“Forgive me, but I fear I have offended you butler.”
“Riff is overprotective. Pay it no mind.”
“Protectiveness can be a valuable trait in a butler.” A pause. “That vial, it is arsenic, is it not?”
“…yes. I’m impressed you recognize it.”
A smile. “What sort of butler would I be, if I could not do even that?”
“Is your master regularly the victim of such things?”
“No, but I must always be aware. May I?”
“I’d rather not. You might drop it.” A thin smile. “There would be an awful fuss if you poisoned yourself.”
“I have survived arsenic poisoning before, but if you insist.”
“Oh?” Another smile. “You are an interesting man to be a butler. Is there any chance I would be able to convince you to come to my estates?”
“Is your butler less than satisfactory?”
“Not at all. He is most capable. Merely somewhat fussy. And you intrigue me.”
A polite smile and a bow. “I am flattered, but I fear I must refuse. I feel I am best suited to my current position.”
“Ah, a pity. Nevertheless, I may be calling on your master soon. A man who keeps you by his side must live a fascinating life.”
“I will inform him. If I may?”
“Of course. Send your master my regards.”