“Lady Vivienne. Mrs. Dobkins. This is Bernard, my butler,” Samuel said.
Vivienne gave him a graceful nod.
Bernard bowed and stretched out an arm towards the hallway.
Samuel handed him his coat and hat. “Bernard is deaf and doesn’t talk, so make sure he sees your face when you’re talking to him. He reads the lips very well, and of course he signs.”
She looked surprised. “Read the lips?”
Bernard nodded, smiling.
Samuel tensed a little when he had to introduce his housekeeper, hoping there wouldn’t be any gasps. “Lady Vivienne, Mrs. Dobkins, this is Mrs. Foster, my housekeeper.”
Mrs. Foster bobbed a curtsy, her gaze on the floor. She whispered, “Welcome, my lady.”
Vivienne didn’t flinch at Mrs. Foster’s face, nor did she ask the housekeeper to speak louder. “I’m looking forward to knowing you better, Mrs. Foster. I’ve never managed a house so big. I’ll need your help once I’m Mrs. Lyon.”
Lyon wasn’t Samuel’s real name; he’d chosen it because he wasn’t afraid of his past, but when she said it, his chest expanded.
Mrs. Foster raised her gaze. “It’ll be my pleasure, my lady.”
Vivienne’s smile didn’t falter. Even Dobkins remained stoic. If anything, she seemed distracted, searching around.
Samuel touched a series of thin ropes running along the wall. “These are for Potter, my cook. He’s blind. He uses the ropes as a guide to move around the house. Each rope is different and leads to a specific room. He’s a shy man. You probably won’t see him around much.”
She ran a finger along the ropes. “Very clever.”
“Mrs. Foster, where is Captain Jackson?” he asked.
Dobkins straightened.
“He’ll be here soon. He went out on an errand.”
“Where is William?” He arched a brow, nearly worried to ask.
“I’m here, sir.” The footman stood nearby, close to the hall that led to the kitchen, suddenly alert and brushing some breadcrumbs from his uniform. He bowed with enthusiasm and a smile that was all mischief. “My lady. I’m William, first footman.” He eyed Vivienne’s gold brooch with too much interest.
“William,” he warned, signing slowly.
“Sir, I didn’t do anything.” William tugged at his jacket, all innocence.
Samuel wouldn’t talk about William’s criminal past in front of anyone. Not that William’s former profession was a secret, but he didn’t want to embarrass the young man.
“Bernard, call for tea please.” He led Vivienne upstairs to the drawing room. “Are you all right with my choices? You’ll hire your maids if you want.”
She put a hand on his arm. “I’m more than happy about your choices, and I’m sure Dobkins will come with me.”
“Of course.” Dobkins nodded.
She sat on the sofa. “Quite proud of you, actually.”
“And the house is beautiful,” Dobkins said.
“How do you call your butler?” Vivienne asked.
“We have bells that warn other servants to call Bernard and other bell ropes that, instead of making a ringing noise, have some long, colourful ribbons that attract attention. If you need something, ring the bell, and someone will come. Sometimes Bernard doesn’t show up immediately. Be patient, please. He’s an excellent butler and a good man.”
A servant brought in the full tea with a tower of sandwiches, fruit and tarts, various cream cakes, and biscuits.
