Arthur was surprised at how quickly Miss Rosewine resumed business, but he too sat down. "Yes, yes," he said with a wave of the hand. "How about you write down several options for each course, with a list of ingredients, and then when Lady McPadraic is recovered, she can make a selection," he suggested.

A footman entered with the brandy and madeira and Arthur took a good look at him, so that he would be able to recognize him later, reminding himself to tell the steward to fire this one. "Did you go to Madeira yourself to fetch the lady's drink?" he voiced his displeasure.

The footman, a boy of about seventeen, turned red and muttered: "I apologize, my Lord, I..."

But Arthur held up his hand. He did not care to hear the reason, or talk to the servant at all, especially not when he was in the middle of a more important conversation. "Run along now," he said, and he didn't have to tell the boy twice.

He picked up his drink and turned back to Miss Rosewine. "I hope you will overlook the disorder of my house today, Miss Rosewine," he said. "Good servants are hard to find these days. Now, you will drink with me, and then I will show you the kitchen."