Chapter 23 – What the Manservant Overhears

Noah Jeffery prided himself on being a good manservant. He fulfilled his duties quickly, without complaint, and to a high standard. Whenever he requested a letter of reference, he felt confident that there would be pages of praise. Lost among all those commendations might be one line—two at most—that mentioned he had a bad habit of listening.

Not that he would ever stoop to putting his ear next to a keyhole. That would be disgraceful and common. But he was known to linger around doors. Especially when there were raised voices.

This never bothered his conscience. When two people lived together, it was inevitable that they would get to know one another’s secrets; the fact one was paying the other’s wages didn’t change that. And knowing things meant that he would be better at anticipating his employer’s needs.

The gentlemen always wanted to be understood, but they also wanted to pretend you knew what they needed by magic.

So he pretended. And he listened.

After finishing the dinner dishes, Jeffery changed his suit and went to the entryway closet to fetch his hat and gloves. He had them in hand when he heard his master’s voice coming from the living room. From the one-sided nature of the conversation, Jeffery guessed he was on the phone.

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

“Is it true?”

Jeffery edged closer to the gapped door.

“The papers are saying that Eleanor’s been kidnapped. They’re saying it was Penn.”

Jeffery had read about that. Poor girl. He’d wondered how his master would take it.

“But she’s gone!”

He wasn’t taking it well. Jeffery rarely heard that much emotion in his master’s voice.

“We have to talk to them…The police! We have to explain everything.”

There was a pause.

“What if they think we’re involved?”

Involved? Jeffery moved closer and wished his heart wouldn’t beat so loudly.