I was the Founding Father of the United States

Chapter 87 Richard the Butler

4:15 PM.

Chen Wenbin returned to the Courtes mansion in Mayfair.

After getting off the carriage, he stopped at the bottom of the steps, looked at the magnificent house, and shook his head slightly.

It seems I need to move out of here as soon as possible!

From Joseph Sr.'s perspective, his choice to side with Colbrook and convince himself to concede benefits is perfectly normal, since in the adult world, interests always come first.

But betrayal is betrayal!

If betrayal has no cost and can be easily forgiven, then everyone will rush to follow suit, and even his "friends" and allies who have not yet betrayed him will choose to betray him!

Humans are, in essence, animals that seek advantage and avoid harm. A pushover with no bottom line is only fit to stay at the bottom. If you want to achieve something, you must resolutely show your claws when your interests are threatened!

Thinking this to himself, he entered the room and was greeted by the butler, Richard, who said, "...Sir, Mr. James Hawley has arrived. He's in the reception room on the right. He says he has important information to report to you in person!"

"Um."

Chen Wenbin agreed, took off his coat and handed it to the maid, "Tell him to wait a moment, I'm going to wash up."

"Yes."

The old butler nodded in agreement and was about to turn and leave when Chen Wenbin asked again, "By the way, is there any news from Robinson?"

"...The most recent letter was received yesterday, and you have already read it."

The old butler thought for a moment, then added, "Sir, if I may be so bold, you shouldn't have given him the two hundred pounds directly. A more appropriate approach would have been to distribute the bonuses in installments based on the number of sailors and shipbuilders he recruited..."

"I see!"

Chen Wenbin wasn't angry at the old butler's bossy attitude. Instead, he shrugged and said, "But what I need now is efficiency!"

Robinson has experience on the Eastern Route and is quite capable, making him a suitable captain. I need to motivate him with money so that my immigrant ship can set sail as soon as possible... Buying time with money is a good deal for me!

But thank you for reminding me, Richard.

Upon hearing this, the old butler put his right hand behind his back and bowed slightly. "It is my duty to do my best to avoid losses for you. I hope you don't mind me being nosy."

Seeing this, Chen Wenbin recalled the other party's professional performance these past few days, as well as Henry Coates' attitude towards him. A thought flashed through his mind, and he pointed to the sofa in the living room, smiling:

"...Richard, to be honest, since Diana and I moved in, we haven't had a proper chat yet."

Can you tell me how long you've been working for the Courtesy family? And how much did you earn each month before I moved in?

Richard glanced at Chen Wenbin's back with surprise, and only came to his senses and followed after Chen sat down on the sofa.

But he didn't sit down; instead, he stood in front of Chen Wenbin and carefully considered his answer:

"...Sir, I was hired by Mr. Henry Coates four years ago to be the butler of this mansion. According to the contract, my annual salary is £45."

Chen Wenbin nodded, then asked, "There must be other sources of income, right? £45 a year isn't much enough to live on in London!"

Under Chen Wenbin's watchful gaze, the old butler dared not lie and had no choice but to admit:

"...There is some income from purchasing wine and disposing of old items, but this is the default income for all butlers, and Master Henry is aware of it!"

Chen Wenbin didn't ask him how much exactly, assuming it wouldn't be too much, otherwise Henry Coates would have fired him long ago. So he asked his last question.

"...I've heard that nobles prefer to employ butlers whose positions have been passed down through generations. Richard, were your fathers and grandfathers also butlers?"

The old butler had already understood Chen Wenbin's meaning. He took a slight breath and replied in a complicated tone, "Yes! My father, grandfather, and great-grandfather all served the Earl of Warwick in Kensington, London."

Unfortunately, the Earl died of illness in September 1759. He had only one daughter, Miss Charlotte, and no other male heirs, so all the family property was inherited by Miss Charlotte and incorporated into her husband's family, the Greville family... And since they did not want to increase the number of stewards, I had no choice but to accept Mr. Henry Courtes's employment to manage the mansion for him.

Seeing that Richard understood his meaning, Chen Wenbin didn't hide anything and said directly, "Richard, I admire your professionalism and attitude these days. I also need an experienced and reliable housekeeper."

So, would you be willing to accept me as a servant and help me manage family affairs?

After saying that, he added, "If you agree, I can give you a salary of £120 a year, plus bonuses at the end of the year and for holidays. You know, I'm not a stingy employer."

But I must make it clear to you that I do not want my subordinates to have any illicit income that I am unaware of. I can make up for the shortfall, but they cannot take it for themselves!

Furthermore, I will need to operate my business in North America long-term and cannot stay in the UK, so you'd better ask your family's opinion first, and whether they would be willing to come to North America with me.

After hearing this, the old butler finally couldn't help but show his surprise. At present, his annual salary plus extra income is only about 80 pounds, so 120 pounds is equivalent to a direct increase of half!

Moreover, Chen Wenbin will be granted the title of baron next month. He is also a famous doctor, inventor, and tycoon, and is a rising star in London that cannot be ignored.

As for going to the New World... the actual status of a baron from London in the New World is probably equivalent to that of an earl!

No butler would refuse to serve such a master.

But faced with such an invitation, the old butler did not immediately agree. Instead, he calmly bowed and said, "Master Robin, I am very honored to receive your invitation, but there are three issues that cannot be resolved before I can accept your invitation."

"Go ahead! What three questions?" Chen Wenbin said with a smile. "I guess you're worried about the Courtesy family, right?"

Richard nodded and said, "...I am grateful to Mr. Henry Coates for offering me a contract after I lost my job, so I need his consent before I can accept your employment."

Secondly, there's Miss Diana's attitude. She's your fiancée and the future mistress of the family. You must discuss the matter of hiring a housekeeper with her.

Finally, I heard that you already have a butler, Mr. Chris, who is working in Northamptonshire for your wedding. I don't want anyone else to lose their job because of me.

Chen Wenbin laughed and waved his hand, saying, "I'll talk to Henry about it. He owes me a favor and won't refuse. Diana is also very satisfied with you, so it's no problem."

As for Chris, he's my partner. I only had him act as my temporary housekeeper because I didn't have many people I trusted, so you have even less to worry about!

"Since that's the case..."

Richard took a deep breath, placed his right hand on his chest, and solemnly bowed to Chen Wenbin, saying, "In the name of God, I, Richard Brun, hereby swear that my children and I will devote all our abilities and experience to you, Lord Robin, and your descendants!"

Forever and ever!

This oath is not just an ordinary employment contract, but a pledge of loyalty to one's master! And it must be passed down through generations!

Having spent a long time in contact with the British, Chen Wenbin was well aware of the differences. Therefore, he stood up with a serious expression and slowly said, "I accept your loyalty, Richard!"

I would like to meet your wife and children… Diana and I will be moving out of here soon and need some trustworthy servants.”