When he went downstairs later that morning, he was greeted by that wonderful smell that meant breakfast was ready. As usual. Alfred was so used to his routine, and knew exactly what he needed in the morning.

Breakfast finished with, he moved to the office and began his day's work. Around two Alfred came in with a lunch tray, and an unwelcome reminder. The opening of the new museum was tonight. How could he have forgotten. And there was not getting out of it, not that he was prone to backing out of commitments. Well, at least he could hope that the food would be good.

***

Later that evening he arrived at the museum, ready to smile, laugh, and carry out all the other rituals of upper class society. He was shuffled from group to group, laughed at jokes, was clapped on the back and congratulated on his consistent bachelor status, and pawed at by white-haired women who just knew that he would be perfect for their granddaughters. He sighed inwardly, but admitted to himself that life could be worse.