And I Am Happy Read Online Free PDF Page A

Will was most unique for a
valet. Miss Ann tried to explain it away with a remark about her
brother’s love for all mankind. It was not precisely a lie; his
master did champion the rights of the common man. But the
truth was more that Will was something closer to his master’s
friend, as unusual as that might be.
    His master had few that he called friend.
Left on his own he might have none. Those he did have were as
interesting as he was; smart men who seemed to prefer their
loneliness, or who spent their evenings in quiet companionship.
Will, upon starting the position, had felt for some time that he
was intruding on his master’s solitude. It had been almost a month
until he had realized that without a speech written beforehand, his
master did not know how to talk to others well. More than that, he
often found their presence taxing, even that of his sisters.
    It had been at close to the same time that
Will had become determined to put his new master at ease. He still
was not sure why, only that it had become necessary for Will’s
peace of mind for his gentleman to relax in his presence. Once he
had, it had been his master who had taken the next step to deeper
intimacy by calling him, “William,” and Will who had requested the
shorter, “Will,” instead. It was familiar in front of company but
most never commented. The kind of guests his master had in his home
were generally not the sort to comment.
    Mrs. Douglass was American, Will reminded
himself. It was possible she thought his gentleman very democratic
and could not help but admire him for it. Soon she would take him
to the theatre and do things to him in a secluded balcony that Will
had been dying to do. After that they would get married and the
lady with her knowing eyes would want no part of Will in her
house.
    His master liked to jest about Will’s
tendency to take his plays and operas to heart but Will knew he was
right about how this melodrama would end. Mrs. Douglass had guessed
Will’s feelings. She might feel sorry for him but if she was any
kind of woman she’d want Will gone from her new home.
    Where Will went after this wouldn’t matter.
Another master, perhaps, until he truly was too old, and then he
would find work for gentlemen of the merchant class who would not
know Will’s skills as a valet were lacking. He would never see his
master again unless he glimpsed him in the street or snuck in to
watch him in the House.
    Will was deep in the throes of his future
heartache when he realized that the ladies were taking their leave.
He dashed back to the kitchen and came back out as they emerged
from the study. Charlie was following them out, moving much slower
than he had that morning.
    Will frowned after him in worry but would not
sting his gentleman’s pride in front of his American widow by
inquiring about his strength. Charlie’s sister Melisande had his
attention in any event. She was asking about another autowagon, one
not designed for breakneck speeds like the current one that Miss
Ann had “borrowed” from her brother since he never drove it.
    “My brother looked well today,” Miss Ann
spoke entirely too close to Will’s ear, making him twitch and twist
to glare at her before he remembered himself. Miss Ann was giving
him the same look she had given him earlier, the significant one
that confused him. It was most likely more concern for her brother.
They had had those sorts of talks before.
    “He was out late but slept well and took no
pain powders this morning,” Will informed her, only to grow even
more puzzled when she waved that information away.
    “I know you try to serve him as best you can,
William,” Miss Ann responded, her face trying to telegraph
something significant. Miss Ann had never been subtle but Will felt
the blush flare hot along his cheeks and down his neck. Her meaning
was only too clear now. He bent his head.
    “I have never had so good a gentleman,” he
whispered honestly, and was forced to admit the