Valet (Rose Family Chronicles Book 1) by Jet Mykles

Author:Jet Mykles [Mykles, Jet]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical, LGBTTQ
Publisher: Loose Id LLC
Published: 2016-05-30T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

His time at Delphain helped to soothe him, as he had hoped. Johnnie was far more clear-headed when he returned to the Weiss. A concierge—an assistant—hailed him in the lobby, apologizing that Mr. Brown had not contacted him as of yet but assuring Johnnie that he, young Mr. Burns, would be happy to assist with anything his lordship might desire. Johnnie wondered at the absence of Mr. Brown, knowing very well that his presence in this hotel would be of note and should command the attention of only the senior staff. Was this Mr. Brown the one who was unhappy with Tyler for leaving?

Even so, this was not fault of Mr. Burns, so Johnnie declined assistance politely, then took the elevator up to the sixth floor.

The sight of Tyler still gripped his heart, but he was able to contain his lust. “Did you have a good afternoon?” he asked, loosening his cravat.

“I did. Thank you.” Tyler seemed subdued, almost sullen, as he draped Johnnie’s jacket over his arm and accepted the cravat. He kept his gaze averted.

Johnnie left it alone. He’d stayed later than he intended, talking to Luc, which made him late for Gretchen’s errand. He only had time to eat and dress before he had to be back out the door. He sat at the table with the single place setting. “Aren’t you eating?”

“I ate,” said Tyler, removing the cover from Johnnie’s plate to reveal roasted chicken and—delight—pasta.

Johnnie suppressed a sigh, disliking Tyler’s distant tone. But given Johnnie’s behavior this morning, he likely deserved it. It was probably better that he didn’t eat with Tyler. He didn’t need to be distracted before the ball. “Is everything ready for me to dress?” he asked. “I’m afraid I’m late.”

“Yes, my lord.” Tyler left the room with his things.

He got the distinct impression his valet was not pleased with him. While he ate, he debated addressing the subject but ultimately decided against. He didn’t have the time for a conversation. Maybe tomorrow once they were both trapped on the train on the way home.

“Did you get to see your friends?” he asked when Tyler reemerged.

“Some.”

“Tell me about them.”

“There isn’t much to tell.” Tyler poured wine into the glass he set before Johnnie. It was maddening how he avoided eye contact.

“Whom did you see?”

Tyler paused long enough that Johnnie didn’t think he was going to answer, but then he spoke. He told Johnnie about the cook and her assistants, about the floor manager who had been as close as family to him once upon a time. While Johnnie ate, Tyler talked, finally sitting when Johnnie asked him to do so. But the entire time, he managed not to look into Johnnie’s eyes.

Johnnie noted a glaring absence. “Did you speak to Mr. Brown?”

That startled Tyler into looking at him. “I…yes. Did you…? Do you know him?”

“No.” He thoughtfully twirled pasta on his fork. Wonderful fun, that. He’d have to see if Beatrice would make it back home. “But one of his assistants introduced himself when I returned.

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