Staff?
Pierce would more aptly describe the hundred-some-odd uniformed servants who stood, straight backed, against the library wall as an army.
“First, your valet, Bedrick.”
“Welcome, Your Grace.” The lean, square-jawed man bowed. “I look forward to serving you.”
“Bedrick. A pleasure,” Pierce acknowledged.
“Mrs. Gates, your housekeeper,?
?? Langley continued, designating the buxom, gray-haired woman who reigned over the unending row of female servants.
“Mrs. Gates.”
“Your Grace.” She dropped a curtsy.
Next came the coachmen and the head gardener, followed by an assembly of footmen, pages, grooms, gardeners, and gamekeepers, and a horde of housemaids, parlormaids, chambermaids, and scullery maids.
“What the hell did my father do with all these people?” Pierce whispered to Hollingsby in between nods and smiles. “He was alone, without even a wife, for God’s sake.”
“They represent status, Thornton.” The solicitor waited to reply until Pierce had greeted and dismissed his sizable staff. “The number of servants one has speaks clearly of one’s social and financial position.”
“Markham was a bloody recluse!” Pierce exclaimed. Veering about, he stared after the staff as they hastened back to their respective tasks. “Why would a man who’d committed himself to self-imposed exile give a damn about his social position?” Even as he spoke, Pierce held up a silencing hand, checking whatever Hollingsby was about to answer. “Don’t bother. The unwritten rules of the nobility.”
“If retaining so many servants troubles you, you could dismiss some of them,” Hollingsby pointed out.
Pierce’s expression turned fierce. “And toss them into the gutter? Force them to beg for work where none exists? See them perish in the streets? Never. Langley!” he called after the retreating butler.
“Your Grace?”
“I’d like a complete written list of my staff, including their names and duties. This past half hour has confused me so thoroughly that I can scarcely recall my own name, let alone scores of others. I realize what I’m asking is a cumbersome task, but perhaps if you and Mrs. Gates do it jointly, you can have it to me in several days.”
“Of course, sir. Will there be anything else?”
“Not at the moment. Except perhaps some refreshment for my guest?” Pierce arched a quizzical brow in Hollingsby’s direction.
“Nothing for me,” the solicitor demurred. “I’d best be getting back to Gantry in time for supper. As it is, the earl will be incensed that I missed his hunt.” Hollingsby’s teeth gleamed. “But he’ll recover. What I gained here today is far more important than anything I could acquire racing with a pack of hounds. I’m pleased you invited me to accompany you, Thornton.”
Pierce’s eyes twinkled. “I understand, and I thank you for your assistance. Now, Langley will arrange for my carriage to return you to the ongoing festivities.”
“Only until dawn. ’Tis all the time I can spare away from my practice. After which, I’ll return to London and be in touch.”
“I look forward to it.”
Left alone, Pierce gazed restlessly up and down the marble halls, wondering where one could find a warm and peaceful spot to think in this mausoleum.
“Would you like some refreshment, Your Grace?” Langley reappeared to inquire.
“Actually, yes, Langley. I’d also like a comfortable place to enjoy it. Any suggestions?”
“The green room is quite pleasant, sir. It’s rather small and tends to catch a good deal of afternoon sunlight. Would that be-suitable?”
“It sounds ideal. I’ll take my brandy in the green room.” Pierce frowned. “How does one locate the green room?”
“Down the hall, sixth door on your right,” Langley replied.
The green room, as it turned out, was the closest thing to a sitting room Pierce had seen at Markham thus far. Sinking into the tufted sofa, he leaned his head back, raising it only for an occasional sip of brandy.