James (Hot Footman Secrets Book 1)

by Cheryl Dragon

  James

  Hot Footman Secrets Book 1

  By Cheryl Dragon

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  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Hot Footman Secrets Book 1: James

  Copyright © June 2017

  By Cheryl Dragon

  Cover art by Wendi Zwaduk

  Edited by Mary Yakovets

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

  Blurb

  Retired Colonel Fred Hemley, injured in service, has a plan to help men who prefer other men—both the wealthy and powerful, as well as the servants. He just needs the help of James, a footman fired by Fred’s father, an earl.

  A skilled valet and footman, James was caught with another man. James blamed the horror of war for his bad behavior and the earl showed mercy, not turning James over to the police. Free but dismissed with no reference, James has nothing to lose joining Fred in his scheme. Nothing--except his heart and freedom.

  Dedication

  For the men and women who’ve served their country…past, present, and future.

  Chapter One

  January 1919

  London

  Sitting in his preferred chair at the club, Colonel Fred Hemley missed his old life. He sipped his tea and mindlessly rubbed the stump that had been his right leg. Still he longed for his army days before the war.

  “Finished with your tray, sir?” asked his footman.

  “Yes, thank you, Paul. More tea, though,” Fred replied.

  He’d hired Paul from his father’s house. Since the war ended, there were men begging for work as they flooded back from the front and the economy struggled to recover. Paul had been the hall boy when Fred left for the war. Now he was seventeen and knew his way around service. He also flirted with other men, which was why Fred had taken him on.

  “Yes, sir,” Paul said but paused.

  “What?” Fred asked.

  “Sorry, sir. I thought we were headed for Sherrington Park. Are we to spend the season in London?” Paul asked.

  Fred shook his head. “Not all of it. Just enough of it. What was the name of that young footman you enjoyed flirting with at my father’s estate?”

  Paul looked at the ground as his cheeks pinked. “I don’t know what you mean, sir.”

  “Henry?” Fred tried to remember. His father was the Earl of Sempton, whose household in the country and in town was more like an army.

  Fred didn’t pay much attention to the servants except when they had that look. The ones he noticed were the ones who had to be most the careful.

  “Henry. I think he left,” Paul said quickly. “I’ll get that tea for you, sir.”

  “I’m expecting James. You remember James?” Fred asked.

  “Yes. He was dismissed without a reference.” Paul pursed his lips.

  “I am aware. You know why?” Fred asked.

  Paul nodded.

  “You understand you’re safe with me, Paul. James is safe. You have to trust me and keep everything quiet. I have your word?” Fred asked.

  “Yes, sir. But how?” Paul’s face scrunched.

  Fred smirked. “I was in the army. Long stretches far away from any ladies. That never bothered me a tick. Understand?”

  Paul nodded and the corners of his mouth tugged up.

  “Good. Get the tea and my leg. I need to dress.” Fred applied the salve to the still healing scar on his stump.

  Paul disappeared and Fred took a deep breath. If this scheme was to work, he had to trust other men who preferred men. Many in the army and especially the Navy insisted they turned to their own kind only when they couldn’t access women. Fred knew his homosexual nature ran deeper.

  Paul returned with the hot water and filled Fred’s cup. Club living was convenient.

  “The new suit?” Paul asked.

  “Yes, I can’t wear my uniform. I have to get on with it.” Fred could wear his uniform but that wasn’t his life anymore. He’d been honorably retired due to his wounds. His career started young but the war had ended plenty of career military men.

  Fred fitted the linen cover over his stump.

  “The suit slacks are cut to manage the leg better.” Paul handed the leg to Fred.

  Fred fitted the metal and wood contraption to his stump and secured it.

  Paul helped him with the rest of dressing and Fred moved from the bedroom to the sitting area with the help of his cane.

  Without being asked, Paul brought the tea.

  “While James is here I want you to go out and secure livery.”

  Paul looked down. “Sir?”

  “Not for you. You get yourself a new suit for your days off. Maybe a new pair of shoes too. But I need a variety of sizes of livery. We’ll be taking a staff back to Sherrington Park.” Fred handed Paul a stack of bills.

  “Sir, shouldn’t we put it on your account? That’s a lot of money. In London,” Paul said.

  Fred nodded. “Fine. On account. You’re not a city boy, are you, Paul?”

  Paul shook his head. “I liked the country estate. I’ve heard stories of thieves and demanding beggars. I don’t want to lose your money. If I have nothing to steal, I can’t lose it for you.”

  Fred nodded and grabbed a sheet of paper from his desk. He wrote a note so the shops would give Paul whatever he asked for on account.

  “That should do it. You need to keep our plans private. We’ll be headed north soon enough.” Fred had every confidence in the young man but would feel better about things once Paul was up at the remote estate of Sherrington Park where they’d be safer.

  “Yes, sir.” Paul put the note in his pocket.

