."

Together, the two of you stepped into the corridor.

Whatever tomorrow might bring...

...you had never felt more certain that Sir Edward regarded you as far more than simply his valet.