Arthur gestured for her to sit down and he himself sat in his old spot. "Thank you. He has been for some years. An unpleasant person if you ask me. Rather impertinent. But he's the best expert in women's diseases in this area... My wife has suffered from poor nerves ever since our son was born. This doctor is really the best doctor to treat her. So we put up with him. Dr. Harris, if you're looking for him."

A man entered, wearing a neat suit and sideburns. "You sent for me, my lord," he said, looking from Arthur to Vela.

"Charles. Please return after dinner. I suggest until then you keep a closer eye on the servants. You will report any funny behaviour directly to me. And send the butler up with a madeira and a brandy... Closed bottles." Just to make sure. Not to mention, he might need more than just one more brandy this afternoon.

The man seemed confused by these instructions but quickly recovered, said: "Yes sir," bowed and left.

Arthur turned back to Vela. "I suppose these days one must run one's own household and can't trust a steward to do it on his own anymore..."