Tidbit: Butlers

How do you tell a butler from a gentleman? By his black cravat of course. What? You were expecting a joke? Nope. Butlers really did wear black neck ties as opposed the the standard white of a gentleman. How the heck do I know? Because I've been researching butlers this week, and you're about to be educated. . .

Butlers During the Regency Era

If a household was prominent enough to employ a steward, then he'd be the top dog of the servant world (unless, of course, a valet was present, then he ranked). Think Carson of Downton Abbey. Some of his duties included:

• Being in charge of the wine cellar
• Being in charge of the household silver and china
• Dealing with visitors / employing proper etiquette and being aware of social distinctions
• Supervision of footmen and other underling male servants
• Household security

The butler was always called by his surname, hence "Carson" in Downton versus Mr. Carson. Butlers were allowed to and often were married, but that didn't mean he lived in his own home with his wife or that his wife was allowed to live in the household. A good employer might give a butler some days off to go home and spend time with his wife, but while the butler was on duty, his employer wanted his whole attention.

While butlers were paid more than lower staff, the highest paid servant was the "French man-cook" who made 60% more than a butler. Ooh-la-la! Sorry. Couldn't help myself.

I haven't decided yet how big a role the butler in my current story will serve. I'm only on chapter 6 and he's shown up once so far. But after all this research, at least I know where to find him if I need him...in the cellar or counting forks.