Where he watches a master at work…

If you have not read the previous Sunday Snippets, I recommend doing so first.  You can find them here.
Previously on Sunday Snippets:

When Bryant turned to mix the shaving soap without responding, Graeme knew the valet felt exactly the same way, he just wouldn’t admit it.  They both knew, first hand, the feeling of being forced from the embrace of one’s family and sent into the unknown seemingly alone.
“If you would be seated, Your Grace, I can prepare you for this evening’s entertainment.”
After shedding his coat and waistcoat, he laid them gently on the end of the bed and sat in the chair beside the shaving table.  He watched Bryant prepare and was suddenly reminded of watching one of his finely trained field dogs – both displayed the same focus and restraint.  The valet’s fingers moved deftly over the accoutrements of a proper shave, folding towels, mixing soap and mysterious skin treatments, testing the various blades against the pad of his thumb.  After frequent glances at Graeme – and what seemed a silent, one-sided deliberation – he settled on a short pearl-handled blade.
It was in that moment, during the seemingly insignificant chore of shaving, that Graeme knew he was watching a master craftsman work; that this somber, proper man knew his duty, enjoyed what was required of him and displayed tremendous skill while executing it.

I wanted to dislike Bryant when I thought him up. I wanted him to be a sort of villainous character while not exactly being a villain. But the more his personality developed, the more I realize that he’s not a bad person, he’s just very…proper. He was the old duke’s valet and was raised and trained a certain way. Then, here comes this new duke with his strange behaviours and strange ideas about relations between servants and employers, upstairs and downstairs and generally turning the well-run household on its ear.
I think they’re both looking to find their footing in a world that has gone topsy-turvey on them.
This is the last post before Christmas is upon us – only four days left!  In honor of the holiday, I did take some time this past week to bring back Fun Fact Friday. It’s all about the Yule Log and even includes a recipe.  Mmm…
Means don’t forget to check in with the WeWriWa blog in order to see what everyone else is up to in the last mad-dash to Christmas.
As always, comments and suggestions are welcome.
Merry Christmas and Happy Reading!
 
To find out what happens next, click here.