Page 53 of In the Midnight Hour

“That’s that, I suppose,” the butler said with a weak smile as North fell into step beside him.

“How is everyone at Sir Radnor’s managing?” North asked.

“Well enough,” the butler replied with a nod. He glanced over at North. “Generally, everyone’s worried about finding a new position. It looks as though one of the scullery maids has already been offered a job at another house in the square, and they may take Amos on too. I’m quite pleased for them.”

“You must feel responsible for them in some way,” North surmised.

“I plan to do my utmost to ensure everyone is settled. Though, Mr. Wadham has asked that some of us stay whilst the estate is in probate. Someone needs to look after the house as Lady Cartwright can’t take up residence until the matter is finished in the courts.”

“You are very efficient,” North observed. “I’m sure Sir Radnor was pleased to have you managing his household. And I’m sure the other retainers are glad to have your leadership now.”

“I hope so, though it’s a difficult time. Some are struggling. More than others.”

“I wonder if you mean Mrs. Babcock. She seems a bit irritable.”

“As I said, it’s a difficult time.” Maberly’s brow furrowed. “Please don’t judge anyone too harshly.”

“Of course not,” North said. “My apologies.”

“Unnecessary, my lord.” He sent North a quick half smile. “I’m protective of everyone in the household. I do believe that’s my responsibility as the butler.” He glanced about. “Have you seen Usher?”

North didn’t see him ahead. He turned his head to survey the back of the procession. “He’s bringing up the rear.”

The butler looked back over his shoulder. “I see him.” He exhaled, then frowned briefly. “I’m worried about him. He was sitting alone in the back garden this morning, staring forlornly into the morning room at Sir Radnor before he was carried to the church. It began to rain, but he wouldn’t come inside. Sir Radnor’s death has been hardest on him, and I fear there will be no future position for the poor man.”

“Has he any family?” North slowed his pace.

“A niece, I believe.” Maberly glanced over at North. “Forgive me, my lord, but I feel as though I must hurry to arrive at the house before everyone else.” He touched the brim of his hat before quickening his pace—without breaking into a run—to an almost comical degree.

North mused that Sir Radnor was exceptionally fortunate to have a butler such as Maberly. He slowed even more, allowing others to pass him, until Usher came into his line of sight to his left.

“How are you managing, Usher?” North asked.

“Doing my best, my lord.” He didn’t look toward North as he shuffled onward.

“I imagine you’re relieved to see Sir Radnor at rest finally.” Now he could stop spending all his time with a corpse. That had to be welcome.

“I am indeed,” he replied with a firm nod. “Though, I wonder what I’m to do now. I’ve no one to take care of. Mr. Wardingham said I could stay at the house as long as necessary. At least until Lady Cartwright becomes the rightful owner.”

North couldn’t see Hypatia tossing the man out, not with his deficits. He couldn’t even remember everyone’s names, including some in his own household—yesterday evening he’d misnamed the maids. But Hypatia had no use of a valet, of course. Still, she’d find something else for him to do. “I’m sure Lady Cartwright would allow you to stay.”

“I don’t wish to be a burden, my lord. I’ll find another position.” He sent North a confident look as they approached Pemberton Square. “I’m perfectly capable of continuing as a valet, no matter what anyone tells you.”

“What would they tell me?” North wondered if he was aware of what Mrs. Babcock, in particular, said about him.

Usher waved his hand in a cutting motion. “Bah, the downstairs help doesn’t think I can do my job anymore. Thankfully, Maberly has always stood up for me. And Sir Radnor wouldn’t tolerate any negative comments about me, especially from Mrs. Babcock. He would snap at her occasionally, though he thought her a competent housekeeper. He simply put up with her ‘moods.’” Apparently, Usher was quite aware of Mrs. Babcock’s opinion of him.

“Can’t say the same about the maids,” Usher went on. “Sir Radnor barked at them on several occasions, but they’d deserved it because they missed something.”

That struck North as wrong. “Surely no one deserves to be berated, even if they were at fault for something. We all make mistakes.”

“Certainly, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be chastised. Sir Radnor wasn’t unjust. He was doing what he must to ensure the maids improved.” Usher cocked his head. “I suppose it wasn’t just the maids. He’d become angry with Mrs. Spragg on occasion too—if she cooked a dinner he didn’t care for or if a dish was too cold.”

Sir Radnor sounded rather unpleasant. Thinking about what Hypatia had revealed to him along with Usher’s commentary, North decided the man had two entirely different faces.

They arrived at Sir Radnor’s house. The gate had been left open, and North gestured for the valet to precede him.

“Thank you, my lord. You are very kind.” Usher ambled to the door, and North followed him inside.