“I must say, Durwin,” Perry exclaimed, “The Castle certainly looks magnificent! I quite expect to see a number of Knights in chain mail pouring out of the front door at any moment!”
“I shall be annoyed if there are not a few well-dressed footmen doing that!” the Earl exclaimed.
Because Bates could always be relied on, he was not disappointed.
There was an open bottle of champagne in the ice cooler in the study, and paté sandwiches in case they felt hungry after their journey.
“We were late leaving so we had luncheon on the way,” the Earl told Bates.
“I thought you might, my Lord, but the food at the Posting inns is not very appetising.”
“You are quite right,” the Earl agreed, “and in future I will take my own food with me.”
“That’s certainly wise, my Lord,” Bates replied, “and it’s
