"Sir," Adam said, stepping forward and remaining a half step behind Ronan. He kept Ronan on his good side so that he could hear better. "Mr Lynch has asked me to serve as his personal valet, and he would prefer to reside in the Barns so as to intrude less upon your household. I've begun making arrangements for Mr Lynch's comfort during his stay."

His heart was pounding with anxiety. He almost never had occasion to speak directly to the master of the house, being so far below him in authority that there were several rungs of reporting between them. Head ringing, he tried to think of what else he might need for Ronan's comfort.