Oh, it had sounded as if this was a few days later from when they first showed us the tunnel and were just returning from another adventure / trip out of the area. (Hence being informed of the new groom.) Had he just returned from a trip the day of the party, ie. the day before? For some reason, I thought he had returned several days before and, therefore, any news of a new groom would have been told to Cedric before this point. Had he only just returned (when Lavinia bumped into him in the hall with his supper), then this delay in informing Cedric would make more sense.
More good questions. I hope I can answer all of them for you.
Cedric was always going to be due back at Kentham by the date of the dinner party. That was mentioned by Lavinia at one point, and then later by Cedric himself. When she bumps into him near the head of the stairs, he and Jacques had returned just a short time before. Cedric had collected a plate with a simple supper and was quietly making his way to his office, trying to avoid being seen by the Earl's guests. Lucky for him, tho, he "bumps" into Lavinia. :-)
While he and Jacques were away for a week, the new groom appeared. Jacques eventually hears about this man and the next night (the first after they have returned), when they are in the tunnel for the fencing practice, he mentions it to Cedric.
Is it odd that Cedric runs the estate, yet Lucius would take charge of not only hiring a groom, but not informing Cedric of the new employee? I mean, this fact in itself would raise a flag with Cedric, would it not? Unless, of course, the groom is considered a servant hired by the butler. Lucius might think he's being sneaky but those in lower quarters (and sadly, this includes Cedric) see all.
I think it's important here to consider that Lucius isn't your usual upper class employer, nor is Cedric the usual kind of steward. In a more normal arrangement, yes, I think you are correct that a steward would have at least some input into hiring and firing. Although, the lord of the manor would have the ultimate say in everything. I doubt, tho, that the butler would have anything to do with the outdoor servants. He would be in charge of the male indoor servants, just as the housekeeper would be in charge of the female indoor servants. The Head Groom would discipline the grooms and stable boys; the Head Gardner would manage the under gardners, etc.
But, getting back to Lucius and Cedric. I think Lucius would do anything he liked with any part of the estate, or its people. He fired many of the older household staff practically before he'd unpacked, getting rid of anyone who might have known him as he was growing up and putting in a lot of new people. Cedric and Jacques now don't know who to trust. Who is just there as a real servant and who might be assisting Lucius with his criminal activities, so they are suspicious of anyone they don't know or who is new since the grandfather's time.
