“Oh, no, no, Mrs. B. You have my word you are the only one to whom I have mentioned my profession. Yes, indeed.”

“Really. However did I manage to be so fortunate?”

Archie beamed. “Well, I just thought I could do you a favor or two, seeing as how you are always running about this building.” He waved his arm in the air. “Pretty sizable building at that. Must be quite tiring at your age.”

Cecily winced. While she was perhaps a little closer to fifty than forty, she did not consider herself in the least old, and to be reminded that she was no longer a sprightly young thing offended her greatly.

Archibald Parker was a guest of the club, however, and as such had to be treated with due respect. Even if the man was a complete and utter oaf. Moreover, he had arrived without a companion, and Cecily’s kind heart compelled her to feel sympathy for anyone spending Christmas without a loved one by his side.

“I can assure you, I will enlighten you if I should feel the need for any of your medical remedies.” She regained her smile, albeit with some difficulty. “In the meantime, perhaps you’d like to wait in the library for breakfast to be served?”

Archie glanced down the hallway. “Perhaps I will. Er… will your chief housemaid be serving breakfast this morning, by any chance?”

Taken aback, Cecily took a moment to answer. “You’re referring to Mrs. McBride, perhaps?”

Archie nodded. “McBride. Gertie. Yes, that’s her. I like her temperament. Spirited young woman, that.” He attempted a wink, but his nose twitched at the same time, pulling his entire face into a grotesque grimace.

“I’m sure she would be most flattered by your comments,” Cecily said, trying not to grit her teeth.

To her surprise, a look of alarm crossed Archie’s flushed face. “Oh, please don’t mention that I spoke of her.” He shot a worried glance across the lobby. “Wouldn’t want the young lady to get the wrong impression.”