The Butler Did It

He's a staple in classic Hollywood films, is often British, and appears to know how to handle just about anything.

Over the years, the butler-valet has become a familiar, austere presence in the wealthy households depicted in books and film. Think Bruce Wayne's trusted Alfred in the old "Batman" shows or Reginald Jeeves from the P.G. Wodehouse series.

But he is hardly a fictional character, nor is he an icon of a bygone, more civilized era.

Butler-valets are very much in demand and are still present in the highest echelons of society, performing their daily duties with discretion and good taste.

The modern butler-valet possesses both traditional and contemporary skills. He can organize a dinner party, select fine wines and properly pack a suitcase, and he's also computer-savvy and can manage sophisticated home electronics.

A good butler-valet will ensure that his boss's home (or homes) runs smoothly and that the staff performs its duties as required. Ideally he will learn to anticipate the needs of his boss without being asked, and thus become an indispensable part of the household.

At Your Service

Rick Fink has served as a butler-valet for 52 years, in some of England's finest residences. ...