  A knock on the door made them both look toward it.

  Fred nodded.

  Paul opened the door. “Colonel Hemley is expecting you.”

  James stood there in his shabby suit. Fred hated the sight. A handsome and well-trained man disgraced. James had piercing blue eyes and sandy brown hair cut neatly. His figure was impressive. A hair over six feet tall with broad shoulders and muscular arms. Fred felt more than sympathy and attraction for James.

  Shaking off the emotion, Fred reminded himself had a job to do. He’d lament his clueless father later.

  “Please sit,” Fred said.

  “How did you find me?” James asked.

  “A little money can find anyone. Even in London. You worked in my father’s house for how many years before the war?” Fred asked.

  “Seven,” James replied.

  Fred nodded. “You were a loyal and hard worker, according to the butler. You signed up for the war. Then you came back after.”

  James stood a bit straighter. “And your father had all of us back who made it through the war. Gave us our jobs back. I appreciate that.”

  “You were loyal. He fired you. That’s not right,” Fred said.

  “He found me with another man in his dressing room. He
could’ve had me arrested. He blamed the war. It was kinder than most lords would do,” James replied.

  “I agree with you there. Your choice of location wasn’t ideal but I can’t stand the fact of my father dismissing you for something that has nothing to do with your service. You didn’t steal or betray family secrets. You served under me during the war. You’re brave and kind. Who cares where you stick your sword?”

  “I had just been made valet to your father. I was training the first footman to look after your eldest brother. His lordship wasn’t going to be dressed and undressed by the likes of me,” James admitted.

  “That makes a little more sense, knowing my father. Anyway, I want to fix things, if I can.” Fred gestured to the chair.

  “I got two months’ wages and the butler gave me an informal reference. I have some prospects. I don’t need charity,” James said.

  “This is the opposite of charity, I promise you.” Fred studied the handsome man. “How old are you exactly?”

  “Twenty-eight.” James finally sat down. “What are you after?”

  “I turned thirty over the holidays. My father gave me a rather large present. He went on about my war service and all of that heroic nonsense.”

  “I was there, sir. No nonsense about it,” James cut in.

  “Thank you, but it was my job. I trained in the army. I chose it long before the war. You men who were called up showed true bravery. But that’s not the point. My father gifted me an estate. It’s a small manor-style house with a lot of grounds around it. He used it for hunting and fishing parties when he was younger. Mostly to get away from Mother. Since I can’t serve my country any longer, he’s basically taking care of me. Talk about charity.” Fred sipped his tea.

  “He’s your father. And your wound was pretty bad, as I recall. Surely you could train men or work in the war ministry?” James asked.

  Fred smiled. “I could but it’ll be some time before my wound heals well enough to walk and stand without pain or reopening the wound. I have yet to master getting around on my new leg. They don’t want to make a show of a cripple. Pushing papers isn’t the life I want, anyway.”

  “Understandable,” James replied.

  “My father likes to show off his money. I did my bit and now he swoops in to set me up in a way that others will envy. So kind. I could resent him. I could refuse it but it’d make life hard for me and wouldn’t impact him at all. Or I can do something good with it. That’s my plan.”

  “I’m sorry, Colonel. I didn’t go very far in school. Are you offering me a job at this estate?” James leaned forward.

  “I apologize. I’m not being very clear. I’ve been planning it in my head every day I’ve been stuck in a hospital bed and it’s a little scary to share it. Paul is the only other person who knows. Yes, James. I’m offering you the position of butler at Sherrington Park. It’s up north. No bustling town of London at your feet. Maybe you won’t want it but I hope you’ll hear me out,” Fred said.

  “Butler? I’d be a fool not to take it,” James said.

  “True, but this is bigger than a job. You’ll need to hire an entire staff. This place has been closed up for two years at least. Grooms, a chauffeur, footmen, and so on.” Fred adjusted his teacup so the handle was at the proper angle.

  “Of course. Plenty of men looking for work,” James said.

  Fred held up his hand. “There’s more. You’re only to hire men like us and Paul.”

  James face hardened in a way Fred had seen in the war.

  “If you want a Molly house, I can recommend a few. I have some friends who work there. How many male mistresses do you need?” James stood up.

  “No, it’s not like that. I’ve explained this poorly. That’s army life, I suppose. I’m used to giving orders and being obeyed.” Fred sighed.

  “Is that what Paul is? I thought you were being kind, giving him a job but you’re just making a harem?” James backed away.

  Fred stood and tried to maneuver around the small table to stop him.

  Instead he smacked the floor with his face.

  “Damn!” Fred tried to forget he’d lost a leg and had to think about each step until the false one felt natural.

  James’ strong hands easily hauled Fred up and into his chair. “You okay, sir?”

