Servants have had an integral role in maintaining the household of their lords. During the 18th century, the hours of servants who laboured for the aristocrats verily exceeded what would now be considered a typical workday. They toiled below to prepare linens and dishes, presenting themselves in the most pristine fashion while adhering to proper etiquette in service. There were maidservants, butlers and gardeners. Each had their designated duties. Some would assist others. Most had an unparalleled devotion to the Houses of which they served. As they worked some would refrain from gossip while others would display concern for the happenings within the master's family. Yet no servant would voice their opinion in the presence of their master's and misteress' familial interactions. This would violate the protocol of respect of lord and servant. This would usurp the authority which characterizes the hierarchy which exists among them all. However, service took shape in many forms within these Houses. In 18th century England, servants were to care for the property of the Houses they served as if it were their own possession. This is solely not the mere upkeep of the estate, its furnishings or heirlooms. Members of the king's court, those of ennobled lineage and inheritance possess the property of their royal title. It is an intangible thing, but one in which distinguishes not only patricians from servants, but also between one member of the gentry from another. Thus gossip within the household at the idle tongues of the servants must never be the case. Their disruption of etiquette in their employ would utterly display disloyalty and self-serving intent. Servants are to be trusted and loyal, not only in the care of the physical objects their hands may reach, but also in matter of those whom they care for. Servants' opinions they may have, but to act upon their own inclinations to further their own agenda is to disrupt the ancient institutions which reflected the most civilized aspect of society. It is a familial inception of anarchy. This social erosion was similar to that which lied amongst the courtiers themselves. To vie for a higher position, more fortune or additional fame was the norm for the ennobled. Some who served them desired the same. These servants would plot to overtake the current established authority with the hopes of replacing them with the courtiers whom they champion. Yet the Crown of England was aware of those who seek to unjustly harm not only other members of the gentry, but also the proper reign of the throne itself. It was no matter whether it was servants or aristocrat or even both who colluded to facilitate such a dastardly matter. Regal power would lie justly where it was supposed to be, and the Crown would properly administer justice to those who sought to violate it. In 18th century London, England, one such scenario was recorded in the annals of its majestic history. Two servants thought they had the right and wherewithal to implement such plans. One servant who was loyal and true would try to unravel the connivance in his last moments.

It all began when a beautiful and rebellious duchess, Arabella, who has recently become of age, leaves the House of Wellington unescorted for the king’s court without notice. She enters the king's court for the first time. The duchess is ready to interact with the other members of the gentry and explore the royal palace. Had she known the events that were about to unravel before her, perhaps she would have reconsidered her impromptu visit. Nevertheless, while she is present at the royal estate, a duke is murdered. Some of the patricians whisper accusations against Duke Everett, who only earlier that same day lost a land dispute presented before the throne. The king and queen order any present members of the gentry to remain on the royal grounds. Servants and guards fulfill their duties in securing the estate as well as all who are present. Duke Everett soon takes notice of Duchess Arabella's beauty as she examines the oil paintings that adorn the palace walls. The curious maiden is also now among those sequestered to the royal grounds. The duke's and duchess' circumstances encourages them to become more acquainted with one another. He realizes that despite the social parapet she has erected around herself, he possesses the uncanny ability to know her better than even she had anticipated. The duke accepts that he is actually quite fond of her. Arabella and Everett continue to spend time with one another, resulting in a formal courtship. He and the duchess are among the first to be exonerated by the king and queen. Yet the Crown orders them to remain on the royal estate until the murders are solved and the perpetrators are seized. Each are assigned royal servants. Duchess Arabella is assigned Victoria. Duke Everett is assigned Owain. After some time has passed, the king and queen allow for the duke and duchess leave for the House of Carrington, the duke's residence. However, this decree is short-lived as the Crown soon summons Duke Everett to serve as a royal advisor. A third murder happens on the royal grounds. Duchess Arabella refuses to leave her betrothed's side and presents herself at his service, and thus to the service of the Crown. The king and queen grant her permission to remain with Duke Everett on this special assignment with the condition that the duke must be able to properly execute his assigned duties. Arabella’s fiancé's family name and revered House is as stake–and so is their future. The primary witness to one of the murders is Duke Everett’s unfamiliar cousin, Duke Gideon. Duke Everett works diligently, seeking the consult of his dear Arabella, to finally resolve all the murders. Thereafter, Everett and Arabella are now free to wed and remain as honourable members of the king’s court. All of them, especially the king and queen, are surprised when the conspirators' identities are revealed. After being guided to the abandoned lower level of the palace, they overhear certain servants boasting of their progress to usurp the current members of the Crown. Owain enters from the other side. He seeks to escape. He is fatally stabbed before the culprits are seized. Yet aside from the subject decedents, not all depart from the royal palace unscathed. The Crown is secured once more. Duke Everett and Duchess Arabella are free to depart and wed as planned. Those who besmirched Duke Everett's name, committed murder, insulted the sanctity of the king's court and disrespected the Crown now have their freedom restricted in the most permanent fashion. Who were the culprits?

Hidden Valor is currently available for purchase as an ebook at these online retailers:

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About the Author: Patricia M. Muhammad is a multi-genre fiction author who often writes about multi-racial characters and interracial relationships. She has written books in crossover contemporary romance, science fiction, science fiction/fantasy, mystery/detective romance and historical romance genres. Hidden Valor is one of five historical romance novels she has written thus far. Patricia has written 20 novels. She is currently based in the United States.

Connect with Patricia:
Social Media: @pmmuhammadbooks
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