Chapter One
"Good morning, ma'am"
"Is it, Mr Butler? In that case, I think one of us is in the wrong place at the wrong time, because I could have sworn you promised you wouldn't be disturbing me until the sun was well over the yardarm. We had a deal – you wouldn't wait up for Inspector Robinson and I to come back from the hospital fundraiser ball last night, and we would sneak in like mice and not disturb you either, as long as I could sleep on. Jack may be able to function usefully on less than eight hours' sleep, but I am not thus blessed."
"I'm very sorry, Miss Fisher," her factotum was at his most sympathetic, but the use of her professional name alerted her to the possible reason for his otherwise unacceptable lapse.
"Mr Lin telephoned yesterday evening, and asked if he might be able to take you for lunch today."
The Honourable Phryne Fisher thrashed inelegantly into an upright position and glared at him.
"I do hope you refused him and offered him afternoon tea or dinner instead?"
"He explained, Miss, that the matter was not something which would keep."
He coughed, self-deprecatingly.
"His original suggestion was that he join you for breakfast, Miss. I hope I was right in postponing the appointment a little."
Phryne slammed back onto her pillows and closed her eyes in resignation.
"You did, as always, precisely the right thing Mr B. If you can possibly start a bath for me, I can take it from here." And thought for the thousandth time that she needed a new maid, given that her last one was now somewhat inconveniently raised to the level of business partner. Mr Butler was increasingly unshockable but he really shouldn't have to suffer the sight of the lady of the house in her Undress.
The coffee he had brought to the bedside was, however … medicinal. And he'd presumed to add the jasmine oil to the bath water. If he ever struggled to find work as a butler, she reflected, he could definitely muddle through as a lady's maid.