  “I’m fine. Sorry, I need that cane still. Please, don’t go.” Fred collected himself and his scattered thoughts. “I don’t want them for sex. Paul is barely seventeen. I don’t want a boy. That’s sick. I want to provide a way for men like him and you to find safe employment. To work for men like me.”

  Sitting down, James toyed with cap. “I don’t see how it’d work. Butlers do the hiring. And even if Paul was hired by some molly duke, Paul would still have to keep up appearances. Not let the butler or housekeeper catch on.”

  “True. But if Paul slipped up, the duke wouldn’t turn him in to the police. He’d find an excuse and smooth it over. If the situation was impossible, then Paul would come back to Sherrington Park. You are going to hire these men. If they aren’t trained in service, you’re going to train them. I’m going to invite men I know. Men like me from the upper class to hunting and fishing parties. Hiking and sports weekends and let them know if they need to add to the household, here is a way to do some good.” Fred smiled.

  James didn’t return the expression.

  “Those rich men will expect…it’s like a mistress, only not.” James shook his head.

  “No, it’s doing a good turn. Helping each other. You think those men don’t already have lovers? Lower class ones, maybe. Maybe another rich aristocrat. We come in all ages and stations. Sure you saw that in the army. True?” Fred asked.

  James nodded. “What’s the use in taking the risk?”

  “Well, wouldn’t it help that fictional duke Paul works for if he knows he can trust Paul? Then Paul could help the duke meet with his lover. Be a lookout. Pass messages. The truth can hurt men of high and low birth. Servants talk. You know that. You know more about your employers than anyone. Just to have a footman or valet that the gentleman can confide in is a comfort. Trust them to deliver a love letter. If there is gossip in the servants’ hall, that footman can report back. They can protect each other in their ways. The more you have, the more you have to lose and having any ally is priceless.” Fred stared at James while the other man considered the argument.

  Why hadn’t he made a move? Fred chastised himself. All those years in the war away from society. He’d fancied James since he met the man but fooling around with the help under his father’s roof was dangerous. Yet when he had the perfect chance, he’d resisted.

  He was an officer and James was called up like so many civilians. Fred followed the rules of the army much easier than society’s.

  “You really think that sex won’t be part of the deal?” James asked.

  “It won’t be part of the job. These men will be paid to do their part in the household. If something personal develops, we can’t stop it. But this isn’t about sexual services of any kind in exchange for money. I have someone to protect me. I want to try and help others have some protection.” Fred shrugged.

  “You have your father to protect you now. Upper class men look out for each other,” James said.

  Fred smiled. “To a point. My father knows. He caught me in the garden with another officer. We were just kissing but he didn’t disown me. He told me to have my friend move on and warned me about how the world would treat me.”

  “He could’ve been nicer to his own son,” James said.

  “I’m glad he wasn’t. Because of that day I was never caught by a superior officer. I was careful. Even an earl can’t change the law or public opinion. He feels bad for me so he gifted me Sherrington Park. Not everyone is this lucky,” he said.

  James nodded. “I understand. And I’m grateful for a job. You’re risking your own neck doing this. One wrong man finds out the truth and you’ll be heading abroad and I’ll be in jail.”

  “I
won’t let you go to jail. I’m not just going to invite those sorts of men to the hunts. I’m going to vary things so it’s not so obvious about my guests. You’ll know who is safe and who is not. Also, I’m going to make this estate self-supporting. I’ve already got horses coming up. Dairy and pigs, too. I won’t be a burden, even with this damn leg.” Fred slapped the contraption under his expensive trousers.

  “Farming?” James asked.

  “Some. The terrain is hilly but some fields were farmed. It’ll take a little time to prep them for spring. The house isn’t too big which is an advantage.” Fred had planned it all out.

  “But you want a bunch of footmen? How many?” James asked.

  “Fifteen,” Fred said.

  “That’s too many. No one will believe it,” James said.

  “Fifteen men. We need grooms, footmen, and more than one chauffeur. I’ve purchased three cars. Give the experienced footman the title of valet so they can attend to our guests. If half of the men are working in the barns no one will comment. No one will notice. Like it or not, most masters don’t really pay attention to servants until it comes to the bill. I’m paying so they won’t care. And if they are looking for added staff, they’ll be impressed by mine. Can you find me that many men?” Fred asked.

  James rubbed the back of his neck. “Probably. Not all with service experience. Not all will be grateful or convinced to start.”

  “It’s a radical idea but wouldn’t you feel safer working for me than my father?” Fred wanted to keep James forever. Making him butler was a good start.

  “Safer with you. But I think you’re a fool if you believe all your guests won’t be looking for someone to warm their bed. Servants don’t usually feel like they can say no.” James looked Fred in the eye.

  Fred knew he’d picked the right man for the job. James cared about people. “I know it’s a risk for both of us but life is a risk for our type. I will make it very clear to every man at those parties that sex is not anyone’s job description. If I find them coercing or forcing anyone, they’re off my guest list.”